Growing up.

Severus and Draco left early the next morning so Harry could have his session with Christian, Christian thought it would be easier to come down to the dungeons for Harry's private sessions because then Harry didn't have to struggle up the stairs on his crutches. When Christian arrived Harry was sitting in one of his fathers' large leather chairs with a tray of tea set up on the low coffee table while Grace slept underneath it. Christian smiled at the sight of the food, "Thank you Harry, I had to skip lunch today and this will make an excellent substitute; now I understand that there is a lot you need to tell me."

Christian sat down taking a scone and a cup of tea which he placed some milk in Harry nodded, "Well, as you've probably heard by now I've discovered that I am a mage."

Harry held up the staff he'd gotten, Christian set down his tea cup and held the staff giving a low whistle, "Harry it is beautiful, and sweet Merlin it's strong. I can feel the magic pulsing off of it."

Harry nodded, "you're not the only one. Draco tried to carry it yesterday and he nearly fainted because the power was too much for him."

Harry blushed slightly as he said this; Christian noticed and asked, "Why do you look ashamed?"

Harry swallowed and stuttered slightly, "It, it, it's just that I'm scared. I don't know anything about being a mage besides what I've read in the books, and it is all a little unnerving, their power is nearly unlimited and it can be dangerous. Many mages have gone mad simply because they can not fully control every aspect of their powers."

Christian sucked in a breath and placed his hand over Harry's, "Harry listen the fears you have are not necessarily unfounded. Yes those things could happen to you, but you are all ready one of the more powerful wizards your age I have ever known."

Harry went even redder as Christian continued, "And as such I believe you can overcome those faults with the help of your father and Headmaster Dumbledore (amongst others) you must have faith in yourself Harry. If you go into this thinking you can't possibly succeed and that your new power will consume you then that is exactly what will happen, but if you hold to the truth that you are a good person and you can overcome the temptation of your mage powers than you can do that." Harry was crying by now, only a few people had ever shown such faith in him before and it was amazing each time someone did.

Christian seemed to sense his thoughts and said, "You haven't had many people say things like that to you have you?"

Harry nodded, "No, Aunt Petunia and uncle Vernon never told me I was a wizard; I didn't even know magic was real until Hagrid came to give me my Hogwarts letter. When I was little strange things used to happen around me and aunt Petunia and uncle Vernon always called it 'freaky behavior' and that I was a freak for being able to do it. I didn't even realize I was causing these things most of the time and I had no idea how I was doing it. Uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia always punished me for these flares of accidental magic, usually it was time locked in my cupboard without food, but sometimes Vernon would beat me as well."

Christian closed his eyes in disgust at the actions of Harry's relatives. When he spoke again his voice was level, but he still looked upset, "I see, and that's a part of why you don't like the idea of being a mage you think it's just another thing that makes you more 'freakish' as your aunt and uncle would put it. Harry I want you to raise your head and look me in the eyes when you answer me." Harry hadn't really noticed before, but his head had been hanging since he told Christian what he was afraid of becoming. This gesture was born of the Dursley's treatment. Vernon had always insisted that because Harry was a 'freak' he shouldn't look 'normal' people in the eye and Harry was often punished if he forgot this.

Harry raised his head and looked Christian directly in the eye, "Yes that's true to; I guess it wasn't something I really thought about until you mentioned it, but yes. I just keep thinking back over previous years. Second year everyone thought I was the heir of Slytherin because I'm a parselmouth. Then fourth year Rita Skeeter wrote all those articles about how I was mentally deranged and even the Minister of Magic thought I'd flipped my lid. Worst of all was last year the Minister didn't want to admit Voldemort was back."

To Harry's surprise and relief Christian didn't shudder at the sound of the name, "And he made everyone think I was some kind of crazy attention seeking liar. It seems like every time I develop some new power or survive one of Voldemort's encounters all it does is cause people to become suspicious and frightened of me. I'm just worried that will happen again, and yes, I am a little freaked out to have these new powers because I was raised to see magic as a bad thing."

Harry took a deep breath as Christian nodded his understanding, "You have a lot of issues to work through Harry, but the fact that you realize what these issues are and how they affect you is a good sign that you can begin recovery. First of all, you needn't worry about the reaction of the wizarding world, only a few people know of your status as a mage and they will not share it with anyone. Yes, the wizarding world will find out about your powers eventually, you can not hide them forever and I don't think you'd want to even if you could."

Christian gave Harry a questioning gaze and Harry nodded his agreement, the last thing he wanted was to lie to everyone for the rest of his life. Christian smiled at Harry and continued, "Still, the odds are good you will not be rejected when the truth about your abilities is discovered. Harry you must understand that because mage's are so rare they are treated with great esteem and honor by all wizards."

Harry sighed, "I don't want that, I want people to like me for me not for my scar or my powers or because my eyes are green and not purple. I want to be 'just Harry' and have that be enough."

Christian sighed heavily, "I can see why you want that Harry, but you all ready have it."

Harry looked questioningly at Christian, "Your father, your adopted brother Draco, your friends Hermione, Ron, and the Kensington's all care for you because of who you are and not as The-Boy-Who-Lived or because of what you can do. Yes there will always be people who will judge you by your scar first, but those who know you and love you best will always see you as Harry and nothing more. I think that in order for you to be happy in life you must learn to accept that."

Harry sat quietly for several moments taking in what Christian had said he knew that his family and friends never cared about his fame or what others said about him. O.k. so Ron had turned against Harry in fourth year because he was sick of being pushed aside, but that was more to do with Ron's issues than anything that had to do with Harry. Harry nodded, "I know that's true, but I don't think I ever be able to fully accept it and I seriously doubt I'll ever be happy with it."

Christian looked pensive for a moment, "Well with a little more help and time I believe you will in the mean time you might wish to talk with your father."

Harry raised an eyebrow at him, "My father?"

Christian nodded, "Yes Harry, think about it, your father is a former death eater and he is often judged simply by that."

Harry sucked in a breath he'd know this, but it never fully registered with him how similar he and his father were and he suddenly felt guilty for not noticing it before, "I never really thought of it that way before thank you Christian." Grace choose that moment to wake up and nuzzled Harry's leg in comfort Harry pulled her onto his lap and petted her gently needing to feel comfort.

Christian gave Harry's shoulder a gentle squeeze as Grace snuggled into Harry's warmth, "Harry you shouldn't feel guilty about not thinking to go to your father. You have been raised to believe you are a burden and that you have no one to go to who you may confide in or ask for help. This has given you a strong independent streak that makes you reluctant or suspicious to ask for help from anyone, especially adults. That to will take time to overcome, you just need to remind yourself that Severus will always be there for you. It may help to set aside a specific time each day were the two of you sit down together and talk to each other about whatever you may need to discuss that will make it easier for you to trust him and go to him when you need help."

Harry raised an eyebrow at him, "How is it you always seem to know what I'm thinking?"

Christian smirked, "I am a therapist Harry that's part of my job, and it also happens that you are an easy person to read when it comes to facial expressions."

Harry nodded his understanding Christian asked, "Is there anything else you wish to talk about?"

Harry nodded, "Yes, aunt Petunia's trial I'm worried that she won't be found guilty. I know what she did to me was wrong, but it was never as severe as what Dudley and Vernon did to me. What if the jury doesn't find her guilty?"

Christian sighed heavily, "That is certainly a possibility Harry, but you must remember that you have a father now. Even if Petunia if found not guilty, which is highly unlikely in my opinion, you will never have to see her again. You just have to tell the truth and hope the justice system does what it's meant to. Protect the innocent and punish the guilty."

Harry nodded, "I know, and I really hope things work out for the best."

Christian nodded, "They will Harry whether the Dursley's are found guilty or not they will." Harry took a deep breath and nodded hoping that Christian was right.

As soon as his session with Christian was over Severus and Draco came back and Ms. Tinsdale was with them. They had decided that like last time it would be best for Christian and Severus to be with Harry when she took his deposition. Harry had asked for Draco to be there as well which had not only meant a lot to Draco, but had also made Severus happy as well because it showed Harry was accepting Draco as a member of his family. Grace stayed sitting underneath Harrys' chair.

Ms. Tinsdale pulled out a dicta quill and a pad of paper, "All right Harry now we'll take this slow just like we did with the deposition on your cousin. I want you to tell me about the relationship you have with your aunt."

Harry swallowed hard and thought for a moment, "My aunt never liked me. She was jealous of my mother because my grandparents gave mum more attention when they were young. Also I think my aunt was afraid of me and my mum because we have powers she didn't. You know what they say, 'you always fear what you don't understand.'"

Ms. Tinsdale nodded as Harry continued, "My aunt was usually the one who gave me lists of chores to do and she was also the one who told uncle Vernon to punish me if things weren't done exactly right. She lied to me about my parents she told me they died in a car crash that they caused."

Severus instantly looked furious at hearing this Harry shuddered seeing the angered looked on his fathers' face causing Grace to whine loudly. Severus turned at the sound and said, "Harry I'm sorry I was just upset."

Severus put a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder and he visibly relaxed, "It's o.k. father I just get scared."

Severus pulled Harry into a hug, "I understand son. I know it will take time to work past what you've gone through, but I swear to you I would never willingly harm you in anyway."

Harry hugged back after a few minutes Ms Tinsdale smiled at the two, "I hate to interrupt you two, but we do need to continue."

Severus asked, "Are you better now?"

Harry sniffed slightly, "Yeah thanks."

Severus smiled, "That's what I'm here for."

Ms. Tinsdale asked, "Now Harry you mentioned before that your aunt hit you on a several occasions would you care to elaborate on that?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah she slapped me a few times mostly for talking back to her. Occasionally I would be too tired or sick or just so annoyed with doing chores and such constantly without any breaks or even so much as a thank you that when aunt Petunia would tell me to do something and I'd say 'no'. Which she hated, usually she'd slap me and throw me in my cupboard, then she'd wash her hands saying she had to 'get the freak off' as soon as Vernon came home she'd tell him what I'd done and he'd beat me or if I was lucky they'd just leave me in my cupboard without food." Grace gave Harry's hand a gentle lick in order to offer him comfort.

Ms. Tinsdale shook her head in disgust at Harry description; she couldn't help but think, 'what the hell was wrong with these people?' Ms. Tinsdale turned to Harry and asked, "What was the longest you were stuck in the cupboard for?"

Harry thought for a moment, "I think the longest was after that time just before my first year when that python escaped from the zoo. Aunt Petunia and uncle Vernon were furious I ended up spending nearly a full month in my cupboard after that one."

Ms. Tinsdale bit her lip and said, "I see, and they didn't feed you while you were in the cupboard?"

Harry shook his head, "no, they didn't. I'd sneak out and get food from the fridge or the kitchen cabinets, although the Dursley's did give me water to drink and let me out to use the bathroom. Although I think that last part had more to do with them being afraid I'd make some kind of mess than any act of kindness. Sometimes I would be locked in and since there was no way to get out of the cupboard from the inside I'd have to eat the dog food that was always left in there for when my aunt Marge came to visit, she always brought her dog with her." Grace growled and nuzzled Harry in comfort.

Severus surprised everyone by walking over to Harry and placed the now trembling boy on his lap. Ms. Tinsdale was shaking her head in disgust and Draco looked like he was going to throw up any minute. Harry buried his head in his father's shoulder inhaling the familiar smell of ginger and mint that Severus used to keep potion scents from swirling off him constantly. Severus gently rubbed Harry's back, "Never again Harry, you will never go without food again do you hear me? And if those people come within ten feet of you I will personally hex them into next week."

Harry gave a half-sob half-laugh. The idea of someone being there to protect him and keep him safe no matter what was so amazing to him, but on the other hand the fact that he'd had to go so long without it was a painful realization. It was one of those moments Harry had been having ever since he'd found out the truth about his parentage were he really understood what he'd missed out on his whole childhood and it hurt him to come to terms with that. It was one thing to know he was an orphan and have to deal with what that meant on its own, but it was another to have what he'd always wanted given to him and know exactly what he had been missing all that time. Even though it was wonderful for Harry to know he now had a father who cared for him and would be with him till the end, knowing how much time he'd been forced to go without it and what he and his father had missed out on was sometimes just as painful as never having it at all.

Harry started crying harder while Grace jumped into his lap once again and Draco walked over embracing the smaller boy from behind while remaining standing Harry pulled his right arm away from his father and wrapped it around his brother as Severus started speaking again, "It's o.k. Harry let it out you deserve this. We will get through this together as a family all three of us, no matter what happens Harry just remember that you're not alone anymore and never will be again."

Harry didn't know how long the four of them stayed like that, neither Christian nor Ms. Tinsdale interrupted them this time. Finally Harry had calmed down enough to start speaking again, Draco and Severus stayed where they were, and Harry held Grace tight but moved his head out of his father's hair so Ms. Tinsdale could understand what he was saying, "I was never really good enough for my aunt or my uncle. They were always saying how useless I was and what a burden it was to be stuck with a freak like me. My aunt especially, she was home more than my uncle so she was always judging me. like I said before I had a lot of chores to do, and if she gave me a list of like twenty things to do and I didn't get them all done exactly how and when she wanted me to then she would start yelling at me about how I never did anything right and how I should be punished for constantly screwing up. She always used uncle Vernon as a threat to because she knew how scared of him I was."

Ms. Tinsdale interrupted, "So you're aunt would tell your uncle when you did something she saw as wrong and then he would beat you?"

Harry sighed, "Sometimes, other times he would just yell at me along with her. Aunt Petunia usually just told me I was a worthless freak and locked me in my cupboard the only times she would out and out tell Vernon to hit me was when something happened to Dudley because of my magic or something else."

Ms. Tinsdale nodded, "Can you elaborate on that?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah there was this one incident (I think I mentioned it before) where Dudley and his gang were chasing after me and I created this kind of magical force field that threw them backwards a little. No one was seriously hurt, but as soon as Vernon got home Petunia told him what happened and that she wanted Vernon to punish me which he was more than willing to do. He beat me with his belt."

Ms Tinsdale swallowed, "I see and did your aunt usually see your uncle beating you?"

Harry shook his head, "No she would usually leave the room, but never the house, so she could probably hear me screaming." Harry shuddered once more causing Grace to lick his face and Severus and Draco hold him even closer.

Harry shifted and continued, "Worst of all was when I did better than Dudley in school. Aunt Petunia thought it was because I was somehow using my magic to cheat and she'd yell her head off at me. Sometimes she'd spank me with a rolled up piece of newspaper saying that I deserved it because I was like a stray dog to them. One time just before my second year after I'd teased Dudley about setting the bushes on fire she swung a frying pan at my head and if I hadn't ducked at the last moment she would have hit me."

Ms. Tinsdale looked furious at this and asked, "Did your aunt beat you as regularly or as severely as your uncle?"

Harry had a glazed look in his eyes and turned to Ms. Tinsdale looking confused, "I'm sorry what?"

Ms Tinsdale sighed, "Harry did you have another memory lapse?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah what did you just say?"

Ms Tinsdale repeated her question and Harry shook his head, "No she didn't, aunt Petunia usually just told me I was a worthless freak and that I shouldn't ask questions, she and Vernon hated it when I asked questions."

Ms. Tinsdale nodded, "Did Petunia ever talk about your mother?"

Harry snorted, "Talk about her? My aunt pretended she didn't have a sister until I showed up on their doorstep with the milk jugs that Halloween."

Ms. Tinsdale finished writing and put down her quill and paper, "I see, Harry we're going to be charging Petunia with child neglect, child abuse, psychological abuse, child endangerment and taking what you said into account, depraved indifference."

Harry wrinkled his brow, "What does that last one mean?"

Ms. Tinsdale said, "It means that your aunt knew you were being hurt and that the actions she took would result in your being abused, but she did nothing to stop it or try to protect you."

Harry nodded his understanding, "All right, I feel kind of tired."

Severus spoke up, "Considering everything that just happened I'm not surprised. Why don't I take you back to bed." Harry yawned loudly in response causing the others to laugh. Draco stepped back from Harry so he and Severus could stand.

Grace jumped down from Harry's lap and Severus carried Harry into his room and stayed with him until he nodded off. Severus came back out and Christian spoke first, "Severus, Harry probably thought that what Petunia did wasn't as bad as what Vernon did, but saying all this out loud made him realize exactly what he had to go through in that 'house'. It's going to take some time for him to adjust to this you're going to have to keep a close eye on him."

Severus nodded his understanding, "Thank you Christian and you to Marcia (a/n Ms. Tinsdale's first name) I appreciate both of you being there for Harry it means a lot to him having so many people fighting for him." Christian and Marcia both shook Severus' hand and left quietly. Severus placed a monitoring charm on Harry's room so he would know when his son woke or if he had a nightmare.

Grace ran over to the corner and began chewing on a bone as Draco sat down heavily, "Wow, you know last time I thought that it couldn't get worse than what happened with his cousin and now this. I hate to think what Vernon did to him."

Severus nodded his agreement he to was afraid of what would be revealed when Harry was finally ready to talk about that disgusting muggle, "Yes, I know, unfortunately Harry is not the only person to have suffered because those who were supposed to care for him didn't fully understand him. The Dark Lord also suffered because he was raised in a none wizard environment. Albus has often suggested to me that if Tom Riddle had been removed from the orphanage where he lived and sent to a loving home he might have turned out better. It frightens me to think that if we hadn't gotten to Harry when we did he may have become just like the man who killed Lily."

Draco and Severus both shuddered at this idea knowing what power as strong as Harry's could do in the wrong hands was truly terrifying. Draco sat down and Severus got them both some tea to help sooth finally Draco spoke up, "uncle Sev can I talk to you about something?"

Severus looked at Draco in surprise, "Of course you can Draco I am your guardian it is my duty to look after you as much as Harry." Draco smiled it felt good to be reminded of that, sometimes he felt a little ignored because of Harry's issues. He knew the other boy needed all the help he could get, but at the same time he sometimes felt like Harry's problems caused him to be pushed aside and it helped to be reminded that Severus cared for both of them equally. Grace came over to Draco holding a ball in her mouth Draco grinned and threw it towards the bedrooms where there were fewer things that could potentially break Grace went running after it barking.

Draco took a sip of tea and said, "None of the other kids from Slytherin will even look at me anymore (well except Drue) and I guess I thought I would be able to handle it, but it's still hard. I know most of them are loyal to the dark lord or their parents are and that a part of why they have shunned me is because they're afraid of retaliation from their families or other kids, but I hopped a few of them would at least try to gave some king of positive relationship with me. I've been friends with mamamamost them since well before Hogwarts and I guess it jajajajajust hurts more than I thought it would not to have that anymore."

Severus nodded his understanding as Grace came back with her ball Severus picked it up and placed a charm on it that would cause it to act similar to a snitch bouncing around. Giving Grace a good work out and keeping her out of the way so he and Draco could talk privately Severus threw the ball and turned to Draco, "That's understandable Draco, it's going to take you a while to adjust to leaving your old life behind and there are undoubtedly things and people you are going to miss that's natural, but you do have new friends who are there to help you and you may want to consider reaching out to more students from other houses whom you wouldn't have interacted with before. Yes I know some of them are going to treat you harshly because of the way you used to act, but hopefully you will be able to develop some more friendships outside of Slytherin."

Draco nodded, "I know that it's just hard to start all over again you know?"

Severus nodded his understanding, "yes Draco I know exactly how that feels." The two of them finished their tea in silence and Draco left for classes, Severus contacted Harry's professor's and told them Harry wouldn't be in his morning classes. Severus unfortunately couldn't miss out on his classes so he did something he never wanted to do, he flooed Remus Lupin.

Remus came out of the fire, "Severus what's wrong?"

Severus sighed heavily, "Harry had a hard time with the deposition he's asleep right now, but he might wake up and I don't want him to be alone could you stay?"

Remus raised an eyebrow he knew Severus didn't like him and was genuinely shocked by the fact that Severus had turned to him for help, "Of course I will Severus."

Severus visibly relaxed, "Thank you I have to go now or I'm going to be late for class I want you to call me if anything happens and there's a monitoring charm up around Harry's room just in case." Remus nodded his understanding as Severus grabbed his notes and left for his first potions lesson.

Harry woke up a few hours later and was surprised to come out of his room and see Remus there, "Remus! What are you doing here?"

Remus walked over and gave Harry a hug, "Your father asked me to come over he didn't want you left alone."

Harry nodded his understanding, "Thank you I'm glad you stayed I needed someone to be here."

Remus smiled into Harry's hair as he held the boy tighter, "No problem cub."

Harry and Remus talked about various things until Severus returned, when Severus came in the two were laughing their heads off while Grace ran between them barking like crazy Severus raised an eyebrow, "What is so funny?"

Remus turned around and said, "I was just telling Harry about that time in our seventh year when you charmed the showers in the Gryffindor common room to make everyone turn green and silver for two weeks."

Severus smirked at the memory, "Yes, I never would have been able to pull that off without Lily's help it was great and." He reached over to his book shelf and grabbed a photo album, "We took pictures." He handed it to Harry who eagerly looked through it and burst out laughing once again as he saw Remus, Sirius, Peter, and James all green and silver head to toe. Peter had silver hair and green skin making him look like an overgrown toad. Remus had silver skin and stripped hair that made him look like an extremely ill candy cane. Sirius was stripped green and silver head to toe while James had green skin with silver polka dots it was priceless.

Harry was still laughing when a knock came on the door; Severus answered it to find Albus Dumbledore standing there, "Ah Severus I was hoping now would be a good time to talk to Harry about being a mage."

Severus turned to Harry who had stopped laughing and asked, "Is that o.k. with you?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah now's as good a time as any."

Remus got up to leave, but Harry grabbed him, "No it's o.k. I want you and father to stay."

Remus smiled as Severus came over and sat on the couch on the other side of Harry so he was between his father and Remus. Harry practically glowed at this he was thrilled to see that his father was willing to get along with Remus if only for his sake. Dumbledore's eyes started twinkling like mad as he sat down opposite the three men, "All right Harry, as you know we can't be certain what powers you will and won't have, but all mages do have some similar aspects almost all of them have elemental abilities and most of them have empathic or telekinetic abilities as well. It would be best for you to resume your occulmency lessons with Severus to better prepare you for this, and you should spend some time every day meditating with your staff to get a better connection to it." Harry nodded in response.

Dumbledore rubbed his temples and said, "Harry I should also warn you that Mage powers can develop between the ages of sixteen and seventeen and they can be triggered by high emotional stress. Now because of the trials and therapy you are undergoing it could happen around others so I want you to keep this with you." Dumbledore reached into his robes and pulled out a small metal ball that Grace barked at and tried to grab causing everyone to laugh lightly, "This will help keep your power from spreading too much or causing too many injuries when it first manifests itself do not go anywhere without it is that clear?"

Harry took the ball causing Grace to whine and said quietly, "Yes sir." Severus squeezed Harry's shoulder as Remus grabbed his other hand.

Dumbledore shook his head, "I know this is a lot for you to deal with Harry on top of everything else, but you need to know. Now once your powers have made themselves known I can help train you to control and access them properly, but until then there are certain exercises you can do to help such as focusing more on your wand less magic and perhaps taking up painting or music, or some other activity that requires you to focus on multiple things at one time it will help you control your powers when the times comes."

Harry sucked in a breath this was a lot for him to deal with, "I understand sir."

Dumbledore sighed, "I know this is a lot for you my boy, but do you understand everything I've said." Harry nodded Dumbledore looked over to Harry, "Do you have any questions?" Harry shook his head, he was feeling too overwhelmed to ask anything. Dumbledore stood and said, "If you have any questions you know where to find me."

Harry stood and shook Dumbledore's hand and he left quietly Severus said, "Harry? Are you all right?"

Harry turned to his father and gave a small smile, "Can I learn how to play the violin?"

Severus was shocked, but he overcame it quickly, "Absolutely."

Severus pulled Harry into a hug as Remus said, "Well, I'll be going now see you soon I hope."

Harry turned and gave Remus a hug and said, "You bet you will."

Severus stuck out his hand and said, "Thank you for your help."

Remus starred at it for a moment before giving it a shake and saying, "Your welcome Severus anytime." Remus flooed out and left Harry and Severus to sort through this together as father and son.