Disclaimer: I own nothing it all belongs to J.K. Rowling.

Rescued

Chapter 14

Harry sat at his Aunt Min's desk intently scrutinizing the box of beetles in front of him. Every now and then daring himself to prod one of them and giggling as it would scurry to the far corner.

"Miss Tonks, please take the box of beetles and hand one to each student."

"Yes Professor."

Minerva continued explaining the finer points of transfiguring beetles into buttons as Nymphadora Tonks made her way to the front of the classroom to retrieve the beetles. Harry watched the girl with interest. He thought she was strange looking, pretty but weird. She had blue hair and dark sparkling eyes. The closer she came the more intrigued Harry became. He looked on with awe as her hair colour slowly changed from midnight blue to bright sky blue to almost white. Harry's eyes widened in disbelief, he was gobsmacked, too shocked to utter a sound. He rubbed his eyes, blinked and shook his head, convinced he had just imagined it all because now her hair colour was back to midnight blue again. Tonks knelt down in front of him holding out her hand.

"Hello! I'm Tonks, who are you then?" She said grinning at his obvious surprise.

"H-h-harry." He managed to stutter shaking her hand.

"Well hello Harry, it's a pleasure to meetcha!"

Harry nodded unsure of what to say. He couldn't tear his eyes away from her, searching for any trace of white hair.

"So where are these beetles I've been told to fetch?"

Harry didn't answer just gaped like a goon.

"In that box are they?" she asked motioning to the box in front of Harry, who was still struggling for words.

"Miss Tonks today would be preferable."

"Yes Professor." Tonks rolled her eyes, grinned at Harry and grabbed the box of beetles.

Tonks being the clumsy person that she is tripped over her own two feet sending the beetles flying to the far corners of the classroom. The girls squealed and the boys laughed. Professor McGonagall sighed.

I have only myself to blame. I should have known something like this would happen. Why in the sweet name of Merlin she's so clumsy is beyond me!

With a wave of her wand the students were each assigned a beetle, the rest were back in the box on the desk in front of Harry.

"Sorry Professor." Nymphadora apologized sheepishly.

"Transfigure that beetle into a button and I'll except your apology."

Harry watched eagerly as the girl named Tonks sat behind her desk trying with all her might to transfigure the beetle. However the creature was not willing to participate, at any given chance it scurried across the tabletop. Harry noticed that the harder she concentrated the bigger her nose grew. When she sighed and took a break she twitched her nose and it instantly shrunk. He sat watching her the whole lesson, transfixed, his elbows on the desk and his head in his hands. When she finally managed to transfigure the beetle into a button she jumped up and shrieked with delight. Much to everyone's amazement so did little Harry.

"Well done Miss Tonks. Apology accepted." Minerva said her lips tugging at the corners fighting back a smile.

When class was over Bill Weasley knocked on the door looking for Professor McGonagall. Not all of her second year students had left the classroom. Nymphadora Tonks and Charlie Weasley were among them.

"Alright Bill! So nice of you to come and see me but I've got potions in a few minutes." Charlie greeted cheekily.

"Well then you best get going, we wouldn't want Mum to hear that her precious little Charlie-Chuck is neglecting his studies and turning up late for classes."

"Mr Weasley, can I help you?" Professor McGonagall intervened amused by their banter.

"Filch told me to come and get you straight away Professor." Bill replied unfazed by his brother's scowl.

"Did he mention why Mr Weasley?" she queried.

"He mentioned something about Peeves." Bill explained.

"I see, well I'm a little busy at the moment could you please inform Professor Flitwick instead."

"Ah, well he also mentioned sixth year Gryffindors dueling with Slytherins."

Minerva knew it was her duty as Head of Gryffindor to see to the situation but wondered what to do with Harry. Bringing him along really was a last resort as his previous dealings with ghosts were not the most pleasant of experiences. She looked around the now almost empty classroom. The only ones who remained were herself, Harry, Bill, Charlie and Tonks. She glanced at Harry then back at the three students. Tonks seemed to sense her problem.

"We can watch Harry for you while you go and sort the mess out Professor." Tonks suggested.

"Yeah we'd be happy to help." Charlie agreed seeing his opportunity to talk to Harry Potter.

Minerva was secretly proud of her young Gryffindors that they would offer to help her however Tonks and Charlie were only second years, clumsy ones at that. She looked to Bill hoping he too would offer his assistance.

"I'm sure Professor Kettleburn won't mind me being a few minutes late." Bill smiled.

"Thank you, all three of you. Fifteen points to Gryffindor!"

"Cheers Professor!"

"Harry." Minerva walked over to her desk and beckoned the other three to follow. "Harry dear, these are three of my students. They are in Gryffindor, you remember Albus told you about the House of Gryffindor?"

"Yepp and you said they have the best broomstick team ever!"

"Quidditch dear, yes." Minerva smiled and she could hear the other three sniggering. "Well anyway I have to sort out a problem for Mr Filch. Do you think you could stay here with Misters Weasley and Miss Tonks?"

"Will you be back soon?" Harry asked looking at the two redheads suspiciously but was eager to spend some time with Tonks.

"Yes I'll only be a moment and Filius is just around the corner should you get worried."

"But you'll be back soon?" He asked again.

"Yes I'll be as quick as I can." Minerva answered cupping his cheek. "There is a tin of ginger newts in the top draw."

With that Minerva swept out of the classroom leaving three apprehensive students and Harry all alone. Tonks was the first to break the ice.

"So Harry, why don't you crack open that tin of biscuits the Professor mentioned!"

Harry opened the desk draw and placed the tin in the middle of the table. Wordlessly he began munching on a ginger newt. After a few more minutes of silence Tonks could no longer hold her tongue.

"So Harry, wotcha doin' here at Hogwarts?"

Harry looked the peculiar girl up and down wondering what he was supposed to answer.

"Erm…I…I live here."

"You live here?" Bill asked astonished. "Aren't you just visiting?"

"I live here…with Aunt Min." Harry frowned.

"Aunt Min?" The three repeated confused.

"Aunt Min." Harry answered nodding.

"Oh, you mean Professor McGonagall." Bill said.

"I saw you on the quidditch field flying the other day. You were amazing!" Charlie suddenly exclaimed unable to keep his secret any longer.

"What do you mean saw him? What flying?" Tonks asked.

"Why didn't you tell me? I'm you big brother!"

"Bloody brilliant! Been flying long?" Charlie continued, ignoring the others questions.

"It was my first time." Harry answered shyly.

"YOUR FIRST TIME!" Charlie shouted startling them all.

"Calm down mate!"

"Yeah hold your hippogriffs!"

"Your first time? You mean your first time flying that particular broom…don't ya?"

"Erm…yes…er…it was my first time flying on that broom."

"I thought so. Still, you were marvelous!"

"When did you see him flying Charlie?" Tonks asked.

"Right before quidditch practice the other day. Madam Hooch, Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall were watching."

"Madam Pomfrey? Why was she there?"

Bill, Charlie and Tonks turned to Harry looking for an answer to her question. He stared back at them, green eyes wide.

"Erm…Aunt Pops…she says it's a…a…'it's a brutal and barbarous sport that should be banned'. Harry recited from memory. "So she wanted to be there…to make sure…make sure no one got hurt." He finished timidly.

"Oh." Was all the three Gryffindors could answer but were each wondering Aunt Pops?

"So how old are you then Harry?" Bill asked.

"Five." Harry replied coyly.

"Five! You look so much younger!"

"Tonks! You're a fine one to talk about appearances!" Bill retorted.

"True." Tonks winked and abruptly changed her hair colour to a shocking purple.

"Wh-wh-…but…h-h-how?!" Harry pointed flabbergasted who was beginning to think he had imagined the hair colour incident.

The three chuckled at little Harry's reaction.

"I'm a Metamorphmagus." Tonks clarified but seeing Harry's confusion continued her explanation. "It means I can change my appearance, the way I look, at will, whenever I want!"

"Wow!" Was all Harry could say.

The rest of the time was spent with Harry staring and giggling at Tonks whilst she altered her appearance. Charlie decided not to reveal he knew of Harry's identity but was itching to brush back Harry's wild black hair in hopes of seeing the famous scar.

"The art of animagi is an extremely difficult and dangerous branch of magic. It is a highly advanced form of transfiguration, which very few can master. The complexity lies in being able to retain one's human mental capacities whilst taking on an animal's form."

Minerva stood tall in front of the class and with a faint pop turned into a grey tabby cat. Harry looked up from his spot in the corner and was delighted to see the familiar pussycat. He immediately jumped up and grabbed his aunt (in cat form) and began petting her. Harry ignored the other students' stares and nuzzled into the cat's soft fur. His worries drained away as he stroked her.

"Min-cat!"

Minerva found herself in a dilemma. She could not transform back into human form because Harry had her in a vice like grip and she would crush him, not at all dignified. She needed to worm her way free but how? If it were anyone else she would lightly scratch them or maybe even bite them so they would set her free but it was Harry and she didn't want to hurt him. However she could not continue on in such a manner what would the students think? Who cares what the students think? It's Harry's thoughts and feelings that matter!

"Min-cat!" Harry whispered once again into her ear.

Min-cat? He remembers? Oh Merlin!

Gently she licked his hand and it had the desired effect.

"Urgh! Kitty!"

Harry dropped his aunt to the floor where she immediately changed back into the formidable Professor McGonagall. No one said a word. They were unsure of what to make of the situation. They were of course in awe of her animagi abilities but why in the world would Harry want to kiss and cuddle her?

The rest of the morning flew by and in the afternoon Poppy stopped by to try and get Harry to open up.

"Harry honey, your Aunt Poppy and I would like to talk to you for a moment. Could you come here please?" Minerva asked patting her lap gesturing for Harry to come and sit with her.

Harry stopped playing with his puzzle and settled himself down in his Aunt Min's lap. Aunt Poppy sat in the armchair opposite and Harry couldn't help but notice how concerned she looked but she smiled at him sweetly.

"Now Harry, you know we only want what is best for you don't you?" His Aunt Min began and Harry slowly nodded his head. "And you know that we love you more than anything?"

Harry bit his lip and deliberated for a few seconds. This was still a new thought, one that he had yet to get used to. He wanted to know where this conversation was leading so he uncertainly nodded his head, his brow creased.

"Yes Harry, we love you! You are the best boy anyone could ask for." Minerva praised but Harry still didn't answer verbally.

His Aunt Poppy leaned over and clasped his hands and he felt Min's hug tighten.

"Your Aunt Min tells me you have been having nightmares." Poppy carefully voiced.

The two instantly felt Harry tense. This was not a subject he wanted to talk about and they knew it was not going to be easy but it was something that had to be dealt with. Minerva kissed his forehead lovingly and Poppy's thumbs traced patterns on the back of his hands.

"Harry I know you don't want to talk about them but we both feel it would help you sleep easier if you told us." Minerva softly spoke. "We are not going to force you to tell us but we want you to know that we are both here for you and that you can tell us anything."

"If you don't want to talk to us or your Aunt Ro then your Uncle Albus is always here for you. You can tell him anything too." Poppy gently added.

"And if you don't feel you can tell Uncle Albus then Uncle Filius, Uncle Edgar or even Hagrid are willing to listen."

"Oh and lets not forget Pompom, out in the green houses, she rather deprived of human contact and would love for you to open up to her."

"What we are trying to say Harry is that you are surrounded by people who love you, who only want what is best for you and who you can turn to in any time of need. I love you Harry." Minerva leant down and kissed his cheek.

"So is there anything you want to tell anyone?" Poppy delicately inquired.

"But they are just so scary!"

"It will help if you talk about it little one." Poppy continued. Minerva didn't trust her voice.

"Do you think so Aunt Pops?" Harry asked helplessly.

"Of course Harry and I am sure you would like to get a full night's sleep."

Harry looked up at his Aunt Min. He could see her eyes were filled with tears and he could feel tears of his own prickling the backs of his eyes.

"But only if you feel ready Harry." Minerva added hoarsely, Harry gave her a half smile.

"There are different bad dreams."

Poppy and Minerva fell silent, deciding it better to keep quiet and not push him.

"Sometimes I hear voices, screaming. An evil bad man laughing but not a happy laugh, a bad, mean laugh. It all goes green then I wake up and my head really hurts, my scar stings!" Harry whispered and he felt tears fall down his cheeks.

Minerva gently wiped away his tears and soothingly rocked him back and forth.

"Well done Harry. You are very brave to tell us." Poppy encouraged squeezing his little hands.

Both Minerva and Poppy were crying as well but they needed to be strong for the frightened five-year old. Poppy could see how much it was tearing Minerva apart and knew that she was going to have to take control of the situation. She was wondering what to tell Harry about the dream, should she tell him the truth? No of course not that is not appropriate, he is far too young! In the end it was Minerva who was the sense of reason.

"It was just a dream Harry, darling. No one can hurt you. Shh…you are okay. Aunt Poppy's right, you are ever such a brave boy!"

"But now I've started having another nightmare. A different one." Harry said in a voice thick with emotion but no louder than a whisper.

"Would you like to tell us?" Poppy urged.

Harry swallowed and sniffed, burying his head into the crook of Minerva's neck. The three of them sat silent for quite some time. Harry reliving his nightmare, he desperately wanted to tell his Aunt Min about it but was too scared. What if she thought they made sense and decided to make his nightmare a reality? Minerva had a feeling she knew what this new nightmare was about. She had given it a lot of thought and with Harry's need for reassurance she suspected it involved the Dursley's.

"Harry?" Minerva tenderly spoke. "I want you to know that I love you very, very much! I couldn't bear to be parted from you and I will never ever send you back to…to…to the Dursley's." She had a hard time hiding her contempt and she felt Harry once again stiffen in her lap.

"You…you promise? Do you…do you really mean that A-aunt Min?"

"I promise. I mean every Harry, every word."

"Is that what your bad dream is about dear?" Poppy carefully questioned. "The Dursley's?"

Harry bit his lip and solemnly nodded as tears continuing to fall.

"Oh honey, I'll never ever, ever send you back there! Do you understand? Never! I love you far too much!"

Harry gulped but no words would come forth. Minerva looked down at him above her square rimmed glasses and showered him with affection.

"Never Harry, never!"

She squeezed him tight and Harry could feel the knot in his stomach begin to ease.

"I love you Harry Potter!"

Poppy conjured a handkerchief and wiped away her tears.

"I think that's enough for one day. Harry you were very good, very brave! I'm proud of you!"

"Yes I am very proud of you too Harry!" Minerva repeated.

"Good evening my dear. I just thought that I would pop by to see how the two of you are. May I come in?"

"Of course Albus." Minerva stood aside to allow him entrance.

"Uncle Albus!" As soon as Harry realized whom it was he jumped into the welcoming arms.

"Hello there little one. How are you today?" Albus asked cradling the child, Harry's tearstained cheeks did not go unnoticed.

"I'm good." Harry sniffed.

Minerva stood to one side watching the endearing scene thinking it was good Harry had a male role model he could look up to. Albus carried Harry into the living room and the two of them sat on the couch. Minerva stoked the fire and sat down on the other side of Harry.

"Well a little bird told me that you accompanied your Aunt Min to classes today again! Did you have a nice time? Did she teach you any magic?"

"She changed into Min-cat!" Harry smiled enthusiastically.

"Min-cat?"

Minerva mouthed later so Albus continued.

"Did you meet any students?"

"Uh-huh." Harry's eye brightened. "Tonks! She's really funny and cool. She can change what she looks like! Her hair was blue then it was white then it was purple! She had a really big nose then a really teeny tiny nose!" He giggled.

"That's right. Nymphadora is very talented she's a Metamorphmagus." Minerva explained.

"Yeah, I know, she's cool! And Bill likes dragons, he's cool too! Oh and Charlie thinks I'm good at flying!"

Albus and Minerva could not hide their shock but luckily Harry didn't notice.

How in the world would Charlie know how well Harry flies?

"…and she tripped and the beetles went flying everywhere! Aunt Min's mouth went into a thin line, the girls were screaming and I was laughing!"

"Yes, as talented as she may be, Nymphadora is rather clumsy."

"Her heart is always in the right place and that is what counts Minerva."

"Yepp and Uncle Fill taught me to count to 10 in Latin. He says I'm very good at…at…at progrunciation…whatever that means."

"I think he may have said pronunciation." Albus chuckled.

"No I don't think so." Harry answered earnestly.

"Pronunciation, darling, means the way you articulate, say the words. Filius has been bragging about you in the staff room." Minerva said kissing his forehead.

Harry loved it when she kissed his forehead. It made him feel loved, a strange and new feeling that he was beginning to cherish. Snuggled tightly between his two favourite people in the world he felt warm, at home, dared he say loved? He sat silent just taking pleasure in the adults embrace.

Minerva had her arm wrapped around Harry when she felt Albus arm snake its way around her shoulder but she didn't shrug it off like he assumed she would. Instead she leaned into his embrace. It had been a long day and both her and Harry needed comfort.

Albus was pleasantly surprised by this unexpected turn of events. He was glad she was opening up to him, he was glad his Minerva was returning home. They held each other long into the night savouring a closeness neither had ever felt with anyone else.

A/N: You are all in for a treat! I've decided to post two chapters! So happy reading!