Harry and Dudley were both rather quiet the next morning, they were each thinking over what had happened in Diagon Alley the day before. Harry couldn't help feeling slightly nervous, and he could tell that Dudley felt the same way as well, Harry's head was buzzing and his stomach was churning as though he he'd eaten something very wriggly. Harry wasn't sure what was going to happen now, he felt as though he'd been thrust into a situation where everyone expected him to do all these amazing and incredible things without his having any type of preparation for it. These expectations made Harry feel scared, nervous, and angry all at once. Probably what was the worst for Harry was that he didn't really know how to explain this feeling and he didn't know how to deal with it.

Harry had been adjusting to dynamic changes his entire life, raising Daisy, providing for her, learning how to work and go to school at once, and (most importantly) keeping everything secret from the Dursley's. However, in all of those situations the one constant was that Harry had to make himself practically invisible, he had to keep people from noticing anything. Harry had to hide what was going on and he had to hide himself as well, now he had been thrust into a spot light where everyone was watching him all of the time and he didn't know how to deal with this new development.

Harry sat next to Dudley as the two of them just starred out the hospital wing window, Daisy seemed to sense their distress and curled up in their laps. This was the position Poppy and Alastor found them in when they came to bring the children breakfast. Poppy closed her eyes sadly and said, "oh dear, well I suppose it was to be expected. They've been through so much these last few dear. It would be enough to tax an adult."

Alastor said, "These kids have got one hell of a mountain to climb, I honestly can't think of a more difficult situation to have to face."

Poppy sat the tray down on the bedside table and sat down next to the kids, "Good morning boys." She said gently, "How are you feeling?"

Harry bent his head back, "I don't know."

Dudley said, "I don't know either."

Poppy said, "You've both been put in a very complex and difficult situation, you feel angry, and scared and confused am I right?"

Harry nodded and then he said, "it's just, I'm used to having to be invisible, that was the safest thing to do at Privet Drive, keep out of sight and out of the way, I'm used to being in the shadows, but now I'm this famous celebrity and I have no idea how to deal with that."

Alastor said, "It's difficult when you're in a situation where everyone knows your story and they all stare, point, and whisper as you pass by. Some people treat you like you're this tragic being to be pitied and simpered at and who needs to be helped constantly because of what you've been through and others see you as this impressive hero who can handle anything and do everything they expect you to. You have no privacy and it's annoying and head turning at the same time."

Harry and Dudley both looked at him and Alastor pointed to the missing chunk in his nose, "Believe me I understand, I went through the same thing after the war ended. Some people treated me like I was an invalid, they wanted to help me with everything. People were following me around opening doors, picking up papers, a few even wanted to cut up my food for me! Then there were people who saw me as this great hero because of all the death eaters I caught, they seemed to think I could do anything, I can't even begin to tell you how many times I got requests from people to take care of this problem or that. People kept writing to me asking for advice on how to banish dark creatures and what types of security measures they should have in place in their home."

Alastor laughed lightly, "I got asked that last one so many times I ended up writing up my own leaflets, that way I could just mail them out or give them to people without having to write out the same thing so often. The Ministry of magic still uses those leaflets to this day, but that wasn't the end of it, I would get requests from the Ministry as well, recommendations from other offices and requests from superiors asking me to take on insanely difficult and sometimes impossible missions. The work load was monsterous, and toped onto all of that I was suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because of the war. All of it started to weigh on me very heavily, I became more and more paranoid as the days went on and eventually I was forced to retire because I couldn't take it anymore and the Ministry was worried that I might accidentally jinx someone. If it hadn't been for Poppy and all of the help she and my councilor gave me I would have lost it."

Alastor paused and said, "I know you're scared Harry, I know you're frustrated, and confused. You don't know how to deal with this situation and you feel like everyone expects something from you and if you don't deliver (even if what they expect from you is completely impossible) then you're going to let them down. And if you let them down then you will have failed at you're first real challenge here in the Wizarding World am I right?"

Harry nodded feeling incredibly grateful that Alastor understood. Alastor turned to Dudley, "and you Dudley, this is not easy situation for you either. You were chosen by a special wand that shows you will have a unique future someday, but you don't know what that future is or how you're supposed to get to it. You feel like you need to analyze every single choice you make, even if it's something as simple as what you'll wear today, because if you screw up on the small stuff then you're going to screw up on the big stuff as well and you'll never accomplish what you're meant to do. You're also feeling thrown because you're situation has changed so much, you are living in a new society with a new arrangement. For the first time in your lives you and Harry don't have to put on a façade for others so no one knows that you care about each other, you don't have to hide things, and you don't have to constantly worry about your parents finding out what's going on and you don't know how to deal with it. The things you lived with on Privet Drive were horrible, but they are what you were used to and now you both have to face this new situation and you have no idea how to deal with it."

Alastor took a deep breath and said, "The first thing I want you both to remember is this, 'screw the world'."

Poppy gave a sharp, "ALASTOR!" While Harry and Dudley gaped at him, they had never had an adult say something like that to them. Harry and Dudley had both heard people say much worse things, but usually most grown-ups would be more careful about the language they were using when speaking directly to children, especially considering Daisy was sitting with them.

Alastor said, "they need to hear it Poppy, it's the truth. What I mean by 'screw the world' is that you need to forget what everyone else expects of you, don't worry about being a hero, don't worry about living up to their expectations (whether the expectations are good or bad), don't worry about doing everything right so you look good to others or so you achieve some great destiny. Yes the two of you will undoubtedly do some incredible things as you get older, but if you spend all your time worrying about it you'll end up driving yourselves nuts. The only people you need to worry about pleasing is yourselves. Don't do something because it's expected of you or because you think that the action you're taking is something you 'have to do' to achieve this great destiny or live up to these impossible standards."

Alastor continued, "Do something because you feel it is right or because it's what you want to be doing, remember that your opinion is the only really important one. If other people don't like what you are doing that's their problem not yours. Now I'm not saying you should go out and start drinking or shooting out street lamps (as muggles say) just because you feel like it, but I am saying you can't let other people dictate your life, you can't let your past or your future decide where you are going to go and what you're going to do. You need to concentrate on what's best for you right now and trust that it'll work out in the end. As long as what you're doing isn't hurting anyone or breaking any laws, or causing any serious trouble then it doesn't matter and that's what you both need to remember understand?"

Harry and Dudley looked at each other then Harry said, "I'll try to remember, but it won 't be easy."

Dudley agreed, "Yeah, I mean it's one thing to say or even believe that we won't let other people make decisions for us, but it's harder to do."

Poppy sat down next to Alastor and said, "And that's something we will both help you with for as long as you need us to. No matter where you go or what happens to you as you continued in school and out of it Alastor and I will do all we can to help you. I have a great deal of experience treating children who have suffered abuse and I know many councilors and mind healers who can work with you and help you adjust to life without Vernon and Petunia and help you find your way. And I'll do the same, no matter where you end up living you will both be students here at the school and you can come here and talk to us whenever you need to do so. I don't care if you think it's something unimportant or if I'm busy, or if you feel it's a bad time, if you need me I want you to come to me. Also, Alastor and I will do all we can to help you learn to understand and live in the World. I don't just mean the Wizarding World, we can help you learn how to deal with confronting other people and analyzing and adjusting to new situations. We can show you the paths that are available to you and give you the skills and knowledge you need to choose the best one. It won't be easy, and it certainly won't always be fun, but it is what you need to learn if you wish to make a life for yourselves. We can teach you how to let go of your past, we don't ask or expect you to run from it or forget it, but we can help you to confront it and learn to move past it in order to find a better future for yourselves. It will take some time, but it will be worth it in the long run."

Harry swallowed nervously as Dudley asked the question Harry had also been wondering, "How do we start?"

Poppy looked them all over very carefully as though evaluating everything about them, then she took a deep breath as though thinking carefully about the situation and finally she said, "Well you start by eating your breakfast."

Harry and Dudley both laughed and dug into the pancakes, eggs, and fruit that Poppy had brought. Harry's tray had an accompanying potion which he drank down grimacing at the bitter taste that reminded Harry of grapefruit. Harry washed down a glass of minty water that helped keep the potion from making all of his food taste weird and began to eat.

As they ate Poppy said, "Well we have a lot to do right now, today we're going to be moving you into our quarters here in the castle. There's no reason for you to stay in the infirmary because Harry is the only one who needs any treatment, but your treatment isn't the type that requires constant observation or hospitalization of any kids. Also, people come in and out of the infirmary all of the time so this really isn't the best place to be sleeping. Alastor and I will also be taking you back to Privet Drive to collect the rest of your belongings."

Dudley asked, "What happens to my…" Dudley stuttered, "My, parents."

Alastor said, "The Ministry has them in holding cells for the time being. The Dursley's will be tried, but there are a few steps that need to be taken first, all three of you (Daisy included) will have to provide depositions about what life at the Dursley's was like. The Ministry will schedule a time when you will come in and talk to them about what happened at Privet Drive and how Petunia and Vernon treated you. The deposition will be done in a small setting, you will be questioned in an office in the Ministry of magic, when you do one of us will be with you, there will also be a representative from Wizarding Child Services there, the two lawyers who are arguing the case, and court reporter, and possibly one or two others. Considering how well-known Harry is and how bad this case could turn out to be for the Ministry the Minister himself may be present as well, but all totaled it won't be more than say then people. Once you have given your depositions the lawyers and court officials will ask you a few questions and clarify some points. Then you will be asked to sign the deposition with a specially designed quill the Ministry uses in cases like this. The quill is bewitched so that no one who uses it can put their name to a document that contains any lies of any kind. Of course there are ways around this, but considering your ages and the fact that you have had no contact or even any knowledge of the Wizarding World neither of you would be able to perform any of those tricks. Once your depositions are prepared the Dursley's will be questioned as well, then the Wizengamot (that's the legal court at the Ministry) will schedule a hearing. All depositions will be read in at the hearing and the Dursley's will be questioned using Veritesserum, which is a truth potion used in some Ministry legal proceedings. Once all of the evidence is presented the Wizengamot will decide what the Dursley's punishment will be."

Harry bit his lip nervously, "what will the punishment be?"

Alastor thought for a moment, "there are several options the Wizengamot will choose from. The Dursley's will almost definitely be stripped of their parental rights, that means they will not be able to see or contact any of you and no longer have any legal claim to any of you for any reason. They will also be required to register with the Ministry as a child abusers and that information will be kept on their records for the rest of their lives. The Ministry of magic has connections with the muggle government and if the Dursley's are ever released from prison those records will follow them for the rest of their lives. Their reputations will be ruined and it will be very difficult, if not impossible, for either of them to find work, receive a loan from a bank, be able to succeed professionally or personally. They will also be required to meet regularly with a member of the Wizarding Child services and perform community service and pay extensive fees for their crimes. Now none of those things would happen until after the Dursley's get out of prison, it isn't uncommon for people convicted of child abuse to be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. However, it's possible that because of this situation and because of your status in the Wizarding World." Alastor looked at Harry, "The Ministry could decide to sentence the Dursley's to life in prison."

Harry gaped, "Really?"

Alastor nodded, "Life sentences in cases of child abuse are usually only given in cases that involve sexual abuse or severe abuse that has (or could have) resulted in a severe permanent disability or even death. The three of you have all been abused and that is something that should not be taken lightly, but your situation is not extreme enough to traditionally involve a life-sentence. However, because Harry is the boy-who-lived there's going to be a lot of press and such about this. Fudge is going to look like an incompetent idiot because of what happened, which isn't exactly a lie, and he's going to want to do everything he can to save his reputation including punishing the Dursley's as severely as he legally can. Fudge might even ask the two of you to make some kind of public statement about how happy you are with his actions or some such nonsense."

Dudley blew a raspberry, "Life in prison, that's harsh."

Poppy nodded, "Yes it is."

Harry put his head back and groaned, "Will we be allowed to stay together when we give our depositions?"

Alastor shook his head, "No, you have to give them separately or people will say the other two just repeated what the first person said or that you were prompting or coaching each other somehow."

Harry pinched his nose, "What about Daisy? She's only three and I always made sure the Dursley's never hurt her and she never really saw anything either."

Poppy said, "That's true, but the Dursley's didn't treat her as well as they treated Dudley and she was raised by you Harry, which is highly unusual, Daisy can testify to that fact. Also there may have been things she heard or saw that could be important to the case. Sometimes the tiniest details can change everything about a situation."

Harry said, "It's not going to be easy, Daisy won't like being away from both of us in a room full of strange people. Sometimes she gets shy and won't talk."

Poppy nodded, "that's normal for children her age, don't worry Harry the Ministry has special areas set-up for children like her who have to give depositions, children Daisy's age don't give depositions in office, the Ministry has specially designed rooms with toys and books to make it easier for the children to open up and they have experience with children of Daisy's age so you don't need to worry."

Harry said, "I always worry where Daisy is concerned."

Poppy smiled, "Yes I can tell."

Harry felt his stomach churn as all of the information he had just been given swirled in his head, he wasn't sure how he felt about all of this. Harry never wanted to see the Dursley's again, and he definitely wanted them punished for what they did, but on the other hand seeing them punished was going to be hard on all of them, especially Daisy. What's more Harry didn't like the idea of the Dursley's being dealt a harsher punishment than most people just because Harry had been one of the kids they mistreated.

Harry felt his head spinning, he wasn't sure what he wanted or where to go from here. Poppy seemed to sense his confusion and said, "Harry, Dudley, you both need to remember that you are facing a great deal right now and if you try to handle everything at once you'll drive yourselves mad. So I want you to remember that you no longer have to handle everything alone anymore. Alastor and I are here to help you face the challenges you will have to confront, and as we said before we will be there for both of you no matter what. I know this is a lot to handle, but the best way to tackle a difficult problem is to deal with it a little bit at a time and focus on the short-term. So think about what needs to be done today and set some short-term goals for yourselves, once you have completed one goal move onto the next. "

Daisy shifted in Harry's lap, "play Wolfie, play."

Harry smiled at her, Daisy obviously didn't understand what they were talking about and was getting bored. Harry said, "Alright, let's get you dressed. What do you want to wear today?"

Harry walked over to the trunk that now held all of Daisy's new clothes and let her pick something out, "You should pick something nice, we're going to see Finn today."

Daisy squealed, "Finn! Finn!" Daisy instantly started jumping up and down and clapping. Harry and Dudley both laughed.

Dudley asked, "What about our friends Scott and Franklin? How do we explain all of this to them?"

Alastor said, "The Ministry if Magic has worked very hard to keep the Wizarding World separate from the muggle world, and generally speaking muggles are not allowed to know of the magical world. However, there are exceptions to that tradition, you can tell your friends as long as they agree to secrecy, and we can help to explain the situation to them and their parents. Still it won't be easy, a lot of people who are raised in the muggle world have difficulties accepting the Wizarding community and it isn't an easy secret to keep, you need to think carefully before you decide if you want your friends to know."

Harry shook his head, "We can't lie to them all of the time; that would be too much to keep up."

Alastor growled, "I know, and I'm not asking you to do that. However, we both need you to be prepared to face the situation when it comes, people often have difficulties accepting the reality of magic. I'm sure you're friends are wonderful people, but as you know this is a lot for them to take."

Harry nodded and he helped Daisy get dressed and grabbed clothes for himself, Harry and Dudley changed into a pair of short and t-shirts each. Once they were dressed Poppy muttered a spell and shrunk their trunks then said, "Alright, let's go."

Alastor led them out into Hogwarts and all three of them gasped. They hadn't seen much of the castle since arriving and the sight of the figures in the paintings, and the moving staircases was still incredible to them. Alastor gave a gravely chuckle while Poppy sniggered, then they led Harry, Dudley, and Daisy down the flight of stairs.

As they walked Harry stayed behind Daisy so he could catch her if she slipped. Poppy said, "It's going to be difficult to find your way around because so many things move and there are trick stairs and doorways all over the place. However, you will have an advantage the other students won't. You're here earlier, and Alastor and I will show you some tricks and short-cuts as well. In the meantime I want the three of you to stay with one of us and not go wandering around the school without a staff member present. You can go out into the grounds and up to the Great Hall and the hospital wing, but I don't want you wandering around on your own."

Dudley asked the question Harry was also wondering, "Don't the students wander around on their own when school is going on? Why does it matter if we run around and explored the way they do?"

Poppy sighed heavily, "Because during the school year there are more people around, aside from teachers, ghosts and staff, there are also school prefects and other students in the castle when classes are in session. If you get lost during the school year it'll be easier for someone to notice you're missing and help find you, or you'd be more likely to bump into someone who could give you directions. If you go wandering around now you're more likely to get hurt or lost and not have anyone notice for hours, which could prove fatal."

Harry and Dudley both nodded as Daisy looked up at Poppy, "Ghosts?"

Poppy laughed lightly, "Yes ghosts, there are a number of ghosts here at Hogwarts." Then she reached down and ruffled Daisy's strawberry blonde hair, "but you don't have to worry most of them are completely harmless."

"Most of them?" Harry prompted.

Poppy explained, "We have a poltergeist here at Hogwarts by the name of Peeves and he causes all sorts of trouble, Albus, Alastor, and another ghost called the Bloody Barron are the only ones Peeves will really listen to and he can be quiet a pain so be careful around him."

Dudley asked, "How will we know which ghost is Peeves?"

Alastor laughed gravely as they reached the bottom of the stairs, "it won't take you long to figure it out believe me, but to let you know Peeves is a little man who wears a hat with a bell on it."

They reached the main doors of the castle and turned to the right then headed down a hallway lined with suits of armor eventually they stopped at a portrait of a beautiful red bird in flight. It's wings were spread and it's long tail feathers trailed after it. A jet of flame followed the bird as it moved through the sky in the painting. It was beautifully done.

Harry whistled while Dudley 'awwed' and Daisy squealed in delight."

Alastor said, "It is a nice portrait the artist was a very famous magical creatures scholar who painted several images." Then he turned to the painting and said, "Imhotep."

The painting swung forward as Poppy explained, "All of the quarters in the school are protected by a guardian and can only be entered if you speak the password or approach the entry correctly."

They walked inside and found themselves in large and inviting sitting room. The walls were painted in a soft teal color with a large black leather couch and two squashy arm chairs sitting in front of a large fireplace. To the right of a sitting room was the kitchen, the table and chairs were a warm honey color, the table was large enough to sit about eight people and looked warm and inviting. The walls in the kitchen were done in a sandy brown and there were several cabinets, a sink, and a stove in one end.

There was a room behind the kitchen that Poppy opened to reveal a large circular room done in a soft grey with blue stripes. The room was equipped with several trunks, weights, and other a number of strange items such as a large mirror and something that looked like an old television ariel. Alastor said, "That is my exercise space where I practice dueling and other things. The room is warded so you can't get in without me, it's not that I don't trust you, it's just that there are some things in there that are dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. I don't want any of you getting hurt accidentally."

Harry, and Dudley both nodded, but they couldn't help gazing curiously at the room trying to figure out what all the strange devices did.. Poppy led them to another door just to the left of the book case and opened it to reveal a massive library. The room was a soft lavender color and the shelves were packed with books. Poppy explained, "We keep the books we use most or are currently reading in the living room, but the main collection in here. You can go in here and read whatever you like, the book shelves have been warded so that you don't have to worry about accidentally picking up anything dangerous." There was a second door form the library that Poppy opened to reveal a room with a long table covered in glass beakers, motors and pestles, scales, and several cauldrons and fire spots. Poppy explained, "This is my potions lab, Severus Snape is the Potions Master here at Hogwarts, but sometimes it's necessary for me to brew my own stock. This room is also warded because many of the ingredients are sensitive and can be dangerous if you don't know what you are doing."

They headed back out to the library, Poppy pointed to a door next to the fire place and said, "that is our room and these are your rooms." She opened another door and led them to a huge bedroom that looked like two really large rooms sitting side by side. The room was designed with a forest mural, there was a beautiful waterfall spilling into a stream with a cliffs going off either side, the forest clearing was full of trees and incredible creatures. The leaves and trees danced with birds and little sparkling creatures that Poppy said were fairies, there were dragons flying above the canopy as well as pegusus and birds of every kinds. Centaurs roamed freely along the forest side by side with wolves, stags, bears, unicorns with gleaming white coats and shinning silver horns and several creatures Harry didn't recognize, including one that looked like it was half-bird half horse.

The room had five beds, two were lofted right near the ceiling. One of the lofted beds looked like it was part of a cliff face, it was grey with a stone pattern and soft black sheets and a blanket. The second lofted bed was made after a wing of a golden eagle. The bed flowed out from the wall and had sheets and a blanket patterned after the eagles featers.

The other tree beds were on the floor and equally amazing, one was black and sunk back towards the wall, it looked like a cave (or a wolf's den) the bed looked like it was made of dark grey stone and was made in a circular frame. The sheets and blanket had a large timber wolf on them standing under a full moon. The second bed was round and looked like a birds nest with little blue pillows that looked like eggs in the nest. The third bed was a golden wood and looked like it was made up off the roots of the three that was painted on the walls. The sheets and blanket were green with a leafy pattern and seemed to be made of twisted branches and knotted woods. Each of the beds had an accompanying nightstand that looked like mushrooms and there were three wardrobes that looked like cliff sides and moss covered stones and three desks that looked like different bushes, ivy, lilac, and blackberry.

Harry gasped, "this is….amazing, thank you. No one's ever…thank you."

Dudley stuttered, "Yes, I don't know how to…it's beautiful."

Daisy meanwhile had instantly dived into the bird nest shaped bed and pointed at the wall, "Ella, Ella." Harry looked over and saw that several of the birds painted on the walls were the same birds featured in Cinderella.

Harry laughed, "Yes, Ella."

Alastor said, "You're both welcome."

Poppy piped in with, "We had the house elves set this up for you. We thought that with everything you're going through right now you needed a sanctuary to get away from everything and everyone, and this could be that place for you."

Dudley and Harry just stood there gapping not sure what to do. Harry felt completely overwhelmed, no one had ever done anything so nice for him in his entire life, this on top of the clothes yesterday was just so much for him to take in. Daisy giggled as she spun around in the bird nest bed, Harry snickered and instantly walked over to the rock bed, he really wanted to take the bed that looked like a birds wing, but he didn't want to be so far away from Daisy when she woke up in the night.

As they got over their shock Alastor held out a small bottle, "I know you all want the chance to explore, but we do need to get going."

Harry turned his eyes from the dragon flying majestically across the mural and walked over to Alastor, Daisy whimpered slightly, she obviously didn't like the idea of using a portkey again (Harry personally couldn't blame her for that). Harry squeezed her shoulder and said, "It's o.k., we're going to use it to see Finn."

Daisy brightened at her best friends name and hesitantly reached out to touch the bottle, Harry, Dudley, and Poppy all took hold as well. A moment later there was the feeling of being yanked by the navel and they were off. They landed in Mrs. Figg's living room, Harry blinked as Mrs. Figg came in and smiled at the sight of them, "Oh, it's good to see you again."

Mrs. Figg turned to the three children and asked, "How are you dearies?"

Daisy clapped, "We gotta new room, it's a forest! My bed's a birdie's nest!"

Mrs. Figg laughed as Dudley said, "it's true, you should see our new room it's absolutely incredible."

Harry, for his part couldn't stop grinning, "It's amazing."

Mrs. Figg nodded, "I'm glad to see you all so happy. Will we have time to catch up?"

Poppy said, "Of course, do you think we'd leave without having tea first?"

Mrs. Figg said, "Well, if you had I'd have never let you hear the end of it."

Alastor hung his cloak on the wall and pulled an ordinary bowler hat out of the folds, Alastor wore a pair of loose black muggle trousers and a deep blue long sleeved shirt. He put the bowler hat on and titled it so that his eye was covered. Poppy removed her own cloak to reveal a simple green summer dress that stopped just past her knees and serviceable pair of shoes. Alastor looked around using his magical eye, then pulled out his wand and muttered a series of spells Harry couldn't hear. After a few moments Alastor turned and said, "The street is clear, no dark magic."

Poppy stood and said, "Alright, Arabella we'll be back at 2 for tea, I'm sorry we have to go so quickly right now, but there is a great deal to do."

Mrs. Figg asked, "Would you like me to sent Mr. Tibbs and the others to keep an eye on things?"

Alastor Prompted, "If I said no would that actually stop you from sending them?"

Mrs. Figg gave a knowing look, "Probably not."

Alastor said, "It's a good idea to have as many eyes around as possible."

Mrs. Figg whistled and a moment later three cats appeared in the living room, Harry recognized them as Mr. Tibbs, Furrball, and Kit. The three cats rubbed against them and then stood in a line as Mrs. Figg nodded proudly.

Harry felt his mind start to swirl while Dudley asked, "Why are we taking cats with us?"

Alastor said, "they're not regular cats, they're magical and Arabella has trained them well to detect signs of dark magic or those who would do us harm. It may sound crazy, but these animals are some of the best back-up you can possibly have."

Daisy instantly started petting Furball and Harry shook his head in amusement, he was slowly getting used to weird things happening every time he turned around. The five of them left Mrs. Figg's house and walk down the block to number 4. At first the three cats followed after them like some type of honor guard, but after a few moments they each skittered off in their own direction.

The house looked basically the same as it had when they had left, but there had been some changes. The mailbox was stuffed full of letters (none of which were for Harry or Dudley) and the flower beds were wilting slightly from lack of care, and the lawn was somewhat overgrown because it hadn't been mowed in nearly two weeks.

They wrenched their way into the bordered up front door and instantly went upstairs. Harry and Daisy went upstairs with Dudley, Alastor, and Poppy following. Harry opened the door to the room he and Daisy had shared for the past three years and looked around. The room was the same pink that Harry had painted it when Petunia found out she was pregnant, and all their things were exactly as Harry had left them.

Harry sighed heavily and asked, "Where do we start?"

Alastor pulled a small trunk out of his pocket, it looked like something from a dollhouse, Alastor pulled out his wand and muttered, "Engorgio." The trunk expanded to full size, Harry saw that it had a number of keyholes in it. Alastor explained, "each keyhole is for a different compartment." Alastor bent down and unlocked the first compartment and said, "Alright Harry you first, stand next to me please."

Harry walked over and stood next to the older man curiously. Alastor put a hand on Harry's shoulder and Harry felt a thrum of magic as he said, "Pack!" a moment later all of Harry's possessions started flying across the room and packed themselves neatly in the trunk. Alastor locked the compartment and unlocked a second repeating the 'pack' spell and causing all of Daisy's items to go into the second compartment. After locking that one they proceeded to Dudley's room and did the same thing.

Harry whistled as he looked around the empty room, "You hardly needed us here for this."

Alastor said, "We did, because I needed to anchor myself to your magic so I could separate your belongings from Daisy's. Besides you all need to say good-bye to this place and see your old friends."

Harry went back to their old room and looked around, he had to admit that leaving was strange for him. Harry wouldn't miss living with Vernon and Petunia by a long shot, but he would miss this, the life that he (Harry) had shared with Daisy and Dudley and the way they had come together as a family. Harry knew that nothing would separate the three of them, but he also knew that this new situation would change the dynamics of their relationship in many ways and Harry was worried about that and about everything else to come that they would have to face.

Harry walked downstairs with Dudley following close behind, Dudley knew exactly where Harry was going and wanted to be there if Harry needed help. Sure enough Harry walked straight down to the cupboard under the stairs and opened it up, Harry stepped inside without even thinking about it, this was it, his bedroom for the first seven years that he had lived here. Most people would hate having to live in a broom cupboard, but Harry had actually liked it, yes the cupboard was small and full of spiders and dust would fall from the rafters when people walked up and down the stairs, but at the same time it had been the one place in the entire house that Harry had truly had to himself. This cupboard had been the only space that was truly his, the only thing that the Dursley's could not invade (mostly because they couldn't fit inside). Harry's cupboard had been the only place that he could really claim as his own and the only sanctuary he'd had against his aunt and uncle.

Harry's bedroom was not a separate space like the cupboard because it was too easy for the Dursley's to come and go and being in the bedroom had made Harry more visible to his uncle. When he lived in the cupboard it had been easier for Harry to go about relatively unseen and therefore avoid punishment, but after moving to the bedroom it was easier for Vernon to remember that Harry was in the house and available for whatever punishment Vernon felt the need to inflict.

Harry stood in the small space and closed his eyes as memories of the years in this house passed through his eyes. Harry remembered with a sharp pang the loneliness he'd felt in this house. Harry had realized at a very young age that nothing he ever said or did would be good enough to earn the Dursley's love or even their approval, Harry had known almost immediately good would never be good enough for them. It had been painful having no one to confide in or trust when he was young, having no friends (thanks to Dudley and his gang) being truly isolated had been a harsh and difficult pain to live with and still was. Harry also remembered the fear he'd lived in, fear of his uncle and the his uncle's temper and fear of whatever punishment Vernon felt the need to dole out onto Harry for whatever reason.

Then Harry remembered the overwhelming fear and incredible frustration he'd felt when Daisy had been given into his care, the joy at finally making peace with Dudley and amazing but exhausting task of raising Daisy since she was an infant. Harry remembered the thrill he'd felt the first time Daisy had called him 'Papa' and the joy he'd had seeing her take her first steps. Harry felt several tears fall down his face as he recalled his life here, the good, the bad, and everything in between.

Dudley reached out and grabbed Harry's hand and Harry squeezed it as he ducked down to leave the cupboard for the very last time. Harry looked around the house where he had lived for the past 11 years (he would never be able to truly think of Privet Drive as home no matter what had happened here) and he felt a mixture of relief at never having to see it again and a shot of nerves at what they will have to face next.

Dudley stood looking around, Harry could see sorrow and remorse on his face and he couldn't blame Dudley for that. Unlike Harry Dudley did have pleasant memories associated with this house and Harry could tell it was hard for Dudley to face leaving behind the relationship he'd had with his parents and the life he'd lived before Daisy had been born. Harry pulled Dudley into a hug and the two of them just stood there for a few minutes trying to allow themselves to let go of the past so they could move forward with their lives.

Poppy and Alastor gave the boys their space so that they could have this moment, Daisy of course ran right up and hugged their legs as Dudley and Harry reached over and pulled her with them. Harry reached down and picked Daisy up and walked outside then turned to Daisy, "Say bye-bye house."

Daisy waved, "Bye-bye."

And Harry turned and left without looking back. They had arranged to meet Franklin, Scott, and their families at a Mrs. Figg's house that day. Number 4 wouldn't do for a meeting and having to explain the truth to two different groups of people at two different places would have been far too complicated and much too exhausting for any of them to handle. Harry arrived and saw Franklin with his brothers and parents and Scott with Fin. The second they saw Harry, Dudley, and Daisy they all rushed over and started hugging them and asking questions, "What happened to you guys?"

"Where have you been?"

"What's going on?"

"Who are these people?"

The last question was spoken by Franklin as he pointed to Poppy and Alastor, Harry took a deep breath and sat down with Dudley next to him. The two of them looked between at each other as Daisy and Finn started running around together the way they always did. Harry sighed as Dudley said, "A lot has happened, and I don't really know how to explain it to all of you, but I think we should start with the basics and tell you the truth about what happened at home."

Dudley shot Harry a curious looked and Harry nodded as he said, "There's a lot to explain so here it goes. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon hated my parents, they never wanted anything to do with them. In fact before I came to live with them Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon pretended Aunt Petunia didn't have a sister. They were furious when I came to live with them and they made sure that I knew it. From the day I got there Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon treated me as a burden or a slave. They never fed me properly, they had me do all the chores, they never bought me proper clothes, and never took care of me really. When Daisy was born, everything was fine. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon were happy, but then strange thing started happening around Daisy. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon said it was my fault so they made Daisy my responsibility."

Everyone looked horrified, but Harry continued, "I have been raising Daisy since she was three months old, changing her, feeding her, everything. I used the money from lawn mowing and stuff to pay for everything. Dudley helped me as much as he could with his paper route and other things, but it was never easy. Whenever something went wrong Vernon and Petunia would beat me."

Without a word, Scott, Franklin, and their parents all got up and gave Harry and Dudley a hug. They stood there for a long time before finally breaking apart then Harry and Dudley continued, they told them everything about everything. Harry even went so far as to show them his scars (once Finn and Daisy had left the room of course) by the time they were done talking there wasn't a dry eye in the room. Scott and Franklin's mothers both came over and pulled to two boys into hugs saying, "I'm so sorry." And "you should have told us."

Harry pulled back and said, "I couldn't risk it, if I told you we might have been separated and I couldn't stand that, but now we don't have to worry. We're going to be together forever and you need to know why. Dudley, Daisy, and I aren't normal kids, we have magic."

Everyone laughed thinking Harry was trying to make a joke, but Alastor stepped forward and took his hat off, "He isn't lying." Alastor took out his wand and said, "Expecto Patronum!" a hug white Adder came bursting out of his wand and flew across the room. Several people screamed, Finn's mother rushed to pick her and Daisy up, but the two girls merely laughed and clapped.

Poppy stepped forward, "Oh honestly Alastor, you could have broken it to them a bit more gently than that. Please listen to me, we are not dangerous and magic is not evil. Magic is a tool and how a witch or wizard chooses to use that magic makes it positive or negative. Magic is everywhere, it came into existence when this world was created and will not leave us until this world has ended (a/n yes I stole this line form Merlin for anyone who didn't figure it out) we are not going to hurt you or your children and neither are they."

Poppy pointed to Harry, Daisy, and Dudley, "Harry, Daisy, and Dudley are exactly the same people they were a few moments ago, it's just now you know exactly who and what they are. If you do not feel this is a burden you wish to share then say so now and you will forget everything and never have to know it again, but I warn you that the relationship you have with these children will never be the same if you do. In fact you might never see them again."

The room was silent as everyone starred around, clearly looking for who would speak first, unsurprisingly Franklin stepped forward, "I don't know much about this magic stuff, and I really don't care. Harry's one of my best friends, he has been for years and I'm not going to walk away from that for anything."

Scott stepped forward, "me to."

The adults and older children looked around. Finally, Franklin's older brother came forward and cuffed Harry over the head, "Well Harry magic or not you're still a scrawny little twerp."

Harry blew a raspberry as Scott's mother Jessica and his father Ralph stepped forward. Jessica said, "this is a lot to take in, but I know you are right. I've known Harry for years and I know he doesn't have a single evil bone in his body and if he has magic then I can't see any problem with it."

Ralph bit his lip, "this is weird, but I trust you both and I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt. I figure it's the least that's ode to you after what you've all been through."

Franklin's parents agree as well and Alastor and Poppy explained about Voldemort and Hogwarts. Franklin gaped, "So you guys won't be going to school here or even living here?"

Harry shook his head, "I'm afraid not, but we can still come and visit and write to each other and everything."

Poppy said, "I'm sure I can make arrangements for you to come visit Hogwarts once and a while as well."

All the children's faces lit up and Harry and Dudley both started to talk at once,

"Yeah it'll be great, there's so much we want to show you guys."

"The castle is wicked, the staircases and pictures all move, and there's all these weird creatures around."

"And maybe you can see some people fly, witches and wizards really do travel on brooms you know."

It didn't take long for the kids to get wrapped up in telling each other everything about Hogwarts and making excited plans for the visit. The rest of the afternoon was spent explaining how they could all keep in touch and what would be happening to Harry, Dudley, and Daisy legally. Franklin and Scott's family's both offered to come and support the three children during the hearing, but Poppy explained that it was a closed proceeding and they wouldn't be allowed to attend. All in all it was a wonderful day, and when Harry went to bed that night he couldn't help feeling as though an enormous weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Meanwhile, many miles away in a cell in the Ministry of magic a woman sat on a small cot crying into her hands and feeling as though it was getting more and more difficult just to keep herself from losing her mind. She had been her for over a day, they had brought her food and water, but hadn't answered any of her questions, she had no idea where her husband or her son where, nor did she know what was going to happen to her next. She had been wrongfully taken from her home and locked in here and she was terrified of what was to come next.

Almost on cue the door opened and a portly man in a dark blue wizards robe wearing a lime green bowler hat on his head entered the room along with a tall thin man with brown hair and a large bald spot in the middle, and a plump black haired woman who walked with a limp on her left leg. And a younger man with blonde hair and a stiff blue eyes

The man with the bowler spoke, "Mrs. Dursley, my name is Cornelius Fudge, and I am the Minister of magic. This is Richard Affis" he gestured to the man with the bald spot, "Of the Department of Wizarding Child affairs. This." He gestured to the woman, "Is Gabriel Pitman of the Department of magical law enforcement. And this" he gestured to the younger man, "Is Peter Wilkes who will be recording the proceedings. We are here to discuss the charges being brought against you in regards to the care of Harry, Dudley, and Daisy Potter. Do you understand?"

Petunia Dursley looked up, her once perfectly kept hair was now dirty and messed from constantly running her fingers through it. Her eyes were red and puffy with tears and she wore a simple grey dress that didn't suit her at all. Petunia looked up and starred frightfully at the three wizards before choking out the question she'd been asking the guards all day and hoping this time she would get an answer, "where's my husband?"

Bum, bum bum, cliffie, I know evil. More Petunia and Vernon next chap, and maybe a little Harry and snape, my schedule has improved so ideally I'll be able to update more now, but no promises. Please enjoy and review.