Harry Potter was not stupid. He knew theoretically why he appeared on the roof of his school as bullies were chasing him. Magic. He may have decided he was mad if not for being starved and given detention for doing it. The bullies, his cousin among them, seemed wary of him after the fact, but not afraid. Their attacks more reluctant and hesitant.
It was May of the year he would turn Eleven when he really understood what set him apart. He was magic. Harry had accomplished amazing magical feats since that day in school when he was six. He could move from place to place with ease; an ability he used to scare his aunt into feeding him properly. It was a rare bit of fun as well because she would scream just so but break off into nervous chuckles as if he were just being a kid. As if he could just be a kid in their house. Vernon ignored him almost entirely after multiple falls down the stairs and stubborn broken bones that just wouldn't heal. And sweet dumb Dudley. He glared from afar but made no more moves against Harry after finding himself without the ability to talk for two days. Petunia asked Harry very politely if there was anything she could do for him to let him have his voice back.
"As it happens yes. I want his second bedroom. Immediately."
She pursed her lips at that but gave a stiff nod. Harry was rather pleased at the angry stomping as Dudley cleared out his obnoxious number of toys from the second bedroom. Harry smirked as he broke easily into a sweat from the physical activity. He was rather large at this point. Like father like son. Once the room was spotless Dudley looked at his cousin imploringly.
"I hope you know what will happen if you anger me further." Harry said evenly and snapped his fingers. Dudley coughed experimentally and gave a relieved albeit frightened smile to him before leaving the room. Harry surveyed all the space, contemplating how to arrange his things. But first he needed the things.
"Petunia. Did my parents leave me anything? Money?" He asked her at dinner, at which he was now allowed at his leisure.
Vernon studiously ignored his existence whilst petunia nodded slowly.
"We are not given access to it. I know the people who brought you to us will have that information."
"How do I contact them?"
She frowned. "I only have a name. I don't actually know."
Harry cocked his head, "And I'm too assume this person is magical as I am."
She flinched as did Dudley. Vernon turned red but said nothing.
"Yes…as were your…. parents."
"After dinner, please fetch me the name."
Dudley looked longingly at the last two pieces of bacon. Harry sighed and took one before giving him the other.
"Moderation and self-control go a long way, Dudley. You don't want to end up like your father, do you?"
Vernon dropped his fork onto his plate whilst Harry eyed him evenly.
"Well? You are very unhealthy. You probably wont live to see Dudley marry, or even graduate. But you don't even care much about him or Petunia, do you? They're props for you. I see how you ignore that Petunia doesn't eat every day, or how she cries after you forcibly touch her, or how Dudley copies you in hopes to earn your love. The only good thing you do is bring in enough money for them."
Vernon turned purple and clutched his chest.
"Petunia, feel free to call the ambulance, but he does have a wonderful insurance policy. Up to you." Harry happily ate the last of his bacon and gulped down his orange juice.
She avoided looking at Vernon as he slumped over and fell from his chair. Dudley did the same.
Petunia fetched the name and Harry was informed that the letter came by owl.
Harry looked at the letter she received and concluded that he would need to move his own letter as he did when he teleported.
"Thank you, Petunia."
Harry moved at least his bed to the new room and wrote a carefully worded letter to the headmaster of Hogwarts that he required his banking key and all access to what his parents left him.
Harry helped himself to a long shower; when he returned a package lay on his bed.
Inside was instructions to the wizarding bank, as well as the list for his schoolbooks. The letter also addressed him personally.
"Dearest Harry,
I am very surprised to hear from you and am awfully curious as to how you sent your letter to me as magic for underage wizards is not allowed outside of Hogwarts. I have attached your Gringotts key. It is very important you do not lose it. I look forward to meeting you when term starts on the first of September. Be careful venturing into the wizarding world. You are quite famous amongst us. I would personally go with you, but I am unwell.
Regards,
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore
Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry put his shoes on and tied his laces with a smile he couldn't hide. When he opened his door however he heard crying.
Petunia was putting on a wonderful show of tears as they police questioned her. Dudley sat next to her with a pale face and his eyes caught Harry's.
"Mrs. Dursley, I am sorry for your loss."
And they were gone taking his body with them.
"I'm going to go to my bank and buy some things for school and my room."
Harry took in the messy kitchen and dining table. With a wave of his hand everything was cleaned and put away. Dudley let out a little squeak and Petunia closed her eyes.
"Harry, are you going to hurt us?" She asked shakily.
"No! Of course not. I like giving you a bit of a scare, that's true. You do know I didn't kill him, right? His heart gave out because he got so worked up. He was very unhealthy Petunia."
She nodded looking relieved. "I am sorry."
Harry nodded. "I appreciate that. Maybe things can get better. I'll be back."
He walked into the back yard and teleported to the location on the instructions. When he appeared outside some bricks he was confused. He put his hand on them and they began separating to allow him through. The whole place was bustling with people and very loud.
Harry spotted the bank right away, it was enormous. When he entered it was unnervingly quiet. The things at the counters were so ugly and looked mean.
But who could be meaner than Vernon?
"Hello, I would like to enter my vault."
The thing looked down at Harry with a sneer. "And do you have your vault key."
Harry set it on the ledge between them.
"GRIPHOOK!"
Harry jumped at the shout and another one of those things wondered up to him.
"Please take Mr. Potter to his vault."
The ride there was a great bit of fun to Harry. Like being on a rollercoaster. He had a wide grin on his face when they came to his vault.
"Sir, I have a question."
The thing looked at him blankly.
"What are you?"
Its eyes widened. "I am a goblin. Have you lived under a rock?"
Harry laughed. "No, but almost. I've lived in the muggle world. Had no idea about any of this till recently."
The goblin didn't know what to make of that and they both entered the vault.
Harry was beside himself with glee.
An hour later with a debit card set up to allow magical money and pounds he was a very happy ten-year-old.
Harry wondered through the magical town and saw a wand shop. When the bell rang as he entered a man with funny hair scuffled out of the back.
"Ahh, well hello young man. What is your name?"
"Harry Potter, Sir. Do all wizards use wands?"
He blinked. "Well yes. Only very practiced and powerful wizards and witches can do magic without a wand."
Harry pondered that. "Well, most students at Hogwarts will have one won't they?"
The man nodded. "Yes. You need it to do magic, Mr. Potter."
"No, I don't. I can do magic just fine without it. But for show I suppose I will get one. How do we do this?"
"I…will be back in a moment."
He returned with about a dozen wand boxes. Harry appraised each of them with scrutiny.
"This one looks rather nice."
The man stammered. "Mr. Potter, you do not choose a wand based on looks. You must see if your magic is conducive to the wand."
Harry was a bit annoyed. "Well, how was I supposed to know that if I didn't even know I needed a wand?"
The man looked abashed.
Harry picked up the wand he admired, and it felt so odd in his hand.
He moved it in a circle motion that he used often with his hands. The dust around the room rose and disappeared. This place was rather filthy.
Harry set the broom and mop to work and a cloth to wipe the abundant stickiness everywhere.
"You really should take better care of your store…Mr…"
"Ollivander."
He cleared the gunk away from the sign on his counter so you could see what it said.
"Is there some kind of spell I should try to see if it is a good match?" Harry asked causally.
"No. You picked well, Mr. Potter. I will get you rung up?"
Harry nodded admiring the wand. It was alright he supposed. What difference did it make if he could do the same without it, though?
He paid 7 knuts for his wand and spied a holster to go with for another 9 knuts.
"Thank you, Mr. Ollivander."
"Umm yes thank you Mr. Potter for…the cleaning."
Harry left the shop and wandered down the street to the robe shop. Another boy with blonde hair was there getting his robes too. The woman looked up with a smile.
"Well, hello there. Here for school robes?"
"Yes, Ma'am."
She beamed at the response.
"How does this fit Draco?" She said turning back to the boy.
"Horribly. It is much too tight here, and too loose here. Don't you do this for a living?" He said snobbily.
Harry gritted his teeth.
"Draco, is it? You might want to watch your tone when speaking to a lady." Harry said coming up to them. The woman looked amused.
"It is quiet alright Lad. He is always this way."
"That is not an excuse, and you are enabling bad behavior. How would you like someone to talk to your mother that way? And be meaner?"
The boy turned red and sneered at him. "Who are you and what do you care?"
"I care because bullies make me angry. I'm Harry Potter."
Draco's mouth fell open. "You are Harry Potter?"
"Yes. I was raised in the muggle world so I've no idea why you and everyone seems to know who I am. You will be nicer to her as she helps you with your robes or you'll find yourself not able to talk for a while."
He scoffed. "What does it matter? She's just an old woman."
Harry sighed and waved his hand. Draco tried to talk and then yell but found he could not.
"You will do well to let her finish." Harry said and glared him into submission. Finally, he gave a curt nod, and it was smooth sailing from then on.
Harry gave his voice back after the robes were done.
"Draco…just so you know this threat continues at Hogwarts. Tread carefully." Harry warned.
"Draco? Who is the friend you've made?"
A copy of Draco loomed over them but with longer hair.
"No one father. Let's go. I'm very hungry."
The man scowled. "You had a big dinner last night Draco. You must keep in shape."
Draco sulked.
"Excuse me. It is 2 in the afternoon. Are you saying he has not eaten since dinner last night?" Harry interjected.
The man looked at him surprised. "Yes, and who are you?"
"Harry Potter. And you are going to go get him lunch right now." Harry said firmly.
The man laughed.
"You cannot tell me what to do, boy."
"No, but I'm sure there's someone I can tell that won't like that you are starving your son. Food is a human right, and it should not be a parenting tool or a disciplining tool. If you will not go, get him lunch than I will."
Draco looked at Harry wide eyed throughout the conversation.
The man scoffed. "My son is coming with me."
"Only if you are going to feed him. Actually. Why don't the three of us go have some lunch? I have lots of questions why people know my name. I've been raised by muggles. Lead the way."
The man looked puzzled. "I am not going to pay for you-
"I can pay for myself, thank you. Stop being a coward. Draco where do you like to eat?"
He mumbled the sandwich shop across the way.
"Perfect! You can tell me what you like from there."
Harry pulled Draco with him to the restaurant and funnily enough his father eventually followed and sat down.
Once food was ordered, and Draco ordered exactly what he wanted, Harry smiled.
"So, how am I famous?"
The man looked very uncomfortable. "You are the only person to survive the killing curse. The same curse that killed your mother and father. A dark wizard who is now dead was responsible."
Harry pushed his hair up. "Is that where this came from?"
"Yes. I would assume so."
"Where are my parents buried?"
"I don't know."
"Godric's Hallow. Where they were killed." Draco spoke up. Harry looked at him curiously.
"I read about you in a book." He said embarrassedly.
The food came then, and Draco hesitantly started eating.
"Stop glaring at him for eating. You have never been starved, have you? Have you ever experienced that pain or worried when you might eat again? No? Then sit there and shut up."
"Listen here boy, I am Lucius Malfoy. That name is very important in this world. You would do well to remember that."
Harry pondered that. "Is it more important than mine, Lucius?"
He flushed just a little.
"Well, then you should do well to remember that."
They ate their food happily after that. Draco kept glancing at Lucius as he continued to eat.
"Well, I've got to go get my robes and my books. I will know if you punish him for this and it won't end up well for you. He is your son. Do you really want to hurt him by withholding food? He is plenty fit."
Draco flushed and kept his gaze down.
Lucius glared. "You are a boy and don't understand about being a parent."
"No. Mine are dead, Arent they? Do you love him?"
Draco sighed. "No, he doesn't. I'm not smart enough or brave enough. He is never happy with anything I do. He hates me most of the time."
Lucius looked horrified by his son's statement.
"Draco…I…I do love you. Of course, I do."
Draco looked up at him hopefully. "Really?"
Lucius nodded looking ashamed. Draco burst into tears and launched himself into Lucius's arms. Harry smiled happily to himself.
"Well, I'll leave you to it. See you at school Draco."
He had his head buried in his father's cloak and Lucius watched Harry Potter walk away as if he hadn't just changed everything.
Once his robes were finished, he walked a way to an animal shop. The school list said he could get an animal.
He saw a beautiful white owl who was terribly fond of the black one next to her.
"Miss? Are these owls' siblings?" Harry asked the shop owner.
She shook her head. "No, they've just taken a liking to each other. It will break my heart to separate them."
"Like mates?" Harry clarified.
"Yes."
"How much for them both?"
She beamed widely. "It will be 25 galleons a piece."
Harry asked her for as much information about them and their care as he could. He sent their cages and essentials to his room and let them rest on his shoulders as he moved onto the book shop. After all, seven of his schoolbooks were selected he looked for other magic topics. He found that Ancient Runes was an elective offered at Hogwarts. He asked the shop keeper her favorite subject at Hogwarts. She said she rather liked Defense against the dark arts, but Arithmancy was fun as well if you liked numbers.
"Runes? They don't let students enroll in it until 3rd year." She informed him.
"Well than I will have a head start."
She pondered that. "Well, I'll stick this book in here for free. Might want to keep it to yourself though."
Harry left the shop 70 galleons lighter. The rest of his shopping would be done in the muggle world, so he touched his owls lightly and appeared in his bedroom. They immediately settled into their straw beds and Harry set out some food for them.
Harry shut his bedroom door and found Dudley sitting on the couch looking into space. The Tv wasn't even on.
"Where Petunia?"
"She started drinking whisky and passed out in her room." Dudley said.
"Hmmm. Well, get your shoes on. I'm going to the shops to get some things for my room. It'll do you no good to sit here alone."
"We're obviously traveling by magic. I'm not going to let you get hurt, I promise."
Dudley nodded and took Harry's arm.
They appeared behind the furniture store in town. They walked around to the front and Dudley appeared unbothered by the magical travel.
"Mum says it'll be four weeks until the insurance approves the pay out." Dudley said.
"That's why she was drinking because she doesn't know how to make the bills until then. Dad…didn't allow her to have access to the bank."
"I'll take care of it. Why don't you pick out a new gaming chair? Yes, it's really okay." Harry said and a couple hours later Harry had a new desk, chair, bed and tv. Dudley was gazing at him in awe when he sent all their things into their rooms.
"Let's get some junk food from the market."
Once their arms were full of frozen pizza, soda, and sweets they went home. Harry invited Dudley into his room and that sat on his comfy bed with their sweets watching tv.
An hour later Petunia came in looking alarmed.
"Is…everything okay?"
"Yes, Mum. Harry was very nice to me." Dudley said firmly.
"Dudley said the pay out for insurance will be awhile. I can help you get access to the bank. Just tell me when." Harry told her.
She closed her eyes. "I don't deserve your kindness, Harry."
"You shouldn't do things for people based on what they deserve."
She left Harry and Dudley to their sports and Harry heard her crying downstairs.
"What is something that might cheer her up, Dudley?"
He mumbled the answer.
"What?"
"She's been asked Dad for a new mirror in the bathroom for three years because he broke it one night. He always said he would for her birthday, but never did."
"It is just cracked or something?"
"Yeah, real bad too."
"Come on."
Dudley and Harry entered the domain that was previously off limits. Sure, the door was locked, but with Harry around that was moot. The room was cold as ice and the curtains blocked the sunlight through the windows. The bed was a king but without sheets.
They entered the bathroom where Harry saw how broken and cracked the mirror was. He waved his hand and the cracks disappeared.
"That was cool."
Harry and Dudley grinned at each other for the first time in their lives. Then they heard a rattling. Dudley frowned and pulled the bathroom door shut so they could see behind it. There was a small square door with a bolt lock, so Harry waved his hand to open it.
Dudley knelt to look inside and cried out. A small…person…crawled out and launched themselves to Harry's legs.
Harry gently touched its long-matted hair and concluded this was a girl.
"Hi. What's your name?" Harry asked trying to be calm. Nothing about this was okay, he knew. A girl kept in a little crawlspace.
"I don't have a name. Please I'm so thirsty." She begged. Harry snapped at Dudley to act normal and get a glass of water from the kitchen.
She smelled horribly and had a pair of stretchy shorts they mustn't have been washed ever.
Dudley came back with a tall glass of water. Harry didn't hand it over right away.
"If you haven't had water in a while, you should drink slow."
She cradled the glass as she drank very slow gulps.
"Any ideas dud?" Harry whispered trying to recall any chance that Petunia had another baby at some point in the last 6 years.
"When you went to that detention center when...
"I was 6. I was gone for 4 days. Did something happen?"
"Yeah, Mum was screaming and so was Dad. I didn't see Mum until you came back, and she wasn't the same."
"So, would you like to take a bath? You smell pretty terrible." Harry said finally. She blinked up at him.
"What is a bath?"
Harry spent a long while explaining the whole concept. When he showed her his arm, clean and how hers was dirty she looked hopeful that it could look the same.
"Okay, we'll both be right here, but we will turn away because boys aren't supposed to see girls undressed, okay? But we can help if you need us too."
"Okay."
Harry drew the water just barely halfway and luke warm. She gasped when she was in the tub and laughed.
"Oh wow."
"There are bottles in there that clean like I told you. Just don't get it in your eyes or it'll burn a little."
Harry told Dudley to go grab some boxers and a t-shirt from his things since they were smaller. When he came back Harry turned them into girl clothes the best he could. He never really saw girl clothes.
She spoke up. "The water is too dirty to keep cleaning."
"Okay I'll redo it."
Harry kept his eyes closed as he drained the water and rinsed the tub before filling it once more.
"What do you eat?" Dudley asked her in a shaking voice.
"The man brings breads and water. I don't like the man, he's mean."
"He's dead and he was mean to everyone."
She didn't say anything back to that but announced she was done. Harry offered the transformed clothes to her.
"Well. We have to tell your mum don't we?" Harry said.
Dudley shook his head. "No she will get so mad."
"How would we keep her secret?"
He looked at Harry as if it were obvious.
"Hmmm. I will try it."
He gently touched her shoulder and Dudley looked around for her.
"So, you can't see her?"
"No."
"Alrighty then. Let's go get you a name."
Dudley latched the lock again and the three of them went to Harry's room. Now that she was cleaned up, she looked more like Harry than Dudley.
"We have the same eyes!" Harry said with a smile. She returned it shakily and moved closer to him.
Harry listed off a bunch of girl names as did Dudley.
She decided on Kylie and wanted Harry's last name because it was certainly nicer than Dursley. Dudley pretended to be put out by that and that got the three of them laughing.
Petunia came to the door having been crying and Kylie gasped in a breath.
"Did…you go into the bathroom Harry?"
"Yes, I did. We fixed the mirror for you because you are so sad." Harry said evenly.
"Oh…yes. Thank you. I've wanted it fixed for ages. Did you find anything else in there-?
"No, we didn't see anything else at all."
Petunia closed her eyes. "I have to go away for a while. A few days. I don't want to bother anyone, you see. I know you're both big boys and can take care of yourselves for a short while."
"Sure, Aunt Petunia. I'm sure the bathroom is perfectly fine and safe." Harry said just as evenly. She blinked and blew out a shaky breath.
"That is so wonderful. I was always so…. worried about that bathroom but Vernon would never allow me to take proper care of it. Or see it much at all."
"This is my mum, isn't it?" Kylie whispered.
"Well Dudley and I will take very good care of the bathroom and ourselves while you're away. If we decide to go anywhere, we will leave a detailed note on your pillow. Everything will be okay, Aunt Petunia. When I fixed the mirror, I really liked the color of my eyes in the reflection."
Petunia touched her mouth. "Those eyes are my father's. I…really must go. I…love you all."
And she was gone and out the door.
"Harry…she's not coming back, is she?" Dudley asked frightened.
"She might. But first go get the new camera from Christmas."
"So, kylie, that was a lot, but you've got me and Dudley. Nothing to worry about."
She nodded looking doubtful. When Dudley came back, they scooted in together for a picture. Kylie hugged on Harry's arms with a shy smile.
The evening went on and Kylie got some food. When they were both asleep Harry sealed the photo in an envelope and sent it into Petunia's suitcase. He also went downstairs to make sure everything was turned off and no fires would start.
Harry woke up with a small warm body on top of his. Dudley also had a foot into his neck. When he tried to move Kylie put him in a choke hold that had him laughing.
"Kylie."
She jerked awake and had an accident. There was a beat of silence while she fought her tears.
"Hey, it's okay. It's super easy to clean up. Duds and I have loads more practice than you do. I'm sure you'll get it in no time."
She looked relieved and the three of them got cleaned up. Harry made them breakfast instructing her to eat extremely slowly and not very much. Dudley was taking his time to explain the things she was eating and what they were made from.
While they were chatting and eating Harry delved into his spell books trying to put together a failsafe. If Petunia didn't come back, which he didn't think she would, then he needed to take care of Kylie and Dudley. They would not be separated.
It was 47 days until September 1st when he needed to leave to go to Hogwarts. As it looked now; he had to try and find a way for them to come as well. Would be some much easier if they were both magic.
He paused on that thought. Was he sure they weren't? They were family after all.
He asked Dudley to hold his wand. The moment he touched it a fire lit on the couch. Harry yanked it back and put the fire out before the smoke detector went off.
"It's alright. Happens. Would you hold it, Kylie? Be a brave girl?"
She nodded and touched the wand. A bright white light hushed over them and when Harry took the wand back snow covered every inch of the dining room. After consulting his books no one without magic could cause anything by touching a wand. Dudley was a year younger than him so that would explain no letter for him. But just how old was Kylie?
He looked through all his books and found a spell to tell your age in the medical section of care of magical creatures.
He used his hand not the wand however because he suspected they tracked magic through wands.
Kylie was 11. She was so small….
"Kylie, this says you are eleven years old! That's older than Dudley."
She looked lost. "I only know that the man said he was going to find something else to do with me because I was getting so big. But I make myself a bit smaller on purpose because I thought he was going to make me dead."
Kylie shook out her shoulders and shot up two inches and slightly around too.
"Well problem solved."
And thus, a full-fledged plan for all of them to attend Hogwarts come September First was hatched.
Harry found Kylie's letter in the mail the following day. There was no option of Dudley not coming.
So, Harry reached out the headmaster asking him to come meet him or send someone in his place.
Two days later
There was a hard knock on the door. Harry took a breath and opened it.
"Hello, Mr. Potter. My name is Professor McGonagall." A woman with a funny hat and funnier glasses.
"Hello, please come in." Harry led her to the living room where tea was being served. Kylie and Dudley sat closely a little scared.
"Guys it's okay. She isn't going to hurt you. I wouldn't let her." Harry told them.
"My dear boy, why would they think-
"My uncle, their father, died of a heart attack about a week ago. Four days ago my Aunt Petunia packed her bags and said she would be back in a couple days. None of us believe she is returning. Kylie here was imprisoned in a crawlspace by that man. Dudley is one year younger than me. Kylie and I are the same age. I asked you here because we don't want to be separated and we all want to attend Hogwarts together. So, we ask you to make an exception for Dudley. Kylie and I have received our letters."
The Professor gaped for a moment. "I…what?"
"Professor. We need an exception for Dudley to attend with Kylie and I. We are very committed to not letting this tragedy define our lives."
"Well, Harry I cannot make an exception if he does not possess magic."
Harry gave her a displeased look. "If he didn't have magic, I would not have contacted you and instead sought how to conceal him with us. He has magic."
Harry handed over his wand nodding to Dudley. The lights went out and back on.
"Well? We need to make arrangements Professor."
"You cannot attend Hogwarts without a guardian!" She spluttered.
"Well, my folks are dead. And sorry guys, I think both Petunia and Vernon are dead too. Don't you dare separate us. Someone must want a charity case. Any friends my parents had?"
Kylie clutched Harry's hand.
"Okay. Dudley you will have to work hard to keep up, but you seem like a very intelligent boy. I will set things in order. I don't feel quiet right with you three here without an adult."
"We'll be fine, but if you insist, we will endure a babysitter."
She barked a laugh. "Well, I will send someone this evening. Is there anything else?"
Kylie tightened my hand and shook it.
"Kylie has some question for you alone. Duds come on. Be careful with her." Harry warned the professor who looked at him amusedly.
Harry couldn't bring himself not to listen, but he did usher Dudley away.
"I kept myself small in that space for a long time. With magic, I mean. Now that I'm bigger I've felt some strange things. And seen blood from private places that doesn't stop. Can you explain it?"
"Oh honey, yes. This is called a menstrual cycle. It happens to every young woman until they get too old like me. It's preparing your body to have some babies someday."
Harry was partly horrified and stopped listening after that. That was too much for his brain.
The professor left shortly after, and Kylie looked much happier.
"Let's order a pizza!" Harry announced.
They splurged on two large pizza's and too much soda. With the air on high and the air blowing full force they all fell asleep on the couch.
A knock on the door brought Harry into the living. Kylie was on top if him again and he gently pushed her aside.
"Hello?" Harry asked, fully awake.
"Mr. Potter. I am sent to babysit I believe."
This man had reddish brown hair and some scars on his face.
"And who sent you? I didn't ask for a babysitter." Harry kept his gaze.
"Professor McGonagall did indeed say you three needed a babysitter for the remainder of the summer."
"And what does this Professor McGonagall do for a living?" Harry asked, still blocking his entry.
"She is deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry. As well as a long-time friend. She was my teacher as well."
Harry's unease lessened. "Okay have your wand where I can see it at all times, and you can come in."
The man seemed amused but did as asked.
"Guys, wake up. This is our babysitter."
Once they were awake Harry started the ground rules.
"Firstly, we feed ourselves. We go to sleep when we want, usually between 9-10pm and we wake around 8am. We have breakfast and a shower. We do not do chores by hand. I do them by magic. Dudley and I are teaching Kylie how to read a couple hours a day. We do not need anything from you, nor do we want anything. You are only here as part of a negotiation, and you can/will be collateral if necessary. Kylie is very fragile from being kept prisoner, I am very angry as a base line and Dudley fears everyone. Do not demand things of us and do not try and control us."
The man's mouth fell open after Harry's statement.
"You forgot to tell him he had to get his own food. We aren't feeding him."
"And I told you duds that no one around me goes without food. There's plenty, he just is making his own. Really, sir, it's best to just leave us alone."
"You three do realize that I'm the adult and you are children, don't you?"
They looked between each other. "We don't care. You are here because we allow it. I ordered a pool that arrived this morning so that is what we're doing today. Have a good day." Harry said evenly and the three of them shook off their sleepiness. It was just about noon, so he was early anyway. Professor McGonagall was here at 8am.
Harry subtly arranged the poles and the liner together. Kylie leveled the sand with her hands while Dudley put the screws into the poles. The man came outside and watched them.
"You aren't using a wand."
"No, they track magic through a wand." Harry sighed in irritation.
Harry let it go and continued his work until he was filling the pool. He taught Duds and Kylie how to summon the water without a wand and thus the pool filled faster. Kylie went inside to change into her suit while harry and Duds were already in trunks.
"You can swim if you'd like but splashing starts war." Harry said seriously. The man smiled.
"My name is Remus and I'll pass."
Harry nodded turning away from him. A scream echoed from inside and in the next second Harry was beside Kylie. She knocked a vase over and cut up her feet.
"Kylie…hey it's alright. It happens." Harry vanished the glass and lifted her up to the couch. She trembled as he cleaned her feet off. She touched the shallow cuts and they closed over.
"Good as new." Harry smiled at her hopefully.
"I'm sorry Harry, I thought I heard a voice in here and it scared me."
"Did it say anything?"
"No, it was just like a moaning or something. I want to swim." She said and ran out the back door. Remus stood in the entryway and moved aside for her.
"So, you can apparate as well."
"I don't know what that is, but if you mean teleporting, yes I've been able to for a long time. You keep pointing out my supposed strengths and I don't like it Remus. It feels like you are searching for information on my weaknesses. I will tell them to you. Their names are Dudley, Kylie, and Draco. My only weaknesses. You could starve me, I've been there. You could hurt me, but you'll hurt worse. And you could kill me, but someone's tried that already."
"Draco…
"Malfoy. I met him when getting some things in town. His father's a real piece of work."
"What-
"They are stuck up and bullies. But Draco is a copycat. He would be great if his dad would let him. We had lunch together because he wasn't letting Draco eat when he wanted. That is not okay. You never withhold food from someone. Ever."
Remus was startled by the intensity of Harry's statement.
"I was not searching for weaknesses. I was looking for what you needed help with."
"I don't need help with anything." Harry replied turning his back on him.
"Harry come in!" Dudley yelled flopping around in the pool. Kylie swirled around in circles with a goofy smile.
Harry left Remus to his thoughts and jumped in.
Four hours later with a good sunburn the three of them laid out on Harry's bed with fresh aloe and lemonade.
"He's a werewolf." Kylie said finally.
Harry looked over at her sharply. "Seriously?"
"Yeah. I don't know how I know. I just do. He's a good person though. We all know that even though you're being mean to him."
Harry gasped. "I am not being mean to him."
"Yes, you are. But it's to keep him away from us. Not because you like being mean. It's how you protect us." Dudley added slurping his lemonade.
"Hmmm. Well, I guess. When's the next full moon?"
"It just passed about a week ago. Surely the professor wouldn't send a wolfman to kill three kids. Please." Kylie said laughing. If anyone was a quick learner she was. Kylie was already able to read proficiently as well as speak properly.
"Wolfman?" Duds laughed.
"Werewolf makes him sound like an animal, which he obviously is not. He's a very nice man. He makes sure not to be alone with me or touch me. I appreciate that."
"Good. I've been watching because he unnerves me."
"Everyone unnerves you, Harry." Kylie remarked. "But he's intense like you. Very serious. Is he thinking about something good to eat or plotting a murder? No way to know."
Dudley and Harry laughed out loud.
"I'm not that bad. Am I?"
"Only a tad." Duds and Kylie said in sync.
Harry crossed his arms good naturedly.
A knock on the door interrupted their laughter.
"You may enter the domain." Kylie said in a serious voice.
Remus looked none too pleased.
"You three left tons of pizza and soda and tracked water all through the house. You can't leave it there overnight."
Harry looked at Duds and then Kylie.
"It's funny, I don't remember saying that we were going to leave it there all night. And what's funnier is I was going to do it once my aloe dried and finished my lemonade." Harry said darkly.
"Harry, your crazy is showing. Remus, we clean before bed. Please don't interrupt our routine." Kylie said in a much nicer voice.
Remus gaped at them. "You three are very disrespectful of authority. I understand that you've been through hard times but-
"But nothing. You don't know because we haven't told anyone for good reason. And what have you done to earn any respect? You are allowed to be here. As Kylie said we clean in the evening before bed. It is 7.38pm. The house was clean and orderly when you arrived, so you have no reason to doubt us. Please leave the domain."
"Harry! When you get to Hogwarts this kind of back talk and behavior will not be tolerated. If a teacher asked you to do something and you don't do it points for your houses will be lost and possible detentions. I am not just here to babysit but to decide how you will all fair at school."
The lights flickered. "So, you came under false pretenses, Wolfman."
Remus paled looking between them. "Do you want to make people afraid of you? Do you never want any friends? Acting this way is truly terrifying for me so imagine for kids your ages!"
"If you continue to shout, I will shut you up. The three of us will converse on the topic of our conduct at school and with our peers."
"You've got to listen and do more than converse-
His voice cut off. Harry turned up the Tv and the three of them sipped lemonade until he stomped away. About twenty minutes later Kylie and Harry went and cleaned everything up. Kylie asked Harry if she could sleep with him again which was a yes. All three of them were sleeping together these days.
Harry went to find Remus who was in the kitchen eating some fruit. He waved his hand. "We are going to sleep. Do not disturb us short of an emergency. Goodnight."
"Harry…You all have to…show some emotion other than meanness and sarcasm. The other students will shun you and be meaner. You have to…be nice in some way."
Harry cocked his head. "We are that way. With each other. You're some rando wolfman we don't know. We laugh and are nice to each other because we have never hurt each other…mostly. Respect is earned Wolfman."
Harry turned out the light leaving him in the dark.
The remainder of the summer passed, and they did not warm up to Wolfman that much. However, he grew to like them very much.
"Wolfman!" Kylie called coming out of Harry's room.
"Good morning, Kylie." Remus said rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"So….I want my name to read Kylie Potter. I will not accept Dursley as my name."
Remus's brain tried to catch up. "Oh. Well Yes that can be managed."
Kylie tattered on the edge of the couch pulling out the broken seams.
"Do you know any girls in the first year that I will be sorted with?"
"Well, that's the thing. You don't know what you'll be sorted into until you do. You will be fine."
Kylie looked doubtful. "I feel like they will think it's weird that I sleep with Duds and Harry."
Remus gulped. "Well, they actually separate boys and girls at Hogwarts. You will sleep in a dorm with other girls."
Kylie stood up straight. "No."
"I don't make the rules. I can assure you this one won't be bent for you."
"Why!" She seethed.
"Because it's not proper."
"I cannot sleep without someone next to me. I have to touch someone. I slept by myself for 11 long years in a tiny little hole. I will not sleep alone. I will not." She stomped her foot just once.
Remus teared up. "I will vouch for you however I can, Kylie. I can't offer you a solution because it is not up to me. I am a friend of the school, but I do not work there."
"Because you're a Wolfman?" She said tearfully.
"Partly…well mostly I suppose. Working around the full moon is a bit much for a teacher especially when my potions are often very expensive, and I cannot afford them."
"Would you want to teach there?"
"I think I might like it actually. I'm more of a nomad these days."
"You've seen other little girls right?" Kylie asked suddenly serious.
"Yes…"
"How do I compare to them? Am I taller, shorter, uglier, prettier?"
Remus was horrified but understood the questions.
"You are very pretty for a young girl. Most girls your age do things with their hair differently than you, but that's it. There are books of such things…" Remus stammered.
"My hair is red. My mum's hair and that man's hair was not red."
"Yes, but your aunt, Harry's Mum had red hair. As did your grandmother."
"Remus…can you see if my mum did kill herself or if she just needed to leave. I'm okay with either answer I just want to know."
"Yes, okay." Remus felt like things were jumping around.
"I'll make you some black coffee. Sit tight." Kylie said moving into the kitchen. Remus smiled to himself and shook out his hair.
Kylie opened the blinds a little and cracked her back after giving Remus his coffee.
"Please don't tell me what you find around the boys." She said finally and went back upstairs.
It was the most perplexing conversation he ever had with an 11-year-old girl that was for sure.
The day moved by slowly. It was August 30th and Remus could feel the nerves in each of their little bodies. He really did not know how this was going to go.
He, at Harry's bequest, shut off utilities and such for while they were gone. He then informed Remus the three of them were going out and he was not invited.
"And why may that be?"
"Because I don't want you too. It's private."
Kylie appeared next to Harry. "Harry, you are being stubborn. He can come."
"Can, but he won't."
"Why!" She complained stomping her foot. Harry blinked looking at her closer.
"Do you want him to come?"
"Yes I do."
"Why!"
"Because I think it's going to be super weird that three little kids are going everywhere with no adult."
"We don't need-
"I know! Harry, for fucks sake. I know we don't need him, but it would make things look better if he was there. You are being stubborn for no reason. I think we will draw more attention to ourselves being alone with no adult around."
Remus wisely kept the smirk off his face though he wondered where she heard such language.
Harry scowled at the ground because he wouldn't dare direct that look at her.
"I can't watch him and everyone else while we're out." He said at last.
Kylie pushed him. "He isn't someone to watch out for anymore Harry. He has been very good to us. You need to chill out. Duds if fine with him. I am fine with him. If duds didn't feel guilty for hurting, you in the past he would side with me!"
Harry blanched. "That…that's in the past he doesn't need to worry-
"Well, he does. He will always side with you and I'm his sister. But it doesn't matter. The logical thing is for Remus to escort us and that is what's happening Harry Potter." And she finished off her decree with a stomp.
"Fine."
Kylie hugged him but his scowl stayed.
Remus did not know what was going on in his head that made him distrustful. Hedwig and Stormlyn flew inside to go to sleep. They spent most of their time in the backwoods. Harry was known to go off on his own and play with them. Duds and Kylie never answered Remus's questions on where he went with them, but he always returned with torn clothes and or no clothes.
Duds came down looking tired.
"It's done." Harry announced and Kylie clapped with a grin. Duds smiled a bit and knocked Harry's shoulder.
"Can I? Please!" Kylie begged him. Dudley looked hopeful too.
"I've told you many times that this is our ace. Do you both believe he is worthy of it? He's a rando Wolfman."
Remus sighed inwardly. Harry would probably never be won over.
"Yes!" Duds and Kylie said.
Remus was fully unprepared for three animagi to transform.
Kylie was a lithe white fox, Duds a bulky white wolf, but Harry was a dragon.
And that spurred them to Apparate to a clearing very far from muggles to allow them to have the proper exercise. Harry was able to be fully grown with the right space and it truly left Remus shaking in his boots. Kylie could tackle any tree, but Duds was a true master of sprinting. No one could catch him, and they both tried. Remus sat himself on a rock and admired them fighting. It brought such bittersweet memories of James and Sirius, Peter too, but not as often.
Then the sun started to set, and he whistled for them. He saw Kylie just a moment ago.
Duds came back first shaking back into his human form. Harry came next with Kylie chasing his tail. He slowly shrunk down until he was human again.
Kylie raced around them burning the last of her energy before flopping the ground in her human form.
"Oh, that was so much fun, Remus. I would have loved if you could be Wolfman with us…. have you tried that?" Kylie asked.
"What do you mean?"
"Have you tried becoming animagi to counteract the werewolf curse? Your form might still be a wolf, but you could elect to change."
Remus shook his head. "It's not possible."
"I didn't ask if it was possible, Wolfman. I asked if you tried it." She said tugging on her shoes.
"No, I have not."
"Well that's your homework until break."
He laughed. "Homework?"
The three of them looked at him head on. "You think we brought you out here just because? We wanted to see what would happen."
"I don't follow."
Harry sighed and came up to Remus.
"May I?" He asked Kylie and Duds.
"Ummm may you what?"
"Just do it." Kylie said as if she was resigned it came to this.
Harry stabbed Remus with a…needle?
"What… did-
Remus fell over, shaking. Were three kids going to be how he died?
"This is the serum for the change. You may immediately go to your wolfman form, but you are not a wolf yourself. You are Remus Lupin. Best friend of Kylie Potter and James Potter and Sirius Black, and probationary friend of Harry Potter. Friend of Dudley Potter. You are a kind man with patience and good will. You are passive and loyal. You are human before wolf, and you always will be." Harry said by his side. They planned this…
But he was right. The wolf was not him and never would be him. He was tired of being defined by him.
"I see you, Remus Lupin." Harry said softly.
Remus rolled around back and forth as his body transformed.
Then the stars looked back at him. His heartbeat sturdily and he smelled…them.
Turning over on all fours he looked at the three little bodies. Harry stood in front, body at ease.
"You look so cool, Wolfman. But now we have to call you something else. Duds help me out."
"I'm no good for that. He's a tiger. A big one too."
Tiger?
He lifted his paws to inspect them. Dear lord they really did this.
He knelt and cocked his head.
"To turn back you have to find Remus. We'll turn away in case you're naked. No one wants to see that." Harry said snidely.
Remus growled low and Kylie snickered.
But his instruction proved true.
Once he pulled on his repaired clothes, he rubbed his hands down his face.
"Do the three of you have a death wish? That could have triggered the wolf and I would not have known who you were!"
"Remus, we've planned this perfectly. Harry trusted you ages ago but we decided this would be a dramatic announcement."
Remus looked at Harry at Kylie statement.
"You told her she was pretty. That's enough for me."
Duds laughed. "I'm just here for the ride."
Kylie kicked his foot and Remus finally laughed. The last full moon Remus left them to their own devices and assured Minerva that all would be well.
"Where did you get the serum?" Remus asked after a moment.
"The guy behind a store in Knockturn alley."
Remus choked on his spit and stared at Kylie in disbelief.
"No, I'm kidding. We made it ourselves."
He did not feel any more assured.
"We practiced on ourselves first, Remus. That's obvious. We knew it was safe…relatively." Kylie snickered.
"Well we'll see. The full Moon is in four days."
"Yes, we are all coming back here. It's a weekend so.."
"Absolutely not! If I become a wolf than I could and would kill you."
Harry snorted. "Sorry, but my dragon could eviscerate you in seconds. Not that I'd want too of course."
"Thanks, Harry." Remus closed his eyes and prayed for more patience than he ever needed.
"It's still no."
"And you still haven't learned anything. We'll meet you there." Kylie said smiling.
Remus apparated home after them fully dreading their first weeks at Hogwarts. He was taken in as one of their own now. There was no turning back.
A/N: It's been a long time since I've written in 3rd person so I decided to tackle a fan fic before I start an original work in 3rd. I'm looking at feedback on any part of this; though the plot I'm still playing with. This is just the beginning so bear with me. Kylie's adjusted nature despite circumstances will be addressed. I'm also trying to work on my grammar, but switching to 3rd person has made it a bit harder to catch things. I've written 1st for almost 5 years now so this was a challenge. -Mayajane