Safe and Sound

by tiffanyrebecca7

Veronica Dursley was her parents worst nightmare- a witch. Her childhood was filled with the same tragedy and nightmares as her younger cousins. After she finishes her schooling at Hogwarts, she is offered a permanent position as an Assistant Professor. When she's reunited with an old friend, how will Vera balance a budding relationship and her new life as a Professor? (Part one)

1. When I Was a Child

Veronica Rosemary Dursley. Vernon had insisted on the name Veronica. It was like a feminine version of his name, and she was his child, after all. That is, until the day she showed a sign of being a freak like Petunia's sister. At the tender age of two and a half, little Veronica toddled up to her mother with a flower that had not yet bloomed. With the gentlest of strokes to it's unopened petals, the flower opened up to reveal its pale pink hue. That was the day that Vernon Dursley told his wife to call her sister. From that moment on, she would stay with freaks like them.

The day Veronica arrived at the house James and Lily lived in together, everything changed. They had been fighting with the Order in the war against Voldemort, and weren't even married yet. From that moment on, their lives centered around this toddler as if she were their own. The Marauders all adored her, and Sirius even became a second father to the girl, spoiling her every chance he got. Veronica partook in all of the events James and Lily had just like a real daughter would. In their wedding, she was a flower girl. After Harry's birth, she was one of the first to hold him. For an entire year, James, Lily, Veronica, and Harry lived as a happy family. Their lives were filled with laughter, joy, and most of all- magic.

Everything changed once again on the night of October 31,1981. Veronica had been sleeping in her little room across from Harry's when the sound of shouting woke her up. It was odd, because her Aunt Lily and Uncle James never shouted. She sat up in bed and listened as the voices got closer, coming up the stairs, and eventually right outside her door. She nearly cried out when someone yelled something loudly and a large thump followed, like someone had tripped. She gave a small yelp as the door to her room flew open and a cloaked figure walked in. She started to speak, but was cut off by the dark figure yelling once again. This time, it was a single word repeated over and over. "Crucio." Every time he said it, Veronica felt her entire body become engulfed in flames, her body jolting and contorting as though she had recieved an electrical shock. Her mind began to grow fuzzy as the pain took over every fiber of her being. Voldemort had certainly considered killing the girl, but then who would be left to spread word of just how powerful he was? How he would show no mercy to those who stood in his path no matter how innocent they may be. No, he would allow her to live for the sole purpose of showing just how strong and cruel he could be. After what seemed like an eternity, but was only a matter of a minute or so, the young girl's screams had stopped due to her losing consciousness. The Dark Lord left the room and made his way across the hall- he was going to do what he came to.

In the end, it was Hagrid who arrived at the destroyed house to find the body of James Potter, lying lifeless in front of his niece's door. He died in a final attempt to keep her safe. Hagrid found Vera next, her small form contorted unnaturally and tear tracks streaked down her face. Upon further inspection, he could see that she was breathing, albeit very shallowly. He gently scooped her into his arms and made his way into young Harry's room. The one year old was lying in his crib, crying surprisingly quietly. I. Front of the crib lay another body- Lily. Lily had died as James had, protecting their child. A sudden noise caused Hagrid to whip around, jostling the young girl in his arms, who only let out a small whimper. Hagrid locked eyes with Sirius Black's teary ones and he nearly burst into great sobs himself. Sirius was horrified by the destruction and death that surrounded him. His best friend and brother was dead at his feet. The girl who was like a sister dead at Hagrid's. It wasn't until he saw the small figure in the man's arms and the child in the crib, that he moved.

After being assured that they were both safe and alive, Sirius and Hagridcarried the children out. As Harry's godfather, Sirius of course asked to take the child. However, Hagrid was on strict orders from Dumbledore to bring Harry to his Aunt and Uncle's house on Privet Drive.

"And Veronica? Hagrid, you know she can't go back there. Look at her. We don't know what she's been through tonight. She needs family that she trusts. People who will care for her properly. Let me take her." Sirius pleaded, for the sake of the daughter he wished as his own. "You know I have to take 'em both, Sirius. It's her parents." Hagrid reasoned. Yes, the Dursleys were her parents, but he had been her family. Sirius knew, however, that there was no way he would win this fight. Instead, he offered his motorcycle to Hagrid for the trip, saying "I won't need it anymore."Hagrid graciously accepted it, and placed the children in the sidecar and strapping them in. Sirius gave each of the small figures a gentle kiss on the forehead, both of them now asleep. "Before you go to Privet Drive, at least take her to see a wizard doctor you trust, she needs to be looked at." He pleaded with Hagrid. The bearded man gave a small nod and started the bike. "Take care, Sirius. Be safe." He said before flying off out of sight.