Chapter 20 - Authority
Harry awoke to someone shaking him next morning. It was someone with bushy hair and already in full uniform.
"Harry James Potter! How long have you been here? You should be in bed sleeping not in the common room!"
"I couldn't sleep so I came down to do the work I missed; I was just finishing off transfiguration"
"Couldn't sleep? Maybe you should go to Madame Pomfery?"
"Really M'ione it's alright, I'll go get a clean set of clothes on and I'll be down now. What's the time do you know?"
"It's just gone past eight" she replied. Harry breathed a sigh of relief he wasn't late but then a huge wave came crashing over him with the realisation he would have to face his uncle today. "Harry are you alright?"
"Yeah, uh, yeah" Harry raced upstairs as the panic overcame him, into the bathroom he turned on the shower, grabbing his blade as he undressed. It was as if someone was controlling him, but he couldn't stop slicing across his arm. The blood flowed freely and finally Harry had realised what he had done as he sank into a ball on the shower floor.
Harry didn't know how long he was there, but it wasn't stopping, luckily his senses kicked in and he grabbed a few towels, one wrapped around his waist, and one around his bleeding arm. Harry then got changed into some robes and used some tissue and a spare tie to put pressure on the wounds. He will have to ask Gareth to sort it out when he saw him in a bit. Harry finally came down into the common room he didn't know he had been that long.
"Harry! You said you were going to be quick; I've been waiting half an hour! Come on the pair of you breakfast!" said Hermione as she walked off at a pace to compete with Snape.
"Don't worry mate, I just got up myself" both boys laughed as they followed Hermione into the great hall and helped themselves to some food. Harry ate quite a bit just to make sure no one would question him, but after 10 minutes his stomach had other ideas. Harry quickly excused himself and rushed to the toilet where he emptied the contents of his stomach. He groaned as he saw some red coming through to his white shirt. He took some deep breaths and washed his face before going to the headmaster's office.
"Sherbet Lemons" harry recalled from the previous night and took the long staircase up to the office, it seemed never ending and felt like he was walking for an hour rather that one minute. The office door was open and only one person occupied the room. Harry sighed in relief for the second time that morning because it was only Gareth who sat there by the desk. Parchment and quills were littering the desk obviously ready for the meeting.
"Hey Harry, how was your night? Not good eh?" Harry shook his head and without words gave Gareth a disappointed look before pulling up his sleeve. "Oh Harry, it will be okay, let's have a look." Harry looked away too ashamed to look at Gareth as he closed the wounds with magic, so it looked like muggle stiches, cleaned the arm and put a clean bandage on them. Harry felt his sleeve being pulled back down before being picked up and being hugged by the man. Harry couldn't take it anymore and broke down.
"I'm so sorry Gareth, I didn't mean to, it just happened, the realisation this morning just hit me, and I lost control and then it wouldn't stop. I'm so sorry" Harry sobbed.
"Harry, it's okay, you did the right thing, put pressure on it and then came to me" Gareth replied pouring calming magic into the child who reacted to it straight away and soon was just snuggled into his chest, head on shoulder.
The fire turned green and Harry jumped up quickly and sat in his own seat, this was an automatic reaction to authority, well more like his uncle thought Gareth. A tall woman with a mix of brown and black hair, stepped out of the fireplace, she carried a small booklet with her and wore a concerned look but looked friendly. She was followed by Albus Dumbledore who gestured for everyone to take a seat.
"Good Morning Harry, I am Amelia Bones, head of magical children services and protection office at the ministry of magic" introduced the woman kindly who held out a hand to Harry who shook it gently but politely. "Professor Dumbledore please cast the spell" Harry looked at the pair strangely but listened. "I swear on my magic that anything discussed in the following meeting will not be discussed with anyone except with Mr Harry James Potter's explicit permission, let so it be" she finished, and a golden sphere surrounded them all before disappearing. "What that does is make sure no one here can discuss anything you say or show us without you knowing" Harry nodded. "Now it has come to the ministry's attention that the muggle relatives of Harry Potter need to be questioned and most probably prosecuted based on emotionally and physically abusing a child of magic and neglect. Leaving the victim with physical and emotional scars. Is that right Harry"
Harry didn't know what to say, he was very scared and couldn't speak, all the adults were staring at him, freaks don't get attention he thought. "Harry has shown us a flashback from his time at his relatives I think that would explain a lot" The lady nodded as Dumbledore brought over his pensive and soon all three adults were submerged by the liquid. Harry waited and watched for their reactions. It was a good half an hour before they emerged, all looking shocked, even Gareth and Dumbledore even though they had seen it before. "are you okay to answer some questions Harry?" Harry nodded and looked at the lady.
"Mr Potter can you confirm this is your memory?" Harry dunked his head into the pensive and saw the first glimpse of his uncle and came back out. Harry nodded trying not to cry. Gareth placed his hand of Harrys shoulder and helped him calm down.
"Yes, this is my memory, I was seven when that happened Mrs"
"Who was the person hitting you, and then the other two at the table?"
"It was my Uncle, Aunt and Cousin, Mrs"
"How often did that happen?" Harry looked at Gareth who nodded him and encouraged him. So, Harry went into a long talk about what had happened. The fact the first memory he had was his Aunt hitting him over the head with a frying pan because he burnt the bacon when he was three, the constant housework, the constant name calling, the fact that he didn't know his name until he went to school when he was five. How his Uncle came home and hit him and kicked him from the age of four. The fact that he had to get low grades in school, or he would be hurt more. How Aunt Marge set the dog on him. Not knowing what Christmas was until last year, never knowing his birthday until Hagrid came to get him last year. Being severely punished for accidental magic and even being thrown and locked in the cupboard for days. Harry told the whole story but only skimmed the surface. Gareth had told him the more details he gave the more likely things would happen. By the time he had finished there was not a dry eye in the room, all three adults had tears rolling down their cheeks, none of them knew it was that bad.
Once everyone took a moment form themselves Amelia Bones spoke "Youve been so, so brave Harry, you should be proud of yourself. I have one thing to ask, do you still have any injuries from when you were there this summer? May we look at your back?"
Gareth looked at the small boy in front of him and said "You don't have to; it is up to you"
"Will it help me be with you?"
"Maybe" Harry nodded and slowly but surely undressed his top half. When Harry finally took off his shirt and showed them his torso, it was littered with scars and almost healed bruises, some scars looked like they healed by accidental magic, others couldn't heal so well leaving scars. Harry turned around. Gasps could be heard from behind him, what the tree adults saw were partially healed welts and bruises which were still yellow and blue from the summer. His ribs stuck out and he was incredibly thin. The nutrient potions had obviously helped a bit but not that much. "Thanks Harry, you can put your shirt back on now" said Gareth kindly. Harry put his shirt back on as tears filled his eyes, he had been so strong today already and the worst was to come. Gareth picked the small boy up and let him snuggle into him.
"You two seem to have a very good bond already Healer Richards. He trusts you and that is more that can be said for anyone else. I have heard of your home situation Healer Richards and because you submitted a document saying you would like to adopt after the court hearing for Harry, we can make the progress smooth."
"Thank you, Mrs Bones, it's very appreciated, will I receive any punishments for being too close to a minor"
"No, nothing, Harry needs this love, care and attention and you are probably the first adult ever to care for him, you have not broken the regulations, wandless magic to help calm a patient is defiantly ok and that's all you are doing there." Amelia smiled briefly. "As it is near lunchtime, we should have some food, we can then get Professor Snape and go to the house"
Everyone agreed that this was the right thing to do. Dumbledore asked the elves in the kitchen to bring up some sandwiches and crisps. There was little to talk during the meal, Harry at in silence, Dumbledore was trying to create small talk with Mrs Bones but was unsuccessful. The tension increased when Severus Snape entered the office. It didn't take long for Mr Bones to explain what had happened that morning. Everyone then got ready to leave, Harry was on the brink of panic but composed himself into going home mode.
Everyone waited for Harry to give them the go ahead before they entered the fireplace, Dumbledore went first followed by Severus, then Mrs Bones, Gareth stepped into the fireplace with Harry and they span and span faster and faster. Harry closed his eyes and kept hold of Gareth. Soon they were slowing down, and they came shooting out of the fireplace. Harry opened his eyes, to see he was in a familiar place, cats came and wrapped their tails between his leg and gave Harry a lick. Harry knew immediately from then where they were, Mrs Figgs house.
"Hi, Mrs, I hope you are well" said Harry automatically
"I am well thank you Harry, come on I'll show you all you out before you all get covered in cat hair. I will wish you all the best for whatever your business is here"
Gareth thanked the old lady as they left the house. Harry then took the lead and showed them the way to Privet Drive. The street looked like it shouldn't be, every garden immaculate, no weeds showed, the lawns were perfectly swept and even though it was mid-autumn there were no leaves littering the pathways. Number four came into view, Harry stayed very close to Gareth.
Everyone followed Mrs Bones to the front door. She rang the doorbell and waited. Inside a voice rumbled through the house that made Harry shudder. "Who on earth is coming here at this time of day on my day off!" A heavy set of steps made their way towards the door. "Who are..." The fat man with the bushy moustache who looked like a beached whale looked down. "YOU! PETNIA THE FREAK IS HERE, WITH FREAKY PEOPLE!"
"Vernon Darling keep your voice down, I assumed he's been expelled, take the boy and tell the rest to leave" a female voice replied sounding disgusted by what she had heard. Severus Snape recognised the voice. Lilys awful sister, the person who was so jealous of her sister she tried to fake magic. Hatred seethed from Severus, but he resisted to hex the pair of muggles in front of him. Gareth placed his hand on Harrys shoulder and was very surprised on how calm the boy was. Amelia Bones cleared her voice before speaking.
"Mr Vernon and Mrs Petunia Dursley, I am the head of magical children's services and protection and I am here after reports of neglect, emotional and extensive physical abuse against Mr Harry Potter." The fat man in front of them went purple with rage but held back he couldn't control it for long. The woman came from the kitchen to see what was going on and looked at Severus, then Dumbledore and finally Harry she sent daggers at each of them and put her hand on her husband shoulder sensing danger. "May we come in, we have to discuss and investigate the claims..." Amelia didn't finish her sentence, a fat hand grabbed Harry with such force it knocked the wind out of him. Harry was then launched into the wall, knocking his head so it bled.
Severus Snape pulled out his wand and shouted "PETRIFICUS TOTALUS" the fat man's arms and legs snapped together, with his weight too much forward he then fell onto the floor dropping Harry who was caught by Gareth who had run forward as soon as the man grabbed his boy. Dumbledore and Amelia Bones both had their wands out also, but Severus was too quick. "Are YOU going to abuse Harry anymore Petunia or are we all allowed inside before your pride goes with your freedom" Petunia Dursley then stood aside as she led them all into the living room.
Dumbledore who was stronger than his age looked grabbed the fat man paralysed on the floor and pulled him into the living room. The twinkle in his eye diminished instead a blue flame issued in the pupils. No one had ever seen Dumbledore angry; this was it this was too much seeing this happen first hand slapped the reality into him. Severus didn't sit down he watched as Gareth healed Harrys head and held him close telling him "You are safe Harry. I am so sorry I wasn't quick enough to stop him."
Severus smiled slightly as he heard Harry replying "It isn't your fault, its mine, I did everything wrong. He found out I deserve it"
"No, you do not Harry" replied Severus gently before staring at Petunia, nothing was going to hold him back now. "How DARE you let your oaf of a husband hurt your nephew, your own blood, beat him within an inch of life, whip him, encourage him to hurt himself. How DARE you make Harry think he is worthless. Harry is no freak. How can you stand there while you pamper your own son and yet make Harry do all the chores from the time he could walk? Tell, me petunia, tell me I'm interested, intrigued for the reasons. He is a human being; he is your sisters' son. YOU ARE AN ABUSER. YOU HURT CHILDREN, YOU STAND BY AND LET YOUR OWN FLESH ALOMST DIE RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOUR EYES AN YOU WHAT? IGNORE IT? ENCOURAGE IT? COME ON PETUNIA I WANT TO KNOW. And don't you dare tell me you weren't involved, or did not know about it, you were the one who needed the magic stamped out of him. Guess what it hasn't worked. Harry is going to become an outstanding wizard and a generous and loving human being. You disgust me, both of you, you do not deserve the name human let alone relatives. What you have done is horrendous, abusive and manipulative, thought you were better than this, I guess all the good has been squeezed out by jealousy for Harry and your sister. So Petunia, and YOU, YOU DISGUSTING OAF! Give me one good reason why I shouldn't hex you both into oblivion right now" Severus finally finished by restoring the fat man warning "ONE wrong move and all four of us will hex you on the spot. Now SIT DOWN"
Not one person in the room moved a muscle while Vernon Dursley took his seat next to his wife, the same Severus Snape who made a class listen with ease had worked his magic once again. Harry had hidden and curled into Gareth.
"Severus would you like to take a seat, though I know you have more to say, we must press on you will have your opportunity to voice your opinions later" Dumbledore broke the silence calmly
"Don't you worry I will" replied Severus as he stood behind the chair Amelia was occupying.
"I do not need much more evidence now, the actions you displayed when we entered the premises is enough. I do want to have a look at the cupboard under the stairs, may I?" both Dursleys nodded and all the magical personal crowded around the cupboard under the stairs. The cupboard smelt strongly of urine and blood, even after all the time the smell had not lessened. A very thin mattress and a blanket was on the floor. Cobwebs lined the ceiling, there were three shelves, two small models of one a car and one a horse stood alone on the shelves next to old dustpans, mops and dusters. Three locks were clamped on the door and a small vent was inserted in the wall. Severus Snape bent down and picked up the blanket.
"I remember the day your mother brought you home in this very blanket Harry would you like it?" Harry nodded, he always kept the blanket here, his dorm mates would laugh, he knew it was from his mother when he came back for summer, the blanket was the most decent thing he had and whatever his aunt tried to do to it remained the way it was. They then closed the cupboard door.
Amelia whispered, "I am going to call for some back up, I am not happy for these people to be kept free from custody any longer" she then cast a wordless spell before they went back into the living room. It wasn't long before sirens could be heard outside and blue flashing lights filled the neighbourhood and a knock at the door. Dumbledore opened the door and lead the five officers into the living room.
"Mr Vernon Dursley you are under arrest for suspicion of severe abuse and neglect to a child under your care, you do not need to say anything but anything you say may be used in court" said a chunky built up male officer with a police hat on and illuminous vest. He and his colleague quickly manipulated the fat man onto his knees and his hands cuffed behind his back. Vernon started to resist but the officers threatened to cuff his feet together, so he knelt there in silence. A female officer then spoke.
"Mrs Petunia Dursley you are under arrest for suspicion of knowledge and partaking in the severe abuse and neglect of a child in your care, you do not need to say anything but anything you do say may be used in court" Petunia didn't resist and let hr hands be cuffed behind her back.
"What will happen to Dudley?"
"Don't you worry Mrs Dursley, your son will be dealt with and you will be given more information in your holding cell"
"You will now be escorted into separate vehicles" explained the male officer. As the police escorted the two out of the house in front of all the nosy neighbours and into two police cars and were driven away sirens ablaze leaving Harry, Gareth, Dumbledore, Snape and Bones watching from a distance glad that this part was now over.