Chapter 4: The Hospital
The Grangers had to step outside of the exam room once Harry was done answering questions. They gave their report to a nurse who took the forms of admission to do the appropriate paperwork. Daniel engulfed Emma in a tight hug. Both of them cried. They felt nauseous. It was unthinkable for them to hurt a child like this. The boy was malnourished. He had many broken bones, too many for a child. He had even told the social worker that he slept in a cupboard and didn't get to eat often. What broke the Grangers the most was that for some incredible miracle, the child was polite and shy. He would have been right to mistrust authority and even try to hurt the doctors and nurses, but he took all the pain and discomfort with such grace and resignation that made both adults realize that this child's very soul had been battered so much that he was years older than his age suggested. He never complained about the needles, the IV, or the tests. In fact, he barely winced at all.
Emma Granger was counting down the minutes until she could unleash all her hatred for whoever had hurt Harry at the dojo. She needed to release a significant amount of pent up anger. Emma suspected her husband wasn't doing much better. They would probably have to visit the gun range as well. However, they didn't matter right now. The only thing that mattered was Harry. He had taken all the bloodwork, examinations, and questioning like a champ. But the moment anyone tried to get him to let go of Hermione's hand or make her leave the room, he would start hyperventilating and scratching himself. The social worker told them that given the fact that Harry wouldn't let go of Hermione and she would protest when pulled away from him, it was probably better to keep them together. The Grangers were relieved and happy to foster Harry. Lord knows he needs to be shown some love after all the hurt he has endured, Emma thought. Harry still refused to say anything about who had hurt him. The social worker gave them her card. According to the records she found, the boy's parents were dead. So, who had he been with? There didn't seem to be a will to their name. Daniel thanked the social worker and walked her out.
Emma went back to the room. Harry had finally fallen asleep. He was being held by Hermione, who was wrapped around him, hugging him tightly. Emma could have sworn she saw their skin give a slight golden glow for a couple of seconds. She must be too tired. Emma felt a need to hold both kids, but since she didn't want to scare Harry, she turned off the light, took off her shoes, and got in the bed on Hermione's side. Emma became the biggest spoon behind her daughter, who was spooning Harry. Her mom heart had taken a beating. No child should ever live like Harry. She moved carefully and kissed the boy's forehead. Harry smiled in his sleep. Emma then snuggled into her daughter's hair, wrapped her arms around both kids, and promptly fell asleep.
Dan looked in the room, and his heart constricted. He couldn't wake his wife. He went to the nurses' station instead and asked them to let her know that he would go home to look after the dog and get them all clean clothes. The nurses nodded and assured him they would look after them. A couple of them had seen the poor abused child and were heartbroken. The doctors were loved by the staff. Both Dan and Emma were very considerate and respectful. Emma would often bake cookies, cupcakes, or cinnamon buns for the staff. She was a great baker. They also loved little Hermione. Dan felt better with their reassurance. He asked them to page him as soon as his wife woke up. He got into his BMW and sat behind the wheel. He had to take deep breaths. He needed some quality time at the shooting range. Those bastards who had hurt Harry should only hope he wouldn't find them. It was about time he started putting his military training to good use again. He drove carefully. The snowstorm had stopped, but he didn't want any accidents. Emma, Hermione, and Harry needed him… Oh! And Pa-Foo as well. He Dan would have to buy dog food and a leash.
Daniel found a note from Father Martin in the door.
Dan/Emma,
I fed the dog some leftovers. I hope you don't mind. I found your daughter's old mattress and made a makeshift dog bed. I thought you would not like him on your sofa. I started a fire. The dog seemed chilled. I hope the house is not a mess. When I left, Pa-Foo was sleeping, and your home was perfect. I think the dog needs vet care. He seems very underweight. Please let me know what will happen to Harry. I would like to help if I can. I'll be praying for all of you.
Martin
Daniel opened the door, slowly bracing himself for the mess he was sure to find. Instead, he found the dog still curled on the bed Martin made with a throw on him. Daniel smiled. Maybe they could keep the dog if he could behave so well. Daniel agreed with Father Martin. The dog needed a bath, probably vaccines, flea medication, and a lot of food. The dog whimpered in his sleep and moved his paws as if he was running. Daniel wondered if dogs had nightmares. He crouched next to the dog and stroked his head. The dog snapped its head up in surprise but started wagging his tail timidly and licked Dan's hand.
"Hey there, buddy," Dan said, stroking the dog's hair again. "Harry will be okay."
The dog started wagging his tail rapidly and gave one happy bark. Dan could swear this dog was not normal. Dan continued, "It will take time and a lot of therapy, but we will help him… Now, I have to get some things for Emma and the kids and go back to the hospital... Do you need to go potty?"
The dog nodded. Dan shook his head. This was absolutely not a regular dog. Dan opened the back door, Pa-Foo ran to the very end of the backyard and did his business. He came right back and cleaned his paws on a small doormat and shook off the bits of snow from his fur before he came in the house. Daniel had his mouth gaping. Pa-Foo licked Dan's hand, who shook his head again, closed the door behind him and went upstairs to get clothes for his girls. He also got a coloring book with crayons, two storybooks, as well as a teddy bear. He had no idea what Harry liked. Probably Harry didn't know either. Dan sighed sadly. He made a vow to himself to show that kid that adults could be trusted, could love, and protect him. Before Dan left, Pa-Foo carefully bit his pant leg and pulled him carefully towards the kitchen. Once they got there, the dog sat in front of the empty water bowl and looked up at Dan expectantly. Dan chuckled. "You are such a smart doggie. Let me fill that up for you."
When Harry woke up, he felt very warm. He could smell Hermione, but there was someone else. One grown-up hand was covering his forehead, and the other one was resting on his chest. The hands felt nice. Any time he was touched by adults at his old house, he would feel pain. This touch was the opposite. He felt warm, and something else he had never felt. It would take a long time for the boy to realize it and accept it, but the new feeling he had was safety. For the first time in his life, Harry Potter was safe. He blinked. He still saw blurry shapes. His stomach grumbled. The hand on his chest rubbed little circles.
"Harry, are you awake sweetie?" Emma said lovingly. The boy nodded. Hermione stirred.
"Harry? How are you feeling? Morning mum!"
Harry's stomach grumbled again. Emma got up to get him some food. By the time she was back with breakfast, Daniel was coming in the hospital. He hurriedly put his bags in the sofa outside Harry's room to help Emma with the trays. Harry was coming out of the loo with Hermione's help. He still had the IV in his arm. He looked at the tray longingly but looked away and went to the corner of the room. He crouched slowly and hugged his legs, bracing himself back and forth. Hermione was puzzled. Harry had to be hungry. Why did he walk away from the food?
"Harry," Daniel began slowly. "Wouldn't you rather eat your breakfast up here?"
"Yes, Harry… the floor is cold," Hermione said, offering him a hand. Harry looked up at the tray.
"M-my b-b-breakfast?" Harry said slowly. Thick tears came out of his eyes. Emma couldn't take his expression. She reached him and pulled him up, cradling him against her chest. Harry went stiff for a bit but then relaxed. Daniel took Hermione and the tray outside. Emma started feeding the boy small bites. Harry ate that simple meal of scrambled eggs and toast with orange juice as if it was a delicatessen. However, he couldn't manage more than half the eggs and a few bites of toast. He whispered that he couldn't eat more because his tummy hurt. He winced as if expecting to be hit for saying that. Emma stroked his hair softly. Harry leaned into her touch.
"You don't have to eat anymore if you don't want to, sweetheart. You did a great job, Harry," Emma whispered in his ear. He felt him shake. He was crying silently. She had never seen a child cry like that. It looked as if he was inside a telly and someone had muted it. Emma knew he was probably struggling with being treated with kindness and being complimented. He started tensing up and looking around fearfully "Harry? What's wrong? Are you in pain?"
"P-P-Pa- Foo?" he asked, his emerald green eyes full of fear.
"Don't worry, Harry. He's okay. He's waiting for you in our home. Dogs can't come inside hospitals unless they are trained…" she said smiling.
"H-home?" Harry asked, confused.
"Yes, he must be wanting to see you. You need to be a good boy, so you feel better soon, and you can come home with us… Unless you prefer to go with the social worker. She can find another family to take care of you," Emma wanted to keep the boy with them, but she had to be honest and give him the options he had.
"Y-y-y-you w-w-want m-me? W-Why?" the boy was looking at her incredulously. He then whispered, "I'm just a Freak" and promptly started crying mutely. It took a lot of Emma's self-control not to break something. This child's spirit was so broken. His heart had been so trampled on that he couldn't believe anyone would like, let alone want him. Emma vowed to all she considered holy that she would love and protect this child forever. She would heal his body and his heart. She would need help with his soul.
"Harry, I don't know who hurt you like this. However, what they did is not okay. It is NOT normal. Parents or grown-ups who are in charge of kids should NEVER hurt them in any way. It is grown-ups duty to protect, to love, to feed, to help, and to educate kids…"
Harry seemed thoughtful and averted his eyes. "They did do those things for him."
"For who, darling?"
"D-Dudley, my c-cousin," Harry said slowly.
"Dudley Potter?" she asked, hoping to get more information.
"No, D-Dursley," Harry said. A couple of seconds later, he realized he had said something he shouldn't have and started hyperventilating. The door swung open, and Hermione came rushing in.
"Harry! What happened?" Hermione asked, holding Harry tightly, pressing him against herself and her mother.
"M-M-Mrs. G-Granger?" Harry said, sliding off their embrace shakily. He was pale. "P-Please d-don't say a-anything. S-She said the p-p-police would t-t-take me b-b-back there if they knew w-where I lived"
That bitch, Emma thought angrily. She looked over at her husband, who was seething.
"Harry, look at me," Emma said slowly, lifting his chin to have him look in her eyes. Harry looked at her in intervals between staring at her soul with his piercing eyes and looking down in shame and fear. "You are NEVER, EVER, EVER going back there!" Emma felt absolutely confident in this claim. Dan put his hand on her shoulder in silent support. They looked at each other and knew that they would keep the boy safe even if it meant If they had to flee the country. Hermione was holding Harry's hand. He looked up at Emma with raw uncertainty. He was scared. Could he trust them?
"Do you lie?" Harry asked slowly.
"No, Harry. We don't lie," Emma said resolutely kissing the top of his head. He winced and tensed up.
"Harry," Dan said with a soft smile. "We would love to bring you home with us so we can take care of you and… if you want, be like your family."
Hermione was tearing up happily. Harry started breathing hard. He fell to his knees. Hermione crouched and hugged him immediately. He started bracing himself, moving back and forth. "R-r-really?"
Both adults gave him bright, welcoming smiles, and nodded. So did Hermione, even if the question wasn't for her. Harry began crying mutely again, but this time, he looked relieved. Daniel whispered to Emma that the social worker needed to talk to her and was waiting outside. She pulled Harry close by both hands as Hermione wiped her own tears with her sleeve.
"Harry, I have to step outside for a little bit. Okay? Stay here with Daniel and Hermione and rest sweetie," Emma kissed his tiny hands. Harry looked conflicted for a moment then jumped in her arms. Hermione barely caught the IV stand on time. Emma restrained herself from squeezing the boy because his ribs were cracked. She went outside. Dan kept his distance so he wouldn't scare the boy. He was positive most of his abuse was done by a man. The size of the child's bruises was a tell-tale sign.
"Harry, can I put you in bed?" Daniel asked crouching in front of the child but at a reasonable distance as not to impose on him. The child looked like he wanted to start crying again. God knows if he had ever been put into bed or tucked in. Harry nodded timidly and started sucking his thumb. Dan picked him up slowly, trying his best not to hurt him at all. Hermione helped move the IV stand. Once Harry was in bed, Hermione lifted her arms. She wanted to be with Harry. Dan placed her beside the boy and removed her shoes.
"Pumpkin, you need to change later, okay?"
"Yes, daddy," Hermione said, smiling snuggling to Harry's side. The boy seemed much more at ease when she got in bed. Dan could tell the two would be inseparable by the end of the week.
Harry turned to Dan and looked deeply in his eyes for a moment. He seemed to be searching for his very soul. Those emerald eyes looked at him with a look he had only seen on war veterans. The look of someone who is too hurt and tired to resist sleep, but who is holding on to consciousness because they are afraid someone will hurt them if they are not awake. The child was truly shell-shocked. Dan reached out slowly and took Harry's frail and bony hands. The child tensed up for a second.
"Harry, I know you don't trust me yet. That's okay. You have good reasons. Emma and I will earn your trust. Not all adults hurt kids. Some just love and protect them unconditionally without any hidden motives…" Daniel smiled. Harry nodded. He could somehow tell the man was honest. He seemed blurry, but a happy blurry, not an angry red-faced blurry. Harry weakly squeezed the man's hand and closed his eyes, drifting off to sleep.
Once Harry had loosened his grip on Dan's hand, he went outside.
"Dr. Granger… I talked to the director, and he is thrilled that you can take the child. As long as you feel good about the arrangement, he can't think of a better couple to place him with."
"Thank you, Ms. Hope. I was wondering if you have any more information on Harry."
"No, sir. Unfortunately, other than a birth certificate, there is no information. There are no medical records, no cited family, nothing. We looked into both family sides. We had no leads until now. Your wife told me what Harry said. I am waiting on any information on Dudley Dursley. I will let you know, as soon as I know," the social worker said, shaking his hand in good-bye.
"Love, were you able to get some clothes for Harry?" Emma asked, hugging her husband.
"Yes, but they will be too big for him until he gains some weight," he replied, squeezing Emma tightly. "It's a miracle that the child isn't violent given his circumstances."
"He called me Mrs. Granger and let me hold him! He's so sweet, Dan! I am just afraid his heart is too broken to be repaired."
"I just put him to bed… I told him we want to earn his trust and that we understand it will be difficult for him to believe we want to take care of him with no hidden agenda. But, love, we must persist. I feel deep in my very bones that we need to help Harry."
"I agree, he refuses to look people in their eyes, but the few times he has… I have felt…"
"Analyzed"
"To my very soul. His eyes look so very sad. I can only imagine everything he has had to endure. I am so glad we can take him home with us," Emma said, smiling into her husband's chest. Dan kissed the top of her head.
"It's a long road, but we'll get there Emma," Dan said with a sigh.
"We will. I'm going to call Father Martin. He must be worried," Emma said, walking to an empty room. Daniel went back into the room and could have sworn he saw a light golden glow on both kids who were holding each other smiling. It was gone in the blink of an eye. Daniel shook his head. It was probably just his tired imagination.
