Chapter 6: A New Beginning

Today was the day. Harry was finally leaving the hospital. Hermione held his hand as they walked out. When they reached the nurses' station, Harry stopped.

"N-Nurse J-Jackie?"

"Yes, honey?"

"I-I am l-leaving n-now…" he said in an unsure tone of voice. He had learned that nurses helped cure the body as well. They were really nice. The little boy's body was filled with gratitude.

"I know you are, sweetie," she replied, crouching in front of him, and taking his tiny hands. He didn't flinch. She smiled.

"I j-just w-want t-to say… T-Thank you, all of y-you helped m-me be better."

"Get better," Hermione corrected in a whisper.

"G-Get better. T-Thank you," the boy squeezed the nurse's hands. He timidly asked, "M-May I g-give you a h-hug?"

The nurse's eyes were shining with unshed happy tears. She nodded and gave him a long hug. "We are all going to miss you, Harry. All the nurses pitched it and got you this…"

The nurse took out a medium gift bag. Harry took it with shaky hands. Everyone knew it was probably the first gift he had ever received. He looked up at the Grangers, unsure of what to do.

"Open it, Harry," Dan said, "it's yours."

The gift card had a thick sweater, a gray scarf with a green H, a book, and a stuffed animal. Pa-Foo's heart stopped when he saw it was a Stag. "Thank you!"

The boy gave the nurse another hug and took Hermione's hand again. They walked outside where Father Martin was waiting in the car. Harry's eyes went wide. The Grangers had a beautiful car. Dan got in next to the father, and Pa-Foo got in between the man's legs and laid down. Emma put both kids in safety boosters and sat between them. It was a tight fit, but she didn't mind. After all, it wasn't a long drive. Harry immediately sought her hand, which she took softly. The boy had been starved of affection for so long that now that he had some semblance of normalcy and safety, he was always searching for a loving touch which all Grangers and Pa-Foo were happy to provide.


Harry was dumbstruck at the sight of the Granger family home. It was a palace. There was a big front yard with two tall lush trees. The driveway was wide enough for two cars. The home didn't have a front porch, but the door and the window frames were blue, and the house was white. The snow was covering the yard and the windowsills in a thin carpet. Hermione jumped out of the car as soon as her mother got her out of the booster to make a snow angel. Harry was too shocked to say or do anything. He couldn't believe he would get to live here with such good people and Pa-Foo.

Mrs. Granger helped Harry down. She offered him her hand, and for the first time, the boy searched for Mr. Granger's hand as well. Pa-Foo was rolling on the snow with Hermione. Even the priest was playing with them. Harry smiled and let out a slow sigh. The doctors looked down and smiled. They said in unison: "Welcome home, Harry."

"I r-really g-get to live h-here f-forever? With a-all of you?" Harry said, looking up with wide eyes.

"Yes, baby, you do," Emma said, pulling him forward. "Come on in, we will show you the house."


The inside of the house was even prettier than the outside. The living room was spacious. There was a comfy looking sofa, and armchairs that Harry would later discover could recline. In the center of the wall, there was a big fireplace and a small mattress with a warm looking cover. Harry thought happily that maybe that was his. He was so happy he had to bite the inside of his cheeks to keep from jumping on the mattress and rejoicing in the warmth coming from the crackling fire. There was a black piano on the right side of the fireplace. However, Harry noticed that there was no telly. The boy didn't care. The Dursleys never let him watch anyways. Before Harry got too comfortable, Emma kept walking.

The next room was the kitchen. It was so beautiful. There was a lot of natural light coming in from the windows. All the countertops were black marble, and the cabinets were in beautiful mahogany. There were so many cabinets. It would take Harry a long time to find everything he would need to cook for the Grangers. The boy noted that the fridge did not have a lock. Was it a trap? There was also a big kitchen island in the middle of the room. Next to the fridge, there was a door. Harry was curious about it but thought it best not to ask. Emma noticed him looking and opened the door.

"Here is where we keep the food that doesn't need to be in the fridge. In the center, we have cereals and grains, tea, coffee, and canned food. To the right, we have fruits and vegetables, and to the left, we have snacks."

Harry was looking at everything with wistful eyes but didn't touch anything. He started looking down again.

"Harry," Dan said, ruffling the boy's hair. "We want you to know that everything in this house is yours. If you want a biscuit or fruit, you can just come here, open the door, and get it."

"Oh! Of course! If you are hungry, you can just come here. We usually have breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch, then tea, then dinner. But remember what the nutritionist said, you need to eat more food more often so you can grow stronger," Emma added with a smile. Harry nodded but didn't look up. This had to be some kind of test.

"Mrs. G-Granger?"

"Yes, dear?"

"W-Where are y-your a-appliances?"

"You don't need to worry about that, honey. Come on so you can see the backyard!"

Dan opened the door, and Pa-Foo was outside anxious to come in. Daniel said in a commanding tone, "Pa-Foo, what do we do when we are covered in snow?" The dog looked embarrassed, shook off the snow from its fur, and sat patiently to be let in. "That's a good boy!" Sirius tail wagged happily of its own accord. He wasn't trying to be happy. Something in his doggie persona just couldn't handle the joy when he was told he was a good boy. It was mortifying.

"Come in, Pa-Foo," Emma said, waving him in. The dog joined them for the rest of the tour. He knew Harry would probably break down when he saw the Granger's generosity. Hermione came in after Father Martin helped her take off her top layer and her Hunter rubber boots and change into fuzzy slippers they kept by the door. She smiled happily when she saw another pair of small slippers. They were Harry's. She rushed into the kitchen to hold Harry's free hand. Martin walked a few steps behind the family. Harry was growing more surprised by the minute. The home was so big and beautiful and clean. They had a library! It was so far, the prettiest room in the house. Harry wanted to learn how to read. All those days hearing Hermione read him stories had him wishing he could read too. They pointed the half baths and bathrooms as well as Hermione's room and Emma and Dan's room. Harry was expecting to see a room for Father Martin. Maybe he lives in the church, the boy thought. Or maybe that was the last room they were going to show him.


"Harry, this is your room. We hope you like it," said Dan with a smile. He stepped aside so everyone could come in. Harry froze. It couldn't be. He looked up to the door and saw a shape like the one in his scarf. "It's an H for Harry!" Hermione had said. His bottom lip started to tremble. His eyes filled with tears. Hermione gave him a light, encouraging push. Harry stepped in. There was a dark blue bed light blue bedding and pillows of different sizes and a teddy bear. The bed had one small table on each side with a lamp and one alarm clock. The bedroom had big windows and a hardwood floor. The curtains were dark blue like the bed. There was a dresser, a mirror, a desk with a chair, and a door. Pa-Foo was touched by the scene. The boy had never had so much.

Harry was crying mutely. He looked around incredulously. His little hands caressed each thing like it was the most precious object on Earth. He grabbed the teddy bear and looked into its eyes for a long time. Then he hugged it to his chest, sat down on the floor, and started rocking himself back and forth while his muted crying shook his body. Pa-Foo curled his body around Harry and rocked with him. All the people in the room wiped their eyes. Hermione hugged Harry and whispered, encouraging words in his ear. It took quite a while for the boy to stop crying. The Grangers had sandwiched the kids and Pa-Foo in a multiple limbs big bear hug. Even Martin joined in.

Once the crying had subdued a bit, Emma pulled Harry up to show him the things in the dresser.

"On the first drawer, there is underwear, pajamas, and socks. On the second drawer, there are t-shirts, shirts, and sweaters. On the third drawer, there are pants and shorts," she said, opening each drawer and showing the boy. Then she pulled him to the door inside the room. It was a big bathroom: his own. Harry started crying again. He had a shower, and a bathtub, and a toilet and even a rubber ducky. She pointed to where his towels were, where his toothbrush was, and where his hamper was. Harry could not believe all those things were his.

"Why w-would you b-buy me all these t-things?" Harry asked with searching eyes.

"Harry, if I may…" Martin said in a questioning voice. At Harry's shrug, he continued. "Emma and Daniel bought all these things because they want you to feel happy, welcome, comfortable, and safe. They would do the same for Hermione"

"B-But she i-is their d-daughter… I'm nobody… A freak" Harry reasoned. The last bit he whispered sadly. "I don't h-have a m-mummy or d-daddy. They said my p-parents were g-good for nothing d-drunks who d-died in a c-car c-crash"

Sirius was incensed. The nerve of those good for nothing filthy monsters! He would get back at them if it was the last thing he did. Lily and James were excellent people and did not deserve to be slandered. No wonder the little boy was so heartbroken!

"Harry, do you know what a godfather and godmother are?" Martin asked sitting crouching in front of Harry, who sat on his chair. His chair. Padfoot jumped and barked wagging his tail madly.

"No, sir," Harry replied looking down. It was embarrassing to him how little he knew.

"That's alright. There are your parents and then your godparents. If something happens to your parents, your godparents take care of you until you can take care of yourself. There is a whole rite and a ceremony. Do you know if your parents were of any religion?"

"What is a r-religion?" Harry asked timidly. The priest sighed.

"A religion is a form of belief in God, Harry," Martin said so slowly wondering if the concept was too abstract for the boy. Did he even know about God? Martin wondered.

"He e-exists?" asked Harry with questioning eyes.

"I believe so"

"D-Do you b-believe in G-God too?" Harry asked looking at the Grangers.

"We do," Dan replied with a smile.

"Do I h-have to?"

"Why do you ask that, honey?"

"It's just… T-They went to t-talk to God every Sunday…" Harry shuffled in his chair, uncomfortably.

HYPOCRITES! Cafeteria Christians! Monsters! Martin's brain yelled. The priest was incensed. Whatever religious rite they attended, he was sure they did not hear a word.

"And?"

"That w-was the d-day I would e-end up h-hurt the most b-because all of them were in the -hhouse" Harry said looking down. Pa-Foo rested his head on Harry's lap and licked his hands. "If God welcomed them in His house… I don't think I like God very much," the boy finished looking away. Images of Harry's battered body flashed in Martin's mind. They had even ruined God for the boy.

"Harry, those people were evil. They went to God's house, but they never listened to him. Matthew 19:14 says 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these,'" Martin said with an encouraging smile.

"Really?"

"Yes, Matthew also says 'Unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven,'" Martin continued.

"Is M-Matthew God?" Harry asked pensively. He was startled by the chuckles coming from the Grangers.

"No, Harry. But what do you think… Could you give God a chance?"

"Do you like God?"

"I love God. He is a pretty good bloke, once you get to know him."

"Is there only one God? Is their God your God?" Harry asked, still unconvinced.

"Well, humans have worshipped many different gods… Would you like to learn about that?" Martin asked hopeful that he could help the child's soul.

"Mione?" Harry asked, wanting her opinion.

"Can we learn together, Father?" she asked with an adorable pout. Martin nodded.

"Why do people call you Father, sir?" Harry asked looking at Hermione with a frown.

"It's like when teachers are called teachers instead of their name," supplied Emma with a smile.

Dan carried on the explanation: "Those who serve God and represent His authority, as a teacher, parent and especially a priest, are called that word. Different religions have different names for their teachers or leaders: Father, Rabbi, Imam, Bhikkhu, Pujari, among others."

"I know nothing…" Harry whispered, hanging his head in shame.

"Well, that is not true," Hermione said, crossing her arms. "You know your name. You know Pa-Foo and us. You know you are not going back to them. You know you live with us. You know many foods. You know God loves children. You know we love you, and you know you will stay with us for good" Hermione ranted with a confident tone.

"You l-love me?" Harry asked in a fearful and hopeful tone, his eyes full of tears.

"Of course we do!" Emma exclaimed, pulling Harry to her arms. "I love you so much!"

Dan took over and picked Harry into his much larger arms "We love you lots, kiddo."

Hermione pulled on her father's pant's leg "But I love him the mostest!"

"The most," corrected Emma kindly. Dan put the boy down, and Hermione squeezed him hard. Harry's ribs hurt a bit, but he was too elated to complain. Pa-Foo howled something that sounded very close to I love you. Everyone laughed. For the first time in his short life, Harry felt loved and wanted. He felt he belonged. His forehead was itching. When the Grangers went downstairs for tea, he asked if he could remain. They said yes.


Harry laid down in his first bed and cried silently until he fell asleep. When he woke up, it was dark outside. He felt a bit scared, but someone had turned on one of the lamps. Harry went to the loo, and as he stepped on the stool to wash his hands, he realized two things. First, his horrible reddish scar seemed to be fading. Perhaps it was the medicines. Second, there was no first aid kit in his bathroom. He wanted to believe he was safe there, but somehow, he still had lingering fears that it was all a dream.

It doesn't matter, the boy thought. He was determined to make sure the Grangers wouldn't regret taking him in. He was glad there was an alarm clock on his bedside table. He knew how to use that. He couldn't read, but he remembered where Petunia had placed red dots telling him that was the time he needed to start breakfast. Later, after Martin left and the family had their dinner, Hermione fell asleep reading next to Harry who got up impossibly slowly to avoid waking her. He asked them if he could go to bed in a whisper. They nodded. The boy looked like he wanted something, but was afraid to ask.

"Do you want a hug and a kiss goodnight?" Emma offered, caressing his unkempt hair. Harry nodded enthusiastically. So they hugged him and kissed him goodnight. After this, Harry went back upstairs with Pa-Foo following him. Dan looked at Emma. He just knew the dog would be sleeping with the boy. She nodded. If Pa-Foo was comforting for her boy, the dog could sleep on the bed with Harry for all she cared. Dan went to the living room, took Pa-Foo's bed and throw, and went to Harry's room.

As he went upstairs, he heard Harry whispering: "No, P-Pa-Foo. G-Go away! If I l-let you in h-here, they m-may get a-angry at m-me and kick u-us out." The dog whined dramatically. "Please g-go back!"

Harry looked at Dan because a stair creaked. The boy's eyes went wide in fear, and Pa-Foo turned and growled. "I-I'm s-sorry!"

Harry ran to his bed and cried mutely. "Harry!" Dan exclaimed rushing to him. Pa-Foo barked at him and stood in his way. "Pa-Foo, get out of the way. Harry's scared!"

The dog relented when he saw that Dan was bringing his bed upstairs.

"Harry, please don't be scared. I am not angry," Dan began.

"No?"

"No, buddy. I was just bringing Pa-Foo's bed here. I thought you would want him to be near you," Dan replied, caressing Harry's hair.

"He can stay with me?" Harry asked with incredulity.

"Of course. He is important to you. You are important to him. We want you to feel happy and safe… Would having him here help you feel better?" Dan asked, rubbing Harry's upper back in soothing circles.

"Y-Yes," Harry replied.

"Then that is all I need to know. Harry, if we can do or get you anything to make you feel at home, just tell us, alright?" Dan ruffled the kid's already messy hair. "Do you want me to help you change into your pajamas or would you like me to call Emma?"

"You is ok," Harry replied, sitting up.


A few minutes later, a much calmer Harry was changed into the softest clothes he had ever worn. And they fit! He didn't have to tie them in place or use a cord. Mr. Granger had put socks on Harry's feet. The night was cold. Then, Daniel removed the decorative pillows and teddy bear and readied the bed. Harry got in and was tucked in bed for the first time in his life. His scar began itching again. Pa-Foo was waiting on his own bed."Harry, we will never kick you out. You are part of our family now," Daniel said smoothing the comforter over the boy. Harry sighed happily.

Emma had brought an asleep Hermione to her room. She changed her expertly without waking her and tucked her in. She went back downstairs to get three hot water bottles with a fluffy animal casing: one for her daughter, one for her son, and one for Pa-Foo. When she saw Harry being tucked in, she came into the room. She sat on the end of the bed, lifted the covers and placed the fluffy bottle close to Harry's feet.

"That's to keep you warm, Harry," she smiled got up and kissed his forehead. She could have sworn the scar was looking faded. Weird, she thought but didn't dwell on it. "This one is for you so you don't miss the fireplace, Pa-Foo," she said scratching behind the dog's ears. She put it by his belly and the dog coiled around it. She chuckled and covered him with a throw. "And this one is for us, love."

Dan smiled. "If you need anything at all, Harry, come get us, okay? It doesn't matter the time."

Harry nodded and smiled. They left the door open. The Dursleys would always lock him up. Harry set the alarm clock like Petunia taught him. He would cook a good breakfast for everyone. Apprehension grew as he realized he didn't know what they liked. Perhaps, if they did love him, they would eat what he made even if they didn't like it. Maybe he could even eat with them again. He loved eating with them. They always did thank God for the food and the hands that prepared it. Those hands would be Harry's next time.