Author's Note: Hey all. This story broke 100 reviews for the last chapter!! Yay!! My sister and I went out for a celebration drink (uh…smoothies that is). Anywho, to all you reviewers out there, you rock so much!! You guys make me so happy!! Since you guys were such good reviewers, I'm posting this fast and it's my longest chapter yet!!! Enjoy!! Keep up all the reviews!!
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Harry couldn't scream. His whole body went numb, yet throbbed in unbelievable pain at the same time. He heard Aunt Petunia shrieking in the background about dealing with "those freaks" now and about blood on her white carpet. Harry stared in shocked silence at the man who was supposed to be his family. Uncle Vernon just stared down at him with cold eyes filled with pure hatred. He gasped as the knife was ripped out of his stomach and raised above his uncle's head for a final blow.
"Expelliarmus!" He heard a shout from the door, but couldn't find the strength to see who it was. He just concentrated on breathing, which was becoming increasingly difficult. He heard the Petrifying charm performed twice, but nothing was really registering in his brain anymore except for the now necessary instructions to breathe in and then out.
All of a sudden, Snape's blurry face came into view. Harry knitted his brows in confusion. Why was Snape here and why did he look worried? Nm He was saying something, but Harry couldn't comprehend the words. Finally, Snape said "Harry!" His brain understood that one, but he found he couldn't reply anyways, and the world slid softly into darkness.
After quickly "dealing" with the Dursleys, Snape grabbed Harry's wrist. Finding a weak pulse, he gathered the boy up in his arms and quickly Disapparated to the edge of Hogwart's wards. It was now night and he could see wizards still at work only because of the light shooting from their wands like fireworks. He ran as swiftly as he could toward the castle, holding the injured boy close to his chest as to now jolt him too much.
"Come on, Harry," he said, using the boy's first name only because no one else could hear him. Harry was losing a lot of blood, that much was obvious. He could feel the boy's blood beginning to seep through Snape's own robes. "Stay with me. We're almost there. Just hold on."
He sprinted straight to the infirmary. Luckily, there were only a few patients left in there now. Most had suffered injuries that could be quickly healed. He gently placed his student on the nearest open bed and closed the curtains around him all the while calling out the name of the medi-witch.
"What is it Severus?" she said, looking frazzled. She then caught sight of Harry. "Great Merlin! What in the world happened?"
"His relatives did this to him," he growled. Madam Pomfrey gasped. "His uncle stabbed him with a knife. I'm not sure what happened before I got there though."
Madam Pomfrey nodded in disbelief, but regained her senses quickly. She checked his pulse to find that it was weak. She began barking orders at Snape to bring her this or that, which he followed without complaint.
Snape was feeling the gnawing pains of guilt. If he had just told Dumbledore, none of this would have happened. He would have to inform the headmaster now, of course. On one hand, he was angry with himself for allowing this to stay a secret, leading to this, but on the other, was still convinced that it was best that not many people knew.
Finally, Madam Pomfrey had sealed up the stab wound, replenished his blood, mended Harry's broken arm, and healed his stomach as much as he could, until he had almost reached his maximum of magic his body was able to take.
"All right, well he should be all right, physically anyway. I injected a potion that should clear up the bruises within the next few days. His stomach and arm might be a bit sore, and the area around the stab wound will be sensitive, but it'll go away in a week or so," she said somberly.
"Listen, Poppy, we need to keep this quiet. Those reporters would attack this story like animals and who knows how the student body would react. We should try to keep this from as much of the staff as possible; the boy's got enough on his mind without having his professors treating him differently," Snape said in a voice barely above whisper.
"Severus, we have to alert somebody."
"I know. I'm going to inform the headmaster…."
"Yes, well that's obvious, but what about his friends? He needs somebody for emotional support from someone he knows and trusts. You're a creepy potions teacher and I'm a nagging school nurse," Snape glared at her slightly for this comment. "We aren't what he needs right now."
Snape knew that she was right, but it could also be emotionally devastating to have his friends all treat him awkwardly at a time when he needs them the most. He flashed back to what Harry had been saying when originally in his office.
'That's it!' Snape thought. 'He said something about some neighbors that knew. He put himself in danger to go see them in the hospital, he must be close with them, but they're Muggles. Maybe we could just modify their memories afterwards.'
He decided that it was time to tell Dumbledore about what had happened and would then ask if the Muggles should be asked to come.
He found Dumbledore with some Ministry officials and asked for a word in private. When the headmaster started leading the way to his office, Snape gently grabbed his arm and suggested the hospital wing instead.
When they arrived, Snape led Dumbledore behind the curtain to Harry's bed, where he remained unconscious. Dumbledore inhaled sharply in seeing the Gryffindor so obviously injured. Snape was surprised to see his mentor suddenly looking wearier than he had ever seen him.
"What happened, Severus?" he demanded coldly.
"His relatives, Albus. Potter was being abused."
"What?" the elder man asked. His eyes lost their usual sparkle and for possibly the first time that Snape could remember, Dumbledore allowed a shocked expression onto his face.
Snape told Dumbledore what he knew, minus the details about Harry's initial injuries and his comment about not wanting to disappoint Dumbledore, including what he knew about the Muggle family. He omitted anything unnecessary to tell the headmaster, then profusely apologized for not having said something sooner. The headmaster sank into a chair next to Harry's unconscious form.
"I'm sorry, Albus. I guess I just didn't want to comprehend the seriousness of the situation. I kept telling myself that he would tell somebody. I was prepared to deal with it when summer break approached if it hadn't already been dealt with. I just didn't know he'd be going back to his relatives' before then." He then added in a lower voice, looking back down at Harry, "I just felt that he needed someone to trust."
"It's all right, Severus. I never guessed this. I don't know how I could have overlooked something so obvious! Not wanting to have attention drawn to himself. Skinny, short, and quiet for his age, especially when he first started here. Latching onto Hagrid, the one who he sees as having rescued him from them initially. It all makes sense. Maybe I just didn't want to see it. Maybe none of us wanted to see it." Snape closed his eyes briefly, knowing that this last part applied to him. "What did you do with his relatives?"
Snape grinned evilly. "Just a little spell to make them see the errors of their ways."
"Severus?" Dumbledore questioned with a warning tone. Snape sighed.
"I turned them all into donkeys to reveal the asses they really are. After a few days they will turn into humans again but retain the animal ears and tail. They can't be removed and will only turn back once those monsters feel truly sorry for how they've treated Potter. I think the uncle in particular will be wearing a hat for a long time. I was going to turn them into cockroaches and then step on them, but I wanted them to have to face the public and feel the humiliation," Snape said smugly. He waited for a scolding from Dumbledore, who always lectured him in being the bigger person, taking the morally right actions.
"Good," the headmaster said quietly, gazing sadly at the injured boy. "Go find Harry's owl, it responds to the name of Hedwig, and send it to ask his Muggle friends to come. They already know about magic and we can transport them here by Portkey. Yes, in fact include a small Portkey and instructions on how to use it right with the owl. They should get here as soon as they are able to."
Snape could tell this was his cue to leave. He headed toward the Owlery to carry out Dumbledore's instructions.
"…can't believe this…who would do such a thing?…how didn't I see this before?…poor dear…rotten Muggles…" Voices began swimming in and out of Harry's hearing. He could recognize them, but was so tired. He just wanted to slip back into the comfortable darkness that had consumed him a few moments earlier.
"Albus, I think he's coming around. Harry? Come one now, open your eyes. You can do it." With some struggle, Harry lifted his heavy eyelids to find himself looking up into the face of Madam Pomfrey, Dumbledore right next to her.
"Where?" The word had involuntarily escaped his lips. He now recognized that he was in the Hogwarts hospital wing.
'What am I doing here?' he asked himself trying to remember. Then the night's events came flooding back: the fight with his uncle, being stabbed, his uncle being blown off of him, and Snape's blurry face above him. 'Snape! He was there! He saw!' Harry realized that his secret was out. Snape would have told Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey and who knew who else. Harry groaned both at this realization and at the throbbing pain in his stomach, which was present although not nearly as strong as it had been when he was injured. Madam Pomfrey fussed over him for a few minutes until Dumbledore asked for a word in private with Harry.
"You're at Hogwarts, Harry, in the hospital wing." Harry nodded and the headmaster sat down next to him. "Do you remember what happened last night?" he asked, his blue eyes piercing Harry's soul. Harry nodded tearing his eyes away to focus on the bedpost instead. He prepared himself for the "what they did was wrong" speech that he had heard from the Stensons several times and had come to find absolutely humiliating rather than comforting. He just hoped he wouldn't be scolded for not telling anyone.
"Harry, I'm so sorry."
Harry whipped his head around in shock to look perplexedly into the face of his headmaster. This wasn't the "I'm sorry that this should happen to you" type of apology, but was rather, one seeking for forgiveness. It was the last thing on Earth he had expected. Now looking into his mentor's face, it looked far wearier than he had ever seen it, baffling Harry.
"Sir?" he choked out.
"It was a horrible decision on my part to put you there. I should have looked into the type of environment I was putting you into, or checked up on you. I never dreamed that this would happen," he said with utmost sincerity. Harry even thought he heard the slightest bit of shaking in the old man's voice. He didn't know what to say. He had secretly thought those very things a few times on bad nights locked in his cupboard, but had never actually blamed the man.
"Sir, don't…it's not your fault. Just, please, don't tell the Weasleys or my friends or my professors or…"
"Harry," Dumbledore interrupted, putting up a hand to stop him. "I will be informing a few select people to deal with this. I would suggest that you tell your friends, as friends are the greatest support through hard times, though this is yours to tell them and it's not my place. I will, however, be informing Sirius. As your godfather, he has the right to know."
"Oh Professor, please not Sirius, I…" Harry began to protest, but Dumbledore once again put up his hand to interrupt him.
"I'm sorry, Harry, but it's for the best. If you'd like me to inform you when I know Sirius is in trouble, then you must allow him the same rights." Harry couldn't find the strength to argue anymore. He felt like everything was swirling down the drain. And the person he wanted to know the least was going to be told. Sirius had put himself in danger for Harry before, and he didn't know if he could take that kind of guilt again. "Now, as for punishing your so-called family…"
"Sir, please, I don't want to bring them to court or anything. I don't care what happens to them. I just don't want the press to know, or anyone else for that matter. Reporters would have a field day with this. They would…" Harry ranted frantically.
Dumbledore put up a hand to stop him.
"I was going to say that their punishment has already been taken care of unless you felt you would like to press charges. As I can see you don't, I'd say there is no issue," the headmaster said gravely.
"Oh," Harry said in surprise. "What did Snape do to them?" he asked curiously.
"Professor Snape, Harry," Dumbledore lightly scolded.
"Okay, what did Professor Snape do to them?"
Dumbledore opened his mouth to tell him but was interrupted by Madam Pomfrey who came bustling over with a potion.
"You can have story time later, Mr. Potter. Albus, my patient needs rest. No buts, Mr. Potter," she said. Harry sighed and rolled his eyes. Dumbledore smiled at Harry's reaction, but sadness was still etched into his expression.
"As you wish, Poppy," he said, standing up from the chair. "But one last quick question if you please."
Madame Pomfrey nodded her head irritably.
"Harry, did you have a dream of the battle at Hogwarts?"
"Oh yeah! And it was really weird. It was like I was there. And then I think I made Voldemort's wand move, when he had the Cruciatus Curse on Mr. Weasley. But then he made my scar hurt. It ended as soon as he left. What happened after that? Is everyone okay? Nobody seemed seriously hurt or anything, but I only saw the main entrance and they were at the others too and…"
"Yes yes, Harry, everyone was fine. Nobody was seriously injured and we captured many of the Death Eaters. I'm sure you will here all about it soon. But for now, get some rest. You deserve it." He nodded to the nurse and then left the room. Harry was sorry to see him go.
"All right, Harry dear, time for one of these wonderful potions you love so much," she said with a joking smile.
"What happened to 'Mr. Potter'?" Harry asked.
"Well, you've spent more time here than any other student I've ever had. I think it merits you to be called by your first name."
"I feel so honored," he said with a laugh. She smiled at him sadly and Harry sighed.
'And people wonder why I don't like telling people things. One more look of pity and I might scream,' Harry thought to himself.
"Here you go dear. Drink it down," she said handing him a cup with a familiar-looking potion.
"Let me guess, Dreamless Sleep Potion."
Madam Pomfrey smiled. "You got it. Now drink it up."
Harry decided not to argue and drank the potion, handing the cup back to Madam Pomfrey. She set it on the nightstand and then sat down next to him on the edge of his bed. She looked searchingly into Harry's eyes. Tears began to silently drip down her face.
"Madam Pomfrey?" Harry asked worriedly.
"Don't mind me, love, it's just that you visit this place far too often. And it seems that each time you come, it's for an even worse reason. There are so many hardships in your life. I just don't want to see them break your spirit," she said quietly through her tears.
Harry gave her a tired smile.
"Don't worry, I promise I won't let them," he whispered as he felt the tiredness wash over him. Madam Pomfrey wiped away the tears on her cheeks just to have new ones make them wet again. She smiled warmly at him.
"You just get some sleep, dear."
She leaned forward and gently kissed Harry's forehead. She smiled warmly at him as his eyes slipped shut. Harry felt the weight lift from the bed as she went to clear up the potion. Harry smiled slightly, thinking about the motherly gesture before slipping off into slumber.
When Harry woke the sun was shining through the window of the Hospital Wing. Harry remembered his conversation with Dumbledore from the night before. He was going to tell Sirius. Snape knew. Who would he tell?
'Now everyone would know how weak I am, unable to even defend myself properly. Dumbledore was probably disappointed, even if he didn't show it. Uncle Vernon was right; I'm a disgrace to my family and my friends. And now Sirius, Merlin, what will he think? He'll think I'm a bloody coward, that's what he'll think. Why is this happening?' he thought, aggravated. As much as he had entertained the thought that their worrying annoyed him, he really wished the Stensons were there. Someone that wouldn't be shocked by the information, someone he didn't have to explain things to. Harry shook away the thought.
'Don't be stupid,' he told himself. 'They don't deserve to have all your problems dumped on them all the time. Would you really want them to know this anyways? Would you really want to hear them go through the same dumb reassurances they always preach?" Yet, he knew the answer was yes. He grew angry with himself and felt even weaker than before. He had always prided himself on being emotionally independent. Then he met Ron, Hermione, and the Weasleys. Then he met Sirius. Now, he had met the Stensons.
"Harry?"
Harry was broken from his reverie by a shaky voice that sounded familiar. He shot up his head to meet the eyes of Dakota Stenson. Harry was shocked. How was this possible? He told himself he must be dreaming, but Kota burst into tears and rushed over, catching him in a tight hug that painfully informed Harry that he was, in fact, not dreaming.
"Kota? What are you doing here?" Harry asked, confused. Just then, Mr. and Mrs. Stenson came in as well, talking with Madam Pomfrey.
"Oh Harry dear," Mrs. Stenson cried and burst out into sobs of her own.
"What are you guys doing here?" Harry asked again, still perplexed.
"Hedwig came round hooting like crazy. The letter she brought said that you were injured and that we could come to see you. It told us to all touch this quill and we would be taken to you, so we did and we're here. The nurse told us what happened," Kota explained through her tears. Harry looked down at his hands.
"It's not that big of a deal…" he started.
"Not a big deal? He tried to kill you, Harry!" Mr. Stenson said in half anger, half distress. "They said you would have died if your professor hadn't found you when he did and they hadn't been able to use magic to help you."
Harry didn't know what to say and took his famous pose of staring at his hands.
"Harry." Harry looked up to see Mr. Stenson sitting next to him. "You're not going back there. Ever again." Harry didn't know if this would actually turn out to be true, since it would be dangerous to put him anywhere else with Lord Voldemort after him, but nevertheless, the words were comforting. He nodded to show he was listening. There was an awkward silence as the Stensons were obviously taking in the bruises on his face and the now healing cut.
"Hey, I'm well enough to walk around, I can give you a tour of the school if you'd like," he said enthusiastically, throwing off the covers to his bed. Mrs. Stenson nodded, wiping away a quick tear, which Harry chose to ignore. "Just give me a second to change. As stylish as these infirmary pajamas are, I'd rather be seen in my school robes by the many people trying to repair the castle." Dakota laughed and they let Harry change into a set of his school robes behind the curtain. He was still sore and changing was more difficult than he let on, but he changed fast nonetheless to divert any demands from the medi-witch to remain in bed. He applied a few masking spells to cover up a few of the bruises. Soon, they were leaving the hospital wing with Harry leading.
"What did you guys think of traveling by Portkey?" he asked.
"That was the freakiest thing ever!" said Dakota animatedly. "I felt like I was being yanked around by my stomach."
"Yeah, I can never stay on my feet with those things," Harry said in agreement. "I guess it's better by Floo though, that makes me sick!" At their confused expressions, Harry quickly explained the Floo network. They looked like they were still a tad skeptical, which was ironic since they had just traveled by touching a quill.
He first showed them the great hall, explaining the enchanted ceiling. There were a ton of wizards repairing some of the walls and columns inside. In fact, everywhere they went, they kept running across groups of wizards shooting spells for reparation or strengthening protection spells. This seemed to capture the attention of the two adults the most, who seemed to be realizing just how real the whole wizarding world was.
"Harry!" he heard called from behind and turned around to find Mr. Weasley waving and walking over. "Rick? Kathryn?"
"Don't worry, Mr. Weasley, they know now," Harry assured him.
"Oh good, it was so confusing trying to come up with a Muggle occupation. Luckily, though, I do know a thing or two about Muggles and probably could have fooled you. I know all about ekeltricity and we just got a fellytone a few summers ago." The adult Stensons looked confused at this. Harry snuck a smile to Kota who was suppressing a giggle. "I love Muggle things though, we should really have a chat sometime…" He paused all of a sudden and stared at Harry as if seeing him for the first time. "Harry, what in the name of Merlin happened to you?" he asked stepping forward to look at the fading bruises and the cut on Harry's face.
"Er…fight with my cousin," he murmured. The Stensons all gave him sympathetic looks, but it was Mr. Stenson who came to his rescue.
"So, Arthur, what is it exactly that you are all doing here? I'm very new with all this magic stuff. I can still hardly believe this is all real!"
"Well, I can show you if you'd like. I'll answer all of your magic questions if you don't mind an interrogation about all things Muggle," he said with a laugh. He shot a suspicious look at Harry's face.
"Sounds great, Arthur. Let's get started," Mrs. Stenson said warmly.
The adults all went off together, Mr. Weasley still looking a tad skeptical about Harry's story. The two teenagers vowed to stay out of trouble and started off in the opposite direction.
"So, what do you guys have to eat around here?" Kota asked slyly implying that she was hungry.
"I'm glad you asked," Harry said with a grin and led her to the kitchens. Kota was amazed at the way to get in and practically had a heart attack in seeing her first house elf.
"Harry Potter, sir!" Harry braced himself as Dobby seized him around the waist, hugging him tightly.
"Hi Dobby," Harry gasped.
"Who has Harry Potter got with him?" he asked eyeing Kota, who looked like she was going to jump out of her skin any second.
"This is my friend, Kota. She's a Muggle." Dobby beamed at Kota who gave a weak smile in return, taking a slight step back.
"Any friend of Harry Potter is a friend of mine, miss," Dobby exclaimed. "Dobby thinks Harry Potter is the greatest wizard in the entire world, miss. Harry Potter gives Dobby his favorite presents of socks and saved him from his old bad master. Harry Potter is saying that Dobby should not be punishing himself no longer, miss. Harry Potter is being generous and noble and selfless…"
"Er…Dobby, do you think you we could have a few snacks?" Harry interrupted, his face burning with embarrassment. Dobby and several other house-elves ran off, bringing back many snacks. Dobby returned with all the socks Harry had ever given him, including the ones he had sent him this last Christmas, and insisted on showing Kota, who was beginning to find it very amusing. Harry thanked Dobby and pulled Kota out quickly. She kept calling him "Harry Potter, sir" and talking about how kind and noble he was for his generous gifts of socks.
"Oh shut it Kota. Besides, what can I help it if creatures of all kind find me awe-inspiring," he teased. She rolled her eyes and gently pushed him into a wall. She suddenly stopped. "Wait, Harry, is George Weasley here? His dad is!" she asked excitedly.
"Nope, he's not here so you can wipe the drool up off the floor." Kota looked dismayed. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to get you two some alone time this summer or something." She cheered back up.
Eventually the Stensons had to leave and Harry reluctantly said goodbye. They Portkeyed back to Surrey. He made a mental note to give Kota some praise for handling Portkey travel so well; sarcastic praise of course. She had looked as if she had been petrified by a Basilisk when she was told to grip the quill again. It seemed that she really hadn't enjoyed her first trip this way and wasn't too eager to take a second.
Harry had to spend the next few days in the hospital wing reading books on Quidditch to pass the time. At one point, the moment he had been dreading came.
He was engrossed in his book when the Hospital Wing door burst open, causing Harry to drop his book in surprise. He looked up to see his very angry and upset godfather.
"Harry, oh Merlin, are you okay? Tell me what they said wasn't true. He was lying right? This is some sick joke, right? Tell me you've been perfectly safe and that you weren't hurt," he pleaded. Harry didn't know what to say. He settled for his usual stuttering, non-comprehensible speech while taking immense interest in his lap.
Sirius obviously took this as confirmation to what Dumbledore had already told him. He slumped into a chair next to Harry's bed with a glazed expression. His mouth opened and closed like he didn't know what to say. It reminded Harry of a fish.
"Now, Sirius, don't overreact. Please don't do something stupid," Harry begged. Sirius rested his head in his hands, massaging his temples.
"Harry, how long has this kind of thing been going on?" he asked looking into Harry's eyes to detect if he was telling the truth.
"Not very long," he said slipping his gaze away. It was only stretching the truth a little.
"Not very long as in a few days? A few weeks?" he implored.
"A few years…" Harry said quietly.
"What? Harry, look at me in the eyes and answer me, okay?" Harry obeyed. "When did this first start?"
"Er…I don't know. It was before I can really remember, but not as bad really," he mumbled. Sirius looked shocked. His eyes flashed murderously and he stood up quickly, looking as if he was going to give credence to his reputation.
"I'm going to kill them. I'm going to rip off their bloody heads. I'm going to…"
"Sirius!" Harry scolded. "Stop. You're not going to kill them or decapitate them in any way, all right?"
"I have to go. I have to kill them or hurt them or something. They'll pay those bastards!" he said starting for the door.
Harry got out of bed quickly. He ran to place himself between Sirius and the door.
"No Sirius, please. Don't do anything stupid. You'll get thrown in Azkaban and you'll be gone again. Don't go. Please, stay here with me. I haven't seen you in so long," Harry pleaded desperately. He could see that Sirius was calming down at his words, probably touched that his godson wanted his company.
Suddenly the anger left his face and was replaced by worry.
"What are you doing out of bed? You need to lie down. Come on, I'll stay with you. I can't believe you're just running around this room when you're hurt," Sirius began to ramble, ushering his godson back to his bed. Harry didn't have the heart to tell him that he'd been allowed out of bed and had been walking around Hogwarts for the past few days. Instead, he allowed himself to be escorted back into bed as Sirius sank into the chair next to him.
He sat back shaking his head.
"James and Lily must be rolling over in their graves." He paused then looked at Harry. "I'm so sorry Harry, I've been a horrible godfather to you."
"Sirius, don't say that, this is not your fault at all!" Why was everyone apologizing? It was getting on Harry's nerves.
"Well, I swear to you on my Marauder status that you will never have to go through that again. Listen, kid, this summer I promise that you're going to have the best time of your life! A huge room, there's a miniature Quidditch pitch around back, and I have tons of old junk you can help me sort through…"
"Er…no offense Sirius, but I have no idea what you're going on about."
"No one told you?"
Harry shook his head.
"I guess Dumbledore though I ought to. Well, I have great news then. You know how they caught some Death Eaters?" At Harry's nod, he continued. "Well, one of them was a certain rat that we're not too fond of." He smiled at Harry's astonished look. "They're going to interrogate him and everything, and it's not quite official yet, but basically, it's enough evidence to prove my innocence."
"You're free?" Harry asked in disbelief.
"As a bird," Sirius smiled. "And, if you still want to, this summer, we'll move into the Black House, which looks like a miniature Muggle White House from the States from the outside, and I'll make sure it'll be the best summer you've ever had."
"Really? You're serious?" Harry asked excitedly.
"Of course I'm serious. Serious is my middle name. Oh wait, it's my first name." Harry burst out laughing.
"I'm guessing you've used that one a lot huh?"
"Oh yeah, that joke never dies and never will. I assure you that you'll learn to avoid asking if I'm serious at all costs in the near future."
Harry and Sirius spent the rest of the day laughing about their summer plans, nearly forgetting the dark events that had brought them together.
Finally, when the school was repaired, the rest of the students came back and Harry was allowed to return to his dorm. Ron and Hermione were relieved to see that Harry was safe. Over dinner, they told Harry all about Beauxbatons.
"There were fountains and statues everywhere made of gold. It looked like a palace or something," Ron explained.
"Yeah," Hermione jumped in, "And for dinner, there were smaller, circular tables with tablecloths and candlesticks. Everything was really proper. Of course, we all had to sleep in sleeping bags in their dining hall."
"There weren't any poltergeists and all the ghosts were so clean looking. You couldn't even tell how they died. The Bloody Baron would have been chased out of there and Nearly-Headless Nick wouldn't have ever been allowed to freak people out with his head. And I swear there was harp music playing all over the place. Everything was so…" Ron looked to Hermione for the right word.
"Sparkly," they said in unison. Harry laughed.
"Thank Merlin we're back at Hogwarts," Hermione commented. Harry raised his eyebrow.
"You made it sound like this place was paradise."
"Exactly. It was horrible!" she exclaimed.
"Yeah, it was like you couldn't mess up or joke around. It seemed like you were at some fancy party and always had to be on your best behavior," Ron explained disgustedly.
Harry laughed. "Well, I'm glad you guys are back too."
"How was your little holiday? Where did Dumbledore send you anyways?" Ron asked through a mouthful of food.
"The Dursleys," he said making a face. "But I was allowed to come back really quickly. There was a ton of people here fixing everything and strengthening the wards and such. I saw your Dad and your brothers, Ron." He paused. "And Dumbledore even let the Stensons drop by for the day," he added, figuring that Ron would find out from his family anyway.
"Really? Why?" Hermione asked curiously.
"I don't know, just to keep me out of the way I guess."
"What did they think?" asked Ron.
"Mr. and Mrs. Stenson seemed a bit overwhelmed. Kota looked how I probably did on my first day here."
"Like Goyle when he's asked a question in class?" Ron asked jokingly. Harry chucked some mashed potatoes at him with a laugh.
"Pretty much. She was a little freaked out by the house elves though."
"Yeah, well I guess they are kind of freaky-looking though, even if they do make some great food," Ron said taking a big bite of chicken. Harry's laughs turned into fake coughs as he noticed Hermione glaring at him.
Life was good.
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Eowyn of Ithilien: Well don't worry, Harry didn't die this chapter. I'm glad that you enjoyed the last chapter! In response to McGonagall giving Harry the password, she probably figured that he'd figure it out anyways if she brought him there herself because she'd have to say it in front of him, right? Also, Harry's not exactly a psycho-killer out for Dumbledore's blood. I don't think it's a huge concern of hers, or Dumbledore's really. Hope you liked the chapter! You rock!!
It's Temporary Insanity: Yeah, sometimes Harry is too proud for his own good. He should've run away long ago but no, he's stubborn. He did try wandless magic, but he froze and it couldn't do it. He tried to use his wandless magic, but in seeing his uncle's outraged expression, fear overwhelmed him and he froze. He couldn't concentrate enough to use it. I agree with you about ff.net. It's so stubborn sometimes!! Hope you liked the chapter.
Maximum Poofy-Queen of AU: I'm glad you like Snape!! He's so cool! As you can see, he did save the day. The Dursleys really suck, don't they. Are you proud? I updated so soon and with such a long chappy, just so you wouldn't die of suspense!
Catiechan: Yup, well, not everyone found out, but some people definitely did. But none of the people in this chapter (besides Harry) know about the cancer. Whether Harry will die or not, we'll just have to see.
Keronshara: LOL your review made me laugh so hard. When you said "I hate you" I had to do a double take and then burst out laughing. I'm very scared for me and my future grandchildren now. That fear made me update soon as a peace offering. No big cliffie here, but I can't have a cliffie for every chapter or things would get too predictable. Call me warned. I'll try not to be too scared. hehehe
Jackie: Glad you liked the last chapter. Sorry to dash your dreams, but sadly, Harry's not getting kidnapped in this fic. But it was a really good idea!! Unfortunately, I've already looked through my fic and I can't find a way to add it. I hope you like the story anyways!! Hope you liked the chapter.
Fantagal: Yay! I'm glad you like the story. I hope I'm killing you in a fun way. Lol. Keep reading and reviewing!! Hope you continue to like the fic!
Srialb: Ooh, one of your favorites, eh? Yay!! That makes me soo happy. So you think you know what's going to happen, eh? Email me or something and tell me what you think. I won't tell you if you're right or wrong, but I'd be interested to see what you're thinking. Hope to keep surprising you!!
Joe: Yup. He's getting to be one powerful fellow. And Dumbledore is only human. And Sev came to the rescue whoo!! Hope you liked this chappy!!
T-Lev: Oooh….J.K. jr.? I like it, lol!! You read all of it in one day? Wow, that's some feat. Thank you!! I loved your review! It made me get up and dance like a crazed lunatic.
Crazyfanfictionfanatic: Ooh, everyone seems to think I'm evil for the last cliffy, I'm so flattered!!
Maha: I'm glad you like my story! I updated really soon since I got so many wonderful reviews! I hope I can make you a full-fledged fan.
Ckat44: Oh you know you love the cliffies. Evil makes it all the more exciting!
Thank you also for the fantabulous reviews from Arctic Wolf 2, Nikki, Rain Warrior, animalcrazy10102, coward in the shadows, Lauren, GrimmyD, and manateegirl524.