Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter Characters or anything else from the books. I do own the plot and the new characters.
Author's Notes: This is an alternate universe fiction. There will be angst, action/adventure, drama, humor, and romance(eventually). This story is rated R so I don't get myself into any trouble with what I write. Thanks to those unsung heroes who proof read this story. This story will contain child abuse, violence, possible *slash*, suicidal characters, torture, murder, and right now I do not know what else.
( ) indicates a characters thoughts.
Synopsis: Harry returns to #4 Privet Drive after his day of shopping with Hagrid and is attacked by Vernon Dursley. At the same time Lucius Malfoy beats Draco for his attitude towards Harry in Madam Malkin's Robes. These events change the course of history in this universe. Read to find out more.
Chapter 3: Allies and Enemies
Molly entered the den to check on the boys. There had not been a sound from Harry or Draco in almost three hours. She was surprised to find all six boys asleep. Fred was laying next to Draco and George had his arms wrapped around Harry. Bill and Ron were sharing the overstuffed easy chair, Ron's head on Bill's shoulder.
She moved through the room pulling the covers over the boys in the beds before getting an extra blanket from the closet.
Bill woke as his mother covered him and his youngest brother. He carefully slipped from Ron's side without waking him, tucking the blanket around him before following his mother into the kitchen.
Dobby was pouring tea for Mrs. Weasley and Bill as Percy and Ginny came in from the garden. Two more cups appeared on the table as Percy and Ginny sat down.
"Now, we need to be quiet dears. Harry and Draco have been asleep for almost three hours," Molly said sipping her tea.
"Thank goodness. They haven't slept longer than two hours since they got here. Maybe they've worked themselves through their nightmares," Percy sighed, looking at his exhausted mother and brother.
"Hello, Molly, Bill, Percy, Ginny," Professor McGonagall said appearing at the backdoor.
"Oh, come in Minerva. The boys are asleep," Molly said as Dobby poured a cup of tea for the newest arrival.
Minerva sat next to Mrs. Weasley as Percy and Ginny looked out the open top of the door to see a giant gray owl swooping in for a landing.
Professor McGonagall gasped as the owl landed on the door and stared at Bill. A letter was tied to its leg.
"Hello, Osiris," Bill called happily as he got up to get the letter.
"Is that an Ancient Great Gray?" Minerva asked.
"Yes, it's the same owl that brought us the letter telling us that Bill had been injured and rescued," Molly replied as Bill took the letter from the owl.
"Can you wait for a reply, Osiris?" Bill asked as he opened the letter.
The owl nodded and ruffled his feathers.
Hi Bill,
How are you recovering? The boys would like to see you before you return to curse breaking.
My research is not progressing as quickly as I had hoped.
I would like to talk to you before you return to Egypt, also.
How are things going with your current assignment? Is
he doing well?
Well, I need to get back to the boys. They're driving Filch
up the walls. Mrs. Norris has taken a liking to Cody and won't
let Filch near him.
The boys will be riding the train to school, even though
we've been here since June. Professor Dumbledore and I felt that it would give them a chance to meet some of their classmates before they are sorted.
If you need anything, anything at all, let me know.
Your Friend,
Logan
"Is that from your friend in Egypt?" Molly asked.
"Yes, but he's in England now. His nephews are starting at Hogwarts this year. I need to send a letter back with Osiris," Bill replied, his face brightening as an ideal came to him.
Bill dug a quill, ink, and parchment from a drawer and quickly wrote a short note and tied it to Osiris' leg.
"Osiris, I know I don't have to worry about you, but it is very important that Logan get this as soon as possible." The Great Gray gave Bill a dirty look.
"This is an emergency Osiris. Harry and Draco aren't sleeping very well. If they don't get some help soon, they will get very sick," Bill was about to continue when a piercing scream issued from the other room.
Osiris butted his head against Bill's shoulder as Bill started to turn. He looked back at the owl, who's expression was very serious. The owl gave Bill a nod and launched himself into the air.
Bill headed for Draco and Harry's room. Entering, he was not surprised to find his mother cradling Draco in her arms as George held on to a frightened Harry. Ron sat in the chair a worried look creasing his face. Percy, for once not being a total git, had a comforting hand on his shoulder.
**********
Bill, Fred, George, Ron, Ginny, and their mother sat around the kitchen table sipping tea and waiting for Dr. Hawkens to complete his examinations of Draco and Harry.
"Bill, are you gonna tell us who sent those?" George asked, pointing to wooden boxes sitting on the end of the table.
"And how they got passed the Ministry?" Fred added.
"Yes, Bill, I would also like to know how you were able to slip two package from Avalon passed the Ministry," Molly said, eying the boxes.
"Well, they're asleep again. Nancy is sitting with them," Dr. Hawkens said as he entered the kitchen.
At that moment Minister Fudge and an older woman in yellow robes knocked at the kitchen door.
"Come in Minister Fudge. Who is this with you?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"This is Ms. Heather Clark with the Department of Underage Wizard Protective Services. She is here to ensure that your home meets Protective Services standards," Cornelius Fudge said with a broad smile.
Molly was about to say something when Arthur came in from the living room with Katherine Cook, Roger Clayton, and another gentleman in beige robes.
"Molly, Minister Fudge is on the way with someone from the Underage Wizard Protective Services Department," Arthur said before he noticed the minister and his companion.
"Well, Arthur, I see you were informed of my visit. Ms. Clark will begin the inspection now," fudge replied.
"I have only one thing to say. As I understand it, there are five children presently living here, not including Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. I am sorry but that by itself requires me to remove both Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter from the premises," Ms. Clark said as Cornelius Fudge smiled.
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley gasped. Katherine Cook stepped in front of the shocked couple and glared at Fudge and Clark. Dr. Hawkens turned and walked back into the den.
"You are not removing anyone from this home," Katherine snarled.
Cornelius Fudge gulped and looked to Ms. Cook for help.
"I will remove any and everyone I see fit to remove from this house. If you give me any trouble, I'll remove all of the children from this house."
Fudge let a smile cross his face as he looked around the kitchen. Seeing the boxes with 'Avalon' written on them, he pointed them out to Ms. Clark as his smile grew.
"Illegal items in the home, too. I think I will have to remove all of the underage wizards and witches from these premises." Clark started writing in a book she pulled from her robes.
"I have documentation giving me and the people they are for the rights to receive and keep those packages and their contents," Bill said, standing up and walking towards the boxes.
"Ms. Clark you do not have the authority to remove anyone from this home," Katherine countered.
"Yes, I do. There are not enough bedrooms in this house to accommodate the people living here," Clark growled.
"That is being taken care of. Mr. Francis Taylor is a contractor that my firm has hired, with Arthur and Molly Weasley's consent to remodel their home. Several rooms will be added to accommodate the people who will be living here," Katherine fired back.
"That has no bearing on my decision. The present living conditions do not meet minimum requirements. The illegal items only make matters more serious. I will be taking all of the children with me."
"I told you I have the legal documentation allowing me to possess those packages. In fact, I have copies right here that you can have," Bill growled. He pulled several pages of parchment from his robes and handed them to Minister Fudge.
The Minister glared at Bill as he took the pages.
"That is all well and good Mr. Weasley, however, until the documents are authenticated I will have to confiscate those boxes," Fudge smirked, stuffing the documents into his robes.
"Minister, please do not touch the boxes, they have been charmed to protect them from theft," Bill said as Fudge moved to get the boxes.
"Cornelius, what is the meaning of this?" Lord Blackwell said as he appeared at the kitchen door.
"I came here to remove Mr. Malfoy from these deplorable conditions. Then I discovered these illegal packages, which I am about to confiscate. We will also be removing the rest of the children from this house."
"No, you will not. I approved of this placement and no one is removing anyone from this home. I also know of the packages. I have copies of the documents on my desk and they are unquestionably from the Avalonian Embassy. I am fining you, Mr. Fudge and you, Ms. Clark for attempting to circumvent a court order. You will receive the paperwork on your fines tomorrow. Please leave now so that this family can continue their day without further interruptions," Lord Blackwell said, entering the kitchen and receiving a cup of tea from Molly.
"Mr. Blackwell, I understand that you are a member of the Wizengamot and a judge in the Ministry's Court Division. What are your duties as a Judge in the Department of Justice?" Ms. Clark asked.
"I am the head of the department. It falls to me to handle the day to day requirements of maintaining order in our world. I preside over non-criminal hearings and am also a member of the appellate court. The Aurors, hit wizards, and Magical Law Enforcement Squad are under my Department. I am surprised at your question Ms. Clark. How long have you been with Protective Services?"
"Three weeks," Ms. Clark replied.
"I believe it would be a good idea for you to return to your office and learn who your superiors are. I will contact your supervisor about disciplinary action in this matter."
"You're the head of the Justice Department?" Ms. Clark squeaked.
"Yes."
"We'll be leaving, Lord Blackwell. I believe this to be all a misunderstanding and do not think any disciplinary action is necessary," Cornelius said.
The Minister of Magic and Ms. Clark stalked out of the kitchen and through the garden. They were quite unhappy to have had their plans to return Draco to his father smashed to bits.
"Now, how are Draco and Harry doing?" Lord Blackwell asked.
"Not much better, but they're still asleep. The packages arrived a few minutes before Fudge and Clark," Bill replied.
"Well, we're awake now," Draco grumbled as Dr. Hawkens led the two boys into the kitchen.
"Are those the packages you're talking about?" Harry asked, pointing to the boxes at the end of the table.
"I had a friend send a couple of things that should keep you and Draco from having nightmares," Bill replied as Dr. Hawkens guided his patients into chairs.
"Will someone tell me what's going on?" Draco moaned.
"Sorry, Draco. Fudge wanted to have you sent back to Lucius. He brought a new witch from Protective Services to remove you because the house is too small for so many people. I heard about the visit from a friend at the Ministry and contacted Katherine. We arrived just after they did," Arthur replied, joining everyone at the table.
"Then Fudge saw your packages and since trade with where they came from is strictly monitored and restricted he tried to confiscate them, even though I have all of the necessary paperwork to make receiving and keeping the contents legal," Bill added.
"Where are they from and what's in them?" Draco asked, his curiosity peaked.
"You'll find out what they contain when you open them. As to where they are from. . . . ."
"AVALON!" the twins chorused, interrupting Bill.
Draco gasped. "Are you serious? Lucius has been trying for years to get something, anything really, from Avalon. When can we open them?" Draco asked, excitement evident in his voice.
"Now is fine," Bill replied as he moved the packages to the table in front of Draco and Harry.
The boys wasted no time in ripping the boxes open. Harry cautiously looked inside his box as Draco put his hand in his.
"It's a teddy bear," Harry said as he and Draco pulled the stuffed animals from their boxes.
The bears were about two feet long and had brown eyes. They were covered with thick, soft, dark brown fur. Draco's bear had a red ribbon around its neck and a blue one encircled the neck of Harry's.
"Are these from The Golden Toy Box's The Menagerie ?" Draco asked, running his hands over the bear.
"Yes," Bill answered.
Everyone except Bill and Harry gasped in shock.
"Get each of us one, Bill," Fred and George shouted.
"They're teddy bears. What do the two of you want with teddy bears? You're a little old for stuff animals aren't you? Aren't I?" Harry asked, a blank look on his face.
"Harry, Lucius tried for years to get me one of these. No one is going to think anything less about you for having one of these," Draco replied, hugging his bear.
"No kidding-" George said.
"we found a catalog-"
"in the basement-"
"a few years ago."
"It was fifteen years old-"
"and from The Golden Toy Box," Fred finished.
"We had wanted to order some toys for Bill, but the Ministry at the time stopped allowing imports from Avalon," Molly said.
"I've never heard of Avalon. Where is it?" Harry asked.
"Avalon is one of four continents that exist slightly out of synch with our world. Sort of like Diagon Alley in London," Mr. Weasley explained, smiling at Harry.
Harry pleaded with Bill to go shopping after the Minister of Magic left. Bill finally caved in, agree to take Harry the next morning.
**********
Harry, Draco, Ron, Fred, George, and Bill stepped into Diagon Alley. The boys roamed up and down the shops for over an hour before Harry decide to go into Ulric Undone's Unusual and Unique Gift Shoppee. He talked the others into waiting outside while he made some purchases.
A wizard in bright yellow robes bumped into Harry as he was leaving Ulric's. The man disappeared before Harry could say anything.
Ulric's shop was filled with hundreds of items. Necklaces and pendants hung on pegs over trays of rings and babbles. Harry wondered through the narrow aisles looking for gifts for the Weasleys.
A wizard in red robes stepped around the end of the aisle blocking Harry's path. He was looking directly at Harry with a grim scowl plastered to his face.
"Where is it young man?" the man growled.
"Where's what? Who are you?"" Harry asked,
"I'm Bruce Turner, with the Magical Law Enforcement Squad. We've detected an illegal Time Turner on your person. Where is it?" the man said, moving towards Harry.
"I don't have any Time Turner. I don't even know what a Time Turner is," Harry exclaimed, turning to flee, only to run into a witch who was also wearing red robes.
"Young man, you will have to come with us," the witch said, grabbing Harry's arm and pulling a feather from her pocket.
Harry felt as if a hook had been placed just behind his naval and was pulling him backwards.
Harry blinked and looked around. He was in a small grey room with the witch and wizard from Ulric's. There was a padded table with manacles against the far wall and a heavy metal door in the wall to his left. A single glowing orb floated near the center of the ceiling.
"Strip!" the witch snarled, shoving Harry toward the table.
"What?" Harry asked.
"Get out of your clothes, now!" she yelled.
Harry started to undress. He kicked his shoes off and the wizard grabbed them. The witch eyed him menacingly as he slowly removed his clothes. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Turner searching his things as he took them off.
"GOT IT!" Turner bellowed pulling a length of leather from one of Harry's pockets. A small hourglass was attached to the strap.
"You're in for it now. Where'd you get this?" Turner growled at Harry as the boy dropped the last of his things to the floor.
Harry shivered in the cold room and whimpered. He had no idea what was going on.
"T-t-t-t-that's not mine. I-I-I've n-n-never s-s-seen it b-b-b-before," Harry stammered, goose bumps appearing all over his body.
"Don't give us that. We know all about you and your little games. You will tell us everything we want to know. One way or the other," the witch cackled.
**********
"He's been in there for over an hour. What could he be looking for?" Ron asked, pacing in front of Ulric's and running his hands through his hair.
"Bill, Fred and I are going in to look for him," George said as he and his brother headed into the shop. They came bursting out seconds later.
"Ulric said that a witch and a wizard in red robes portkeyed Harry away," Fred gasped as he and George took Draco's arms and guided him towards Gringotts.
"We need to tell Mum and Dad that Harry's been kidnaped," George added, his brothers following him.
"And Professor Dumbledore and Lord Blackwell," Bill added.
The boys rushed into Gringotts and sent their messages.
**********
Lord Richard Blackwell was sitting at his desk when his secretary, Mary Stern, burst through the door.
"Harry Potter has been taken from Diagon Alley!" Mary hollered.
"Merlin's Beard! When?"
"Over an hour ago. We have personnel searching for him now."
Lord Blackwell spun his chair to see if any additional Ministry employees were available to join the search for Harry. Sliding the wall panel aside, he checked the map of the Ministry building that showed everyone at the Ministry. A flashing red dot along the bottom edge of the map caught the Judge's attention. He pressed it and a map of the holding cells appeared. One of the cells had a occupant. He touched the cell and it expanded to reveal that it contained a prison, but should be empty. Two dots labeled Bruce Turner and Felicia Flowers were walking down the corridor outside of the cell.
"Contact members of the MLES [Magical Law Enforcement Squad] and Aurors that are beyond reproach. Send them down to the holding cells. I'm heading there now," Lord Blackwell announced before grabbing a statue of a Phoenix in flight and vanishing in a flash.
Lord Blackwell hurried down the holding cell corridor from the portkey point, his wand in his hand. Turner and Flowers were just opening the door to the cell as he reached them.
"What's going on here? Who's in this cell?" Lord Blackwell asked as the two MLES members turned around.
Turner tried to close the door but Blackwell was now furious. He cast two stunning curses dropping Turner and Flowers to the floor.
Kicking the door open, he discovered the missing Harry Potter, chained to the padded cot. Large patches of raw flesh were visible on the boy's naked body. He looked like a scarecrow, he was so thin. Even more thin than he was when he was first rescued from the Dursleys'.
Blackwell spun around. He saw the emergency cords hanging by the door. Red for escape, black for a death, blue for a fight, yellow for an intruder, and green for a medical emergency. Knowing that the alarm system would alert the guards that two stunning had been cast in the area, he pulled the green and yellow cords and entered the room.
Harry's arms were stretched above his head, his torso covered with patches of raw skin and bruises. Blackwell let his eyes roam over the boy's battered body. A bottle at the foot of the cot caught his attention.
Richard picked the bottle up and sneered. The bottle contained what was commonly known to muggles as liquid heat. It was used by athletes to relievemuscle aches and pains.
"Search those two and toss them in cells. They are to be charged with kidnaping and torture. I want them questioned under Veritaserum with as many witnesses as possible," Lord Blackwell told the half a dozen Aurors that had arrived to investigate the spells that had been cast.
The aurors took Turner and Flowers away as mediwitches arrived. Richard freed Harry from the chains that bound his arms and legs as the healers went to the boy's aid.
"What happened to Harry, Lord Blackwell?" one of the witches asked.
"I have no idea what those two did to him, Charlotte. He's only been missing for about an hour and a half, but he looks like he hasn't eaten for days."
"He has lost a lot of weight. His medical files were forwarded here when his disappearance was reported. I recognize the scrap wounds. I have had to treat those types of wounds for the last year, especially on smugglers," Charlotte replied.
"How could they think that Harry would have been able to put anything under his skin?" Blackwell snarled.
"What's in that bottle?" Charlotte asked.
"Muggle muscle treatment, in a concentrated form. I believe they were applying it to Harry's body."
"MERLIN! How could they do that to a child? We're ready to take him to St. Mungo's. I'll let you know how he is," Charlotte said as she and her fellow witches levitated Harry out of the cell.
**********
"HE'S WHERE!?" Draco and the entire Weasley clan exclaimed.
"Harry is at St. Mungo's being treated..." Dr. Hawkens began.
"What happened?" Draco interrupted.
"I am not sure at the moment. Lord Blackwell will be here shortly to explain everything. He's questioning some people about it right now."
"We've got to get his bear to him. He slept all night without a single nightmare," Draco moaned.
"As soon as we hear from St. Mungo's, I'll take you over to see Harry and you can give him his bear," Dr. Hawkens stated.
"Well, I have news," Lord Blackwell said, entering through the kitchen door.
"How's Harry?" Dr. Hawkens asked.
"Not well, but he will recover."
"What happened?" Mrs. Weasley asked as Bill put his arm around a trembling Draco.
"Two members of the Magical Law Enforcement Squad arrested Harry for possession of a Time Turner. They had a third person plant a Time Turner on Harry, before they made the arrest." The judge accepted a cup of tea from Percy.
"What did they do that for?" Ron asked.
"To get hold of Harry, of course. Were they friends of Lucius'?" Draco asked.
"We believe so. We think Lucius was going to attempt to trade Harry for you, Draco, or just to remove Harry from the picture," Blackwell explained.
"You mean they were going to kill Harry?" Mrs. Weasley gasped.
"I believe so. I need to warn you though, Harry is in very bad shape. Turner and Flowers did a number on him. Apparently they used the Time Turner that they planted on him in order to take him three weeks into the past. They starved him and pealed layers of his skin off."
"Why'd they peal his skin off?" Ginny asked, concern etched on her face as her mother hugged her.
"To hurt him," Fred said.
"What gave them the idea to do that?" George asked.
"We've had problems with smugglers hiding contraband items under their skin," Lord Blackwell answered.
"When can we seen Harry? I need to take him his stuffed bear. Neither of us had any nightmares last night," Draco sighed.
"I guess it would do Harry some good if he saw all of you this afternoon. Why were all of you in Diagon Alley any way?"
"Harry wanted to buy some things. He never told us what he was after or why." Bill replied.
"He may not be awake when we arrive. We had to give him a Dreamless Sleep Potion. He has been having nightmares that wake him up every time he falls asleep. We discovered that Turner and Flowers had brought a dementor into the Ministry and had it stay in the cell next to the one Harry was held in," Richard continued.
"Merlin! How could they? Oh, what that must have done to Harry," Molly moaned.
"I'm staying until he wakes up," Draco bluntly announced.
"I don't think that will be necessary," Dr. Hawkens replied.
"I'm not going to have Harry wake up all alone in St. Mungo's after what just happened to him. It's not fair. He doesn't have anyone else, so I'm going. I won't take no for an answer either," Draco snarled.
"I'll stay with them," Bill added.
"You win. I will notify the staff that you will be staying at least until Harry wakes up," Dr. Hawkens said, shaking his head.
**********
Bill stretched and stood up. He was stiff from spending the last six hours sitting in an armchair across from the beds Draco and Harry occupied. It had been a good idea to prepare the hospital staff for Draco's stay. Once he had made sure that Harry was still breathing, Draco put his bear against his side and draped Harry's arm over it. He then promptly collapsed.
Bill stepped between the beds to get a better look at the boys' faces. Both wore peaceful expressions despite the horrors they had faced over the last three weeks, six actually in Harry's case. The boys were hugging their stuffed bears, Bill had sent for Draco's as soon as the boy had collapsed. Bill made a mental note to thank Logan again for the gifts.
Harry stirred and groaned.
"W-w-w-water. Water. Please. I'll do whatever you want. Just let me have a little water."
Bill grabbed the glass and pitcher and poured Harry some water. He tried to be gentle as he helped the boy sit up, but the movement brought a cry of pain to Harry's lips.
"Sorry, Harry. Didn't mean to hurt you. Here's your water. Sip it don't gulp it."
Harry took several sips. "Thanks. Is it really you Bill or am I dreaming?"
"It's me Harry. You're safe now and that's the last time you go in a store by yourself. What where you doing anyway?" Bill asked as Harry continued to slowly sip his water.
"And why didn't you want us to come in with you?" Draco added, awake and sitting up in his bed.
"I-I-I wanted to buy everyone presents for everything they've done for me. I finally had money and friends to spend it on and look what happens." Tears poured from Harry's red eyes as he tightened his hold on his bear.
"Harry, you don't have to buy us anything," Bill replied rubbing Harry's back with his free hand as the boy finished his water.
"I know Bill. But I never got anything except hand-me-downs from the Dursleys. No birthday cake or presents, no Christmas presents, and Dudley never let me make any friends. They only times they ever touched me were to push me, drag me, shake me, or hit me. I never had a hug I could remember until I met you and your family," Harry sobbed as Bill put the glass down.
"It's all right Harry. Go ahead and let it out." Bill wrapped his arms around the boy and rocked him.
"Are you hungry, Harry?" Draco asked.
"Yes."
"Okay, I'll get you something to eat. It won't be much though. We don't want to overload your stomach." Bill helped Harry lay down and pulled the covers up to his neck.
"I don't think I could eat much anyway," Harry responded.
"What about you, Draco? Would you like anything to eat?" Bill asked.
"Yes, please. I haven't eaten since Harry was taken."
Bill smiled. He moved over to Draco and patted the boy's shoulder before leaving.
Dr. Hawkens and a mediwitch with a food cart followed Bill into the room. Both boys had fallen asleep while waiting for Bill to return. However, the boys' bears were sitting on the night stand between the beds. The mediwitch left the two men to take care of the boys.
Harry was tossing and turning in his sleep as Bill and Sidney hurried to his side.
"I won't let you hurt Harry! Leave him allow! He's only a baby! Have mercy!" Harry heard a woman scream as the sound of hissing breath grew louder in his ears. An eerie green flash of light filled Harry's vision and he shrieked.
Bill grabbed hold of Harry as the boy cried out in terror and sat up.
"It was just a nightmare, Harry. You're safe," Bill whispered as Harry sought comfort in the arms of the young man.
"What's going on? Where's my bear?" Draco called from his bed.
"Here it is. Why's it on the night stand?" Sidney asked.
"I don't know. The last I remember I was holding mine," Draco replied as Hawkens put his stuffed bear into his arms.
"Hand me Harry's bear," Bill pleaded.
Sidney passed the bear to Bill, who gave it to Harry. Harry wrapped his shaking arms around the toy and buried his tear streaked face in the soft fur.
It took several minutes to quiet Harry enough to allow him to eat. Bill was feeding him beef broth when a nurse came in carrying a bottle and fresh bandages.
"NO! NO! Please not again. It burns. It burns," Harry cried out as he saw the bottle in the nurse's hand.
"What are you doing here, now?" Sidney asked the new arrival.
"I've come to change the Potter boy's bandages. I checked his dressing a short time ago and they were in need of changing," the nurse replied.
"Did you take the boys bears away from them?" Sidney continued firing questions at the nurse.
"I had to when I checked their vitals," the nurse sneered.
"I've left strict orders for those bears to remain in the boys' arms at all times. What possessed you to disregard my orders and separate the boys from their bears?"
"No harm has been done. I've only been gone a few minutes," the nurse grumbled.
"And in those few minutes, Harry has suffered a terrifying nightmare. I also gave strict orders that bottles of all types were not to be brought into this room," Dr. Hawkens growled.
"Why would you want to keep bottles out of this room?" Draco interrupted as Sidney snatched the bandages and bottle from the nurse.
"Get out and never come near these boys again!" Dr. Hawkens commanded.
The nurse scowled and stormed out of the room.
"Will someone answer my question," Draco said.
"I'm sorry Draco. The people who took Harry used a muggle remedy for strained and sore, muscles and joints known as liquid heat on Harry. It gets very warm when applied to the skin. It comes in a concentrated form and has to be diluted or it can be very painful when applied. Harry's kidnapers applied it at full strength to his skin," Dr. Hawkens explained as he watched Harry for a reaction.
""Don't worry. He didn't hear a thing. He fell asleep while you were arguing with that nurse," Bill said, tucking Harry and his bear into bed.
"Why would anyone to that to someone?" Draco asked.
"They wanted to hurt Harry," Dr. Hawkens replied.
"We won't let anyone hurt you or Harry again," Bill added.
"How long are we gonna have to stay here?" Draco squeezed his bear tighter.
"Harry needs to recover from the ordeal he was put through," Sidney said.
"He'll recover faster at ho. . The Burrow," Draco suggested.
"He might be right." Bill nodded as he sat next to Draco and put his hand on the boy's shoulder.
"I think he needs to stay here where he can be monitored by mediwizards and witches. I'm concerned about how much weight he's lost."
"We can watch him just as well at The Burrow and he'll eat and sleep better there too," Bill responded.
"And I'm not leaving him here alone. If Harry has to stay, I'm staying," Draco demanded.
"You can check on Harry everyday, if you're worried. Mum will let you know how he's doing too. She won't let Harry or any of us get away with anything," Bill added.
"Well, it would be better if he was somewhere, where I know he would eat," Dr. Hawkens thought out loud.
"He ate more of Mrs. Weasley's cooking than he ate here. She was making us eat something every couple of hours. Even if it was just a cup of broth and a couple crackers," Draco interjected.
"Okay, you can take him to The Burrow tomorrow after lunch."
Bill and Draco smiled as Sidney left the room.
**********
"I can't believe that they let those three escape," Molly said, tossing the Daily Prophet on the table.
"Well, we didn't know that McDougall was the third kidnaper until he helped Flowers and Turner get away from the aurors. At least Harry and Draco will be coming back this afternoon," Arthur replied, sipping his tea.
"I'm just afraid that Harry is going to want to go back to Diagon Alley and finish his shopping." Molly shook her head.
"I still can't imagine why Harry thinks he needs to buy us gifts. Not that I'm complaining," George said as he and Fred joined their parents at the kitchen told.
"I won't either," Fred added.
"Fred, George!" Mrs. Weasley scolded.
"Mum, we're joking. We don't want Harry to spend his money on us," the twin chorused.
"We won't be able to stop him and we shouldn't try. Harry has never had any friends or money and he wants to do for us what was never done for him. We need to let him do this. He will not be able to do the shopping himself so I intend to do it for him."
"Bill, you can't mean that," Mrs. Weasley responded.
"Yes, Mum, I do mean it. Harry has the right to spend his money any way he wants. I want to give Harry the opportunity to learn how good it feels to give something to someone. We're showing him how good it feels to be cared for. I want him to be able to show his feelings for other people. I want him to know how good it is to have a really, loving family," Bill replied.
"Fred, George there's one thing I want to impress on the two of you. Do not take any strange bottles, jars, or containers near Harry," Arthur said, glaring at his twin terrors.
The twins looked at their father like he had lost his mind.
"What are you-"
"Talking about?" they asked.
"I'll explain," Bill interrupted. "The people who took Harry did some terrible things to him. You've heard about smugglers hiding contraband under their skin to use their own auras to mask the illegal items. The people who had Harry searched him for hidden items, by striping layers of skin from his arms and legs."
The twins nodded in response as horrified looks appeared on their faces.
"They also had a bottle of muggle stuff called liquid fire. Muggles use it to relieve stiff and sore muscles. When applied to the skin it heats up to relieve muscle soreness. It only comes in a concentrated form. You have to dilute the stuff before using it or it will burn beyond belief. The people who had Harry were putting it on him without diluting it."
"How could anyone do that to someone? Especially a child!" Molly sobbed.
"Well, Harry will be here shortly. I'll find out what he wants to get everyone and pick it up for him," Bill said, rubbing his eyes.
"If you want some help, and Harry doesn't mind, we'll go with you," the twins offered.
"We'll see what Harry says. But thanks for the offer," Bill replied.
**********
Harry, Draco, Bill, George, Fred, and Ron sat around the table waiting for Katherine Cook and Roger Clayton. They were coming to talk to Harry and Draco about their investments. Mr Weasley was at work and Mrs. Weasley and Ginny had gone shopping.
"George, Fred have you guys been able to make any more of those caramels? Like the ones you gave us when we first came here," Harry asked.
"We have a few. Why?" Fred asked.
"I was wondering, if they would effect potions," Harry continued.
"We haven't really tested them with potions. We're not sure if they would effect the potion or not. Why do you want to know?" George replied.
"The potions I'm having to take taste horrible and ruin everything I eat. I want something to take the taste away," Harry mumbled.
"I can owl Severus and ask him. He would be able to tell us. But if you eat those, everything will taste the same," Draco suggested.
"I'd rather everything tasted like strawberry ice cream than dirty socks," Harry replied.
"Is that why you haven't been eating as much as Mum wants you to?" Ron asked.
"Yes," Harry whispered, hanging his head. He was not gaining weight as quickly as Dr. Hawkens liked.
"We can shorten the time the candy masks everything's taste down to a few minutes," George began.
"Than everything won't taste the same," Fred finished.
"Have you named those things yet?" Draco inquired.
"No." the twins answered.
"Maybe you could call them Techo Taste Treats," Harry suggested.
"Or shorten it to Triple T's ," Draco added.
"That's a good name. Thanks guys," George said as he and Fred smiled.
"Bill, are you still going shopping for me this afternoon?" Harry asked as he shivered and rubbed his arms.
"Yes. George, Fred, I have to take Ron with me, so can you stay here until we get back. Are you cold Harry?" Bill said as he looked over at the boy and saw him nod.
George grabbed a blanket from a chair and draped it over Harry's shoulders.
"Why am I going?" Ron asked as Fred put a cup of tea in front of Harry.
"I promised Harry I wouldn't tell anyone what he wants to get them. You'll just have to wait and find out." Bill's reply brought a weak grin to Harry's pale face.
George helped Fred served everyone a cup of tea. He was about to sit down when there was a knock at the kitchen door.
Katherine and Roger had arrived. They joined everyone at the table.
"Harry, Draco, your finances are doing very well. We are just here to answer any questions you may have. If anything comes up that you need, let Bill or I know and we will get it for you," Roger said.
"Well, come to think of it. I can't stand the taste of the potions I have to drink. Fred and George have some trick treats that will mask the taste of the potions, but we need to get them checked to make sure they won't effect the potions," Harry replied.
"And what would this have to do with your money?" Roger inquired.
"I was thinking that, if the treats were safe to use with potions, Fred and George could sell them."
"And you want to provide the money it would take to get them started."
"Yes. Draco said we could ask his godfather to check the candies. I want to know what else we would have to do," Harry replied, getting amazed looks from the Weasley brothers.
"Don't forget me. I want to help too," Draco interjected.
"How well do these candies work?" Roger asked.
George pulled a handful from his pocket and set them on the table.
"We've made some more and they're not just strawberry ice cream. We have chocolate, lemon, marshmallow, and orange. We can also change the length of time that the candies work from about half a minute to almost five hours," George explained.
"We'll need the formula for the candies to patent it and make more for our research needs. We need a name for your company and the candies." Mr. Clayton said.
"Well, Harry and Draco came up with a name. We're going to call them Techo Taste Treats, or Triple T's. We've come up with a name for the company, but with Draco and Harry joining us we're gonna have to change it," Fred answered.
"No you don't. Keep the name. We'll just back you guys. What name did you have in mind anyway?" Draco interrupted.
"Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, but that was for the joke shop we want to open," George answered.
"We want you to keep the name. Don't we, Harry?" Draco said.
"Yes, and we want you to keep going with the joke shop, too," Harry replied.
George and Fred smiled and rubbed their hands together. Ron buried his face in his hands and groaned.
"Just one thing," Harry commented.
"What?" the twin chorused.
"Don't use Ron as a guinea pig any more," Harry answered as he smiled at Ron.
"What about Percy?" the twins asked.
"He's fair game," Harry chuckled as the twins cackled.
"Can I take these with me?" Roger asked, pointing to the candies on the table.
"Sure, I guess you'll need the recipe, too," Fred replied.
"Yes. I'll have safe guards placed on the recipe to prevent it from being stolen." Roger informed the twins as Fred headed upstairs.
"Katherine, Fred and George are going to need attorneys, aren't they?" Draco asked. He was familiar with business deals, having been forced to sit through many by Lucius.
"Yes, that would be a good idea," Katherine answered.
"Could you and your firm take care of George and Fred, too?" Harry asked.
"Well, it's a little late to ask that. When you offered to back George and Fred's business venture, they automatically became our clients. I'll make sure that everything is taken care of. I think that's all for today. Unless either of you have any questions," Katherine informed everyone as Fred returned with a scroll.
"This contains everything on the Triple T's," Fred said, handing the scroll to Roger.
"Thank you. You have nothing to worry about. We handle new products for some of the biggest corporations in Europe. We will keep you informed of our progress," Roger replied, gathering his papers.
Katherine and Roger left to start the process of getting the Triple T's on the market.
"Okay, Harry, you look like you're about to fall over. Let's get you to bed," Bill said, picking him up and carrying him back to the room he was sharing with Draco.
Draco, Fred, George, and Ron followed Bill and Harry into the bedroom. Draco climbed into his bed as Bill tucked Harry in.