Birthday Surprises Chapter Ten
Usual disclaimer: Not mine, don't sue. Please. Wish it were mine though. Ah, if only… Lolly, xxx.
"Ah, Harry. All fixed up? Very good. Now, if you would take a seat." Harry obediently sat down, looking at his hands. "Harry? Would you tell me about these beatings?"
"I…..is it necessary?"
"I believe so, yes." The headmaster said, trying to ignore the pleading look in Harry's eyes. "If you'd rather, you could use the pensieve." Harry shuddered forcefully, his shaking getting worse. It wasn't much of a choice, between telling about the nightmares of his time at the Dursleys, and putting the memory into the pensieve. After a few minutes, he decided that the pensieve idea was better - after all, he wasn't sure he had the words to describe what had gone on.
"The pensieve." He croaked. The headmaster nodded understandingly.
"What you have to do is think of the…..events, and concentrate on them. Then you put your wand to your temple and draw the thought out. After this, I suggest you keep the pensieve - the memory will stay in there, rather than cluttering up your mind. Perhaps it is not such a bad idea for you to own a pensieve anyway." Harry nodded, before looking away from the headmaster again. He thought back, remembering the first time his Uncle raised his fist…..and the second…..the third. Harry bit his lip to stop his cry of anguish escaping. He could feel each fist as it landed, every kick and every belt. He shakily drew the thoughts away with his wand, breathing shallowly. He transferred the thought into the small bowl, looking up at the headmaster again. He was peering into the bowl as colours swirled around.
"I'm afraid I have to ask you to come with us, Harry."
"But….." Harry's eyes were wild, and he had the look of a frightened animal, but he nodded anyway. Severus stepped forward, looking at the headmaster. There was a slight frown on his face.
"Harry, is there anyone present who you would not wish to be present?"
"Umm…..I guess not." Harry said, his voice rough and quiet.
"All right. Are you ready?" Harry didn't answer, but put a trembling finger into the silvery substance. The headmaster followed immediately, before Minerva, Petunia and finally Severus.
