Birthday Surprises Chapter Twelve

Usual disclaimer: Not mine, don't sue. Please. Wish it were mine though. Ah, if only. Lolly, xxx.

Eventually, they were all pulled back to the present, and Harry was sitting in the chair across from the headmaster once more. He looked decidedly worse for the wear, and Albus regretted having to put him through that. He couldn't get the image of those wide, terrified green eyes out of his mind. All because of one man. He noticed that Poppy was at the door, looking rather confused. He looked around, and could easily see why. Both Petunia and Minerva had tear-stained faces, Severus was looking uncharacteristically pitying, and Albus imagined that he must have looked quite a sight himself. Only Harry seemed to be almost normal, though he was still shaking ever so slightly, and his eyes were still slightly wild. "Professor Dumbledore - can I borrow Harry for a moment?" She asked. Harry's head snapped up and he rubbed his wrist absently.

"I'll go." Harry said, getting up and leaving without another word.

"The triplets?" Minerva asked, seeing this small movement.

"Yes, how did he.?"

"The bracelet he's wearing is a baby monitor - it lets him know when they need his attention. He made it himself while he was at the Dursleys."

"A baby monitor? Like the Muggle ones?"

"Yes, I believe so."

"Incredible. Absolutely ingenious."

"Quite." Minerva said, wiping her eyes.

"Professors, what happened.I mean.?"

"We visited a few of Harry's memories." Albus said. "They were.disturbing."

"The ones of his Uncle beating him?"

"Yes - a three year old boy, Poppy. That's how old Harry was when this mess started - it carried on frequently until he got his Hogwarts letter. I was obviously wrong to believe that he would be safe with his relatives."

"Three years old? Please tell me you're kidding? Did he.hurt him badly?"

"One time, he punched and kicked him until he blacked out, another, he lashed him with a leather belt, and another time he broke a rib."

"Oh my." Poppy said, her eyes large with horror. "Is he.all right?"

"I'm not sure Poppy. I think it may be best if he's left alone for a little while. I need to contact the Weasleys - Harry will not be staying in Privet Drive any more." He threw a pinch of Floo powder into the fire and called the Burrow.

***

"Hello, Molly? I was wondering if it would be much hassle to change the plans for Harry's arrival."

"Why, Professor?" Molly asked, "Has something happen? Is Harry ok?"

"Harry will be fine - I suggest you ask him what happened. I no longer feel that he should stay at Privet Drive."

"Of course, we'd be delighted to have him. When do you want us to pick him up?"

"Would tonight be all right? I really don't want him to stay there any longer than is necessary - someone shall be with him."

"Professor? What happened?"

"You will have to ask Harry - it really isn't up to me to tell you. I'm sorry."

"That's all right. I'll ask Harry when he gets here."

"Right. Well, he'll be at Privet Drive tonight. I apologise for the short notice, but.well, it can't be helped."

"That's ok Professor. I take it he'll still be accompanied?"

"Oh yes - he has everything handled very nicely, I must say. Well, I have to go. I still need to speak to Harry. I shall call in at some point, to see how he is. If you have no objections, that is."

"No not at all! Well, goodbye."

"Bye, Molly."

***

"I will accompany Harry to Privet Drive, if you wish." Minerva said.

"Thank you, Minerva." Albus said. "Now, Poppy, if I could go to your hospital wing alone? I need to talk to Harry."

"Yes headmaster. I will stay out of the way."

"Thank you Poppy." The headmaster said. He sighed again, lifting the pensieve from the desk and walking from the office.

***

"I think I need a cup of tea." Minerva said. She clicked her fingers and Dobby appeared from nowhere.

"Professor McGonagall. You has been crying, Professor, what's wrong?"

"I've just had a bit of a shock, that's all Dobby. Would you mind terribly fetching some tea and biscuits for us please?"

"Of course, Professor. Dobby is pleased to serve such noble witches as you, and you Madam Pomfrey. And noble wizards, too." He added, seeing Severus. His eyes swung from Severus to Petunia, looking less than pleased. "Is the Professor's wishing Dobby to serve Harry Potter's Aunt? She is a bad, bad Muggle, who treats Harry Potter badly, and Dobby wishes not to serve such a woman."

"Dobby, please just get the tea?"

"Very well Professor." Dobby disappeared, only to reappear moments later with a large tray, upon which sat a large teapot, four cups and a large plate of biscuits. He handed a cup to each of them, before filling it them with tea. "Is there anything else Dobby can help with?"

"No Dobby, that will be all. Thank you."