CHAPTER 8
Disclaimer: Not mine.don't sue.I have nothing..(whimpers)
A/N: See how fast I've started updating? You lot better appreciate this!!
Review Responses:
Firstly, thanks much to all those who wished me a good luck on finals, happy birthday and a Merry Christmas. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL MY BEAUTIFUL REVIEWERS OUT THERE(
Samhaincat: Thanks! I'm so thrilled you like this story!!
Athenakitty: Wow. You always ask so many questions. Dursleys will be persecuted more.I'm not through with them yet.Remus told Ron and Hermione that Harry had changed because he didn't want them all surprised when Harry was severely depressed. He didn't tell them about Harry's relatives, obviously.
Shdurrani: Thanks!
Nana-hedwig: You're right, Rowling probably doesn't have the Dursleys hitting him, but this is my story and I'm a little sadistic.Vernon was in a drunken rage, we'll just say that made him incredibly violent.
Melindaleo: That was a nice long review! I decided Hagrid would be the most plausible way for Ron and Hermione to find out. Harry's slowly opening up. He's got a lot of rage.there will probably be some shouting matches.anyway, Ginny still certainly has feelings for Harry.there might be something between them. I'm looking forward to reactions, too. They will be fun to write. not for awhile, though.
Lostdreamer23: Thanks! Harry's birthday is July 31st, and term starts September 1st, so he's got about five weeks. I read Dumbledore's Inbox after receiving your review-it was great, kept me in stitches the whole time. Sleep is good.haven't gotten much of that lately..(nods off, drooling, whispering "Seamonkey's got my money.yes, I'm a natural blue..")-- -that was from the hilarious movie "Finding Nemo". Something else that DOES NOT belong to me. Anyway, I would like to have Voldemort up to something, we can't just ignore him, he'll get lonely. I'm not sure what he should be up to, though.Any suggestions?
Ckat44: Yup. Lots of angst. Angst makes me smile.wait, that's kind of an oxymoron, isn't it?
KittenBabyGirl: December birthdays rule! Half my friends have December birthdays.Fifteen on December 21, by the way. Same birthday as Joseph Stalin, in case you were wondering. Yup. Stalin.Couldn't share a birthday with J.K. Rowling, couldn't share a b-day with Robert Frost or even George Orwell..had to be Stalin..maybe this says something about me.
Ginnygal189: Thanks! My finals are over now too!
Tessa: Thanks. I think I've fixed the paragraph problem now.
Katani Petitedra: Thanks. It's hard not to love Hagrid, isn't it?
Ginny: Thanks!
Saf Saf: Yes, well, Dumbledore's getting a bit near-sighted.or is it far-sighted? Anyway, he thinks he's helping Harry, which I suppose he kind of is.he's just going about it the wrong way.
Amber: This is why we use the term "Happy Holidays" ( Birthday and Christmas for me!
Hermionegreen: Thanks! Harry's gonna pull his head out of his arse and realize he CAN talk to Ron and Hermione sooner or later.
Englishgirl: Thanks.I think I bombed my last final but what you gonna do.?
Cyci: Yay! I love long reviews! I'm debating what Albus will tell the staff and Order.but reactions will be fun to write. Snape won't be all, 'Harry, I'm sorry for being such a git I'm going to help you' at first.or ever.he's just going to slowly become sort of a mentor-like Remus. Sirius won't be coming back, I agree with what you said, and Harry won't cut. You were only a day early with the birthday greetings, don't worry.
Sally-Jo : I'm feeling better now, thank God. Yeah, my birthday's really close to Christmas but I don't really mind.I don't get combined presents. My birthday (21st), my brother's birthday (12th) and Christmas are always celebrated separately in my family. Yeah, Lupin was pretty stupid to tell Hagrid, but we all know Hagrid's temper and I guess he just wanted him to get angry while Harry wasn't around.that wouldn't go over too well.
Magnolia Lane: Thanks!
A Person of the World: Thanks!
Prd2bAmerican18: Thanks! Love your ff.net name, by the way-me too!
Selua: Thanks! This chapter will have more Sev-Harry activity.
CHAPTER 8. (thunderous applause, drumroll, fanfare and commencement.)
Remus returned to the Hospital Wing later that afternoon to see Ron and Hermione sitting on the end of Harry's bed. Harry looked a bit healthier than he had that morning, and he was actually involving himself in the conversation.
Harry looked up as he heard Lupin approaching. Up close, the werewolf could see that Harry's face was still pale and bruised. "Professor-erm, Remus," said Harry, "Could I have a word later?"
"Of course," he said. "Actually, I came to tell you two it's just about time to leave. Why don't you go down and talk to Hagrid while Harry and I talk, then you can say your good-byes."
The two nodded and stood to leave. Harry gave them each a brief nod as they left. As the door clicked shut, Remus turned to him and said, "So, what's on your mind?"
Harry sighed and said, "They know. Hagrid said something about it when we went down to see him. I left, but Snape found me and dragged me back to the Hospital Wing, and then the three of us sat down and had a lovely chat." He looked sickened.
Remus looked at Harry. He had to be truthful. "Harry, I told Hagrid. I'm sorry. I told him in complete confidence, and I thought he'd keep his word."
Harry groaned and made a fist. "I don't care enough to be mad." His brow furrowed. "Remus, do you hate me?"
The older man looked at him in surprise. "Why would I hate you?"
"Well, it makes sense.I killed your best friend." He looked down.
Remus grabbed the boy's chin and raised Harry's face to meet his own eyes. "Never say that again, Harry!" he practically shouted. "It wasn't your fault!" Now he was yelling. Harry's eyes were watering and he flinched as though he expected to be hit. Remus immediately dropped his hand. "Oh, God, Harry, I'm sorry. But you have to listen. It wasn't your fault."
Harry looked away and said, "Dumbledore told me about the prophecy that night.after I was done destroying his office. Remus, if I don't murder Voldemort, he's going to murder me." His voice shook slightly. "I don't want to tell Ron and Hermione. I don't want to kill anybody."
Lupin put a hand on his shoulder and opened his mouth to speak, but Harry shrunk back and said, "Can I say good-bye now?"
Remus was a little hurt, but he withdrew his hand and nodded. "Sure. I'll just go get Ron and Hermione, then." He turned on his heel and left. When he returned with Ron and Hermione a few minutes later, Harry didn't appear to have moved.
Hermione gave him a quick hug. Remus saw a look of pain come over Harry's face which disappeared as soon as she stood up. "Everyone's going to come visit you on your birthday, hopefully before then." Harry nodded, discreetly holding a hand to his ribs.
Ron shifted uncomfortably and said, "Hang in there, mate, we'll be back as soon as we can. Mum's going crazy about the whole thing."
Harry looked like he was trying to smile and failing. Remus gave Harry a quick pat on the back and told him he'd be back tomorrow, then the three left the ward.
************************************************************
Ginny was annoyed. No, she was furious. She wanted to hex something. Ron, Hermione, and Lupin had come back from Hogwarts and had been shooting each other looks all through dinner. When Ginny had asked Hermione and her brother what was going on with Harry, they had caught each other's eyes and Hermione had said, " I think he should let you know himself."
Ginny's frustrated response had been, "You're not the only friends he's got, you know." Then she had stormed off and found Fred and George. The three of them were now sprawled in various positions around Fred and George's room.
"So," said Ginny as she sat down cross-legged on the end of George's bed, "How are we going to get to Hogwarts to see Harry?"
"What?" asked Fred.
"How are we getting to Hogwarts so we can se Harry?"
"Well," said George, "Fred and I can Apparate-"
"If you even think of going without me, Ill use the same Bat-Bogey hex on you that I used on Malfoy last year," spat Ginny, "underage wizarding laws or not. Besides, Hogwarts has Anti-Apparition wards."
Both twins had moved several feet away from Ginny the instant she said "Bat-Bogey". She relished in this for a moment before one of them said, "So how will we get there? Floo Powder? We'd have to use Dumbledore's office, but first we'd have to make sure he wasn't in there."
"Well," said Ginny, "you two have always been good at diverting peoples' attention."
"Yeah, for Filch. Idiot was dumber than a rock. Dumbledore won't be so easy to get away from his office-especially if we don't want to get caught."
Suddenly Ginny had an idea. "Knight Bus," she whispered. "We can tell mum you need to go to the shop to take inventory or something and I was bored so I offered to help."
"Alright, Gin," said Fred obligingly, "but if mum catches us-"
"We're dead," she finished. "I know."
************************************************************
That night, Harry slept fitfully again. This time, though, it had nothing to do with Voldemort.
Vernon was advancing on him with a belt. He cracked it down on Harry's back. He could feel the sting. Ron and Hermione appeared, looking disgusted. Snape appeared, laughing. Dumbledore appeared and looked away. Next he saw his parents looking upon him with disappointment, and Sirius with something remarkably like hate lingering in his eyes. They turned and walked away as the onslaught continued.
His uncle shouted, calling him a piece-of-shit worthless freak, and continued bringing the belt down on Harry. He raised his hand as though to whip him with the belt again, but it had turned into something else. Something with a metallic glint that caught the light. He plunged the kitchen knife into Harry's stomach. Harry screamed in pain and writhed as the man pulled the knife out and drove it in again and again.
Through a haze of pain, Harry wondered why he couldn't wake up from this dream.
********************************************************
Poppy had been roused from a wonderful and much-needed sleep by screams from the Hospital Wing. Jumping up, she tore out of her quarters and through her office to the ward.
Harry was lying on the bed, sheets twisted around him. There were beads of perspiration on his forehead, and the bedclothes were soaked in sweat. He was writhing and screaming.
"Mr. Potter!" cried the nurse. "MR. POTTER!" Shouting did not seem to help. She couldn't think of anything to do. She ran to her quarters to contact the headmaster.
"Albus!" she cried, throwing a pinch of powder into the fireplace. "ALBUS! Get over here right now! It's important!" A minute later, the headmaster appeared, revolving quickly.
"What is it, Poppy?" he asked gravely.
"Come on. I'll show you," she started, as screams again began to punctuate the night. Dumbledore ran after her into the hospital wing.
Harry was still convulsing on the bed, growing paler by the second. Dumbledore began to shake the boy, but he still would not wake. Finally he said, "It looks as if I have no choice," and began slapping the boy's face.
Harry sat upright, staring around and hyperventilating. He whispered, "I'm going to be sick," and attempted to stand up, but Poppy quickly pushed him back down and held a bucket out in front of him.
Several minutes later, Harry sat up and said shakily, "The nice thing about not eating is that there's nothing to throw up."
Poppy stared at him and Albus asked, "Was it a dream about Voldemort again?"
Harry shook his head. "No, not Voldemort. Vernon."
Dumbledore sat on Harry's bed and asked, "What happened?" while studying him over the top of his glasses.
Harry took a deep breath. "I was back at the Dursleys' house. Vernon was hitting my with a belt then he started stabbing me.you know, same old, same old."
Poppy could tell the boy was holding back on something but didn't push him to talk. "I'll go get some more Dreamless Sleep Potion," she whispered.
"Thanks," muttered Harry.
*********************************************************
Harry hadn't told Dumbledore about the part of his dream where everyone watched him get beaten. The man probably knew he was holding something back. Harry knew he hadn't heard the end of this.
"Well," said the headmaster as Madame Pomfrey went to get him some Dreamless Sleep Potion, "you will be pleased to know that you will be moving out of here tomorrow."
Harry's ears perked up at these words. "Where am I going?"
"You'll be staying at Hogwarts, of course-in Professor Snape's quarters."
Harry felt sure he had hallucinated. "Wha-what?" he spluttered.
"He is the only teacher here who can take you. Besides, this will be good for you."
"No offense, sir, but I doubt it can be good for me to be dueling with a man twice my age. And that's what'll happen if we're left in the same room alone together for more than thirty minutes."
The old man chuckled. "I seriously doubt that it will come to anything that drastic."
At that moment, the nurse returned with a goblet of potion. She sighed as she handed it to him. "You won't be able to take this potion tomorrow night, Mr. Potter."
Harry nodded groggily while draining the goblet. He set it down on the bedside table before falling into an exhausted slumber.
************************************************************
The next morning dawned bright and cheerful at Number Twelve, Grimuald Place. Ginny rolled out of bed with a huge yawn and stumbled over to the wardrobe she shared with Hermione. Rubbing her eyes, she pulled out some Muggle clothing and began to get dressed.
Five minutes later, she made her way down to the kitchen, where half of Number Twelve's residents were gathered around the scrubbed wooden table. "Morning," she muttered, stifling a yawn. "You two still planning to go into the shop?" she asked Fred and George, catching Fred's eye.
"Oh, yeah-mum, we're going to take inventory this morning and Ginny wanted to come. Would it be all right with you?"
"Yes," said Mrs. Weasley, "but how are you getting there? Ginny can't Apparate."
"We thought we'd take the Knight Bus," said George matter-of-factly.
"Oh, go ahead. I know you're all going crazy trapped in this house."
Ginny grinned and gave her mother a hug. "Thanks mum."
"Sure."
She grinned at Fred and George. The three of them quickly finished eating.
"We'll be back later. Not sure how long this will take. Maybe the three of us will go out to lunch," said George.
"You lot just be careful," said Mrs. Weasley lovingly.
The three of them walked up to the ground floor and outside to the curb. Fred stuck out his right arm. A second later, the purple, triple- decker bus had appeared.
A pimply faced young wizard stepped out of the bus and said, "Welcome to the Knight Bus. My name is Stan Shunpike and I will be your conductor this morning."
"G'morning," said Fred pleasantly. "Three to Hogwarts, please."
"That'll be fourteen Sickles each."
Ginny dug in her pocket to pull out some money, but George put a hand on her arm. "Business is good. This one's on us, Gin-Gin." He resorted to her childhood nickname.
"Don't call me that," she said. But she was smiling.
***********************************************************
When Harry woke, he could feel the bright morning light stinging his eyes. Why was the Hospital Wing always so bright? Harry sat up and rubbed his eyes.
Madame Pomfrey saw him. "Good Morning," she said. "Today you get to leave the ward, so I want you to eat well. I'll help you pack your things later."
Harry nodded and began to eat the broth she handed him. "Umm, Madam Pomfrey? When do I get to eat real food?"
She gave him a patronizing look. "As soon as you can keep down soup and oatmeal."
Harry pulled a face but ate quickly. He still was unable to finish more that half of what she gave him.
"Right," she said. She waved her wand and the few possessions that weren't in his trunk flew there.
"I'm going to give you a complete check-up before you can leave," she said sternly. He fought the urge to groan out loud. She told him to remove his shirt, which he did, feeling that he was handing over his dignity along with the pajama top. She pressed on his stomach and ribs again. It hurt, and Harry winced.
"Hmm," she said, "still sore?" He nodded stiffly. "I'll give you a mild pain-reducing potion for that to take with you."
After several more humiliating minutes, the nurse deemed him fit to go. As Harry left to take a shower, Severus Snape walked in.
*********************************************************
Severus wished more than anything that the walk from his quarters to the Hospital Wing would never end. He had stayed up the night before to clean his quarters and add an extra room. Nothing extravagant, but he doubted the boy would complain.
Albus had come to his quarters the evening before to tell him Harry would be ready to leave the hospital that morning. He had groaned, and begun to prepare himself for a week or more of living with the famous Boy- Who-Lived.
Now, when he wished the walk would take as long as possible, it seemed he flew to the door. He took a deep breath and opened the door. Madame Pomfrey was straightening and cleaning one of the beds.
"Where's Potter?" he asked.
"He's getting cleaned up. Right, now, I'm going to send these along with you when you go." She held up a handful of vials. "There's a Dreamless Sleep Potion-he can't have that one tonight, he's had it the last two nights-there's a stomach settling potion, a pain-reducer, and a Strengthening Solution."
Snape felt insulted. "Do you not believe me capable of making these potions?"
"Oh, really," she snapped, "be reasonable. These are potions you made, I just figured you wouldn't have time to make them now. Anyway," she continued, "he needs to stay off that leg for awhile and he's only to eat broth or oatmeal or things like that until he can keep it down. Got that all?"
"Yes, Poppy. I do have a shred of common sense."
The two just glared at each other in silence for a few moments before Harry came out of the lavatory, wet-haired and wearing Muggle clothing far too large for him. Poppy sniffed in distaste.
"Ready, Potter?" he asked silkily.
The boy nodded, though he looked like he wanted to throw up. Severus hissed "Locomotor Trunk," and directed Potter's now levitating belongings in front of him. "Come on."
***************************************************
Harry followed Snape as quickly as he could, but the man was hurrying down the corridors much too fast for him to keep up on his sore leg. His leg was throbbing, and he was limping, despite his best efforts not to. He was taking deep breaths, trying not to let Professor Snape hear him. ~Constant vigilance,~ Harry thought grimly to himself. ~Never let an enemy sense your weakness.~
After several minutes Harry found himself not, in fact, near the dungeons, but in front of a portrait on the fourth floor. Snape, now several paces ahead of him, stopped and looked around. Seeing Harry still staggering down the corridor to meet him, he sneered. Harry glared back.
Once he had struggled to the portrait, Snape muttered, "," to the portrait's subject-a bearded wizard in deep crimson robes. Floating the trunk through first, he stepped up into the hole, leaving Harry to climb through, panting slightly with pain but keeping his face determinedly straight.
Harry looked around, his curiosity slightly getting the better of him. He had never been into a teacher's quarters before, other that Hagrid's. It was not at all as he had expected. The décor was actually slightly reminiscent of the Gryffindor common room, with a large squashy sofa, thick carpet and roaring fire. Of course, it lacked the Gryffindor colors, but it wasn't in Slytherin colors either. The room was a mixture, instead, of earthy greens and browns.
Setting the trunk to the ground with a thud, Snape turned to Harry and said, "I'm sure that you are most unhappy with these arrangements. Let me assure you that I am even less happy. I will not tolerate your rule- breaking here as Albus and Minerva do. You may make use of this room, the lavatory-" he pointed to a door to his left, "-and the spare bedroom." He pointed to another door. My study and bedroom are to be left alone. You will clean up any mess you make. Understood?"
Harry nodded dumbly. Certainly, living with the greasy git of a potions master wasn't going to be fun, but it had to be better than the Dursleys.
The man glared at him for a moment before saying, "I will be in the dungeons, working on a potion. Do not disturb me. Do not leave the castle without asking either Albus or myself." Then he turned on his heel, leaving Harry to wrestle his trunk into the bedroom.
**********************************************************
Albus was sitting in his office when he heard a knock at the door. "Come in, Minerva," he said softly.
The strict-looking witch stepped into the room. "Somehow you always know it's me," she said with a small smile.
He nodded with a twinkle in his eye, then his expression faded slightly. "Something tells me you didn't come so we could discuss my questionable Inner Eye abilities."
The witch sighed heavily and sat down in front of his desk. "The day before yesterday, I saw Severus carrying a passed out Harry Potter through the halls of Hogwarts. Is there perhaps something you should share with the staff or the Order?"
Albus nodded. "I was planning on calling a staff meeting, but I'll let you know more than I will the rest of the teachers. You remember the late-running Order meeting that you had a few days ago?"
Minerva nodded.
"Well, Severus tells me he was preparing to leave when he saw Harry's owl. Assuming it was just to deliver the regular letter to let everyone know he was okay, Professor Snape paid no attention until the owl began to act agitated. Severus, sensing something wrong, Apparated to Mr. Potter's home with the bird, He found a very unhealthy Harry and brought him here. Harry will be staying in the castle for a week or two."
Professor McGonagall nodded. "I don't suppose you could tell me what happened to Potter?"
The headmaster just shook his head somberly. "I can only say that it was not Death Eaters, nor any fault of his own."
Albus watched with a heavy heart as Minerva left, wondering if Harry would ever divulge to her, or anybody else, why he had been removed from Privet Drive.
************************************************************
Harry sat in front of the fire in Snape's quarters, staring into the flames. He was bored out of his mind. He hated being bored. It brought back painful memories and left him alone with his dangerous musings.
Right now, for instance, he was mentally berating himself. If Sirius were alive, he would have someone to confide in. Sirius would have gotten him out of Privet Drive long ago. But Sirius wasn't alive. He was dead, and Harry knew he had only himself to blame.
Harry was getting quite sick of just sitting there. He wanted to go out. He wanted to fly. But he also wanted to keep his head attached to his shoulders--sort of-and he knew that bothering Snape while he was making a potion would likely not fulfill the last want. He wasn't in much of a mood to talk to the headmaster right then, either. He decided to go to the library. Anything to keep busy. Hermione would be proud.
Ten minutes later, he was outside the library. It had taken him longer than expected to get down there-he had completely forgotten about the pain-reducing potion Madame Pomfrey had given him. He didn't have any schoolwork, seeing as how he hadn't received his O.W.L. results yet, so he walked around the shelves looking for something on Quidditch or some other trivial subject.
He did a double take when a title caught his eye. The Ascension of Voldemort. He pulled it down and nearly dropped it when he saw a picture of Sirius on the cover. Scanning the subtitle, he felt his heart catch in his chest. "A detailed account of the Dark Lord's rise to power and the Death Eaters who helped him." Harry felt a sudden surge of anger. He wanted to throw the book against the wall and scream. The idiots had no idea who Sirius really was. He sank to the floor, still staring at the book's cover, his vision beginning to swim. His chest shook with grief.
Several minutes later, when he was finally able to get control of his breathing, he wiped his eyes. He hadn't really broken down like that since the night that.it happened. He was just managing to regain his composure when he heard footsteps approaching. Standing up quickly, he was greeted by the sight of three of the people he least expected to see.
"Harry?"
"Fred.George.Ginny?" he asked. "What the hell...?"
********************************************************
Fred, George, and Ginny Weasley were walking through the halls of Hogwarts, quite mystified. According to Ron and Hermione, Harry was in the Hospital Wing, but when the three of them had headed up there, they had seen no sign of him. Not wanting to take the risk of asking Madame Pomfrey, they had begun searching elsewhere. He hadn't been in the Great Hall, or the Gryffindor tower, or even the Room of Requirement.
Ginny had finally said, "Oh, let's just go check the library."
Both of the twins had looked at her as if she were taking the mickey. "He's not Hermione!"
"Have either of you got a better idea?"
The twins saw her set jaw and shook their heads. "That's what I thought." She turned around and led them to the library. She noticed a definite sound coming from the shelves. It was the sound of someone taking deep, gasping breaths.
They walked around the row of shelves and saw Harry getting to his feet. His eyes were bloodshot. "Harry?" she asked.
He stared at her. "Fred.George.Ginny? What the hell?"
"Harry!" she threw her arms around his neck. She saw him wince and immediately let go. "I'm sorry! Are you alright?"
"Fine," he said stiffly. "Just a little sore." He looked terrible. Pale and thin, his face was bruised and he looked as if he was favoring one leg.
Ginny caught sight of the book at Harry's feet. The Ascension of Voldemort. There was a picture of Sirius on the front. "Harry," she whispered. "Are you okay?"
He nodded. "What are you guys doing here? Snape'll go ballistic."
"Snape?" asked Fred.
Harry groaned slightly. "I'm staying in his rooms for a week. Madame Pomfrey let me out of the hospital this morning."
Ginny was horrified, but Fred and George looked like Christmas had come early. "Excellent!" whispered George. "You could prank the hell out of him!"
Harry shook his head, a hint of sadness flitting across his features. "I don't think so. I like my limbs as they are, thanks. Honestly, you guys better be ready to run if anybody comes."
"So Harry," asked Ginny, remembering why they were there, "what happened?"
He made a face. "Ron and Hermione didn't tell you? I'm surprised."
"Did you tell them to?"
"No, but Hermione can be so.interfering.sometimes. I was sure she'd tell everyone."
"You still haven't answered my question. What happened to you?"
He gave a bitter snort. "Turns out living with the Dursleys isn't as safe as Dumbledore thought it was."
Ginny immediately realized what he meant, though judging by the twins' confused expressions, they didn't. "Oh my God.Harry." she whispered. She put a hand on his shoulder.
He flinched. "It's nothing. I'm fine." For a moment, she thought she caught an unreadable expression on his face, but the next moment, his facial features were blank and empty. "You guys really shouldn't be here. Everyone'll go berserk if they find out."
"Just wanted to come see you, mate," said Fred with a grin. "Can't believe you have to live with Snape."
Harry shrugged. "Better than living with, say, the Malfoy family."
George's face split into a mischievous grin this time. "Cheers."
Ginny sighed and turned to her brothers. "Harry's right; we better go. Have you any idea how insane Mum'll go if she finds out we're not at the shop?"
The twins nodded. "Nice seeing you. We'll keep in touch."
The three of them quickly set off towards the Entrance Hall. Once outside the front gates, George stuck out his wand hand and they again paid fourteen Sickles each. As the bus zoomed away through the countryside, Ginny couldn't help but feel she had learned more than she'd bargained for.
*************************************************************
Molly Weasley was furious. She had Flooed to Fred and George's shop in Diagon Alley to bring hem some tea and give them a bit of a break, but it had been empty. Confused, she had wondered if they had gone to lunch, but had immediately dismissed the idea. It was much too early.
She had gone into Fred and George's room and asked the portrait, a horrible painting of some equally horrible Slytherin, if he knew anything of the twins' travel plans. The painting had looked apprehensively at her wand and said, "There were three of them in here, talking about going to see some Harry."
Molly had gasped. Fred, George, and Ginny had sneaked off to Hogwarts? She was now waiting in the kitchen, a cold fury rising inside her. When those three got home, they were going to be wishing they were deaf.
Just as she was planning the best approach to take on the three, she heard the door open. She stood up and waited patiently her children to come down to the basement. When the three of them came to the kitchen, she was too angry to notice how severely shaken Ginny looked.
"Hello, Mum," said George brightly.
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" she shouted. "I GO TO THE SHOP TO BRING YOU A SPOT OF TEA AND YOU'RE NOT THERE AND THEN I GET TOLD BY A PORTRAIT THAT YOU'RE AT HOGWARTS?" Ron and Hermione appeared at the door, apparently drawn by Molly's yelling.
"Yes, Mum, but see-"
"NO I WILL NOT SEE! YOU LIED TO ME! DID YOU THINK MAYBE THERE WAS A REASON DUMBLEDORE DIDN'T WANT YOU TO SEE HARRY YET?" Remus, Tonks, Arthur, and Alastor showed up. Ginny paled more as Molly kept shouting. "IRRESPONSIBLE, UNTRUSTWORTHY BEAVIOR! I THOUGHT YOU LOT HAD GROWN UP!"
"But Mum-"
"YOU LISTEN HERE!"
"Mum!" cried out Ginny, eyes sparkling with tears, "You don't understand! I just found out that Harry's at Hogwarts because-because-" her youngest child and only daughter suddenly turned to Ron and Hermione. "You know?" she asked weakly. Ron looked dumbstruck, and Hermione nodded shakily. She turned too Remus, "You too?" He nodded sadly.
Fred burst out, "What are you on about?"
Remus sighed. "Molly, Arthur, Nymphadora, Alastor, if you will kindly follow us to Ron's bedroom, there is something you should know. Fred, George, I hate to do this, but I think you will have to wait till later."
Fred and George opened their mouths to argue, but Molly shot them a look that said she wasn't going to forget their earlier conversation. The two of them quickly clamped their jaws shut. The rest of the group slowly set upstairs to the bedroom.
As soon as the door was shut, Molly was nearly knocked over by her daughter. Ginny had given her mother a fierce hug and was now sobbing onto her shoulder. "Mum," she cried, "it's so horrible! How could they do that to him?"
Mrs. Weasley couldn't help but comfort the child she had been so furious at just minutes ago. "What's horrible, dear? It's alright." She began stroking her hair as she had when her daughter was younger. Ginny hiccuped and burrowed her head into further her mother's shoulder.
"Ginny," said Remus kindly, "are you going to be able to talk about this?" She nodded and lifted her head off Molly's shoulder, wiping her bloodshot eyes. "Thank you," he said quietly. "Can everybody please sit down?" Everyone around the room scrambled for a place to sit. Ginny sat on one of the beds by her mother, tears still flowing down her face.
"As you all know," he began, "Harry was removed from Privet Drive a few days ago. Hermione, Ron, myself, and now Fred, George and Ginny have seen Harry at Hogwarts. I take it that Fred and George didn't figure it out?" He looked at Ginny.
She shook her head. "He-he said something to us, but I was the o-only one who picked up on it."
Lupin nodded. "You see, Harry was removed from Privet Drive because he was perilously injured. It seems Severus felt it would be in order to check up on him and discovered him bleeding to death.in a cupboard."
At these words, there was a sudden silence. Ginny stopped sniffling suddenly. Even Ron and Hermione looked shocked. Obviously, Remus was the only one in the room who had known that.
Molly was shocked in confused. Why would Harry be locked in a cupboard? And what would happen to make him bleed to death? She opened her mouth quickly, but Remus continued. "I am sure many of you are concerned to hear this, but I will ask you to let me to continue without interruption. As I said, Harry was locked in a cupboard. From what I have gathered from Albus, Harry eventually told Severus that the Muggles were the.source.of his injuries."
At these words, there was a sudden uproar. Ginny had begun to cry again. Arthur's neck flushed and a look of anger replaced shock on his face. Molly was completely horrified. The Muggles had hurt Harry? Suddenly, her horror was overcome by anger as well. She was on her feet, half- shouting, half-crying. "THEY WHAT?"
"Molly!" said Remus, "Please calm down!"
She sat down again, weakly. "How could they? How could they hurt their own family? How could they hurt Harry?" she was suddenly sobbing hysterically. She felt an arm around her shoulders and realized that Ron, with surprising tactfulness, had seated himself between her and Ginny with an arm around each of them. Her husband stood up, knuckles clenched, face flushed. He began to pace.
Alastor Moody on the other hand, had gone into a sort of shocked stupor. He stood up and turned to them all, his magical eye spinning very fast. "It was the Order's job," he growled, "to protect Potter. We failed." Then he stumped out of the room.
Nympadora Tonks spoke. Mrs. Weasley thought she sounded ready to cry. "The Muggles hurt Harry? You mean.they hit him?"
Remus sounded very old when he answered. "To my understanding, they did considerably more than hit him."
**********************************
A/N: What do you think??? That last scene was really hard to write..Do you think I got the characters all right? My birthday was yesterday! Yay. Anyway, Christmas in three days. Wow. That's soon. Anyway, I've been really anxious about this chapter. Please review! You don't want to see me beg.
Disclaimer: Not mine.don't sue.I have nothing..(whimpers)
A/N: See how fast I've started updating? You lot better appreciate this!!
Review Responses:
Firstly, thanks much to all those who wished me a good luck on finals, happy birthday and a Merry Christmas. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL MY BEAUTIFUL REVIEWERS OUT THERE(
Samhaincat: Thanks! I'm so thrilled you like this story!!
Athenakitty: Wow. You always ask so many questions. Dursleys will be persecuted more.I'm not through with them yet.Remus told Ron and Hermione that Harry had changed because he didn't want them all surprised when Harry was severely depressed. He didn't tell them about Harry's relatives, obviously.
Shdurrani: Thanks!
Nana-hedwig: You're right, Rowling probably doesn't have the Dursleys hitting him, but this is my story and I'm a little sadistic.Vernon was in a drunken rage, we'll just say that made him incredibly violent.
Melindaleo: That was a nice long review! I decided Hagrid would be the most plausible way for Ron and Hermione to find out. Harry's slowly opening up. He's got a lot of rage.there will probably be some shouting matches.anyway, Ginny still certainly has feelings for Harry.there might be something between them. I'm looking forward to reactions, too. They will be fun to write. not for awhile, though.
Lostdreamer23: Thanks! Harry's birthday is July 31st, and term starts September 1st, so he's got about five weeks. I read Dumbledore's Inbox after receiving your review-it was great, kept me in stitches the whole time. Sleep is good.haven't gotten much of that lately..(nods off, drooling, whispering "Seamonkey's got my money.yes, I'm a natural blue..")-- -that was from the hilarious movie "Finding Nemo". Something else that DOES NOT belong to me. Anyway, I would like to have Voldemort up to something, we can't just ignore him, he'll get lonely. I'm not sure what he should be up to, though.Any suggestions?
Ckat44: Yup. Lots of angst. Angst makes me smile.wait, that's kind of an oxymoron, isn't it?
KittenBabyGirl: December birthdays rule! Half my friends have December birthdays.Fifteen on December 21, by the way. Same birthday as Joseph Stalin, in case you were wondering. Yup. Stalin.Couldn't share a birthday with J.K. Rowling, couldn't share a b-day with Robert Frost or even George Orwell..had to be Stalin..maybe this says something about me.
Ginnygal189: Thanks! My finals are over now too!
Tessa: Thanks. I think I've fixed the paragraph problem now.
Katani Petitedra: Thanks. It's hard not to love Hagrid, isn't it?
Ginny: Thanks!
Saf Saf: Yes, well, Dumbledore's getting a bit near-sighted.or is it far-sighted? Anyway, he thinks he's helping Harry, which I suppose he kind of is.he's just going about it the wrong way.
Amber: This is why we use the term "Happy Holidays" ( Birthday and Christmas for me!
Hermionegreen: Thanks! Harry's gonna pull his head out of his arse and realize he CAN talk to Ron and Hermione sooner or later.
Englishgirl: Thanks.I think I bombed my last final but what you gonna do.?
Cyci: Yay! I love long reviews! I'm debating what Albus will tell the staff and Order.but reactions will be fun to write. Snape won't be all, 'Harry, I'm sorry for being such a git I'm going to help you' at first.or ever.he's just going to slowly become sort of a mentor-like Remus. Sirius won't be coming back, I agree with what you said, and Harry won't cut. You were only a day early with the birthday greetings, don't worry.
Sally-Jo : I'm feeling better now, thank God. Yeah, my birthday's really close to Christmas but I don't really mind.I don't get combined presents. My birthday (21st), my brother's birthday (12th) and Christmas are always celebrated separately in my family. Yeah, Lupin was pretty stupid to tell Hagrid, but we all know Hagrid's temper and I guess he just wanted him to get angry while Harry wasn't around.that wouldn't go over too well.
Magnolia Lane: Thanks!
A Person of the World: Thanks!
Prd2bAmerican18: Thanks! Love your ff.net name, by the way-me too!
Selua: Thanks! This chapter will have more Sev-Harry activity.
CHAPTER 8. (thunderous applause, drumroll, fanfare and commencement.)
Remus returned to the Hospital Wing later that afternoon to see Ron and Hermione sitting on the end of Harry's bed. Harry looked a bit healthier than he had that morning, and he was actually involving himself in the conversation.
Harry looked up as he heard Lupin approaching. Up close, the werewolf could see that Harry's face was still pale and bruised. "Professor-erm, Remus," said Harry, "Could I have a word later?"
"Of course," he said. "Actually, I came to tell you two it's just about time to leave. Why don't you go down and talk to Hagrid while Harry and I talk, then you can say your good-byes."
The two nodded and stood to leave. Harry gave them each a brief nod as they left. As the door clicked shut, Remus turned to him and said, "So, what's on your mind?"
Harry sighed and said, "They know. Hagrid said something about it when we went down to see him. I left, but Snape found me and dragged me back to the Hospital Wing, and then the three of us sat down and had a lovely chat." He looked sickened.
Remus looked at Harry. He had to be truthful. "Harry, I told Hagrid. I'm sorry. I told him in complete confidence, and I thought he'd keep his word."
Harry groaned and made a fist. "I don't care enough to be mad." His brow furrowed. "Remus, do you hate me?"
The older man looked at him in surprise. "Why would I hate you?"
"Well, it makes sense.I killed your best friend." He looked down.
Remus grabbed the boy's chin and raised Harry's face to meet his own eyes. "Never say that again, Harry!" he practically shouted. "It wasn't your fault!" Now he was yelling. Harry's eyes were watering and he flinched as though he expected to be hit. Remus immediately dropped his hand. "Oh, God, Harry, I'm sorry. But you have to listen. It wasn't your fault."
Harry looked away and said, "Dumbledore told me about the prophecy that night.after I was done destroying his office. Remus, if I don't murder Voldemort, he's going to murder me." His voice shook slightly. "I don't want to tell Ron and Hermione. I don't want to kill anybody."
Lupin put a hand on his shoulder and opened his mouth to speak, but Harry shrunk back and said, "Can I say good-bye now?"
Remus was a little hurt, but he withdrew his hand and nodded. "Sure. I'll just go get Ron and Hermione, then." He turned on his heel and left. When he returned with Ron and Hermione a few minutes later, Harry didn't appear to have moved.
Hermione gave him a quick hug. Remus saw a look of pain come over Harry's face which disappeared as soon as she stood up. "Everyone's going to come visit you on your birthday, hopefully before then." Harry nodded, discreetly holding a hand to his ribs.
Ron shifted uncomfortably and said, "Hang in there, mate, we'll be back as soon as we can. Mum's going crazy about the whole thing."
Harry looked like he was trying to smile and failing. Remus gave Harry a quick pat on the back and told him he'd be back tomorrow, then the three left the ward.
************************************************************
Ginny was annoyed. No, she was furious. She wanted to hex something. Ron, Hermione, and Lupin had come back from Hogwarts and had been shooting each other looks all through dinner. When Ginny had asked Hermione and her brother what was going on with Harry, they had caught each other's eyes and Hermione had said, " I think he should let you know himself."
Ginny's frustrated response had been, "You're not the only friends he's got, you know." Then she had stormed off and found Fred and George. The three of them were now sprawled in various positions around Fred and George's room.
"So," said Ginny as she sat down cross-legged on the end of George's bed, "How are we going to get to Hogwarts to see Harry?"
"What?" asked Fred.
"How are we getting to Hogwarts so we can se Harry?"
"Well," said George, "Fred and I can Apparate-"
"If you even think of going without me, Ill use the same Bat-Bogey hex on you that I used on Malfoy last year," spat Ginny, "underage wizarding laws or not. Besides, Hogwarts has Anti-Apparition wards."
Both twins had moved several feet away from Ginny the instant she said "Bat-Bogey". She relished in this for a moment before one of them said, "So how will we get there? Floo Powder? We'd have to use Dumbledore's office, but first we'd have to make sure he wasn't in there."
"Well," said Ginny, "you two have always been good at diverting peoples' attention."
"Yeah, for Filch. Idiot was dumber than a rock. Dumbledore won't be so easy to get away from his office-especially if we don't want to get caught."
Suddenly Ginny had an idea. "Knight Bus," she whispered. "We can tell mum you need to go to the shop to take inventory or something and I was bored so I offered to help."
"Alright, Gin," said Fred obligingly, "but if mum catches us-"
"We're dead," she finished. "I know."
************************************************************
That night, Harry slept fitfully again. This time, though, it had nothing to do with Voldemort.
Vernon was advancing on him with a belt. He cracked it down on Harry's back. He could feel the sting. Ron and Hermione appeared, looking disgusted. Snape appeared, laughing. Dumbledore appeared and looked away. Next he saw his parents looking upon him with disappointment, and Sirius with something remarkably like hate lingering in his eyes. They turned and walked away as the onslaught continued.
His uncle shouted, calling him a piece-of-shit worthless freak, and continued bringing the belt down on Harry. He raised his hand as though to whip him with the belt again, but it had turned into something else. Something with a metallic glint that caught the light. He plunged the kitchen knife into Harry's stomach. Harry screamed in pain and writhed as the man pulled the knife out and drove it in again and again.
Through a haze of pain, Harry wondered why he couldn't wake up from this dream.
********************************************************
Poppy had been roused from a wonderful and much-needed sleep by screams from the Hospital Wing. Jumping up, she tore out of her quarters and through her office to the ward.
Harry was lying on the bed, sheets twisted around him. There were beads of perspiration on his forehead, and the bedclothes were soaked in sweat. He was writhing and screaming.
"Mr. Potter!" cried the nurse. "MR. POTTER!" Shouting did not seem to help. She couldn't think of anything to do. She ran to her quarters to contact the headmaster.
"Albus!" she cried, throwing a pinch of powder into the fireplace. "ALBUS! Get over here right now! It's important!" A minute later, the headmaster appeared, revolving quickly.
"What is it, Poppy?" he asked gravely.
"Come on. I'll show you," she started, as screams again began to punctuate the night. Dumbledore ran after her into the hospital wing.
Harry was still convulsing on the bed, growing paler by the second. Dumbledore began to shake the boy, but he still would not wake. Finally he said, "It looks as if I have no choice," and began slapping the boy's face.
Harry sat upright, staring around and hyperventilating. He whispered, "I'm going to be sick," and attempted to stand up, but Poppy quickly pushed him back down and held a bucket out in front of him.
Several minutes later, Harry sat up and said shakily, "The nice thing about not eating is that there's nothing to throw up."
Poppy stared at him and Albus asked, "Was it a dream about Voldemort again?"
Harry shook his head. "No, not Voldemort. Vernon."
Dumbledore sat on Harry's bed and asked, "What happened?" while studying him over the top of his glasses.
Harry took a deep breath. "I was back at the Dursleys' house. Vernon was hitting my with a belt then he started stabbing me.you know, same old, same old."
Poppy could tell the boy was holding back on something but didn't push him to talk. "I'll go get some more Dreamless Sleep Potion," she whispered.
"Thanks," muttered Harry.
*********************************************************
Harry hadn't told Dumbledore about the part of his dream where everyone watched him get beaten. The man probably knew he was holding something back. Harry knew he hadn't heard the end of this.
"Well," said the headmaster as Madame Pomfrey went to get him some Dreamless Sleep Potion, "you will be pleased to know that you will be moving out of here tomorrow."
Harry's ears perked up at these words. "Where am I going?"
"You'll be staying at Hogwarts, of course-in Professor Snape's quarters."
Harry felt sure he had hallucinated. "Wha-what?" he spluttered.
"He is the only teacher here who can take you. Besides, this will be good for you."
"No offense, sir, but I doubt it can be good for me to be dueling with a man twice my age. And that's what'll happen if we're left in the same room alone together for more than thirty minutes."
The old man chuckled. "I seriously doubt that it will come to anything that drastic."
At that moment, the nurse returned with a goblet of potion. She sighed as she handed it to him. "You won't be able to take this potion tomorrow night, Mr. Potter."
Harry nodded groggily while draining the goblet. He set it down on the bedside table before falling into an exhausted slumber.
************************************************************
The next morning dawned bright and cheerful at Number Twelve, Grimuald Place. Ginny rolled out of bed with a huge yawn and stumbled over to the wardrobe she shared with Hermione. Rubbing her eyes, she pulled out some Muggle clothing and began to get dressed.
Five minutes later, she made her way down to the kitchen, where half of Number Twelve's residents were gathered around the scrubbed wooden table. "Morning," she muttered, stifling a yawn. "You two still planning to go into the shop?" she asked Fred and George, catching Fred's eye.
"Oh, yeah-mum, we're going to take inventory this morning and Ginny wanted to come. Would it be all right with you?"
"Yes," said Mrs. Weasley, "but how are you getting there? Ginny can't Apparate."
"We thought we'd take the Knight Bus," said George matter-of-factly.
"Oh, go ahead. I know you're all going crazy trapped in this house."
Ginny grinned and gave her mother a hug. "Thanks mum."
"Sure."
She grinned at Fred and George. The three of them quickly finished eating.
"We'll be back later. Not sure how long this will take. Maybe the three of us will go out to lunch," said George.
"You lot just be careful," said Mrs. Weasley lovingly.
The three of them walked up to the ground floor and outside to the curb. Fred stuck out his right arm. A second later, the purple, triple- decker bus had appeared.
A pimply faced young wizard stepped out of the bus and said, "Welcome to the Knight Bus. My name is Stan Shunpike and I will be your conductor this morning."
"G'morning," said Fred pleasantly. "Three to Hogwarts, please."
"That'll be fourteen Sickles each."
Ginny dug in her pocket to pull out some money, but George put a hand on her arm. "Business is good. This one's on us, Gin-Gin." He resorted to her childhood nickname.
"Don't call me that," she said. But she was smiling.
***********************************************************
When Harry woke, he could feel the bright morning light stinging his eyes. Why was the Hospital Wing always so bright? Harry sat up and rubbed his eyes.
Madame Pomfrey saw him. "Good Morning," she said. "Today you get to leave the ward, so I want you to eat well. I'll help you pack your things later."
Harry nodded and began to eat the broth she handed him. "Umm, Madam Pomfrey? When do I get to eat real food?"
She gave him a patronizing look. "As soon as you can keep down soup and oatmeal."
Harry pulled a face but ate quickly. He still was unable to finish more that half of what she gave him.
"Right," she said. She waved her wand and the few possessions that weren't in his trunk flew there.
"I'm going to give you a complete check-up before you can leave," she said sternly. He fought the urge to groan out loud. She told him to remove his shirt, which he did, feeling that he was handing over his dignity along with the pajama top. She pressed on his stomach and ribs again. It hurt, and Harry winced.
"Hmm," she said, "still sore?" He nodded stiffly. "I'll give you a mild pain-reducing potion for that to take with you."
After several more humiliating minutes, the nurse deemed him fit to go. As Harry left to take a shower, Severus Snape walked in.
*********************************************************
Severus wished more than anything that the walk from his quarters to the Hospital Wing would never end. He had stayed up the night before to clean his quarters and add an extra room. Nothing extravagant, but he doubted the boy would complain.
Albus had come to his quarters the evening before to tell him Harry would be ready to leave the hospital that morning. He had groaned, and begun to prepare himself for a week or more of living with the famous Boy- Who-Lived.
Now, when he wished the walk would take as long as possible, it seemed he flew to the door. He took a deep breath and opened the door. Madame Pomfrey was straightening and cleaning one of the beds.
"Where's Potter?" he asked.
"He's getting cleaned up. Right, now, I'm going to send these along with you when you go." She held up a handful of vials. "There's a Dreamless Sleep Potion-he can't have that one tonight, he's had it the last two nights-there's a stomach settling potion, a pain-reducer, and a Strengthening Solution."
Snape felt insulted. "Do you not believe me capable of making these potions?"
"Oh, really," she snapped, "be reasonable. These are potions you made, I just figured you wouldn't have time to make them now. Anyway," she continued, "he needs to stay off that leg for awhile and he's only to eat broth or oatmeal or things like that until he can keep it down. Got that all?"
"Yes, Poppy. I do have a shred of common sense."
The two just glared at each other in silence for a few moments before Harry came out of the lavatory, wet-haired and wearing Muggle clothing far too large for him. Poppy sniffed in distaste.
"Ready, Potter?" he asked silkily.
The boy nodded, though he looked like he wanted to throw up. Severus hissed "Locomotor Trunk," and directed Potter's now levitating belongings in front of him. "Come on."
***************************************************
Harry followed Snape as quickly as he could, but the man was hurrying down the corridors much too fast for him to keep up on his sore leg. His leg was throbbing, and he was limping, despite his best efforts not to. He was taking deep breaths, trying not to let Professor Snape hear him. ~Constant vigilance,~ Harry thought grimly to himself. ~Never let an enemy sense your weakness.~
After several minutes Harry found himself not, in fact, near the dungeons, but in front of a portrait on the fourth floor. Snape, now several paces ahead of him, stopped and looked around. Seeing Harry still staggering down the corridor to meet him, he sneered. Harry glared back.
Once he had struggled to the portrait, Snape muttered, "," to the portrait's subject-a bearded wizard in deep crimson robes. Floating the trunk through first, he stepped up into the hole, leaving Harry to climb through, panting slightly with pain but keeping his face determinedly straight.
Harry looked around, his curiosity slightly getting the better of him. He had never been into a teacher's quarters before, other that Hagrid's. It was not at all as he had expected. The décor was actually slightly reminiscent of the Gryffindor common room, with a large squashy sofa, thick carpet and roaring fire. Of course, it lacked the Gryffindor colors, but it wasn't in Slytherin colors either. The room was a mixture, instead, of earthy greens and browns.
Setting the trunk to the ground with a thud, Snape turned to Harry and said, "I'm sure that you are most unhappy with these arrangements. Let me assure you that I am even less happy. I will not tolerate your rule- breaking here as Albus and Minerva do. You may make use of this room, the lavatory-" he pointed to a door to his left, "-and the spare bedroom." He pointed to another door. My study and bedroom are to be left alone. You will clean up any mess you make. Understood?"
Harry nodded dumbly. Certainly, living with the greasy git of a potions master wasn't going to be fun, but it had to be better than the Dursleys.
The man glared at him for a moment before saying, "I will be in the dungeons, working on a potion. Do not disturb me. Do not leave the castle without asking either Albus or myself." Then he turned on his heel, leaving Harry to wrestle his trunk into the bedroom.
**********************************************************
Albus was sitting in his office when he heard a knock at the door. "Come in, Minerva," he said softly.
The strict-looking witch stepped into the room. "Somehow you always know it's me," she said with a small smile.
He nodded with a twinkle in his eye, then his expression faded slightly. "Something tells me you didn't come so we could discuss my questionable Inner Eye abilities."
The witch sighed heavily and sat down in front of his desk. "The day before yesterday, I saw Severus carrying a passed out Harry Potter through the halls of Hogwarts. Is there perhaps something you should share with the staff or the Order?"
Albus nodded. "I was planning on calling a staff meeting, but I'll let you know more than I will the rest of the teachers. You remember the late-running Order meeting that you had a few days ago?"
Minerva nodded.
"Well, Severus tells me he was preparing to leave when he saw Harry's owl. Assuming it was just to deliver the regular letter to let everyone know he was okay, Professor Snape paid no attention until the owl began to act agitated. Severus, sensing something wrong, Apparated to Mr. Potter's home with the bird, He found a very unhealthy Harry and brought him here. Harry will be staying in the castle for a week or two."
Professor McGonagall nodded. "I don't suppose you could tell me what happened to Potter?"
The headmaster just shook his head somberly. "I can only say that it was not Death Eaters, nor any fault of his own."
Albus watched with a heavy heart as Minerva left, wondering if Harry would ever divulge to her, or anybody else, why he had been removed from Privet Drive.
************************************************************
Harry sat in front of the fire in Snape's quarters, staring into the flames. He was bored out of his mind. He hated being bored. It brought back painful memories and left him alone with his dangerous musings.
Right now, for instance, he was mentally berating himself. If Sirius were alive, he would have someone to confide in. Sirius would have gotten him out of Privet Drive long ago. But Sirius wasn't alive. He was dead, and Harry knew he had only himself to blame.
Harry was getting quite sick of just sitting there. He wanted to go out. He wanted to fly. But he also wanted to keep his head attached to his shoulders--sort of-and he knew that bothering Snape while he was making a potion would likely not fulfill the last want. He wasn't in much of a mood to talk to the headmaster right then, either. He decided to go to the library. Anything to keep busy. Hermione would be proud.
Ten minutes later, he was outside the library. It had taken him longer than expected to get down there-he had completely forgotten about the pain-reducing potion Madame Pomfrey had given him. He didn't have any schoolwork, seeing as how he hadn't received his O.W.L. results yet, so he walked around the shelves looking for something on Quidditch or some other trivial subject.
He did a double take when a title caught his eye. The Ascension of Voldemort. He pulled it down and nearly dropped it when he saw a picture of Sirius on the cover. Scanning the subtitle, he felt his heart catch in his chest. "A detailed account of the Dark Lord's rise to power and the Death Eaters who helped him." Harry felt a sudden surge of anger. He wanted to throw the book against the wall and scream. The idiots had no idea who Sirius really was. He sank to the floor, still staring at the book's cover, his vision beginning to swim. His chest shook with grief.
Several minutes later, when he was finally able to get control of his breathing, he wiped his eyes. He hadn't really broken down like that since the night that.it happened. He was just managing to regain his composure when he heard footsteps approaching. Standing up quickly, he was greeted by the sight of three of the people he least expected to see.
"Harry?"
"Fred.George.Ginny?" he asked. "What the hell...?"
********************************************************
Fred, George, and Ginny Weasley were walking through the halls of Hogwarts, quite mystified. According to Ron and Hermione, Harry was in the Hospital Wing, but when the three of them had headed up there, they had seen no sign of him. Not wanting to take the risk of asking Madame Pomfrey, they had begun searching elsewhere. He hadn't been in the Great Hall, or the Gryffindor tower, or even the Room of Requirement.
Ginny had finally said, "Oh, let's just go check the library."
Both of the twins had looked at her as if she were taking the mickey. "He's not Hermione!"
"Have either of you got a better idea?"
The twins saw her set jaw and shook their heads. "That's what I thought." She turned around and led them to the library. She noticed a definite sound coming from the shelves. It was the sound of someone taking deep, gasping breaths.
They walked around the row of shelves and saw Harry getting to his feet. His eyes were bloodshot. "Harry?" she asked.
He stared at her. "Fred.George.Ginny? What the hell?"
"Harry!" she threw her arms around his neck. She saw him wince and immediately let go. "I'm sorry! Are you alright?"
"Fine," he said stiffly. "Just a little sore." He looked terrible. Pale and thin, his face was bruised and he looked as if he was favoring one leg.
Ginny caught sight of the book at Harry's feet. The Ascension of Voldemort. There was a picture of Sirius on the front. "Harry," she whispered. "Are you okay?"
He nodded. "What are you guys doing here? Snape'll go ballistic."
"Snape?" asked Fred.
Harry groaned slightly. "I'm staying in his rooms for a week. Madame Pomfrey let me out of the hospital this morning."
Ginny was horrified, but Fred and George looked like Christmas had come early. "Excellent!" whispered George. "You could prank the hell out of him!"
Harry shook his head, a hint of sadness flitting across his features. "I don't think so. I like my limbs as they are, thanks. Honestly, you guys better be ready to run if anybody comes."
"So Harry," asked Ginny, remembering why they were there, "what happened?"
He made a face. "Ron and Hermione didn't tell you? I'm surprised."
"Did you tell them to?"
"No, but Hermione can be so.interfering.sometimes. I was sure she'd tell everyone."
"You still haven't answered my question. What happened to you?"
He gave a bitter snort. "Turns out living with the Dursleys isn't as safe as Dumbledore thought it was."
Ginny immediately realized what he meant, though judging by the twins' confused expressions, they didn't. "Oh my God.Harry." she whispered. She put a hand on his shoulder.
He flinched. "It's nothing. I'm fine." For a moment, she thought she caught an unreadable expression on his face, but the next moment, his facial features were blank and empty. "You guys really shouldn't be here. Everyone'll go berserk if they find out."
"Just wanted to come see you, mate," said Fred with a grin. "Can't believe you have to live with Snape."
Harry shrugged. "Better than living with, say, the Malfoy family."
George's face split into a mischievous grin this time. "Cheers."
Ginny sighed and turned to her brothers. "Harry's right; we better go. Have you any idea how insane Mum'll go if she finds out we're not at the shop?"
The twins nodded. "Nice seeing you. We'll keep in touch."
The three of them quickly set off towards the Entrance Hall. Once outside the front gates, George stuck out his wand hand and they again paid fourteen Sickles each. As the bus zoomed away through the countryside, Ginny couldn't help but feel she had learned more than she'd bargained for.
*************************************************************
Molly Weasley was furious. She had Flooed to Fred and George's shop in Diagon Alley to bring hem some tea and give them a bit of a break, but it had been empty. Confused, she had wondered if they had gone to lunch, but had immediately dismissed the idea. It was much too early.
She had gone into Fred and George's room and asked the portrait, a horrible painting of some equally horrible Slytherin, if he knew anything of the twins' travel plans. The painting had looked apprehensively at her wand and said, "There were three of them in here, talking about going to see some Harry."
Molly had gasped. Fred, George, and Ginny had sneaked off to Hogwarts? She was now waiting in the kitchen, a cold fury rising inside her. When those three got home, they were going to be wishing they were deaf.
Just as she was planning the best approach to take on the three, she heard the door open. She stood up and waited patiently her children to come down to the basement. When the three of them came to the kitchen, she was too angry to notice how severely shaken Ginny looked.
"Hello, Mum," said George brightly.
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?" she shouted. "I GO TO THE SHOP TO BRING YOU A SPOT OF TEA AND YOU'RE NOT THERE AND THEN I GET TOLD BY A PORTRAIT THAT YOU'RE AT HOGWARTS?" Ron and Hermione appeared at the door, apparently drawn by Molly's yelling.
"Yes, Mum, but see-"
"NO I WILL NOT SEE! YOU LIED TO ME! DID YOU THINK MAYBE THERE WAS A REASON DUMBLEDORE DIDN'T WANT YOU TO SEE HARRY YET?" Remus, Tonks, Arthur, and Alastor showed up. Ginny paled more as Molly kept shouting. "IRRESPONSIBLE, UNTRUSTWORTHY BEAVIOR! I THOUGHT YOU LOT HAD GROWN UP!"
"But Mum-"
"YOU LISTEN HERE!"
"Mum!" cried out Ginny, eyes sparkling with tears, "You don't understand! I just found out that Harry's at Hogwarts because-because-" her youngest child and only daughter suddenly turned to Ron and Hermione. "You know?" she asked weakly. Ron looked dumbstruck, and Hermione nodded shakily. She turned too Remus, "You too?" He nodded sadly.
Fred burst out, "What are you on about?"
Remus sighed. "Molly, Arthur, Nymphadora, Alastor, if you will kindly follow us to Ron's bedroom, there is something you should know. Fred, George, I hate to do this, but I think you will have to wait till later."
Fred and George opened their mouths to argue, but Molly shot them a look that said she wasn't going to forget their earlier conversation. The two of them quickly clamped their jaws shut. The rest of the group slowly set upstairs to the bedroom.
As soon as the door was shut, Molly was nearly knocked over by her daughter. Ginny had given her mother a fierce hug and was now sobbing onto her shoulder. "Mum," she cried, "it's so horrible! How could they do that to him?"
Mrs. Weasley couldn't help but comfort the child she had been so furious at just minutes ago. "What's horrible, dear? It's alright." She began stroking her hair as she had when her daughter was younger. Ginny hiccuped and burrowed her head into further her mother's shoulder.
"Ginny," said Remus kindly, "are you going to be able to talk about this?" She nodded and lifted her head off Molly's shoulder, wiping her bloodshot eyes. "Thank you," he said quietly. "Can everybody please sit down?" Everyone around the room scrambled for a place to sit. Ginny sat on one of the beds by her mother, tears still flowing down her face.
"As you all know," he began, "Harry was removed from Privet Drive a few days ago. Hermione, Ron, myself, and now Fred, George and Ginny have seen Harry at Hogwarts. I take it that Fred and George didn't figure it out?" He looked at Ginny.
She shook her head. "He-he said something to us, but I was the o-only one who picked up on it."
Lupin nodded. "You see, Harry was removed from Privet Drive because he was perilously injured. It seems Severus felt it would be in order to check up on him and discovered him bleeding to death.in a cupboard."
At these words, there was a sudden silence. Ginny stopped sniffling suddenly. Even Ron and Hermione looked shocked. Obviously, Remus was the only one in the room who had known that.
Molly was shocked in confused. Why would Harry be locked in a cupboard? And what would happen to make him bleed to death? She opened her mouth quickly, but Remus continued. "I am sure many of you are concerned to hear this, but I will ask you to let me to continue without interruption. As I said, Harry was locked in a cupboard. From what I have gathered from Albus, Harry eventually told Severus that the Muggles were the.source.of his injuries."
At these words, there was a sudden uproar. Ginny had begun to cry again. Arthur's neck flushed and a look of anger replaced shock on his face. Molly was completely horrified. The Muggles had hurt Harry? Suddenly, her horror was overcome by anger as well. She was on her feet, half- shouting, half-crying. "THEY WHAT?"
"Molly!" said Remus, "Please calm down!"
She sat down again, weakly. "How could they? How could they hurt their own family? How could they hurt Harry?" she was suddenly sobbing hysterically. She felt an arm around her shoulders and realized that Ron, with surprising tactfulness, had seated himself between her and Ginny with an arm around each of them. Her husband stood up, knuckles clenched, face flushed. He began to pace.
Alastor Moody on the other hand, had gone into a sort of shocked stupor. He stood up and turned to them all, his magical eye spinning very fast. "It was the Order's job," he growled, "to protect Potter. We failed." Then he stumped out of the room.
Nympadora Tonks spoke. Mrs. Weasley thought she sounded ready to cry. "The Muggles hurt Harry? You mean.they hit him?"
Remus sounded very old when he answered. "To my understanding, they did considerably more than hit him."
**********************************
A/N: What do you think??? That last scene was really hard to write..Do you think I got the characters all right? My birthday was yesterday! Yay. Anyway, Christmas in three days. Wow. That's soon. Anyway, I've been really anxious about this chapter. Please review! You don't want to see me beg.