-1Chapter 2:

"You should have seen him Minerva. You could barely recognize him. I say he had 3 broken ribs, a live contusion, multiple lacerations, and a concussion! How could Albus send him back to them? Didn't he have a safe guard in place? A spell over the house to prevent this behavior?"

Harry had woken up to the sounds of voices just outside of where ever he lay. He listened carefully, eyes still closed, and recognized the voice as Alastor Moody, ex-auror, member of the Order. Harry hesitantly lifted one eye and was greeted to the sight of his room inside Grimmauld Place. He tried to sit up and find his glasses but a wave of nausea overcame him and he became dizzy. Lying back down he rubbed his head and let out a moan which signaled the people to his alertness. He heard the door close and footsteps edge up to his bed.

"Harry? Are you awake?"

Opening both his eyes this time, he saw his ex-Transfiguration teacher with a grim expression on her face. The wrinkle lines of worry making her look even older then she really was.

"Water…" He coughed, his throat dry from days without sustenance.

Minerva McGonagall raised a jug located on the bed table next to him and poured a tall glass for him.

"Drink this slowly Mr. Potter. There is a mild pain reliever inside."

Harry took the glass from her gingerally, not all sure his weaning strength would hold it for long and lapped at the water eagerly. He handed her back the cup and got comfortable against the pillows behind him.

"Thank you. Now…what happened? How long have I been out? What happened to the Dursley's?"

Minerva raised her hand to silence him.

"Enough Mr. Potter, you need your strength. To answer though, You have been out for 3 days. Poppy came by and healed your wounds. You will find it might be troublesome to breath without pain or move around smoothly. You had a few broken ribs. I have been assured you will be back to full health by the end of the week. As for your guardians…." Minerva paused and pursed her lips, obviously wanting to say something further but acting as if something prevented her from doing so.

"I'll take over Minerva." Moody piped up from the wall where he stand. He limped over to Harry and took the chair Minerva had vacated.

"I will go inform the other's that you are awake. Your friends will be wanting to see you with their own eyes." Minerva leaves out the door shutting it quietly behind her. Harry looks to Moody expecting his answers.

"Yes, well, those bastards that call themselves your family….the Auror's and Ministry were called in. They were given Veritaserum and a pensieve was used to get the truth. Harry, that fat one that hurt you, Vernon, he was given the Dementor's kiss. Your Aunt and Cousin…well…they couldn't be found at fault because they weren't apart of the incident, but they were punished. Dudley is now in what the muggles call Military School and Petunia is having to do volunteer and community services for the elderly."

Harry snorted at that. Petunia wait on others? Dudley in Military School where he would eventually have to go on a diet because they didn't allow sweets.

"They got what they deserved." Harry reached for the glass of water and sipped on the last of its contents. He felt a little twinge of pain in his left side, but new he had felt worse pain and ignored it.

"So who is here? What's going on? Where has Dumbledore been through all this!" Harry had so many questions and he wanted his answers now!

Alastor stood and moved towards the door as a knock sounded. "That would be your friends. I'll be going now." He opened the door to find Hermione, Ron, and Ginny just beyond. He nodded and departed and they came scrambling in.

Hermione was the first to jump on him and hug him tightly. "Ow…that hurts Hermione." She quickly jumped back. "Oh, sorry Harry."

"It's alright, I'm just a bit sore."

"A bit sore? Mate you were beaten to a bloody pulp by that fat git. Mum wouldn't even let us see you until now because she said your body was a fright! And all you can say is you're a bit sore? Your more man than I." Ron sat on the bed next to Ginny who was remaining quiet.

"Ginny? Are you alright?" Harry asked concerned for his friends more then himself.

"Yes…I mean…I was just so worried for you Harry. Your our best friend, and we couldn't do anything to help you. We all felt so ashamed. We should have never left you to go to them again. Please forgive us?"

"Ginny, Hermione,….Ron… you can't mean that. You couldn't have done anything about that sick bastard. He's got a screw loose. And he got his." Harry watched as Ron shuddered at the thought of the Dementor's kiss.

"Now no more talk of this. Tell me where Dumbledore is. I want to know what is happening that no one can speak two words to me. I'm not stupid, I know something is wrong." Harry watched as his friends clammed up one by one. "Come on guys. It can't be that bad. Can it?"

Hermione opened her mouth, closed it, and then tried to begin again. "You see Harry, no one's blaming you but…you know how the new Minister doesn't like Dumbledore? Well he used your abuse as an excuse to get him disbarred from the Wizengamot. He is still the Head Master of Hogwarts and the Head of the Order, but now has more restrictions under the new laws being passed. Everything at Hogwarts now has to be approved by the Governors. That includes who gets to be hired on. And they have refused to let Moony return. And if Dumbledore doesn't find a suitable replacement…..Umbridge gets to come back."

Harry cringed. He thought Dumbledore needed the striping of power, but putting Umbridge back into Hogwarts was to much. "If he is here, can you go get him for me?"

"Sure Harry. Just remember, don't strain yourself. Your suppose to be resting." Hermione lightly hugged him goodbye and followed Ron and Ginny out.

I might be graduated, but there is no way in Hades that I am going to let her step foot into that school again.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
Not much, I know, but it will get there. And Draco will be coming in the picture soon. I think some of you can figure out where I am going by the last line I have written in this chapter. Reviews are appreciated. REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT MY FORUM, ADDRESS LOCATED IN MY PROFILE!