Understanding Albus nodded to Severus to leave he knew where he wanted to go. He just hoped that when Severus arrived he found Harry alive and well, but it was looking more doubtful by the second. Albus watched as Severus left the castle heading to number 4 Private Drive. Sighing he knew that no one would blame him but he knew that perhaps he had left Harry there for far too long.
Finding the correct house Severus walked up to the door before he had even knocked he heard a loud scream the voice so full of pain he instantly knew it was Harry. Severus kicked down the door rushing up the stairs to find blood spots leading to the master bedroom. He pushed open the door to find Harry curled up on his side being kicked by his uncle, blood pouring out of his nose and out of deep wounds all over his arms and legs. He noted Harry was only in his boxer shorts, from what Vernon was saying Harry had obviously not got dressed quick enough. What shocked Severus the most was why Harry was in the master bedroom in the first place; leaving that to a discussion with Harry he dove forward. Grabbing Vernon by his top he swung him round and proceeded to punch him in the face.
"You Vernon are the sort of muggle that deserves the death given by the Dark Lord. You disgust me Vernon Dursley I hope you go to hell"
Moving over to where Harry was laying, he moved the boy onto his back as the position he was in looked rather disturbing. Not wanting to move Harry too much in case of serious injuries that could cause paralysis he instead opted to check him over first, ready to call Poppy Pomfrey if she was needed. Finding that although some injuries were serious they would not cause any long-term tissue damage he sat Harry up against a pillow he transfigured from a whip.
"Potter it's me. Severus your potions master i'm here on Dumbledore's orders to take you back to Hogwart's for the rest of the summer. Its ok I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here to protect you come on Potter… Harry look at me"
Severus was glad to see that by using the boy's first name he got through the strong barrier that Harry had so perfectly formed. Harry's eyes showed such fear when Severus called him Potter that he promised to himself and to Harry that he would never mention the surname anymore. Harry simply nodded to his Professor still far too weak to speak; he tried to move only to fall back to the floor again. As Severus bent down to pick Harry up he noticed a sudden look of total anger in his eyes and felt the boy begin to shake violently. Severus turned around just in time to see Vernon coming towards them. Standing in front of Harry in a protective stance he starred at the man heading their way.
"Move out of the way freak that boy is mine if you don't move I will kill you"
"You fool do you really think you can win against me. Get over yourself Vernon and leave me alone. Harry does not belong to you he is his own person now Piss off before I do something I won't regret."
Severus had a look that could kill but Vernon didn't back away on the contrary in fact he made a move towards Severus and Harry attempting to punch the man protecting 'his property'. Severus after many years of spying had learnt even muggle self Defense and blocked Vernon with ease. Gathering all his strength he punched Vernon causing the man to hit the wall with such force he dented it. Severus turned back to Harry who was simply starring at him in shock, the tears still silently streaming down his cheeks. Sitting next to him he realised just this once Harry needed him, needed the comfort so he gave in and pulled the boy into his lap. Feeling warmth surround him and his heart he felt as Harry tucked his arms into his chest and rested his head under Severus' chin a small smile escaped the older man. However upsetting this situation was Severus felt as though he had saved Harry from the pain his own muggle family were putting him in and now was the time to comfort the person he loved.
"Harry its ok its over, come on you need to come with me to Hogwart's I'm sure Poppy will want to mother hen you. Listen nothing is going to happen to you anymore. Trust me."
"My stuff… trunk… under stairs… under loose floor board… my room… small room"
Severus could tell that Harry was finding it difficult to speak he guessed that was due to him being so weak. Picking the fragile boy up his heart broke as he felt many bones through his far too big hand me downs, carrying him into the small room he laid him on the bed. Harry pointed to where the loose floorboard was. Severus went and got what was left of Harry's belongings, a wand, his trunk full of school books school robes and dress robes, and a photo album full of pictures when he was born with the Potter family. Severus had found a small amount of hand me downs but seeing the state they were in he decided to make an effort and buy the boy some new clothes. Putting the loose belongings inside the trunk he performed a spell shrinking the trunk to pocket size before going back the small room.
"Come on lets get you to the hospital wing at Hogwart's."
Harry nodded and allowed Severus to pick him up again his heart broke as he felt how thin the boy was. Why did I not notice this? Was I too wrapped up in my own world that I didn't notice the poor treatment he received with his family? I guess that doesn't matter now he is safe. Severus apparated to Hogwart's and found that the security wards were down luckily he was no more than two hours long, he arrived at the hospital wing to find Albus and Poppy ready and waiting.
"Severus put him on the bed please so I can check on him"
Watching Poppy was surprised to see the care he put into this as Severus gently laid Harry on the bed careful not to hurt him. However she did notice him limping. What on earth has he done now? Suppose I better sort that before I see to Harry the damn fool.
"Severus what have you done to your ankle?"
"Oh that I just sprained it when I kicked down the Dursley's door those stupid muggles"
"Likely story. If you don't mind I would rather see to that myself, Severus you idiot the scan showed you have got three broken bones in your foot"
Severus simply shrugged well it felt like a sprain he sighed thinking to himself. Poppy fixed his ankle before turning to Harry who was lying on the bed. Knowing this was going to be difficult she attempted to feel his forehead only to reveal how nervous Harry was. Seeing him back up against the wall she sighed. What have they put him through? He already looks like he has lost 4stone isn't that enough? What would make him relax more? I wonder Severus?
"Harry I know this is difficult but I really need to check your injuries before something goes wrong. I wonder if you would feel safer with Severus holding you whilst I do the medical."
Harry thought about it for a second. Well he has changed, he did save me, and he made Vernon dent the wall. He said it was over no one would hurt me again especially not him. Besides I do like him a chance to be close again like earlier. Why can't I just get over this I'm usually ok? Because you want Severus to hold you again you damn fool. Chuckling aloud for a moment he smiled and nodded. Severus couldn't help but wonder what had made the boy laugh at a time like this but nevertheless he was glad that he was still his chirpy self. Climbing on the bed he sat behind Harry wrapping his muscle arms around him, providing more love and warmth than he could have imagined. It came as no surprise to Poppy that Harry instantly relaxed and allowed her to check his injuries, although it was awkward she didn't care at least Harry was happy. Whilst they were waiting for the results of the scan Severus moved of the bed to allow Harry to lay down, proceeding to stroke the boys hair back from his eyes he noticed Harry had fallen asleep. Once the results came through both Severus and Albus who had stayed quite throughout the entire time were shocked to see the tough women of Poppy Pomfrey flee the hospital wing. Looking at one another both men agreed Harry was ok but obviously the results had led the poor medi-witch to tears, knowing they needed the answers they followed her outside.
"Poppy what are his injuries? What has happened to the poor boy?"
"Here take the list read it for yourself"
Poppy managed through sobs handing the piece of paper to Severus she looked down again wondering how Harry had been left in that state. Although she knew that Harry always came back thin she realised the robes always covered the bones, no one ever noticed. How could Albus have possibly known, Harry was always happy always cheeky and clever beyond his years, she knew that Albus thought he was protecting him by leaving him there. Reading the results Severus sighed it was worse than he had imagined.
Harry James Potter: Year 6 of Hogwart's School of Wizardry.
Injuries: Short term.
Left hand: 2 broken fingers.
Right hand: 4 broken fingers.
Right arm: Ulna bone broken, plus bruising.
Left arm: both lower arm bones broken, plus bruising.
Right shoulder: dislocated and stab wound from kitchen knife.
Head: broken jaw and fractured skull.
Back: bruises obviously from being jumped on, plus slashes from whip.
Stomach: Bruising and Stab wound.
Left leg: femur bone broken, plus bruising.
Right leg: bruising.
Injuries: Long term.
Right leg: deep scar tissue from previous wound caused by gunshot.
Many scars on arms and legs will not be removed as damage happened too long ago. Particularly the word FREAK carved into upper (hidden) back, which happened 9 years ago today.
Conclusion: Injuries show obvious signs of physical and sexual abuse, no doubt including emotional abuse. Neglect of food, love and care as Harry James Potter weighs less than 6stone and has done for entire life. All types of abuse have been in existence all his life except sexual abuse which, only occurred once last year where he was raped and forced to do everything with another man. There seems to be no sign of depression even after everything this young man is full of love and happiness apart from the lack of affection he craves for.
Severus finally stopped reading and sighed, the poor boy had been through so much, he never even noticed how underweight Harry was. Knowing that Albus wouldn't want to read the effects living with those muggles had caused Harry he folded the parchment and placed it in his pocket. He has been through so much hurt, so much pain and yet he still managed to keep his soul in tact, he still knows he didn't deserve it. I'm going to make sure that is right I must talk with him, from now on I promise myself to give Harry some love and care and spoil him with affection. Turning to Albus he sighed before speaking the truth.