Chapter Twelve
"It's almost seven." Remus spoke. Severus looked at him blankly. "Classes. Today's Monday."
Severus winced and said nothing. They continued waiting in silence. Suddenly, the magic popped and disappeared as if it had never been. Narcissa rushed through the door, the men right on her heels. The boys were sleeping. They looked peaceful and undisturbed, but then they got a better look. Their pajamas were too small for them. They looked bigger and heavier. Draco stirred and opened his gray eyes.
"Morning, Momma. Daddy. Moony." He said as he stretched. He seemed to notice their tension and became serious. "Wha's wrong?"
"How do you feel, Draco?" Severus asked curiously while Narcissa rushed forward, touching muttering over him.
"I'm fine." He answered and scowled as he tried to push his mother away. "Baby! Wake up! They went crazy!"
Harry stirred and opened his eyes. He reached for his glasses and put them on. He blinked at them all nervously. "What? Did we do som'fin bad?"
"Course not, stupid." Draco pushed him and then went back to trying to hold off his mother. "I'm fine, Momma!"
"How do you feel, Harry?" Narcissa turned to the boy, satisfied Draco was telling the truth. She reached out without thinking to check for a fever. Harry didn't flinch away. Her eyes widened.
"M'fine." Harry said softly, still nervous.
"Oh, Harry." She smiled and wrapped him in her arms. "You trust me now?"
He nodded, "You not take Ray. He promise to stay wi've me, so I not 'fraid of you no more."
"Are you sure you're alright?" Remus added his own hands as he ran them over the boy looking for wounds.
"Why? Somfin happen?" Draco demanded, looking to Severus for answers.
"There was a magical surge and we couldn't get to you. We were worried." He explained.
"Oh." Draco looked to Harry, but the boy looked fine. A bit embarrassed, but nothing horrible. "We're okay."
"Good. Why don't we have breakfast and then go to Madam Pomfrey just in case." He decided. "Narcissa, I'll meet you up there in thirty minutes, alright?"
"Yes, Severus." She nodded.
"I'll order breakfast." Remus offered and followed the Slytherin from the room so that Narcissa could dress the boys. She had to charm their clothes larger to fit them.
Eventually, they finally made it to the infirmary. Harry was nervous with Madam Pomfrey so close to him and he began to suck on his thumb. He relaxed though when Severus strode through the doors and took up a position beside him. Draco lay next to him in the same bed. Pomfrey had tried to separate them, but Draco had refused. Narcissa was still shaking with relief that the boys were okay and couldn't find the energy to argue with him. Remus watched everything from a few feet away.
"I have the results." Pomfrey announced two hours after they had arrived. "But I'm not quite sure what to make of them. Why don't you two come to my office? Remus can look after the boys."
Severus looked questioningly down at the boy holding his hand. Harry smiled and nodded to show he was alright. Draco was already asking if Remus would give them horsey rides. He nodded and followed the two women into the office. Narcissa sat stiffly, tense with worry again. Severus just sat patiently, his face blank and waiting.
"There is nothing wrong with them physically." Pomfrey began as she showed them the results of the tests she had run. "They are in perfect health. Their magic levels are a bit high for wizarding children of their age, but they could be at the same level they had been when they were originally this age, I don't know. There is no residue or evidence that magic has been worked on them recently. There's nothing."
"So what happened?" Narcissa demanded. "They look different, at least."
"Because they are different." Pomfrey agreed. "Draco is now five years, seven months, and two days old. He's four and a half inches taller and eight pounds heavier, now standing three feet and half an inch tall and weighing sixty and one half pounds. Harry is five years, one month, and sixteen days old. He's three and a half inches taller and only five pounds heavier, now standing at two feet seven inches and weighing fifty four pounds. Draco is about average for his age, but Harry is slightly underweight for his height."
"I see." Severus said slowly. "So that seven hour magical storm aged them a year and seven days."
"It did."
"Do you think this will keep happening until they return to their true ages?" Narcissa asked hopefully.
"It would seem that way." Severus nodded.
They didn't have time to say anything else before Dumbledore opened the office door and stepped in. "Severus? I heard you got injured in your potions class and canceled the rest of the day? What's happened?"
Severus reported what happened and the results of Madam Pomfrey's tests. The woman exchanged a meaningful glance, but said nothing. They could hear Remus playing with the boys through the open doorway, and focused on that instead of the conversation before them.
"This is good news, my boy." Dumbledore said with a bright smile. His age spotted hand came up to squeeze Severus' shoulder encouragingly. The dark haired man said nothing. "I will take a peek at them."
…
Remus was panting as he galloped around on his knees. Both Harry and Draco were on his back. Harry wouldn't ride by himself, so he allowed Draco to ride with the smaller boy. He smiled as he heard Harry's delighted laughs and Draco's happy orders of faster, right, and left. He was so preoccupied that it was the boys who noticed their audience before he did.
Harry fell silent and Draco stilled. Remus glanced over to the door to see Severus, the headmaster, and the women. He sat up carefully, catching the boys in his arms. Harry didn't look terrified as he normally would at the approach of a stranger. But his eyes were solemn and watchful.
"Mommy, I want to go swimming." Draco said. He was undisturbed by all the attention.
"I will think about it." Narcissa answered. The boy scowled and crossed his arms over his chest petulantly.
"Do you wish to go swimming too, young Harry?" Dumbledore asked taking a few steps toward them.
Harry nodded, but reached out to grasp Draco's arm in a display of nervousness.
The blonde looked at the boy and patted his hand. "It's okay. Daddy's right there. He won't let Dumbledore hurt you."
Harry nodded and smiled shyly, but didn't release his hold. Draco didn't seem to mind too terribly. Dumbledore saw his chance and slowly lowered himself to the ground in front of Remus. Draco cocked his head curiously from his position in Remus' lap, but Harry leaned back into the werewolf's chest to put as much distance between him and the old man as he could.
"You know who I am, Draco?" Dumbledore asked with twinkling eyes.
"Course." Draco said with a superior wave of his little hand.
"And you Harry? Do you remember who I am?" The little boy hesitated, but shook his head in a negative. "Ah, what do you remember?"
"I remember lots!" Draco interrupted, trying to get the attention of his friend. "I wanted to help, Baby, right? I did and that's my job now."
"Very good, Draco." Severus and Narcissa came up to stand by the sitting headmaster. "And you Harry? What do you remember?"
The little boy turned thoughtful green eyes up to Severus and spoke softly, "I was with my mommy and other daddy, but they not come anymore cause they died. Then I was with my aunt and uncle and Dudley. We just started school. Now I'm with my new family. Did aunt and uncle die like my first family?"
"No, Harry." Severus knelt and pulled Harry into his arms. The boy went willingly and happily wrapped his little arms around the Potion Master's neck. "They were treating you badly. Children must be cared for and they didn't care, so we are taking care of you."
"Thank you." Harry said and kissed the man's cheek.
"Alright. Let's get this over with." Pomfrey interrupted with a huge smile. It was so nice to see young Severus lowering his guard, but if she didn't interrupt then she was going to cry. "Harry, I'm going to give you vaccines. Why don't you place him on the bed, Severus? Draco can sit next to him."
Everyone did as she said. Then the witch had the boy drink the cure to the sickness while her wand on the vein in his arm spelled that sickness mildly into his veins. Dumbledore approached Narcissa with his thoughts since Severus was focused on the children at the moment.
"It seems Draco has access to all sixteen years of his memory and as he ages they become clearer." He murmured.
"Yes." Narcissa agreed. "But Harry only remembers his first five years with the Dursley's and everything that has happened here since he was changed into a child for the second time."
…
"Ron! Where are we going?" Hermione asked breathlessly. Ginny and Neville were running at her heels as Ron pulled her forward by her hand.
"You'll see." He told her. He wasn't really willing to tell them he had Harry's map, and therefore couldn't tell them that he had seen Lord Ray Malfoy and Baby Potter suddenly appear in the infirmary.
…
Before anyone could discuss the boys' memories further, the infirmary doors opened and four Gryffindors came in. Hermione and Ginny rushed forward while the boys froze as the headmaster and intimidating teacher looked at them.
"Oh, Harry! How are you feeling?" Hermione cried anxiously. The little boy was breathing fast. He was doing better with strangers, but this many all at once was becoming too much for him.
"Rub his back." Severus ordered Remus before looking back into panicked green eyes. "Harry, I'm going to go talk to these people. I'll be right back. You are safe with Draco and Remus."
The boy nodded shakily, leaning into Draco's side. The blonde was glaring at the intruding students. Narcissa smiled at him and walked over to offer her silent support. Severus nodded satisfied and grabbed the two girls by the arms. Dumbledore followed him herding the two Gryffindor boys behind them.
"What is the meaning of this?" Severus said icily.
"Professor, we understand you are in charge of Harry's care, but we are his friends. We worry about him and you have not kept your promise to keep us informed of his progress and condition. We haven't seen him in a week!" Hermione glared right back.
"As you can see, Harry is no longer himself at the moment. He doesn't even remember you and it would not be for the best for you to be fluttering about."
"I will give you weekly reports to his progress." Dumbledore offered. "But until Harry returns to the age of eleven, he will not remember you."
"When do you think that will be?" Ginny asked with a frown.
"We believe he will age a year every week. In about seven weeks, he will be eleven again."
"Seven weeks!" Ron exclaimed, dismayed.
"It is better than having to wait seven years!" Severus snapped. "Now get out of here and mind your own business for once!"
"Harry is our business, sir." Hermione answered evenly. "But we will leave. Don't forget your promise, Headmaster."
"I won't, my dear." Dumbledore smiled. The Gryffindors nodded and walked off.
Severus glared at their retreating backs before spinning to face his mentor, "Do you think that is wise?"
"They are his friends, Severus. He needs them as much as they need him."
"At least I will have seven weeks free of their meddling." Severus sighed and entered the infirmary with the headmaster on his heels.
…
After the boys were done at the infirmary, they all went back to Severus' quarters. Harry was now fine with both Remus and Narcissa touching him, but still preferred his 'daddy'. Remus took the boys to the playroom while Narcissa stayed in the sitting room to discuss the future.
Narcissa wanted her son to have tumbling classes like he did when he was truly five. It was good to build flexibility and agility, and was essential for a child to later be good a dueling. She didn't want Draco to loose any of his physical skills over this disaster. Though she was very relieved that he would definitely not loose any of his memories. But Severus was adamant that they stay in his rooms for safety.
"They can't stay here forever, Severus." Narcissa said through narrowed eyes. "Draco is already requesting to go outside. You will cause them mental injury should you keep them in here always. Harry can't have that. What if he grows to have a phobia of big places or of being outside?"
"Where do you suggest taking them?" Severus snapped.
"There is a place in France. I can floo there with the boys every afternoon for a few hours. No one will suspect anything. We will be safe."
Severus didn't answer, but Narcissa knew she had won and smiled softly as the man stalked from the room. Harry did develop a small fever from the vaccines, but it didn't seem to affect him too greatly. Draco was worried, though, so he didn't protest when Severus put them to bed early.
…
Harry woke from a dream of being punished at the Dursley's. It was pitch black in the room and he was certain he was in his cupboard, certain that his dream of a caring family was over for good. He curled into a whimpering ball and hugged himself tightly, trying to stem the panic. He knew if he began to cry, he'd only get in more trouble. Draco woke to the sounds of ragged breathing. He groped sleepily for his baby, but couldn't find him.
"Baby?" He asked as he sat up. A muffled sob was his only answer. "What's wrong? Where is you?"
"R-r-ray?" Harry stuttered uncertainly.
"Yeah. What is it?" Draco asked as he crawled to the head of the bed where Harry's voice had come from. He found the baby curled in a tight ball, shaking hard. His eyes got wide and he threw his arms around the smaller boy. Harry twisted and clung to him, hot tears burned Draco through his shirt.
"Why a-a-re you h-here in my cupboard?" Harry cried. "I'm s-s-sorry for getting you in trouble."
"What cupboard?" Draco asked as he held tight. "We is not in trouble, Baby. Daddy and Mommy and Moony love us and tucked us in and kissed us goodnight. Don't you remember?"
"Is a dream. That's not really real, is it?"
"Of course it is." Draco said firmly, petting the baby's silky hair. "I'm still here. I told you. I won't never leave you."
"Ray." Harry whispered breathily and cried for a minute more. "Do you… t-think you can t-t-turn on a light? I d-don't like the dark."
"Okay." Draco gently released his hold and turned to the edge of the bed. He wondered why the bell hadn't woken his mommy or daddy. Maybe it was broken. With a thump, he landed on the floor.
"Ray! Ray, are you okay?" Harry cried out frantically.
"Fine, Baby. Just trying to turn on the lights." Draco assured him gently. "Is okay."
"Come back. I'm so-sorry. Didn't mean for you to g-go." Harry cried, upset and frightened.
"Well, can't come to you. I fell out of bed to look for lights. You'll have to come to me." Draco reasoned.
"O-o-okay." Harry whimpered and began to crawl toward Ray's voice. He was sure he'd hit the wall to the cupboard any moment, but he wanted Ray bad and was going to try even if it meant waking uncle by banging on the wall. With a startled scream, he fell of the edge and onto the hard ground.
"Baby! Are you alright!" Draco rushed over and frantically ran his blind hands up and down Harry's body, trying to feel for blood.
"Y-yes." Harry gasped as he grasped onto Draco's shirt. He wasn't ever letting go.
"Can you stand?" Draco asked sweetly, helping the little boy to his feet. "Let's go look for a light."
"I c-ca-can't see nothing. How can we l-look?" Harry asked as he did as Draco said.
"Just hold onto me. I'll find it." Draco promised, patting the boy's hair.
They never did find what Draco was looking for. In his room in the Manor, there had always been a small orb that, when he spoke orders into it, it controlled the lighting and temperature. But Narcissa hadn't thought to make one for their room. And Draco was right in assuming the bell was broken from the powerful magic of their aging. Neither she nor Severus thought of it and made another yet. Eventually, the boys got tired of stumbling around blind and curled up together for warmth against a wall before falling back to sleep.
When Narcissa found them the next morning, she hugged and kissed them over and over in apology for not being there when they needed her. She fixed the bells and even made an orb for their bedroom and the playroom. Severus was equally upset and held Harry all through breakfast instead of letting him sit in a seat with a booster chair like Draco. Harry was very grateful for the comfort.
…
It was Friday and this was their fourth lesson at Nicolet's Gymnastics. The lessons were three hours long and there were seventeen other five year olds in their class. Harry was the shyest and just copied Draco as best as he could. Draco was better at tumbling, jumps, and flips than Harry. But Harry was excellent at the balance beam.
Harry didn't say anything while they were there, mostly because he was uncomfortable around strangers, but also because he didn't know French. So Draco spoke for them both. The teachers thought it was cute. They quickly came to adore the shy brunette with gorgeous green eyes and the little blonde gentleman. The other children began to resent the new comers.
"Do you think you need a spot?" The tumbling teacher asked Harry sweetly when it came time for the brunette's turn.
Harry looked up at her through his long lashes and bangs, while Draco answered for him in perfect French, "Yes, ma'am."
The lady smiled and grasped his waist, helping Harry flip over backward. He smiled in thanks and ran back to the line. Draco was taking his turn and he waited patiently until he felt a hard tap at his shoulder. He turned to look and saw it was one of the bigger boys and a blonde girl. They didn't look happy.
"Couldn't do it on your own?" The boy laughed.
"You're such a baby! You shouldn't be in this class." The girl said meanly. "You should be with the babies."
Harry had no idea what they were saying, but looked where she was pointing and saw the toddlers learning to roll and summersault. He blushed. He knew he was no good and small. Did the teacher finally give up? He wasn't strong like Ray. He looked back over to the kids in front of him and bit his lip. What if the teachers told the kids to tell him to go over there? Was that what they were saying?
"You're so stupid! You can't even talk!" The boy pushed Harry hard toward the toddlers.
Harry fell over and landed hard on his butt. Draco had just finished his turn and turned to go to the line when Harry had fallen. He ran over and shoved the boy hard, causing him to fall over too. The girl screamed and Harry stood quickly to stand at Draco's back, one small hand clutching the blonde's sleeve so he wouldn't fight.
"Don't ever touch Harry again!" Draco hissed as the teachers ran over.
"What happened here?" One of the ladies demanded.
"They were picking on Harry!" Draco said furiously. "I will not have it! I demand they be sent away!"
"I'm sure they are sorry." The lady soothed. "Harry is fine. Let's get back to class. No more talking or fighting!"
"You alright, Baby?" Draco asked in English turning to Harry.
The smaller boy nodded quickly, "They were saying som'fing. Am I suppose to go with the little kids?"
"No." Draco wrapped his arms around him. "You suppose to stay with me."
"Kay." Harry smiled brightly and hugged his protector back.
The rest of the lesson went fine, but Draco still complained very loudly to his mother all the way back home. He wanted to go to a new school or at least kick the kids mean to Harry out of their class. Narcissa promised she'd look into it, but told Draco he was to behave while he was there. The blonde huffed, but settled down. Harry giggled at him and the blonde relaxed with a smile in response. Narcissa laughed at them both.
…
Severus sighed in contentment. Harry was in his lap chatting happily about his week at gymnastics and their morning school lessons with Remus. It was Saturday and Severus had never been so grateful for the weekend. He looked across the room to see Narcissa giving Draco lessons on how to walk and talk. They would only be weekend lessons until the boys turn six and then it would be daily. He was tempted to give Harry the same lessons, but shrugged. Draco needed them because he was Lord of a very large and predominate wizarding family. Harry would need different lessons. Severus wondered if it would be too soon to teach him to duel. His thoughts were shattered however as his scar began to burn. Harry instantly fell silent and whimpered, clutching his head. Draco ran over instantly.
"What's wrong, Baby?" He asked sweetly, trying to pull Harry's hands from his face.
"I have to go." Severus stood quickly and handed Harry to Narcissa. "Give him a Dreamless Sleep potion."
"Severus?" She asked worriedly, but the look on his face told her everything she needed to know. The Dark Lord was finally calling after nearly a month. She held tight to Harry as Severus flooed away without a word. She rushed over to the Potion Master's lab and grabbed the potion. Harry was eerily silent now and reluctantly drank the potion she poured into his mouth.
"Momma." Draco asked in a frightened little voice. "What's happening? What's wrong with Baby?"
"He's sick, Dragon. Let's put him in bed."
Draco followed her to their bedroom and didn't protest as he usually did over naps. He curled up around Harry protectively and his eyes closed tiredly. Narcissa watched them worriedly. Remus was beside her. He had been watching silently this whole time. The werewolf put a comforting hand on her shoulder. She was about to push him away when Harry began to scream. His little body convulsed and blood began to seep out of his lightening scar. He screamed again.
…
Severus returned home staggering. The Dark Lord had not been pleased that he had not found some way of contacting him with the news of Potter's weakened condition. And he had been further unpleased that because he was Draco's godfather, he had been unable to actively hurt the child when he had been de-aged. But he had been pleased that he had done his best to make sure he was in the traitorous bitch's good graces so that when Draco returned to normal, Severus could act and bring him Lord Malfoy alive.
He felt nauseous and weak from all the Crucio's he had suffered under and felt dread over what he had learned about the Dark Lord's plan. He staggered over to his potion's lab and downed the four that he needed. Feeling a bit steadier, he turned to go report to Albus when he spied a strained Narcissa in the doorway.
"Severus, come quick. It's the boys."
She needn't say any more. He hurried after her to the children's bedroom. Harry lay quiet in Remus' arms, his body trembling from head to foot every few seconds. Dried blood coated his pale face. Draco lay in the bed, just waking up. He looked dazed and confused. Narcissa rushed over to him, telling Severus about Harry's screaming and convulsing and how she couldn't wake Draco no matter what she did. Severus listened as he ran diagnostic tests. He paled when he saw the results from Harry.
"He needs the four potions in the black cupboard. Bring them quickly." He told her urgently. She nodded and rushed from the room.
"Daddy?" Draco asked weakly. "Are you okay? I dreamed you were hurt by a scary man."
Severus went to his side quickly. "What did you dream, Draco?"
"The scary man stood in front of lots of people in black. Some were punished for being bad like you were. Are you okay? You screamed and screamed." Draco was crying now, but was obviously trying to fight it. Severus swooped him up into his arms and soothed him. Promising he was alright. Draco calmed and continued to tell him about his dream. "The scary man said he had been sussessful?"
"Successful." Severus corrected absently.
"Yeah. He had an army now. It had big ugly trolls and lots of giants and big cats and wolf-men in cages. There were so many, I couldn't see them all. Then he rewarded some people in black and then it faded away and I was home again." His eyes followed his mother as she came back into the room and began pouring the potions into the unconscious child's throat. His gray eyes widened with panic. "Baby! What happened to him?"
"Your dream was real, Draco. You saw things that were really happening. So did Harry, I think. But Harry also felt the bad spells that the scary man, Voldemort, used to punish the men in black, the Death Eaters."
"Oh no!" Draco wailed and squirmed until Severus stood and brought him within touching distance of the small brunette. "It hurt so bad!"
"We're taking care of him, Dragon." Narcissa soothed, taking Draco into her arms.
Severus reached for Harry and Remus reluctantly handed him over. Severus rocked the tiny body. "We need to take him to the infirmary."
Narcissa nodded and carried Draco. Remus followed them both. Poppy threw a fit at the damage done to the small child from so many Crucio's. She placed a dozen healing spells on the child and two more potions. Severus stayed until Dumbledore came and took him up to his office to report. It was there Severus learned that Harry always saw meetings through his connection to Voldemort. The man stared coldly at the man he had once seen as a second father.
"Then you don't need me to spy."
"I do." Dumbledore answered gravely. "I've been trying to find a way to block the visions from the scar. Harry can't let Voldemort have access to his mind."
"You know damn well nothing will block a mental bond of that strength. The best we can do is teach Harry to limit the damage. He might in time be able to block the echoes of Voldemort's curses, but he will always see the meetings. There is nothing we can do to stop that. Not even Occlumency will keep Voldemort out. But it may be able to protect his inner most mind. I will begin teaching him again. Occlumency and meditation to block out the curse echoes. I will no longer spy for you. Harry needs me."
"You can't!" Dumbledore said furiously. "We have no way to know if what Harry sees is true. Voldemort has sent false visions in the past."
"I'm sure that once Harry learns the difference it will be very easy to see false from true. It is very hard to lie mind to mind, as you well know."
"I have kept you out of Azkaban. You agreed to do as I asked in return."
"And I have. For eighteen years, I've served you faithfully. You need Harry. Harry needs me." Severus turned toward the door. "I'm doing what is best. You know that."
Dumbledore sat dumbstruck, alone in his office. Things were getting out of hand. He had to do something!
…
Harry woke back in his own bed Sunday morning. Draco smiled at him and kissed his cheek. Harry blushed and hugged him. They talked softly of their shared dream. Draco remembered it more clearly since he hadn't been distracted by pain, and explained to his baby that it had been real and all about the bad Voldemort and Death Eaters. Harry listened quietly and when Draco finished, he buried his head in the blonde's chest. Draco held him and stroked his silky black hair.
"I'm scared." Harry admitted tearfully.
Severus came the rest of the way into the room, having been watching all this from the doorway. He lifted both of the small children into his arms and held them. "I know you are scared. But I will teach you to deal with these dreams and I will protect you. You are safe."
"I protect you too, Baby! I love you!" Draco promised, kissing the tear-wet cheek.
Harry cuddled up to him with a thankful smile. "Love you, Ray. Love you, Daddy."
"Come." Severus said thickly, tightening his hold. "Let's get something to eat."
Remus and Narcissa were already waiting at the breakfast table. Both asked the boys how they felt. Draco said he was fine, but his gray eyes kept returning to Harry worriedly. Harry smiled brightly and promised he was okay too. They talked of fun things while they ate. Afterward, Severus took the boys to his office and began teaching them Occlumency.
He didn't touch their minds yet, but began teaching them how to focus on one thing until it fills up their mind so that they were no longer thinking. They didn't get very far. Draco and Harry had the attention span of five year olds. The rest of the afternoon was spent and play. They also made the boys rest often. Tomorrow at midnight they'd grow a year and they'd need their strength.
Chapter end.
A/N: What do you guys think? Was it too quick? Review and let me know.
