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Admissions and Understanding
When the quartet heard her bedroom door close, they looked up from their books and chess match to see Draco standing in the door with a look of bewilderment on his face. It was as though he didn't seem to know what to do. Her words echoing in his ear, 'Harry has been through it too.' He turned to meet Harry's gaze. 'Harry's been through it too.' "Potter, tell me why it is that our insane professor seems to think that the golden boy himself would possibly understand my situation."
He didn't move to Harry. He wasn't confrontational. He was confused. Harry exchanged a look with Ron. Ron knew some of the horrors he had lived with as a child; the weeks under the cupboard, the beatings at the hands of his uncle, the days without food. But Ron was the only one; even what Ron knew wasn't the whole story. He didn't talk about it to anyone. How could he tell Draco about this? How could he admit that he had allowed it to go on for so long. 'This is going to be a long night', he decided. Coming to his decision, he stood and looked at Draco, deciding that he would tell him everything. But he wanted to tell them all at the same time. He walked past Malfoy and knocked on Rowan's door.
"Come in."
"Do you mind if Remis comes? Maybe Severus and… Dumbledore too?"
"Ask Dobby to bring them." She never looked up from her book. She didn't meet his eyes as she sat at her small desk reading an old tome. He shut the door and returned to the others.
"I'll be right back."
"Harry, the quarters are sealed. You can't get out. Are you okay?" Hermione asked. Ginny just watched closely, trying to figure out what was going on.
Harry closed his eyes and said aloud "Dobby", with a small crack, Dobby appeared before him
"You is wanting Dobby, Harry Potter?"
"Dobby, please go get Professors Dumbledore, Lupin, and Snape and bring them back here. I need to talk to everyone at the same time; thank you Dobby."
Dobby nodded his head and left. Albus, Severus, and Remis appeared a moment later. Madison watched Draco, though he had not moved from the spot in the door way. He was staring at Harry, not her. Mason sat at Harry's place to play Ron in a game. Before the game could begin, Harry started talking. "I wanted to do this one time. I wanted to tell you all at the same time. I will answer questions about what I am going to tell you tonight - and tonight only. After tonight - I don't ever want to talk about this again. Agreed?" The heads around him nodded their agreement.
Rowan opened the door and walked to Remis' side. She took his hand for just a moment and squeezed it. They sat on a couch and listened. Severus sat on her other side, his arm protectively around her shoulder, watching carefully as the raven haired boy spoke.
Harry continued, "I was reared in a home with my aunt and uncle. They have one son a year or so older than I am and about twice as big. He was very spoiled. Although we lived in a four bedroom house, I slept in the cupboard under the stairs until my 11th birthday. I cooked, cleaned, and stayed as invisible as possible. On those rare occasions when my magic occurred, I was beat severely. Any time anything out of the 'normal' happened, I was blamed.
"When a pipe broke under the house, and Uncle Vernon had to pay a plumber to come out, the fee was high. But for me, it was higher. I was beaten so bad that my ears rang. My arms were aching and my shoulder was dislocated. My hair was ripped out by the roots. Then he physically threw me in my cupboard and let me stay there for two days. He broke the light when he left there. I wasn't allowed out to go to the loo. I didn't get food. I just lay there hurt, bleeding, and no one helped me. No one knew. I begged my Aunt to help me when I heard my Uncle leave the house. All she told me was I was a '…nasty little boy who got what he deserved…' I didn't talk anymore after that. I can remember other things, no less than once a month, either my uncle or my cousin would hit me. They taunted me because I was different. No one - NOT ONE PERSON IN THAT HOUSE STOOD UP FOR ME. No one ever told me that it was going to be okay.
"One of my earliest memories of them was when I was about four, I was climbing a tree and fell out. I was bleeding from a cut on my thigh, the blood was running freely down my leg. I went in the back door but Aunt Petunia screamed about blood on the floor. She pushed me back outside. Then before I knew what happened, Dudley sprayed me with a water hose to qute "clean the blood off my leg." Of course, I got very wet in the process.
"When Uncle Vernon got home, I was still standing, in what now was mud. Dudley had run back around the house so no one knew it was him. Uncle Vernon would not let me in the house until I was dry. The blood was still flowing down my leg. I just stood there. I was there for hours. I was shaking with cold, afraid to move. I watched them through the kitchen window as they ate dinner. I watched them eat while I was still standing bloody, in a mud puddle. No one noticed me. The locked the back door without even looking to see if I was there. I stayed outside the whole night. I remember looking up and seeing their lights go off. No one thought of me.
"The next morning, Aunt Petunia came to the back door to set milk bottles out. She looked up and saw me, still standing, shaking from exhaustion and cold, the mud around me dry. The look on her face - she hated me. She told me to undress completely before I would be allowed in her home. Naked, shaking, bruised and scabbed, she allowed me go upstairs and take a bath. She never touched me. She never helped me. Her neglect is probably what hurt most."
Harry looked around the room, took a deep breath. "When I was at school, I studied hard. I kept my mouth closed. I had no friends. No one would talk to the funny looking boy with the broken glasses. The clothes I wore were my cousin's things that he outgrew. Anyone who was nice to me would be beaten up the next day by Dudley or one of his friends. I have run more kilometers to get away from them than I care to remember. I watched, year after year, as he got birthday presents and loads of Christmas presents. But the first Christmas present I ever got was from Mrs. Weasley. It was a hand knitted sweater. I still have it you know."
Ron smiled encouragingly. Harry's diatribe went on for another hour. He spoke of the horrors of his childhood, his memories of the pain he endured. He spoke of the only time he ever got sick and had to go to the hospital; the nurses kept him in three days longer just to baby him; about how great it was to have someone care whether he was 'alive or not.'
He then turned to Draco. Breathing deeply, he said "Rowan told you I understand. I don't know how she knows, but she's right. I understand about being beaten for no reason. I also understand about feeling like it was all my fault it happened, or that I deserved it. Until I met Ron and Hermione, I never had friends. No one could ease that burden of self-loathing that I developed over so many years of abuse. I would have killed myself by now if it hadn't have been for them."
He looked at Ginny before his gaze returned to Draco, "And Ginny. She has taught me to accept what I can; she will help me with the rest. She is the strength that I need so badly at times. When I am busy acting the hero, she is busy watching my back. Ron and 'Mione watch each others as well as mine. Look, Draco, it works because it's a good team. I NEED THEM in my life. I NEED THEM to remind me that it wasn't my fault that the people who reared me forgot about me outside. I NEED THEM to be the ones who love me. I NEED THEM in so many ways; I cannot begin to explain it to you. I cannot do this alone. I cannot face my destiny without these people."
He walked to Draco. He reached out his hand to Draco's shoulder. Draco met his eyes with his own. "I don't know if you want us or not. But we will be here if you need us. We will be here if you want our help. We will be here if you NEED our help. If you need me like I need them, we will help you. If you want to talk - believe me - I understand. The others, they haven't had to live in Hell like we have. But they understand because they have had to help me for so very long." Draco nodded his head, turned and left the room without a word to anyone.
Harry looked to his friends. His two oldest, his girlfriend, and the two that were more powerful than he could even imagine. Ginny, Hermione, and Madison were softly letting their tears flow. Mason looked almost as angry as Ron. And neither of them matched Severus or Remis' hard cold expressions. If neither killed someone tonight, it would be a miracle. Dumbledore's poker face betrayed no emotions.
Dumbledore was the one that spoke first. "Harry, thank you. I know that was hard, but if it didn't help you, I believe it helped Draco." standing he hugged Harry before leaving the common room to talk. Remis left the quarters as well and went directly to Dumbledore's office for a bit of a 'chat'. Severus wanted there to be a back door into Rowan's quarters, their eyes met for a brief moment and she shook her head no. Disappointed, he left the room as well.
The next day, Rowan woke early to find Harry and Draco deep in conversation. They were talking about their lives and just how similar they turned out to be. It was well after daybreak that they went to bed. Rowan slipped out the door and made her way to Dumbledore's office to report on the group's progress.
Prophesy
She entered the Headmaster's office quietly. Looking at the blue eyes behind the spectacles, she found concern. "Sorry Professor, I didn't think this could wait."
"Please sit down, would you like a Lemon Drop?"
"Professor, I want you to know about…things. A lot has happened since Draco was let out of the hospital wing. Besides what you witnessed, Harry and Draco were up all night talking in my common room. It was strange to see the dark hair so near the blonde without anger."
Remis cleared his throat behind her, before coming to sit next to her. Albus waited; to be sure they were finished. Then once positive, he stood, walked around the desk, and sat in an arm chair next to her. He patted her arm as he would a convalescent in a home. She looked to him. She needed him to tell her what to do next. How would she proceed? When he spoke, his words soothed her. "Rowan, I know it is difficult, as a parent to know that a child has been hurt. Physically, emotionally, by neglect, it makes no difference. It does not matter that these children are less than a year away from being legally adults. Only that they are in your care and you love them. The rage you both feel at Harry and Draco's home life speak volumes about the person you are. Your parents, had they lived, would have been equally proud. I am very proud of the fact that you have remained here and not gone after Petunia Dursley."
"Do not doubt for a moment that should I get the opportunity, I will whip her ass and enjoy it." She interrupted him.
He smiled but seemed to try to put the visual out of his mind and regain his thought process. "I knew your grandmother, and your great-grandmother. I encouraged them to go on the cruise where they met Draco's grand-parents. I did not believe that their friendship would develop so quickly, or that it would last so many years. I remember the visits when they would take Lucius. I fondly recall hearing that you could not say your 'L's properly and you called him 'huke'. It was cute actually.
"Rowan, your heart you have gotten from every woman in your family. You and your daughter are as close as you and your mother were, as she and her mother before that. It is the way your family passes the gifts you possess. Your parlor tricks are no more than an ability to do magic of the oldest and most just. It is for you to decide how to proceed with this prophesy. You are an important part of it, as are your children. You do know that now. For that you should be proud. Look to your genealogy if you doubt my words. Go to the Potter Estate and help with the research of the old magic to defeat Tom. Do not let him bring any more evil into the lives of these children."
He left them there, to think about his words. She thought of the bracelet handed down. The earrings she wore, the promises she made on her honor. He was right. She could do this. She just wasn't sure how. She rose quietly and made her way out of the office and down the stairs. The winter sky threatened snow as she looked out the window. But it did not affect her.
As she rounded the statue next to her quarters, she heard yelling. Increasing her pace, she threw open the door to find Draco playing Mason in a game of Chess. The yells were from the spectators around them; most of the seventh year Gryffindor had made their way into her common room and were supporting both sides. It pleased her that there were as many on Draco's side and there was on her son's. Madison just seemed to yell for whoever made the last move, not seeing to really care who won.
She had a broad smile on her face when she shut the door. No less then fifteen kids were hanging out in her common room. Rowan made eye contact with Mason. She knew in an instant that he would beat Draco in this chess match. She shook her head no at her son. 'Please' she thought, 'please let him win this one.' With that thought firmly sent to her oldest child, Mason nodded. Disappointment was etched all over his face. But he took it like the man he was growing to be. Within five moves, he lost the game. Draco stood from his chair, shaking the bigger teen's hand and graciously thanked him for playing. The Gryffindors around them were suddenly quiet. No one had ever heard Malfoy be polite or gracious before this moment. Madison hugged both of them and whispered excitedly. By that afternoon, everyone had filtered out of the quarters except the seven who had been staying there.
Dumbledore came into the room after lunch. "Ahh, I thought I might find you all here. Rowan, it is time. We have come here to support you and answer questions, but it is time to tell them now." She looked up into his eyes, then past him to see Arthur, Molly, Remis, and Severus entering the room.
Taking a deep breath, she looked to her two teenagers. "Okay, now, there's a lot you should know. This is directed more at Madison and Mason, but you should all be made aware." They looked at each other. "Oh boy, I know this is going to be hard. "The story you both know is that your father was a policeman in the north. He was killed in the line of duty December 31st, 1999, right?" They both nodded, "Okay, the truth of the matter is that your dad, Sirius Black was actually a wizard...you two are going to be REALLY upset with me...I mean...I should have told you sooner...can't change the past. Uhm… first things first,"
Madison started to speak. "Wait, baby, there's more," Rowan said before her daughter could interrupt, "I am Harry's god mother and I actually attended Hogwarts for four years. Harry's parents were two of my best friends. Your dad, Sirius Black, went to the Wizarding Prison, Azkaban, for the murder of thirteen muggles and a wizard; which I witnessed, and no, I did not testify.
"After many weeks of discussion with Neville's parents, during which time I was constantly on the run, Mrs. Black, Sirius' insane mother, was determined to take you from me. She was determined, even used her influence to have Voldemort's supporters look for us. Remis and I visited Sirius once; we took you both with us. He held and loved you for that brief moment. After which, I came to my decision. I had Albus bind our powers, take my memories and I took the two of you and went home. I shut down. Honestly, I ran like hell. The charm created memories with those people I had contact with.
"When I got here last summer, a few of the staff did double takes when they saw me. Remis and I were friends before and continued that friendship. When Harry was kidnapped, Remis forced the issue of my memories. I had the resources to save him. The bond that happens when a person is named a Godparent to a child is important when they are hurt. That bond had to be released in order to find him. Part of that release was to restore the memories taken so long ago. My name is Rowan Lee Black Cowan. I carry the name of my female ancestors. Just as you do Madison. Your birth certificate is Madison Elizabeth Black Cowan. Yours is Mason Allen Cowan Black. You carry the blood and the magic of your father's blood.
"Dumbledore also had to unbind my powers. In doing so, the binding of your powers was lessened. This is why you could help shield them in Hogsmeade. Why you could call the squid Madison. Why your instrument range jumped this summer. It was quite a ride when I had them back. Maybe six hours of unbelievable power. We rescued Harry, and returned to Hogwart's.
"I know I am throwing a lot on you. I know you have a thousand questions. But for the rest of the day, just absorb what I said. You know you have magic, you have both used it on several occasions, but you have no idea just how powerful that magic is. Your powers are unbinding as you spend time in this magic world. However, Albus is prepared to unbind the remaining powers now. You will feel giddy for the first few hours. Enjoy it. When you return to classes, you will need to keep this information from the rest of the school. The last thing I need is for Voldemort to realize that you two are not just everyday ordinary muggles. Albus?"
"Are they ready?"
"Yes, sir, we are." Mason answered for his sister. They stood. At first, he thought to send the others out, but on second thought, decided that they should share in the ceremony. He had them stand in a circle, holding hands. Mason and Madison stood together, flanked by the others.
The had everyone cast a shield around the two teenagers and themselves. He hoped it would save the glass from the magic being released. Once that was completed, Albus began the incantation, the grips of the hands vibrated. The power filtered through each of them, circular, complete. Each sharing and accepting powers of the other. When Dumbledore completed the ceremony, he recommended that they release their hands. Both Mason and Madison grinned broadly as they felt the first unbidden surges of Magical power.
Albus waited for a moment before he moved a little closer to the group. "It's a fine day and no teenager should be in the castle when there is a bit of fun to be had in Hogsmeade. All seventh years, and their guests, are given permission to visit today. But I want you all back in the Great Hall for dinner. No exceptions." The kids all ran from the room. Each running to grab his or her cloak before they all made their way out the front door.
Rowan watched them go thinking for a moment about how she now had time to grade the last bit of her student's homework. Looking to Severus and Remis, however, she changed her mind, waited for everyone else to leave, then sealed the door behind them. Looking from one man to the other, she walked into her bedroom and threw her jumper out to be caught by Severus.
Smiling, Severus met Remis' eye as they both walked into the bedroom. Severus cast a silencing spell and watched as Remis began to remove his outer robe, before joining him.
