Summery: Harry comes back for his third year of Hogwarts. The Dursley's were worse during this summer holiday and it leaves lasting damage. How will his friends react? Sirius is alive.

Note: This will follow the books. Just my own version.

Chapter One

School Begins

Harry sighed as he passed the barrier to the Hogwarts Express. Looking around he watched as the other students and parents said their goodbyes and kids meet up with their friends. Shaking his head slightly he began to walk to the Hogwarts Express and dragged his trunk and Hedwig's empty cage up the steps. Walking down the isle he looked for an empty compartment. Finally finding one toward the end on the left he slid the door open and put his things away. Sitting down he looked out the window and continued to watch as everyone said their goodbyes.

He didn't notice as the compartment door slid open again, or a red headed boy and a bushy haired girl entered or began putting their belongings away. A hand touching his shoulder caused him to turn to the other occupants of the compartment.

Ron and Hermione. He thought as he sat Hermione standing next to his seat and Ron seated across from him.

Hermione smiled at him as she sat down and he could see her mouth move. He assumed she had said hi, but he couldn't be certain.

Taking a chance he replied. "Hi Hermione, Ron." He hoped his voice didn't sound strained. He wouldn't be surprised if it did. He was sore and tired and didn't want anything more than to curl up in his bed in Gryffindor tower.

Harry looked over at Ron as he saw movement. Ron was talking very animatedly and very fast. Harry had taught himself how to read others lips a little but not well enough to keep up a conversation. Just enough to know what the Dursley's wanted.

Obviously his confusion showed because a few moments later Hermione tapped him on the shoulder again. Turning to her he saw a concerned expression on her face. She said something but he didn't understand. She too, was speaking too fast. After several more tries she finally quieted and stared at him a moment, her expression told Harry she was confused and thinking intently. It was the same expression she got when she was really deep in her homework. Finally she looked away and stood up. Harry watched as she rummaged through her trunk and finally pulled out something. He recognized it as a muggle note pad and pen. After a moment of writing she handed the pad to him.

What's wrong Harry? Are you okay? Was written in her neat scrawl.

Harry sat a moment and thought. Should he tell her? Should he wait till he got back to Hogwarts? Would he be able to hide this? No. He knew he couldn't hide this. Not from Ron and Hermione. They'd figure it out. But what then?

He didn't feel comfortable telling her what was wrong so he took the pen and began to write to her.

No. I can't hear you. Harry wrote in his untidy scrawl. Hermione read the short note and looked up after a moment. Her brows creased in concern or confusion. Harry couldn't tell. She also handed the note to Ron and he read it. He looked up with a similar expression on his face.

Hermione began to write again after Ron gave her the notebook back.

What happened Harry? How long have you not been able to hear? Why didn't you contact us? Did you get medical attention?

Harry sighed as he read it and began his reply. This time he spoke.

"I lost my hearing shortly after we left Hogwarts. I couldn't contact you because Uncle Vernon Hedwig's gone and I never got your letters. And no, no doctors." He had purposefully left the part of what had happened out. He didn't really want to think about that day.

Hermione took the notebook again and began to write. Handing the notebook back to him he read the note.

What happened? How did you lose your hearing? Harry sighed. Obviously she would realize he had left that out.

"I don't want to talk about it."He answered shortly and turned back to the window and watched as the last of the students began to board the train. He felt a tap to his arm but ignored it. He didn't want to talk right now. He knew that this was rude of him, and probably very childish, but he really didn't feel up to conversation or questions right now. A few more taps came to his arm, but again he ignored it. Finally they seemed to realize he was refusing to answer any more of their questions.

Harry watched and felt as the train began to move. He continued to look out the window.

Harry didn't know how much time had passed put the notebook was thrust in front of his face for him to see.

We have Prefect duties. Will you be okay? We'll be back shortly.

Harry looked over at them and gave a small smile and nodded. After a moment they both nodded and left the compartment.

Ten minutes passed and Harry continued to watch the scenery outside. It was because of this he didn't notice the compartment door open again or someone entering.

A punch to his face surprised him and caused him to fall off the seat and to the ground. Looking up he saw Draco Malfoy and his two goons. Just what I needed. Harry thought sarcastically. Draco spoke but Harry didn't understand him. Harry looked over and noticed the notepad still laying there, thankfully Malfoy hadn't noticed. Harry didn't want Malfoy to know of his loss of hearing. A kick to his stomach brought his attention back to Malfoy. Harry doubled over in pain and attempted to get his breathing even.

A movement next to him caught his attention. Expecting another blow he braced himself, but to his surprise the touch didn't hurt. Looking up slowly he saw Ron kneeling next to him and Hermione behind him. Ron helped him to his feet and got him to the seat. Hermione handed him the notebook.

Are you okay?

Harry nodded after a moment and both Ron and Hermione gave him disbelieving looks.

No your not. Where did he hurt you? Hermione wrote.

Harry sighed. His breathing had returned to normal. "He punched me in the face and kicked my stomach."

Can we get you anything? Ron wrote.

Harry shook his head. "Can I just go to sleep? I'm rather tired." He asked hopefully.

Hermione nodded and stood up taking the notepad with her and sat next to Ron. Harry put his feet on the seat and laid his head down over his arm and closed his eyes. A moment later a tap to his shoulder forced him to open his eyes. It was Ron with a sweater in his hand. He motioned for Harry to sit up and placed the sweater where Harry's head had laid. Harry looked up at Ron and gave him a grateful smile and laid down again, falling asleep quickly.


Several hours later, after night had fallen a shake to his arm woke up. Looking around tiredly he saw it was Hermione. She held the note out to him.

We're at the school. You need to get into your robes.

Harry nodded and stood up. After pulling his robes on he followed Ron and Hermione.

Arriving at the school Hermione and Ron led him past the Great Hall and up the stairs. Three flights of stairs later and Harry realized where they were taking him. Madam Pomfrey. He knew there was no way out of it. They had their minds made and maybe, just maybe, she could fix his hearing.

Entering the infirmary they lead Harry to the closest bed and had him sit down and went to Madam Pomfrey's office.

I think she's already at the feast. Hermione wrote on the note pad after they had come back beside him. Harry nodded.

"Why don't you two go to the feast? I'll wait here." Harry offered. He didn't want them to miss the beginning of the year feast because of him.

Ron shook his head and began to write on the note pad. No chance mate. We'll wait with you.

Harry looked up from the note pad and raised an eyebrow. Ron missing a meal willingly! It was nice though. That he was willing to for Harry.

The rest of the time passed with Ron and Hermione passing notes back and forth to Harry. They only brought up their summers and the new school year and classes.

The office door opening caught the three friend's attention. Madam Pomfrey looked at them stunned for a moment then she briskly walked up to them and spoke. He watched as Ron and Hermione talked with her, and Madam Pomfrey shooting him glances.

"Harry can't hear you." Ron interrupted Madam Pomfrey med rant. Madam Pomfrey abruptly stopped and stared at him.

"And why can't Mr. Potter hear, Mr. Weasley?"

"We don't know. He told us he hasn't been able to hear since shortly after summer holiday began." Ron answered back.

"How did he tell you this?" She asked looking at Harry intently.

"We've been using a note pad to write to each other." Hermione answered.

Madam Pomfrey nodded after a moment and walked toward Harry to begin her examination. She pulled out her wand and began to mutter a few select words waving it over Harry.

About ten minutes later she turned around and went to her office, moments later exiting with the headmaster Albus Dumbledore, who wore a frown on his face and no twinkle in his eyes. He looked at Harry and back at Madam Pomfrey and spoke.

"Is his hearing repairable?" He asked concerned. Madam Pomfrey had briefed him of the situation through the fire call to his office.

"Currently, no." Madam Pomfrey answered sadly.

Dumbledore nodded gravely then turned to Ron and Hermione. "Why don't you two go to the kitchens, I dare say you know where it is, and get something to eat. I'm sure your both hungry."

"But we want to stay with Harry!" Ron said immediately. He didn't want to leave his friend alone.

"You may see him later." Dumbledore answered.

"Will he be coming back to Gryffindor Tower?" Hermione asked.

"We shall see, Mrs. Granger." Dumbledore answered.

Hermione turned and hugged Harry lightly, not wanting to aggravate the injuries Malfoy had given him. Ron gently squeezed his shoulder and left the room with Hermione.

Dumbledore looked around and finally found a piece of parchment. "May I borrow your quill, Poppy?" She nodded and he spelled it to work as a quick notes quill and handed to parchment to Harry.

When did you lose your hearing? The quill wrote.

"A little over a week after school let out."

How did you lose your hearing?

Harry shook his head. He didn't want to answer that question. "No." Was all he would say. Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey frowned further.

Why didn't you contact anyone, Harry?

"Couldn't. I never got any letters anyone sent to me."

Why didn't you get Hedwig to send a note then?

Harry took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "She's dead."

What happened to her?

"She was shot." Harry answered in a quiet voice.

Who shot her?

Harry didn't answer for a moment. Finally he spoke in the same quiet voice. "Uncle Vernon."

Dumbledore sighed and nodded. He asked Madam Pomfrey what would be needed for Harry, and if he would be able to go back to his tower.

"There is a muggle device that I'm sure we can get a permit for. It puts what we say into words. He can also be taught sign language, speaking with hands, and learn to read lips. As for going back to Gryffindor tower, not at the moment."

"And classes?" Dumbledore asked.

"Once we get the communication device, yes, he should be able to better handle classes."

Dumbledore nodded and turned back to Harry.

I will be having you room with one of your Professors. Madam Pomfrey prefers it that you don't go back to the tower for the time being. We will also be getting a device to better help you understand what is being spoken.

Harry nodded. He'd expected that he wouldn't be allowed to stay in the tower. He was relieved about the communication device. It would definitely make things easier. "Who will I be staying with?"

Dumbledore smiled. His eyes twinkling for the first time since he'd entered the infirmary. "I was thinking our new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Remus Lupin."

Harry frowned. Who was Professor Lupin? What if he didn't like him. What if he was like Lockheart or Quirrel? What if he didn't want him there? Would he just be in the way?

Dumbledore seemed to realize where Harry's thoughts were leading.

Professor Lupin used to be a close friend of your parents, Harry. Your parents considered him like a godfather to you.

Harry looked up surprised at the note. Professor Lupin knew his parents? Was considered like a godfather to him by his parents…? So he couldn't hate him, could he? The quill moving gained his attention.

Why don't we head to my office? Then I will go to Professor Lupin's rooms and discuss the latest events with him. Dumbledore suggestion. Harry nodded and followed him. Leaving Harry in his office, Dumbledore went to his newest professors rooms.


"Hello, Albus." Remus said as he saw his guest.

"Hello, Remus. How are you settling in?"

"Quite well." Remus answered smiling. "Can I get you something?"

"No, thank you Remus." Dumbledore said pleasantly, before becoming serious. "I must ask a favor of you, though, Remus."

"And what might that be, Albus?" Remus asked suddenly alert.

"Young Mr. Potter was just in the infirmary. We have learned that he has recently lost his hearing, and he is unable to stay in his tower. I was wondering if you would allow him to stay with you."

Remus was too stunned to respond immediately. Harry? James' son? Was deaf? Finally, realizing Dumbledore was waiting for an answer, he snapped out of his thoughts. "Of course, Albus. I would love to have him here. How did he lose his hearing?"

"He hadn't said." Dumbledore replied sadly. "Though I have my theory."

"And your theory is?" Remus asked, though he dreaded the answer.

"I believe his Uncle is the cause." Dumbledore said in a sad voice.

"If you suspected abuse, why didn't you remove him from his relatives care, then?" Remus asked, suddenly angry.

"I hadn't previously suspected abuse." Dumbledore answered, looking him strait in the eyes. "Poppy however has also told me of signs of abuse he currently has."

Remus sighed and rubbed his face. "Is he okay?"

"Other then the hearing loss he is rather undernourished. He has some bruising and is quite sore. But that is the worst of his physical injuries. Mentally, he may have trouble dealing with the events that have occurred. Time will tell."

"Is that the worse of the abuse he's suffered?" Remus asked, though he dreaded the answer.

"As far as we can tell, yes." Dumbledore answered honestly.

Remus nodded. "I'll set up the guest room."

"Thank you Remus." Dumbledore said as he turned and left.

Dumbledore went back to his office and informed Harry that Remus had agreed. Harry seemed to be relieved, but didn't say. He did however ask if it would be a bother to Remus.

No, he says he'd love to have you. The quill wrote and Harry sighed.


Entering Remus' rooms Harry began to look around. There were a few pictures on the walls. The rooms seemed fairly large. Entering the living room Dumbledore motioned for Harry to sit and he did so. A moment later a skinny man with brown hair speckled with grey entered from the hallway. He smiled as he saw Harry.

Hello Harry. The quill wrote. My name is Remus Lupin. Remus held out his hand.

Harry smiled shyly and took the pro-offered hand. "Hello, Professor."

Come and I'll show you your rooms. Harry read from the note pad. Harry nodded and stood, but the quill began to write again.

Your belongings are already in your room. Should you need anything don't hesitate to ask Remus, one of your professors, or me. Good night Harry.

"Good night, headmaster." Harry said before following Remus out of the rooms. Unknown to Harry Remus had called to the headmaster to stay so they could talk some more.

Entering the guest room Harry looked around. It was a fairly large room. The bed was decorated in light and dark blue bed coverings and hangings around the bed. There was a chest of draws and a closet across from the bed. And next to the bed there was a desk and chair.

Harry noticed the quill in his hands had started writing again.

These are your rooms. Feel free to change anything. If you need any help then I'll be in the living room.

Harry nodded. "Thank you." He said sincerely.

Your welcome, Harry. The quill wrote as Remus left the room.

Entering the living room Remus sat down on his over stuffed chair.

"Harry hasn't eaten yet, so I suggest calling a house elf." Dumbledore said snapping Remus out of his thoughts.

"I will, Albus." Remus answered looking up. "What about classes?"

"Bring him to my office during classes. He can read or work on something when he's with me."

"Thank you, Albus." Remus answered smiling lightly at his former headmaster.

"Good night Remus."

"Good night Albus." And with that Albus left the rooms.

Remus called the house elf and requested some food for his young charge. When the food arrived he laid it on the table in front of the couch and went to Harry's room. The door was opened so he looked around for Harry. Harry was at the desk putting his books in the shelf over the desk. He smiled as he watched Harry. Harry looked very similar to his father, James. But he had much of the same facial structure as his mother, and the same emerald eyes. He has his father's messy black mop of hair. Harry turned around and noticed his professor.

"Hello, Professor." Harry picked up his note pad and read as the quill wrote.

I had a house elf bring some supper for you.

"Thank you." Harry replied.

It's in the living room. Remus motioned for Harry to follow him.

Entering the living room Harry sat down at the couch and began to eat. He was very hungry, having missed the feast.

"Dumbledore said you knew my parents?"Harry asked Remus.

Yes, very well. Your father was one of my best friends in school. You look very much like him, you know?

Harry nodded and smiled. "That's what everyone tells me. They also say I have my mother's eyes."

They are correct. You do. The quill wrote.

Harry smiled but didn't reply back.

"What do I do during your classes?"

Albus says you can spend that time in his office reading and working on assignments.

"I'm sorry if I'm being a bother." Harry said quietly after reading the note.

Remus frowned. Did Harry really think he was being a problem?

You aren't being any bother. I am very happy to have you here.

Harry nodded but didn't answer. Finally when he'd finished eating, Remus noticed he didn't eat the full meal which wasn't much, just one plate. Remus let it go for now, and Harry went to get ready for bed.

An hour later he found Harry sound asleep with a book on his stomach. Picking it up and looking at the cover he smiled as he read Quidditch Through the Ages. James too, had loved this book.

After putting the book away on the shelf he turned back to his new charge. He was ecstatic about seeing Harry again. But he also couldn't believe what Harry had been through. Being in an abusive home, he couldn't imagine. Then losing his hearing. Harry had to be a very strong person to be as pleasant as he was. Shaking his head Remus sighed and blew the light out.

End of Chapter One

A/N: I hope you all like the new story. I know there are a few stories that follow the books. Mine will have parts of the book, but not all. Only bits and pieces. I'm hoping to have this go until Harry is out of Hogwarts. This has got to be my longest chapter! Please REVIEW! Thank you!

On The Run: I have 28 chapters written. I will post chapter 23 a week before Christmas, as it is a Christmas chapter. Life Changed: Still on a writers block, but I will continue it when I get an idea. As for the other stories, same goes for the others. I will finish them, it's just a matter of when.