Chapter 6
Mr. Lillison
Right after lunch, which Harry was amazed that it was even better than breakfast, Molly told him to get ready to leave, so he went and put on his jacket and headed for the kitchen. "Come on Paddy, let's go."
He wondered how they would get to this school.
"Ok Harry, I want you to hug me around my waist and hold on to my hand tight. Don't let go. We are going to take the floo to the hospital wing of the school. So when I say 3, we walk right into the fireplace. Don't you worry, it will be all right. But don't let go of me. Do you understand Harry?"
"Mrs. Molly, mam I'm scared, can Paddy come too?" Harry looked at his shoes. "I, err, he makes me feel safe when he's with me. Please?"
Molly smiled. "OK Harry, let me get a string for Paddy."
She waved her wand and a short rope and collar appeared out of the air. She put the collar on the dog and held the rope in one hand. "OK Paddy, you seem to be a very smart dog. You need to stay with me and stay tight to my leg. I'll grab your fur."
The dog looked up and woofed and moved in close to Molly.
Molly tossed a handful of Floo powder and the flames turned green. She called out in a clear voice, "OK boys, 1-2-3 Hogwarts Hospital." Then walked the three of them into the fireplace.
o0o0o
Harry kept his eyes closed and felt the strangest sensation and then fell face first out of the fireplace in the Hospital wing. Paddy grabbed him by his belt and picked him up. Everyone laughed at that and pet the dog that wagged his tail so hard he was shaking.
An older women in doctor's attire stepped forward. "Molly how nice it is to see you again." She looked down at Harry and nodded. "Hello Harry. I'm Madam Pomfrey, Hogwarts Medi-Witch."
Harry just looked down at the floor as a blush bloomed across his cheeks. He hugged Paddy and did not say anything.
"Molly, Arthur is already here and with Albus in his office. He asked that you go there immediately. I'll examine Harry, and then bring him along as soon as possible."
After Molly left the healer women turned to Harry.
"Hello Harry, as I said I'm Madam Pomfrey. I'm a healer and I'm going to examine you. I didn't expect to see you for another three years. Well let's get to it then, let me help you up on the table."
Paddy sat down and watched Harry intently. Whenever Harry looked at the dog, he woofed and wagged his tail. Harry was reassured that this was OK as Paddy seemed to know when Harry was in danger. And he only sensed concern and caring from the old Dr. Lady.
Meanwhile back in Dumbledore's office Molly and Arthur were waiting patiently with Minerva McGonagall making small talk while they waited for Madam Pomfrey to bring back Harry and report. Albus sat in his chair thinking and not saying anything.
Finally there was a knock on the door and Madam Pomfrey entered with young Harry and Paddy trotted in behind her. She had a scowl on her face and she could barely contain her anger. Molly stood up and called Harry to sit between her and Arthur. Paddy sat right beside Harry and put his head in his lap.
Albus finally stirred from his brooding. "Poppy what did you find?"
"Albus, you made a mistake taking Harry to his Muggle relations. They abused him! Other than when he was with Lily, he has not been to a Doctor to have his immunizations, he also has clear evidence of abuse, I find at least six fractures and broken bones. The worst one healed by magic. I think Harry has done some accidental healing magic to himself."
"Yes! I think I did magic. When my Uncle broke my arm I thought real hard about it getting better and the next day I was ok, though it healed a little crooked," said Harry.
Poppy continued. "He has been starved and regularly beaten. He has scars on his back and legs and buttocks from being caned. He is far smaller and frailer than a healthy boy his age would be. He's malnourished. And one of the breaks in his arm healed off center. It has to be attended to or it may restrict what he can do with his arm as he grows. His glasses are cheap readers purchased at a shop, not from an eye professional. Albus, you cannot bring him back to those awful people."
Minerva stood up and began pacing. "I have told you before Albus, those people were terrible people even for muggles."
Minerva was about to wind up and give Albus a piece of her mind. Harry hugged Paddy tightly and his eyes began to water.
Molly Weasley simply stated: "We will take him in. He can be part of my family. He needs a chance to grow with love before he goes off to school. He cannot go back to them Albus".
Albus stood up and cleared his throat which brought silence to the room.
"Harry, tell us how your Aunt and Uncle treated you please."
Harry was sniffling and struggled to even look up never mind speak. He looked at the floor. Then he took a deep breath and described how his room was a cupboard under the stairs, his bed a thin pallet, how he was denied food and locked up for the smallest infraction. How he waited on them and did all the chores. Finally he described the beatings. He was crying by this time. Harry stood up.
"I do not want to go back to them. I won't. I won't be hit again. The room began to shake and the lamps flickered and a snow globe on Dumbledore's desk exploded."
Paddy got up from his sitting position and moved in front of Harry and poked his nose in his stomach forcing Harry to sit back in his chair. Harry was startled. Paddy then put his paws on Harry's legs and lifted himself up and started to lick Harry's face.
"Ok Paddy, I'm OK now;" said Harry as he hugged the dog. "Sit boy."
The old wizard looked intently at the dog remembering years ago a black dog he had seen around the school several times. Hmmm, he remembered the dog being around James Potter at least once, down by the lake. Was it possible this could this being the same dog? He would be very old to be the same one and this one did not seem much older than a pup.
Shaking off his reverie, Albus Dumbledore stood up and held out his hand to Harry. "Please Harry, I do owe you an apology. I made two mistakes. I had the best of intentions for you. I am truly sorry they did not work as I thought they would. The first was bringing you to your Aunt and Uncle and thinking they would care for you. The second was not visiting to ensure they would take care of you. I could not fathom that a family would not take care of its own."
Albus looked intently at Harry who returned his gaze. Harry thought the old man's blue eyes bored right into his head and seemed like he was trying to read his thoughts, but Harry had a strong mind and put a barrier up. He also did not look away. Harry felt concern in the old wizard, and a deep remorse at his failure and great affection towards Harry. This startled him somewhat. He thought how strange it all was, how all of the people he met once he got on the bus were concerned about him. He'd felt he had no one and now there were many. Who and what am I he wondered for a moment?
"Thank you Mr. Professor Dumbledore Sir. I accept your apology," as Harry reached out and shook the old wizard's hand. Wizard and boy were surprised at a golden light that swirled around their clasped hands as they shook. A strange feeling of warmth filled Harry.
Minerva gasped. "What was that Albus"?
"I truly do not know Minerva. Something to ponder later."
Harry spoke first as everyone was looking around. "But you need to know that I will not go back to them. And I have some questions?"
With a slight smile Albus answered: "Alright Harry, go ahead and ask. I'll answer what I feel I can."
"What happened to my parents? My Aunt and Uncle say they were drunks and died in a car crash and they were stuck taking care of me. Mr. Weasley told me different."
"Albus, he's only eight," pleaded Minerva.
The old wizard closed his eyes for a moment and sighed.
"I'm sorry Minerva, but I think events have moved along for us. Best we let him know some things now."
Turning towards Harry the old man looked him in the eye. For a long time they stared at each other. Harry could feel his concern and uneasiness. Finally the old man spoke.
"Harry your parents died protecting you from an evil dark wizard named Voldemort. They gave their life to protect you. Your mother used an ancient magic in her efforts and that is why I believe you survived.
Harry pondered this for a moment and then said: "It seems that I am famous or infamous as it may be. Everyone seems to know me, the people on the bus, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, the nice Doctor Lady, and all of the Weasley children. Why does everyone know who I am?"
Minerva cleared her throat and looked sharply at Albus.
"Now Minerva, please I will be gentle. Harry this dark wizard killed your parents and then cast a killing curse at you. Something strange happened. The only documented time the killing curse did not work. It hit you, bounced back and some say destroyed the evil wizard. But his body was not found so some think he still exists in less than human form. But you survived. You're famous because you destroyed the greatest evil dark wizard of our time and survived."
"Why did he kill my family"?
"Harry, your parents were part of an organization that was fighting him. He was killing those who opposed him."
"It seems from all of your attitudes that there is more to this story. I sense that you don't want to tell me everything. Is that so?"
"You are old beyond your years Harry. Yes Harry there is much more. I think you may be a little young to understand all the implications. I was waiting for you to get older. You are here in my office at least three years sooner than I thought I'd see you."
The old wizard and the boy stared into each other's eyes. Harry felt the deep sorrow in the old man. Also a fierce protective desire to shield Harry.
"Ok I won't press you on this now but I will be asking in the future."
"Why was I placed with my Aunt and Uncle? Was there no one else?"
"It's complicated Harry. Partly they are your only family we know of. Second when your mother protected you she drew on a very ancient and complicated and little understood magic. It is a form of blood magic. I took advantage of this because of your Aunt's status. Though not a magical person, her blood allowed me to hide you from Voldemort's followers who surely would try and seek you out. Some thought you were the next dark wizard some thought otherwise and wanted to destroy you. I needed to give you a chance to grow up away from all things magical to protect you. Only a few wizards and witches close to me knew where you were."
"Was there no one else?"
The old Wizard and the boy locked eyes again. Paddy whined and poked Harry with his nose in the side breaking the eye connection. Harry got a brief feeling of anguish and indecision for the old wizard.
"Mr. Professor Dumbledore Sir. Please tell me, is there no one else?"
With a sigh Albus began. "Your father's family had passed on. But he had three close friends. One of them Remus Lupin was suspected of being a spy. Events unfolded and showed that was unfounded. He is still around. On the night in question, two of them disappeared. Your father's best friend and your Godfather Sirius Black were seen with another friend Peter Pettigrew. There was confrontation and explosion, a number of muggles were killed and both disappeared. All that was left was a severed finger believed to belong to Peter. There are reports that Sirius Black blew up the street and Peter and then disappeared. Both have not been seen since. It has also been reported that Sirius betrayed your parents to Voldemort."
Harry looked at the old wizard.
"But you don't believe all that was true. I can feel something bothers you about it. What is it?"
"Molly, Arthur, Minerva, Poppy and you Harry, I must ask that you not breathe a word of this outside this room."
With a nod from each, Albus continued: "There are too many inconstancies in the accounts for me to believe outright that what was reported was what happened."
At this the dog Paddy rose up and put his head on Harry's lap keeping an eye on the old professor and one ear perked up and in his direction. This did not go unnoticed by the headmaster.
The wizard continued: "It was all neat and tidy. Too tidy. Every witness statement is exactly the same, and there are far too many not to have some differences. The lead investigator was a known Voldemort Supporter who claimed he was under the imperious curse and not responsible for his actions. All the Aurors…"
Harry interrupted here. "Pardon me; Mr. Professor Dumbledore Sir, what are Aurors?"
"Oh, do you know what a policeman is in muggle terms?"
Harry nodded yes.
"It is a magical policeman, Harry. Your father and Sirius were both Aurors. As I was saying, all the Aurors had the exact same story also. As if they were obliterated and then had a memory planted for them to remember. Finally, while I do want to talk to both of them, I find it very hard to believe that your godfather would betray your parents. My reading of his character thinks him incapable of betraying your family. It does not add up. Finally a few days after the tragedy, I was in muggle London in a shop and the television was on and showing the newscast. There was a segment about the incident being a gas explosion. It has surveillance camera film from a block away showing the explosion. It made me think and I visited every building and shop around the area and got copies of their film. I saw something troubling and so I reserve judgment for now. Until I have more evidence I won't say more Harry. For your own safety I only ask that you be wary of either one if they show up."
"Why have I not met Mr. Lupin Mr. Professor Dumbledore sir?"
"Harry, Mr. Lupin was quite despondent when he found out what happened. He searched for more than a year for both Black and Pettigrew. Finally out of money, he had to stop. He wanted to gain custody of you but with his, ahem, special circumstances he was denied. Remus fell into depression and recently went in the hospital."
Paddy twitched, let out a short yip and low howl at this statement. Albus looked intently at the dog that had his head in Harry's lap. Harry was scratching it behind the ears. Harry thought he had hurt the dog.
"Sorry Paddy, I did not mean to scratch so hard. Mr. Professor Dumbledore Sir, I want to meet Mr. Lupin."
"Harry; I'm not sure that is a good idea."
Harry and the old wizard looked at each other.
"But on second thought Harry, perhaps it would be helpful to both of you to meet and talk. I will make arrangement's."
"Thank you sir. What is too happen to me? Can I stay with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley?"
"Yes Harry, but you will stay here for a week so Madam Pomfry can treat you. Your arm needs attention. It must be broken and reset otherwise as you grow you will have difficulty. Also you need your immunizations. She can also help you get started on reversing the effects of being malnourished. This will take five to seven days depending on your progress."
"Can Paddy stay with me and can Ron and Ginny visit me?"
"Yes to Paddy and the visits are Ok if they are Ok with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley."
Harry looked at Molly and received a smile and a hug. "Of course they can come and visit you."
Now Harry, I want you to go with Madam Pomfry and she will take you back to the hospital ward. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley will see you when we are through talking. Paddy licked Harry's hand and looked him in the eye. Harry simply nodded and left. The dog nestled up against Molly who petted him while she talked.
After Harry left with the medi witch, Albus cleared his throat.
"Are you sure you want to do this Arthur and Molly? This will put your family in grave danger."
Molly and Arthur looked at each other and nodded. Molly then looked at Albus and said:
"There is nothing to discuss Albus. We will take Harry in as one of our own. Being in danger is nothing new. You remember what side we were on; don't you? We are already marked as blood traitors. And we both feel he's still out there. We will take precautions as we have always done. Harry needs a stable family. He is damaged Albus. The boy was not loved where he was. Until last night he never remembered being hugged. He cringes at the slightest touch and jumps at loud voices. He came to me with just the clothes on his back and a backpack he took from his cousin. He never received a gift from them. They never bought him clothes or toys. He had one toy and he put a disillusionment charm on it because if they found it they would have taken it away. The boy received no kindness from them. He was little more than a house elf. It is no wonder he ran away. Thank god the dog went with him. He was all alone. The dog is a calming influence on him. Being with my children will help him recover from his mistreatment from his so called relations. Whenever we get visitors or go out in public we will put glamour's on Harry to make him look like a Weasley. With seven children he will hide in Plain sight."
Albus nodded. "I think Harry is also an early emergent. He does wandless magic by thinking about what he needs to do. He needs to start instruction now. I propose to provide some help.
I'd like him to come to Hogwarts five days a week, at least for the balance of the summer. For the morning's say 8:00 to 1:00. After lunch he can go back to the Burrow. We can use the floo in my office. He mentioned your children Ron and Ginny. They can be an important part of his healing. I will arrange for tutoring, and supplies and books for Harry. I think I'll get sets for Ron and Ginvera also. Then at home they can work together to study and practice. And I will see to their wands also. We will start a week from today when Harry's treatment is over."
Molly and Arthur looked at each other. "Albus, thank you for providing the books and supplies for the three children. I'm grateful. I will have five under your tutelage this September. And things are tight. So I have a favor to ask," said Molly with her cheeks blushing.
"I have enough clothes for Harry, lots of hand me downs from the older boys. But Harry has never had anything new to wear. Can you pick him up some outfits and I'll pay you when I can?"
My dear Molly; please, I'll take care of things financially for Harry. You take care of him. Don't worry I'll see to his school and clothing needs. And when he is through being treated I'll stop by the Burrow and reinforce your wards. Why don't you say goodbye to Harry and then you can return home through my floo."
Molly and Arthur took Paddy and went to the Hospital Ward to see Harry. They found Harry already in Pajamas and in a bed. Madam Pomphrey was flittering around preparing to attend Harry's arm.
"Molly, Arthur, please say your goodbyes. I need to begin."
Molly hugged Harry. "Don't worry about anything Harry. We'll be back in the morning with Ron and Ginny so they can keep you company. Everything is arranged. You will be staying with us."
Harry smiled and hugged Molly back. "Thank you Mrs. Molly, Mam, Mr, Arthur, sir."
o0o0o
After they left Madam Pomfrey sat down next to Harry.
"Now I have some potions for you. The first is a nutrient drink to help you with your malnutrition. Here drink up;" she said as she handed it to Harry.
Harry held the glass up and looked at the smoking green liquid. He sniffed it and then took a sip:
"It tastes like broccoli! I like broccoli. When I cleaned the dinner plates at my Aunt and Uncles I used to sneak all the broccoli my cousin tried to hide and throw away. Sometimes it was all I had to eat that day," said Harry as a red blush exploded across his face burning his cheeks as he looked down.
"Well you will have plenty to eat here Harry. Not to worry. Now this second potion is a pain reducer, then I have Skel-e-tol grow that helps bones grow really fast and finally a potion to put you to sleep so you won't feel anything when I fix your arm."
Harry took the vial's and threw them back one by one quickly. In a moment he was very drowsy and she looked up and smiled at a visitor.
"That was fast Severus. I didn't expect you until tomorrow at the earliest."
"I was intrigued by your owl. The request for certain supplies was unusual and I wondered why. I see you have a patient and a dog also?"
"Yes, it is attached to the boy. This is a bad one Severus. He is only eight years old, an orphan and his aunt and uncle did little to care for him. They abused and beat him because of his magic. Called him freak, told him lies about his parents. They are very bad people. He's badly malnourished as they starved him, and he's had broken bones as they spared no occasion to beat him severely. I have to break his arm to reset it correctly. I am nervous that it would interfere with his growth if not fixed. The only fortunate thing is that it fairly recent. I appreciate you brewing the nutrient potions. He will need them for at least a month."
"How did he come here and who is he? It is unusual for you to get someone so young at Hogwarts."
"Severus, you need to speak with Albus. He asked that you see him once you had checked in with me. This is Harry Potter."
Severus was taken aback. "Really"? He bent over and looked at the boy's face. Severus scowled and shook his head and muttered something under his breath. "He has Lily's eyes Poppy!"
"Mr. Lillison, you are Mr. Lillison. I remember you;" whispered Harry.
Severus was startled.
Albus Dumbledore walked into the hospital wing.
"Hello Severus, what does Harry mean by "You are Mr. Lillison'"?
"Oh Professor Dumbledore Sir," whispered Harry. "He came to me when I was small. I was sick, I was freezing but also very hot and I could not stop coughing. My uncle locked me in the cupboard and told me to shut up. In the middle of the night he came. He kept saying Lillison, Lillison. He gave me a glass with something to drink and I fell asleep. When I woke up I felt better and I was wrapped in a blanket. I have a piece of it in my pack. My Aunt took it away several times after I recovered it from the bins. Then she cut it into pieces. I saved one piece from the bins."
Madam Pomfrey looked at Severus with a tiny smirk.
Harry dropped off to sleep and Madam Pomphrey set to work on Harry's arm. A short time later the Medi-witch was putting the finishing wraps on his splinted arm as the wizards looked on.
"That is very fine work Poppy; I think it is time I go. "I'll see you when I'm done with Albus and we can discuss what you need Poppy. I've got to go now."
o0o0o
The old Wizard and the bat like black clad figure moved quickly through the castle and up to the headmaster's office. Coming up to the guard gargoyles Albus said "Lemon Drop" and stepped onto the moving stair case.
"Severus, do you have anything to tell me; "asked Dumbledore?
"I received a letter, telling me Harry was in trouble and asking for help. The person said they did not have the ability to help Harry but would be grateful if I could do so. The letter had his address of Privet Drive. It said to keep it secret. He had a bad case of the flu. I visited him. I called him "Lily's son". He was delirious. I had two more letters over the years to treat him. I did not discuss it with you as I thought you had sent the letter as it was your stationary. I thought I was to remain silent."
"I did not send you those letters Severus. It is a mystery as how my stationary was taken from my office here and how it arrived in your hands. Do you still have them?"
"No they turned to ash as soon as I read them."
"It is curious. I will have to ponder this later. We have another topic to discuss. What shall we do with Harry's Aunt and Uncle?"
