Holy hell I didn't think this would take this long to wright but here it is. I don't like the idea of putting out a chapter shorter than the last so I hope no one has a problem with long chapters. Also I tried to iron out any… issues with the righting style thru out this chapter as I wrote it over several days at varying states of consciousness, and annoyance with the state of California, so if the tone or style changes please forgive me. This is why I try to knock out chapters in one sitting.

Before I begin I want to address an issue several reviewers have brought up and that is 'what I'm going to do with Harry's relatives.' And I've been given many good ideas ranging from Harry using his name to getting them tried by the Wizengamot, to having them killed. While normally I take recommendations to heart and consider using them, I have a special place in my heart for child abusers, having lived with an abusive stepfather myself (no sympathy wanted so don't), I have had my plans for them laid out long before I started righting this so trust me they'll get what's due. All I'm going to say is I'm going to do what every police officer in every prison has wished they could do and get away with…

ENJOY

Chapter 4

Harry sat on the bed silently fuming that some old bastard kept him away from a loving family, and instead made him live with the fat monsters that happen to be related to him. He didn't have long to brood Amelia Boans broke the silence that had descended on the group. "Harry, I know you're still coming to terms with everything that's happened in the last few hours, but I need to ask you to tell me as much as you can about what your aunt and uncle have done to you."

Harry scoffed "What haven't they done to me? For as long as I can remember that cupboard under the stairs has been my bedroom. If I ever did anything they considered freakish they would lock me in there for days with nothing more than an empty coffee can for if I had to use the bathroom, no food, no water no nothing. If I was lucky that's all that would happen, most times I got a beating too. I had to be my cousin's punching bag so he could practice and get on his school's boxing team. And I had to do all the chores and cooking."

Amelia was writing furiously on a note pad she had conjured. As it was she had enough evidence to make sure the muggle authorities locked the Dursleys away for a VERY long time.

After Amelia had everything she needed she excused herself stating a need to report her findings to the muggle detectives running the investigation. Charles and Michelle followed Amelia out intending to walk her out. As they were walking down the stairs when Charles and Michelle felt someone entering the wards by the time the reached the foyer there was a knock on the door. Michelle and Amelia shared a look while Charles moved to answer the door.

When the door opened it reviled the ancient headmaster whose eyes were already twinkling like mad. "Charles my boy how are you this afternoon?" Dumbledore asked in a grandfatherly voice. When Charles didn't respond Dumbledore continued.

"I take it you realize why I'm here. My boy it's for the greater good that harry be raised by his family. He must grow up away from our world, away from the fame and those who want to hurt him."

"Both things he would be safe from here with us without needing to be in an abusive house hold." Michelle interrupted.

Dumbledore frowned, the twinkle in his eyes fading slightly. "Now, now my dear surely there was some sort of misunderstanding. I'm only acting in young Harry's best interest so why don't we talk to the muggle authorities and return Harry to his relatives care."

"Over my dead body Dumbledore, I will not see James and Lily's son raised by those pigs" Michelle looked ready to pull her wand on the old man.

Amelia chose that moment to step in. "Dumbledore that will be enough. Even if the incident earlier today was the first time Harry suffered any abuse from the Dursleys, Something I highly doubt, the injuries Harry suffered were potentially life threatening. He will not be returning to their care. Any attempts to return Harry to the care of the Dursleys will be seen as kidnaping. Please leave the property."

Dumbledore turned his twinkling eyes on the head of the DMLE "Now Amelia surly…"

Amelia actually did pull her wand on Dumbledore "Mr. Dumbledore not only am I an adult, I am the head of the DMLE, and I will NOT be patronized as though I were a petulant child. Leave the property immediately or I will arrest you for attempted kidnaping."

Dumbledore's face lost its grandfatherly appearance and the twinkle in his eye vanished "Very well Amelia, I will leave. Charles, Michelle I had planned to do this quietly without embarrassing your family, however if you won't turn Harry over then I will be forced to take this before the wizengamot. Even you cannot go against the decision of the wizengamot."

The 3 adults had three different expressions. Charles looked defiant daring the headmaster to make good on his threat. Michelle looked worried that Dumbledore would take Harry away from them for good. And Amelia looked furious that he would twist the government to his will. The four were so focused on their conversation that they all jumped when a voice sounded from the balcony behind them.

"Then go ahead" Michelle, Charles, and Amelia were all shocked, and in the case of the first two a little hurt. "However I refuse to leave the Greengrass family unless you unseal my Parents wills proving that they didn't want them to raise me."

"Now Harry I'm sure I have no idea what you've been told but your parents wanted you raised by your aunt." Harry said two words that infuriated the headmaster "Prove it." Dumbledore tried to walk into the house but was stopped by Charles.

"You have not been invited into my house, in fact you have been repeatedly asked to leave. I will ask you once more and then ask Madam Boans to arrest you for trespassing. Leave."

Dumbledore gave Charles a dark look before turning on his heal and walking toward the front gate.

Once he was gone the three adults looked back to the balcony behind them, more specifically the 2 ten-year-olds. Charles spoke up first "Harry I understand you're angry with Dumbledore but antagonizing the man isn't a wise choice."

"You said my parents will said you were to raise me if my god father couldn't?"

Charles nodded "Yes, and thou your parents didn't have time to give any copies of their new wills to those they trusted before they were murdered, I doubt they would change that without telling us, especially if the change sent you to your aunt."

Harry looked at Amelia and asked "Is there a way to make sure he brings the real will to this wizen thing?"

Amelia nodded "Yes but only the Goblins could make such a decision." She then turned to Charles and said "Actually it might be a good idea to go to the goblins and inform them of the custody battle and have them put a freeze on all potter accounts, and while you're there have the potter's account manager look thru the records for any evidence of fraud or theft while Dumbledore has been listed as Harry's magical guardian."

Charles voiced his agreement and after Amelia had left told his wife "Will you get some decent clothes for Harry while I get what paper work I need from my office?" Michelle nodded and quickly went back up stares motioning for harry to follow her.

Charles was almost to his office when he heard his daughter ask "Father?" when he stopped and turned to her, still standing on the balcony, "Will I be needed at Gringotts?" "No, however if you wish to go that is your choice." Daphne nodded and started to walk down the hall when Charles called her back

"Daphne, I understand you want nothing to do with the Malfoy family, but please don't use that to distance yourself from your family. And please, try to let Harry in; the two of you are going to be together for a very long time."

Daphne stood there for a few seconds before she replied "I'll… try father."

10 minutes later found Charles and Harry departing leaving Michelle and Daphne behind. Shortly after they left Daphne asked Michelle "Mother… I …" Michelle waited patiently for her daughter to voice whatever it was that was bothering her. "Can you let me take care of Harry?"

Michelle raised an eyebrow "What do you mean sweetie?"

Daphne's face was rapidly turning bright red "He's still hurt from what his uncle did. And I guess it would be a good chance for me to get to know him." Michelle gave her daughter a knowing smile replying "let me know if you need any help dear." Daphne quickly left to put fresh linens on Harry's bed hoping to hide her growing blush from her mother.

Meanwhile Charles and Harry had made it to Diagon alley Harry quickly discovered that he didn't really like appariting but put off his personal dislike of feeling like he was being sucked thru a straw as the two walked up the stairs to the oversized door into the bank it took them about 5 minutes of waiting in line before a teller was available.

As soon as they were in front of the goblin Charles told him "I would like to speak to the potter account manager on behalf of Mr. Potter." The goblin's quill stopped mid stroke and the naturally angry looking creature looked at Charles and then slowly looked over the edge of the counter looking at Harry for almost a minute before he leaned back and motioned for a guard to come over while quickly scribbling a note. When the guard reached them he handed the guard the note and said something in the goblin's language, and motioned for the two humans to follow the guard.

After walking down what seemed like a maze of hallways they came to a large, beautify engraved door. Their goblin escort knocked loudly and after a pause listening for something the humans missed opened the door led them in and, after handing the goblin within the note, left. Charles sat quietly waiting for the goblin to finish whatever it was he was doing and Harry did the same simply assuming Charles had reason for waiting.

The goblin acknowledged their patience by setting aside his paper work and addressed them. "I am Long-fang. You wished to speak with me concerning the Potter accounts?"

Charles nodded and motioned to Harry and said, "Mr. Potter here is betrothed to my daughter and it has come to my attention that he has been forced to live in an abusive environment do to Mr. Dumbledore claiming to be Harry's magical guardian and sealing his parents wills. I would like to have all potter accounts frozen until such time as the Potters wills are unsealed. Additionally if possible I would like for a Goblin to be on hand to verify the authenticity of the will Mr. Dumbledore will no doubt be bringing before the Wizengamot."

The goblin stared at them for some time before he leaned back in his chair "Obviously I'm going to need some proof including some blood from Mr. Potter" Charles nodded to Harry who had a concerned look when the goblin pulled a wicked looking knife from his desk, and was told to cut his finger letting 3 drops fall on the paper in front of him as Harry was doing that Charles pulled out a file with copies of the Potter's old wills, the betrothal and the condition they found Harry in and set it on the desk.

The goblin looked at the file for a moment before seeming to ignore it focusing on Harry who had hesitantly cut his finger and let the correct amount fall on the paper noticing the second the 3rd drop hit the paper the cut healed. The goblin grabbed the paper as writing started to appear all across it and after a couple of minutes, he set it aside seemingly satisfied with it and opened the file Charles had put on his desk and after another few minutes set it down as well.

"Before we continue is there any other business concerning the potter accounts I should be aware of?" Charles nodded "If possible I would like an audit done on the potter accounts, to insure Mr. Dumbledore hasn't used his self-given title of Harry's magical guardian to take any money."

Long-fang nodded "It won't be necessary to perform an audit as we have been stonewalling Dumbledore from accessing the Potter Accounts for nearly ten years as, according to the potter's active wills, he doesn't have authority to make any financial decisions or withdraw so much as a knut. So as far as we are concerned the audit and the freeze on the account are pointless waists of money. As far as the issue with the wills is concerned," he paused to hand Charles a card "When you are informed of the date, time, and location of the meeting write it on the card and I will know."

Charles nodded and was about to tell the goblin not to worry about the freeze but to perform the audit anyway, when he noticed Harry's expression. Thou he was quiet he looked visibly depressed. Charles hesitated for a moment as an idea came to him.

"Long-fang I understand you are required to keep the Potter's property and Money secure, until such time as the wills are unsealed and the willed items passed out, how ever are you aware of any paintings of the late Lord and Lady Potter?"

Long-fang sat back in his chair running his fingers thru his beard. "Possibly, why?" all Charles did in response was to look to Harry. Harry was confused as to why they were looking at him the way they were. Sure he couldn't remember his parent's faces but they were acting like Harry would be able to talk to them.

Long-fang waited a moment longer before pulled a small packet from a filling cabinet and a black quill from his desk and placed both in front of Harry "Sign at the bottom of pages 1,3,and 5." At Harrys attempt to ink the quill Long-fang continued "That won't be necessary it is a blood quill."

Harry didn't know what a blood quill was but nodded and signed where he was told, and long-fang took the packet and left the office warning them not to touch anything as he left. The two sat in silence for close to five minutes before curiosity final got the best of Harry "I know I can't remember what my parents looked like but the way you two were acting it was like you could let me talk to them."

Charles gave Harry a sad smile "you'll see when we get back home. Consider this an early birthday present as well as something to make up for all those we missed."

Harry still looked confused but accepted what Charles said figuring it would make sense when they got back to the Greengrass mansion. The two didn't have to wait much longer before long-fang returned with a large case levitating behind him. He flicked his hand and the case floated over to Charles and gently set itself down next to his chair.

With their business finished Charles stood and thanked long-fang for his time and left Harry following his example. Before they left the bank Charles approached a teller and withdrew 100 galleons. By the time they apparited back to the mansion a little more than 30 minutes had passed since they left.

As they walked in the door Michelle was waiting for them when she noticed the case Charles was carrying and gave him a questioning look in response he asked Harry to get Daphne and meet him in his office. Harry sent a questioning look to Michelle who told him she was either in his room of hers after he left Charles told Michelle "We managed to get them to give us a painting of James and Lily."

Harry walked into the room Michelle had said was his to see Rena quietly siting in one of the chairs next to the window sunning herself. He then noticed a lot of movement where his bed was and looked to see Daphne throwing a thick comforter over the sheets. As she was tucking it in, she noticed Harry standing in the door and let out a startled "eep" which caught Rena's attention.

Once she saw Harry she slithered over to him. Harry knelt down, holding his arm out to her. He glanced to the bed where Daphne was to see she had moved and was standing next to him watching Rena coil around his arm sinking into the skin before she reached the elbow. "What does it feel like?"

Harry was surprised but managed to reply "It's hard to describe. It's like she's under my skin but it doesn't hurt. It's weird." Once Rena was settled Harry told Daphne that her father wanted to see them in her office.

Once they got there Harry saw the case long-fang gave Charles siting open on his desk "Harry, I know it's not the same as being able to hug them but at least you can talk to your parents." Charles pointed to the wall next to the door.

Harry turned and saw a painting of a man and a woman who he could only assume were his parents. He was about to ask how he could talk to them when the painted pair moved, the woman covered her mouth tears in her eyes and the man gave him a sad smile "Hello Harry."

(AN Originally I had planned to end the chapter here but I decided to make this a long chapter to make it up to you guys for the delay in updating.)

Harry stood staring at the painted pair for a long time before he asked the rather obvious question "How can you talk, I mean I've seen a lot of amazing things magic can do just from going to Diagon ally earlier but…"

Michelle answered "There's a charm that we can place on paintings of ourselves that allows us to animate and give memories to them. Every time the charm is recast on a painting, it receives all of your memories up until the charm was cast."

Lily nodded trying desperately to compose herself "When we went into hiding we wanted to make sure to re cast the charm as often as possible." She paused to wipe a few tears from her eyes "From what Charles and Michelle told us we were updated 3 days before we were killed. Oh Harry I'm so sorry you had to live with my sister, I promise you neither me nor your father wanted that for you."

Once Harry had realized that this wasn't a joke, that they really were his parents, he gave them a sad smile "Its ok I know you didn't send me there. Besides it's because of that I meet Rena." At his parents confused looks he lifted his hand to eye level and Rena started leaving his skin.

Once about 2 feet of her 7 foot length was out she stopped and looked at Harry's parents. While Lily was concerned over her son holding such a large snake, James, like most pure bloods, recognized arguably the single most deadly creature in their world. And said in a strained voice as if trying to keep the snake calm "Charles. What is my son doing with a Basilisk?" at the word 'Basilisk' Lily froze staring at it with absolute terror.

Surprising the pair it was Harry who answered "It's alright, she's my familiar." His parent's eyes moved to him their expressions unchanged before anymore could be said Rena turned to face Harry. To the 5 non parsel mouths in the room they didn't hear anything but for Harry it was quite clear "They care for you little one. They may not be able to touch you but they can be here for you." Harry nodded and Rena once more sank into Harry's skin.

After more than 4 hours of catching up with both with his parents and the Greengrasses they were about to start getting ready for dinner when they heard tapping on the office window. When they looked they saw a brown owl waiting patiently. Charles walked over to the window opening it and taking the letter it carried. After reading it he stormed furiously to his desk grabbing a pen and pulled the card long-fang had given him and quickly wrote on it.

Michelle, worried over her husband's anger, asked "Charles what's wrong?"

Charles growled out "Dumbledore has called for an emergency wizengamot meeting tomorrow at 7 concerning us removing Harry from the care of his Magical guardian. We should go to bed early tonight we need to be awake by 5. Harry, Daphne you need to be in bed by 9."

Harry, thou still getting used to the wizarding world, understood that whatever was going to happen tomorrow was going to be important so nodded showing he would do as he was asked.

After dinner Michelle noticed that her husband was in need of some rest and asked Daphne "Sweetie could you give Harry a tour of the house and help him get settled."

It didn't take long to show Harry around the house, considering the size of the house. They ended in Harry's room "I had Mip go get you some cloths. I wasn't sure what you would like so I told her to get you some of the Basics including bed cloths and dress robes. You'll need to where them tomorrow. If you need anything else I'm across the hall."

She started to walk out when Harry called "Daphne?" at her questioning glance he continued "It's only 7:30 can we talk for a while?" She gave him a questioning look and asked "About what?" he sat on the bed and Rena left his body coiling at the foot of the bed "Anything, I guess we have a lot to catch up on since we're getting Married."

With that she sat down in the chair next to him and spent the next hour and a half talking about everything from their favorite color to what they wanted to do when they grew up but soon enough she had to leave and get ready for bed herself.

When morning came the first thought that went thru Harrys head was that it had all just been a vivid dream and he was back with his aunt and uncle. But that thought was forced from his head by the fact that his cupboard was never this comfortable. It was then that what had woke him up tried again not knowing he was awake, Harry felt a hand on his shoulder and he heard a gentle voice "Harry it's time to wake up."

He opened his eyes to see Daphne siting on the side of the bed wearing a night gown "So it wasn't a dream?" Daphne gave him a kind smile and shook her head, then stood and turned on the lights. Between the bright light and the sudden movement Harry's head exploded in pain

"Your head hasn't healed yet here drink this." He looked back to Daphne and saw her holding a small glass "It taste terrible but it will make the pain stop." Harry nodded and drank it as fast as possible his face scrunched up in disgust.

Once he was done Daphne took the glass back and told him he should get dressed and head down for breakfast, and then left him to do the same herself.

While Harry thought wearing robes was weird but did as they told him. Once he was dressed Harry looked at Rena, who was still coiled up at the foot of his bed and asked "Ready to go Rena?" Rena slowly raised her head and gave him a halfhearted glare and gave a soft hiss that to Harry sounded more like a sigh, and said "It is far too early. The sun has not even risen."

Harry nodded his agreement with waking up so early. "Ya but we have to." Rena slowly uncoiled and slid up Harry's arm sinking into his skin. Once she was settled Harry retraced his steps from the night before to the dining room to find Charles and Michelle already there, and sat down almost as soon as he did the family's house elf popped next to him and asked what he wanted to eat a few minutes later Daphne sat next to him.

The family and Harry found themselves in the Ministry atrium a little before 6:20. When they got to the court rooms Michelle and Daphne separated from Harry and Charles heading for the public seating Harry and Charles walked in the main doors to find half of the wizengamot already assembled.

Charles sat down at the desk in the middle of the room and started reading a book he pulled from his robes. At Harrys questioning look Charles pulled a second book from his robes, this one much larger, and handed it to Harry. "It's one of the textbooks that you'll be using at Hogwarts in a few months, so you might want to read ahead."

Harry nodded taking the book glancing at the title "Transfiguration year 1". Before long Harry lost himself in learning what he can do with just the basics of magic, before he knew it he felt Charles hand on his shoulder and looked up to see almost 40 minutes had passed and the wizengamot was mostly assembled, the only one missing was Dumbledore.

After 5 minutes the old man finally arrived muttering a quick apology stating that he had lost track of time looking for a new defense instructor. As soon as he reached his seat Dumbledore started speaking to the assembly "Clearly lord Greengrass is not even trying to hide the fact that he has taken Harry I move for the wizengamot to order lord Greengrass to return Harry to my care at once."

The man seated in the center of the bottom row, who Harry would latter learn was Minister Fudge, spoke next "Lord Greengrass what have you to say in your defense?"

Charles stood glaring at Dumbledore "Mr. Dumbledore proclaimed himself Harry's magical guardian after sealing the wills of Harrys Parents, and then placed Harry in an abusive environment, Harry possessed life threatening injuries when I found him. This is proof enough that he is unfit to be Harry's magical guardian. However if Dumbledore wants Harry returned to his care I will only willingly surrender Harry if the wills of the late lord and lady Potter."

An older woman near the center of the left side of the wizengamot stood and said "Hardly an unreasonable request. However the claims of Dumbledore pacing young Mr. Potter are vary serious accusations, can you provide evidence of this so called abuse?"

Charles nodded and motioned for Harry to stand "The wound has yet to heal and we are waiting for the muggle authorities to handle the investigation for child abuse. Additionally we do have photographs for those who have the stomach to see the condition we found Harry in."

Here Charles paused and pulled a file out of his robes. Fudge raised an eyebrow believing that surly Charles was exaggerating, however when he looked in the file he only made it as far as the muggle photos the doctors had taken, before his face lost all color and he quickly closed it.

(AN many people may not think a gash on the head is that stomach turning. But trust me as a vet, and in my new career in the medical field I've seen some pretty bad head wounds. Besides that head wounds are VERY bloody.)

"Moving on," Fudge said trying to forget the amount of blood in the photo "We will question whether or not Dumbledore knew of this abuse at a later date. The purpose of this hearing is to determine who has custody of Mr. Potter, Dumbledore will you agree to unseal the Potter's wills?"

Dumbledore looked at the table in front of him appearing as thou he were depressed or saddened "I had hoped to keep them sealed until Harry came of age as several items in the wills go to the man who betrayed them, but if it is the will of this body then as 'Chief Warlock I hereby unseal the wills of James and Lily." With that Dumbledore pulled a folded packet from his robes.

Charles, thou annoyed at Dumbledore for his repeated disrespect towards everyone in the room by his insistence to use everyone's first name, was worried that long-fang didn't get his message of the time of the meeting, seeing as the goblin was not present.

Dumbledore was skimming thru the 'will' in his possession "Ah yes here it is 'In the event of our death we want for Harry to be raised by Lily's sister as Harry should be raised by his family' I believe that will suffice, wont it Charles?"

Surprisingly it wasn't Charles who responded but Amelia who was siting to Fudge's left "I call for a goblin to verify the authenticity of this will."

Dumbledore turned his twinkling eyes to Amelia "Surly you don't plan to waist so much of this counsel's time it could take 6 hours to arrange for a goblin to come before the Wizengamot. We can reconvene as early as tomorrow."

Amelia snapped "By which time you will have resealed the wills and hidden Harry yet again."

A voice sounded from the public seating area "Then I suppose it is a good thing I decided to come to this hearing."

Everyone in the room turned to the voice to find Long-fang stand and walk toward Dumbledore, who was doing an amazing job of hiding his anger and frustration at the appearance of the goblin.

Long-fang took the packet Dumbledore was claiming was the will and proceeded to flip thru it seemingly reading every page. During this the Wizengamot sat in silence some out of respect, others because in shock at the goblins sudden appearance, but most simply because it was what was expected. Thou some had a hope that the goblin would ruin Dumbledore.

It took the goblin about 5 minutes to go thru the wills when he was finished he folded it back up and said "It's a fake, and a poorly made one at that. Thankfully for this counsel I have a copy of the real will with me."

Dumbledore turned his full glare on Charles, knowing Charles had planned this "'I Lord James Potter and I Lady Lily Potter of sound mind and of our own free will declare this to be our last will and testament."

(AN)

Me. You know I'm thinking of revoking your muse status.

Muse. WHAT! Why?

Me. Well the job of the muse is to annoy the living hell out of the author until they finish the story, and to serve as an editor. Both things you have fallen down on.

Muse. Ya, but I've been busy with school, and I keep forgetting. Besides we both missed that fuck up.

Me. Ya but that was one hell of a fuck up. And you know what the worst part was?

Muse. What?

Me. We live in California the Pacific is literally our back yard, also in high school I knew more about the Pacific front of World War 2 than the teachers, and I go and call the Atlantic the Pacific I feel like a total fucking moron.

Muse. Ya that is pretty bad

Me. I guess that's why you don't wright when you've been up for 2 days. Anyway to the Guest who reviewed Thank you, to everyone who saw the error knew it was wrong and said nothing… sigh. And to everyone who didn't see anything wrong welcome to the party we have cake and ice cream.