Chapter 8: reactions

Sirius led Harry silently back towards the headmaster's office. The man seemed strained and weighed down, a thing a young guy his age should not be. Harry distantly wondered if it was something he had done but instantly pushed those thoughts aside. Hadn't it always been pointed out when he had done something wrong?

Harry started when the gargoyle moved, clearly still adjusting to this New World of magic.

Inside the office Dumbledore sat solemnly behind his big desk talking in whispers to the young couple in front of him.

Harry noticed that Lily's face seemed red and tear strained, like she had been crying. James's face held a look of grim determination.

All occupants turned upon the noise of Harry and Sirius's arrival.

Sirius wordlessly took the only seat left, leaving Harry to stand occwardly in the corner.

Something was wrong. After 6 years with the Dursleys Harry had developed a certain knack to read peoples emotions. He had learnt when to be quiet, when to run and when it was ok to stick up for himself.

"What did Poppy say Sirius in regards to Harry's health?" Dumbledore asked folding his long thin fingers on the desk.

Sirius grunted in disgust. "She says he's underfed and needs a better diet. He's got some nasty bruise's that where obviously caused by fighting or abuse or both. She also says he's never had a potion or vaccination for diseases, which he will have to get."

Lily made a strange sort of strangled noise and James reached over to take her hand for comfort, although he looked concerned.

The old man nodded sadly s if tired. "While horrible such an outcome was not unexpected. If possible I would like to do a few tests on Harry if what we saw is true, which I believe it is. I also would like to have him attend the order meeting tomorrow night. I don't think that should be a problem considering he is staying in headquarters."

The others nodded in union, shooting concerned glances at Harry. "For now I think it would be best if we all went are separate ways to…absorb this new information. I will se you tomorrow."

The ex-Gryffindor's rose as one and Sirius disappeared into the floo powder before anyone could say anything.

James sighed and made a motion that showed he was going to talk to his friend. Only Lily seemed to even remember Harry's presence. She took his hand, maybe a little tighter than needed, and went with the little boy through the nauseating swirls Of the floo powder.

Harry landed as gracefully as ever in the kitchen of headquarters. Lily was so distracted she didn't notice his fall. Lily collapsed into a nearby chair and buried her head in her arms.

Harry stood and stared at the lady who had been so kind to him unsure of what to do.

He could hear her crying and see the jerky rise and fall of her shoulders.

Slowly he walked towards her with his hand outstretched. Harry placed his tiny fingers on her shoulder and squeezed a little. Her head snapped up and she smiled through her tears at him. How could she smile when she was so upset?

"Its ok." Harry whispered, he had never done this before, comfort someone. He saw aunt Petunia sooth Dudleys cries for toys often and sometimes he even made his Aunt cry because of something he had done, but he never dared try and comfort her.

"I'm sorry." Said Lily whipping her tears and taking Harry's hand. "Everything seems like such an amazing mess right now is all." She sighed and Harry nodded, pretending to know what the red head was talking about. "I don't think James will be back anytime soon, Sirius was pretty upset. Let's figure out something to do until they get back."

And that's what they did. They spent the rest of the day playing games and making jokes. It seemed Lily was right, before Harry knew what hit him it was time for bed and the two men where still not back. Lily waited patiently out side the door of the bathroom as Harry brushed his teeth and used the faculties one last time before bed. He shuffled into his room and climbed into bed nervously, as she watched him the whole time.

She came towards him and gently tucked him in making sure everything below his chin was covered. "Do you want me to read you a story? Do you need a drink of water? Do you want me to leave a light on?"

Harry's head swam at all the questions Lily asked. A story? That had never been an option at the Dursleys. He bit his lip, sorely tempted to say yes, but remembered once when aunt Petunia had offered him the same thing and denied it the second he had agreed.

"No." he finally whispered "I'm fine."

"You sure? Ok, well then…" She bent forward and placed a tender kiss on his forehead. "Goodnight."

He heard her soft steps fade away and the door creak shut before he drifted off into a deep sleep.