Chapter 3

Harry sat against a tree while he caught his breath. The Dursleys didn't want the freak staying in the house while Vernon was having very important guests over, so he was thrown out. At first Harry didn't mind, it was a nice day and it meant he didn't have to do any chores. But then Dudley came out and started hitting him and he had to run. He made it to the nearby park before deciding it was safe to stop. Panting slightly Harry looked round the park. There were a few people around, a lady with a pram, a man walking his dog, and a boy with a little girl by the swings. He watched for a while as the boy pushed the laughing girl back and forth. He wished he had someone to play with, someone who didn't think he was a bad boy. As if his wish came true, the girl glanced in his direction. She got the boy to stop the swing and she jumped off, running over.

'Hi! I'm Evangeline'.

Harry started. No one had ever wanted to talk to him before. He mumbled a hello as the older boy came over. The girl, Evangeline held out her hand.

'Want to play with us? Daddy can push you on the swing'.

Harry looked at her hand, then glanced up at the older boy. He was sure the boy wouldn't want a freak playing with the girl. And neither would the girl's daddy, who he couldn't see anywhere. But to his surprise the boy smiled and nodded.

'Do you want to play with us?'

Harry's mouth fell open. He didn't dare hope that they actually wanted to play with him! But Evangeline kept her hand out and the older boy was still smiling. So, nervously, Harry placed his hand in the girl's, and she led him over to the swings. As she sat on one she started speaking.

'Daddy always pushes me high on the swings. His name's Julian and he's the best daddy in the world!'

She had pointed to the older boy when she said the name, who tickled her gently with a grin. Harry watched as she laughed. The older boy was her daddy? Harry didn't know much about mummies and daddies, but the boy didn't look old enough to be a daddy.

'Do you want me to push you?'

He started and looked at Mr Julian, who was waiting by the second swing. Chewing his lip Harry went over and sat down. He held onto the chains and jumped when Mr Julian began to push him gently. Looking over he saw Evangeline smiling at him as she kicked her legs out to swing herself. As he went back and forth Harry couldn't help but start smiling and giggling. This was fun! He squealed a bit when he was pushed a little higher, and laughed. Mr Julian was nice he decided. They played on the swings for a while, then went to the chute and took turns laughing and sliding down. Even Mr Julian had a few turns. Harry was really enjoying himself, these people didn't seem to care that he was a freak. He didn't notice that Julian was giving him thoughtful looks. The older boy saw the baggy tattered clothes, saw the bruises peeking out from underneath the shirt collar. He knew the tiny boy didn't have a good life.

'Grampa!' Evangeline squealed and jumped off the chute. Harry watched as she ran over and jumped into the arms of a tall man.

'Hello little Eve. Having fun are we?' Jonathan laughed.

His granddaughter nodded and took his hand, pulling him over to the chute.

'Grampa we made a friend!' she exclaimed and looked at Harry.

Jonathan looked at the little boy, and felt a pang of sadness. Clearly this one was being mistreated. He glanced at Julian who gave a small nod.

'Well then, it's nice to meet you young man. What might your name be?'

He knelt and held out his hand. The boy looked around the same age as Evangeline, and was very nervous. Harry flinched as the man knelt down. He looked at Evangeline who was smiling, and glanced up at Mr Julian who put a hand on his shoulder. With that support Harry felt brave enough to take the man's hand.

'Hello. I'm Boy Freak' he said quietly.

Jonathan hid his surprise, and his anger. He glanced up quickly to check his son, and found Julian taking deep breaths to calm his own anger. Good.

'Well then, thank you for keeping an eye on my son and granddaughter'.

He winked at Harry and lowered his voice to a whisper.

'They like to get up to mischief'.

'Grampa!' Evangeline protested, wrapping her hands round his shoulders.

Jonathan laughed and picked her up.

'Well you do get into mischief'.

She giggled as he lifted her high and Harry couldn't help but let out a small smile.

'Well, my job's done for the day. Why don't we head home? I'll bet there will be cookies waiting for us'.

He looked at Harry as Evangeline cheered.

'Would you like to come with us? I bet my wife will have some cookies just for you'.

Harry gasped. They actually wanted him to come home with them and have cookies! He'd never had cookies before. Dudley always got cookies and chocolate but his aunt and uncle never allowed him to have any. He fidgeted with his oversized shirt. He really wanted to go, but he was scared they would realise just how much of a freak he was. He jumped when a hand ruffled his hair, and glanced up at Mr Julian.

'Will you come with us?'

The older boy's eyes seemed to see right into his soul. They were warm and friendly and soothing, and made Harry feel warm and comforted and safe. Harry thought for a moment. Who knows when the Dursleys would let him back into the house. He nodded and took Julian's offered hand.

OOO

'Granny! We're home!'

Rose smiled as her granddaughter came running through for a hug. Since she started walking that girl could never stay still. Her smile faded a little when her husband and son followed with a tiny bruised boy. Jonathan gave her a look and the smile came back full force.

'Well now I see we have a guest. Did you make a new friend Evangeline?'

Her granddaughter nodded and took Harry's hand, leading the boy to the table where they sat down, Harry a little hesitantly. Julian gave his mother a small smile and followed.

'Well I guess it's lucky I made extra cookies' Rose said, patting her son on the shoulder as she went to the oven. She came back with a plate of warm white chocolate chip cookies and placed it on the table. She handed one to Evangeline, and held one out for Harry.

'Here you go sweetie, nice and fresh'.

It smelled really yummy, and Harry's stomach growled. It had been a while since his last meal. Hesitantly he reached out and took the offered cookie.

'Thank you' he whispered, holding it close to him.

He looked at Evangeline who was smiling as she munched away, a few crumbs on her cheeks. Glancing down he broke off a small piece and put it in his mouth. It tasted really, really yummy and soon he was happily munching away. Rose smiled sadly as the tiny boy hummed in delight. She got out some milk from the fridge and poured three cups while her husband made the couple some tea. She sat down and placed the cups beside the children. The boy looked at her with such awe that her heart felt like breaking. She watched as he slowly reached out and picked up the cup, taking a small sip. The sheer delight on his face made her smile. Glancing at her husband they shared a silent conversation. This boy needed a loving home.

'So sweetie. Who looks after you?'

Harry looked up from his milk.

'My aunt and uncle'.

'Do you know their names?' Jonathan asked.

Harry gave a small nod.

'Aunt P'tunia and uncle Vernon. And my cousin Dudley'.

'Vernon and Petunia. I recognise those names. The Dursleys aren't they? They live on Privet Drive?' Rose asked her husband.

'Yes I believe they do. If I'm right it's number four. That's a long way for a little boy to come from. What age are you lad?' Jonathan asked.

Harry was starting to feel more comfortable around these people. They seemed to emit a soothing feeling.

'Three'.

'Is that so? That's the same age as our Evangeline' Jonathan said with a smile towards his granddaughter.

'My birthday's in June. And so's my daddy's. Daddy's ten years older than me' Evangeline piped up, holding up all ten fingers.

'Wouldn't your aunt and uncle be worried about you?' Rose asked, already knowing the likely answer.

'They had im-por-tant people over and I was in the way. They put me outside cause I was a freak and shut the door' Harry replied quietly, sounding out the word important.

He missed the dark look the couple shared. He missed the slight flash of black in Julian's eyes.

'They shouldn't call you a freak. That's a bad word and you're not bad' Evangeline scolded.

Her grandparents gave a smile at that.

Julian watched his daughter and the boy talk. His father had told him all about Harry Potter and the tragic events that led to the deaths of his parents. The lightning bolt shaped scar peeked out from under the boy's hair and made Julian think. This boy was supposed to be the saviour of the wizarding world, and here he was wearing clothes that hung off his tiny frame and showing signs of abuse and starvation, not even knowing his name. It wasn't right.

'Hey, you want to come up to my room and play?' Evangeline asked.

Harry glanced at the adults, then gave a small smile.

'Yes please'.

The three watched as Evangeline led him up to her room, talking away about what they could play with. Jonathan stood up to wash the dishes when Julian beat him to it.

'He's Harry Potter, isn't he?'

The two looked surprised as their son stood at the sink. Jonathan sighed, he'd seen the scar as well.

'Yes'.

He and his wife shared a look.

'It looks like we'll be having a chat with Juliet. We can't let that boy go back to people who will hurt him'.

He was rewarded with a smile from Julian. Smiling back Jonathan went to call the care worker. Juliet Parker was the best in the business. If anyone could take Harry away from an abusive household, it was her.