Chapter: 6. Diagon Alley Adventure.

The next day dawned bright and sunny. Tillie popped into Severus's room saying "Little Mistress is awake and ready for breakfast. Since Master Severus said they would be going to Diagon Alley today, I dressed her in comfortable clothes that would not be too warm."

Severus thanked her and told her to have Wormwood have breakfast ready in the conservatory. He quickly rose out of bed, went to the bathroom, showered and got ready for the day. Prof. Flitwick would be bringing over his floating chair after breakfast. They would adjust it for Bronwyn and then Floo to The Leaky Cauldron.

As Severus was walking to the Conservatory, the Floo roared to life and Fillius Flitwick appeared. "Severus, may I come through?"

"Of course. Fillius." Severus said. "Do you have the chair?"

The diminutive Master of Charms smiled. "Of course I do and I am looking forward to meeting your niece. Albus and Minerva were quite impressed. They both said how charming and sweet she was."

Severus smiled slightly. It seemed that Bronwyn would make friends easily. He was glad of that, but he still had doubts about some of the Pureblood students. Being raised Muggle; he knew what Cerebral Palsy was and had even seen some children that had it when he was growing up.

"Wait here Fillius and I will go get her." He went up the stairs to find Bronwyn literally bouncing up and down on her bed and playing with the Welsh balloon Gavin had made for her. When she saw him, she stopped, looked at the balloon and said quite clearly "Up!" The balloon floated above her bed and stayed there. She looked at Severus and smiled in triumph. He applauded her saying, "Very good my dear. Now I have a surprise for you. One of the teachers at Hogwarts has a very special chair for you. It's like a Muggle wheelchair but it floats. You will be able to control it with your mind or voice. Naturally I would like you to use your voice as much as possible but I understand if you are shy in front of strangers. I believe you will like Professor Flitwick very much he taught your Mama and I and I still teach with him."

He scooped Bronwyn up in his arms noticing with approval that she was wearing a short sleeved peasant blouse threaded with green ribbons and lightweight pair of pants. As Severus looked at her feet he noticed her trainers were missing. Walking to the closet he retrieved them and put them on himself.

"Now" he said. "Are you ready for breakfast and an adventure?"

Bronwyn smiled at him saying, "I'm ready."

Severus noted that as she became more comfortable and relaxed her speech improved as well. He turned around and carried her downstairs where Professor Flitwick was waiting with what looked like a padded straight-backed chair. The only difference was it had a seatbelt to secure Bronwyn into it.

Severus sat in his armchair with Bronwyn on his lap. "Bronwyn I would like you to me Prof. Flitwick. He teaches Charms at Hogwarts. He is going to show you how to use this chair so you will be able to go some places on your own." "However," he used his most stern teacher's voice. "You will follow our instructions carefully and if we are out in public you will stay close to me at all times. Is that understood?"

Bronwyn nodded quickly. She had learned even in the short time she had been there that her uncle expected obedience and would tolerate nothing else. She didn't think he would hit her, but she was sure he would punish her quickly for any misdeed. The elves had impressed on her that her Uncle was a good man but very strict. She understood that and hated to think of displeasing him.

He picked her up seating her in the chair and buckling the safety belt. This automatically activated a very strong Sticking Charm for extra security.

Professor Flitwick stood in front of her and said, "Now my dear, all you have to do is either think or say "Up." If you want to go higher, think or say 1 foot, 2 feet or 3 feet. That is as high as it will go. If you want to go forward just tell it where you want to go and it will go there."

Bronwyn smiled and thought to herself "Up 1 foot to the Conservatory!" The chair rose and headed towards the Conservatory. Severus and Fillius followed her as she reached the table and said, "Down and slide to the table."

Severus could not help smiling at her obvious delight with the chair, and the fact that she was using her voice more and more. She turned to look at the tiny Charms Professor, kissed and hugged him saying, "Thank you so much! Now Uncle Severus won't have to carry me everywhere!" She hugged an astonished Fillius and kissed him on the cheek. Severus had to bite his tongue as his colleague turned a bright red. He called for Tillie and asked her to bring Bronwyn her breakfast as he showed Fillius out.

"I can't thank you enough Fillius," he said. "Your chair is amazing. Have you patented it?"

"Yes" his colleague replied. "It is used it at St. Mungo's a great deal and those who have trouble getting around find it very useful. I was glad to help. If you have any problems or questions just let me know and I will tweak the Charms accordingly. Will you be bringing her to Hogwarts?"

The Potions Master nodded saying, "She will be staying in my quarters and I will arrange my schedule so I will be able to teach her basic subjects. I know you're good in Math Fillius would you mind helping me with that?"

"Of course I would be delighted! And I know Minerva would enjoy teaching her History."

"I know Albus said she was only five but she seems to be very bright and inquisitive you should have no trouble teaching her almost anything. Well I must be going. I will see you at Hogwarts of course and don't forget if you have any questions let me know and we'll see what we can do."

As he disappeared into the Floo, Severus walked into the Conservatory where Bronwyn was eating scrambled eggs, bacon and tomato. She also had a large glass of milk with a straw. She was using a spoon and had a large napkin fastened around her neck. She spilled a few things but nothing major and Severus smiled saying, "Very good child. I am very proud of you."

As Severus began eating his eggs and bacon with a very strong cup of coffee his owl Asphodel appeared with a copy of the Daily Prophet. He noted with amusement that The Minister of Magic was blathering on about You-Know-Who and how there was no danger from him anymore. Severus knew differently, but no one would believe an ex-Death Eater. He would have to talk to Albus about his duties as a spy for the Order since his first priority was his niece. Inwardly he was relieved since as Voldemort became more paranoid his position in the Inner Circle became more precarious.

As they finished breakfast, Severus looked at Bronwyn and smiled, saying, "Are you ready to go?"

She smiled eagerly and nodded. Picking her up, Severus shrunk the chair and put it in his robe pocket. Walking to the fireplace he took some Floo powder and throwing it down said, "The Leaky Cauldron!" Bronwyn clung tightly to him as he stepped through the green flames and appeared in the pub.

Using his wand, Severus removed soot from himself and Bronwyn. Then he took her chair out of his robe pocket and enlarged it. He sat Bronwyn down, activating the Sticking Charm and fastened the seatbelt.

"Follow me," he said as the chair floated next to him and stayed by his side. They left the pub and walked into the alley behind it. Severus took his wand and activated the sequence of bricks that would open to Diagon Alley. As they went through, Severus smiled to himself as he watched Bronwyn trying to take in all the magical sights at once. He bent down and whispered to her, "Take it easy child you will get to see it all in time. However we do have some specific errands to run first."

Severus couldn't help but smile at Bronwyn's reactions to all the shops and owls flying about. He remembered his first visit with Lily to buy school supplies. The wonder of that first visit never left you and he was glad to see Bronwyn enjoying it.

First they went to Twillfit and Tatlings where Severus bought her nightgowns of different colors, mostly white, pink and violet, as well as underwear, socks and different jumpers, skirts and pants of the same colors. Then they went Slug and Jiggers where he picked up in order of potions supplies that he had ordered a week ago.

Since Bronwyn's mother had been a Potions Mistress she loved this shop because of the many exotic spices and herbs she could smell. Her eyes started to fill with tears causing Severus to look at her saying, "What are wrong are you ill? Bronwyn shook her head and took the handkerchief he offered her saying, "It reminds me of Mama I'm sorry." The Potions Master sighed, and kneeling down in front of her he said, "It's all right, I know it still hurts but soon you will be able to think of happy times with your mother and father." She smiled and nodded. "I – know – but it still hurts a little."

After they were done in the apothecary, they walked to the Magical Menagerie to find her a familiar. As they went in, Bronwyn immediately went over to the puppies. She found what appeared to be a poodle puppy. Severus followed her, picked the puppy up and placed it in her lap. The shopkeeper came over saying, "I see you are interested in a puppy."

Bronwyn clutched the small white dog in her arms and looked at her uncle. He nodded knowing a bond had already formed between her and the dog. He looked at the shopkeeper saying, "How large will she get?" The shopkeeper said, "She will be 26 inches at the shoulder fully grown. She will look like a Muggle poodle and be able to fetch and follow whatever commands she is given." "How much?" Severus asked. "50 Galleons." Severus knew it was a fair price but Bronwyn's face fell as she thought her uncle might think it was too much.

"Very well," said Severus. "We will also be needing supplies to care for her." The shopkeeper hurried to collect the necessary items and packaged them after totaling the price.

The little dog curled up Bronwyn's lap and promptly fell asleep. Her pure white coat seemed to sparkle in the sunlight and as they walked outside, Severus asked her, "What will you name her?" Bronwyn smiled and said "Snowflake." Severus smiled at her and said "That's a fine name since she sparkles like a snowflake."

As they walked outside, Severus saw the two students he was thinking would help him. Walking quickly over to them he greeted them both. "Mr. Potter, Miss Granger I would like to introduce you to my niece Bronwyn Griffiths."

Both students greeted their Professor politely and smiled at Bronwyn

Hermione spoke first. "Hello Bronwyn my names Hermione but you can call me 'Mione if you like." Harry smiled as well saying, "Hi, I'm Harry."

Severus pointed at Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor saying to Bronwyn, "Can you wait for me over there while I talk to my students for a moment?" She smiled saying, "Can I pick whatever flavor I want?"

"Yes," he said. "After you have had some lunch."

"Can – 'Mione and Harry come too?"

He held back a sigh but said, "They can if they wish." Bronwyn smiled at him and headed off towards the ice cream parlor.

After she left, Severus cast a Silencing Charm and turned to the two Gryffindor's. Before he could speak, Hermione said, "She has Cerebral Palsy, Professor, doesn't she?" The Potions Master looked surprised. "How did you know that Miss Granger?" he asked.

Hermione blushed. "My parents have a few patients that have it so I know what it looks like."

Harry spoke up. "There were a few kids in my primary school that had it. They got teased and bullied a lot. His green eyes flashed when he said that." I tried to stop them and managed to help them sometimes but not a lot."

Severus regarded both students closely. Hermione Granger was one of the brightest students at Hogwarts and being raised Muggle she would quite possibly know about Bronwyn's condition. He was slightly surprised at Harry's reaction, but as he looked at the small boy, for the first time he saw more of Lily in him than James. She would positively fly at anyone teasing someone else. He was proof of that. Perhaps, he thought, this would work out.

"I wanted to speak to you privately about Bronwyn and ask if you would be willing to watch out for her while she is at Hogwarts while I teach. She does have a very strong magic especially with music but for the time being she will be taught regular Muggle subjects. If one or both of you could stay with her when you didn't have class, I would appreciate it greatly."

"Of course, Professor," said Hermione. "I would be happy to."

Harry looked at his Professor closely. While he had a difficult relationship with his Potions Master, he saw that the man was sincere in his request and really appeared to care for his niece.

"Yes sir," he said. "I will be happy to help as well."

Snape relaxed. "Very well," he said. "Would you care to join us for lunch?" Both students answered at once. "Yes Sir!" As they walked towards Fortescue's, Severus heard Bronwyn in his mind saying, "Help, Uncle Severus!"

As he walked towards her he saw Draco Malfoy standing next to her and teasing her. He heard Draco laughing and saying, "What are you doing here? You can't even speak properly!"

Severus saw that Bronwyn was staring at the blonde aristocrat and her eyes glowing a deep violet color. All of a sudden, Draco stepped back, covering his head with his hands saying, "Get out of my head! You're hurting me!"

Severus knelt in front of Bronwyn saying, "Stop it!" As he said this, he put his hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. He could feel her shaking but as she calmed down and stopped her eyes resumed her normal sparkling violet color.

He whirled around to face Draco his eyes flashing and his voice had a low steely tone that would make most students run for cover. "Mr. Malfoy", he said in a tone that meant the blonde was in serious trouble. "I would like an explanation as to why you were teasing my niece."

The Malfoy heir went the color of Flobber worms. He started walking backwards staring at his Head of House saying, "I'm sorry sir – really didn't know –."

Snape's voice dropped even lower. "And that makes it right I suppose? Just because you didn't know you felt compelled to tease a small girl because she couldn't speak as clearly as you? I am severely disappointed in you Mr. Malfoy and your father will be hearing of this."

Draco went even paler, if that were possible. "Please sir, don't tellmy Father! I really am sorry!" Severus smirked. "Very well Mr. Malfoy, I won't inform your father but you will be serving detention with me the first week back at Hogwarts. And I assure you it won't be pleasant."

Draco turned and ran back up the alley. Hermione and Harry were hiding smiles behind their hands and failing but they really didn't care. Malfoy was a real prat and it was nice to see him punished by his Head of House.

Snape turned to Bronwyn. "Just what did you do to him?" He asked her quietly. Bronwyn lowered her eyes and said "I played a very loud chord in his head."

Severus sighed, "Bronwyn, I realize Draco upset you, but it isn't right to use your magic to hurt anyone. If someone bothers you like that, tell one of the elves, or myself and we will take care of it."

Harry and Hermione had been watching the exchange closely. Hermione said, "Is she mind – speaking to you, Professor?" Before Snape could answer, Bronwyn said, "Yes it – is easier than talking – sometimes."

Snape turned to his students. "Would you both like to join us for lunch?"

Hermione immediately agreed but Harry seemed reluctant. He looked down and said, "Yes sir, if it wouldn't be too much trouble."

Snape thought, "So the Griffindor Golden Boy thinks a simple lunch beneath him."

Bronwyn was studying Harry closely. She put her hand on Snape's and said "it's not like that; I'll explain when we get home."

As they all sat around the table, Severus looked at his two students and said, "Choose what you like and then we will have dessert."

Hermione chose a fruit salad and lemonade and Harry a tuna sandwich on whole wheat bread with pumpkin juice. Severus also chose a tuna sandwich and a cup of black coffee. Bronwyn also had a tuna sandwich with a glass of milk. Severus transfigured a straw out of a napkin and placed a large napkin in her lap. He cut the sandwich into small pieces and Bronwyn ate it eagerly but neatly.

After they had finished they got to choose dessert. Hermione chose a raspberry sherbet, Harry chose vanilla ice cream with sprinkles, Bronwyn chose chocolate peanut butter ice cream and Snape chose chocolate fudge.

The conversation was light and pleasant. Hermione talked about the trip she was going to take to New York with her parents. Harry said very little except that he hoped to go to the Burrow before the start of term. As he talked he felt better than he had quite a while. Bronwyn smiled at him and kept projecting calm feelings his way. She purposely blocked Severus from knowing what she was doing. She knew things were not right with Harry but did not want to talk to her uncle until they got home.

After they were finished, Severus paid for the lunch and bid his students goodbye saying he would see them at the beginning of the term. The two students said goodbye to him and Bronwyn saying they would see them at Hogwarts.

Severus and Bronwyn headed back To the Leaky Cauldron and Flooed back to Prince Manor. They let the elves put away their purchases and Bronwyn went to use the bathroom and wash her hands. When she was done, she had Tillie walk her downstairs to Severus' study and looking him straight in the eye she dropped her shields. "Uncle Severus" she said slowly. "Please – look at – what I saw – in Harry."

Severus was surprised that she would read someone without his or her knowledge. But Bronwyn looked so serious he had to comply. He entered her mind carefully and saw the images she pushed to the front of her mind. To say was shocked would be an understatement. He saw the small 12-year-old being beaten by his uncle with a belt and fists by his uncle, only being allowed to eat scraps and stand by while the rest of his family ate. He saw Harry begging not to be hit. He saw the skinny boy doing all the housework, yard work and cooking as well as wearing his cousin's enormous secondhand clothes. He also saw Vernon locking his trunk in a cupboard under the stairs. He was surprised that Harry did not answer back or even protest want would be considered abuse in any situation.

He pulled gently of Bronwyn's mind and sat deep in thought. It seemed that most of his preconceptions about Potter were very wrong. The question was what could he do?

"Bronwyn," he said gently. "Why did you look inside Harry's mind? Did he know you were doing it?"

Bronwyn shook her head. "No – all he heard was me humming to him. He would have felt horrible if he knew what I was doing. The way he looked – worried me."

Severus called Tillie and had her take Bronwyn to her room for a nap. After they left, he sat for a long time thinking about what his niece had said and shown him. A sick feeling settled in his stomach as he realized that because of his hatred for James Potter he had broken his promise to Lily to look after her son. He had some serious thinking about what to do next.