Chapter 4

Meeting Harry

Regina exited the bank with her mind spinning from all the information she had just acquired. It was almost too fantastic to believe that her family roots originated here in another world. Desiring to get some rest before tackling anything else she focused on Selwyn Cottage and disappeared in a cloud of purple smoke. Upon arrival, she entered the wards after giving some blood to prove her lineage and entered the small building. It was a two-story stone cottage remarkably well preserved and spelled to be self-updating with regards to cleaning and decor. The building had three bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with a kitchen, a study, and a formal sitting room. Regina decided she could use some rest after such a busy and stressful day and went upstairs to check out her bedroom. It was a moderately large room in sky blue with clouds and birds moving around on the ceiling. It had a queen-sized bed and two oak dressers as well as a walk-in closet. When Regina opened the doors it revealed itself to have her entire wardrobe from her time as the evil Queen. The former ruler went to bed that night with the first genuine smile in a long time.

Two days later Regina was making a list of what she would need to pick up in Diagon Alley that day. This would include perishable food, books, and just basically checking out as many shops as looked interesting to her. Poofing to the Alley at about 11 am, she decided to stop in at Madam Malkin's to get some robes made. When she arrived there was a young boy standing outside the shop looking up and down the street anxiously. He was dressed in modern children's clothing although it was much too large for his small and skinny frame. Regina crossed the street and approached him slowly watching closely. He reminded her of a child she had known in the enchanted forest who was severely abused by her parents and was eventually killed when a so-called "punishment" went too far.

"Hello young man, Regina said, are you waiting for someone? I would not want to leave a young child out here alone without making sure he is safe."

"Hello madam, yes I am waiting for a man named Hagrid, he said something about getting a drink while I got my school robes. I don't think he realizes I am finished, or he surely would have come to get me."

"Hmm, well how about I wait here with you, so you are not alone. I had only intended to do a few errands today and I can easily do them later. By the way, I don't think you told me your name."

"Harry Potter, miss?"

"My name is Regina Selwyn. I am new here as well"

May I ask you Harry why aren't your parents helping you do your school shopping?"

"My parents are dead ma'am I live with my Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon"

"Do you like living with them?"

"I am grateful to have a home and not have to live on the streets like all the other freaks."

"What do you mean freaks?"

"Nothing, just a slip of the tongue. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you angry. Please don't hurt me I'll be good I promise."

Regina could see Harry was working himself into a panic and immediately knelt on the ground in front of him. She took him gently by the arms and spoke gently.

"Harry it's okay, I'm not angry with you sweet boy. Please calm down now you are going to hurt yourself."

It took a few minutes, but Harry eventually got his breathing under control and stopped shaking.

"I'm sorry ma'am, I didn't mean to be weak. My relatives don't like it when I am weak."

"Where do you live Harry; can you tell me? Maybe I can talk to your relatives and get them to allow me to visit so I can make sure you are safe."

"I wouldn't want to bother you, ma'am. It's not like we are related, and you have no legal obligation to watch out for me."

"I would enjoy looking out for you Harry. No child deserves to be living with people, relatives or not, who do not look after them properly."

"I live at Number 4 Privet Drive Surrey."

"Thank you, Harry, I am happy you feel able to trust me so much."

Suddenly, a loud voice called out.

"Harry, get away from that woman! You don't know anything about her, and I don't ever remember seeing her before."

"It's alright Harry", Regina whispered into his ear. "I will catch up with you in a few days. Go with your guide."

Regina watched as an absolutely enormous man with a huge beard grabbed Harry's arm and yanked him away from Regina's side causing the small boy to wince as if his arm pained him. The two immediately walked off down the alley and walked into another shop.

"Don't worry Harry, once I talk with your relatives I won't let you suffer anymore."