Sirens wailed through the air as a fleet of police cars raced down Privet Drive and screeched to a halt outside number 4. Officers swarmed out of the vehicles, surrounding the house with guns drawn, while a tactical team battered open the front door with a battering ram.
"Police with a warrant!" shouted the officer in charge.
The officers rushed in and fanned out to search for the suspect, Vernon Dursley. He was sprawled on the floor between two armchairs, trying to wriggle out of an open window - but he was quickly tased by an officer waiting outside. "Vernon Dursley! You are under arrest for abuse (child, physical, mental, emotional and psychological), false imprisonment, child negligence, starvation, child slavery, cruel and unusual punishments, torture, child endangerment, attempted second-hand child murder - of your nephew Harry James Potter."
Two officers grabbed Vernon and dragged him off to a police car while another officer stepped forward and saluted his superior.
"Sergeant Barnes," he said.
"Yes, Officer Bradock," replied Sergeant Barnes.
"You have to see this," said Officer Bradock.
The two officers stood in the Dursley's opulent living room, Petunia shaking nervously in her handcuffs. Officer Rogers lifted an eyebrow as he spoke to Sergeant Barnes. "It appears we can charge Mr. Dursley with bribery, fraud and tax evasion."
"That doesn't surprise me at all," Sergeant Barnes sneered, as Officer Bradock tightened his grip on Petunia's arm and guided them towards a door tucked away under the staircase. "We're already adding resisting arrest to the charges."
Sergeant Barnes' eyes narrowed as he approached the understair door. He had seen many crime scenes in his years of service, but what he had heard about the Dursleys was particularly disturbing. Officer Bradock pushed open the door, revealing a dim, cramped space, no larger than a broom closet.
"This," Officer Bradock began, gesturing inside, "is where they kept Harry Potter locked up. A boy, of only five years old."
Sergeant Barnes stepped closer to the entrance, a look of disbelief on his face. He peered inside, trying to make out details in the dim light. The walls were unadorned, save for a few faint scratches, perhaps made by desperate fingers. A thin, worn-out mattress lay on the floor, covered in stained sheets. There was no light source, only a small, barred window high up, allowing in minimal light.
Sergeant Barnes ran his fingers over the old and faded wallpaper, feeling the cold dampness of the walls. "I've seen some pretty dark things in my time, but this... this is something else."
"They treated him like an animal," murmured Sergeant Barnes.
Sergeant Barnes stepped closer to the entrance, a look of disbelief on his face. He peered inside, trying to make out details in the dim light. The walls were unadorned, save for a few faint scratches, perhaps made by desperate fingers. A thin, worn-out mattress lay on the floor, covered in stained sheets. There was no light source, only a small, barred window high up, allowing in minimal light.
"It's... it's like a prison cell," he whispered, feeling a chill run down his spine.
Officer Bradock nodded gravely. "There were padlocks on the outside. The boy wouldn't have been able to get out on his own."
Sergeant Barnes ran his fingers over the old and faded wallpaper, feeling the cold dampness of the walls. "I've seen some pretty dark things in my time, but this... this is something else."
Nearby, other officers were carefully collecting evidence - photographs of the confined space, fingerprints, and swabs. Officer Patel, one of the forensic experts, held up a tiny metal bowl. "Looks like this was his water dish. There's a rusty chain attached to it."
"They treated him like an animal," murmured Sergeant Barnes.
"No, in my 64 years of life, I only seen something similar to this once, when I was in a German pow camp in World War 2," said Captain Smith.
Captain Smith, with his greying hair and deep lines on his face, had seen much in his time. Yet, the horror in his eyes was palpable as he looked into the cramped space. His broad shoulders tensed, and his fists clenched, suppressing the fury rising within him.
"How could they?" murmured Sergeant Barnes, his voice thick with emotion. "To their own family?"
Captain Smith took a deep breath, memories of war resurfacing. "Evil exists, Barnes. Not just in the grand scheme of world events, but in the very heart of households. We've seen it time and time again. Some people never let go of their darkest instincts."
Officer Bradock turned away from the entrance, unable to stomach the sight any longer. "It's a wonder he survived. We found him at the school, scared out of his wits, hiding from everyone."
Sergeant Barnes sighed deeply. "Let's ensure the boy never sees the inside of this... cage again. And let's get these monsters prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."
Petunia whimpered, tears streaming down her face. "It was Vernon! He was the one who wanted to keep him there! I tried to stop him..."
"Petunia Dursley, Harry Potter has been in your care since 1981 correct" Captain Smith snapped, his patience worn thin.
"Y-yes," Petunia stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
"And it is 1985, he is a five-year-old boy" Captain Smith continued, his voice dripping with disdain. "Did you not hear his cries? Did you not see the desperation in his eyes? I was a member of the SAS during World War two, I was involved in the liberation of Neuengamme concentration camp in Germany. The horrors I witnessed there, children and adults alike imprisoned, tortured... It's a sight that haunts me every single day. And today, in this house, I'm reminded of those horrors."
"I didn't have a choice," Petunia whispered, her voice breaking. "I tried to feed him when Vernon wasn't looking. I tried to comfort him. But Vernon, he was always watching. He was so... so controlling."
"Ah yes the famous I was just following orders excuse!" yelled Captain Smith his face full of anger "It didn't work in 1945 and it won't work here. I have a five-year-old boy in the hospital because of how you and your husband have treated him. You had a choice, you were being paid to care for him, from both his inheritance and the country, the Department of Child Welfare placed the child under your custody, not your husband's. And in all these years, not once did you think of reporting his condition, seeking help, or getting away from Vernon? Your excuses don't stand a chance in front of a child's suffering."
Officer Bradock glared at Petunia. "Your hands are as dirty as your husband's. Maybe you didn't lock him in, but you sure as hell didn't unlock him either."
Petunia sobbed uncontrollably, the weight of her guilt and complicity finally crashing down on her. "I was scared! He said he'd hurt Dudley if I tried anything!"
Captain Smith stepped closer, his voice cold. "Fear can make us do terrible things, but it doesn't absolve us from the consequences. You should've fought for that child. Your sister's child. You failed him."
Another officer, Officer Greene, stepped forward holding a file. "We've been going through their finances, Captain. There's a paper trail of money transfers and unexplained expenses. They were being paid 1000 pounds monthly from the young Potter's inheritance. Along with 350 pounds per month from the DWC, and 100 pounds in food assistance."
"Two questions, how much does that add up to between November 1981 thru September 1985? And is this boy related to Charlus and Dorea Potter?"
Officer Greene quickly scanned the file, doing a swift calculation. "Considering payments starting from November 1981 through September 1985, that's 47 months. Given the amounts, they received a total of £47,000 from Potter's inheritance and £16,450 from the Department of Child Welfare. The food assistance totals £4,700. So, in all, they've received £68,150 over this period."
Captain Smith raised an eyebrow, clearly angered by the figures. "Nearly 70 grand, and yet the boy lived in such deplorable conditions? It's disgraceful."
Greene flipped through a few more pages in the file, stopping on one particular sheet. "As for your second question, Captain, yes, Harry Potter is the grandson of Charlus and Dorea Potter."
"You Petunia are lucky the Charlus and Dorea are not alive, I knew them both during the war, Charlus was the toughest man I have ever met, took down an entire division of Germans by himself. Dorea was the medic every soldier would not dare cross, both won the Victoria Cross for their bravery during the war. If they were here and saw what you've done to their grandson, I shudder to think what they would've done," Captain Smith said with a mixture of anger and sadness.
Petunia's face turned an even paler shade of white, realizing the magnitude of her crimes and the kind of family Harry belonged to. She whimpered, "I didn't know... I thought... Lily just married someone ordinary..."
Captain Smith's eyes bore into her. "You do know if I remember correctly the Potters held the title Marquess of Anglesey. Charlus once told me 'Just because I am a Marquess and a member of the House of Lords, does not mean I shouldn't fight next to the common solider,' when I was shot in the leg by machine gun fire, he picked me up and while under fire he carried me 3 miles to where Dorea was stationed."
Petunia's eyes went wide but Captain Smith continued his rant, "What you don't realize Mrs. Dursley is once this comes to light the media, will be all over this, and your semblance of normalcy is gone. You kept the Marquess's heir, a child with a legacy of bravery and honour, locked up like an animal. The British aristocracy and the general public will tear you apart."
Tears streamed down Petunia's face, the weight of the revelations overwhelming her. The thought of her family being in the public eye, the looming trial, and the hatred she would face from all sides made her knees buckle.
Officer Bradock shook his head. "All for what? Money? Control? Fear? The choices we make always catch up to us in the end."
Captain Smith stepped back, his anger giving way to weariness. "Take her away. I want photographs, of everything, we need to brief the media before they begin to speculate what happened here, hopefully, that will keep the British aristocracy from tearing the department apart."
Officer Bradock nodded, guiding Petunia away as she stumbled, her tears leaving streaks on her pale face. As they left the room, the sounds of muffled sobbing echoed throughout the opulent living room. Officer Patel continued to collect evidence, ensuring that every detail was meticulously documented.
Officer Greene approached Captain Smith, extending the file towards him. "We also found records of school reports for Harry. It seems he's been having difficulties, likely due to the trauma. We should ensure he gets the necessary support."
Captain Smith sighed, rubbing his temples. "This is going to be a storm, Greene. Not just legally, but politically and socially. The Potters are a respected family with a lot of influence. This scandal... it's going to rock the nation."
"Before the media briefing, we will need to talk to his school he should be in year 1 of Key Stage 1 I need a volunteer to join me for that. Let's be thankful it is the summer holidays," said Captain Smith.
Officer Greene nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I'll accompany you, Captain. I've got some experience dealing with schools and teachers. It might help to have someone familiar with the system."
Captain Smith offered a weary smile. "Thank you, Greene. We'll need all hands on deck for this one."
The pair left the Dursley residence, climbing into an unmarked police vehicle. As they pulled out of the driveway, a slew of media vans could be seen in the distance, already swarming the area, trying to get a scoop on the unfolding drama. Captain Smith frowned, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on his shoulders.
Officer Greene looked over, his expression sympathetic. "It's going to be a media circus, Captain. But we'll handle it. We always do."
Captain Smith sighed, adjusting his cap. "It's not just the media that worries me. It's the boy. He's been through unimaginable trauma, and now he's about to be thrust into the limelight. We need to ensure his safety and well-being."
The drive to the school was short, and upon arrival, they were greeted by the headmistress, Mrs. Wilson. She was a tall, stern-looking woman with silver hair pulled back tightly. Her eyes held a mix of concern and surprise.
"Hello headmistress, I am Captain William Smith, and this is Officer Bernard Greene, we are with Surrey Police, we need to talk to you about a boy called Harry Potter he is 5 years old, and he should be moving from early years foundation to key stage 1, we believe he attended here for early years foundation," said Captain Smith
Mrs. Wilson's eyes widened slightly at the mention of Harry Potter. "Ah, yes, young Harry. He is indeed one of our students. He's a quiet boy and often keeps to himself. There have been instances where we've been concerned about him, but we never imagined..." Her voice trailed off, realizing the gravity of the situation.
Captain Smith nodded solemnly. "Headmistress, I need all records about Harry. His performance reports, any medical slips, instances of tardiness, absences, everything."
Mrs. Wilson's posture straightened. "Of course, Captain. I'll have everything gathered for you. However, may I ask what this is all about? Has something happened to Harry?"
Officer Greene answered, "We've found the boy in a rather distressing situation at home, Headmistress. We are now investigating a case of severe child abuse."
"We need to talk with any teacher who has interacted with him, his homeroom teacher, we need every record with him and we need the same with Dudley Dursley age 6," commanded Captain Smith. "Although Dudley was treated very differently than Harry, we need to speak with his teachers as well, also this is going to be a high-profile case so don't be surprised if you see media here"
Mrs. Wilson's expression shifted from surprise to horror. "This is unthinkable. Harry has always been a bit reserved, perhaps even withdrawn at times, but we never suspected anything of this magnitude. I'm regretful that we didn't catch on to this sooner."
She paused, taking a deep breath. "Mrs. Thompson was Harry's main teacher last year. She's mentioned concerns about Harry's demeanour and well-being several times. And Mr. Harris was Dudley's teacher. I can call both of them to the office."
Captain Smith nodded, "That would be helpful, thank you."
Within a few minutes, Mrs. Thompson, a petite woman with short curly hair and glasses, entered the room, followed closely by Mr. Harris, a taller man with a beard and a gentle demeanour.
Both teachers appeared concerned, their eyes darting between Captain Smith, Officer Greene, and the headmistress.
Captain Smith wasted no time. "Mrs. Thompson, Mr. Harris, thank you for joining us. We are conducting an investigation involving Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley. We need every piece of information you can provide about these children and their behaviour in school. Any signs of distress, absenteeism, or anything else out of the ordinary."
"When Harry and Dudley first started school, we were told by Harry was the worst troublemaker imaginable and Dudley is a sweet innocent angel, by their guardians. It was the exact narrative the Dursleys portrayed at home. But within a short period, it became evident that there was a stark difference between what was being told and what we observed," Mrs. Thompson began, adjusting her glasses.
"Dudley was often the instigator of most playground incidents. He had a group of friends who would follow him around, and together they would pick on the weaker students. Harry was often their main target," she continued, her voice shaking slightly. "I've had to reprimand Dudley several times, but whenever I spoke to his parents, they would dismiss my concerns, claiming Dudley could do no wrong."
Mr. Harris interjected, "I've observed the same behaviour in my class. Dudley would often be the ringleader in any mischief, and I've had to separate him and his gang from the rest of the students on more than one occasion. Harry, on the other hand, was quiet, hesitant to engage, and often showed up with unexplained bruises."
Officer Greene jotted down notes, his brow furrowed in concern. "Did Harry ever confide in any of you about his home life? Or give any indication that he was being mistreated?"
Mrs. Thompson hesitated, "There were times when he'd come in especially withdrawn or upset. I tried to talk to him, but he would always deflect or change the subject. I had a feeling something wasn't right."
"I remember one particular instance," she continued, tears forming in her eyes. "It was a chilly day, and while the other children came in wearing their winter jackets, Harry came in wearing just a thin sweater. When I asked him where his jacket was, he said he didn't have one. I offered him one from our lost and found, but he refused, saying his aunt would get mad. That is what led me to call CPS, last December"
Captain Smith looked up, his eyes sharp. "You contacted Child Protective Services? What was the outcome of that call?"
Mrs. Thompson looked down, her hands clasped tightly. "They said they'd look into it. I gave them all the information I had. But a few days later, I was told the matter was resolved and that there was no cause for concern."
Officer Greene's voice was tight with frustration. "They said it was resolved? With no further action taken?"
"Yes," she replied. "I was baffled. I felt in my gut something wasn't right. That was when I discovered that Mr. Dursley's sister is the head of CPS for her district. Dudley the following January boasted how his dad paid off CPS to stop them from doing things."
Captain Smith's face hardened. "That's a blatant conflict of interest. It seems the Dursleys had more influence than we initially thought. We'll need to investigate this further."
Mr. Harris spoke up, "I recall Dudley showing off new toys and gadgets every other week, boasting about how much they cost. Meanwhile, Harry had the same worn-out backpack and shoes the entire year. The disparity was obvious to anyone who paid attention."
Mrs. Thompson added, "Harry rarely participated in school events or activities that required parental permission or any form of payment. He never went on school trips or took part in after-school clubs. I always assumed it was due to financial constraints."
Captain Smith's voice was tight as he explained, "Harry is the Marquess of Anglesey and the last living Potter with that title; money should not have been an issue. but that is not relevant to school, Anything that we should know about Harry and Dudley please tell us?"
Mrs. Thompson took a moment before answering, "Harry, despite the challenges he faced, was quite bright. He would always pay attention in class, and whenever he was given a chance, he would read or draw. There were moments when he'd showcase a glimmer of happiness, mostly when he was engrossed in a book or an activity. It was as if, for a brief moment, he could escape his reality. It always broke my heart to see that light extinguished once he realized he was heading home."
Mr. Harris added, "On the other hand, Dudley would frequently disrupt the class, often demanding attention and getting upset if he wasn't the center of it. He was used to getting his way, and when he didn't, he'd throw tantrums. It was clear he was coddled at home and expected the same treatment at school."
"Harry and Dudley rarely interacted in school," Mrs. Thompson continued. "But when they did, there was an evident power dynamic. Dudley would use his size and influence to intimidate Harry, and Harry would always back down, trying to avoid conflict."
Mr. Harris, trying to find a positive note, added, "Despite everything, Harry had made a couple of friends, mainly children females partially, who were outside of Dudley's circle. They would sit together during lunch and play during breaks. It wasn't much, but it seemed like a small comfort for him."
"How was there attendance records?" asked Captain Smith
Mrs. Wilson, who had been listening intently, pulled out a tablet and quickly accessed the school's attendance records. "Harry had several unexplained absences throughout the year, more than any other student in his year group. Whenever he returned, he seemed even more subdued than usual. Dudley's attendance, on the other hand, was almost perfect, with just a few days missed here and there."
Mrs. Thompson nodded in agreement. "I remember those days when Harry was absent. Whenever I inquired about it upon his return, he'd simply say he wasn't feeling well. But there were times when it seemed like he was covering up for something more."
Captain Smith looked concerned. "Were these absences ever reported or flagged by the school?"
The headmistress responded, "Yes, they were. As is protocol, after three consecutive unexplained absences, we contacted the guardians. When we reached out to the Dursleys, they'd often give vague explanations — a lingering cold, a minor accident at home, or sometimes just saying he needed some time off. We recorded these explanations in our system, but without concrete evidence of wrongdoing, there was only so much we could do."
Officer Greene sighed, "How about Disciplinary records like detentions, suspensions, etc.?"
Mrs. Wilson once again accessed the records on her file cabinet. "Dudley Dursley had multiple disciplinary incidents recorded. He's been given several detentions, mainly for bullying, disrupting class, or defiance towards staff. There was one instance where he was suspended for two days after physically assaulting another student."
Mrs. Thompson added, "That was a particularly severe incident. Dudley and his gang cornered a younger boy in the playground, and Dudley ended up breaking the boy's arm. His parents were called in, and he was suspended, but upon his return, it was as if nothing had happened. He showed no remorse."
Mr. Harris continued, "In my class, Dudley was often reprimanded for not completing his work or for copying from other students. He had this sense of entitlement, believing rules didn't apply to him."
"And Harry?" Officer Greene inquired.
Mrs. Thompson looked pensive for a moment. "Harry never had any major disciplinary issues. There were a couple of instances where he was late to class, but he'd always apologize profusely. Once, he was given a detention for not completing his homework, but when I spoke to him privately, he explained that his 'cousin' had torn up his workbook. I tried to offer him another chance, but he just accepted the detention, saying it was his fault for letting Dudley get to his things."
Captain Smith's expression was grim. "How many detentions he had I know the boys are only 5 and 6, but we need a number, also every suspension they had."
Mrs. Wilson scanned the records again. "Harry had only two detentions throughout the year, including the one Mrs. Thompson just mentioned. Dudley, on the other hand, had fifteen detentions and one suspension for the assault incident."
Mrs. Thompson added, "I remember that second detention for Harry. It was for not bringing in his art supplies. But again, he explained that Dudley had taken them and thrown them away. I offered him supplies from the classroom, but he said he didn't want to be a burden. It struck me as odd, a young boy using such words."
Captain Smith nodded, his face reflecting a mixture of anger and sadness. "How did the kids dress?"
Mrs. Thompson took a deep breath before beginning, "Harry's attire was always a point of concern for me. He often wore clothes that were too big for him, appearing as hand-me-downs. They were worn out, frayed at the edges, and sometimes had visible patches or stitches. It wasn't uncommon for him to wear the same outfit multiple days in a row. On colder days, as I mentioned earlier, he didn't have appropriate winter clothing. His shoes were also noticeably tattered, and I could tell they were uncomfortable for him."
Mr. Harris chimed in, "On the contrary, Dudley was always dressed in the latest children's fashion. His clothes looked brand new and were always clean and ironed. He would often boast about the brands he was wearing and make fun of other children for their 'cheap' clothes, especially Harry."
Mrs. Thompson's voice grew soft, "There was one day, just before winter break, when the children were excitedly discussing their holiday plans. Harry was wearing an oversized, faded jumper with a tear on the sleeve. One of the girls in the class asked him why he didn't ask Santa for new clothes. Harry simply replied that he didn't believe in Santa because Santa never visited him. The sadness in his eyes was palpable."
Captain Smith clenched his jaw, his eyes cold. "This may sound odd, but is there a medical record for each child? if yes are the vaccines up to date?"
Mrs. Wilson nodded and tapped her tablet once again, pulling up the medical records for the two boys. "Yes, we keep a basic medical record for each student which includes vaccination records, allergies, and any known medical conditions."
She paused as she analyzed the data. "Dudley's records show that he is up-to-date with all his vaccinations, and there are no listed allergies or medical conditions. Harry, on the other hand..." She hesitated, her face a picture of concern. "His vaccination records seem incomplete. The last entry is from when he was just a baby. There's also a note here about possible malnutrition and a recommendation for a medical review, but there's no follow-up listed."
Captain Smith's expression darkened further. "You mean to tell me that a boy under the care of guardians, who was attending a public institution, had not received his vaccinations and there was a concern about malnutrition, and no action was taken?"
Mrs. Wilson swallowed hard. "It appears that way, Captain. All medical concerns are reported to the guardians, and it's their responsibility to ensure that their child receives the necessary medical attention. In the case of vaccinations, parents have the right to decline for various reasons, though we always recommend they keep them up-to-date. With Harry, we reached out to the Dursleys multiple times regarding the medical review recommendation, but we were either met with hostility or were brushed off."
Mrs. Thompson added, "It's also worth noting that Harry seemed to tire easily, especially during physical activities. He would often be out of breath or complain of aches, which isn't typical for a five-year-old child."
Officer Greene's brow furrowed as he continued jotting down notes. "This may seem like a very strange question but in Art class, what did Harry draw, we are asking because when we searched his cupboard, we found a journal with strange images drawn most notable was an eye with two lines crossing each other, A strange c with an arrow, a wired w with a c, an x with a scythe, a diamond with horns, we also found many drawings of the moon, a forest, and many different animals mostly predatory animals and stags, we also found many different drawing of arrows."
Mrs. Thompson hesitated for a moment, recalling the art sessions. "In art class, Harry did seem to gravitate towards a recurring set of symbols and themes. He often drew images that were a bit more... abstract than what other children his age would typically draw.
"I remember the symbols you mentioned. The eye with the two lines was something he drew frequently, usually surrounded by patterns that resembled waves or winds. The strange 'c' with an arrow and the other symbols also appeared multiple times in his art projects."
"As for the animals, yes, he often drew predatory animals. The stag, in particular, was a recurring motif. The way he drew it was both striking and mature for his age; it often had a regal, protective aura to it. Once, when asked about the stag, he mentioned it was a protector in his dreams. The forest scenes he painted were dark, almost haunting, with the moon usually in its various phases."
Mr. Harris added, "I've seen his sketches of arrows as well. At one point, during a free drawing session, he spent the entire period perfecting a single arrow, sketching it from different angles, with varying fletchings and tips. I initially thought it might be a phase or a fascination with archery."
"Back to the symbols did he ever mention what they mean? and what did the symbols look like to you?" asked Captain Smith.
Mrs. Thompson shook her head slowly. "Harry was rather reserved about his drawings. Whenever I inquired about the symbols, he would usually change the subject or just shrug. But one time, when I pressed a bit, he mentioned that they were symbols from his dreams. He didn't elaborate further, and I didn't want to push him too hard. He seemed... protective of those symbols as if they held a personal significance to him."
Mr. Harris chimed in, "To me, the symbols appeared almost like runes or ancient markings. It's quite unusual for a child of his age to draw such intricate and consistent symbols. They were always symmetrically perfect, and the detailing was meticulous."
Mrs. Thompson added, "I did some research on my own once, trying to understand if these symbols had any known cultural or historical significance. The closest I came was a book from Cambridge University on Angelic Symbols, and those symbols were a perfect match for what he drew, the diamond with horns is the symbol for Angelic power, x with a scythe is the symbol for good luck, a wired w with a c is the symbol for expectation, the strange c with an arrow is the symbol for Agony, strange c with an arrow is the symbol for fearless, and you didn't mention it but in his art he typically has a cross with smaller cross which is the symbol for calm anger. and that was the only book I found, and it was written in 592 and the book is in Latin, I only know how to read it because I have studied Latin."
Captain Smith leaned forward, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "That's very intriguing. So, you're suggesting that a child, presumably with no exposure to these ancient symbols, was drawing them with such precision and frequency?"
Mrs. Thompson nodded, "Yes, Captain. That's precisely what I found puzzling. I even approached the Dursleys once during a parent-teacher meeting, asking if Harry had access to any old books or if they had any family traditions related to these symbols. They just brushed it off, saying Harry had an overactive imagination and that they didn't know where he got these ideas from."
Officer Greene, who had been listening intently, interjected, "It's worth noting that in our preliminary investigations, we found no evidence of any books, especially not one as described by Mrs. Thompson, in the Dursley household."
Mrs. Wilson added, "It's also worth mentioning that, apart from these unique symbols and drawings, I have managed to overhear Harry talking to himself repeatedly in a language of Greek origin when he is alone I once recorded him and let my mother listen to it and she said it was perfect Mycenean Greek, a language of Ancient Greece, but the strange thing is the dialect he was speaking died out around the 12th century BC, although my mother was less than pleased with what he was saying, and had some very choice words about what a child should be saying"
Captain Smith's eyes narrowed. "This is becoming more intriguing by the minute. A child speaking a dead dialect of Greek, drawing ancient Angelic symbols, and showing signs of neglect? All of this is puzzling. And I'm very interested to know what he was saying in that recording."
Mrs. Wilson hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. "It was... unusual, to say the least. My mother is a retired professor of classical languages, and she was astounded by the accuracy of his pronunciation and the fluidity with which he spoke. However, she was also alarmed by the content. I do have the recording and what my mother translated it to if you want it? I am going to warn you though it contains graphic language."
Captain Smith nodded. "A. it's 1985, I am sure every child uses profanity in this day and age, and B. I am a World War 2 veteran I probably heard worse. I need to hear the recording and see the translation"
Mrs. Wilson took a deep breath, pulling out a small cassette recorder from her bag. She clicked the play button, and the room was filled with the soft, melodic voice of Harry speaking. The words were unfamiliar, rhythmic and enchanting in their way, and yet there was an undertone of frustration, pain, and anger.
After a few minutes, the recording ended, and she handed Captain Smith a handwritten note. It was the translation of Harry's words:
"Why do they treat me so? I'm no less than them, but they act as if I'm dirt. The world's unfairness burns me, and sometimes I wish I could make them feel my pain. Those wretched people, their laughter echoes in my ears, and their words sting like arrows. Why am I forsaken? Why doesn't anyone see my pain? I am not a toy to be thrown around. One day, they'll regret all they've done to me."
Captain Smith read the note multiple times, each time his expression growing grimmer. He finally looked up, "This child, at his tender age, feels such depths of pain, isolation, and neglect. It's heartbreaking. And the intricacies of the language, the Angelic symbols, and his other behaviours are pieces of a puzzle we need to solve."
Officer Greene nodded, "It might be necessary to delve deeper into Harry's background, maybe even consult experts in child psychology and ancient languages. We need to ensure his safety, first and foremost."
Captain Smith ran a hand through his hair, deep in thought. "It's as if he has access to knowledge from a past era. How can a child of this age know all this without any apparent exposure? And anything else we should know about either Harry and Dudley before we interview Vernon and Petunia Dursley?"
Mrs. Wilson thought for a moment. "Dudley, in all fairness, is just a spoiled child. He's not inherently evil or anything of that sort. But he's grown up in an environment where he's been conditioned to believe that he's superior, especially in comparison to Harry. He's been given everything he's ever wanted and has learned to manipulate situations to his advantage. But deep down, I think there's a desire for genuine connection and understanding, it's just been overshadowed by his upbringing."
Mrs. Thompson added, "On the topic of Harry, there's one more thing I'd like to mention. While many of his peers have been hesitant to interact with him due to Dudley's influence and Harry's often reclusive nature, there are times when they've approached him for help, especially with their schoolwork. Even though Harry is cautious and tends to keep to himself, he never hesitates to lend a helping hand. There's a kindness in him, a sort of quiet strength that's hard to miss."
Mr. Harris nodded in agreement. "Harry also has an uncanny ability to understand animals. We've had a few incidents where stray cats or dogs have wandered onto the school grounds. While most children would be scared or apprehensive, Harry approaches them calmly, speaking to them in gentle tones. It's as if he has a deep connection with the natural world, understanding it on a level most of us can't fathom."
Captain Smith's interest was piqued. "Animals? Interesting. And this connection he has, has it ever presented any... peculiar incidents?"
Mrs. Thompson hesitated for a brief moment. "There was this one time, during a field trip to the local park. A bird had injured its wing, and the children gathered around it, some feeling sorry, others poking fun. Harry knelt beside the bird, whispered something to it, and held it gently in his hands. Within minutes, the bird flapped its wings and flew away, seemingly unharmed. It was... strange, to say the least."
"anything else?"
Mr. Harris cleared his throat, "There was another incident, not directly related to animals but nature itself. During a particularly dry summer, our school's garden was wilting and most of the plants were on the brink of dying. We'd given up hope on them. One day, during recess, I saw Harry walk up to the garden. He stood there for a while, just looking at the plants, and then he placed his hands on the ground. It might have been my imagination, but the area around where he touched seemed to become a shade greener. Over the next few days, despite no change in the weather or additional watering, the plants in that garden began to thrive. It was unexplainable."
Mrs. Wilson added, "And there's also the matter of how he interacts with his peers on the rare occasions when he does. Once, a girl in his class was being bullied by a group of older students. They were teasing her relentlessly about her glasses. Harry, who usually kept to himself, stepped in. He didn't shout or threaten, he simply stood beside the girl and looked at the bullies. There was a certain intensity in his eyes, an unspoken challenge. The bullies backed off almost immediately as if compelled to do so."
Captain Smith raised an eyebrow. "Compelled?"
Mr. Harris nodded. "It's hard to explain. It was as if there was an invisible force emanating from Harry, protecting the girl. Later, the same girl told me that she felt a warmth surrounding her when Harry stood by her side as if she was enveloped in a protective bubble."
"There have also been times when Harry seemed to know things he shouldn't. For instance, during a social studies class, we were going over the tale of Artemis and Sipriotes, a lesser-known myth from Greek mythology. Before I even got to the part where Sipriotes encountered Artemis and was transformed into a woman as a result of seeing her bathing, Harry spoke up, recounting the tale in minute detail. Not just the main story, but intricate nuances and subtleties that aren't even found in our textbooks. He spoke of it as if he had been there, witnessed the event firsthand." added Mrs. Tompson
"We soon found out a repeated occurrence whenever we went over a myth involving Artemis, for example when we discussed the tale of Actaeon, the unfortunate hunter who happened upon Artemis while she was bathing, Harry again took the lead. He described how Actaeon was turned into a stag for his transgression and was then pursued and torn apart by his hunting dogs. But the way Harry told it, it was as if he felt the fear, the remorse, and the eventual acceptance of Actaeon's fate. He even went on to explain the symbolism behind the story, the consequences of violating sacred boundaries and the unpredictable nature of divine retribution. It was truly eerie, almost as if he had a personal connection with the tales of Artemis."
Officer Greene, still taking notes, added, "If I may, there are also some other unusual reports from the neighbourhood. Mrs. Figg, a local resident, once mentioned that she often found Harry speaking to her cats as if they could understand him. And not just typical childlike talking to pets, but having actual conversations where it seemed like the cats were responding to him through their gestures."
Mrs. Wilson recalled another incident, "During a particularly cold winter, many of the local birds had a hard time finding food. Harry was often seen in the schoolyard, scattering crumbs for them. One day, I saw him surrounded by birds of various species, all seemingly waiting for their turn. It was a sight to behold, with Harry standing still in the midst, the birds flitting around him in a coordinated dance, as if they were all connected by some invisible thread."
"There were other similar instances too," Mrs. Thompson added. "During a school outing to a local farm, while other children were squealing and laughing around the animals, Harry seemed to have a calming effect on them. The horses, which were usually skittish around loud noises, would approach him gently, allowing him to pet and feed them. The farm's old sheepdog, known for its grumpy disposition, sat obediently by Harry's side as he whispered something into its ear."
Mr. Harris recalled another memory. "There's also the incident during a stormy day. We were all inside the school, watching as the storm raged on. A tree near the playground had been struck by lightning and was on the verge of collapsing. Harry was seen walking up to it, placing his hand on the trunk, and muttering something. Miraculously, the tree seemed to stabilize, and even though its bark was charred, it remained standing and eventually recovered."
Mrs. Thompson remembered another incident, "On one occasion, during a school assembly, the power went out unexpectedly. While most children were startled or scared, Harry remained calm. I saw him close his eyes and mutter something under his breath. Moments later, the entire hall was bathed in a soft, silvery light. It emanated from nowhere and everywhere, creating an almost dreamlike ambiance. When the power returned, the light vanished as mysteriously as it had appeared. When I asked him about it later, he shrugged and mentioned that 'the moon had lent him some light'. It was both fascinating and bewildering."
Captain Smith took a deep breath, processing all the information. "These accounts, when looked at individually, might be dismissed as coincidences or overactive imaginations. But when you piece them all together, a pattern emerges. Harry is no ordinary child. There are elements of mysticism, ancient knowledge, and a deep connection with nature that we can't simply ignore."
Mrs. Wilson, with a concerned tone, said, "All of this makes me wonder what kind of life Harry leads at home. Given the neglect he's shown at school, and the clear distinction between how he and Dudley are treated, it's alarming to think of what he might be going through."
Captain Smith nodded gravely. "Indeed. We have to ensure his safety and well-being. The more we uncover, the more pressing the need becomes to intervene. We can't ignore the signs, especially with so many witnesses validating these unusual events."
Mrs. Thompson sighed, "The question remains, what does all of this mean for Harry? Are these gifts or burdens? And how can we best support him?"
Captain Smith replied, "For now, our immediate priority is to ensure his safety and investigate the Dursleys thoroughly. Vernon and Petunia are under arrest for abuse (child, physical, mental, emotional and psychological), false imprisonment, child negligence, starvation, child slavery, cruel and unusual punishments, torture, child endangerment, attempted second-hand child murder, Fraud, Bribery, Tax evasion, and other crimes I am going to talk with them later today. And I know the hospital has said he does have relatives in the States who are willing to take him in. That being said I am going to warn you this is going to be a Media Circus, so if you have anything else to tell we law enforcement should know, tell us now."
Mrs. Wilson nodded, taking a deep breath. "Given what we've discussed today, I believe it's essential that Harry's unique abilities and experiences be kept as private as possible. We've all seen how rumours can spread, especially in the media. If word gets out about his connections with nature and his knowledge of ancient languages and myths, it could attract the wrong kind of attention. Harry could become a target for those who wish to exploit or harm him."
Mr. Harris added, "In the past, there have been a few incidents where strangers have approached the school, asking about Harry. They never identified themselves clearly, and always left when we started asking questions. I never thought much of it then, but in light of what we now know, it's concerning."
Mrs. Thompson spoke up, "I've also noticed an older gentleman, wearing half-moon spectacles and a purple robe, observing the school from a distance on multiple occasions. He seemed to be specifically watching Harry during recess or outdoor activities. I approached him once, and he introduced himself as Albus Dumbledore. He claimed to be an old friend of the family and said he was just checking in on Harry."
Captain Smith nodded and said "And did you confirm that with the Dursleys or call the police? and was he on school grounds?"
Mrs. Thompson hesitated for a moment before replying, "I didn't confirm with the Dursleys. Given their attitude towards Harry, I thought it best not to involve them unless necessary. And no, I didn't call the police either. At the time, he didn't seem threatening and even appeared kind-hearted. He was always just inside the school boundaries."
Captain Smith frowned, tapping his fingers on the table. "That's concerning. Regardless of his intentions, it's never appropriate for an unidentified adult to be watching a child at school. We'll need to look into this Albus Dumbledore further."
Mrs. Wilson interjected, "I also had an encounter with this Dumbledore. He once approached me during a parent-teacher conference and inquired about Harry's academic progress and general well-being. I found it odd that he knew so much about Harry, including his living situation with the Dursleys. He mentioned that he had been keeping an eye on Harry 'for his own good' but didn't go into further detail."
Captain Smith's brow furrowed. "I know this technology is still new, but do you have CCTV footage of it? If yes I want to see the footage, If no, tell me everything about this character, including times he checked it, Law dictates you should have a copy of his ID card if he signed in as a visitor, failure to provide ID law dictates you should have called police to escort him out"
Officer Greene went to his radio and said "I need a background check on Albus PBW Dumbledore"
Mrs. Thompson looked sheepish, "I admit, at the time, it didn't raise as many red flags as it should have. We were still transitioning to the new security measures, and while CCTV cameras had been installed, I can't say for sure if they were active on those specific days. I'll have our IT team pull up any available footage."
Mr. Harris chimed in, "Our visitor log should have a record if he signed in, but if he was always just inside the school boundaries, he might not have. Either way, I can pull up the logs from the past year."
Mrs. Wilson added, "Dumbledore had an air of authority about him, and he spoke with such conviction and knowledge about Harry's situation that it was easy to overlook the usual protocols. It's something I deeply regret now."
A crackle came from Officer Greene's radio, "Background check on Albus PBW Dumbledore shows, Active warrants, Failure to report to the 1916 military draft. please be advised there is a restraining order filled four years ago in 1981, do you need the details?"
Officer Greene looked up, his face serious. "Yes, provide the details on that restraining order."
The voice on the radio responded, "The restraining order was filed by Marquess James Charlus Potter and Marchioness Lily Grace Potter nee Fairchild, specifically for their son, Harry James Potter. The order clearly states that Albus PBW Dumbledore is to stay at least 500 yards away from Harry and have no direct or indirect contact with him under any circumstances. Any violation of this order will result in immediate arrest. A second Restraining order was filed, by Duke Arcturus Black, for his sister Dorea Potter and her son James Charlus Potter, after the death of Marquess Charlus Henry Potter in 1978."
Captain Smith's expression darkened. "This is serious. Not only has this Dumbledore been violating a clear restraining order, but he's been doing so multiple times and for several years. This raises further concerns about his motives and intentions towards Harry. And the school's lax security measures have inadvertently facilitated these violations."
Mrs. Thompson paled. "I'm deeply sorry. I should have been more vigilant, and I take full responsibility for our oversight. We'll make sure to pull up all the logs and footage available and provide it to the authorities."
Officer Greene jotted down a few notes, then spoke up, "We'll need to notify other local law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for this Dumbledore character. Given his repeated violations, it's clear he has a vested interest in Harry. And with the Dursleys out of the picture, he might make more direct attempts to contact or even abduct him."
Mrs. Wilson looked worried. "What can we do to ensure Harry's safety? Given everything we've learned today, I fear he might be in more danger than we previously thought."
Captain Smith nodded, deep in thought. "First, we'll need to increase security measures at the school and inform the staff about the situation. Every member should be made aware of Dumbledore and his descriptions, and any sightings should be immediately reported. Secondly, the information about Harry's unique abilities and experiences should remain confidential. As you've rightly pointed out, Mrs. Wilson, any leaks to the media could put Harry in further jeopardy. Thirdly how would you feel about having MI-5 agents, and police on campus?"
Mrs. Wilson sighed, her face etched with worry. "While I understand the importance of ensuring Harry's safety, I'm concerned about how such heightened security will impact the other students. We strive to provide a nurturing and safe environment, and the presence of law enforcement might create a sense of unease among the children."
Mr. Harris nodded in agreement. "I share Mrs. Wilson's concerns. However, given the circumstances, we must prioritize Harry's safety above all else. Perhaps we can find a way to balance both, ensuring security without causing unnecessary panic."
Captain Smith nodded, " I am asking you because when this breaks out that is what the House of Lords will do. Police will take over all security matters in the school, while MI-5 will be watching the school while hiding in plain sight. I know for a fact Mi-5 will have military-trained snipers looking at Harry."
Mrs. Thompson took a deep breath, processing the gravity of the situation. "We understand the severity of this. Maybe we can frame the increased security as a new safety initiative for the school. The presence of MI-5 agents can be covert, blending in as new staff members or part of the administrative team. As for the police, perhaps they can rotate in plainclothes officers so their presence isn't overtly noticeable."
Mrs. Wilson considered this. "That sounds like a balanced approach. If the law enforcement officers are not in uniform, it might lessen the impact on the children's psyche. But we'll need to have a meeting with the entire staff to make them aware of the situation without causing panic."
Captain Smith agreed, "That's a prudent approach. We'll coordinate with MI-5 and the local police to ensure this transition is as smooth as possible. The safety of Harry and every student at this school is our primary concern."
Mr. Harris scratched his chin thoughtfully. "What about Harry's long-term safety? Even if we ensure he's safe at school, what about when he goes home, especially now that the Dursleys are out of the picture?"
Captain Smith leaned forward, "From what I've gathered, Harry has relatives in the States willing to take him in. It might be a good idea to expedite that process, considering the circumstances. An international move might make it harder for this Dumbledore character or any other potential threats to track him down."
Mrs. Wilson nodded, "Agreed. We should liaise with the Child Welfare Department and see if they can fast-track the process. In the interim, we'll need a safe place for Harry to stay. Maybe a foster family with strong ties to law enforcement, so he's protected 24/7?"
Officer Greene added, "Harry is already being fostered, according to the hospital he is at."
Captain Smith raised an eyebrow. "That was fast. Do we have details on this foster family?"
Officer Greene flipped through his notes. "Yes, Harry has been placed temporarily with Erika von Essar, and Artemis Phaesporia. Erika is a Holocaust survivor and old friend of Lily Potter, while Artemis is his godmother."
Captain Smith looked thoughtful. "That's reassuring. Knowing he's with someone familiar and connected to his family will help ease the transition. Still, it wouldn't hurt to have someone from law enforcement keep an eye on the situation, given everything we've discussed today."
Mrs. Thompson agreed, "That name sounds familiar Erika Von Essar?"
Mrs. Wilson added, "She did a presentation at the school in 1982,"
"Ah, yes," Mrs. Thompson recalled. "She spoke about her experiences during the Holocaust, what it was like being Jewish in Germany during the 1930s, the importance of tolerance, and the dangers of prejudice. I remember it was deeply moving. Many students, including the staff, were in tears by the end of her talk. It's comforting to know that Harry is in the hands of someone with such a strong moral compass."
Captain Smith nodded. "It's reassuring, indeed. But we mustn't let our guard down. Dumbledore, or anyone else interested in Harry, might not be easily dissuaded. We have to remain vigilant."
Officer Greene mentioned, "Given the extensive list of offences that the Dursleys face, I believe their prosecution will be swift. But their arrest might bring about unexpected consequences. If Dumbledore or any other party was indirectly working with them or using them to keep an eye on Harry, they might become more direct in their approach now."
Mr. Harris mused, "We might also consider holding a session for parents. They will surely hear about the increased security and the media will have their version of events. We should have an open line of communication and keep them informed."
Captain Smith agreed. "That's a good idea. The last thing we need is panic and rumours spreading. A well-informed community is a stronger one. I can coordinate with local law enforcement to have representatives present during the session to answer questions and provide assurance."
Mrs. Wilson remarked, "We also need to consider Harry's mental well-being. The trauma from his past and the sudden changes in his life can be overwhelming for a young boy. I suggest we bring in a child psychologist or counsellor to help him navigate through these trying times."
Captain Smith gave a nod of approval. "Definitely. It's not just about physical safety, but emotional and mental well-being as well. I'll see if we can get someone from Child Welfare to recommend a trusted professional."
Officer Greene looked at his notes again. "Regarding the surveillance on the school grounds, I'll coordinate with MI-5 to ensure that their presence is discreet but effective. We'll also need a communication channel to update each other regularly, especially if there are any new developments."
A/N: Sorry for this chapter being so dialogue-heavy, I was lost on how to reduce the dialogue.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed or commented on this fic, I read and try to respond to every review and I use them to gauge how to further improve my writing... so please Review.
This is part one of a chapter that has two parts I had to split the chapters exactly in half so Monday's update will be just as long as this one.
FFN Reviews:
Andrew Lee Houghton chapter 2 . Nov 27
Hera should not be too bad as his parents were married
You are ignoring the glaring issue that Hera has a dislike towards Artemis since she is a child of Zeus not born of her, and she will do anything to see a child of Zeus suffer.
Gamelover41592 chapter 2 . Nov 27
excellent work on this chapter and glad Apollo and Demeter came to help, also thank you for answering my question
No problem. glad you liked the chapter
