I do not own anything from the harry potter universe, unfortunately.

"Normal Talking"

'Thoughts'

"Parseltongue"

Stiff that was one word that could describe how Harry felt. He thankfully didn't feel pain just very stiff and maybe a bit sore in some spots. For a moment he was very confused, why was he staring at the familiar Hospital wing ceiling? Even with his terrible vision, he would recognize it anywhere, blurry or not. He wanted to move but found that grogginess kept him from moving. Then all at once, it began to flood back to his brain and his eyes widened.

"Daphne!" He yelled out his voice sounding hoarse as he sat bolt right up. That was a mistake as his soreness flared into pain and he groaned in pain.

"Whoa easy there champ." He heard a familiar voice and felt a pair of hands coaxing him back into a laying down position.

"Jones?" He asked looking over making out her hazy form.

"Yup, here drink some of this." She said and held up a cup of water with a straw which he eagerly slurped up. She then handed him his glasses which he thanked her for before putting them on.

"Jones, what happened? I remember the merpeople and... casting my spell but after that it gets foggy." He said and it was true, he remembered the flames and the struggle but after he ordered the beast to take them all out of the lake he couldn't recall.

"Well, after your very incredible performance you passed out. You got Daphne and Fleur's litter sister, her name is Gabrielle by the way, out of the water. After that, it was a bit hectic. They had to clear everyone out Crouch looked like he was about to blow a cauldron with how angry he was and Dumbledore looked like he'd just seen a ghost or something. He wanted to take you away or something even pulled a wand on you. Amelia stunned him and as far as I know, he is still under office arrest. Madam Bones and her Aurors got you to the hospital quickly after that."

Harry nodded Crouch being angry made a little sense, he definitely would've viewed the spell he used as very dark magic. Dumbledore was a surprise and also not a surprise, he had known Dumbledore wanted to get to him but to do it so publicly. It was foolish and not Dumbledore's style, the spell must've rattled him.

"And Daphne? Susan and Hermione? Are they all okay?"

"Yes, they are all fine, after the enchantment lifted Daphne was right as rain just cold. She was more worried about you, and so were Susan and Hermione. Plus there's that." Jones said pointing to the other side of the bed and Harry saw Demona laying next to his bed.

"That beast nearly tore Dumbledore apart but thankfully your girlfriends were able to calm her down." Harry smiled and reached out to pet his companion as she lifted her head before becoming elated at seeing him awake. She released what he could tell was a happy bark but to others would've been a rather guttural and scary sound. She then proceeded to lay her head on his lap and he could hear the thudding of her tail as it whacked the nearby bed pushing them around.

"Thanks, girl I'm alright." He said petting her warm fur.

"Daphne, Susan, and Hermione wanted to be here but after two days McGonagall made them return to their dorms for some proper rest. Now they're in classes and you're stuck with me."

"Two days? How long have I been out?" Jones adopted a mock thinking pose.

"What's today? Tuesday... so about four days." Harry's eyes widened at that.

"Four days!?" He exclaimed and Jones nodded before suddenly looking somber.

"There's something else... your magic... you can't use it." She said her eyes not meeting him as he felt himself go cold. What had happened, he had been training so he could use that spell, and yes while it wasn't ideal conditions he still should've been fine. Did the goblet disqualify him and take his magic?

"For the next three days at least." Jones said as Harry stared at her wide-eyed before he suddenly looked murderous.

"You... YOU!" He could form words as he wanted to reach for her but his soreness won out. "When I can feel my arms again I will strangle you!" He growled and Jones cackled madly.

"Don't threaten me with a good time." She joked as Harry rolled his eyes. He was then surprised when she suddenly wrapped herself around him bringing him in for a hug.

"You really had me worried you know." She said and Harry relaxed into her embrace, idly he wondered if this is what it would've been like to have a proper sibling in his life. They maintained their embrace for a moment before Jones returned to her seat.

"What about the other champions?" He asked.

"Well, as you imagine Fleur was very thankful to you for saving her sister. So were her parents, which by the way are also upset at not only Dumbledore but the whole of the tournament organizers."

"Not that I'm complaining but... why?"

"Turns out that asking the students but not the parents for permission to participate in the task is a big no-no. Especially when one of those people is a little girl who isn't even a student at any of the schools."

"Wait she's not even a student?"

"Nope, Gabrielle is just eight right now. So that's causing a bit of a stir since her father is the French minister." Harry was shocked at that, were the organizers really so arrogant not to even think to ask the parent's permission? Oh, wait of course they were.

"Yeah, so now our Minister, good old Pudge, oh I mean Fudge. He's pretty much up to his neck in shit right now seeing as how he has the French minister, House Belligar, and the House Greengrass ganging up on him. Of course, he's trying to paw off the responsibility towards Dumbledore and the other organizers. Madame Maxime had made it clear that she wanted to use Fleur's date as her hostage for the task, the decision to use her little sister instead was made last-minute without her consent or council. She's still getting some heat but not nearly as much as the others. I don't think Kakaroff cares about it." Jones clarified and Harry felt himself smirk at that.

"Beyond that nothing else matters, the tournament has been temporarily postponed for the time being until they can change out the staff. Unfortunately, they can't just cancel it since you lot are still in magical binding contracts."

"Does it matter? There's nothing after this except the last task and that's not for another three months."

"It's appearances Harry, yeah it means basically nothing but it's just an official thing, for the records." She said and Harry agreed.

"Yeah, So how long is that going to take?"

"Shouldn't be too long, Amelia is pretty much a shoo-in, and from what I hear she's handpicking the others. Don't know if they are going to keep with the original task or not but that's up to them." Harry nodded.

"Ah, I see that you're up, good." They heard a voice say as they turned to see Amelia Bones entering the hospital wing. She strode forward her steps firm and confident her head raised high and back straight. Of all the adults Harry had met in the Wizarding world, so far, Amelia took the prize when it came to respectability and presence.

"We will need a moment Miss Jones, I do believe your free period ended nearly an hour ago." Amelia said and Jones was smart enough not to argue but still made a joke.

"Well, I'm such a good student I don't really need to show up to class anymore, but since you want to talk to your future son-in-law I'll go." Jones said with a grin and dashed out of the Hospital after she finished her sentence. Amelia just rolled her eyes and Harry shook his head, too tired to be embarrassed about the son-in-law comment. Amelia took the seat that Jones occupied before as she looked toward him.

"How are you feeling?" She asked and he smiled.

"Sore and tired but alive... though apparently, I can't use magic for the next few days."

"You can use it, but it is advised that you do not. You stressed your core to the limit, from what I understand Madam Pomfrey said that your performance caused you extreme magical exhaustion. However, after you have recovered you should feel much more powerful. Your core expanded exponentially when you performed that spell. She fully expected it to be completely torn and crippled but apparently, you have been training for this. Thanks to that your core simply expanded instead of exploding. Though you didn't escape unscathed." She said gesturing to his arm which Harry had failed to notice was Bandaged.

"Spell burns, despite Pomfrey's best efforts you will scar." Harry didn't mind that, at least it would be a scar that reminded him of a triumph instead of just pain like his other scars.

"So, I imagine Miss Jones filled you in?" Harry nodded "Good, this is both a good thing and bad thing. It's a good thing because now we can be absolutely sure that Dumbledore will be removed from his position as Headmaster, he can try to twist it however he wants but the act of pulling a wand on a student is not something to just explain away. He's already tried saying that he wanted to check on your condition and ensure your safety but that was beyond his bounds as that is why we had the medical tent. The bad news is that we have to move up our plans, something I wanted to hold off until I gathered as much evidence as I could but it will have to do. Unfortunately, I can't see this case waiting for very long so we will have to act fast. Or rather I will have to act fast."

"What about me?"

"Postponed or not, you are still contracted meaning you can't stray too far from Hogwarts grounds. I will have to take as many of your memories as I can for the trial but you will not be able to attend."

"What about his other positions?" Harry asked and Amelia rubbed her eyes and sighed loudly.

"As I said, I would've liked to have more time. The Supreme Mugwump position is rather secure since I can think of some people who would do well in the position and none of the Dark families would be too interested in it since it's much harder and more dangerous to use bribes on the global wizarding stage. In their eyes, the risk far outweighs the possible benefits. Now the Chief Warlock position is the issue that is a key position in our ministry and if someone like Lucious gets their claws in it then expect wave after wave of Pure-blood focused legislation coming out." Amelia explained.

"What about you? Couldn't you take the positions? Dumbledore had all three of them at the same time." Harry asked.

"Yes, I could but it wouldn't go through, Having three positions of such power was unheard of until Dumbledore he only got it since he was seen as a war hero and at the time the dark families knew to keep their mouths shut after Grindelwald's defeat. I could maybe secure the Chief Warlock position but that leaves the Mugwump as well as the Head of Hogwarts open. Now the Leadership of Hogwarts will most likely fall to McGonagall, at least temporarily. There will be a discussion for all the teachers but I don't expect any of them to be let go." Harry was glad to hear that besides Snape he didn't feel any animosity toward the other teachers. And even he and Snape were even starting to become at least courteous to each other.

"So then it's the Mugwump then?"

"Yes, like I said none of the Dark families would be too interested in that position. A lot of work for very little profit and no proper Pureblood wants to actually earn what they have or want. Though I will keep my eye on it. Now that's just towards Albus and the shitstorm coming his way. Now as for your Godfather and yourself that's another Hiccup. We haven't heard from you Godfather, you did send that Elf you told me about to him yes?"

"Yes, he hasn't come back yet?" Amelia shook her head.

"No, he hasn't, what were your exact orders to him?" She asked and Harry thought about it before realizing what the issue must've been.

"Dobby?" He called out and with a pop, the excitable Elf appeared before him on the foot of his bed. Demona regarded Dobby for a moment before closing her eyes, content to rest her head upon Harry's lap.

"Yes, Master Harry?" Dobby asked eager to carry out any task that Harry could give him.

"My letter to Sirius did you deliver it?"

"Oh yes, but Master Harry Potter was not alone at all these past few days, Dobby would've been seen."

"Did he give a reply?" Dobby nodded enthusiastically.

"Oh yes, He was quite eager." Dobby said pulling an envelope from his pillowcase shirt. Harry felt a bit guilty at that, remembering what Daphne had said about treating elves.

"Thank you, Dobby. Say how about we get you some better clothes soon?" Dobby seemed appalled at the idea.

"H-Has Dobby done something bad? I am so so sorry Great and Powerful Harry Potter I am so so sorry!" He began to wail as his eyes began to fill with tears.

"No! Not like that, I meant for yourself like a better shirt." Harry said quickly and Dobby sniffled.

"O-oh I s-see, Dobby be silly of course the most gracious and honorable Harry Potter would offer such things." He said wiping his eyes.

"Harry focus, on the letter." Amelia said trying to get the conversation back on track and Harry nodded. He quickly opened it and read its contents.

"He's on board, obviously, he says he is readily awaiting your visit. He's included his current lodgings." Harry said handing the letter over to Amelia who took it and read it.

"That's good, I wanted to get this all over in one fell swoop but that's going to be tricky." Amelia sat and thought for a moment before pulling out her wand and clearing the parchment of the contents. She then conjured a quill and had it begin writing on the page. Once that was done she folded it and summoned the envelope before resealing it.

"Dobby take this to Black and have him follow the instructions to the letter." Dobby looked at her before looking at Harry.

"Do as she says, and be careful." Harry said and Dobby nodded before taking the letter. He quickly popped away to complete his task.

"What did you write?"

"It's better if you don't know if you do someone could read your mind and get the information. Beyond that when you are fit and fully recovered we are going to have to step aside and comb through your memories. The ones you presented to me already are fine but my niece is out of practice. Understood?"

"Yes ma'am." Harry said and Amelia nodded.

"Harry, I haven't had this conversation with you since we have been meeting on a professional level, however since I may lose the chance with the coming chaos I am going to say it now. Susan is my niece and since her parents died I have come to view her as a daughter. My only daughter and she is more important to me than anything in this life." Amelia's eyes became narrow and her face became hard.

"I will not question her decisions or try to control her life unless it's for her protection. So let me make it clear, I am very good at my job. I know all the tips and tricks that people use to try to hide their crimes. Meaning I know exactly what to do to ensure that I am never caught if I don't want to be." She said ominously and Harry audibly gulped as Amelia relaxed and nodded. She rose and made her way out.

"Oh, one more thing. I know you're young but please, at least wait until after you graduated before making me a Grandma." Harry's eyes went wide as he spluttered but Amelia was out the door before he could make a reply.

Meanwhile, Jones had made her way through corridors the students making their way to the Great Hall for Dinner. She was glad for being a seventh year since with her schedule she could spend most of her time looking after Harry. She would be sure to tease his girlfriends about that. Jones often was surprised by just how quickly she had come to care about Harry and just how much. At first, she was just happy to get to know him and be friends but now she felt protective of him.

He was turning into the little brother that she never knew she wanted. Smiling to herself she entered the hall the atmosphere still had a tense feeling to it. Most of the students were just curious about what was going to happen since Dumbledore hadn't been seen since Amelia had stunned him. Most were confused but those that listened to the rumors had an idea.

Thankfully the Teachers were keeping it together but even for all their age and wisdom even they couldn't keep the uncertainty out of their voices or eyes at times. But Jones wasn't really worried about that, her friends were safe and this was her last year anyway and she had her NEWTS in the bag. Coming up to the Slytherin she sat next to Tracey who was accompanied by the rest of their friends.

"Hey Jones, how is he?" Hermione asked and Jones smiled.

"Just fine, he's up..." she didn't get another word out as Daphne, Hermione, and Susan all shot to their feet and rushed to the Hospital Wing.

"Rude..." She mumbled as she started loading her plate with food.

"Did you tell him?" Blaise asked and she nodded.

"Yeah, I filled him in, surprisingly he didn't seem all that shocked about Dumbledore pulling a wand on him."

"Well, what do you expect, Something has been going on with those four and I'm not just talking about their relationship. Not to mention that all of the sudden extra security shows up led by the head of the DMLE herself?"

"Wait why does that matter?" Neville asked not following.

"You need to open up your eyes, young Gryffindor. Make connections, observe the variables." Jones said sagely and her fellow Slytherins just rolled their eyes.

"It's just odd how there just suddenly this random increase of security lead by Amelia Bones, Susan's Aunt, who is currently dating Harry Potter who has been Dumbledore's special little Gryffindor Golden boy. Now he doesn't even look at the Professor."

"You don't think he did anything, do you? I mean it's Dumbledore."

"And that's why you were red instead of green. It's okay though you look better in red." Tracey said affectionately running her fingers through his hair.

"People can change Neville, and if you're not in Gryffindor then Dumbledore doesn't favor you all that much. In any event, it's just a hunch one we will need to confirm with Harry when he's able." Blaise said Neville had never really thought about it but now that they brought it up Dumbledore did seem to be more interested in the Gryffindor house as opposed to the others. It was something to ponder.

With the girls, they were rushing down the corridors passing Amelia on their way. Susan slowed to greet her Aunt but Amelia just nodded and told her to go on. It wasn't long before they arrived seeing Harry flexing his wand hand, or trying to at least. They could see that he was straining to himself in the attempt. Demona as ever was by his side.

"Harry!" They called as he looked over and his face lit up with a smile when he saw them.

"Hey." He greeted them as they came over to embrace him tightly. He tried his best to return their embrace but he still felt very stiff.

"How's your arm? No dizziness, lightheadedness?" Daphne began to ask and Harry shook his head.

"No, I just feel stiff and a bit sore." Daphne nodded and then came forward to claim his lips in a searing kiss. Harry was surprised at first but began to return her kiss in kind.

"That's for saving me." She then slapped him upside the head.

"And that's for putting yourself in the hospital unconscious for three days." Harry nodded at that with a sheepish smile.

"Yeah, okay fair."

"Harry, what exactly happened down there? And where did that... Dragon come from?" Hermione asked as Demona came up to her nudging her with her nose in greeting and she patted the large Hellhound.

"Well, the rune spell you guys thought up worked perfectly. I was on my way when I noticed Fleur in trouble. She was being swarmed by the Grindylows, I managed to scare them off but her bubble was popped and I sent her back to the surface. After that I think I was hunted by something, I never actually saw it but thankfully it lost interest. After that, I found the merfolk village and went to save Daphne but then I noticed Fleur's sister and well..."

"Couldn't leave a cute girl all alone down there?" Susan asked with a playful smile which Harry responded by shaking his head with a chuckle.

"She's eight, and the Merfolk were acting, a little too happy about her being left behind."

"That doesn't surprise me, the Merfolk and Veela enclaves have a long and bloody history. It's settled somewhat with Veela integrating with magical society more and more but the animosity is still there." Hermione explained.

"That also explains why Fleur was taken down so easily. She might've been way out of her element in that task but still, a couple of Grindylows shouldn't have been able to overwhelm her so easily." Susan said.

"Her little sister was taken by probably the worst possible creatures that she could've come into contact with. I'd be surprised if she even understood what she agreed to when the organizers asked for her to participate." Daphne said.

"Yeah, so I wasn't leaving her there. When I stunned them and went for her they began to attack. It was pretty chaotic from there, I kept a shield up and got Gabrielle free. I tried getting to the surface but then this big Merman came and kept knocking me around. The fight must've been taking longer than I thought because I realized my Gillyweed transformation was ending. I'm not that good of a swimmer even with the fins helping me out. So I had to think of something and... well I thought of using the spell you guys saw. From the book that I can't talk about."

"I thought so, it was amazing but a bit frightening as well." Susan said remembering the beautiful yet also haunting flames and the terrifying skeletal form of the beast within.

"It wasn't the ideal way I wanted to attempt that spell but I couldn't think of anything else."

"Did you try to use Ascendio on yourself? Shoot to the surface?" Hermione asked her arms crossed. She already knew the answer but it was still satisfying to see his eyes widen in surprise before he winced about not thinking of it.

"It's over, nothing you can do to change it now." Hermione sighed. She then came forward to kiss him it was short and sweet but still made Harry's spine tingle. Susan followed her example being a little deeper than Hermione but still short.

"We're just glad you're okay, my Aunty told you about what happened right? She's already talked to us about it." Susan said and Harry nodded.

"Yeah, she told me that Dumbledore's trial is going to be happening soon and he's most likely going to be removed from his positions. I can't participate though since I'm still bound to the tournament." The girls nodded.

"Right, but we will be going, she wants us to be witnesses for the case she's building. She has to move quickly to put it all together but she can do it." Susan said having full confidence in her Aunt.

"Let's hope we get a Headmaster that doesn't show such blatant favoritism. Wouldn't that be something?" Daphne said and Hermione nodded. She didn't notice it before but the more she looked back on it the more she realized that any other student wouldn't have gotten as many lucky breaks as they have.

"Do you think one of the other Professors will become headmaster then?" Susan asked.

"Amelia said that most likely McGonagall would take over while Dumbledore is in this situation. Though whether or not she sticks around is the question."

"I think Flitwick would be the best candidate for Headmaster." Daphne said and Hermione looked at her.

"Why do you say that?"

"Because he is fair and is just as willing to reward others from other Houses as much as he is to take points away from his own. Though that also means that Ravenclaw students have gotten rather good at hiding anything they do that could lose them points. It's quite impressive." Daphne said with a tone of slight admiration at the end.

"Mister Potter, good to see you awake." The group heard the familiar voice of Madame Pomfrey. She had entered the Hospital wing having finished her dinner.

"I bet, after four days." Harry joked. Pomfrey gathered a few things and held her wand at the ready. The girls moved away to give the healer her room Demona melted into his shadow to get out of the way.

She then began to poke and prod him, examining his body for any injuries that weren't apparent while he was asleep. She then began diagnosing him with magic.

"Thankfully your core is settling nicely, though I want to be absolutely sure so no magic until this weekend, at least. Can you handle that?" Pomfrey asked and Harry nodded.

"I will, Good. Miss Greengrass why don't you come over here and help me with getting Mister Potter on his feet." Daphne quickly came to his side as she and Pomfrey helped him swing around to the side of his bed. After that, he gingerly slid down to the cold stone floor and his legs wobbled feeling more like jelly as opposed to meat and bone. He almost fell over but Daphne and Pomfrey kept him steady.

"Any Pain? Discomfort?" Pomfrey asked.

"No, I just feel stiff and a bit sore."

"Alright, Miss Greengrass what advice would you give Mister Potter to help with these issues."

"I believe a single dose of potion to alleviate the soreness, nothing strong, I would suggest the Wiggenweld potion. After that, a series of stretches and everyday exercises to help revitalize the stiff muscles that are not too strenuous."

"I agree, I expect you three will be able to help him with this?" Pomfrey asked addressing all three girls who nodded readily. Pomfrey released her hold on him and Hermione came up to take her place. She then went to her office and quickly returned with a wavey potion bottle filled with light green liquid.

"Here you are, I believe Miss Greengrass can lead it from here." Pomfrey and Daphne nodded to her as the healer went to her office. They helped Harry back to the bed as he downed the bitter potion slightly shivering as he did.

"Don't be a baby." Daphne said taking the empty bottle from him. Thankfully the potion worked quickly as he could feel the soreness melt away from him and a sort of cool wave ran through him before relaxing him with a pleasantly warm feeling. He tried standing again and found that it was easier than before but he still felt stiff.

"I thought you said that being a Healer was your plan B after being an enchantress?" Harry asked.

"Just because it's not my main goal doesn't mean I'm going to shirk my studies for it." She said as Harry began doing some stretches that he would usually use to warm up for Quidditch.

"Okay let me see your hands." Daphne said and Harry did so. "Squeeze." He did flexing his hands into fists, not as tight as they usually were but better than what he was able to do a moment ago. "Relax." He opened his hands and she flipped them to face up and put her own hands on his.

"I'm going to push down, resist me." She then pressed down on his hands and he could feel the strain as he resisted going up his arm into his bicep. She then flipped their hands "Now push down." He did so feeling it more in his tricep instead.

"How's that feel?"

"Still a bit tight but not as much as before."

"And your hand? No pain other than soreness?" Harry shook his head.

"No." She then began to press on his bandaged arm looking for any points of tenderness. After finding none she nodded.

"We can probably take it off if you want. Or do you like the bandaged look?" She teased and the other girls giggled.

"He does pull it off well, doesn't he? He's bandaged up enough times." Hermione said as Harry just chuckled. Daphne then found the point where the Bandage was tucked and undid it and began to unwrap his arm. Once they were done Harry had wondered how his scar would look but he didn't expect it to look like it did.

It began in his palm almost looking like a burn mark but it forked out into spindly almost wicked-looking strands that wove around his hand through the fingers and to the back before traveling over his wrist and spiraling up his. To him, it almost seemed to make a sort of chain pattern as it did so and it ended just before his elbow.

"Not too bad." Harry said feeling the texture, it was odd but he would get used to it.

"I think we would all prefer that you don't get any more scars." Susan said with the other two nodding in agreement. Harry didn't feel shame about his scar, he felt a bit of pride knowing that he managed to save someone that had become so close to him, this scar was something he could wear with honor.

Unlike his other scars.

Looking at the girls and seeing their care, kindness, and concern for him filled him with such warmth and he could feel a sort of tug. He knew what it was, it was Demona urging him to share, to open up.

"Susan, Daphne, Hermione. There is something I want to tell you. And I should do it now before anything else happens." He said walking back over to his bed. The girls noticed his somber and nervous tone and stayed quiet waiting for him to begin. He then took a deep breath and began to tell them about his life with the Dursleys.

He told them of the cramped cupboard under the stairs, the endless chores that they would continually lump onto him. His treatment was no better than a slave. The pain he would feel going to bed starving as sometimes the Dursleys would just ignore his need for food leaving not even scraps for him to eat. It was the reason his growth was so stunted and why he was rather scrawny by comparison to others his age. He also told them of the times that his uncle would get drunk and... violent.

At those times even if Harry would do everything correctly Vernon would hit him anyway.

"If... If he was especially mean then he would get his belt. One with studs." Harry explained talking about it making his chest feel tight. He then began to remove his shirt and exposed himself and turned to show his back. He could hear the audible gasp from the girls, he knew what they were seeing. The lash marks stretched hideously across his back. Not from any Dragon, or spell, just from one angry fat muggle that had nothing better to do. Maybe that's what made them worse, the fact that there was no reason for them.

"I've... I've never told anyone this." His words felt heavy in his mouth like he should be ashamed of this story of what happened to him even if he himself did nothing wrong. He suddenly felt soft fingers trace some of the scars on his back, the touch warm to his skin.

"I thought I... I thought I had an idea but I never..." Hermione whispered out shocked at what she had learned. She had known that Harry's home life was anything but happy, a fact she had never liked. But to think it was so abusive, it made her sick. To think her best friend was holding onto something so horrid for so long.

Susan was in a similar position to Hermione, she might not have had the same history but with the image she had of Harry, she would never have guessed what his life truly was like. She reached around and brought Harry to her embracing him tightly.

Daphne was silent as she rose but instead of going to Harry, she went to Pomfrey.

"Madam Pomfrey." she addressed when she entered her office.

"Yes?" She asked looking up from her papers.

"Did you know about Harry?"

"About what specifically?"

"His scars and how he got them?" Daphne asked her voice remaining even and not betraying the emotions that were swirling inside of her.

"I do know of them, from what I understand young Mister Potter had a terrible accident when he was younger." As Pomfrey spoke Daphne noticed a slight glaze cover her eyes for a moment and she nearly erupted. Just how deep did Dumbledore's manipulations go!? And to what end!?

"Madam it wasn't an accident, he's been abused at home! Just look at him!" She shouted.

"Now that's not true, I am quite sure it was an accident." She said though she sounded almost practiced like this was a rehearsed line.

"Alright, what kind of accident?"

"I'm sorry?"

"You've seen the scars, what kind of accident could've caused those kinds of scars?" Daphne challenged and she could see Pomfreys eyes twitch slightly.

"Well, I am not quite so sure, I'm not so familiar with how muggles society is built or all their strange ways." The explanation was so pathetically weak that it hurt.

"No, you're a Healer, you've dealt with hundreds of students who were muggle-born or Half-blood and raised in the muggle world. Of all those cases did you come across any single one of them that had marks like that across the back?" Daphne could see a flicker of recognition race through the healer's eyes.

"Yes... from muggle-borns... two." Pomfrey said and Daphne could see her eyes dilating.

"And how did they get such scars?"

"T-they... they were..." Pomfrey suddenly held her head in pain before she suddenly began retching and Daphne quickly backed away as Madam Pomfrey emptied the contents of her stomach on the floor. The putrid smell made Daphne reel and once she was sure Pomfrey was done she vanished the contents.

Pomfrey then raised her head her eyes wide as if someone had just woke her with a cold douse of water.

"Miss Greengrass?" She asked and Daphne nodded before helping the Healer to her feet. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before looking livid.

"I can't believe... how dare he!"

"Madam Pomfrey, what do you remeber?"

"Everything, The first time Harry was brought to my attention and I noticed his scars I went to Albus. The next thing I know Harry is no longer a concern for me beyond the average attention I afford any student."

"Legillimency?"

"Yes, if my headache is anything to go by. And most likely compulsion potions hidden in my food or drink." Pomfrey then wobbly made her way to her potion cupboard and pulled out a thin vial with a clear liquid within it. She drank it and took a deep breath.

"That should fight the effects in my system. Come I need to see Mister Potter." She said with Daphne following her out of the office. They came upon the scene of Hermione and Susan embracing him and showing him support and comfort.

"Ladies I need to ask you to give me some room." Hermione and Susan looked to her but obliged. "Mister Potter... Harry, I am so sorry. I should've taken care of this a long time ago." She said as she laid Harry down on his back.

"What are you talking about? What happened?" He asked, Pomfrey had seen his scars already they weren't new for her.

"Who has a grey beard, wrinkly arse, and is proving time and time again that he is nothing more than a manipulation piece of Hyppogriff shite!" Daphne growled.

"Dumbledore?" Hermione asked as Pomfrey began to chant some spells as a gentle greenish-blue aura washed over Harry's back.

"She was compelled to ignore his scars and their origin." She explained.

"Why? What does he gain from that?" Susan asked and Harry was curious too.

"I don't know."

"Well, what about the image?" Harry asked.

"What do you mean?"

"Well, It wouldn't due for people to figure out that the future weapon of the light was broken." He said and the girls scowled.

"Harry you are not broken! Never say that." Hermione said heatedly.

"Mister Potter please remain still." Pomfrey instructed as she summoned a vial of some cream substance. She then began to apply it all over his back focusing on the scars themselves. Daphne quickly came over to help.

"I don't think that's the reason Harry, yeah it could be but... I don't know there's something else we're not seeing." Hermione said.

"Maybe we'll find out at the trial because if they rule out Veritaserum I'll shove it down his throat myself." Daphne hissed as she finished applying the ointment. Pomfrey then summoned some bandages and guided Harry to rest on his knees and lift his arms while she and Daphne wrapped him up.

"Keep this on and by tomorrow morning I promise you those scars will be gone." She said and Harry felt elation run through him.

"Really?"

"Yes, I should've done this as soon as I saw it." She shook her head. Harry hadn't imagined what it would be like to get rid of those scars, the knowledge that they would soon be gone felt like someone had lifted a weight he didn't even know he was holding. He let out a deep shuttering breath. Daphne grabbed his hand and offered him a supportive smile.

"Harry, You can return to your dorm or stay here overnight, I believe I have something that Madam Bones would love to hear." Pomfrey said making sure the Bandages were secure before she left. The room was quiet for a moment before Susan spoke up.

"Are you okay?" She asked sitting on his bed followed closely by Hermione and Daphne. Harry nodded just taking it in for a moment.

"It just doesn't seem real." he said and the girls embraced him.

"You'll never have to go back there again." Hermione said she could feel his shaky breaths as he took in that fact.

"Anywhere you want to go, anywhere you want to stay and we will help you with every step." Susan said. Then they just sat there Harry feeling nothing but warmth and love from their embraces. He felt the first few tears trickle out of his eyes as he basked in the love in the warmth.

As opposed to what was going on in the Hospital Dumbledores' office held a very different atmosphere. Currently, the old man was at his desk, it was cleared and the drawers were emptied and his wand had been confiscated. He thought to use Fawks to teleport away but the bird was resisting his commands.

He also was not alone seeing as he had to Auror's in his office as well with two wands trained on him ready to stun him at a moment's notice. He cursed, if Nymphadora or Shacklebolt he would've had some inside help. He didn't recognize these two Aurors and they were completely silent. His attempts at legilimency were resoundingly rebuffed. Amelia had done her homework.

His musings were interrupted as the door to his office opened. Looking up he saw Amelia walk into his office.

"You know the more I dig the more I find, there is just so much about you that you have worked very hard to make sure no one knew." She said fingering through some papers she had on hand. "Not to mention the many, many issues and surprisingly bare reports when it comes to Hogwarts, especially when Mister Potter began attending." She said as one of the Aurors conjured a chair for her to sit on.

"Amelia..."

"That's Madam Bones." She smoothly corrected and if it bothered Dumbledore was annoyed by it he didn't show it.

"Madam Bones, I assure you what occurred on the lake was merely a severe understanding."

"I'm sure."

"Yes, I was merely concerned for Harry's safety."

"Mister Potter." She corrected again.

"Yes, in any event, I had not even cast a spell so you stunned me without purpose."

"I have plenty of cause to stun you when a nonmedical official pulls out their wand and points it at an unconscious student and begins raving that he needs to take him away."

"I admit I conducted myself oddly but surely you can understand they were extreme circumstances."

"yes, a circumstance that you and the other organizers helped to create when you kidnapped children and placed them at the bottom of the Black Lake."

"Amelia..."

"Madam Bones." She corrected this time with more force.

"Madam Bones... to say we kidnapped those children is a vast overstatement, we asked them to participate."

"In a blood sport, and it doesn't matter if you asked or not. Plenty of Psychos have asked children to hope in the carriage and the children agreed that doesn't mean that it all of a sudden isn't kidnapping." She said as Dumbledore sighed.

"Madam Bones, I assure you those children were very safe. They would not have come to any harm."

"I'd work on that defense if I were you because it's easier to tear apart than a piece of wet parchment."

"We had the situation well under control. In fact, if young Harry didn't antagonize the Merfolk there would have been no issue."

"Mister Potter." She said emphasizing the proper way to address Harry in the professional setting. Though it wasn't just for that reason, Albus liked to show he had power by not giving people proper respect and referring to them with their first name. She did not play that game.

"And Mister Potter reacted perfectly within his rights, he was in hostile territory with two captive children who were being held hostage by individuals who have no authority or clearance to be anywhere near said children."

"Again I can assure you that no..."

"Higgs do you hear that?" Amelia suddenly asked one of her Aurors who smirked.

"I think I do Director."

"Hear what?" Dumbledore asked.

"A broken record that keeps on repeating itself." Amelia asked referring to Dumbledore. "I am well aware of how your assurances go Dumbledore. I'm sure you did a great job assuring the teachers that the monster that plagued the school during Harry's second year was something that could be handled. How did they take the news that it was a Basilisk?" She asked as one of the Aurors broke focus for a moment.

"A Basilisk?" he asked "There was a Basilisk in the school!?" He exclaimed and Amelia nodded.

"Indeed, and from what I have been able to find Dumbledore knew about it as well."

"You knew?" He growled. "You... Bastard! My kids go here!" He raged as Amelia raised her hand and the Auror quieted but lost none of his rage.

"Madam Bones, that was..."

"No, I've heard enough. Just understand that this is just going to be another point on a long list that I have against you. All of which will be coming to the light in your coming trial, the outcome of which is looking rather black for you." Amelia said before rising and the Auror who conjured the chair vanished it.

Dumbledore, to his credit, kept his head and didn't show any outward sign that what Amelia had said affected him. It wasn't hard, however, all that has been on his mind for the past four days were the flames. Those haunting azure flames and the black skeletal beast that resided within. Seeing that magic made every sense or reason leave Dumbledore and that moment of sheer panic and mania had caused him to blunder badly.

He had seen that spell before, only once and performed by only one man.

_SCENE_

Welp, here it is chapter 15, we getting things going. Dumbledore panicked and I think we know why but don't say it yet for the people who haven't guessed it. Plans have to be reshuffled and painful pasts have come to the surface. I don't know if I did so well on that part with Harry explaining his past. I thought about writing it all out but decided to go this way. If it was a mistake let me know cause I don't have a problem with going back and re writing that part if y'all feel that it should be drawn out more. Other than that I hope y'all enjoyed the chapter and it was up to snuff until next time this has been your Average, Ordinary, Everyday Fallen Angel!