Disclaimer: I own nothing other than the plot. The original concepts belong to JKR and Warner Brothers. Any concepts brought from other fictions are either coincidental or will be used in their own way, and no plagiarism is meant.

Chapter 15: Aftermath

Cont.

Ancient Runes had passed painfully slowly in Harry's opinion. Especially when every free second was spent trying to deflect his friend's inquisition about Sirius and his meeting with Dumbledore. All he was willing to give was that Neville was gone to get a new wand and that Dumbledore wished to talk to him later more about Sirius.

Transfiguration was no different, except Hermione used notes in a poor attempt for McGonagall to not notice her trying to ask, in which McGonagall told her to stop the third time Hermione was caught trying. Harry wasn't sure where the nosiness suddenly came from, but he was going to have to stop it quickly.

Surprisingly, Neville hadn't returned yet, leading Harry to wonder if he was also getting a custom wand. It wouldn't surprise him, but Harry also wondered why it wasn't the Cherry and Unicorn hair wand he had gotten in his sixth year. Then again, maybe it would be.

Transfiguration ended soon enough though, and Harry lingered behind. Hermione was kicked out, as was Ron when both of them tried to linger behind.

"Harry." Harry's gaze sharpened at the informal address from the professor. She had never called him Harry. "I owe you many apologies. Firstly for not stopping him from placing you with that woman and her whales-"

Harry chuckled, causing the upset woman to smile for a moment before her face fell one more, "-and many more. I didn't check up on you myself, believing Albus when he said you were doing well. I should have, if for no other reason than because you were my best friend's grandson. I should have talked with you about your home life more, and noticed the signs that you were neglected and abused. I hadn't. Even worse, I ignored the twins when they told me what they had seen. For that, I will never forgive myself."

"Professor. You didn't know. You believed Professor Dumbledore, especially since you had no reason not to, and I get why. All you can do now is make the best of the situation." Harry replied softly. He wasn't about to burn a bridge with her when there was potential for another ally, not to mention, he truly believed her to be a good woman. She had protected him from Snape and the Carrows in the Great Hall before the battle, after all, even if it wasn't strictly needed.

"All I can offer is my assistance whenever you have any need of it, and of course, my apologies." She said softly. Harry could see the regret and pain in her eyes, and knew she was being truthful and genuine.

"Thank you." He answered, "I'll likely take you up on the offer. I'd like to know more about my grandparents."

"Anytime, Harry." She replied, taking a breath, "You best head on to Care of Magical Creatures. No need to be late to Hagrid's lesson."

"Of course."

Harry walked from the room, likely not knowing the woman would still feel guilty for weeks to come. "What was that about?"

Harry sighed, stopping and turning to Hermione. "It's truly not your business Hermione, but since you won't stop, I'll tell you. They discovered that my childhood was far less than pleasant by accident. Since both our head of house and headmaster feel guilty of it for reasons that also aren't your business yet. It's just more stress and pain to deal with on top of everything else going on, and I'd appreciate a little patience, privacy, and trust in the matter. All of which you are lacking right now."

He regretted it as soon as he said it. Hermione instantly looked hurt, looking down at the floor as her eyes watered. He just sighed, another firm reminder that at this time, she was still more emotional, especially with the use of the time turner. He wasn't going to apologize for his words though, only how bluntly he conveyed them and his tone when conveying them. "I'm sorry. I could have said that nicer but I'm on edge. I'm trying to be kind, but please, just… have some patience and respect here."

Before she could respond, he turned and walked away. He needed the fresh air, and it was something easy to get in Hagrid's outdoor lessons. Today, whether for good or for bad, was a lesson on the noble beast known as Griffins. Hagrid had procured one that was tamed and quite friendly, and Harry was surprised that Boreas, which was the Griffin's name, liked him so much.

Actually, it liked him, Neville, and oddly, a Slytherin girl named Tracy Davis. It approached several others, and seemed to avoid Malfoy's group very noticeably, as well as Ron for some reason. Boreas actually seemed to act a bit like Buckbeak, proud, but not overly so. It was an amazing experience, and it helped his mood quite a bit.

While Hermione and Ron rejoined the two at the end of the lesson, it was noticeably quieter. Neville was happy to show off his new wand, which was English Oak and Chimera Heartstring.

"Interesting core." Harry commented absently, his mind still elsewhere.

"Ollivander said the same thing. He said it was only the fourth wand made with the ingredient by him, and that he was exceptionally proud of it, as it was one of his best creations." Neville said happily, "Though he said perhaps his best creation was an Ash wand that used a rare purple and black Thunderbird feather. Can you imagine that? A purple thunderbird!"

"That'd be awesome." Ron agreed dreamily. "Thunderbirds are equal to phoenixes in power. To have one as a wand core… It'd be awesome."

"Well, so are dragons and unicorns. They're just powerful in different ways." Hermione reasoned. Ron agreed, just with less enthusiasm.

That was the most cheerful any of them got, and about the most Hermione talked for the evening. It was even worse when Harry realized it was Valentines Day, and hence, a number of girls were giving him doe eyes in an attempt to garner his attention. He was thankful to escape the Great Hall and make it back to the tower without being attacked, though it was a rather close call in his opinion.

Harry was relieved to sneak off at ten thirty too, escaping from the past few hours of awkwardness around his friends as they silently worked on homework, only speaking when one of them needed assistance with a particular part. Turning back and heading to visit Sirius, he felt disappointed. The man would only remain in the castle until Saturday before leaving to go to Gringotts, and then to live at Black Manor. Harry would take as much time with him as he could before his departure.

"How was your day?" Sirius asked. The newspaper was sitting on the desk, an elf having taken it to the man.

"It could've been a lot better." Harry sighed, before filling the man in on his day. "However, I did get this from our headmaster an hour before I came back."

Harry held up the still sealed envelope that had his name on the front of it, one that had appeared in his lap after dinner.

"What do you think is in there?" Sirius asked.

"Hm. Possibly the results of Pettigrew's trial, which was scheduled for five. Getting the results at around nine seems like an accurate time, don't you think?" Harry asked teasingly. Sirius instantly perked up.

"Open it!"

Harry obliged, and quickly read through the paper. The results were rather unexpected, and Harry found himself unable to stop from teasing his godfather a little more. "Hm."

"What's it say! Tell meeee." Sirius whined. Harry grinned, handing it over. The look on Sirius' face was priceless as his eyes made its way down the paper. "They bound his magic before putting him in Azkaban? Holy hell."

It was a highly unforeseen outcome, but Harry wouldn't complain too much. "I didn't even know binding someone's magic was possible."

"The DOM does it when a muggleborn is expelled from Hogwarts with no alternative magical institution willing to accept them. It's rare, very very rare. I'd assume they did it in this case as well seeing as it is one of their very closely guarded secrets." Sirius commented absently. Harry could tell he was on cloud nine.

"Wait. Dumbledore says here that Voldemort's wand is missing?" Sirius looked at Harry, "You never explained that either when I mentioned it last night."

"Hm. Too right I didn't. I may, while he was unconscious, forced him to change back, before taking the wand. After which, I may or may not have used a compulsion on him to turn back after oblivating him of the memory. It's in my trunk, hidden. I haven't decided whether to destroy it or keep it as a trophy for my mother's accomplishment of destroying his body." Harry answered. "Either way, it won't be returned to Voldemort."

Sirius stared for a minute, before bursting into laughter. "Amazing! Absolutely Amazing."

Harry stood, bowing low in humor. "Thank you, good sir."

Sirius sighed, "So I am officially free, and it seems that Pettigrew has finally paid for his sins."

"Yeah." Harry muttered quietly, his thoughts drifting off.

"Are you okay?" Sirius asked, seeing the expression return to Harry's face.

"Just… It's been a long few months, and reliving my worst experiences sucked. Now, I will likely do it again in a few days to explain to Dumbledore my childhood."

"Hm. I can't help but wonder exactly how innocent Dumbledore is in everything." Sirius said to himself. Harry just sighed.

"Use legilimency."

It was only a moment later that Sirius watched the meeting occur as a flashback, before Harry felt him leave. "So he really didn't know."

"Arabella Figg was the one who reported to Dumbledore on my safety and wellbeing. She likely never knew what to look for, or else only thought that I was accident prone and the Dursleys only gave me the bare minimum. She might've thought it wasn't a great environment, but never made the connection to the Dursleys abusing me. After all, she isn't an educator or someone who works with children."

"So he was an idiot who made several mistakes back to back. I'm not sure how much that absolves him of his wrongs. Ignorance gets him only so far" Sirius spoke, his tone neutral. "I mean, between you and I, he has made a dozen if not more mistakes."

"I know. Trust me. I know. Not including the ones in the last future, he made many. However, I cannot simply say he is an enemy, or even say he isn't an ally yet. Had his reaction been different, maybe, but he seemed genuinely angry and distraught at his choices and what happened to me because of it." Harry said softly. "I'm still willing to give him a chance, but that doesn't mean I will ever trust him fully again. If for no other reason than defeating Voldemort, I'll keep him close enough for usefulness."

"I never have. He always has plans upon plans, and sometimes, he gets lost looking at the general overview, forgetting that his plans affect people's lives." Sirius seemed frustrated, "You are right though, besides, look at it this way, perhaps this summer, you can convince him to train you some."

"He won't unless he discovers my scar is gone. I don't think that should be revealed yet." Harry answered with a shake of his head.

"Why not?" Sirius asked curiously "I know you are all about preserving the timeline, but hell, we have already made dozens of changes. You need to consider the possibility that you are going to need more advantages."

"Sirius, Voldemort is an arrogant prick who believes he is the strongest wizard alive. Considering my discovery of nearly a million magical humans being alive globally, I'm hesitant to believe that. He does though, and a little child is going to be considered as nothing more than a plaything in his mind. If he catches wind that Dumbledore has trained me any, he will quickly cease to believe that because he knows Dumbledore is perhaps one of the most knowledgeable minds in Europe, not to mention an astounding teacher."

Sirius went to speak the instant Harry stopped, but stopped himself, thinking vigorously. "I would suggest, if for no other reason to save us some hassle, for you to reveal your scar if you believe that he will react positively to it, but the rest is your own choice. If you're certain then I will stand by you, but I believe that you should seize an advantage here."

Harry sighed. "We can debate on the pros and cons over the next few days or even months, Sirius, but not tonight. I am tired from yesterday and today, mentally more than anything, and I need some sleep."

"Take a nap here. When are you due back in the tower?" Sirius asked warmly, happily accepting the change in the mood of the room.

"Thirty minutes."

Sirius stared for a minute, "Glance at the Slytherin journal then. See if it is something you want to read."

Harry accepted the suggestion, and found the book to be of interest as it discussed the principles of magic.

Break…

February 15th, 1994

Great Hall, Hogwarts

Peter Pettigrew confesses!

Pettigrew a Death Eater, Betrayed dozens!

"I feel upmost guilt for not having investigated this sooner." Dumbledore says.

Harry frowned at the headlines. Once he read though, he understood the angry muttering. Pettigrew had sold out the Prewitt twins, along with the Mckinnons, a dead house called the Bornes, and another six order members, three which Moody had mentioned before. There was another section that talked about his initiation into the Death Eaters, where he tortured and murdered a muggle girl who, according to Pettigrew, looked like his mother.

He felt anger spark at that, but suppressed it before anyone could notice, as according to Sirius, he had an aura that could literally be felt.

Harry could see the Weasleys all angry. Of course, they would be. The person who had sold out their uncles had lived in their home for well over eleven years. Harry would be angry too. Ron looked ill, and Harry didn't blame him. If it was him, he would be showering a dozen times over.

Harry couldn't help but wonder how this would turn out in the future though. Especially when a dozen more newspapers showed up from the number of publishers, each shooting down the British Ministry for their incompetence in the matter of his godfather, and several demanding answers on how it was possible.

'If nothing else, this is entertaining to see Fudge struggle.' Harry thought with a grin.

Break…

February 15th, 1994

Morning

Privet Drive

A nearly silent pop echoed in the small ally, just a few streets away from where the man's goal was. He could have flooed, but he had a different idea and a different plan. Quickly thinking, he applied a notice-me-not charm, and began his walk. It wasn't exactly necessary, but it would keep him from getting too many looks. After all, his hair and beard made him stare out.

It was only ten minutes later when he was sitting on the couch across from a long time acquaintance, tea in his hand. "Tell me, Arabella, about Harry's home life?"

"I've told you before, Albus." The woman sighed, a cat hopping into her lap. It looked to be part kneazle if Dumbledore had to guess from the pointy ears. "Harry has a timid personality, wears Dudley's hand-me-downs, and often avoids his family when he can."

While Dumbledore wouldn't necessarily say Harry's personality was timid anymore, likely from his near-death-experience in the chamber, he had noticed the clothes.

"And do you know any reason for his avoidance of them?" He asked calmly.

"Not really. They say he is a troublesome child who never listens, and even say he is enrolled at a school that is little better than an adolescent prison." Arabella frowned, "Truthfully, I've watched him a dozen or more times. He is kind enough as an introvert. He never seems to be too great with people and often runs from confrontation, which the Dursleys often seem to be doing."

"What do you hear of their confrontations?" He asked, a frown coming to his face.

"Hm. Mostly cleaning, though once or twice, you can hear them yell about freakishness. I'd guess it's magic, but… they never seem like the cruel type. Neglectful, just maybe, but cruel?" She sighed, "I can't form an unbiased opinion though. I hear too much of their vitriol and it may have affected my opinion some over the years. I'd say to talk to them yourself, Albus."

"Just a few more questions. And I am sorry, my dear. It's just, something has come to my attention and now I have to investigate it officially." Dumbledore said reassuringly, "Was there ever any bruising? Shaking? Did he ever seem overly submissive when he was younger that slowly might have changed?"

"Hm. There were bruises on his arms several times, and once he had a black eye. They always assured me that it was him and Dudley roughing around, and his size caused him to bruise easily." Arabella answered. "Submissive? Not more than a normally nervous child that would be left with a strange old lady."

"And did he ever seem hungry, or overly skinny?" Dumbledore asked lastly.

"Yes. A few times. I've no kids of my own, or any brothers, as you know. I wouldn't know how much a growing boy is supposed to drink or eat, but it was always easily twice what I would have, not that I cared. They claimed he was a picky eater, but I never saw it either. It was a little peculiar, but again, I wouldn't know if it was out of the ordinary."

The pieces fit just as he had witnessed in Harry's mind, and just as he had claimed as well. Children could be picky eaters, and James was skinny for a short while, until he joined the quidditch team as a chaser, but never to Harry's extent. Of course, the excuses Petunia and Vernon had provided for everyone weren't wild, and children were prone to disagreements, so he could see how if they only looked at one aspect of the issue, they wouldn't see the whole picture.

'But how had I, and all of the staff missed this for over two years? Why hadn't I asked more about his home life after his first year when he begged to stay?' Dumbledore sighed. "Thank you. Harry won't be returning here after this year though. With Sirius Black exonerated, he wishes to live in the magical world. If you feel the need to move, I wouldn't blame you."

"Excellent. While this is a nice neighborhood, I miss my cottage in Wales. I think I'll return there in the coming weeks." Arabella said. "Are you leaving?"

"To speak with the Dursleys. May I use the floo to return to Hogwarts afterwards?" Dumbledore asked. She nodded.

"Anytime. And good luck. I've never cared for their stuffy personalities, and Vernon is often loud, which will get obnoxious after a few minutes."

Dumbledore nodded, leaving the house and easily making his way diagonally across the street. It only took a minute to get Number 4, which looked just like every other house if not for the fact it looked a bit more clean, and with a soft knock, he waited. He could hear a bit of confusion, before the door opened, "Can I he-"

Petunia froze for a moment, staring at the neutral blue eyes of the headmaster, before glaring. "What do you want?"

"To talk. There have been some changes in your nephew's life that you must be aware of." Dumbledore forced himself to keep his tone neutral.

"Fine." She said primly, "Vernon, we have a guest."

She walked away from the door, not even inviting him in, which was quite rude in his opinion. He stepped inside, glancing around as he shut the door. Only one boy was featured in any of the unmoving photos on the walls, and it wasn't Harry. Walking past the foot of the stairs, he felt traces of magic left behind, residual magic from where Harry likely left blood and tears.

He could only hope it had been the latter of the two, as both were terrible but the former was worse.

Most times, such magic couldn't be felt. After all, you couldn't feel it in Diagon Alley, where dozens had bled, and many had been killed during the last war. Here, it was felt because of the lack of magical presence. The wards were subtly powerful, they didn't radiate an imposing force like other and older wards did, which meant that the echoes of magic that lingered in Harry's blood and tears became more noticeable.

He scowled for a moment, but knew he could give little away. Instead, he moved on to the family room. Petunia hadn't noticed his lingering, only staring at him with what she likely thought was a neutral expression, but was filled with disdain in her eyes. Vernon looked equally thrilled by his presence.

"Why are you here, Dumbledore?" Petunia hadn't wasted a moment.

"To ask about your nephew's life before Hogwarts." Dumbledore answered honestly. "I find it rather concerning when a child claims that he was starved and allowed to be bullied by his cousin, much more, when there is plenty of evidence to back it up."

"We never abused him." Vernon said angrily. "But we sure as hell never wanted him. You didn't care though, Dubbydoor. You left us with him anyway, without asking, at that."

"Yes. With the expectation that you would at least treat him like a human being." His voice was scarily level, something Vernon had missed.

"He was a freak. He should be glad he was kept at all. The orphanage would've been better for him." Vernon spat, "Yet we never did it. You wanted him safe from your kind, so we kept him, hoping he wouldn't turn out like you freaks."

"That was never going to be a possibility. Both Lily and James were incredible magicals." Dumbledore said calmly, "I see, however, there is truth to Harry's words."

"And what did the boy have to say?" Petunia asked softly.

'Interesting.' Dumbledore thought, "He lived in a cupboard under the stairs until he turned eleven and received his letter. Bars were put onto his window, and his door locked to keep him in his room. That he was barely fed and his cousin enjoyed bullying him."

She looked down, yet Dumbledore felt not an ounce of pity for making the woman feel guilty for her actions. After all, she should feel guilt and shame, she did something most magicals wouldn't dare do. Hitting children with stinging hexes, even a few more painful but unmarking curses? Sure. But spilling blood, breaking bones? Never. Children were praised in the magical world, even by those who never wanted them for it meant there was another magical being in the world.

"I am more than simply disappointed, Petunia. You of all people should have known I would find out. Thankfully, Harry hasn't told the whole world this, or wards or not, nothing would stop a great majority of the magical world from attempting to end your family's lives painfully. It would cause an uprising that many people, including your sister, died to prevent." Dumbledore's tone was grave.

She was almost shocked further when his tone turned a bit threatening and cold, "Be thankful the magical courts cannot try you and that there are laws that protect you from me, for if there weren't, I cannot honestly say I wouldn't be taking action myself. I regret the part I played in sending him here, misguided by the connection he held with your sister. I had expected you to at least treat him neutrally, but you couldn't even do that. Hope and pray that when the wards fall, and when, not if, but when, the magical world finds out about his childhood, that they cannot find you."

"But the boy lives here. You said that the wards would stay until he turns seventeen?" Petunia asked in confusion.

He felt his magic itching to escape though his control never slipped. The only thing he did was, in a moment of weakness, dive into the unprotected mind that belonged to Petunia. Guilt and anger were the only emotions he really could feel present, but looking back, everything had been allowed to happen out of jealousy and spite for Lily. Images passed of what Harry had endured. Admittedly, he knew Severus had dealt with something similar, if not a little worse, from his alcoholic father, but Harry's pain was no less because it was his own. Not to mention Harry had no parents, believing they were good for nothing and died as drunks, and that there were three people instead of just one that spreaded the hate.

She had been upset, he remembered, at not being magical herself, but he never knew how far the relationship fell between the two sisters, how Petunia was resentful of Lily for her amazing grades, better looks, and later, a rich and successful boyfriend and husband that was popular and on the sports team.

'I really should have listened to Minerva.' He thought silently.

"You cannot be stupid enough to believe I will be returning Harry here." Dumbledore breathed out, drawing himself from her mind, "No. He will only return here if he so wishes."

He stood. He knew that if he stayed longer, it would cause him to do things he would likely regret, things similar to what his own father had done to the boys who tortured his sister into being an obscurial. Neither muggle bothered to stop him as he made his way towards the hall, stopping for only a parting word.

"You know, Lily never would have done such a thing to Dudley, had the situation been reversed." Dumbledore spoke softly. There wasn't a word said as he left the muggle home, heading to Arabella's before flooing back to Hogwarts.

Later, students would report a loud disturbance and shaking on the third floor, where the old forbidden corridor had been. Only, by the time the first members of the staff could get there, they would find a rather angry Dumbledore leaving from the place, his forehead gleaming with sweat.

A/n: So many of you may wonder about my viewpoint on Hermione. Yes, I like her as a character as book-Hermione often reminds me of an old friend I had, who's inquisitive nature sometimes caused her to forget boundaries and mutual respect. I saw the two as similar, and truthfully, I was surprised an argument like this never really occurred in the books, even if Harry expressed some frustration with her. Worry not though, I don't believe anyone will have to suffer her nosiness after this chapter.

As for Dumbledore, he is still a character I haven't committed to in either way. He isn't evil, this isn't a bashing fiction, but I can't quite decide on whether to make him a close ally of Harry or not. It is something nagging at me on how to proceed with him after this 'year' of Hogwarts.

Thanks for reading, see you all next week.