My Child

Chapter 9

Severus took an extremely long time to breathe. Something that should be a natural state spoke volumes of his sheer shock and incredulity thrumming through him. Nothing could have shocked him more, except perhaps the Dark Lord himself appearing and declaring he was welcoming all Muggle-borns claiming they were a protected species. He found himself grasping a hold of the doorframe, reeling. The outward reaction more shocking than any other reaction Severus could have possibly given.

"Is everything alright?" Thorfinn asked, staring at everyone, cutting through the shock. Calm and an assuring presence as Healers so often were, it took a lot for them to get frazzled and they only allowed themselves to leave that hypervigilant state when they were not on duty. Staring at everyone cautiously, wanting to see his patient.

"Dorea?" Charlus asked, glancing between Harry and his wife. "What happened? Does he need a healer?" he didn't go further into the room, not that he could, Severus was still in the doorway, completely unmoving. Not that he couldn't squeeze by, he could, he just had no desire to brush up against another wizard that way, it was entirely uncouth.

"I…I don't know," Dorea said bewilderedly, straightening up, regaining her temporarily lost composure. She'd had such high hopes for today. "I just went to lift him into the bath and he begun to scream." She'd checked it wasn't hot either.

"Excuse me," Thorfinn said respectfully, moving into the bathroom, thinner than Charlus and able to slid by. Nothing would stop him from seeing his patient, not even Severus, who he honestly didn't mind brushing up against. "Are you in pain?" he asked, crouching down beside the child. Had Dorea accidentally hurt him by lifting him up? "Your arm? Ribs?" pointing towards the parts he was discussing alarmed at the thought of missing anything.

Charlus was about to open his mouth and tell everyone to leave. To give Harry some measure of privacy. He was naked as the day he was born, and no doubt, they'd get more out of him if they weren't all crowding him. The poor boy looked so overwhelmed, but then again, it was becoming clear Harry was overcome.

Thorfinn allowed his magic to brush over the child when Harry clutched his hand. It confirmed what he already suspected. That he hadn't missed anything, Harry wasn't in pain, whatever he was going through wasn't because of pain. He followed Harry's line of sight, and his frown deepened, it couldn't be, could it? Could Harry have a phobia of water? "Harry? What's the matter?" inhaling sharply, ready to cast a shield charm as he felt Harry's magic begin to expand.

Given how explosive it was during the last time, Thorfinn's worry was rather understandable.

Severus inhaled sharply when Harry pushed memories at him, "He was hosed down with cold water. Once he tried to have a bath and they…" His tone croaking in disbelief, both at the ability Harry had just showcased and seeing what the Dursley's had done to Lily's son. "He just pushed memories through my mind shields." He wasn't being arrogant when he said he was as good as – if not better – than the Dark Lord himself. He had succeeded in spying on him, admittedly it wasn't very long, but he'd still done it. It almost had him falling to his knees in agony, the way he sliced through his shields like they were butter. If he hadn't been more used to pain – thank you Cruciatus curse – he would have been overcome.

Severus saw, murder in their eyes, realization dawning it wasn't just him; Harry had given his memories to all of them. Their gaze going glacial, basically screaming that whoever hurt him, best be taken care of, with extreme prejudice.

Dorea was looking away from them all, mouth hidden by her hand. Horrified by what she'd just been shown. How anyone could treat a child that way was beyond her, and that boy laughing at what was happening? Merlin, help him, he'd be lucky if he wasn't in prison by his twenties. She'd lost her child, her little Leo and here they were raising a delinquent in the making and attempting to kill a child simultaneously. They didn't deserve to live.

Her taking Harry…two children might be saved now.

Then it hit her, she'd retraumatised a traumatised child. It was no wonder he'd reacted the way he did. "Excuse me," she said, and thankfully Severus stepped aside automatically to make way for the Lady Potter? Severus had no clue as to their titles.

"The water isn't too deep, Harry, see?" Thorfinn submerged his arm until it hit the bottom, showing where it went up to. It was unfortunately, bigger than the bath he'd seen in his memory. He wasn't sure the child would want to sit in a bath.

When he removed his arm, it was covered in suds, "You'll be fine," he promised the boy, pressing his hand on top of Harry's in reassurance. Perhaps a shower would be best until he got used to his new life.

Harry gasped, "Warm," patting the suds away, a delighted look on his face. He'd never had bubbles before, only Dudley was allowed them.

"Is it safe that he's used more magic?" Charlus asked, he should be completely drained, exhausted by what he'd been through…never mind pushing memories into the minds of an expert Occlumens. He could scarcely believe the power housed in that little boy. Not staying to hear the answer, heading straight for his wife.

"More?" Severus asked, latching onto something, a problem he could solve as his world crumbled around him. "What sort of magic has he been performing that you're concerned? I can mix him up an elixir to help boost his magic."

"Calm down, Severus, he doesn't need potions or elixirs, his reserves are off the charts." Thorfinn reassured him, since Charlus had naturally, gone after his wife as he suspected. He had once upon a time been entirely and obviously infatuated with the wizard. He made a mental note to reassure Charlus and Dorea that he was just fine. Surprisingly. Two instances of extreme magic – that wasn't accidental he didn't care what anyone else said – being done and not a single sign of magical drain.

"Rowle," he said, "You passed your Healer Mastery?" sounding pleased.

Thorfinn glanced up in muted surprise by Severus' interest. Unfortunately for Thorfinn, Severus hadn't been interested back then. Bisexual or not, he'd only had eyes for Lily. Then once the war was over, Severus never met up with anyone from his former life. Especially not from the Rowle family, they weren't as prominent and high up the ranks such as the Malfoy's and Lestrange's. Then again, the Malfoy's were trying to distance themselves from all 'Death Eater' families and the Lestrange's were in prison. Still, he was surprised that Severus had gathered information on him. He wondered if it meant that he cared a little or if it was just information, he'd found out in passing. For all he knew he'd found out from his little cousin, who was at Hogwarts right now.

"If I hadn't been able to there would have been something seriously wrong." He declared bone dry.

Severus stared for a few seconds before it clicked for him. "You gained the natural healing ability?" it was only natural for them to have used the best in their fields. Between him and Thorfinn, they were best in their fields.

"I did," Thorfinn answered smoothly, "Now, little one, how about it?"

Neither wizard missed the glance he shot at Severus, nor did they miss the relaxing of his little shoulders. Clearly, despite having never met Severus, he trusted him to some extent. He gave a single nod, and waited with bated breath to see what would happen.

Thorfinn was quick but careful, not wanting to see Harry get anxious or feel the need to use more magic. Other than the initial gasp, Harry seemed rather dazed.

Severus narrowed his eyes, nostril flaring, seething in fury but doing a masterful job at hiding it. Allowing his tense body to relax, he flicked his wand and created a few things for Harry to enjoy. He was sure the boy was much too old for ducks, so he created everything else but that, he added the alphabet as well. Likely he wouldn't use them much this time, but as he grew more comfortable in himself, he would. "Excuse me," he murmured quietly, nothing like his usual curt demands from all his students.

Severus stalked through to the living room, pausing when he found Dorea and Charlus in a loving embrace.

"Severus, my apologise," Charlus answered, "Let me get my check book."

"For Harry's care, I do not want anything, he's Lily's son," Severus stated, like that made everything understandable. Which it did, for them all, who had loved Lily the most out of everyone. They'd loved James too but he didn't much care for him. He never would, and if anyone had the expectations that he would they were deluded. James Potter was nothing more than his childhood tormentor. Just as Potter believed the same of him, and wouldn't have been sad if he died. Or at least he'd assumed so.

Talk about a mind-blowing topic.

"He knows who you are," Dorea said, wiping her eyes before turning around to face Severus. Other than a tiny little bead of moisture she didn't look like she was in emotional turmoil. "How does he know you?" making no attempts at judgement, just to be on the safe side. However, if Severus knew how Harry was being treated, he'd be on the list too.

Severus almost stepped back, seeing that warning glimmer in Dorea's eye. One he was very familiar with courtesy of both Bellatrix and Narcissa. "I can say in all honesty…I don't know." Feeling rather lost, oh, it filled him with hope and sheer happiness that Lily had forgiven him for that, but he still had a massive part to play in her death. "The only way it's possible is if Lily…" still choking on the word despite himself.

Dorea's eyes softened at the admission, "It's no surprise, she wanted to reach out, Severus, but your precarious position halted her."

Severus froze, "Excuse me?" his voice stiff. Lily had known it was him? They knew he was a spy.

In the background, they heard Harry laugh, or more like a giggle, but what a sound it was. Dorea couldn't help but smile sweetly at the sound, oh, she couldn't wait until that sound was heard at all hours of the day. From a happy young boy who held no fear of his family.

"I believe he's half horrified half amazed that anyone alive knows he's a spy," Charlus said wryly, writing out a new check which just held the potions he needed for Arcturus and Melania's potions. "Here, if I am wrong, just let me know." Secretly very relieved, it was less a strain on him, and he felt gutted but grateful for Marius' generosity also.

Severus glanced at the check, before accepting it without even glancing at the numbers. He folded it and set it into his pocket, he would put it into his account the next time he visited the bank. He had no trust in anything or anyone, including a House-elf or Owls. Too easy to betray you and copying charms existed, and so did assaulting owls to get their mail in order to find out what they were up to. In other words, all too easy for Dumbledore to get further into his life the nosy bastard that he was.

"Fully horrified," Severus curtly corrected Charlus, he couldn't believe anyone knew let alone the Potters. Glancing pointedly at the bathroom, "And if you don't mind, I'd rather it's not brought up again without full privacy measures being enacted."

Charlus sobered, before nodding seriously. "You have our word,"

"Thank you," Severus said, sighing in relief, praying that Thorfinn hadn't heard, and if he had, well, he wasn't a spy for nothing. He was good at what he did, and he knew how to spin a good yarn as his mother used to say. It was all hypothetical and Severus prayed it did remain so. Unfortunately, he knew that it wasn't to be. He didn't know when, but he knew sooner or later it would come to pass. He was terrified of it, but he knew.

The Dark Lord did not make promises and not keep them. He didn't talk the talk without back up. He had said repeatedly he'd gone far greater than any wizard before him in his quest for immortality and he believed it wholeheartedly.

"You made a comment earlier, about Lily's penchant for putting things of importance into books? Do you think she continued to do it after?" Dorea asked, sitting down, "Do you think she would have done it to something so important like a will?"

"And I am so sorry, where are my manners today? Please, sit, make yourself comfortable, I have a feeling we're going to see more of each other." Dorea said, just as a tray filled with a plate of sandwiches, scones, biscuits and such as well as a fresh pot of tea and coffee for them all. "Coffee? Tea?" she asked once Severus sat down, but it was clear he was very uncomfortable.

And it wasn't the seat! She'd sat there before and she found it very comfortable.

"Tea, please," Severus replied, coffee was for only when he was dealing with students. "Judging by the memories, Harry hasn't been with you…but the Dursley's…when did you get him?"

Dorea sipped her brew, strengthened her spine, and spoke of everything she and Charlus had done. The horror of the attack that night, the inability to find the wills, Dumbledore stepping up as Harry's magical guardian against all wishes. Dumbledore hadn't been on any of the wills they'd signed as Lily and James' witnesses. Then the hunt for Harry, having no idea where he was, even Marius joining in on the hunt for the missing Potter heir.

"It was Marius that found him," Charlus added, handing over something far stronger than tea, which Severus was becoming increasingly grateful for. "Marius said it was unlikely we'd ever find him after he turned four and there was still no sign of his name popping up anywhere. Well, one that went with his age. The Potter name is rather well known in the Muggle world."

"When he should have entered nursery?" Severus deducted, as much as he'd detested it. he had gone. It was time where his parents didn't have to put up with him. Then primary school, and after that he'd gone on to Hogwarts.

"You got it in one," Charlus gestured with his glass, swallowing another swig.

"He had just begun primary school," Dorea said, the words said in a way that spoke of unfamiliarity of the words. Which was true enough, she'd never heard of them, and had no clue as to what was educated there only that it was an education establishment.

"It helps children build social skills, friends, and they are tutored in all subjects. Geography, sciences, numeracy and English, to read and write, and history along with many other subjects." Severus explained, sensing rather than hearing her confusion.

"Then what happened to you?" Charlus asked bluntly.

Severus didn't take offence, instead he smirked, "Under the right circumstances it would have been a good thing. Unfortunately, someone's home life also had to be at least mildly liveable." His tone dry.

Charlus frowned, "Yes, I've never understood how anyone could hurt a child." Both mentally and physically, it was abhorrent to him to think of it, let alone actually do it? It was just disgusting.

"Easily done," a scowl adorned his features as he thought of his father, who had been so blasé in his actions. Utterly unapologetic in his treatment of both his mother and himself.

Dorea was beginning to get an inkling on what Lily had meant to Severus. Just imagining such a horrific upbringing, "Lily was a breath of air." She breathed out, oh, Lily was such a powerful witch, for a Muggle-born. Strong, stubborn and cheerful, she brightened everyone's day. She could imagine how Severus felt when he first encountered her with such violence at home and at school.

Severus' lips tugged into the most genuine smile that had probably graced his face in about near enough ten years. The loss of Lily in his life had been heart-breaking. They'd gone down vastly different roads. He was still a dark wizard with aspirations that the likes of Dumbledore would see squashed. Of the Ministry would see squashed.

They saw dark as evil, and nothing would change their mind. And thus, the spiral continued, it was a bitterness he accepted that all but 'categorised light magic' would be banned and forgotten in time. The burning of so many books after the Dark Lord's death had been painful. So many laws passed, it was an unending attempt at control that had been going on since the late forties.

It didn't have long to go, too many people had given up, others imprisoned, driven from their homeland to practice their magicks elsewhere.

Soon Britain's magical world was going to burn and crash if action wasn't taken.

Naturally, they didn't stop to consider that by talking Harry up, Albus Dumbledore had put his own downfall into effect.

Nobody had a clue just how much the stagnant magical world was going to change.

For the first time in many, many decades, it was going to bring the magical world forward into the right century, no, the right decade, nay the right year.

"Very well put," Severus eventually commented quietly. Glancing at the doorway where he could hear Harry playing in the bathtub. "I wonder…if her son will be the same." For the first time thinking of Harry in a way that wasn't filled with disgust, anger or bitterness. He'd never thought he'd have something in common with the child other than the love they held for his mother. He wouldn't have wished abuse on his worst enemy.

At this point, even Severus didn't know who that was, Dumbledore or the Dark Lord.

Dorea sighed softly, "Only time will tell," she replied, and truer words couldn't have been spoken at all.

Severus' eyes flashed, "If you require potions in your…revenge, I'd gladly make them." He knew how ferocious the Black's were, and regardless of her married name, she was a Black.

"No need," Dorea said before Charlus could even think to reply, "I'm afraid they'll have no need of anything by this evening." Charlus shivered a little, knowing well just how furious his wife was without further prompting. She had a plan up her sleeve, and he couldn't wait to see what she would do.

Severus' eyes gleamed with a vicious agreement, not particularly aimed at Harry. More along the lines of every abused child out there, including them both. "Be careful, knowing Dumbledore as I do, he will have people keeping watch. He leaves nothing to chance…but I am not sure who he would use without a consciousness." Especially given the fact Harry had saved them all and lost his parents (and unborn sibling if the Potters were to be believed) in the attack.

Charlus inhaled sharply, "You truly believe such a thing?" he had been operating under the belief that Dumbledore had likely dropped him off and not kept an eye on him or gone near the property. Mostly because he likely suspected he'd be watched and followed, which would have happened at one point or another. The thought that he would keep watch as the abuse continued was harrowing indeed.

Severus didn't dignify that with a response, his gaze travelling towards Dorea. Out of them both, you'd think she'd be the more innocent as a woman. However, it most definitely wasn't the case here. Dorea saw the world with jaded eyes in a way her husband most definitely didn't.

Dorea with her ankles crossed, leaned forward, "Who do you think Dumbledore would trust with such an unscrupulous act? Who would be willing to watch a child abused and do nothing?"

"It would likely be someone in the Order, someone who trusted Dumbledore completely even in the face of adversary." Charlus mused thoughtfully, "Someone situated close by, I'd say arriving between two days to a week after the attack." Standing he moved over to his desk and began to write down everything. He was sure Marius' people would find the information very easily.

"And within a two-mile radius," Severus added thoughtfully, perhaps he wasn't as foolish as he'd believed. Then again, he didn't find it a natural state to think highly of any Potters given the only one he'd known and his reactions. "I wouldn't put them farther than two or three streets away."

"The older generation, the ones who grew up with him," Dorea mused, "Or the ones who were educated by him as he grew to his height of fame." Those rose-tinted glasses would never be removed of this, she was positive.

"Or someone who owes him," Severus said darkly, "He isn't against ensuring everyone knows that they 'owe' him a great deal of debt that couldn't possibly be repaid."

Charlus stared at Severus, pensively, from his desk, "I'm going to assume you're one of them? Azkaban hovering over your head?"

"It was, until he used my…grief and guilt to bind me to an Unbreakable Vow." Severus eventually spoke, trusting that they'd keep quiet. They already knew he was a spy, Lily and James had told them…it made him wonder if the rest of the damn Order had told their families it left him in a very precarious position. Part of him couldn't believe he was talking to the Potters! They'd died before James and Lily, or so he'd thought.

"An Unbreakable Vow?" Charlus echoed staring pensively at Severus. "Geared towards Dumbledore himself?"

Severus shook his head, negatively, "No," wondering how quickly it would click for them.

Charlus chuckled, shaking his head, "To Harry?"

Severus inclined his head, "To Harry." He confirmed.

"He has plans in place for him, Charlus," Dorea warned, "We must get that will found as soon as possible." There was no way Dumbledore would accept defeat so easily, they needed to make sure they had safe plans for Harry in place just in case anything happened to them too.

"Agreed," Charlus said grimly, moving towards the alcohol and making summoning Severus' and making three more drinks before passing two down to the others using magic. "And we will need to update a will of our own."

"And use those that cannot be refuted even by Dumbledore." Dorea agreed, "Only as a last resort." They didn't want to be another family Harry lost to this bloody war that despite appearances was still ongoing. Dumbledore had made sure of that.

"That might be a little problematic but doable," Charlus mused, pondering on who Dumbledore couldn't deny in the eyes of the public without coming across as a manipulative bastard that he was. Image was everything to him after all.

"At least the Dursley's won't be around to send him back to." Dorea said almost chipper, "I am looking forward to this evening, it's going to be fun."

"Yes, Dear," Charlus agreed.

Then Thorfinn and Harry came down the hallway, clearly the bath was over with.

"Oh, wow, who looks so handsome!" Dorea declared, almost wishing to squeal in delight, oh, he was so adorable. "He has the best features of both his parents, doesn't he Charlus?" almost overawed at the sight of the boy dressed up in lovely wizardkind attire.

Harry shuffled behind Thorfinn, warming up to the wizard, cheeks flushing red. He wasn't used to anyone complimenting him.

Severus watched the boy; he didn't look five years old. He barely looked a day over three if he was lucky. "Even with the potion regime he's going to be on…he may never grow as tall as the rest of the Potters before him." the abuse had been that bad, even he had been fed well enough.

"He's likely right," Thorfinn agreed grimly, as he brushed Harry's hair back, from his head. He was touch starved but terrified of said touches. "I don't suppose I could accompany you to deal with them?" careful about what he said around the young ears.

"Unfortunately, not," Dorea shook her head, no, only she and Charlus would be there. "I'll let you and Marius see the memory." Since it was likely Marius would still be there. Although, it depended now with Arcturus awake.

"I'll take that deal," Thorfinn replied, "Alright, little one, time for the rest of your medicine. It will taste yucky but it will help, okay?" the word didn't feel strange coming out of his mouth, he'd dealt with his share of children – although none quite as delicate as Harry – and definitely not as young.

"Can you tell me more about the schooling hours, Severus?" Dorea asked, seeking more information to make sure her plans worked, although Marius would be able to do that for her too.

So, Severus did.

Dorea resembled a young, rotund twenty-three-year-old blonde as she strode through the streets of Privet Drive. keeping an eye on the street while the youngster he'd hired to cut the phone wire so that Petunia did not receive Vernon's call. Vernon who had been called by Marius himself, to inform him of the fire accident that had occurred at home.

If it had been anyone else, absolutely anyone, they would have felt some measure of guilt. However, to Dorea, Marius and Charlus it was something a long time coming and wholeheartedly deserved.

Marius however, had been glamoured to look like an old man, wrinkles and all.

Charlus couldn't stop laughing at the sight of him. Charlus himself was middle-aged, with blonde hair, resembling the 'glamour' that Dorea had adopted for the moment. Father and daughter wouldn't look too suspicious, especially seeing as the property they were hanging around had a for sale sign.

"Stop it will you," Marius growled out in annoyance. "That's it done, he works in London so it's going to be quite a wait, unless you want to Apparate to his work and grab him at his car?"

"That is an idea I didn't consider," Charlus mused, "What do you think dear?"

"As long as they 'die' on the way to get their son, I honestly don't care," Dorea declared with a bite that didn't normally make its appearance. The only pity she was taking was on the son, he was better off, who let a child see another child being harmed so grievously? "I want it done, tonight."

"Then we carry on," Marius said, too much could go wrong if they deviated from the set plan, plus it was two hours before the young Dudley boy needed picked up. He thought the wizarding world had some odd names, but Dudley Dursley? He had come along, Thorfinn could look after Harry for a while, it was what he was being paid for. Harry was asleep anyway, apparently, he'd do a lot of resting for a while.

And so, they did carry on.

Three hours later it hit the local news stations that a horrific accident seen to it that a young couple Mr and Mrs Dursley had died in a horrendous car accident. The cause of it was unknown for the moment, but it appears from bystanders that the car spun out of control and the car crashed into the abandoned building.

"The couple who were driving to collect their young son from school passed away at the scene. Our thoughts are with the son and family."

Naturally they visited people in Privet Drive, getting a sense of who they were.

"Couldn't get better neighbour's if we tried, we're so upset over their passing,"

"She always took the time to listen to you, I'll miss her popping by,"

"They were a lovely couple, well liked, very much missed, we're so sorry, they've been taken from us far too soon."

"They had so much to give, very friendly, lovely and giving, popular, we're so sorry for the poor child's loss."

Naturally these were all people from an era gone by, if you have nothing nice to say, don't say anything. However, they did want their fifteen minutes of fame, thus they all lied through their teeth. What did they want them to do? Tell the truth? That they were glad they were gone? The whole family was sour, bullies, loud and annoying, a blight in the street.

Nobody had anything to say about Harry Potter or remembered him despite him growing up alongside Dudley.

It had Charlus having to take Dorea home (they watched it at Marius' home since they didn't have a TV) before she levelled Marius' property and Privet Drive entirely.

A/N – so where will Thorfinn find the first Horcrux? Young Tom diary? Locket Tom? Diadem Tom? Or older Hufflepuff cup tom? In merging them both (a horcrux and main soul) will we end up with a far saner Voldemort? Will the Potters remain neutral, or will they lean towards the dark after a lot of time spent in the Black family for company? So many ways this could go, and finding different ways is always amusing and fun! Ah, it's good to be back! For those that aren't on my Facebook group I was ill thought I was better and wrote My Legacy, but it appeared it wasn't, and it came back with a vengeance. However, I've made a full recovery and back to the swing of writing! Also, guys remember to vote and tell me what you want to see in My Legacy which will changed by the way I'm not happy with it at all! I'll let you all know when it happens. R&R

Oh, do you want to see the scene written out? or is their deaths enough for you? I honestly don't mind either way, I'd love to know before the next chapter though for continuity xx