June 1998
Charlus Potter took a deep breath taking in the British air. Charlus never knew he could miss his home this much. Seven years away from someplace would make anyone homesick. Thinking about the last seven years caused him to frown. That was seven years stolen from him. Stolen from his family. Without prompting the memories came back and Charlus could only close his eyes and ride them out. Charlus wished he could go back and change that one night.
(Flashback Potter Manor September 1991.)
"So, what is the mission?" Charlus looked up at his son James. For a moment he seemed to not register what his son asked. Finally, he answered back
"There was a large tornado in Brazil today. Killed sixteen and left over a hundred and seventy people injured. ICW has got reports that it was a rampaging Obscurus."
"An Obscurus? Aren't they extremely rare?"
"Yes, which is why the Brazilian magical government has asked the ICW for aid. Since I'm one of the few people alive who has fought an Obscurus before ICW asked my team to investigate."
"At least one of us gets to be useful." Charlus heard the bitterness in James and shook his head. James Potter had always been impulsive and a man of action. Since Lily gave birth to Harry, they have all been in hiding. According to James Voldemort was actively hunting for them. Charlus had insisted they come to Potter Manor. While they were safe James hated being on the sidelines.
"James, I know this is difficult for you. We Potters hate being on the sidelines I know that from experience. You are doing the best thing for your family. Use this time wisely. why don't you take a look at the family grimoire? If you asked me, it is high time you learn about the Potter family magic."
"Not this again. I told you Father I have no interest in the family Grimoire. It's from an era long forgotten I refuse to learn that dark magic."
"Dark magic? This is magic that has been passed down from our ancestors this is part of who we are as Potters. Any type of magic could be used for evil. I understand your hesitation and while you were growing up I never forced it because there was no need. Now we are at war this magic can help protect not only yourself but your family as well. I won't be around forever James. Last time the two of you went up against Voldemort you almost didn't make it out alive."
"Voldemort showing up himself was unexpected. It was under control though Dumbledore and the rest of the order came. You came charging in with the Aurors did more harm than good. You and the Aurors killed a lot of people that didn't need to die."
" Yes, they did. You don't win wars by stunning your enemies when they are trying to kill you. Dumbledore has blocked the ICW from directly getting involved but we were not about to leave everyone defenseless. I taught Alastor and the Aurors Corps how to fight a war. They are doing what they are trained to do."
"Dumbledore and the Ministry both agreed to keep the ICW out. You guys would do more harm than good. Look at what you have the Aurors doing. It would be a blood bath and innocent people would die. no one wants to repeat what happened with Grindelwald."
" Dumbledore's way of fighting this war is going to get you all killed. Son, you need to stop relying on him so much. He is way out of his league here."
James's anger had been growing through the conversation and on hearing his dad disparage Dumbledore he finally snapped.
"You know at least Dumbledore is out there fighting Voldemort unlike you. You refuse to join the Order the only thing you contribute to the war is training up the Aurors. Lily and I have been face-to-face with Voldemort three times now. How many times have you? As for war advice, I think I'll follow the man who defeated Grindelwald and fought Voldemort. You know when mom died it was him who helped me get through it. After the funeral, you went off on another mission. Just like it was growing up. When you were home all you did was push your views and get on my case about everything." Charlus was taken aback by James's anger.
"Yes, I pushed you and yes I was hard on you. Your mother may she rest in peace called you her miracle child and spoiled you. You needed someone to be hard on you. You were arrogant and a bully. You and your friends played cruel pranks on people. Look at the man you grew up to be though. You have matured and have an amazing wife and a beautiful son. Could I have done things differently of course? But I will not apologize for doing my duty. Before you were born your mother, and I would go on missions together. We both felt a calling that was bigger than us. We choose to put our lives on the line to help others from dangers you don't know the half of.
Dumbledore has a lot of power and influence, and he could have done a lot to make this world a much better place. He refuses to. This war is a result of his ineffective leadership. As your father, I'm concerned about the path he is leading you down."
"You are wrong Father Dumbledore is a great man, and I trust him completely. You are blinded by jealousy you always have been. He is the man you wish you were but let's face it you never will be."
Charlus became rigid and his eyes narrowed.
" This hero worship you have for the man is sickening. You are a Potter we are supposed to bend the knee to no one. Yet here you are knees bent and his cock in your mouth. I thought I raised you to be your own man, but it seems I was mistaken."
James drew his wand intending to curse his dad into oblivion when suddenly his wand flew out of his hand. Looking around he saw his wife Lily Potter with her wand out.
"What is going on here? I was trying to put Harry to bed but all I kept hearing was you two arguing." James was the first to speak up
"It's nothing Lily honey we were just discussing our views on leadership. We were finished anyway sorry for disturbing you." With that James picked up his wand and left the room. Lily turned to Charlus who spoke before she got a chance to.
"Don't worry about it, Lily. It's good that I'm leaving for the week I think we both need time to cool off. I know my son is hotheaded like me but you have always been level-headed. For the love of Merlin be careful while I am away. I know you have that same uneasy feeling about Dumbledore as I do. Stay safe make sure he doesn't do something stupid. Give my love to Harry." Charlus gave Lily a peck on the cheek and apparated away.
Charlus arrived with his team in Brazil. He couldn't believe how far things had deteriorated between him and his son. Ever since his beloved Dorea died James had been bitter towards him. Dumbledore like a viper capitalized on the situation and lured James closer to his side. James was fanatical in his support of Dumbledore. It was a good thing Lily was able to talk sense to James.
"Sir we are ten minutes out." Charlus snapped out of his thoughts and focused on the mission at hand. Charlus and his team were traveling in muggle vehicles as it was the quickest way to travel in the jungle.
Charlus's senses started screaming. He felt as if somebody had walked on his grave. Suddenly an explosion rocked their vehicle and the one in front of them. Charlus had managed to conjure a shield before the worst of the blast. It managed to save his life, but he was still badly wounded. He managed to crawl out of the wreckage, but he was losing a lot of blood and couldn't stand. Another body crawled out of the wreckage Charlus was relieved to see his potions master with only minor injuries.
His Potions master had his wand out and tried to heal the wounds on Charlus.
"Sir I'm afraid that my healing spells won't be enough. Sir our best chance to save you is to put your body under stasis. Your body will slow its blood production and allow your magic to heal you. Once we're at a hospital they can give you the antidote. "
Charlus deliberated for a second, but he knew the draught of living death was his best option. He took the Potion and with great difficulty, he swallowed it all. He had one last look at his potion master and was alarmed when he saw men with wands coming. Before he could shout a warning, he saw Anton struck with the killing curse. The potion took effect, and he went unconscious.
The men checked and found no pulse in Charlus they moved on. Unfortunately for Charlus, he was later found not by wizards but by muggles. His body was thrown into a ditch with the others. While his magic healed his body he was still under the effect of the potion. Perfectly preserved but to the normal eye dead.
Time passed and Charlus did everything he could to fight the potion. Each time being met by failure. He grew discouraged because the effects of the potion were too strong. Charlus had given up all hope and was resigned to his fate. More time passed. Charlus was suffering in a deep tunnel of depression. Charlus's will to live gave out and his spark faded.
Charlus knew he was close to death's sweet release when she visited him. They were standing in Potter Manor. It looked wrong somehow though. Everything was white and there were only two doors. His wife stood before him and looked radiant. Suddenly she spoke.
"My love I have missed you. You can't give up though. it's not the time."
"Why I can feel I will be with you soon. I miss you so much. "
" I know I miss you too but I need you to fight. Harry needs you."
"What's wrong with Harry?" Dorea frowned and tears were in her eyes.
"James and Lily were killed by Voldemort. Harry was the only one who survived. He is all alone and he is going to need you." Charlus was in shock it couldn't be true.
"JAMES, LILY NO"
"This is goodbye for now my love I'll be waiting when the time comes." Charlus let out a heartbreaking sob when she faded away. An ethereal voice then demanded he choose a door. Charlus knew the door on the left was where his family was. He was very tempted to be with his wife and son but the thought of Harry by himself decided for him. He walked through the door on the right.
Charlus was back in his mind the purple haze of the potion still engulfing his mind. With a renewed sense of Purpose, Charlus fought. Finally, he was able to break through. With that, Charlus felt the effects of the potion slip away. Charlus's eyes opened, and he sat up and took a deep breath.
(end flashback)
Charlus shook away the images of his past. He only had one purpose now nothing else mattered. He was deeply saddened about His Son and daughter in law, but Harry was alive, and he needed to focus on that. He was still feeling the effects of the potion even now weeks later. Charlus was too weak for apparition, so he had painfully walked to a nearby village where he was able to get some food and water. He stayed for a couple of weeks until his body was ready to travel.
After getting to Brittan, he apparated one more time to Potter Manor. Potter Manor still looked as magnificent as ever. It had a beautiful lawn and in the center was a fountain with a regal Dragon as the centerpiece. The front gate Had the Potter Family crest two Dragons holding up a shield with a Letter P on it. The Potter Family motto is Ignis Aurum Probat which was Latin for Fire Tests Gold.
Charlus put his hand to the family crest he felt the Magic testing him. After finding him worthy Charlus walked to the doors. He entered a large entrance hall. It was the same as he remembered. Before he could take another step, he found himself frozen in place. Also being confronted by an old Angry house elf.
"Who is you?" "How did you enter this place?"
Charlus recognized the House elf as the Head Potter Family elf Loki.
"Loki it's me, Charlus Potter."
Loki stared at Charlus for what felt like forever finally Loki's eyes lit up in recognition. He ran and hugged Charlus.
"Master Charlus it is you. Loki thought for sure you were dead."
Charlus finally unfrozen peeled the excited elf off his leg and began to look around. Like the outside everything looked hauntingly beautiful but missing warmth.
"Tell me Loki what happened to My Son."
Loki burst into tears and then began the tale of how after Charlus was declared dead Dumbledore had convinced James to leave Potter Manor to get away from the memories. So, his son took his family to Potter cottage in Godric's Hollow. Then Loki said on Halloween the bad wizard came for James and Lily killing them both and how the bad wizard tried to kill baby Harry. Loki said he didn't know why or how, but baby Harry survived the killing curse and made it rebound killing the bad wizard instead. He also mentioned how the wizarding world hailed Harry as a hero.
"He rebounded the killing curse that's unheard of and shouldn't be possible. So, Harry was orphaned? As honor-bound elves to House Potter, you should have bought him here."
"We tried at first master Charlus, but We is only Elfs, they would not let us raise Baby Harry."
Charlus knew upon further thinking that Loki was right there was no way any House Elf would be given custody to anybody let alone Harry Potter who it seems was now a big hero. Charlus needed to find his Grandson
"Loki you can find Harry, right?"
"Yes, sir we can feel his magic."
"Good, I want you to find him and watch him without revealing yourself. I need to know everything. Who has him and how he is."
Loki left in an audible pop. Charlus went to explore the rest of the house. It was exactly how he remembered it which made him nostalgic. It was with a heavy heart that Charlus Potter went into the master bedroom. Charlus had lost his wife and now to come and find out his son and Daughter in law been killed leaving behind his Grandson. He vowed to take care of Harry no matter what.
The next afternoon Charlus was surprised by a very angry Loki. Charlus saw Loki shaking and balling his fists.
"Loki what's wrong?"
"It's Young Master Potter sir."
"What about him?" Charlus was genuinely concerned he had never seen the elf look so angry.
"It's the muggles he lives with. They is beating the young master badly. Loki wanted to help but master forbid Loki from being seen."
"THEY WHAT? TELL ME EVERYTHING!"
-/-/-:-/-/-/. WARNING GRAPHIC CHILD ABUSE
7-year-old Harry Potter was not having a good day. The morning started with the usual he got up early to make his relatives breakfast. While he was cooking Dudley his fat cousin shoved him causing Harry to drop a raw egg on the floor. Vernon Dudley's father and Harry's uncle became enraged and kicked Harry multiple times for daring to drop their food on the floor. His Aunt Petunia just shrieked about her spotless kitchen and how he ruined it. Vernon put his hand on the back of Harry's neck and shoved him into the raw egg on the floor.
"Lick it up Freak, how dare you dirty up our kitchen and waste our food." Harry did as he was told knowing the consequences would be a lot worse if he didn't do it. A lone tear trailed down Harry's cheek. That was all Harry would allow to come out. He had long gotten used to the daily torture of his relatives. Ever since he could remember he had been beaten and humiliated. In the beginning, he cried out for his mom or dad or anybody to help him. Vernon always took great pleasure in reminding Harry that his parents were dead and that his dad was a good-for-nothing drunk and his mother a whore and how they killed themselves in a car crash. Then Vernon would go into how Harry should feel lucky to be in his house and not dead. Vernon loved seeing Harry cry, so Harry willed himself never to cry except a lone tear now and again.
After he was forced to lick the floor. Vernon made him finish making breakfast for them. As usual, Harry was not allowed to have any.
After breakfast, Harry had to walk to school. While Dudley was driven to school. Harry having to walk to school always made him late and then he would have to deal with his teacher. Harry's teacher didn't like him since day one when Harry didn't know his name. When she asked his name, he said Freak. His teacher got mad and belittled him in front of the class. Then Harry didn't know how it happened, but his teacher's hair turned blue. This got him badly beaten despite Harry saying he had no idea how it happened. Ever since then his teacher had always been nasty to him.
Today was no different having refused to give Harry an assignment and then Yelling at him after class for not completing the assignment. It was during lunch when things became extremely bad for Harry. Dudley and his gang decided to play Harry Hunting. Harry ran to get away but found himself cornered. Harry in desperation closed his eyes and wished he could escape. Harry heard a loud pop and opening his eyes he was surprised to find himself on the roof. Harry was shocked he couldn't believe how he had gotten on the roof. To make matters worse he couldn't get down. Eventually, they had to call the fire department. The principal called Aunt Petunia and told her what happened, and that Harry was suspended.
Harry knew that his aunt and Uncle would make him pay dearly for this. This is why Harry found himself outside number 4 private drive dreading going in. He knew what waited for him inside. Harry thought about running away but he knew that wouldn't work. He had tried when he was 5 only for the cops to bring him back and to get beaten twice as badly. Harry never understood why every adult he encountered didn't believe him when he told them of the abuse he was receiving. Before they arrived at his house, they were all very caring but once they talked to Uncle Vernon, they called him a liar.
Harry was so lost in his thoughts he never noticed the front door opening. Harry gave a surprised shock when he felt a large hand grab his arm and throw him inside. Harry looked up to see the very angry face of his uncle.
"So now you have gone and done it you fucking Freak. This is how you repay our kindness I have had enough of your freakishness embarrassing this family." Vernon starts raining his fists down on Harry. Harry could do nothing but curl up. Vernon was relentless with his fists and kicking with his pointy shoes. The beating was always bad, but this one was way worse despite Harry's best efforts he whimpered. Vernon stopped the beating and Harry thinking he was over tried to crawl his battered and beaten body towards his cupboard.
"WHERE THE FUCK DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING FREAK." Vernon grabbed Harry's hair and dragged him into the living room. Vernon took off his belt and lashed Harry over and over. This wasn't the first time Harry had been whipped but normally they never lasted this long. The searing pain became too much for Harry, and he started crying. Harry cried and screamed and begged for anyone to come to save him, but it seemed nobody heard him or cared. Eventually, the pain was so unbearable Harry blacked out.
Harry woke up sometime later in his broom cupboard he had no idea what time it was as it was pitch black like always. Harry had never felt this much pain in his life even the tiniest of movements caused him agony. Harry heard the locks of his cupboard coming undone. Harry's eyes widened in fear he couldn't take another beating. He tried desperately to move to try and hide but the pain wouldn't let him. The door opened Harry's heart clenched but instead of Vernon, there was a man Harry had never seen before.
~\~
Charlus was both disgusted and Extremely Livid as Loki told him about the horror show he witnessed. How dare those savages do this to a member of House Potter let alone a small child. Charlus was also intrigued by the wards Loki encountered. Loki told him how Harry Potter's relatives were muggles and Harry being too young to place the wards there meant that a witch or wizard placed the wards. Which meant they knew about what was going on and did nothing. Loki had told him about a ward that actively confounded muggles who entered the house. That would mean not only does someone know they were making sure it didn't stop.
Charles had Loki bring him just outside the wards on number 4 private drive. After examining them he knew he could bypass them as he and Harry were blood. Charlus frowned at the blood ward although it was working it was extremely weak. From what Charlus could gather Someone had used Harry's blood and tied it to his relatives. Blood wards were extremely powerful and depending on what the blood was used for and how it was attained determined what powered it and what weakened it. This particular blood ward was powered by intent, but it seems it was tweaked by someone with serious skill. The blood ward stayed active with the tiniest of gestures as long as Harry called it home it would function not at full power, but it would still do what it was designed to do. As long as Charlus did not intend to cause harm to Harry he would be fine.
Charlus knocked on the door. After a minute the door opened to reveal a large walrus-like man who had no neck and beady eyes.
"Who are you," the large man said rather rudely.
"Good evening you must be Vernon Dursley My name is Charlus Griffen I'm with Surrey Family Services. I'm here investigating claims of child abuse."
Vernon Dursley's eyes grew wide as he looked at the man. His eyes narrowed as he realized the boy must've told somebody. Well, Vernon was sure like the other times that they would find nothing. Then he would finally get rid of the freak once and for all.
"I'm sorry for wasting your time but there is no child abuse in this house."
"Well, you must forgive me if I won't take your word for it. This is a serious matter so if it's all the same to you I am going to go inside and investigate. "
"Do you have a warrant? You can't just barge into my house you know."
Charlus smiled as he handed Vernon a warrant. It was fake of course but Vernon didn't know that.
"Now excuse me." He shoved passed the large man and entered the home. The first thing Charlus noticed was the House was perfectly clean in a creepy abnormal way. The next thing Charlus noticed was the many pictures of a fat child who looked like a pig. There was no evidence at all that another boy lived here.
Charlus heard the man talking with who he had assumed was his wife looking at her he was surprised she was so skinny seeing the state of her husband and son. The son was in the kitchen eating but he couldn't find Harry. It was then that Charlus noticed the locks on the cupboard under the stairs.
"Mr. Dursley, what's in that cupboard?" Vernon and his wife both paled on hearing that.
"It's nothing a storage cupboard."
"Mr. Dursley open the cupboard this is not a request I don't care what you have in there you will open the door. If you do not comply, I will handcuff you and break the door down myself. "
Vernon reluctantly opened the locks and when Charlus looked in his blood began to boil. Inside back pressed against the wall was a broken and bruised child. There was dried blood caked all over him and what looked like open lashes on his back.
Seeing the injuries was worse than hearing Loki describe them. The boy looked at Charlus with a hint of curiosity, but Charlus could see the fear in his eyes. No child should ever have that look in their eyes.
"It's okay I won't hurt you I promise I'm here to take you away from here."
Harry hesitated 'Could it be true is this man going to take him away.' Taking a deep breath Harry grabbed his hand thinking anything was better than the Dursleys.
Vernon watching this had finally had enough and grabbed Harry by the wrist.
"That's enough the freak will not be going anywhere with you."
Charlus let his Aura fully out which had the benefit of making him look taller and more powerful.
"Excuse me but how do you plan on stopping me?" The steel in his voice caused Vernon to flinch but he quickly recovered and pulled out a gun.
"I will not let that Freak get me locked up. Now I'm going to do this world a favor and something I should have done long ago and kill that freak." Before Vernon could even touch the trigger, he was hit with a red light making him fall unconscious.
Petunia shrieked seeing her husband fall. She pointed at Charlus and looked at him in horror.
"You're one of them freaks."
Charlus didn't even bother answering. He had just used magic he knew he didn't have much time now as whoever set up the wards would soon be alerted to his presence. He had a small window, but he had to act fast. Charlus wanted to hurt them badly but being pressed for time he had to just get Harry out of there.
Harry Potter had watched wide-eyed as the man pulled out a stick and shot a red light at his uncle. The man turned to look at Harry and saw his shocked look.
"I imagine you have questions I'll answer all of them but first we need to get away from here" Outside Charlus took Harry's arm tightly and then they vanished.