Chapter 18: Peaceful, Easy Feeling
The next two days passed quickly for Harry. Every morning, he would wake up, eat breakfast and take his potions. After that, Hermione would join him in the room and they'd work through their homework. At the end of two days, not only had they finished their summer work but Harry was cleared to move around.
On the third day, Madam Pomfrey made a house call with Professor McGonagall where Pomfrey told him the good news.
"Your spine is perfectly healed, Mr. Potter," she gave him a genuine smile. "Your other injuries have healed too, though you will be rather tender for a while. As a result of your injuries, I want you to take it easy. I see there is a pool out back. Walking back and forth across it will be an excellent way to rehabilitate and rebuild your strength.
"I will make a follow up visit every week, to check your progress."
Standing up, Harry moved toward her and took everyone by surprised as he suddenly wrapped her up in a hug.
"Thank you for everything you did," Harry said.
"That is my job, Mr. Potter," she said as Harry pulled away.
"One more thing, Harry," Professor McGonagall stepped forward. "I have assumed the role of magical guardian for you."
"Magical guardian?" Harry cocked his head to the side.
"It is something that those born-or in your case, raised- in the muggle world have," she explained. "It is your guardian's job to make sure you are cared for in all ways, to be a representative in matters or schooling and health. Your magical guardian can also manage your finances until you are ready to assume that responsibility.
"Up until this week, your guardian was Albus Dumbledore," Harry blanched as Hermione and the Grangers gasped. "Obviously, I found him to be… lacking… in that area. Once the case against your relatives-"
McGonagall's nostrils flared at that word.
"-becomes public, the wizarding world will be furious. They will ask who allowed this to happen and those questions will lead to one place and one place only: Dumbledore. They would have stripped him of his guardianship which would allow anyone to claim it. Deciding not to leave that up to fate. As your head of house, with the benefit of being your father's godmother, I have a solid claim."
"I appreciate that but the Grangers just claimed guardianship of me," Harry didn't want to sound ungrateful but he really didn't want to be taken away from the Grangers. "How does that affect that?"
"It does not," McGonagall said, plainly. "I myself am the magical guardian to Miss Granger and Mr. Thomas, as well as any other muggleborn witch or wizard who is sorted into Gryffindor. The Grangers would still be in charge of your care outside of wizarding world while I would represent your interests inside the school and anything within the wizarding world.
"On a personal note: I am sorry. I was there the night Albus left you with the Dursleys. I protested but not strongly enough. I trusted Albus and he never once acted in your best interests. Even last year, I trusted that he had the stone safe but instead he used it as a lure and a test for you."
"A test!?" Hermione screeched. "Why would he test you."
"He wanted to know if Harry could become the next leader for the light, since Albus won't be able to do that job forever."
"He wants me, an 11-year-old boy, to become a leader? Isn't anyone else up for the job?"
"Not in his mind. You are famous for defeating Voldemort, Harry. I think Albus naturally believes that notoriety would naturally make you a good leader."
"Well you are a good leader," Hermione said. "Not because of what you allegedly did all those years ago but because of who you are. But to push you into becoming one…"
"I get it, Miss Granger," McGonagall said. "It is one of the many reasons he is not your guardian. A guardian must put the interests of the person above all else and Dumbledore forgot that."
"Thank you for taking an interest in my best interests," Harry said. "I do have one concern: this will add more onto your plate. I saw your office; you're overworked as it is."
"Next year, I will be getting help," McGonagall said. "I have allowed myself to become distracted, possibly why I did not take your warning about the stone seriously. Starting next year, I will be delegating some work to Filius Flitwick and Pomona Sprout."
"Not Snape?" Harry asked.
"Professor Snape," Hermione corrected.
"If I could trust he would do it fairly," McGonagall's eyes narrowed again. "But I cannot. His end of year grades prove that."
Hermione perked up at grades, making Harry chuckle. Sighing audibly, McGonagall reached into her robes to withdraw two envelopes.
"Ignore Severus' marks, Miss Granger," she said as Hermione snatched the envelope from her hand and tore it open. "You were the top student in your year, Miss Granger."
Reading through, Hermione saw she got straight O's across the board with an Exceeds Expectations in Potions the only blemish. Excited with her grades, Hermione smiled widely and turned to Harry.
"Well?" She asked, excitedly. "How did you do!?"
Harry held the envelope with trembling hands. For the first time, he cared about doing well in school. Hermione hovering over his shoulder didn't make things any easier.
"Hermione…" Helen admonished her daughter. "Grades are very private thing. Give Harry some space."
"Sorry, mum," Hermione hung her head. "Sorry, Harry. I didn't mean to…"
"It's okay," Harry replied, taking a deep breath before opening the envelope.
"I got an EE in History and Herbology, a P in Potions and O's everywhere else," Harry said. "Better than I expected."
Hermione stepped next to him and wrapped him into a side-arm hug, squeezing hard enough to make Harry wince.
"Sorry," she sounded abashed. "I am proud of you, though, Harry."
"You both have impressed your teachers- most of them anyway," McGonagall rolled her eyes, thinking of Snape. "In the next few weeks you can expect an owl with your school lists for next year."
McGonagall and Pomfrey left shortly thereafter and Harry promptly stepped into the backyard. Standing in the sunshine, hearing the birds chirping, with the fresh air on his face and the smell of Helen's flowers invading his senses, Harry smiled. He had a host of new guardians. For a while he just stood there, relishing in the peaceful, easy feeling.
"What do you think?" Hermione asked.
"It's perfect," He smiled at her. "Everything here is. Your garden is beautiful."
That night, Harry and the Grangers were finishing dinner.
"What do you say we watch a movie tonight?"
Harry perked up at this. The Dursleys loved having frequent movie nights and their favorite part was locking Harry in the cupboard beforehand.
"What would you like to watch, Harry?"
Trying to play it off, Harry said "whatever you guys want is good with me."
Richard looked at the kid and got an idea. Thinking of another dark-haired individual who loved to fly.
"I know just what to watch," Richard said with a smile.
Helen rolled her eyes, knowing what was coming. At least there's the volleyball scene, she thought to herself.
"I'll make the popcorn," Hermione said as she was off running toward the pantry.
Gathering in the living room, Harry and Hermione sat down on the sofa while Helen took the loveseat. Richard joined her after popping in the video.
Sinking into the sofa, eating popcorn, Harry hungrily drank in the movie as the soft rock score played and the opening credits rolled. When the name title "Top Gun" flashed up, Harry felt a thrill of excitement shoot through him. When the soft rock shifted to a hard electric guitar, he couldn't help it: he smiled.
"What is this?" Harry said in amazement.
"This is Top Gun, Harry," Richard said, proudly. "The best movie ever made."
Hermione and Helen both rolled their eyes.
"I like this song…" Harry commented.
"It's 'Danger Zone' by an American named Kenny Loggins," Hermione explained. "It won't be the last time you hear it."
As the movie played, Hermione kept stealing glances, reveling in the way Harry drank in the simple experience of watching a film. Memo to self: enjoy the little things. *
As they got to the part where Maverick was chasing Viper, Hermione looked at Harry and was horrified at the look he had.
"Harry Potter!" Hermione shouted. "If you're even thinking of trying any of these stunts in Quidditch, I will take your broom away."
"But Hermione…"
"No buts!"
"Hermione," Harry said. She folded her arms and wouldn't respond.
"Hermione," Harry said again, louder.
"HERMIONE!" Harry shouted.
"HERMIONNNEEEE!"
"WHAT!?" She finally rounded on him.
"Danger Zone," he sing-songed with a smile. Hermione couldn't help it; she smiled. **
"Seriously though," Harry said. "I would like to try some of those maneuvers… but safely,"
"You better be," Hermione smiled in spite of herself.
After the movie, Harry was almost bouncing in excitement.
"Can we watch another!?" He asked.
"Not tonight," Helen said through giggles. "You still need to get your rest, to continue healing."
"Thank you for the suggestion, Richard," Harry said.
Just wait until I show you Star Wars," Richard laughed at Harry's expression. For a boy whose childhood forced him to mature beyond his years, it was nice to see him actually act like a child for once.
"Alright," Helen stepped into her mom voice. "Wash up and head to bed."
Harry turned out to be rather popular the next few days. He had yet to hear from Neville or Ron so he dispatched Hedwig with letters to both of them. To Neville, he gave him a short recap of his two weeks with the Dursleys while to Ron he explained that, due to an injury, he would not be able to visit him, as planned. Ron wrote back, upset but surprisingly understanding. Once they got their school letters, they planned to meet up
The following Saturday, Harry got a visit from Amelia Bones and the pink-haired Auror that she formally introduced as Auror Tonks.
"Good morning, Mr. Potter," she looked around the house, taking in the décor. "How are you feeling?"
"I am feeling good, ma'am," Harry answered. "I still feel some soreness in my back, though it is less every day."
"We were hoping to sit down and chat about your life before Hogwarts, if you are up for it," Amelia asked softly.
"Would it be okay if the Grangers stayed?" Harry asked. "Not to be disrespectful, but I don't really know you and I would like to have someone here whom I know and trust."
"If you do not mind them hearing then they are welcome to sit in on the interview." Amelia said. Richard guided her toward the formal dining room, having Harry sit on one side and Amelia on the other. She set up a quill to dictate the interview and leveled Harry with an impassive look. "When you are ready, you may begin."
Noting the calming presence of Hermione, Harry started to speak about everything he could remember. He told her about the cupboard that was his room until he was 11. He told her about being fed scraps while being forced to cook their meals. About cleaning the house while his cousin got to laze about. He told her about Vernon's reaction to when anything odd happened.
"Just last year, about this time," Harry said. "It was my cousins birthday and they were forced to bring me along. Usually, when they go out, I am sent to be with Mrs. Figg."
"Arabella Figg?" Amelia interjected.
"Maybe? I only ever heard her last name."
"Old batty woman? Too many cats to count?"
"That's her."
"Good to know," Amelia said. "We caught her a while back trying to sell Kneazles from a cart in Diagon. Turned out they were simply cats."
"Wait? Mrs. Figg is a witch?"
"Squib, actually. Continue with your story," Amelia made a note to talk to the woman for the case
Pondering this latest mystery, Harry continued on with the zoo trip.
"We were walking through the Reptile House when Vernon and Dudley kept hammering on the glass to make a snake move. Eventually they moved on and so I apologized to the snake. When I did, the snake opened its eyes and lifted its head. He told me it happens all the time."
"Wait…" Amelia's impassive mask fell for a second. "You talked with the snake?"
"Yes…" Harry said, uncertain why Amelia was shocked. "Is that not common?"
"Not many can speak parseltongue, Harry. It is a very rare trait. The last wizard known to have that trait was You-Know-Who."
"Voldemort?" Harry said as Amelia and Tonks flinched.
"Yes," Amelia saw the conflict on his face. "Continue with your story."
"Anyways as the snake was talking to me, Dudley noticed," Harry said. "He pushed me out of the way and pushed his face into the glass. I remember getting angry and suddenly the glass vanished and he fell in.
"The snake escaped and that's when I noticed Vernon watching me…" Harry stopped as his voice refused to work. Hermione slid closer and laid a comforting hand on his arm. "He was angry."
Tears started to fall. Of all the events, this one cut him the deepest.
"That night was the worst I ever got," Harry's voice now sounded raspy. "Over and over he hit me with the buckle of his belt. 'You're just like your whore mother, freak,' he told me. 'she died with your drunk father and left us to raise you.'
"On and on he went before he threw me back in my cupboard. I couldn't lay on my back for a week, which was how long they kept me locked up."
"Did you ever tell anyone about your abuse?" Amelia asked.
"I told a couple of teachers who took it to the principal who told Vernon. Vernon didn't like that," Harry said, his voice suddenly devoid of any emotion. "I even tried to run away once. A police officer picked me up. He was tight with Vernon and took me back. After that, I stopped trying. I didn't think there was anything I could do. Even when Dumbledore told me I had to go back, I just followed him. I thought that's just the way my life was."
He looked up at the Grangers and then to Hermione. Richard had a grave look on his face while Helen and Hermione wept for him.
"I know better now," Harry said, bringing tearful smiles to the Granger's faces. "I am never going back."
Whether Harry was saying that to Amelia or himself, she did not know but she just added.
"No you are not," Amelia said. "It is going to take some time, but they will be standing trial. I need to properly interview your relatives and a few others. Due to your celebrity, I do need to tread carefully, however. I will keep you updated as thing go along.
"Before I leave: you mentioned a house elf warning you about a threat to Hogwarts?"
Harry told her about Dobby and his warning.
"Did he give you anything specific?"
"No. He just said 'dark things are planned.' I then asked him about his bond and why his master made him wear a pillowcase. When he told me why, I told him his master must be evil. He agreed and then threw himself into the wall head first. Is this normal for house elves, Madam Bones?"
"Sadly, it is in some households," Madam Bones pinched the bridge of her nose. "A lot of pureblood families bond with elves to help them. House elves are dead useful, especially at maintaining the home. Some of us treat them as family members while others, Dobby's family in this case, treat them as slaves. The bond with an elf is beautiful thing when properly maintained. If not maintained, a house elf will slowly go insane and die a slow and painful death."
"That seems to be what Dobby's master is hoping for," Harry said. "Dobby said his master was looking forward to him dying so he could get another elf."
"Is this legal?" Hermione finally entered the conversation.
"Sadly, yes, Miss Granger," Amelia said. "It is frowned upon but too many purebloods still see creatures as inferior. I myself have two elves…"
"You support slavery!?" Hermione exclaimed without thinking.
"Hermione!" Helen admonished. She didn't like it the same as her daughter but she also didn't like her daughter casting a snap judgement.
"It is fine, Mrs. Granger," Amelia looked at the girl sitting at the table. "Bippy and Wexley are my elves. They have served me for 15 years. They helped me raise Susan. Some would treat them as slaves but I choose to treat them as family. They can make their own outfits and if they are sick, I take care of them."
"Sorry Madam Bones," Hermione was sufficiently cowed. "I just… don't like the idea of anyone thinking less of another for any reason."
"I agree with you, Miss Granger," Madam Bones smiled at her. "As a certain Doctor King once said 'injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.' I serve justice, Miss Granger. Whether human, elf or anything in between; it is justice which drives me."
Hermione's eyes widened at a witch knowing the teachings of an American muggle as Amelia continued.
"The bond with a house elf is sacred and special. It is my goal to one day make it illegal to mistreat an elf the way you experienced, Mr. Potter."
"Thank you Madam Bones," Harry said. "I have not thought much about Dobby, given the events that followed but I must admit to being horrified of a creature living in slavery. The idea is very anathema to me. If there is anything we can do to help, I would be glad to help."
Hermione smiled at Harry's words and nodded as well.
"If I can think of anything, I will let you know, Mr. Potter. On a personal note: I am horrified about your story. I remember you as a baby. You were always sweet with Susan. Outside of DMLE business, feel free to call me Auntie Amelia, as Susan does."
"Thank you… Auntie Amelia," Harry tried to feel how the name tasted in his mouth. For years, he had never called Petunia aunt as she wasn't family, she was merely a blood relative.
"And you can call me Tonks," the young Auror added. "You might not know this but we are actually related. You were always my favorite cousin, though that's damning with faint praise considering my other cousin is Draco."
"Malfoy?" Harry asked.
"Who else would name their kid Draco? Yes, he is my mother's sister's kid, though my mother and her sister never speak. As for you? Your grandmother was Dorea Potter, originally Dorea Black, my mother's great aunt."
Harry was trying not to give himself whiplash from the revelations of this conversation.
"Remember you always have family, kid," Tonks reached over and ruffled his hair. "If you need anything, feel free to write myself or my mother, Andromeda. Oh and if you need any legal advice, my father Ted is a lawyer serving both the magical and muggle worlds.
"Thank you, Miss Tonks," Harry said.
"Just Tonks, Harry," she smiled at him and turned to the Grangers. "Take care of him, would you? He was always a cute baby. Actually, he's still a cutie."
Harry blushed at the compliment which must have been what Tonks was driving at because she laughed out loud.
"Don't you agree, Hermione?" Tonks needled the young girl, making her blush as well.
"That's enough, Tonks," Amelia decided to give the kids a reprieve. "We had best be off. We have other things to get to. We will leave you to enjoy the rest of your Saturday."
A few days after the meeting with Amelia and Tonks, their Hogwarts letters arrived. Sending Hedwig off with letters to coordinate a date for Diagon, Harry thought it was odd he had not received an owl from Gringotts, or anyone for that matter. Unless he sent Hedwig out, he never heard from anyone and when she came back, she always seemed harried.
Harry added this to his list of questions for the Goblins when they next visited Diagon Alley.
(A/N *Enjoy the little things is one of the rules of Columbus that he gets from Tallahassee in Zombieland
**The Danger zone bit should be familiar with anyone who is a fan of the series Archer
It's funny that this chapter posts today as the Top Gun bit is very much a love letter to Bonded4Life's Strangers on a Train, which I am glad to see return. It really is the finest Harmony has to offer.
I have the rest of the summer pretty well written out so that should come back relatively soon. As always, thank you for reading and commenting. If you have any song suggestions for chapter titles, feel free to offer them.