Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

1st November

Albus Dumbledore held a baby Harry Potter as he raced to the infirmary. The matron was there to receive them. After quick diagnostic spells and a few healing spells, she declared him fit. That was one worry taken care of. Next, where would Albus house Harry? Hogwarts was the obvious answer, but he couldn't divide his time between the little boy and his actual job (3 jobs). He thought through James' family, trying to find a blood relative. No dice.

Albus frowned as he thought of the Blacks. Regulus dead, Sirius dead (died in London alongside Peter, bodies verified as their own with no tampering), James and Lily dead by Voldemort's hand, Andromeda in USA (unwilling to return to Britain), Narcissa in France (also unwilling to return to Britain), Bellatrix in prison. Remus Lupin (an adopted Potter) was also dead, having been killed by a hunter who mistook him for an actual wolf. Even Severus Snape, Lily's oldest magical friend, was badly injured and would need at least a year to recover. Reluctantly, Albus thought about Lily's family: her own elder sister, Petunia Dursley nee Evans.

Twenty minutes later, he was heading up Privet Drive, dressed for the heat of the day. He had to wait twenty seconds after the doorbell rang. Petunia was dressed for a day of relaxation, and Albus hated that he was about to ruin it.

"Hello Petunia."

"Albus Dumbledore? Well, I never thought you'd show up at my doorstep. I assume this means the war is over? Lily sent a letter a week ago but nothing else. I hope they three of them are fine now." Her voice was so full of hope, that Albus felt guilt cut him deep.

"May I come in?"

"Yes yes. Sitting room right ahead. David's asleep, so don't worry. Vernon! Dumbledore is here!"

Vernon was a man no one took lightly. His stocky build intimidated visually, but his unwavering loyalty and passion for truth made him equally well respected, as well as hated, in Grunnings. He sat next to Petunia, holding her hand and looking at Albus.

"Well, how are things?"

"I'm afraid I am the bearer of bad news. The war is over, but at great cost. Many lives were lost, on both sides. The last two deaths were that of the Potters." Albus waited for the storm.

Petunia choked on air, Vernon instantly crushing her in his famous hugs, hugs that made even the smallest child feel secure. His eyes were on Albus, with equal parts rage and concern in the brown orbs. Petunia's sobs were loud and hollow, as if she had spent all the air in her lungs. Vernon could say nothing. After fifteen minutes, Petunia pulled herself free and looked at Albus with bloodshot eyes.

"When?"

"31st October, evening. I only just got out of investigations."

"They wanted to enact a charm to hide their location."

"They did. I even pushed for it. But that meant they'd have to stay indoors all the time. And you know how Lily could be. In the end, they erected wards from James' family books that even I had trouble breaking through. But the man after them, he tore through them like paper. James died in defence of his family, Lily died protecting Harry."

Vernon latched onto the last part. "Where's Harry?"

"Hogwarts, but I cannot keep him there forever. It is also the most obvious place to keep him, so I should prepare myself for keeping his location secret, and if needed, move him."

"You'll give him to us." Petunia's voice was sharp and commanding. Vernon looked at his wife, then back to Albus.

"She's not asking Albus. And if she wouldn't, I will. Harry's my nephew too."

Albus inwardly thought that Vernon would have been a lovely Hufflepuff. "Thank you. You have no idea how much you've helped."

Vernon frowned. "Explain."

Albus gave them both a concise version of how no other blood relative of Harry was alive. Vernon did not like it. But he did raise a question, "Why not send him abroad, to the Malfoy or the Tonks family?"

"Because the blood protection Lily offered Harry required someone as close to him, or her, as possible. James' blood protection is also present, but his relations are much more strained by blood. Petunia is Lily's own sister, so the protection is safer."

"I want my nephew Albus. And a guide on how to prepare for life in the next decade and beyond. I refuse for David and Harry to go down the path Lily and I did." Petunia wasn't stupid, and she would do everything in her power to make sure Harry had a childhood to look back on.

Vernon asked the question that sealed Harry's eventual arrival to Privet Drive. "What about his godmother?"

Albus looked away and out towards the backyard. "Frank and Alice died in combat three months ago. Their son, Neville, hadn't shown magical signs till then. His grandmother's brother dangled him outside a window, and he slipped from the man's grasp, dying thirteen seconds later upon impact. His grandmother is the last person left of the family, still alone as ever."

Petunia thought she was going into shock. Vernon held her hand tightly, grounding her.

"Albus, you bring me my nephew by noon, or I will march into Hogwarts and take him."

The older man nodded and left, coming back after 20 minutes with a shorter man in tow. The Dursley parents were still on the sofa, but slightly calmer than when he had left them.

"Petunia, Vernon. This is Filius Flitwick, Charms faculty."

"I wish we were meeting in better circumstances." The man spoke softly, extending his hand, which only Vernon shook.

Albus waved his wand, and the air in front of him shimmered. Baby Harry was in a crib, fast asleep. He was wrapped in a blanket that Petunia recognised. She'd knitted it when Lily told her that she was pregnant.

"Harry."

Vernon observed as his wife reached down to pick up her nephew. She held him close.

"I got you, Harry. You'll be loved, I promise you that."

Harry didn't say anything, just made typical baby sounds in his sleep. Petunia turned to the three men. "I'm putting him with David. They'll be brothers, and I am adopting him."

Flitwick nodded. "I would expect nothing less."

With Petunia gone, Albus turned to Vernon. "You are a gem of a person. I knew that Lily and Petunia had reconciled, but I wasn't sure if you'd be open to the idea of magic."

"Family is family. When I married Petunia, I knew what I was getting into. Do you think it's possible David has magic as well?"

Flitwick shook his head, "No spell to detect that. Maybe wait till he's around 5 years of age. Muggleborn magic takes a lot longer to manifest."

Vernon nodded. Albus reached into his jacket and pulled out a book titled, "So your baby has magic. Welcome to chaos."

"I can cast certain spells to hide your house better. There are wards that would have a visceral reaction to anyone with even the slightest wrong intentions towards your family. I'll need a blood sample from each of you, however."

Vernon extended his arm without hesitation. "I've heard a lot of stories about wizardkind. I have enough trust in you to do what is right."

Flitwick cut Vernon's arm and took enough blood. "Thank you. With this, your son will also be protected. But we will need some from the others later."

"Right. Now, with regards to Harry, what do we do? He needs documentation, and an explanation as to why he's with us."

"His parents died fighting a terrorist. Covert operations." Petunia spoke from the doorway. All three of them turned to her.

"Pet..."

"No Vernon. We will not diminish their sacrifice. We call it what it is. They're heroes, even if our side will never know the full truth. Harry will be a Dursley, and his parents had a will. It will be executed."

She glared Albus as she spoke the last sentence. Filius nodded, "I'll speak to the bank. You may be called for the reading. Albus, you need to go to France. Narcissa needs to know."

Albus visibly aged 5 years at that statement. "She'll go hysterical."

"She has her husband for support. I'll tell Andromeda."

Petunia moved slowly to her husband. "Wasn't Neville Harry's godbrother?"

Albus frowned, "Yes he was. Why do you ask?"

"Just needed to confirm it. When is the funeral?"

"A few days. After that, the will shall be read."

"I'm coming, for the funeral at least. I don't know if I'll be able to stay normal during the will reading."

"Then I'll go." Vernon did not hesitate. "You need at least one person from each family, I hope?"

Filius nodded, "Normally, each named person is intimated, even from the same family. I'll personally let you know."

Albus looked to the ceiling, "One more thing. Harry's parents left him a large inheritance, and a considerable estate. Harry has the final say, but you are his guardians in the normal world. Till he reaches Hogwarts, I will be his guardian in the magical world. Once he is sorted into his Hogwarts House, the Head will take over from me. I've made many mistakes, mister and missus Dursley, far too many to count. But I know this is not one of them."

Ten minutes later, the two magicals turned to leave, when Fawkes flamed in. The Sorting Hat, the oldest relic of Hogwarts, was on his head. "Apologies for the intrusion. Fawkes felt that I was needed here."

All adults looked puzzled as Fawkes went over to Vernon and offered the Sorting Hat. Vernon frowned and slipped it on. A grand total of five seconds later, "Hufflepuff to the core."

Albus nodded and explained, "The House of the loyal, family, and the hard-working. I can see how it fits you. And what about you Petunia?"

Thirty seconds later, "Ravenclaw, an unorthodox one, but Ravenclaw nonetheless. I look forward to meeting Harry, and hopefully David, in a decade."

Silence fell in the house later, as Vernon busied himself in the book, while Petunia slept. Torn between where to sit, Vernon pulled a chair out of their room and sat in the hallway, keeping an eye on both rooms.

Meanwhile in France, Albus spoke to Lucius and Narcissa. He handed Narcissa the ring that proclaimed her, as the Head of House Black, Lady Black.

The emotional magic that ripped through the room sent both men flying. Lucius turned to Albus, "Get out of here before you're killed! I'll survive, I'm her husband."

Albus didn't need to be told twice. Lucius escorted him quickly to the front gate. "Draco was born in France. He's never setting foot in Hogwarts."

"Understood. Go to your wife. I'll see myself past the wards."

The visit to the Tonks house was no better for Filius. Andromeda had lashed out, and it wasn't pretty. Ted took in the necessary information and told Filius to bail before his wife decided to use the professor as target practise for very specific Black spells.

Only Dora, their daughter, was somewhat emotionally stable. She told Filius, with all the conviction an 8 year old could muster, "I will visit Harry one day, and be the best big sister he has."

Filius nodded, "Of that, I have no doubt."

Life at Privet Drive had changed. The neighbours had heard about Harry, the son of heroes, and that he was now living with the Dursley family.

The funeral had been quiet. Petunia sat in front, unwilling to look anywhere but the two coffins in front of her. Nobody knew who she was, which was good. Better for her family.

Petunia knew that they'd be stretched for money, with another child. But before she could think about doing anything, Vernon was called for the will reading. James and Lily had thought of everything. Money for Peter, books for Severus, a house for Remus, a bike for Sirius, and monthly payments to whoever was raising Harry. Sadly, there were no portraits of the couple. Vernon felt sad that Harry would never get to hear the sound of his parents' voices, in memories that he could remember. The Dursley family had been left all of Lily's notes and school texts, on the off-chance that David had magic.

When he asked what would happen for those who had died, Albus spoke, "Sirius' bike goes to his vault. After that, Narcissa will do as she pleases. Remus' house is a Potter property designed for werewolves, so that goes back to the estate. The money for Peter will go to his parents. Severus will be sent the books, since he is in no condition to leave his own bed."

Vernon requested account statements, which the goblins said would have to pass through Albus' hands. Albus also mentioned that he had set up a vault for Harry, should "The Boy who Lived" would be sent a lot of gifts. And not all of them would be sent with best wishes. Gringotts had agreed to sort the gifts out and dispose of the wrong sort.

Vernon had rounded on Albus at that without a second thought, "You take that blasted title off my son, or so help me God, I will descend into your world armed with a machine gun and leave behind a body count featuring those who use that title! That's a reminder of what he lost! I. Won't. Have. It."

A chuckle came from the goblin Griphook, "Well said Vernon. No child deserves to be reminded of that."

Albus shook his head. "The Ministry designed that title. It can't be taken off."

Vernon returned that day in the evening. Petunia was sitting at the table, a cup of tea in hand. "How was it?"

"All matters are sorted. Harry's accounts will be sent to Dumbledore, who will send them to us. And Sirius' will has to be executed as well. They're waiting for his cousin to come from France. Harry wasn't named in Remus' will, since it had not been finished. Peter left a small ring for Harry, his will already executed. Severus Snape is badly injured. He can't leave his own bed."

At that, Petunia perked up, "Poor Sev. All alone in that dreary house. Can nothing be done?"

"He's got a support system, and we shouldn't be near his house, given that he drenched it in ancient magic, according to Gringotts. Where are the boys?"

A smirk played on Petunia's face. "In the playroom, trying to talk to each other."

"You know, I'm surprised he hasn't called for Lily or James yet."

"I know. I know he used to call them mamma and dadda. I miss Sirius being around, that big black dog he used to be."

"Sounds like a story."

Petunia regaled him with stories of Hogwarts, those she could remember Lily telling her. Vernon listened, fascinated by all details. At least now, he knew what to expect out of Hogwarts.

A day later, Harry looked at Vernon and said, "Dadda."

Vernon was in tears at the end of the night, replaying that scene over and over again. "I'm sorry James, I'm sorry."

Little did he know that Petunia had a similar reaction the next morning, when Harry called her "Mamma."

Both parents found themselves in the kitchen that very evening, the boys asleep.

"He called me dadda."

"He called me mamma. I can't take that away from Lily."

"I can't take that away from James either."

Deciding that it was probably a one off, they drank their tea. But Harry broke that illusion in the night as Vernon traced his chubby cheeks. That did it. Vernon waited till the boys were asleep, then quietly called his sister Marge.

"Marge. You remember Lily, Petunia's sister? Yes, they died protecting Harry. He's with us. Sorry we couldn't tell you earlier. For his safety." Vernon told her a muggle equivalent of the past few days, Filius had helped with filling in the finer points. "He's called my dadda twice, Petunia mamma as well. What do we do? I can't take that away..."

Marge's voice was soft, as if explaining to a child, "Vern, he's probably never going to remember Lily and her husband. Not the faces, not the voices. You and Petunia are the only parental figures in his life, at this moment. He is going to call you that. Don't be surprised if he refers to you as his mother and father, in a few years. It's normal."

"But I'm not his..."

Marge cut him off, "Vernon Jacob Dursley, don't you dare finish that sentence! Being a parent is not about blood. It's about belonging. You and Petunia took Harry in without question, you told me that much. That makes you as much of a father as James was to Harry. The only difference is that Harry is not blood related to you, just to Petunia. Now get your head out of your arse, you hear me?"

"Yes Marge. Loud and clear."

Vernon walked back to the bedroom, passing the nursery on the way. The door was slightly ajar. He whispered into it, "Good night, my sons."

Chapter Text

Harry never remembered James and Lily, as Petunia feared. Vernon told her about what Marge had explained to him that night. But Petunia was not stubborn for no reason.

She contacted Filius, asking him if he could put feelers put for people who knew the Potters, and if they had anything to share. Albums came in mostly, but some people even sent diary entries. Gringotts checked everything. Now, Petunia felt, she had something to show Harry later in life.

Severus recovered after 2 years of pain and slow recovery. The first thing he demanded from Albus was to see Harry. That meeting was very productive. Vernon wanted to blood-adopt Harry, having read about it. But Severus explained that neither parent having magic made it impossible. But they did adopt Harry through legal channels. He was now Harry James Dursley in the muggle world. The magical world had him down as Harry James Potter-Dursley.

By then, the Dursley boys was used to seeing Severus pop in almost every week. The man had a smile, good stories about his parents, and even did magic tricks with cards.

Once they became school-going age, Severus was there to help them with homework, freeing up time for the parents to go out. But what the boys did not know, was that Severus was layering his own wards around their house, mixed with Albus' wards. The magic in the air was dense, for those who could actually feel it.

Up and down Privet Drive, Harry and David made friends. And Severus quipped to the proud parents once, "If they go to Hogwarts, the Sorting Hat is going to resign from duty. Even I can't tell where they will end up."

Narcissa finally executed Sirius' will when Harry was 7. Sirius had named Harry his heir, leaving him 2 flats, his motorbike (if it survived), and enough money to see Harry's great-grandchildren never work a day in their lives. But Harry would only get access to that money if he scored Outstanding across all his OWL exams, or he could wait till he was 17. Vernon and Petunia were perfectly fine with the latter condition.

A rude shock was waiting for the country when Harry was 9. Barty Crouch Jr., Azkaban resident for 8 years, had been given a trial, on the basis that his father never gave him one. A Veritaserum confession later, they clapped his father in irons and sent the son to St. Mungos. Six months later, the boy was released and had nowhere to go. Reluctantly, he turned to Hogwarts, but Albus had to gently let him down. His mind was not ready to be around children, even if just to referee a Quidditch match or oversee exams. Barty briefly entertained the idea of ending the Crouch line once and for all, but Severus brought him back from the edge.

Barty could not be employed, still having triggers from Azkaban. And he needed something to keep his mind ticking. Severus introduced him to the Dursleys, and Petunia's heart broke at his story. He'd been even younger than Lily, and his life had been trashed. He looked at Harry, and had a flashback to James stringing him along for a prank on Slughorn.

Back with Severus, Barty confessed, "I'd do anything to have my mind back together, like it was before the war."

The answer was surgery. Magical Japan had a treatment, not basic Obliviation. They dug into his brain and found the synapses that created the memories for the triggers. Then the synapses were cut out, replaced by memories of him in his house. He still remembered his trial, and the days before and after the war. He just would not remember Azkaban.

And somehow, when the time came, he was the one to stop Harry from having a full-blown self guilt trip.

Age 10, Harry was sat down by Vernon and Petunia. Severus also came, dragging Barty with him. They slowly explained to Harry who he was, what his parents really were, and how he had come to live with them.

Harry shrunk in his seat, "So my birth parents are dead, because of me?"

Barty realised where Harry's mind was going. He reached out, "No Harry. Your parents died for you. There is a big difference. You did nothing wrong."

"But if I wasn't born, they'd still be alive..."

Severus moved around the table and picked up the scrawny boy. "Harry, Lily would wash your mouth out with soap for saying that. You were the best thing that ever happened to her, and even James would say the same. They wouldn't want you to wallow in guilt for their deaths."

Harry's eyes were already wet, when he heard Vernon say, "We would do the same for David, if it meant he lived."

The slightly older boy (by like a month), was holding on a tad bit better than Harry. But even he was starting to shake. Barty went to him. "Ask any parent, they'd walk through fire to save you from the burn." Even his own father would, Barty conceded. The man had defended his mother and him for years with nothing but blood, sweat, and grit.

Harry cried into Severus' shoulder that afternoon. By evening, he had calmed down enough for Petunia to ask, "Do you want to visit them?"

"You know where they are?"

"We do. We go every year on the closer weekend. That's when we send you two to the Flitwick residence." As far as the boys were concerned, the Flitwicks were an old couple who'd been in the banking business. They had no idea the duo were actually goblins, specifically Griphook and his wife. It was no problem for them, taking 3 days off to watch two boys. The rest of the year, enchanted golems took their place.

"I want to go." Harry's voice was a whisper.

"Then we go this time. Barty, do you want to come as well?"

"I can't. I've made my peace."

The five of them took the car that Friday after school, Barty promising to look after the place for them. They drove 3 hours to Godric's Hollow, stopping at a house which Severus rented every year. It was already late, so everyone had dinner and went to sleep.

Well, almost everyone. Harry kept tossing and turning. He finally sat up and looked out of the window, towards the graveyard. He couldn't tell which one he was supposed to look at, but he didn't care.

"Couldn't sleep?" David asked quietly. 

"No."

David sat up and crawled across the bed to his brother. He draped the blanket across both of them, covering them completely. "I'm with you, Harry. Every step of the way."

"I know Dave. Thanks for coming with us."

"I'd have hidden in your suitcase if I had to. You're my brother, I'm protecting you."

Behind them, Severus stood. He couldn't hear everything, but he could understand the sentiment. He'd been like that with Lily when she realised she had magic, and was scared to showcase it.

The next day, the five of them walked into the graveyard around noon. Severus guided the boys, his walking precise and guided by muscle memory. The headstones had James and Lily's names, dates of birth and death, and a stag and doe carved above their respective names.

"Petunia, let him have this." Vernon whispered.

Harry sat next to James' grave. "Hi. Dad. It's Harry. Your, well, son. I've been adopted. David's my brother, you'd have liked him."

Severus felt his throat close up. He'd made peace with their passing, but Harry was raw. He didn't know what to say, and that was fine. But Harry looked a minute away from collapsing.

Harry moved to Lily's grave. "Mum. I guess that's you. I got adopted. Your sister and her husband took me in. I call them mother and father. Always have, I think."

And then Harry fell silent. Severus waited, but he didn't stand up. Good thing Harry was a lightweight then. Severus picked him up and held him. David went next, a small wooden stag in his hand.

"Hi, uncle James. It's David. I'll take care of Harry. Always have, always will. I brought you something for company."

He placed the stag near the base of the headstone, turning towards Lily's grave. He brought out a wooden doe this time. Severus smiled faintly. The stories of the Marauders, told by Severus and Barty, had captivated both boys, but David even more so.

"Hi, aunt Lily. I'm David, your sister's son. Harry's my brother. You should see him, eyes like yours, from what we see in pictures. He's funny, and occasionally gets in trouble. You weren't that different, according to mum. I got you something as well for company."

The doe also found a place near the base of the headstone. David turned and walked to Vernon.

"Can we go back home now?"

"Tomorrow, David."

The night went the same as the previous one, and both boys slept on the ride home. Severus was in the front of the car with Vernon.

"You know, if I had been Draco Malfoy's godfather, I'd have never met Harry again."

"You regret turning them down?"

"Not anymore. Not since I laid eyes on Harry for the first time, after I recovered."

Barty was waiting for them, the man looking better than they had left him two days prior.

"Welcome back. Boys, go unpack."

As soon as the boys left, he turned and asked, "How did they take it?"

Petunia twisted her fingers. "Harry was raw afterwards. David, he managed to get through with no problems."

Barty nodded in understanding. It wasn't natural for a child to be visiting the graves of parents before the age of 15. There was a reason not many people could see the Thestrals that pulled the carriages at Hogwarts.

Now that Harry knew magic existed, some memories made sense. But Severus explained to him the reason no one found it strange.

Petunia gave Harry the best Christmas present he could ask for, after the pictures and the memories of his parents. She gave him their school books. Severus said that he had taken a class they had not, and he'd give it to Harry when he turned 13, since the subject (Arithmancy) started only in 3rd Year. Barty even offered to tutor them both, even if it was painfully obvious that David had no magic.

In Barty's words, "Just because David doesn't have magic, doesn't mean he is incapable. Plenty of subjects don't require magic at all."

David not having magic was a sensitive topic for Harry, but David quietly confessed to Severus, "Magic is what got aunt Lily mixed up in things that got her killed. I'd rather have my parents than magic." Well, there was logic in that statement. Logic that Severus had ingrained into both boys.

Once Harry saw that David did not care about having magic ("That means I'm not the one doing funny things with sticks and brooms!"), his mood improved. Since they had nearly six months before Harry's letter arrived, they had to stick to theory. Barty taught them both an hour a day on weekdays, and two hours on weekends.

Things were good until March, when both Harry and David raced back to their home, banging on the door. Barty was mowing the backyard, and Petunia was preparing a hearty lunch. Barty flicked the door open with magic, both boys bursting in, voices raised.

"HERMIONE'S BEING ABUSED!"

Chapter Text

Harry's first interaction with a dinosaur was at the age of 7. Not with a real one, just a skeleton. It was in a science museum in London, where the entire family had decided to spend their Saturday morning. Nothing grand, just a Triceratops. But to a 7 year old, it was a gold mine. David and Harry spent a lot of time looking at it from different angles, Vernon chuckling softly. Well, he wasn't the only one. A few other couples with young children had the same reaction as their charges grouped around the skeleton.

"You know Pet, I wouldn't be surprised if Harry thinks of having one around the house."

"Yeah right, and it'll sleep in the boys' room, like a guard dog."

Another parent agreed with Petunia, "Maybe a walk to the pet shop after this will be called for, courtesy our Terrence."

Five hours later, Harry and David were taken out for lunch, where Severus would be joining them.

"Well boys, thoughts on the museum?"

David went first, "I loved the Tri, Trice. Harry, help me here."

"Tri."

"Tri."

"Cera."

"Cera."

"Tops."

"Tops."

"Now say it together."

"Tri-cera-tops."

Petunia laughed, "I think that much was obvious to everyone in that room."

"Yeah? It's head was so big, and funny."

Vernon tilted his head. "The head had to have been that way for a reason. Did you read the placard next to it?"

Both boys looked at each other sheepishly, then to the parents. "No."

"Well, I suppose you'll have to read up about it then." Vernon spoke casually. "You can do that at home."

Both the boys looked at him with wide eyes.

"I was your age too, as you know. I loved these animals as well."

Both boys inhaled their food, as if that would get them home faster. Severus just laughed at their annoyance as Petunia and Vernon at their usual pace. By the time they got home, the youngsters looked ready to bolt from the car if given permission. Severus picked them up under his arms as Vernon opened the door and walked towards their room. Both their beds contained a copy of "The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Creatures" by Dougal Dixon. Neither boy was heard till dinnertime, and even then Severus had to march both of them down, away from the book.

David enjoyed reading things like a story, it helped him remember things better. Harry on the other hand, absorbed information like a sponge. When in doubt, he'd ask the adults for confirmation on things. Otherwise, his nose was in a book at any waking hour of the day, apart from meal times. Petunia was slightly concerned that he'd forget social cues, but Severus and Vernon had Harry under control. Severus would sit with Harry to talk with him, taking his attention off the book he would be reading. It was easier to pull David away from reading, just a call and a bookmark was placed between the pages. Vernon would take the boys out for walks in the park. His job allowed him to leave by 4 pm, and he'd be home by 5 pm latest.

Harry's favourite haunt was the school library, and by the time his third academic year rolled around, the librarian probably knew more about him than some teachers. But that was not to say that Harry had no activity to do. He and David made the football team, with ease. Harry was thin like how James had been at his age, but he was agile. David had Vernon's stocky build, but he was fast. They weren't heading for regional tournaments or anything of the sort, they were not even 10 years old. But they were right menaces on the field, Harry with his right foot and David with his head. Petunia's heart warmed after every match, when they'd come running to her for a hug, sweaty and sticky. But she didn't care. These were her boys, she'd gladly take the hug.

When Harry was about to turn 9, Severus came to Petunia. "From the war nearly a decade ago, they found a prisoner who'd been thrown in by his father with no trial. He's getting one in three days, so don't call me then. And the trial may take an extra day, if they decide to investigate his father. He was a year younger than me, friends with Sirius' younger brother Regulus."

"I've heard things about that place. People go insane."

"Yes. That's one way of seeing it. I have my mother's ancestral house to represent, it is time I took up my Lordship of Prince."

"You're royal?"

"Technically back in the day, a branch of the royal family happened to be my ancestors. I have no claim to the throne of England, if that's what you meant."

"Understood. What do I tell the boys?"

"Tell them that a case has come up, which I am needed in. I am part of the jury."

"Alright. You'll tell Vernon?"

"I will."

"Be safe, Sev."

"I will be, Tuney."

Severus came back after a week, looking like someone had shot his pet. Vernon noticed it first, and moved to sit him down.

"What happened?"

"His father threw him in without a trial, we know that. But it turns out he had been defending the Longbottom family, when he was hit with six Stunning spells to the chest and legs. He was already unconscious by the time his father arrived at the scene of the crime. Even with evidence of no tattoo, which the madman gave all his followers, it was an open-and-shut case for his father. Revive him, tell him what he was being accused of, throw him in jail. He's going to spend six months in our hospital, then he'll probably be released. But I don't know what he'll do. He's not employable in the slightest."

"No kidding. Exposed for what, 8 years, to monsters that make you relive your worst moments? He's not insane?"

"No. He was able to speak, but his voice must have been rarely used."

Severus was one of the potion suppliers to St. Mungos, so he had an excuse to drop in to see Barty. After six months, he felt Barty could be trusted to be in Crouch Manor, with the elf Winky for company. He was proved wrong within a week, when Winky popped in, wailing about Barty trying to end the Crouch line, and ordering her not to stop him. Severus was taken to Crouch Manor, where he saw what Barty was trying to do, and hit him with every spell he knew to freeze him in place (Immobulus, Incarcerous, Petrificulus Totalus, Locomotor Mortis, Stupefy). After talking Barty down from his position, Severus knocked him out and took him to Spinner's End to recuperate. He could hear Barty crying into the night, but he couldn't jump in and tear out bad memories from the younger man's brain. Maybe a change in environment was needed.

Barty looked much healthier than his release photo, but he still looked haunted. Before meeting Petunia and her family, Severus hit him with several Cheering charms. They met the matriarch first, and Barty spilled his soul to her. Severus made sure neither of the boys were there to hear him, even if he had put up a muffling spell. He could see Petunia crushed by Barty's story. 8 years of his life taken away, almost a third of his life. He had a mind to blow up Crouch Manor, but with his father still the Lord Crouch, he could not. Petunia allowed him to meet the family, and Barty had fresh tears in his eyes seeing a mini-James with Lily's eyes.

Upon Severus' advice, Barty left for Japan. That was the best decision he ever made. No more memories of Azkaban, no more triggers. Severus refused for him to stay at Spinner's End, citing that he had a life to live, and could put down roots anywhere he so pleased. Barty decided to stay at Privet Drive. He asked Vernon about any houses being sold, since he had a lot of money to play with. Vernon looked at him and said, "Yes. The fourth bedroom of Number 4. You're staying with us."

Barty protested at first. He was an adult, he could live on his own. Vernon simply smiled and replied, "We know. We're just making sure you have company."

And with that, Barty became the newest resident. Marge also swung around the following week, taking one look at Barty and saying, "I don't know what demons you've fought, but you're winning. And you'll continue to win each day that you're alive." That gave Barty hope, something he did not know he was short on. He did small jobs around Privet Drive, earning good money.

When asked how he had come to stay with the Dursleys, the reply would be "I was part of the war that Harry's parents fought. I was in charge of supplies, but then I was thrown in jail and forgotten about, wrong-place-wrong-time situation. I was recently released and record wiped clean. In terms of relation to Harry, I am his father's third cousin through my paternal grandmother." The explanation essentially made Barty a war hero of sorts. But he kept insisting he was no hero. He never fought, never encountered a terrorist. He just had the misfortune of being captured. While the boys did not know about magic, Vernon did tell him that they wanted to tell Harry around his 10th birthday. He had to be there, as someone who knew Harry's parents.

That day, Barty comforted both Dursley children. He'd gone to Godric's Hollow with Severus and paid his respects. He never wanted to come back.

The Grangers had moved in around Christmas the year Harry and David turned 10. Both parents were dentists, and had their own practise. Hermione was shy to start with, but slowly opened up to the two boys. She made few other friends in school, and would have been top of the class if Harry and David did not exist. Harry was always the one who seemed to have the right answers, while David was happy to be a top 5 student.

It took not even 3 months after the Granger family had moved in, that Harry and David saw Hermione crying because she came fifth in a class test. Not that this was counting towards the final grade anyways, but when she told them what would happen at home to her, both boys had a moment of panic. It was a wonder that Harry's accidental magic did not make a show of itself. As soon as the bus dropped them home, they ran for the door. Barty had opened the door with magic, but the next words out of their mouth snapped the mood of the house.

"HERMIONE'S BEING ABUSED!"

Petunia slammed the front door shut, while Barty seemingly teleported to them.

"Bags down, table. Now."

Petunia gave them water to drink, which they sipped, eyes wide in panic. Barty coaxed them, "Glasses down. From the top. Slowly."

David pulled out the paper. "This class test isn't counting towards our grade, but Hermione came 5th in it. She was crying, we asked her why. She said that she'd be beaten, then her room would be locked from the outside, with only breaks to go for a leak. She is expected to study so she doesn't slip."

Harry took over, "And her room isn't a room. It's a cupboard under the stairs. She thinks she deserves the punishment, and that she's freaky."

Barty was expecting many things, this was not one of them. His fists clenched in rage. Petunia was calm, too calm. Anyone who ever interacted with her knew it meant danger.

"I'm calling Severus."

"I'm calling the cops."

"No Petunia. I need to observe first. I mowed their garden, I changed their roof tiling." Barty's voice took on a dangerous edge.

"Very well. I'm calling Vernon then. Boys, to your room. Do not touch your homework. We will handle this."

The young duo freshened up and sat in their room, eyes only on each other. Harry broke the silence. "What's going to happen?"

"If uncle Sev is involved, Old Testament fury."

Meanwhile, Severus (who had been enjoying a lull in making potions for Hogwarts) was rudely snapped from his daydream by Barty's silver bird. "Get to Privet Drive now. No questions." The former Slytherin apparated into the backyard of the Dursley house and made his way to where Petunia and Barty were sitting. Petunia spoke first.

"The boys suspect Hermione is being abused. And the picture they've painted, it makes your father look like a bloody saint."

Severus froze at the mention of his father. That comparison was not good. "What's the plan?"

"You and Barty observe. Get enough proof, and I call the cops. With any luck, they'll talk."

"We'll do you one better. We'll get them to sing." Barty had a dangerous gleam in his eye.

"Be careful."

The two men left the house and stalked up the hill to the Granger house. They hid behind a tree close to the side of the property. Barty realised why he felt uneasy. "No noise from inside. And we're not that far from a window."

"Screw it, break down the door. With luck, we'll catch them in the act."

Barty's eyes glowed. "Now that, I can do."

No one knew that Barty was an animagus, a Harpagornis (Haast's Eagle) to be precise. As with all animagi, the animal senses bled into his human form as well. All five senses enhanced, proportionate strength in his body, increased stamina, and at times even the food habits. Without warning, Barty strode towards the front door, kicking it clean off the hinges. What he saw inside sickened him to the core.

Hermione on the floor, her mother holding her hair up. Her father with a sock in his hand, the item weighed down by something inside it. Hermione's back was exposed, with reddish marks between the shoulder blades, suspiciously with sharp corners. The two adults were frozen in place, looking at Barty with something his animagus form relished: fear. Severus appeared behind him and locked his eyes onto Dan, the father.

Thirty seconds later Severus snarled, "You disgust me. Scratch that, I should flay you alive for what you've done over the years to her."

Barty took a sharp inhale as he heard the words. This was not a one time thing, this was going on for years. His eyes glowed brighter as he took a step forward, causing the parents to take several steps back. "You knew what had happened to me. You let me work around your house. All while you subjected your own daughter to conditions similar to what I had to endure for 8 years." Taking a deep breath, he said, "Severus, get her out of here. And call the police."

"They're almost here. I called them." Vernon was at the door, glaring at Emma, Hermione's mother. Sure enough, sirens sounded in fifteen seconds. Police walked in, a female at the head. One look at the scene and she nodded to the others. "Make sure she doesn't see her...parents. Sirs, I need statements from you."

An hour later, Hermione was in Petunia's bedroom, too tired to cry or make any sounds. Petunia was applying cream on her skin, doing her best to try and heal some of her wounds. According to Severus this had been going on for years. That sort of trauma did not heal quickly, or well. Vernon stood outside the door, guarding it as if he expected Emma or Dan to break into his house. Severus and Barty were in the garden, their magics lashing wildly.

"Sev, what did you see?"

"Nothing she hadn't told the boys already. And from what I saw at the edges of his mind, Hermione may have magic."

Barty then realised something else. "They are devout Christians. That isn't good. Don't tell me they called an exorcist on their own daughter."

"Not that I could see, and I was there a long time. Speaking of which, how'd you break down the door that easily?"

"Animagus strength."

"I never knew. What is it?"

"Haast's Eagle, Harpagornis. Extinct, I know."

"That's powerful. Suits you."

Harry and David were kept in their room. All Barty told them before locking them in was, "You were right. She's safe now."

The two brothers kept their heads in their homework, trying to distract themselves. They were semi-successful. That evening, Petunia called a family meeting. "Boys, I am proud of you for what you've done. Hermione's sleeping now, but I don't think her mental scars are going away any time soon. We're talking years of trauma."

Barty asked the most pointed question, "What now? She stays with us? We find someone else to adopt her?"

Petunia deflated, "I just want her safe."

Severus whispered, "I think she might have magic. I need to be in their heads again to confirm."

"Ask Albus, maybe?"

"He won't give away information of a minor, no matter who is asking. Headmaster vow prevents that."

Barty's fingers tapped the table at random. "You'll get what's left of them when I am done, Severus. I worked there, I deserve first crack."

Hermione was pulled from school by Vernon and Petunia, and after seeing the evidence of the case, the principal admitted that he had done what he could to crack down on the bullying Hermione had been facing. Three suspensions, two expulsions, and even then the bullying continued, subdued as it was. He looked he wanted to throttle Dan and Emma personally, after Vernon and Petunia left his office.

Chapter Text

Hermione was in a magically induced sleep. Barty prowled around the house like a man possessed. Severus was busy making potions for the little girl, including Blood Replenishers, Bone Strengtheners, Nutrient Potions, Eyesight Correction, the whole lot. He felt that he was helping someone subjected to war crimes, not a pre-teen girl.

Vernon had taken leave from work, explaining to his boss what had happened. His boss looked visibly disturbed.

"Even I raise my hand at my children, but after two warnings. But that's it. I don't physically abuse them, or deny them food. And a cupboard for a room? How did she survive?"

Vernon shook his head, even he did not know. Severus had been the one to look into the minds of the couple. "I'm the one who called the police. They'll bring me in for court next week."

"Don't worry about that, you've got a lot of days pending. Half the office knows about this case, by the looks of things."

Vernon went home that day, watching Petunia sit next to Hermione. The girl still hadn't woken up, which was good. Her body needed time to recover without exertion. Harry and David were still restless, so Vernon took them out.

"Boys. Hermione is fine. I know neither of you will stop worrying about her, but your teachers are concerned about you slipping."

"Dad, we can't not worry. She's our friend."

And there was the large heart of David. Anything for family, anything for friends. Harry was similar, but he took a bit more time to accept others into his circle.

"Harry, David. We know the full extent of her injuries, Severus is working to give her potions to counteract the physical parts. He does suspect she has magic, so it may be touch and go."

What Vernon did not tell them was Barty explaining to them what an Obscurus was, and if Hermione did have magic, she was dangerously close to becoming one. There was no spell to confirm it, only visual confirmation. Actively pushing one's magic down was not good. It would turn on oneself and become a parasite, eventually killing the person.

Severus came to the house with a week's worth of potions. He had labelled them as usual, and spoke to Petunia.

"Hermione has magic. I confirmed it with her parents. That was the trigger for them to throw her into the cupboard, when she was 4 years old. They claimed she had the devil in her, and they'd beat the magic out of her. They thought starvation would kill the magic. Ironically, that's what kept her alive."

"Does this mean your Ministry will also bring a case down on them?"

"Perhaps. I've spoken to the head of Law Enforcement, Amelia Bones. She'll get back to me by tomorrow. But the Ministry will not accept anything less than a life sentence without possibility of getting out."

"Maybe they should bring back the death penalty. Saves the government a lot of money." Petunia muttered.

"The State is not god. It cannot take what it cannot give back."

Barty did not return home, having spent his night at Crouch Manor. He wasn't going to allow Hermione to suffer as he had. He may not remember Azkaban, but he'd been told that he had spent nearly a decade there. Winky was with him, helping sort through everything they had. His father was still in Azkaban, and would be for another year. That gave him enough time to take what he needed. He could still access his Gringotts vault, so money was not an issue. Never had he thought he'd feel nostalgic about his childhood stuff, but there were trying times for him.

Winky asked him, "What do you want to do?"

"If it was up to me Winky, I'd get her surgery done in Japan, like I had."

The next day, Barty popped back in with Winky. He spotted Vernon and Petunia, making his way to the living room.

"Guys, I have an idea to help Hermione."

"Go on. You've never endangered anyone with your ideas."

"I want to give her the same surgery I underwent. She'd never remember her parents again. We leave enough for her to remember the good side of them, leave the memories of magic so she's not shocked, and explain to her why we removed the memories. That should prevent any chance of an Obscurus forming."

Petunia eyed Barty before saying, "You see her as yourself, don't you?"

"Yes."

"Let's talk to Severus first."

Severus was on board with it, but the main issue was getting Hermione to Japan. Britain did not have the equipment for the surgery. And Hermione needed to be awake for part of it, without magical influence.

The courts of Britain had not seen a case like this in years. Police evidence, eyewitness statements, and even Harry and David were called to the stand. Gringotts sent their best lawyer to represent Hermione.

Severus had secretly added Veritaserum to the food and drinks the Grangers had eaten before coming to court. They divulged everything they'd ever done to her, calling her devil-spawn and a heretic. They even called her a witch, but the jury did not stand for that. Pictures of Hermione's cupboard, her overall health, and even the school nurse was called in. She admitted that while Hermione was thin, she was always within the acceptable weight for a person of her age. So the nurse never thought too much about it.

Severus had somehow forged himself into a doctor, and admitted that he was treating Hermione (who was now in a "coma") with the help of St. Mungos. Of course, everyone knew St. Mungos as a children's hospital, since it had a muggle side as well. No one knew of the magical side of it, that was too well guarded.

The jury did not know whether to declare the Grangers insane or not. The nail in their coffin was when Emma revealed that left Hermione out on a snow day two years prior, as a lesson for her coming home late from school. No more questions of insanity. The unanimous vote was for a life sentence. No bail, no parole. Every eye in the court had venom in it.

There should have been a celebration later, but no one in Number 4 had a smile on their face. Harry and David were stuck to the doorframe of their parents' room, which now looked like a hospital room, complete with tubes, fluids, IVs, everything. Vernon had taken up the third bedroom, since Petunia wanted to keep her close.

March went by fast, too fast. Easter was arriving, and for once, no one lifted a finger to paint eggs. On Good Friday, Hermione's pulse sped up, prompting Severus and Barty to pause their respective works and appear next to Petunia.

"She's finally waking up."

"Good. We need to see how much she remembers."

"Easy boys. Barty, you stay. You were probably the last person she saw. Severus, get out."

Hermione took some time to get used to her surroundings, but the mention of her parents spiked her heart rate. Vernon told her that she was not going back to them, and that they were in jail for life.

"But they're my parents." Hermione sniffed.

Recalling Marge's lecture a full decade prior, Vernon said, "Family isn't about blood. It's about belonging."

"But I'm a freak. I can do things..."

"No Hermione, you're not a freak. You're special."

Hermione looked at him with wide eyes, but Barty set her mind at ease. A visible flick of his wand, and a ball in his hand started bouncing on the floor, moving in different directions. Hermione gasped.

"You're not alone Hermione. I can do magic, so can Severus. Even Harry."

"David?"

"Unfortunately not. The genes didn't pass to him."

Hermione sat quietly. "Now what?"

Petunia rubbed the girl's shoulders. "You get better, that's what."

"School?"

"No. You don't have to go back. Your wellbeing is more important than studies. And besides, we'd have pulled you out by the end of year."

"Why?" Hermione couldn't even register any shock at hearing that.

"There's a school for magic, in Scotland. Where Barty and Severus went. Where Harry's parents went. It's the only one in Britain."

Hermione shut her eyes, unable to process everything. Without hesitation, Vernon moved closer to her.

"Hermione, I'm going to give you a hug. Is that alright?"

"Please."

Vernon's hug engulfed her, and she sank into his embrace. It was warm and comforting, like sitting near a low flame. No one said anything, Severus being with the boys in their room.

When Hermione finally let go of Vernon, Barty spoke his offer. "There's a procedure to forget the bad memories, in Japan. You remember what I said about being a prisoner for 8 years? The surgery took away that. No memory, no question about your brain rebuilding those connections."

Hermione looked up in shock, "I'll do it."

Petunia looked at the smaller girl, "Hermione, normally I'd ask you to give it time, but this time I agree with you. No one should have those kind of memories in them."

"I don't want bad memories."

Barty smiled faintly, "Then you won't. We can travel to Japan tomorrow. Surgery on Sunday, rest on Monday, back home on Tuesday."

"I don't need permission, from them?"

"Absolutely not. You are under guardianship of the Dursley family. No one can deny you this."

"I want to learn more."

"I'll teach you myself if you want."

"Done."

The surgery was a success. Hermione was given the details on Saturday, the surgery itself on Easter Sunday, and Barty helped her recall the days leading up to the surgery.

"Your parents abused you for your magic, for years. We found out and got you away from them. You don't have to hide it anymore."

Hermione and Barty came back on Tuesday, as promised. Harry and David were in school, and Hermione got an early report card, with notes from her teachers about her being an ideal student. The brothers were jumping for joy, seeing her walking around. Severus kept up the potions till Hermione looked a proper weight for her age.

The month of May flew by, with exams and studying. Harry threw his books into the cupboard. "Finally! No more studies, just vacation, and shopping."

David laughed, "Sure. Let's just ignore the fact that you're a child celebrity on the other side."

Harry pouted, "Don't remind me. I feel bad that dad wasn't able to get the books stopped."

Unfortunately for Harry, using a child's name to sell products was a done thing in Britain. There had been a whole series of books written about him going on adventures around the world. Gringotts was able to pressure the publisher into changing Harry's name, but the likeness remained. They'd actually used James Potter's pictures to portray Harry, which is why book Harry had brown eyes, not his emerald ones.

Over the course of the past year, since he had turned 10, Vernon sat with him to explain the work he was doing with Harry's inheritance. The only money leaving the vaults was what they were spending on him. All other properties had been placed under stasis wards and protected by Gringotts. Even what Sirius left him was locked up tight.

Harry had once mentioned wanting to meet Narcissa and her family, with Severus acting as messenger. But it was not to be. Lucius sent back a message that Narcissa refused to leave France, or have anyone at their house who was from Britain. He confessed that he did not like the way she had become, after becoming the Lady Black. She spoke to other relatives on the continent, but refused to look at Britain. Draco took after both his parents, and Narcissa only allowed herself emotions when around the two of them.

Andromeda was a different case. She was a Healer, while Ted was a lawyer. As much as she wanted to come to Britain, the thought of no close family stung her. She and Narcissa were in contact, but that was it.

David had sat with Harry, whether with Vernon or with Barty. Those two were inseparable, and when Hermione ended up staying with them after her parents were put away, they happily brought her into the fold. Now that Hermione was a confirmed witch, Barty began to teach her what he had taught the boys. To ensure no boredom, Severus took them to Spinner's End, to teach them the basics of potions. David laughed as they passed the wards, saying that they tickled. This caused Severus to dive into research while they were occupied with separating ingredients based on sight and touch alone.

The reason David hadn't been affected by the wards was because he carried a bit of magic within him. Not enough to warrant Hogwarts, but he could easily father a wizard or a witch. Other factors had to play a part, of course.

Harry had not shown an interest in Quidditch, even with Barty teaching him. Flying was good for recreation, not a sport that could result in death. David had no problems learning about the sport, so much so that Barty got him a book on his birthday "The History of Quidditch."

Hermione didn't like Quidditch, but flying was alright for her. She'd try out for her House team, but she warned them not to have expectations. That was understandable.

A letter arrived a day after David's birthday, in June. Not the Hogwarts letter, a letter from Narcissa Malfoy-Black herself. And this letter turned Harry's love for dinosaurs, from a small bonfire, into a raging inferno.