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Chapter 1

Dudley Dursley's Demands

The Dursley family were sitting watching television, it was the weekend and they were like any normal family. Spending time together, Petunia and Vernon sat with a cup of tea in their hands, Vernon and Dudley sat with an entire pack of biscuits on their laps. The boy they were ignoring was trying to blend himself into the wall in the corner. His legs were shaking with the strain of trying to remain upright. He was so tired, so very hungry and sore. Dudley had seen his father hitting Harry, and since then he'd taken every opportunity to do the same. When he was actually caught doing it, he wasn't as so much as scolded, and so Dudley assumed he was free to do it. He'd been kicking Harry's legs, which were now filled with bruises. Standing in the corner watching his relatives gorge themselves on biscuits and sitting watching TV made the little boy's heart clench tightly in pain. Sometimes the boy wished he'd been killed in the accident that claimed his parents life, just like the Dursley's always insisted he should have.

"MUMMY DADDY I WANT TO GO THERE!" demanded Dudley, upon seeing a commercial for a fair opening up in Cokeworth. Petunia went pale, just hearing about the place was enough to make her shudder in revulsion. She may have grown up there, but Petunia had never been happy, she'd been bitter for such a long time she couldn't remember the happy ones. Her parents were actually buried there; she'd never been to their graves. She hated the fact they'd fawned over Lily and never saw her for what she was. She glared at the boy from the corner of her eye; no doubt they'd have done the same with Potter. Her lip curled in repugnance, well she would make sure the boy knew his place, knew what he was. By the time they were done with him he'd never forget it. The fair came once a year; her parents had taken them all when they were younger.

"How about it Petunia?!" boomed Vernon, staring at his son in pride, he didn't seem to care that his four soon to be five year old was demanding so angrily.

"Do we have to?" asked Petunia, she'd rather not go at all.

"I WANT PIERS TO COME! I WANT TO GO EVERY NIGHT MUMMY PLEASE!" cried Dudley tears beginning to brim in his blue eyes, causing Petunia to quickly to go him, soothing him calling him all manners of sickening…er sweet names. Diddy dums came up a lot, she promised to let him go, that he'd have to wait until the fair was in town which coincided with Dudley's birthday. Perhaps she'd take Dudley to see his grandparents too. Maybe now her parents understood what happened to freaks.

"What about the freak?" asked Vernon, he didn't even spare a glance at the child same age as his own trembling in the corner. So he didn't notice the green eyed child flinch at the name he was addressed with. He didn't even know his own name, all he was called was 'Freak' 'Boy' 'it' and a few times 'Potter' when he was in serious trouble.

"The nasty Figg woman can watch it." said Petunia sniffing disdainfully.

"YES!" cheered Dudley, the tears forgotten.

In choosing to go back to her hometown she was unknowingly beginning an entire new life for a nephew she'd never acknowledged. Too bad for Dumbledore, the Vow Severus Snape had sworn to him, would come into affect in ways he could never have imagined.

Far above the sky a woman with fiery red hair smiled for the first time since she'd died. She whispered a sentence into the wind knowing it wouldn't be heard but saying it anyway, "Soon my son, you will know love and be free." and there was nobody else in the world she'd have picked. Woe to all who dare try and harm Harry. If they did Severus Snape was going to bring hell itself down upon them to defend him.

Not that the black clad man had any idea, he was at that moment teaching students at Hogwarts. Waiting eagerly until he could go home, even if it was to a run down house he'd spent a miserable childhood in. Destiny and life had put them on a new path. All that was left was to decide what they'd do with that chance and their life.

Chapter 2

Returning To Cokeworth

The Dursley family made a ruckus as they lumbered from the house towards the car. The past few months had flown in, at least it had for them, for Harry every single day was an eternity. While Dudley played games, with toys and had friends over, Harry was either in his cupboard or being forced to do things no child should. Polishing and dusting furniture, mopping floors, hovering, grabbing things the Dursley's wanted. Such as drinks, food, magazines and even the remote control that they were too lazy to get themselves. Pretty soon both boys were going to be at Primary school, once the summer was over with.

Dudley had already been attending the nursery, which he hated. He always got into trouble for stealing the other children's food and hurting them, because they wouldn't give him the toys he wanted to play with. He spent lots of time in the 'naughty corner' as the nursery teachers called it. Telling Petunia had just fell on deaf ears, she didn't believe or care what they had to say. Dudley though was starting to become more cunning when dealing with the nursery teachers. Harry hadn't attended nursery, but both adults realised he had to go to school. Much to their disgust, but at least they would get peace from dealing with the freak.

"Piers!" yelled Dudley, waving his hand at his best friend, his mouth filled with crisps. He dropped the empty packet, as his friend came running towards him. Piers had a power ranger's bag on his back; he was already opening it revealing his game boy within. Grinning widely they opened the door just about to climb in, when Patricia Piers yelled her son's name.

"Piers come here for a minute sweetie!" she demanded, smiling at her five year old son. She had been worried about letting him go with Petunia at first, since he was so young. Petunia had convinced her, and really, what sane mother would pass up the opportunity for a week of peace? Especially during the summer holidays. None would. Grabbing a handkerchief she wiped her sons face, of the remainder of chocolate on him. The rat faced child protested his face going red.

"Mum!" whined Piers; did she have to do that here? Dudley was going to laugh at him now.

"I want you to behave; I don't want to hear a single bad thing has happened while you are there. I will ground you for the rest of the summer if you get up to mischief. Listen to Petunia and Vernon okay? And no wandering off." said Patricia crouching down by her son her anxiety showing.

"I promise," said Piers dutifully, as his mum fussed some more, when Dudley's mum approached he made his escape. Running for the car, he gave his mum a wave before climbing in beside Dudley, as Dudley's dad buckled them in for the ride.

"You have my numbers? If anything happens get in touch, we will come down right away." said Patricia, "This is some spending money for him." she gave over one hundred pounds without blinking. Her husband made more than enough for them to live comfortably, while she herself was a housewife.

"Everything will be fine, I'll call when we get there, let you know we have arrived safely." said Petunia soothing the worried mother. She understood she was a mother herself, its just too bad she wasn't a better aunt.

"Thank you," said Patricia smiling sweetly, once again waving at her son, who was deeply engrossed in his game boy. She handed Petunia a small suitcase that held her son's clothes and few toys he'd wanted to take.

Petunia walked away, putting the case in the boot, once that was done she only had one more thing to do before they could get on the road. It was early morning and they wanted to be there before lunch, so they could go to a nice little restaurant and have something to eat.

Petunia closed the front door behind her, not wanting the others to see where she hid her nephew. "Boy get out of there!" she yelled her voice shrill and filled with hate, something little Harry was familiar with.

"Yes Aunt Petunia," said the little boy his voice barely above a whisper. He had learned long ago to keep quiet. He was hit when he spoke, unless he was spoken to first. Even at that he was still punished for a lot of different other things. No his voice did no good, it wasn't like Dudley. He didn't get what he wanted by yelling. The exhausted little boy hoisted himself up and exited the cupboard.

"Have you packed?" Petunia asked sneering at the freak; he was the biggest waste of space in her house. If it wasn't for Dumbledore's threat she'd have dumped him in an orphanage the night he was left on her doorstep. She had actually had to defend the freak to Vernon that night.

"Yes ma'am," said Harry his voice low, staring at the floor as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world. He never looked at his family's faces; he didn't like to see the scorn and disgust on them. He heard it enough in their voices, and Petunia hated looking at his eyes. Harry didn't understand why, but he avoided looking at her now.

"Then go get it!" she hissed shoving him back into his cupboard, Harry stopped himself falling completely by holding onto one of the shelves. He was surprised when she didn't slap him, but he grabbed his plastic bag quickly. Holding his bag in front of him like a lifeline. Inside were all the clothes he had, or rather had been given. They were far too big for him; Harry had never been given anything new. He had never received a birthday or Christmas present from them.

Curling her lip, she strode back down the hallway, ready to give the freak to Mrs. Figg. She couldn't stand the woman personally, she was weird, and had far too many cats it was disgusting really. She did watch the brat, so she was thankful for that at least. She just opened the door when ringing started up.

Sighing in frustration, she turned back, jerking Harry out of the way, causing the malnourished four year old to slam into the wall silently. He made no sound, just stood there like a statue as Petunia answered her house phone. Picking it up, despite the scowl on her face she answered it with a cheerful voice.

"Hello?" said Petunia answering the call.

"Hello Petunia, I'm sorry I haven't called before, I cannot take Harry for the week. I'm in hospital; I was transferred here earlier today. The doctors want to run some tests." said Figg a rattling cough tearing through her.

"But...you promised!" said Petunia gaping at the next wall completely stunned.

"I know, I'm so sorry," said Figg breaking out in a fresh bout of coughs.

"Its fine," said Petunia lying through her teeth, "Thank you." she hung up the phone without even wishing her well. She glared at Harry, her eyes conveying a deep loathing that made Harry wonder if he was about to be beaten until he lost consciousness again. He was peeking at her through his long messy fringe. Petunia cut it for him, she as always never spent a penny on him.

She stomped outside, making a bee line for Vernon who was talking to a neighbour that was hanging out his window in evident curiosity. Petunia gave him a tense smile before turning to her husband and hissed to him quietly, "Figg can't take the brat! Vernon what are we going to do?!" she was very angry with these turn of events.

"We will have to take the freak," grimaced Vernon not happy about it either, but nobody else could take him. His sister refused after Ripper bit him, insisting the freak was bad blood. Petunia's friends were all on holiday, Figg had been their last option and she had backed out on them.

"Boy!" yelled Vernon as Harry appeared at the door, "Get in the car." without another word, Vernon and his five flabby chins entered the car slamming it loudly. Petunia got in as well, leaving Harry to hop in by himself. His small fingers struggled to put his seatbelt on, but he managed after a few struggles.

"MUM THE FREAK IS IN THE CAR!" screeched Dudley, his face filled with sadistic glee; the freak was in for it now. He wasn't allowed out the house, never mind in the car. He was sorely disappointed when his mother said nothing to the freak. He loved it when the freak got beaten, even more when he did it.

"I know sweet tums," said Petunia ignoring Harry's existence as they drove out of Privet Drive and into London's busy streets.

Harry watched the scenery going by, amazed by the colours and different noises he heard. He didn't twitch when Dudley began to cry that he was hungry twenty minutes into the journey. He did watch the two boys longingly as they ate the food Petunia had brought with her. He didn't get anything, he'd have loved a piece of chocolate, and it must be lovely judging by how quickly they ate it.

It took them an hour and a half to get to their destination; normally it would only take an hour to get to Cokeworth. Unfortunately it was summer, and tourists were flocking in and people were going places. Vernon found a parking space as close as they could get to the hotel, and they found themselves on their way to it. "Stay here, I'll pay for the room, keep the brat out of sight." grumbled Vernon as he lumbered to the hotels reception to sign in. He didn't want to have to pay for the freak, and he couldn't care less about the boy having a bed.

"I'm here to check in, it's Dursley." boomed Vernon loudly and proudly.

Vernon quickly paid for the room, grabbed the key card and walked away without so much as a thank you. He jerked to his family, and they made their way up to their room, Dudley and Piers were jumping up and down with childish abandon. Harry walked with them, like a ghost but his wide green eyes were glancing around with amazement. He'd never been anywhere other than Privet Drive. He was definitely glad Figg couldn't look after him...just a little bit. Figg was okay, she did look after him when his relatives went on holiday. She was always curt with him, he could tell she didn't like him, but merely tolerated him. He had no idea she had been sent to watch over him, and that she was failing at her job glaringly so.

Dudley and Piers began jumping up and down on the bed; Vernon put their cases at the bottom before going to have a sit down. Just as he did, his work phone began ringing. It was a work phone, because nobody ever called him on it other than his work. He had no friends, merely acquaintances' and people he was trying to take on at work.

Petunia listened to the conversation; her heart sank with each word he spoke. She knew he would be leaving, and she'd be stuck looking after three children on her own. "What's going on?" asked Petunia stiffly.

"I have to leave for work, the Rainers contract has been moved up. I've worked at this for months, if I don't leave now someone else will get my reward. Pet, with this contract signed I will have a company car, a pay rise, a better position. My pension will be increased as well." said Vernon looking cross between excited and unhappy.

"How long?" asked Petunia looking deeply unhappy.

"A day or two, at the most." promised Vernon, "I will drive back straight after I promise."

"Alright, don't be too long!" said Petunia, warming to the idea of more money, a company car each year and plenty of money when Vernon retired. It was more for them to spoil their beloved son with.

"I won't!" claimed the obese man beaming proudly. Grabbing his phone, car keys, house keys and anything else he thought he'd need before leaving.

Chapter 3

The Fair

Petunia felt as though she was going insane, Vernon had been gone for five hours and she was ready to blow a fuse. She had given them chocolate so they would quieten down, but afterwards it had just made them ten times louder. Even when they were occupied playing their Game Boys. She couldn't send them up to her son's room or even outside to play. They weren't in Privet Drive anymore, but a town she knew all too well and a place that her son didn't. For that she was grateful, this town wasn't what anyone would consider tourist worthy. She wished her husband was here, Vernon was the only one Dudley listened too. She hadn't been able to hear her soaps because of the racket. The place was a mess too, the couch pillows were strewn everywhere and the beds were worse.

"Boy!" screeched Petunia from where she sat; she didn't even turn to see where Harry was.

"Yes ma'am?" asked Harry quietly and solemnly, walking over to her from where he had remained standing for the past five hours, beside the hotel door.

"Clean this place up!" she barked, her lip curing in repugnance at the sight of the freak. She turned the volume up on the television and proceeded to ignore Harry, as he went around cleaning the mess her son had created.

"Yes ma'am." whispered Harry, his dead green eyes didn't even look up, he immediately began doing what he was told. Not even a thought of it was 'unfair' crossed his lips, because this existence was all Harry knew. His stomach growled fiercely, he had not had anything since last night. Even at that it hadn't been enough to settle his stomach. Just some gravy and a spoonful of mash potatoes that was long gone cold.

He fixed up the area nearest to his aunt first, before half an hour later going to the beds. Thankfully neither Dudley nor Piers were on them, but sitting on the floor at the bottom of them. He had just turned down the bed, with a great deal of difficulty, when he saw it, a small square piece of chocolate. He squinted his eyes, to see if what he saw was really what it looked like. Everything was blurry to him, but he thought that was how everyone saw the world. It was the complimentary pieces left by the staff at the hotel for their guests. Harry's green eyes widened, quickly looking at the boys then Petunia. Once he realised they weren't looking at him. He pretended to fix the bed a little more, and with a deft hand he picked up the mint chocolate and slipped it into his far too large trousers.

Harry couldn't help but be excited, he'd never tasted chocolate before, Dudley always had some and he liked it a lot. He got boxes of it for birthdays and Christmas' and scoffed them all within hours. He hastily did everything else he had to do, putting the pillows back up, and then of course replacing the lamp Dudley or Piers had knocked over.

His fingers traced the sweet in his pocket, a small wistful look around him. He quickly but unobserved made his way to the toilet, locking the door behind him so nobody could get in. He sat down on it and quickly retrieved his prize, his lips twitching in a way that would disturb even Albus Dumbledore. There was something very...Slytherin about it. Then again Harry would have to be to survive the hell that was the Dursley's household.

He un-wrapped it without making any noise, his green eyes twinkling he bit into it. His first taste of chocolate, and it was lovely, he took his time eating it, trying to make it last as long as possible. He knew it would probably be the only sweet he'd ever get. Harry did not envision a life away from the Dursley's he was too young for such a thing. He did sometimes wish he'd not survived the car accident that had claimed his parent's life.

Sighing sadly, he scrunched up the wrapper before putting it down the toilet. He flushed it and watched it disappear; once he was sure it wouldn't reappear he left the room. His tongue tracing the chocolate remains in his mouth, as his stomach finally stopped gurgling with hunger. Right now he wished he'd stayed with Figg, at least there he wouldn't be getting hit, made to clean up and he'd be getting three meals. It was the best part of being there, even if she didn't care about him. He could see she barely tolerated him, sometimes he saw her glaring at him in anger. What he didn't understand was it wasn't anger, no Figg was jealous of the fact he was magical. He was blamed for something he had no control over - no matter where he went.

Harry jumped when Petunia shouted, but it wasn't at him, "Boy's get jackets on it's time to go to the fair!" she told her son and best friend. They had some lunch brought up by room service, but dinner she had decided, they could have it while they are there. A hamburger at the stall, no doubt they were still full from all the chocolate anyway. Petunia glared at Harry, she knew she'd have to put something on the boy. She did not want people looking at her with disapproval, she was better than them all.

Going through her sons belongings, looking for a suitable zip up jumper for him. She wasn't going to give him her son's new jackets. She found one that would have to do, grabbing it she threw it at the child. Telling him in her shrill voice to put it on, a familiar scowl on her face.

Harry stared at it completely stunned; she had never done anything like this before. The only thing that kept him even remotely warm, if he could call it that, was his blue blanket. He had it for as long as he could remember, it did nothing for the cold especially during the winter. Slipping the jumper on he nearly gasped at how soft and fluffy it felt against his skin. He never got anything like this from the Dursley's. His aunt only ever gave him the threadbare horrible clothes Dudley was finished with. The decent stuff always went to charity, Petunia always liked to feel superior to those around her. All Harry knew was cold and coldness from his family.

"Ready mum!" claimed Dudley, not even caring when he saw the freak with his clothes on. For once he was too excited to care about the freak or getting him into trouble. Piers were just as excited as him, jumping up and down wordlessly. Neither of them had been to the fair before and they just could not wait.

"Very good, now boys, I do not want you wandering off or we will turn around and come right back here okay?" she told the boy's the look on her face conveyed that she was serious. "If you get lost I want you to go to a security guard and tell them, or one of the people working at the fair."

"Yes mum," "Yes Mrs. Dursley," chimed both boys, still grinning widely, hoping impatiently from foot to foot.

"Let's go, take my hands," warned Petunia, "Move boy." she snapped at Harry before they were all out of the hotel into the cool crisp night air.

Harry could see the fair from this distance, as he walked behind his aunt, cousin and Piers. Everything was blurry but the lights and music was unmistakable. Looking around in awe his awe became complete amazement, as the music thumped around him. The lights reflect back in his green eyes, unaware he had the same look of astonishment his own mother had worn when she had been the same age as him, walking on the very path his mother and grandparents had once trod on.

"MUM I WANT TO GO ON THAT!" shrieked Dudley his eyes wide with astonishment.

"Dudley you can't go on that sweetie, you are too young." said Petunia, giving her son a very seldom glare as if to say 'Do not start here'. Dudley pouted but surprisingly did as he was told much to Petunia's astonishment.

"Look why not try the ducks, see if you can win a prize?" said Petunia suitably distracting the children. Both boy's nodded their heads eagerly, running towards it, money paid they got their sticks and both picked a duck. Receiving a blow up hammer each, much to their excitement.

"Look mum can I play!" asked Dudley pointing towards the penny arcades, she nodded and give them one pound each, to get change to play in the penny arcade. She stood watching them both with hawk eyes, as they both had fun and enjoyed themselves for a few minutes.

Harry watched them playing on things all night, his heart lurched as he felt the familiar agony of pain. Every Christmas or birthday, he would see this happiness and wonder why he didn't have it. Wonder why he was a freak, when he was no different from Dudley. Wonder again why he had survived the accident, he saw people around him with their kids treating them all equally. He wasn't Petunia's he guessed it might be how aunts treated their nephews. He had thought that for a long time. That guess was about to be blown to smithereens. When he saw something... right in front of his eyes.

"Auntie Alice please let me go on the horse!" begged a child around his age, who was begging her auntie.

"Okay, but only one more ride!' she said exasperated, it's obvious the girl had been on more than once. Harry watched the woman pay for it, smiling at her niece as if she was the sun and moon. Watched her take a few pictures of her, as the girl waved back grinning widely.

Harry felt his throat constricting, why was he such a freak? Why did they think he was a freak? He was no different from Dudley. Ripping his eyes away from the sight in front of him, his heart aching more if possible. He dutifully followed his aunt and the boys as they went around the fair.

"What do you want wee one?" asked a man, Harry's head jerked up, realising he was at a van selling food. The smell made his empty stomach roll as it always did when he was making breakfast. He saw his aunt glaring at him, and he knew he was supposed to answer.

"Nothing, no thank you," he said swallowing thickly, as his stomach growled fiercely in protest to his statement.

The man in the van frowned; the three year old looked too skinny, if he had known his true age he'd have been more alarmed. As it was he had no idea, and he quickly put up Petunia's order and they moved on.

Darkness had well and truly descended on them, with the lights though it was deceiving. The boy's went on a few more rides after their burger and chips, before Petunia finished off the night with a dummy and candy floss for them. Her hands were full of trinkets they'd won at the fair, or she had won for them. Teddies, balloon's, and of course their blow up balls and hammers. The older children were just beginning to venture in, and it was getting loud with drunks or that's what Petunia called them. She quickly began ushering them out the fairground and back towards the hotel.

"MUM I WANT TO GO EVERY NIGHT!" insisted the stubborn spoiled five year old.

"Let's wait until daddy gets back." said Petunia as she gratefully opened the door of their hotel room.

"NO MUMMY I WANT TO GO EVERY NIGHT!" Screamed Dudley, his eyes tearing up, and Petunia knew a tantrum was going to start. Harry edged away; knowing when Dudley got like that it was always him that suffered. Dudley hated being told no, and he prayed his aunt would agree.

"Alright my sweet-tums! We will go every night," said Petunia soothing her tearful son, petting at him, and giving him his prizes with a smile on her face.

The waterworks stopped immediately, and Dudley smugly stared at Piers who was staring at him in awe. When he tried that with his mum it never worked, both of them grinned and ran of to play with their toys.

Soon after Petunia sent both exhausted boys to bed, tucking them in and wishing them goodnight. Hoping her son did not pee the bed again, not here, it would be embarrassing. Exhausted herself, she turned the lights off, locked the door and made her way to bed. As always ignoring Harry's existence, she didn't care what he did.

Harry stood still for half an hour, before he heard the snoring; he knew Dudley would be up before his aunt. Dudley was his alarm clock; he made so much noise getting up that it woke Harry. Looking over at the couch longingly, he sighed and lay down on the floor, even the small mattress in the cupboard was better than this. Even if it was filled with holes, it was better on his battered body. Regardless, it was a weight of his feet, as he curled up shivering at the cold. The top half of his body was warm for once, since he still had the jacket on. Eventually the soon to be five year old fell asleep, wondering what he would get for his birthday. Dog treats? A coat hanger perhaps? Or maybe more of Dursley's old cast offs...he knew better than to expect anything now though.

Chapter 4

The First Meet

It was going on the third day since they'd come to Cokeworth, Harry really was wishing he had stayed with Figg. Dudley and Piers had jumped him five times already, he was in so much pain and as always there was nothing he could do about it. Not only that but he'd had nothing to eat for three days, not since he'd had his small piece of chocolate. Everything was beginning to blur, and his body felt as though it was shutting down. The dizzy spells were becoming more and more frequent. Vernon had not made an appearance or phone call, and Petunia was in a foul mood, and Harry again paid the price for it. He was nothing but a punching bag for a family who hated him, and liked taking their frustrations out on.

"Petunia?" enquired a voice, as they made their way out of the hotel, Dudley and Piers wanted chocolate, something the hotel didn't provide. So she was on her way to the shops to get them something to stop her son from whining more. Only Vernon could control their son and more often than not Vernon just gave in like herself.

Petunia turned around and her eyes widened in surprise, she recognized her, only just she was so different from when she'd last seen her. "Sarah?" asked Petunia gobsmacked, she had left to go to America just fresh out of high school, at the age of eighteen. Sarah had been a friend to her during high school. Needless to say she had not expected to meet her here of all places.

"It's nice to see you again!" she exclaimed smiling happily at her old school friend. "Your sons?" she asked gesturing to the three boys she had beside her.

"Oh no, only Dudley is mine," said Petunia proudly, beaming as she clutched her obese sons shoulders. "There are friends of his." she didn't mention Harry being her nephew or being Lily's. She wasn't about to mention her sister, she loathed her more than anything else, even Harry.

"Are you staying here?" she asked looking at her watch.

"I am," she said smiling, it wasn't a smile Dudley was used to seeing, no it was actually a genuine one.

"Well I hope we get to talk some more!" she said, it was obvious Petunia was busy.

"We can now," Petunia immediately replied anything to get some peace and quiet from the children. She opened her purse and fished out ten pounds before handing it to her son. The shop was on the corner, there was no need for the children to even cross the road. Petunia warned them to stay nearby, and not to go too far.

"Yes mum," chortled Dudley staring at the ten pound his face almost splitting in two, he could buy so much with this. Piers was jumping up and down, he really loved spending time with the Dursley's. They were so much better than his own parents, who were very strict and didn't let him off with half of what Dudley did.

"Go on then," said Petunia shooing them off, as she wandered off towards Sarah eager for a good conversation and a gossip. They made a bee line for the pub inside the hotel and quickly ordered drinks.

Harry backed away towards the stairwell, determined to stay out of sight. He couldn't take much more of his cousin's abuse, the jacket his aunt had given him had been ripped and torn, before Dudley had snatched it off him and flung it away somewhere. It had saddened Harry greatly, for he had really liked it. He had been so warm in it, and comfortable he would miss it.

He wandered through the halls, lost in thought, his mind replaying the scene from three nights ago. Wondering once more, what made him a freak? Why did his aunt choose to treat him that way? Why couldn't she have been more like the girls auntie from the fair? A broken sigh left his lips. Would he have been a freak to his parents too? He didn't like to think so. So deep in thought he passed a tray sitting at a door in the hotel, it broke his concentration, and he looked back, and his eyes widened in shock and amazement.

The plate was almost full of food! Only one bite had been taken out of the burger.

Harry couldn't help but drool over the food, looking around he found the corridor deserted. Taking a deep breath, he nabbed the burger from the tray and ran until he came upon a stairwell. Exhausted, breathing heavily, and dizzy once more he slumped onto the steps his green eyes glinting in pride at his own accomplishment. The burger was bigger than his hands, it barely held onto the ends as he bit into it. By the time Harry had finished the food, his stomach was trying to rebel against so much food. Harry however, refused to let it. The burger had been the most he'd ever had, and he'd be damned if he let it come back up. Even if it made his stomach feel very full and uncomfortable. With all the pain Harry felt everywhere else, it was nothing really. Perhaps it had been worth coming here after all, he'd never had a burger before.

Harry remained sitting on the stairwell, ignoring the people that went by; he didn't get the opportunity to just sit down often. Petunia and Vernon would blow a fuse if he sat down, then plant chores on him. Calling him a lazy freakish brat and that he should have died with his parents. The words still hurt him, despite it always been screeched at him as far back as he could remember.

Dudley and Piers had already spent the money on food and a few comics, the food was gone and the comics read and they were both getting bored. When Dudley was bored, he always started his 'Harry Hunting' today was no different. It was going to be ten times easier when they were at school. Of course he knew he couldn't do it in front of the teachers. Dudley might hate school work, but he was sly when he wanted to be. If a wizard or witch saw him, they'd compare him to Crabbe and Goyle both senior and junior. Thankfully Dudley Dursley didn't have magic in which to torment Harry with.

"Let's go find the freak," decided Dudley, it was the only time he did any proper exercise, when he was trying to chase after Harry.

"He could be anywhere." said Piers more interested in the magazine than hitting Harry, the only reason he did it was because Dudley did. He knew his parents would have taken two layers off his backside if they knew what he did to the boy. He didn't understand why Mrs. Dursley let Dudley do it, yet his parent's didn't. It couldn't be that bad if Dudley's parents let him could it?

"He will be hiding in the hotel," said Dudley smugly, the freak never went far, unless of course he was being chased. He loved tormenting the freak, and seeing him hurt, his dad did it all the time. He wasn't happy that Piers didn't want to join in, so he snatched the magazine from his hands and glared at him.

"Come on then," said Piers suddenly, he didn't like it when Dudley got angry at him. The last time he had punched him in the tummy, he'd gone home crying. Dudley had offered him a chocolate bar as an apology and it hadn't happened again. Piers wasn't about to let it either, he had so much fun with Dudley, he was visiting the fair! Every day of the week. His own parents wouldn't have done that, and Dudley's mum always gave them lots of sweets and food.

Dudley and Piers spent the next hour looking for Harry, for two five year olds they didn't give up easily. Normally children were easily distracted, but not these ones, they were determined to find him.

"Hey freak!" yelled Dudley a cat caught the canary grin on his face, Dudley didn't even know Harry's first name. He only went on what his parents called him, 'Boy' or of course 'Freak' he did not call him 'Potter' because he hadn't been around when it had been screeched at the child. He was only called Potter when they caught him using magic, which admittedly wasn't often. It was too busy keeping the malnourished child alive. It only came out under extreme circumstances when Harry was particularly emotional.

Harry turned to see Dudley grinning at him, his heart sank, oh no, not again, his hooded dead green eyes stared at them. Maybe he could outrun them now that he wasn't dizzy anymore. He had to try, so without more ado, he turned around and bolted down the stairs staying as far ahead as he could from his cousin.

He ran down the stairs, level after level until he got to the bottom, before running through the doors and down the corridors. Looking around fanatically, he realized there was only one way he could go to get out of their sight - out of the hotel. Running as if the devil himself was on his heels, he glanced back to see if he had succeeded in tricking them.

Stopping completely exhausted, his hands planted on his knees for support, as he drew in large gulps of air. Then he heard them, he hadn't thrown them off at all, looking back he saw them burst out of the hotel looking for him determinedly. Moaning, Harry took off down the road once more, passed the shops, across the roads and into the more...bleak area of Cokeworth. The houses were shabbily built, and some were even boarded up.

Eventually Harry's temporary energy began to wear off; the adrenaline no longer helped him. Dudley and Piers were gaining on him, and he knew soon he would feel even more pain. He had not been able to sleep last night, not for the pain in his hips, back and stomach and legs. It's where Dudley liked to kick him the most.

Harry jerked forward, as hands shoved him to the ground, his head smashed against the concrete. His arms weren't even given the time to comprehend what was happening, to actually reach out in instinct. Which showed just how quickly the entire thing had gone down. Harry felt nothing for a few brief seconds, before pain made himself known to him. Not only that but he could feel blood gushing down his face and into his top. Harry curled into a ball, shielding his newly injured head, but was surprised when no harm befell him. Instead he heard a voice, speaking so menacingly that he wished he could disappear. He had no doubt the man was talking to him, nobody spoke horribly to Dudley Dursley.

"If you dunderheads do not leave this instant..." said a voice, so sharp and fierce that Harry shuddered instantly. His voice had trailed off so menacingly that there was little doubt about what he meant. Even Vernon had never scared Harry so much, with his voice alone. He heard Dudley whimpering in fright, much to Harry's astonishment. Peaking through his fringe, he saw the backs of the boys and heard the thudding of feet thundering off, the sound getting lower and lower the further they ran away.

Severus' eyes narrowed in on the child, he looked to be around three years old, and his clothes were far too large for him. He was a smart man; he realized the child obviously lived with the fat dunderhead he'd just chased off. Either that or the family knew each other, and this child received his clothes. He had always worn second hand, mismatched clothes as a child, but at least they'd fitted him. This child's clothes were almost swallowing him whole. Then he saw the blood, silently swearing, he removed a black handkerchief with S.T.S embroidered on it. Slowly approaching the child, but as he touched him the boy recoiled from his touch as if he had been burned violently him. Severus froze, it wasn't just because the child flinched so violently from him. No it was the magic he could feel emanating from the small child. No three year old child should feel that strongly of magic, normally it took three or four years at Hogwarts for magic to feel that way.

"Its okay child, I just want to look at your injury," said Severus soothingly, if any Hogwarts student had seen or heard him, they would have fainted. He wasn't by any means what the students considered a good teacher. He never spoke softly like that, but what they failed to understand was how dangerous a subject like potions was. Each professor of potions, had lost a few students in their times as a teacher. Even Slughorn had, and he wasn't talking about Myrtle. Severus' record was unblemished, and that's the way he wanted it to remain. He'd caused enough death as a servant of the Dark Lord.

"No," cried Harry, flinching away once more as he scrambled to his feet, running away from the kindness. Nobody had spoken to him like that before, instead of comforting him Harry just felt scared. His mind barely processed the kind words, all he could hear was the harsh voice telling Dudley to leave. As he ran he felt something in his heart tug, as if he missed something or someone terribly. At the back of his mind, something was yanking to get free, but for the life of him Harry couldn't think of what.

Severus watched the child get up, his concern for him churning in his gut. He was obviously extremely abused, to flinch before he had actually touched his skin. If the clothes were anything to go by he knew he was right. He had also noticed the child wouldn't lift his face up, wouldn't meet his eyes. Unfortunately he couldn't jump to conclusions. Quite a lot of people around here, couldn't afford to feed their children never mind cloth them. The child might have also been warned against strangers help. So before the child could get entirely out of reach he cast a silent tracking charm on him.

He'd observe him; if he was abused then he would step in. He couldn't let social services know, not with the child's magic already active. The boy would have to be taken in by a Wizarding family. Sighing in irritation, he cleared his mind, and went shopping he could have just called a house elf from Hogwarts but he liked cooking, it was similar to potions.

Chapter 6

Shocking Revelations Long Time Coming

Severus Apparated home, despite it not being far from the hotel. He had made his mind up, he was by no means a healer but he knew how to cast a diagnostic spell. After all the times he'd been to see Poppy as a student then later as a teacher, never quite willingly, but the woman was like a bloodthirsty hound. She could pick someone feeling slightly ill out of a line. She was definitely good at her job. Severus shook of his thoughts as he grabbed his potions case, grateful he continued to brew the concealing potions, it turned someone invisible until the antidote was swallowed. Unlike an ordinary invisibly cloak, there was no magical sight that could give you away. He'd tested it during an order meeting, he'd entered with the potion in his system and even moody and Dumbledore hadn't noticed him. Once he had everything he could possibly need, he swallowed the potion and Apparated again.

With swift movements he backed away into the darkness, avoiding the Muggles coming his way. Sneering at them in a way only Severus Snape could, despite the fact they couldn't see him. Once they were gone, he looked around again before making his way back into the hotel. He was actually glad he came tonight, since they were not from around here, he had only a limited amount of time before they would leave. Severus stalked up the stairs to the room where the child had last been in, absent were the robes that usually billowed around him. Severus had no idea what awaited him in there, he was simply put in for the shock of his life.

Slipping his wand from his holster, he muttered a charm that would let him know every occupant in that hotel room. The results weren't what he expected, his brief confusion turned to rage so potent that if Muggles had been near they would have felt it. What kind of parents left a three year old child alone in a hotel room? His lip curled in disgust an image of his own parents rising to the forefront of his mind. They were probably out drinking, leaving the child by himself. The child should be at the hospital getting that cut checked.

Clutching his wand tightly, he closed his eyes and murmured a low 'Alohamora' and he slipped into the room. The door closed with an almost soundless click, as Severus observed his surroundings. The room was in total darkness, making it almost impossible for him to see anything. He stood indecisively for a few seconds, before he made up his mind. The child was magical so if his magic was detected at least they Ministry couldn't 'reprimand' him. That's all that would happen; Albus Dumbledore would never allow anything to happen to him. He was too valuable as a Potions Master and of course as his spy. He cast a small 'Lumos' that lit the area in front of him it didn't take him five seconds after that to find the child. He was lying slumped against the wall, curled up sleeping. Cursing angrily, he stalked over to the child, noticing the blood stained clothes. The wound was very bad, blood still oozed from the crater in the child's head. The bruise was taking up residence on nearly half his face, he definitely should have seen a doctor, and most assuredly shouldn't be sleeping. He was no Medi-Wizard but even he knew someone who'd recently hit their head shouldn't be allowed to sleep.

Pressing his cold hand to his forehead, he noticed the child was abnormally warm. A fever he guessed, the child didn't stir which wasn't good at all. His worry it looked hadn't been for nothing, this child was evidently neglected at best or worse abused. He pressed the tip of his wand against the child's forehead and started whispering the words to the diagnosis charm, his wand trailing down his body. A scroll unfurled from his wand, as he heard people outside in the corridor. He paid them no mind, as he read the results in front of him. It confirmed every single one of his suspicions, the child didn't need a Muggle doctor he needed a Medi-Wizard and urgently.

The parents be damned, he had to get the child to St. Mungo's immediately, and he was just about to lift the unconscious boy when the door rattled. Cursing silently, he whispered 'Nox' and his wand light disappeared just as the door opened. If he'd been shocked by the child's injuries it was nothing upon seeing the woman when the lights were turned on. He knew that face, and for once in his life Severus Snape was stunned speechless. His eyes closed in horror, as he finally connected the dots and put everything together. The boy beside her was definitely not Harry Potter, he did not have the tell tale scar upon his forehead. So it had to be the boy on the floor, this child was not three years old but five. He had been so wrong; he understood now just how badly he needed a healer.

"BOY!" screeched Petunia, staring at the boy on the floor with loathing that would have impressed even Tobias Snape.

Severus stood up his entire being shaken with rage, this was Lily's son! He had sworn to protect him. He should not have to protect him from his own bloody family. Grabbing the vial, uncorking it he swallowed the anti-dote. He appeared as quickly as he'd disappeared earlier, his glare was so ferocious that Dudley Dursley wet himself right there and then. Petunia paled and stepped back, she'd forgotten about this freak, she could barely believe he was here in her hotel room!

"D-d-Dudley go through to the room," squeaked Petunia wide eyed, never removing her eyes from Snape's towering enraged form.

Dudley didn't need to be told twice, Piers bolted right behind him just as terrified.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't just hand you to the Dementor's to receive the kiss for what you've done to Harry Potter, the most beloved boy in the Wizarding world?" asked Severus his voice full of fury.

"He's a freak! Just like Lily was! She had to go and get herself blown up and we got landed with him!" shrieked Petunia at the top of her lungs, red faced she stared defiantly at Severus, refusing to feel guilty.

"Do not insult Lily in front of me," snarled Severus, his wand rising without him even being consciously aware of it. Lily had always been his weak spot, even as a child. She had been the only bright thing in his dull dreary life. He had loved her, unrequited as it was, it had never changed. He had sworn an oath to protect her child. Dumbledore had told him the Dark Lord was not truly defeated. He knew of the Prophecy, and right now the depth of his feelings he felt for the little boy on the floor scared the hell out of the usually cool and reserved man.

"Do you know what it was like to wake up one normal morning and find the freak on my doorstep?" she shrieked, her eyes widening at the sight of the raised wand. She wasn't stupid enough to raise Lily's name again. She knew this freak had adored the ground her sister walked on, with drunks for parents it was no surprise he'd seek out another freak.

"You are not normal," said Severus furiously, his magic lashing out, light surrounding the room, scaring Petunia even worse than when the man tried to kill her with a tree branch. She hated the freakishness! She just wanted to be normal, was that too much to ask? Yet inside she quailed with fear, she'd heard about the Dementor's she didn't want that. Plus her Poor Dudders would be left an orphan. "What you have one to that boy," snarled Severus pointing is long dexterous finger towards the prone figure on the floor. "Is not normal, if he does not get treatment he will die, YOU will have become a murderer, and YOU deserve life in prison. Either prison you end up in would be hell on earth. You know what prisons do to child killers, yet it would be mercy compared to what the Wizarding world would do to you." Severus was in Petunia's face now his voice low, yet still incredibly threatening.

Petunia paled drastically, her face pasty white, she looked over at the freak, she hated his very existence but she couldn't believe he was nearly dead. Snape was probably just messing with her, getting in her head, very successfully too.

"What would you do Tuney if I spelled all those wounds from your nephew, to your precious overweight, disgusting, sprog?" sneered Severus, he had been spending too much time with Minerva, she was the only one that used the term 'Sprog' a Scottish term if he wasn't very much mistaken. Ironically enough if he thought back, he'd realized it had been about the very same boy.

"You wouldn't dare!" choked Petunia, stepping back terrified, almost wanting to run and protect her son from the freak but she was rooted on the spot in fear.

"I wouldn't dare?" sneered Severus, his lips twitching, she knew what he was capable of yet she actually had the gall, the audacity to say he didn't have what it takes to do it? "I. Wouldn't. Dare?" he enunciated each word his face turning completely impassive.

"I didn't want the brat Snape," spat Petunia, "The crackpot old fool forced us to take him! I should have listened to Vernon and had him drowned the second he landed on our doorstep!"

Severus could barely believe the words coming out of Petunia's mouth, he knew she'd been angry at the fact she couldn't come to Hogwarts, and she'd taken it out on Lily. Severus personally found the entire thing funny, and he couldn't have cared about Petunia, but she'd upset Lily. Nobody upset Lily and got away with it. Everyone knew how much Petunia had hated the magical world after that, even Albus Dumbledore. The implications of his own words hit him like a ton of bricks. Dumbledore had sent Harry there; he had to know surely how the woman would treat her nephew. Which meant if Dumbledore had any inkling he had forced Severus to break the vow he'd sworn all those years ago. Just what the hell had he been thinking? Blood wards were not the only way to protect someone in the Wizarding world.

"Get the hell out of here Snape, get out!" hissed Petunia, "Dumbledore swore I'd never see any of your freakish kind when I took the freak in!" Petunia's face went slack, tears springing in her eyes as she stared at the man in disbelief. Her ears were still ringing with the slap Snape had just delivered to her face.

"You have the nerve to cry Tuney, after everything you've done to that child you cannot even take an ounce of your own medicine?" said Severus his voice filled with disgust, his hand tingling from where he'd slapped Petunia across the face. Spinning around he hoisted the still form of Harry Potter into his arms, "Tell anyone about this and I will tell the truth, it will mean the Dementor's come for not only you but your entire family." he threatened before he Dis-apparated on the spot.

Severus landed back in Spinners End, his mind overwhelmed by everything he'd seen, done and the ramifications of his actions this night. He had expected to help a three year old Muggle born abused for accidental magic. Instead he'd come home with Harry Potter, a five year old child, a child he'd sworn an unbreakable vow to protect. To have left him there would have meant his magic being stripped from him. Not that he would have left him there anyway, he wasn't a bastard no matter what his students thought. Ironically enough they were too stupid to realize he'd protect them even to death.

He had to get Harry help, he was beyond his ability to heal, and if it had been a cold or fever he'd have no problem. He didn't know how much potions it was safe to give a five year old under malnourished child. He couldn't go to St. Mungo's the entire world would know, and he wouldn't get near him again. He truly feared that he'd be placed back with the Dursley's. Dumbledore obviously felt he had to stay there despite the fact he'd grown up abused.

His thoughts immediately turned to Poppy, but she would be duty bound to tell Dumbledore. Any suspicious injuries she came across were to be reported immediately to the Headmaster. He didn't know if she would keep it quiet, but no, Poppy and everyone else in Hogwarts adored the Headmaster. They didn't see the manipulative side to him. He had the very night he'd begged Dumbledore to save Lily, he'd been practically coerced into spying to keep Lily safe. Then manipulated into staying and teaching imbeciles at Hogwarts, with the vow and threat that the Dark Lord would be back. No he needed someone who would keep quiet about it, someone with enough money and connects to ensure they were afraid to break their word.

There was only one person he knew, that had that kind of reputation and power in the Wizarding world. It was tricky business to deal with Lucius though. Lucius might not want the Dark Lord brought back, but he would go to any means necessary to keep his family safe. Lucius had aligned himself with the Ministry, gaining power and status there despite the fact he was or rather had been a Death Eater. He trusted Lucius to some degree, but did he trust him with Harry's life? Looking down at the unconscious child, he realized if he didn't the child would die.

Severus could only pray he was making the right decision that it wasn't going to backfire on him. Narcissa wouldn't see any harm befalling Harry, she hated the course Lucius had chosen but could do nothing. Yet she had managed to get thought to her stubborn husband, he'd saw his first glimpse of remorse the same week Draco had been born. Perhaps being a father had changed Lucius, he'd never know because they didn't discuss it. It was just too dangerous really, despite the fact they were both brilliant at closing their minds off. He wasn't planning on leaving Harry's side; he'd protect him as promised.

He Apparated them to the gates of Malfoy Manor, keeping a tight grip on the child.