Trials and Tribulations 01 By David DAG1064@aol.com
Author's Notes: This story is fiction. All characters except for "David" belong to the great Mrs. JK Rowling, who has given us the Harry Potter universe. The characters "[ ]" indicate though speak.
Trials and Tribulations 01
I left Hogwarts feeling satisfied my first mission for Dumbledore had been a success. Let's just say there are now a few less Death Eaters running around. There was an unexpected bonus, a Death Eater's war chest. Two big trunks full of Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts. Dumbledore was shocked at the amount of money.
"Bribery money," I said, "What better way to get things done than give somebody money?"
He knew I had a point there. He merely shook his head as he looked at the money.
"We can definitely use this money to aid our cause," he said. "Thank you for your great efforts."
I rose from the chair I was in. "I've been away longer than I wanted. I need to get back to Harry."
Dumbledore looked up and smiled. "Yes of course. You can use the floo network to Arabella Figg's house and then walk to Number Four Privet Drive from there. I regret that your house with Harry isn't possible right now."
"Not a problem," I said. "We just have to be there another month or so. We'll be back here before we know it."
Dumbledore smiled. "Good. Enjoy the rest of your summer."
I shook his hand and left. I went to the main fireplace and used the floo network to Figg's house. I had wisely left a set of clothes there so I changed into slacks, a nice sport shirt, boots, and left. I walked up to Number Four Privet Drive and immediately got a feeling that something was wrong. I slipped straight into Getsumi no Michi (a Ninja discipline) and knocked on the front door. I could feel fear, misery, anger, and hate coming from the house. My first thought was that Death Eaters had arrived and I was walking in on an ambush. The door opened a crack and the fattest kid I'd ever seen looked out at me.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
"I'm a friend of Harry Potter," I said. "My name is David. Is he home?"
Fear crossed the kid's face and he slammed the door on me. I sighed and placed my thumb against the keyhole and moved the deadbolt out of the way and opened the door, Wakizaki at the ready. I stepped into the house. A big man charged at me and I dropped the Wakizaki to meet him and shoved him back quickly. The fat kid also charged and attacked, trying to punch me. I grabbed his hand and twisted it behind his back.
"LET GO OF MY DUDIKINS!" the female voice from the kitchen screamed as a black object emerged from the kitchen at a high rate of speed.
I caught the frying pan effortlessly much to their shock and kicked the front door closed. Last thing I needed was an unwanted audience.
"Relax, folks. I'm here for Harry. Once we've packed, we'll be gone," I said.
I now had every intention of getting Harry to the Burrow. The lady walked into the living room scared out of her mind. I let the kid go and he quickly joined his mother on the couch. I looked at the big man on the floor.
"You must be the Uncle Vernon Harry told me about. Where's Harry?" I asked.
The boy on the couch looked upstairs. I nodded.
"Stay down here until I get back," I said.
I went up the stairs. At the top of the stairs I looked down the hall. At the end of the hall was a door that led into the master bedroom. There were two doors on my right, one on my left. The door on my left was the bathroom. The first door on my right was the boy's room. I saw a sign on the door identifying it as "Dudley's Room". The next door had several padlocks on it. Without a doubt this was Harry's room. I drew my Wakizaki and took care of the locks. I opened the door and looked in. It was dark inside. I reached for the light switch and tried to turn it on, but it wouldn't work.
"Luminos," I whispered and the tip of the Wakizaki glowed with light.
Now I could see inside the room. I crossed over to the window and pulled the drapes aside and discovered bars across the window. What the hell! Now that there was light in the room, I turned to see where Harry was. The room was threadbare. There was nothing to indicate it was a bedroom. There was a pile of blankets in the corner and I went over to see what was under it. It was Harry and I had to fight from fainting or going into shock. His face was flushed, and very pale. His eyes were glassy, and he was breathing hard. I put my hand against his forehead. He was burning up as well. This was not good. I took a deep breath to control my temper. Checking my watch, I saw that it was getting late in the day. Good. That meant I could get Harry out to the street and call the Knight Bus to get us to St. Mungo's. Then I would send owls out. I went into the bathroom to get wet cloths to try and cool him down. I wet a few and wrung them out and went back into the bedroom. I uncovered him and was shocked to find bruises up and down his torso and over his back. What I had touched in love someone had touched in anger and hate. I fought down the anger I felt. I wiped him down and his eyes fluttered open.
"David," he called out weakly.
"I'm here love," I said.
"Don't... hurt them. Let... Dumbledore take care of them," he said.
"I will. I am getting you out of here," I said.
"Trunk... in cupboard under stairs... Hedwig in garden shed," Harry croaked, and then closed his eyes once more.
I laid him down carefully and went back down the stairs. I didn't say anything as I sliced the lock off the cupboard door and retrieved his trunk and things. I walked out to the shed and found Hedwig going nuts, trying to break out of the cage she was locked in. I drew the Wakizaki once more and sliced the top off. Hedwig flew up and out of the cage, happy to be free. I wrote a note to Dumbledore and sent her off with it. Walking out of the shed, I noted it was now just dark. Good. Getting Harry out of the house shouldn't be a problem now. I went back upstairs after shrinking the trunk and putting it in my pocket. I wrapped Harry up in a thicker blanket and carried him downstairs. I looked at the people huddled up on the couch.
"Harry asked me to show you mercy and I will, simply because he asked. Know you this, that there will be other Wizards coming. They won't be feeling very merciful towards you," I said.
With that, I turned and walked out of the house with Harry in my arms. Thank God the street was empty. I got Harry out to the street and raised the wand up. A moment later there was a loud bang and the Knight Bus appeared. I carried Harry on. The porter took one look at Harry and shouted at his mate at the wheel.
"St. Mungo's and step on it!" he yelled.
The bus took off with another loud bang. The porter helped me get Harry on one of the beds. He came back with a few wet cloths and watched me wipe Harry down. It was barely fifteen minutes that we came to a halt in front of the closed department store that was the hospital. I picked up Harry and the window shimmered, allowing us through and into the waiting room. As luck would have it, a doctor was standing there in the admitting room. He got a look at Harry and started barking orders.
"Follow me!" he shouted.
I followed him into the Emergency room and laid him down on the table. He started examining Harry and then cursed.
"Notify OR one (operating room) and tell them we have an appendicitis case coming!" he yelled.
I didn't hesitate. I grabbed Harry off the table and started moving. The doctor got in front of me and led me to the doors of the OR. I placed Harry on a gurney and they wheeled him in. A nurse showed me to a waiting room and calmed me down. Then I answered her questions. She didn't react when I told her Harry and I were partners. Then she left me alone. I sagged back down into the couch.
It wasn't long before somebody showed up. McGonagall was the first.
"How is he?" she said, taking my hand.
I sighed. "Harry's in surgery for appendicitis. I haven't heard anything yet."
She put her hand up to her mouth as I told her the rest. She was trembling with anger by the time I finished my story. Someone sat down next to me. I looked to see a somber Dumbledore.
"I must apologize, David. I should have let him go elsewhere. I shall take full responsibility for this," he said.
"I let them live," I said. "I left them alone, knowing you might want to talk to them. Harry asked me to leave them alone for you."
"Thank you, David. I shall have a few words with them," he said. "For now we must worry about Harry."
As we sat there the Weasley Clan arrived. The twins walked in first, followed by Ron, Ginny, Molly, and Arthur. I nodded to them as McGonagall told them what I had. Molly sat next to me and hugged me tight. I felt better knowing our friends were there to help us. The clock ticked slowly as we sat and waited. It was two hours later that the doctor came into the room. I stood up as he approached me.
"Thank God you got him here when you did. Any longer and we could have lost him. His appendix burst, as we were about to remove it. We took a hell of a chance operating with him being sick as he is. Pneumonia for starters, chest congestion, heat exhaustion, being underfed, and beaten up certainly didn't help. He's being settled into ICU (Intensive Care Unit) right now. Give us five minutes and then all of you can see him. He's lucky you found him when you did, David. He'll make it," the doctor said.
I sighed and sat down. Dumbledore and Arthur went up to talk to him and ask questions. I didn't see Arthur stop to talk to Molly as I went down the hall five minutes later to go and see Harry. The twins, Ron, and Ginny followed me. They stayed in another waiting room while I went in alone. I approached Harry's bedside and looked down. He was lying there looking so pale and still. I thought he was dead at first. Then I heard the heart monitor working and I knew he was alive. Molly came up behind me and hugged me close to her. I turned and for the first time in my life, cried tears of anger and sorrow. She held me close, letting me cry on her shoulder. I wound down and then relaxed. I sat down in a chair next to his bed and held his hand.
The twins were the next to come in. George and Fred each touched Harry on his right shoulder and nodded. As far as I was concerned, they were his big brothers. They squeezed my shoulder and I knew I had their support. Ron came in next after the twins left. He stood there for a bit, not sure how to react. I held out my hand and he took it. I squeezed it and he smiled. He had come in to offer comfort and here I was offering it to him. Ron gently squeezed Harry's right shoulder and then gave me a hug. Ron nodded as he stepped out. Ginny walked in, her eyes full of tears. I knew she once had a huge crush on Harry long ago and now they were the best of friends. I knew Harry looked out for her like she was his little sister. We both did. Molly walked over to her and hugged her. Ginny composed herself and then walked over to the bed. She leaned over and kissed Harry on the forehead. She then kissed me on the cheek and I gave her a hug. We heard a noise in the hall and then Hermione appeared. There were tears on her face and she walked in.
"Harry's alive," I said softly. "He's going to make it."
Hermione hugged me tight and then kissed Harry on his forehead. Molly then led them out of the room. I sat back in the chair close to his bed and held his hand once more. I wanted him to know I was right here for him.
It was about an hour later that Dumbledore and Arthur arrived. Both men walked into the room and approached the bed. I looked up.
"No change yet," I said.
Dumbledore looked down at Harry and nodded. "He will wake when he is ready to."
"Please don't blame yourself, David. You didn't know. None of us did. The Dursleys wouldn't allow Harry to write letters to anybody. There was no way of knowing he was in danger. The Dursleys have given up Harry and willingly signed a paper giving Harry Emancipated Minor status. It's been filed at the Ministry. Special Wizarding Licenses are being prepared for both of you as we speak. You'll have them by morning. In the meantime Moody, Lupin, and I will stand guard for a few hours. Then some other people will come and take the next shift. There are people volunteering to help protect Harry until he leaves the hospital. Then we will move you into our house for the rest of the summer," Arthur said.
I smiled up at him. "Thanks. I get the feeling it will be a while before we leave here."
Arthur nodded, "The sooner the better."
I turned back to Harry and watched him sleep. People drifted in and out of the room for the rest of the day. Arthur had taken a chair in the far corner with his wand across his lap for quick reaction should he need it. Doctor Franks introduced each member of the staff in ICU as they came in so Arthur would know who they were. Moody drifted in four hours later and took Arthur's place. He nodded to me and I smiled back.
"Harry will make it. He's a tough kid," Moody nodded.
"I know he is," I said. "That's one of the reasons why I love him."
Moody smiled and patted me on the shoulder as I turned back to Harry.
The week passed by at agonizing crawl. Harry slowly improved. The potions and medications they were giving him were having an effect on him, knocking down his fever first, then clearing up his chest, and finally killing the pneumonia. I could see color slowly creep back into his face. He was out of danger now and healing nicely. I continued to stay by his bed, stepping away long enough to eat, shower, and walk up and down the hall for exercise. It was during one such trip that danger came calling. I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I learned long ago to never ignore such warning signs. I slipped into Getsumi no Michi and called up my Wakizaki (short sword) and stood in front of Harry's door and waited. The double doors at the end of the hall opened to reveal four Death Eaters.
I stared them down for a few minutes before they acted. I threw up a Shielding Charm and launched an attack of my own in seconds. The one in who threw the first curse went down clutching his arm and screaming in pain. The other three scattered and tried to go around me. Thankfully Moody was on guard in Harry's room. I felt him watching my back as I took on the other three. The three attacked me in a group, throwing three different curses. I engaged the shield charm once more and sliced a wand in half and used a front snap kick on the middle one. The one on my right managed to slip past. Moody took that one out quickly. I back flipped down the hall and assumed a defensive position. The two Death Eaters attacked, one with his wand and the other drew a sword to replace his wand. I waited until the last second then reacted lightning fast, slicing the other wand in half, did another snap front kick to the face and knocked that one cold. Then I took on the swordsman. He wasn't too bad. However, I was far better and defeated him easily. The battle had taken no more that a full minute. I stepped down from Getsumi no Michi and relaxed.
"Bastards," Moody spat as I turned around. "Attacking a helpless kid."
"Glad you were here, big man. You protected Harry," I said.
Moody looked at me. "Kid, you got some very fast moves. Nice Shielding Charm by the way. You'd make one hell of an Auror."
The hall was beginning to fill up with Aurors. I leaned over and removed one mask. It was a man by the name of McNair. He was the Ministry's Enforcer. One Death Eater spy down. The next one was female. Moody didn't recognize her. He didn't know the other man either. Whoever he was he had been fairly good with his sword. All three got dragged off. I went back into Harry's room to check on him. Franks was there and he looked up as I walked in.
"Harry's fine. No change to his condition. In fact, he could be waking up at any time now," he said.
"That's good news to hear," a voice said.
I turned to see Dumbledore standing there. I walked over and gave him a full report and then Moody backed me up on the events.
"So now what?" Arthur asked once he arrived and heard every thing.
"We keep protecting Harry until he is able to leave," Dumbledore said.
I nodded and went back to sit by Harry. I took his hand in mine and closed my eyes. I concentrated on feeling his pulse in his wrist and sank back down into Getsumi no Michi to meditate. I let everything float out of my mind and concentrated on Harry. Slowly my heartbeat matched his pulse and I felt at peace. I knew he was close to waking up.
[Harry love, I'm here for you,] I said in his mind. [I love you.]
I felt his hand barely squeeze mine and I knew he heard. I smiled knowing he had heard me. I settled back into the chair and went to sleep.
Harry woke up two mornings later as I stood in the bathroom shaving. I wiped my face clean and hurried into the room when Arthur called out. I took Harry's hand and began talking to him as he moved around in the bed. Arthur had gone into the hall and called out for Franks. Doc Franks came running into the room with a nurse close behind. I kept talking to Harry as he slowly settled back down. His eyes fluttered and then opened. Dull emerald green eyes looked up at me.
"Hi honey. You're at St. Mungo's. You're safe here," I said.
He sighed and managed a slight smile. I felt him squeeze my hand tight.
"You're going to be just fine," I said.
He nodded and sighed once more. He closed his eyes and went back to sleep. I looked over at Doctor Franks.
"That's normal. He'll do that for another day or two and then he'll be fine. I say he'll be ready to leave here in another week. He'll be fine," Franks smiled.
"Thanks for everything," I said.
He nodded and then left the room. Lupin returned to his seat and I went back into the bathroom to continue my shower. I came out fifteen minutes later to find Dumbledore and Arthur sitting in chairs at the end of Harry's bed. They were having a discussion.
"Hi Professor Dumbledore. Has Arthur told you the good news?" I asked.
"He has and I am delighted and relieved. I am concerned, however, about his mental state. I have contacted a psychiatrist to help him if he so desires," Dumbledore said. "We are concerned he may try to bury it all deep inside."
I nodded. "Something I've thought about. Let's go slow on this."
Dumbledore nodded. "In the meantime both of you will be very safe at the Burrow. It will be ready when you two leave here."
"Be another week," I said. "Doc wants to make sure Harry's physical condition is good before he leaves."
"That gives us plenty of time to put up more wards around the Burrow," Arthur said. "Molly is worried there wasn't enough."
I nodded. "She's a good lady."
Arthur grinned. "Don't I know it!"
I smiled and shook my head. I sat down in a chair next to Harry's bed and picked up the book I was reading on curses, jinxes, and hexes as Dumbledore left. I glanced up into Harry's face every now and then. He seemed more at peace now and that made me feel better. I couldn't wait to get him out of here.
He slowly became more alert over the next four days. His emotions at what had happened to him came out as well. I spent time holding him and letting him know I was there for him. He was riding this very emotional roller coaster up and down constantly. I didn't push him to talk about what he was feeling.
"I'm not going to push you to talk about what you're feeling right now, Harry. I'm not going to say I know what you're feeling, because I don't. All I know is you are hurting inside and that makes me sad. I'm angry and hurt knowing they hurt you. I am angry with myself for having left you. I should have never left. I should have insisted that Albus find someone else for the job," I said, tears running down my face.
"I blame myself for not listening to you, Harry," a voice from the doorway said.
We looked up to se Albus Dumbledore standing there. "I blame myself for your being hurt, and for placing you in there."
Harry sighed and leaned against me. "I don't blame you or David. You didn't know. I thought nothing would happen. I was foolish to think they would suddenly change after fifteen years of shit happening to me. If anyone is to blame for what happened to me, it's me for letting them hurt me. I should have said something a long time ago."
"Please don't blame yourself, love. They are responsible for what happened to you. It was their ignorance and hate that caused them to do what they did. They will someday pay the price of their actions," I said.
Harry nodded and sighed. I took him in my arms and held him close to me.
"All I can do and will do is to keep on holding you and supporting you love," I said. "I am going to help you get through this."
Harry lifted his head and looked at me. "Now I know why I love you so much."
I smiled as the two men smiled at us. I felt really good in that moment. Lupin strolled out of the room and left Dumbledore with us. He turned to us.
"David knows only a little of what happened with the Dursleys. I had told him they signed papers making you an Emancipated Minor. Now the Ministry and the muggle police want to charge them with child abuse. Dudley has been taken from them and placed in a foster home. He is not faring so well at the moment. Your Aunt and Uncle are out on something called bail and back at their house. The muggle police have been through the house and collected what they say is more than enough evidence to convict them of what they did to you, Harry. The Grangers have been very helpful in explaining every thing to me so that I understand what is going on. Your Uncle has hired an attorney to fight the charges. It was agreed between representatives of the Wizengamot and the muggle authorities to allow them to be tried in a muggle courtroom before a joint court of muggle and Wizengamot authorities. I am confident that justice shall be done. Like all people everywhere, I intensely dislike those who abuse children. I have aided many children who were abused, Muggle and Wizard both. It makes me sad to see children abused. Harry, I wish I could wave my wand over you and take all of your pain away but I can't. I can however, be there for you when you need to talk to somebody," Albus said.
Harry reached out to Dumbledore and grabbed his hand, "Thank you sir."
Harry sighed and settled back against me and closed his eyes. I had the feeling he was tired so I started to move out from under him.
"Please stay," he asked me.
"I will, love. Just want to make us more comfortable," I said.
I kicked my shoes off and got on the bed with him and lay down next to him. Harry rolled over and snuggled up to me. I removed his glasses and started to rub his back. He sighed and slowly his breathing slowed down until I could feel the soft gentle puffs of air on my shoulder. I felt like dozing off myself. I looked to see Remus Lupin nodding as he watched us with a smile on his face. I closed my eyes and set some wards of my own and then dozed off.
Harry was released Saturday afternoon from the hospital. A car from the Ministry took us home to the Burrow. Harry smiled when the rooftops came into view. This place was our second home, Hogwarts being the first. The car came to a stop at the front door as the Weasleys came out to greet us. Arthur got out first and then turned to us.
"Welcome home boys," he said to us as he opened the back door. Harry got a bit emotional as Molly hugged him. The twins shook his hand and welcomed him home. Ginny kissed him on the cheek and he hugged her. Ron led the way to the room Harry and I were to have. I realized it was Percy's room.
"Where's Percy?" I asked.
"Dad and Percy had a row and he moved out," Ron said.
"Sorry to hear that," I said.
Ron shrugged his shoulders. "Life goes on."
Harry and I spent the next hour settling in and then he got on the bed.
"Tired?" I asked.
"A little. Thought I'd take a little nap," Harry said.
I retrieved a book and got on the bed with him. We kissed after he put his glasses on the nightstand by the bed and snuggled up to me, his head on my lap. I ran my fingers through his soft black hair as he went to sleep. I looked down every now and then to check on him. He seemed to be sleeping peacefully. The nightmares were coming less and less and I hoped they would stop once he was out of the hospital. I guess I must have dozed off because the next thing I knew Ron was tapping on the door. I woke as he walked in to find us snuggled up on the bed together, Harry's head on my chest.
"You guys look so cool together," he grinned.
"You and Hermione look cool together yourselves," I said as Ron blushed.
"Mum sent me up to let you know dinner is in twenty minutes," he said, and then left the room.
I gently scratched Harry's face until he woke up. He blinked at me a few times and then recognition crossed his face.
"You're really here. I thought it was all a bad dream and I was... back there," Harry whispered.
I gently hugged him. "I'd never walk away from you. I love you too much, Harry James Potter, my love, my one and only."
Tears came up to his eyes and I knew I had said the right thing. He moved up so he could look into my eyes. We spent the next five minutes doing some serious snogging. Then we got up off the bed and went to the bathroom to clean up. We went downstairs and joined our family for dinner. The twins kept us entertained all through dinner. Harry was enjoying himself and that was a good sign. After dinner he volunteered to help with the dishes but Molly said he didn't have to do a thing. So we went into the living room to relax. Ron engaged Harry in a game of Wizard chess as I looked on. Harry became a better player the more he played with Ron. I tried Wizard chess a few times and really never got the game. Ron sure was aces at it, Harry giving him a good run for his money. I went up for my acoustic guitar and tuned it up and sat down and played a set of songs for the next hour or so. The last song Harry recognized and he smiled. He sat next to me and looked into my eyes as we did "Come Rain Come Shine", a love song from B. B. King and Eric Clapton. Both of us got a bit misty eyed towards the end of it. I could feel the love between us and I hoped it would be strong enough to see us through these hard times. It would.
I woke up the next morning and rolled over on my right side. Harry wasn't in bed. That cleared my mind instantly and I got out of bed. I went to the bathroom and found Harry sitting on the floor in the corner by the tub. He was shaking and sweating.
"Harry," I called to him as I got on my knees. "Harry love, are you all right?"
He snapped to, blinking rapidly and looking up at me. "It's you," he breathed.
"Yes love, it's me. Who did you think it was?" I asked.
He swallowed nervously. "I thought... it was... Uncle Vernon coming after me."
I got on my knees and hugged him to me. I felt a presence behind me and knew it was Ron. Then a moment later it was Molly. I got Harry up off the floor and helped him back to our room. I laid him down in bed as Molly opened the windows in the room and a cool summer morning breeze blew in. I rubbed Harry's back as he pressed himself against me. He finally calmed down and relaxed. A moment later he was asleep. I sighed and looked at Molly.
"Why?" was all I could think.
She sighed. "I don't know, honey. You need to be strong for him so he can lean on you for support. He needs to know you love him and care for him."
"I will," I said.
She smiled and left the room. I felt Harry moving against me and wondered what was going on inside his head. I slowly rubbed his back a bit more and he settled down again. I looked out the window at the blue sky and said a prayer for him.
Harry slept for about two hours and then woke up. He got a bit emotional when he saw me there in bed with him. I held him close and let him vent his emotions. Afterwards I helped him to the bathroom and washed his face off. He felt hungry so we went downstairs to see who was about and get a sandwich from the kitchen. I found a note on the cabinet in the kitchen.
"David and Harry, we stepped out for a bit to shop for food. Back in a bit. Love Molly," I read out loud.
Harry sat down at the table as I opened the refrigerator. I put stuff on the table and Harry reached for an orange and peeled it as I turned to make the sandwiches.
"What sounds good, love?" I said.
"Surprise me," he challenged.
"Okay," I said.
I looked to see what was there and started with two slices of rye bread and went from there. By the time I was finished Harry was grinning.
"That looks like a winner," he said.
I set the sandwich in front of him after cutting it in half. It had two different kinds of cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and three kinds of meat in there. I set a glass of milk in front of him and then made my own sandwich. We ate slow, enjoying the sandwiches. Once we were finished, we set the plates in the sink and then sat down wondering what to do next.
"How about a walk down to the river and back?" Harry suggested.
Now that sounded like a good idea so we left a note and headed off on our walk. We took our time, talking all the way down.
"I'm really glad you did come back for me. I was hoping you would, even when Uncle Vernon was beating on me. I had this big fantasy of you leaping in the house through the window and battling Uncle Vernon," Harry began.
"You have no idea how close I came to wanting to slice him up," I said.
I saw emotion cross Harry's face and I regretted saying that. He sighed.
"It's a good thing you didn't. If you had spent any time trying to punish them I would have died. You saved my life by helping me first," Harry said, looking up at me, "Thank you love."
I smiled. "You're welcome."
"I wished Aunt Petunia had stopped him. She never really hit me like he did, but her words hurt just as bad," Harry said. "You're worthless. Good for nothing. Lazy, ungrateful, can't do anything right, and useless. Those words were just as bad as Vernon and Dudley causing me physical pain."
I stopped and took Harry's hands in mine. "I need to know something. Did Vernon and Dudley ever?"
Harry shook his head. "No. They didn't rape me if that's what you're asking."
I sighed. "Thank God. That's the worst possible violation any man could do to a kid like us. We do it because we love each other. If he did it, it would because he would do it for his own pleasure and to hurt you even more."
Harry shivered. "I can't imagine anyone doing that to me or anyone else."
"Neither can I. It does happen, though. I read the papers and hear of it on the news," I said.
"That's not right," Harry said.
"Never is," I said.
We walked on in silence. I didn't push Harry to say anymore. He would talk in his own time and I would listen to everything he said.
We got to the river and sat on the banks with our bare feet in the cool water. It moved slowly and lazily, the fallen leaves on the surface of the water moving with the current. Harry leaned against me and sighed. I put my arm around him and he smiled. I held his hand and then he turned his head to look at me. We came together and kissed. Harry gently pushed me on my back and then lay on top of me. I wrapped my arms around him and we kissed some more. His body felt good on mine. I reached up to brush some of his hair out of his face and he smiled.
"I could stay here forever," he said.
"What would you say to us getting a house close by here?" I said. "I really like this area and being out in the country."
"Ah, so you're a country boy?" Harry teased.
I smiled. "Thank God I'm a country boy."
Harry laughed at that. A moment later so was I. Then suddenly we were wrestling in the leaves, having fun and acting like the kids we were supposed to be. It felt good to do that. Once we tired, we sat up and I picked the leaves and twigs out of his hair. I looked into his emerald green eyes and knew he loved me. He leaned into my arms and we kissed once more. I'd never get tired of this.
We walked back to the house holding hands. A plume of smoke was coming from the chimney as we approached the house. Someone was home. Molly was in the kitchen when we walked in. She set glasses of lemonade on the table in front of us.
"Enjoy your walk?" she asked.
"Yeah, we did," Harry said. "It was relaxing."
"It was nice to get out in the fresh air," I said.
She turned back to the sink. "Good. You boys needed to get out a bit."
"Yeah, we sure did. Was a really nice day out," Harry said.
I agreed. "How about we go back tomorrow and make a day of it? Go swimming, take a picnic lunch."
"I haven't gone swimming in a while," Harry said. "Be fun to do it again. I don't have a swimsuit though."
"Not a problem mate," Ron said, coming into the kitchen. "I know I've got another pair of Speedos that I could loan you."
"Thanks Ron, that would be very cool," Harry said.
"Why don't all of you kids go?" Molly suggested.
It was arranged. We'd go down about ten, come back around five. The twins, Ginny, and Hermione would come with us as well. We'd have a blast. In fact, Hermione ended up staying the night.
Dinner was another fun filled affair. The twins were their usual selves, keeping up their usual snappy patter, cracking jokes and one-liners, making us laugh.
"You know I am amazed at how George starts a sentence and Fred finishes it," I said. "Really amazes me."
"It's a twin thing," Hermione said. "I read an article some time back about a scientific study examining the bond that exists between twins."
"Really?" Ron said.
"Yes," Hermione said, setting down her mug. "It's been proven that twins have a psychic connection between them. They know what the other is feeling at any given moment, like when one is hurt or in danger. In some cases they are known to have telepathy. One of the reasons Fred and George are able to finish the other's sentences is probably due to a low level psychic ability they have and don't even know it."
Harry and I looked at each other. I nodded.
"David and I have a form of telepathy," Harry announced.
That got a reaction from everybody around the table.
"I discovered mine when I found Getsumi no Michi," I said. "I think it was lying dormant in my mind and somehow wakened once I crossed through the doorway into Moonlit Path. Long story."
"David activated mine when we bonded through Getsumi no Michi. It was quite an experience," Harry said. "We practice it a great deal."
"Sorry Hermione, I can't tell what you're thinking. It only works between Harry and me," I said.
"Can I ask a question?" Arthur asked.
"Sure," I replied.
"What's the Getsumi thingy?" he asked.
I sighed. "Well, it is one of many known ninjitsu disciplines. It is a place where a ninja goes to before a battle and he draws on the power found there. It helps him move faster, makes his senses sharper, and increases his strength."
"Wow. That's cool," Ron said.
"So why do you lift weights then?" Fred asked.
"To stay in shape and to develop my own physical strength. Nobody likes a fat ninja," I cracked. Everyone laughed at that one. I finally got one over the twins. They smiled and I knew they were cooking up something. What ever it was, it was bound to be interesting.
After dinner was done, all of us teens teamed up to get things clean while Molly and Arthur relaxed. Hermione kept on speculating about Getsumi no Michi and the twins' abilities. I found her thoughts on the subject very interesting.
"Let's run all this past Albus Dumbledore when we see him again," I suggested. "Be interesting to know his thoughts on this subject." It was agreed to. I sat down at the table with a cup of tea that Hermione brewed.
"What's the plan for tomorrow?" Ron asked.
"We party," Fred grinned.
I sighed, "Besides that."
"I've planned the picnic," Ginny said, dropping a piece of paper on the table. Hermione picked it up and read what was written there. We suggested a few things more and they were agreed to. By the time ten 'o clock came around everything was set.
We retired to our respective rooms and went to bed. I settled down with Harry in my arms. We spent fifteen minutes kissing and caressing each other. We were in a playful mood but not really wanting to go all the way. My hand moved down to his hard erection as he took mine in his hand. We started wanking each other as we French kissed. I could feel the feelings and emotions building up. I could feel his warm hard cock in the palm of my hand and I shivered in excitement at being able to give him pleasure. I heard him moan with pleasure as I stroked his cock. I could feel Harry's hand wrapped around the six inches of my own hard cock. It felt so good, knowing my lover was wanking me too. I knew Harry was getting close so I let my body go and began the ride to ejaculation. Both of us came at the same time, covering each other with our cum. Harry shivered and sighed, and then broke into a smile. I leaned forward to start licking my cum off him and he did the same. Once we had each other cleaned up we settled down in bed and drifted off to sleep.
Something woke me up. I turned over to the right and looked at the clock in the bedroom. It was three thirty in the morning. I turned to my left to look at Harry but he wasn't there. I started to panic as I slid out the left side of the bed and found him writhing violently on the floor. I turned him over and his eyes were wide open and glassy. Harry was having a serious nightmare. When I went to pick him up, he started acting like he was getting hit. He started screaming at the same time. I managed to get him into my arms and tried to calm him down. He wasn't recognizing me at all. He was getting even more violent, pounding on me with his fists. I took a deep breath and yelled.
"MOLLY! OUR BEDROOM! IT'S HARRY!" I yelled at the top of my lungs.
I heard people reacting. Molly was the first through the door. Problem was she didn't open it first. Oh well.
"Harry, it's me, love. I'm here. Calm down, honey. Everything is okay. I've got you. I won't let anyone hurt you now," I said in a soft tone, hoping he'd calm down.
Molly took charge immediately. "Get him on the bed and hold him down while I pour a few drops of this down his throat!"
The twins reacted, grabbing Harry's hands while Bill and Charlie got Harry's ankles. The four of them got Harry on the bed and laid him out flat as I held his head. Harry was screaming something about not hurting him and I knew it had to be one of his nightmares from the hospital. Molly got a few drops of the calming potion down his throat and Harry slowly wound down. The four Weasleys let Harry go as he slowly calmed down. I slipped under him and held him close, rubbing his heaving chest as I tried to wake him up.
Suddenly he jumped, rapidly blinking his eyes as he woke up and stared at us. He slowly broke down and started to cry. I held him in my arms and gently rocked him, talking to him softly. The four Weasley boys cleared out, leaving Molly in the room with Harry and me. Once she knew he was fine, she gave him a glass of Dreamless Sleep potion and he drank it down. He sighed and snuggled down into my arms as I rocked him back to sleep. I looked up at her and sighed.
"I thought he was over the nightmares at the hospital," I said.
Molly shook her head. "Not until he confronts them and deals with them."
On the way out she flicked her wand at the remains of the door she smashed down on her way into the room and all of the pieces flew back into place. I sighed and pulled him a bit closer and brushed the hair out of his face and then went to sleep.
When I woke the next morning, Harry was still sleeping. He seemed to be at peace and I hoped he was. I stumbled down the hall to the bathroom and took care of business. I examined one of a dozen bruises that were showing up after last night's episode. They didn't hurt too badly. I'd do a healing later. I stretched as I headed back to our room.
"Bloody hell, Harry really did a number on you last night," Ron said.
Charlie Weasley came out of another room. "Not his fault, Ron. He didn't know what he was doing."
"Hi Charlie. Home from dragon hunting?" I said.
He grinned. "Vacation, I come home for two weeks in the summer."
"We're headed down to the river later for a swim and picnic. Want to join us?" Ginny asked as she came out of the bathroom.
I blinked at her. "Were you in there when I was?"
She smiled. "No. I slipped in after you walked out. I'm surprised you didn't see me."
"Some ninja I am," I snorted. "Ichiro would kick my ass on that one."
Fred's voice came up the stairs. "Coffee and other stuff are on the table."
Charlie made a face. "I hope they didn't spike the coffee. I still haven't forgotten the last time they did. I chirped like a parakeet for the rest of the day."
Ginny and Ron guffawed as I grinned, the picture of Charlie chirping in my mind. I turned and went back to the room. Harry was up and he was sitting on the edge of the bed, looking out the window. He looked so sad. When he saw the bruises on me, tears came up in his eyes and rolled down his face. I took him into my arms.
"It's okay," I soothed him. "You didn't know what you were doing. Please don't worry about it, okay?"
He laid his head on my shoulder and I felt his body shake as he cried silently. I gently rubbed his back and did what I could to comfort him. Once he calmed down, I led him to the bathroom and wiped his face off with a wet cloth. He took care of his business and then followed me back to the bedroom. We dressed in t-shirts, Speedos, shorts, and sandals. I grinned at Harry.
"Let's go down and find out if Charlie is chirping yet," I suggested.
Harry looked at me in surprise.
"Yeah, Charlie is here. Last summer, the twins spiked his coffee and he ended up chirping like a parakeet all day long," I told him.
A slight smile crossed his face. "I don't suppose lightning strikes twice."
We went down to the kitchen and found everyone sitting around. Charlie looked at us sadly and opened his mouth and started chirping like a parakeet. The twins had struck again. All of us were rolling on the floor as Molly walked in. She reached for a cup of coffee but Charlie stopped her.
"Oh Lord, don't tell me..."
"Chirp," Charlie said.
There was a roar of laughter from the doorway. We looked up to see Bill Weasley standing there holding his sides.
"They gotcha again, Charlie. I love it!" Bill laughed.
He was tall, dressed in jeans, an open neck button down shirt, and had an earring dangling from his left ear, a tooth from a shark he had tangled with once, and boots. Molly flew over and hugged him tight. The rest of us shook his hand. He then turned his attention to Harry.
"I'm glad to see you, Harry. I hope Mum told you that you'll always have a place here with all of us," Bill said.
"She has," Harry said as he shook Bill's hand.
"Good. Now what is planned for the day?" he asked.
"First we eat," Ron said, looking at the table.
Bill nodded. "Sounds like a plan."
Arthur chose that moment to walk into the kitchen and reached for a cup of coffee.
"Not a good idea Dad," Ron said.
"Why not?" Arthur asked.
"Chirp," went Charlie.
The house rocked with laughter once more.
Harry was quiet on the way down to the river. Bill and Charlie would join us later. I held his hand and my heart ached. I wanted so desperately to find a way to erase the pain he was feeling inside of him. Albus Dumbledore's offer of professional counseling was beginning to look like a good idea. I started to think of a way to gently approach Harry with the idea of talking to this person. He needed to get past this and put it behind him. We all knew it. Harry knew it. He was trying to deal with it on his own and that was the problem. Sure he's talked about it to me, but he needed professional help to gently push him in the right direction.
"There's the river," George said, breaking the silence.
Harry looked up and grinned. "Cool. I've been looking forward to getting into the water. It's hot today."
"That it is," I agreed.
Hermione shifted her bag from one hand to the other. "I brought some sunscreen and an extra towel."
"Did you pack anything else?" Ron asked. "Hopefully not books."
We stopped at the edge of the river where it was nice and flat. Fred conjured up a nice big shade for us under the trees while George conjured up some beach chairs. I watched Hermione rummaging around in her bag, dropping a pair of big blankets on the ground.
"I did pack this Ron," she said, suddenly yanking out a super soaker and hitting Ron dead center of his chest with a blast of water.
All of us roared in laughter at Ron's expression as he stood there in a soaked t-shirt. Hermione then turned to the twins. They quickly scattered in opposite directions. I pulled a couple of water balloons out of my pack and lobbed them in Fred's direction. One got him on the shoulder, the second one got Ginny on the back, the third got Ron on the back of his head, and Harry grabbed two from me and tossed one at Hermione. It got her on the arm and the second one he threw at me. I smiled and faced it as it came flying in, hitting me on the chest.
"Oy that's cold!" I exclaimed to everyone's laughter.
That started the fun. Fred and George conjured up a bunch of water balloons and we started a wild water fight. Bill and Charlie arrived in time to see the water fight and quickly joined in with their own super soakers they conjured up after seeing the one Hermione had. Harry appeared to be enjoying himself for the moment and I was glad. The fun kept going for another few minutes and then ran out of steam.
Charlie grinned at the twins. "Professor Snape was so kind to analyze my coffee and brew up the antidote to your little trick."
Both Fred and George immediately grinned. "So we're forgiven?"
"I'll think about it," Charlie said.
All of us settled down on the blankets and relaxed. Hermione indeed did pull out a book much to Ron's dismay as we chuckled.
"Haunted places in America," I read the title. "Not bad reading."
Hermione looked at me. "You've read this?"
"While I was in the hospital with Harry. Very interesting reading," I said. "Make sure you check out the entry for the San Jose Winchester Mystery House."
Hermione settled down with the book as Ron walked down to the water's edge. Harry and I followed a moment later. I waded out into the cold water and sighed.
"This feels good," Harry sighed as he got in, the water coming up over his shoulders, Ron behind him.
"Ya," Ron agreed.
We spent most of the day down there, coming back to the house around six. I could see the smile on Harry's face as the house came into sight. He squeezed my hand tight and I returned it. Molly looked out the door and saw us coming. She reached for something and then raised it. I realized it was a camera. All of us stopped and got close together for a group picture. I decided next chance I got I'd go and get a camera. There were things I didn't want to forget. This was one of them.
That evening after dinner Harry and I went up to our room. Harry was feeling a bit tired and wanted some private time with me. I closed the door behind us and sat on the bed with Harry. He snuggled up close to me and sighed.
"Feeling okay?" I asked him.
"I'm not sure what I'm feeling right now," Harry said. "Today was a great day and I had fun. I feel so much a part of the Weasleys, and yet I don't. My feelings and emotions are such a mess that I don't know which one to feel."
I kind of knew what he was trying to say. When I first came to Hogwarts that wet rainy night, I was elated at finding a place to belong to. It proved to be a bit harder than that, but Harry and his friends accepted me first, and then all of Gryffindor House. Eventually people accepted us for who we were and that made a big difference. I sighed. What I was going to say next would be hard, but I hoped Harry would be open to the idea.
"Harry, what would you say to seeing someone who could try and help you make sense of all this and your feelings about your life?" I said.
Harry's fingers explored the muscles in my forearm and bicep as he thought about what I said.
"You think I've flipped out?" he asked.
"No. I don't think that at all. There are people specially trained to help kids overcome their problems, all kinds of problems. Take Neville for example. He has a little trouble with confidence in himself. There's another Gryffindor who suffers from anxiety. I've heard of a Hufflepuff who is afraid of the dark. There are a few kids who go to Hogwarts who have some problems. They would benefit from professional help. I have been thinking about seeing one myself. There's an issue or two I need to address that I need help with," I said.
Harry looked at me. "What are they?"
"Learn to accept adult direction in my life. Ichiro was going to use me for his own ends, trying to prolong his life inside my body. I have to shake the thought and suspicion that all adults are trying to use me. I need to learn to think for myself and not blindly accept every thing as being the truth. I guess that's one of the reasons why Hermione is always researching every little thing that crosses her path. I need to learn not to be afraid to speak my mind. I never questioned anything Ichiro taught me. To question him was to be punished for insubordination. Last but not least, I have this very deep compulsion to slice and dice up Malfoy every time I see him," I said.
Harry smiled at the last part. "He's not worth it."
"I know. That's why I need to see someone," I said. "Don't want to turn into an axe murderer."
Harry laughed out loud at that. "You? Nah, not your style."
"Would you be willing to talk to one," I asked directly this time.
Harry grew somber as he gently pulled the hair on my arms. "I'll think about it."
"Okay. I won't push, and I'll tell the others not to push you into it either," I said.
Harry smiled. "Thanks love."
"You're welcome. I want to help you, Harry. I want to see you get past this and start to recover and become the Harry I know and love," I said. "I don't want to see this thing destroy you. You need to defeat this thing and rise above it. I'm not going anywhere. I'll be right behind you, ready and willing to help you when you need it. I love you and care about you that much," I said.
Harry looked at me. "I know I shouldn't have any doubts about us, but after what I went through this summer I'm finding myself questioning our relationship. I've wondered if you love me for me, or just because I'm the famous Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived. When we first met I had those doubts but they faded away in time when I was sure about you being genuine. Now they have surfaced again." I nodded. "I'm not angry that you have doubts about us. We can work on that. It still doesn't change how I feel about you, love." Harry smiled and snuggled up close. I took him in my arms and sighed. I slowly ran my fingertips up and down his back until his even breathing told me he was sleeping. I carefully laid him down and undressed him, and then myself. I got back into bed with Harry and pulled the covers over us and then drifted off to sleep.
Harry literally knocked me out of bed at quarter to four in the morning. He was shaking and jerking around on the bed, acting like he was getting hit and kicked. I managed to catch his hands and slipped into Getsumi no Michi and then into his mind. It was very dark in there, not the usual bright glow of an active mind. I moved forward until I heard a loud voice yelling at Harry. I came on the scene of a young frightened Harry cowering in the corner with a very angry Vernon standing over him. Vernon was using a leather belt on him and kicking him every few minutes. I charged at him only to be stopped by an invisible wall. I pounded on it trying to get through but couldn't. To my horror, Vernon turned around and showed me his hideous face. He swung the leather belt at me and it went through the wall and hit the right side of my face, snapping me out of the mind connection. I gasped as I snapped to back in the real world. Harry was struggling and I worked to calm him. I guess Molly heard us because next thing I knew she was right there. Together we managed to get Harry to calm down and still once more. She pointed to my right cheek and I went to look in the mirror. There imprinted on my face, was the outline of a leather belt with the holes for the buckle. We couldn't ignore this any longer. Harry needed help and we had to convince him of it.
I sat at the kitchen table and related what I saw in Harry's mind once Albus Dumbledore arrived. I told them everything about tonight's episode and last night's as well. "He goes around smiling like there's nothing going on. Then when he's asleep at night the nightmares start. Albus knows of the smaller ones in the hospital. These have gotten bigger. I've approached him about talking to someone and getting help for what happened to him. It's been going on too long."
"I agree," Dumbledore said. "I will contact the man and have him come here for the last two weeks of summer. Perhaps intense therapy will help."
"It should, but two weeks isn't going to be enough," I said. He nodded. "Harry will see more of him at Hogwarts. I have decided to hire him as the school counselor and as a Muggles Studies instructor. He lived with the muggles after he left Hogwarts at eighteen to peruse a Psychiatrist degree. He has offered his services to the school, believing it would help the students. I accepted of course. His name is Denver Peters." I nodded. "Sounds good to me. When can he be here?"
"In the morning," Albus said. I looked at Albus. "I'm not sure he could handle school right now. How do we deal with that?"
"One day at a time," he said. "Let's see how he does with Denver first." I nodded and went up stairs to our room. Harry was sleeping when I slipped back under the covers with him. I gently rubbed his back and sighed. I loved him so much it was hurting me to see him hurting. I felt helpless and hoped Denver Peters could help.
I woke the next morning and stretched. I felt tired and it showed when I looked in the mirror. The mark on my face had faded some, but it was still there. I never thought that could ever happen but it did. Now I had to deal with what happened last night. That wasn't going to be easy. I dressed in shorts and a t-shirt and waited for Harry to wake up. Harry woke about a half hour later. I came out of Getsumi no Michi when I felt him stir. I stood up and went to his side.
"Morning Harry," I said. Harry turned over and sat up, slipping his glasses on. When he saw the mark on my face his eyes widened and he touched it with his fingers.
"What happened?" he whispered. I held him close as he cried once more. "I'll tell you down at the kitchen table. You and I are going to meet someone this morning. Albus Dumbledore is bringing him here to meet you." Harry nodded and he got out of bed. He returned to the bedroom a moment later and dressed. We went down to breakfast and ate in silence. Once breakfast was done, we went into the living room where Dumbledore and a tall black man stood.
"This is Denver Peters. He will be the school's counselor and Muggle Studies instructor. He is here to talk to Harry and hopefully help him," Albus said. Denver shook hands as the introductions were made. He smiled when he came to Harry.
"Harry Potter. It's nice to meet you. I've heard so much about you," he said, shaking Harry's hand. Harry smiled and turned to me. "This is David, my partner." Denver shook my hand and then looked at the mark on my face. "How did you get that?" I collected my thoughts and then spoke as everyone found seats.
"Last night Harry had another nightmare. This one was a bad one because he was acting like he was getting hit and kicked. I slipped into his mind through the connection we share. I saw a seven-foot Vernon standing over a very young Harry kicking him and whipping him with a belt. I tried to stop him but an invisible wall kept me from getting through. Vernon did see me and attacked me. The belt he was using struck me on the face, knocking me out of Harry's mind. When I came back to real time, I found the mark on my face," I said. Harry looked really upset. "I'm sorry, David! I didn't mean for you to get hurt!" he cried as I put my arms around him.
"It's not your fault, Harry. Vernon is at fault and he will pay for what he did to you. You didn't deserve any of that. You did nothing wrong. We want to help you recover from what Vernon did to you. That's why Denver is here. He helps people recover from things like that. Will you let him help you?" I asked. I held Harry close to me as he cried on my chest. Denver sat next to us and put his hand on Harry's shoulder.
"No kid deserves to be treated like that. I need to tell you something. Something Albus never knew in the years I went to Hogwarts. I too, was an abused kid. I suffered every summer that I went home to my stepfather's house," Denver said. Albus blinked in shock and turned to Denver. Why did you not tell me?"
"Because if I did my stepfather would have killed me. He told me if I ever told I would die a very painful death," Denver said. "So I kept it to myself all those years. For the record, I wasn't the only abused kid there." Albus sat down very slowly, pain and sadness in his eyes. He bowed his head for a moment and turned his hands into fists.
"I have failed in my duties as headmaster of Hogwarts. I will step down," he said. Denver turned to face him. "No you won't, sir. You'll come to see me in your free time and we will talk." Albus nodded. Apparently Harry's situation was beginning to cause waves.
"I would like to see you as well," I said. "I've got a few issues I need help with." Denver nodded. "Okay. First things first. We help Harry." Harry by now had stopped crying. He found a handkerchief in front of his face. Ron was holding it out to him. He had been crying too.
"I'm your best mate, Harry. I'm giving you my word I'll do what I can to help you. I'm not walking away from you," he said. Harry stood and looked at Ron for a moment. Then they were hugging each other. Ginny came up behind Harry and hugged him. A moment later we all were hugging Harry in a big group hug. I know we came out of it feeling better. It would be a long road, but in the end Harry would come out of it a stronger person. We all would, and in the process would end up learning some lessons about human nature.
TO BE CONTINUED
Episode two of "Trials and Tribulations"
Harry starts intense therapy and slides into depression. Malfoy and his crowd harass Harry. The Dursley trial produces a major shock.