Chapter Text
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As the room emptied, Harry sat down at his desk, quill in hand, and began to write a letter to Dumbledore. "I want to meet him," Harry said to himself, his mind made up. He poured his thoughts and feelings onto the parchment, his handwriting flowing smoothly across the page.
Ginny, who had lingered behind, watched Harry with a thoughtful expression. "Do you think he'll come?" she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism. "After what happened, I mean."
Harry looked up, his eyes meeting Ginny's. "Yes, I think he will," Harry said, his voice firm. "Dumbledore's not the kind of person to avoid confrontation. Besides, I want to hear his side of the story."
Ginny nodded, her expression softening. She knew she would be cold to Dumbledore when she saw him, but she also knew that Harry was right. It wasn't fair to judge Dumbledore without knowing the truth. "You're right, Harry," Ginny said, smiling. "As always."
Dumbledore's eyes, usually twinkling with warmth and wisdom, were dimmed by the weight of his guilt. His slender fingers drummed a slow rhythm on the armrest of his chair as he paced back and forth in his office, Fawkes watching him with concerned eyes. The soft glow of the candles and the warm light of the setting sun streaming through the windows seemed to mock him, highlighting the darkness of his own thoughts.
"How could I not have known?" Dumbledore whispered to himself, his voice laced with self-reproach and regret. "Ten years, Fawkes... ten years of abuse and neglect. I thought I was protecting him, but I was blind to the truth. I was so focused on keeping him safe from Voldemort, from the Dark Lord's followers, that I neglected to consider the dangers that lurked in his own home."
Dumbledore's thoughts were a jumble of emotions - guilt, regret, and a deep sense of responsibility. He had thought that leaving Harry with the Dursleys was the best decision, given the circumstances. The Dursleys, although unpleasant and neglectful, were Harry's blood relatives, and Dumbledore had hoped that they would provide a sense of stability and normalcy for the young boy. But now, he wondered if he had made a terrible mistake.
"What if I had checked on him more often?" Dumbledore mused, his eyes clouding over with uncertainty. "What if I had been more vigilant? What if I had not been so focused on the prophecy, on the destiny that lay ahead for Harry?"
Fawkes, sensing his master's distress, spread his wings and let out a soft, comforting cry. Dumbledore smiled weakly, reaching out to stroke the phoenix's feathers. "You are right, my dear Fawkes," he said. "I must not dwell on the past. I must focus on the present and the future. Harry's future."
But Dumbledore's thoughts were already racing ahead, consumed by the prophecy and the weight of his responsibility to prepare Harry for the ultimate battle against Voldemort. He knew that he had to remain detached, to keep his emotions in check. But it was too late for that. Dumbledore had already grown to care for Harry, and he knew that their bond would only continue to grow stronger.
As the darkness gathered outside, Dumbledore's office seemed to shrink, the shadows closing in around him. He felt the weight of his years, the burden of his responsibilities. But he also felt a sense of determination, a sense of purpose. He would do everything in his power to make things right, to protect Harry and prepare him for the challenges that lay ahead.
As Dumbledore's thoughts wandered back to Harry's first year at Hogwarts, a warm smile spread across his face. He remembered the young boy's infectious enthusiasm, his quick wit, and his kind heart. Harry had a way of bringing people together, and his friendship with Draco, Hermione, Ron, and Neville had been a beacon of hope for the entire school.
Dumbledore's eyes drifted to the painting that Harry had given him on Christmas, a portrait of himself and his sister Ariana. The painting was a remarkable work of magic, for it showed Ariana as she would have looked if she had lived to be as old as Dumbledore. The Ariana in the painting waved at Dumbledore, and he felt a pang of sadness mixed with joy.
Just then, Fawkes let out a soft squawk, and Dumbledore looked up to see Hedwig, Harry's owl, landing on the windowsill with a letter in her talons. Dumbledore's heart skipped a beat as he took the letter from Hedwig and broke the seal.
"Ah, Harry," Dumbledore murmured, his eyes scanning the pages. "You want to meet with me, do you?" Dumbledore's expression turned thoughtful as he read on, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of sadness and hope.
Dumbledore's eyes scanned the letter, his expression a complex tapestry of emotions. Guilt, anxiety, and a deep sense of responsibility all warred for dominance. Harry wanted to meet him, to talk about what had happened. Dumbledore felt a pang of sorrow, knowing that he had to confront the consequences of his own decisions.
Fawkes, sensing Dumbledore's distress, softly sang a gentle melody, as if trying to comfort him. The phoenix's sweet voice wove a soothing spell, calming the turmoil in Dumbledore's mind. He closed his eyes, letting the music wash over him, and began to breathe deeply.
Dumbledore's heart swelled with emotion as he gazed at the then, the portrait of Ariana waved at Dumbledore, and he nodded in response. "Yes, my dear sister," he whispered. "I fear I have failed another child. But I shall make it right, I promise." Dumbledore's voice was barely audible, but Fawkes heard him and softly trilled a reassuring phrase.
Dumbledore's eyes returned to the letter, and he nodded to himself. He would meet with Harry, and he would explain everything. He owed it to the boy, and to himself. With a deep breath, Dumbledore stood up, his long robes billowing around him like a dark cloud.
"Fawkes, it seems I have a meeting to attend," Dumbledore said, his voice firm and resolute. "Let us go and face the music, my dear phoenix." Fawkes spread his magnificent wings, and with a soft cry, he followed Dumbledore out of the office, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
As Ginny tucked Harry under the blankets, he smiled up at her, feeling grateful for her warmth and care. They had come upstairs half an hour ago, after a dinner that had been filled with conversation and laughter. At dinner, Harry had shared the news that he had written a letter to Dumbledore, and that he was sure the headmaster would come to meet him tomorrow.
"I'm sure he'll come," Harry had said, looking around the table at the faces of his loved ones. Sirius, Amelia, Susan, Ron, Percy, the twins, Charlie, Remus, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Dudley, Daisy, Snape, and McGonagall had all nodded, but Harry knew that they would be cold towards Dumbledore for a while.
Ginny settled onto the bed beside Harry, her eyes shining with concern. "Are you sure you're okay, Harry?" she asked, her voice soft. "I know it's been a tough few days."
Harry nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. "I'm fine, Ginny," he said. "Just tired. But I'm glad we're all together. It makes me feel safer."
Ginny smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "We're always together, Harry," she said. "No matter what."
As Ginny slipped under the blanket beside him, Harry felt a sense of comfort and security wash over him. They snuggled together, their bodies fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. The warmth of Ginny's body and the gentle rhythm of her breathing soon lulled Harry into a deep sleep.
In the dreamland, Harry and Ginny strolled hand in hand through a lush, vibrant forest. The sun shone down on them, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. They talked about everything and nothing, their conversation flowing easily as they walked.
"I'm so glad we're together, Ginny," Harry said, his voice filled with emotion.
Ginny smiled, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Me too, Harry. I love you."
"I love you too, Ginny," Harry replied, his heart full of joy and contentment.
As they walked, the forest around them began to change. The trees grew taller and the flowers more vibrant.
As Harry and Ginny entered the breakfast room, they were greeted by the familiar faces of Sirius, Amelia, Susan, Ron, Percy, the twins, Charlie, Remus, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Dudley, Daisy, Professor Snape, and Professor McGonagall. Harry's eyes widened in surprise as he took in the gathering. "Wait, Professor McGonagall - I mean, Gran Minnie - and Professor Snape, why are you here so early?" he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "You visited me yesterday, didn't you?"
Gran Minnie, Professor McGonagall, spoke up, her voice firm. "They're here to confront Dumbledore, if he shows up," she explained, her eyes flashing with determination.
Harry nodded, understanding. The group ate their breakfast in silence, the tension in the air palpable.
Just as they were finishing up, the doorbell of the manor rang, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker got up to answer it. She returned with Dumbledore, who looked guilty and ashamed.
Mrs. Weasley immediately stood up, her voice firm. "Kids, why don't you go and play a game of Quidditch?" she suggested, her eyes sweeping over Charlie, the twins, Percy, Daisy, Dudley, Ron, and Susan.
The kids protested, but ultimately left the room, still grumbling. Ginny, however, remained seated, her eyes fixed on Dumbledore.
"You can go too, Ginny," Harry said, but she shook her head, her jaw set in determination.
Mrs. Weasley tried to persuade her, but Ginny was stubborn. The room fell silent, with everyone's eyes fixed on Dumbledore, who looked like he was waiting for judgment.
"Harry, are you... okay?" Dumbledore asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he was ashamed to even speak.
Harry nodded, his expression neutral. "Yes, I'm fine, professor," he replied, his voice calm.
Dumbledore's eyes, filled with remorse, locked onto Harry's as he apologized, "Harry, I am deeply sorry that I did not realize you were being abused. I failed you, and for that, I am truly sorry."
Before Harry could respond, Sirius's cold voice cut through the air, "Did you know about the abuse, Dumbledore?" His tone was accusatory, and his eyes narrowed, as if daring Dumbledore to lie.
Dumbledore's expression turned even more somber, "Of course not, Sirius. If I had known, I would have never..." His voice trailed off, but his words had a profound effect on the room.
The coldness in the air began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of understanding. Amelia's voice was gentle as she asked, "Was it absolutely necessary for Harry to stay with the Dursleys?"
Dumbledore's eyes dropped, and he nodded, "I have said before, at the time, it was the best and only option. The blood wards would keep Harry safe from Voldemort."
Remus, usually calm and collected, snorted in disgust, "Safe? Harry wasn't safe, was he? Not from the Dursleys, at least." His voice was laced with bitterness.
McGonagall's voice rose, her eyes flashing with anger, "What do you mean by 'only option', Dumbledore? I was there that day, and I warned you not to leave Harry with the Dursleys. But you didn't listen." Her voice trembled with emotion, "I would have raised Harry myself, if only you had let me."
Dumbledore's eyes, filled with regret, locked onto McGonagall's as he apologized, "Minerva, I am truly sorry that I did not take you up on your offer to raise Harry. I realize now that it would have been a better option, but at the time, I feared for the danger it would pose to you and Harry."
He took a deep breath, explaining the circumstances that had led to his decision. "Sirius was imprisoned, and we all believed him to be a traitor. Remus, as much as I value his friendship, was in no condition to care for a child, and the Ministry would have never allowed a werewolf to raise Harry. You, Minerva, offered to take Harry in, but it was a perilous time. Voldemort had just been defeated by a mere infant, and his followers, the Death Eaters, were still at large. We all know what they did to the Longbottoms, driving them to the brink of insanity."
The room fell silent, as the weight of Dumbledore's words sank in. While it did not excuse the abuse Harry had suffered at the hands of the Dursleys, it did provide a context for Dumbledore's decision. The coldness in the air began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of understanding, though it was clear that forgiveness would take time.
Harry, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally found his chance to speak up. "I know it wasn't your fault, Professor," he said, his voice clear and firm. "You did what you thought was best at the time."
Sirius's expression remained cold, his voice firm as he spoke, "No, Harry, it was Dumbledore's fault. He should have checked on you, made sure you were safe. He's the Headmaster of Hogwarts, for crying out loud! He's supposed to protect his students, not leave them to rot with people like the Dursleys."
Snape, surprisingly, nodded in agreement with Sirius, his eyes gleaming with intensity as he added, "Yes, Headmaster, your decision to leave Harry with the Dursleys was... questionable, at best. You knew they were not suitable guardians, and yet you chose to leave him with them anyway."
Ginny's voice was icy as she turned to Dumbledore, her eyes flashing with anger. "Why didn't you check on Harry all these years? Why did you just leave him there, with those... people? You knew they didn't want him, that they only kept him for the sake of appearances. Why didn't you do something to stop it?"
Dumbledore's expression was sorrowful as he explained, "I couldn't risk compromising the wards that protected Harry until he turned eleven. If I had intervened, it would have risked the entire purpose of hiding him. I did, however, place Mrs. Figg next door to keep an eye on Harry, but clearly, she failed to realize the extent of the abuse."
The room erupted into a cacophony of blame and recrimination, with everyone except Harry condemning Dumbledore's decision. McGonagall's voice was stern, "Albus, how could you have been so blind? You knew the Dursleys were not fit to care for a child, and yet you left Harry with them anyway."
Remus's voice was laced with disappointment, "I thought you knew better, Albus. I thought you cared more about Harry's well-being."
But Harry's patience had worn thin. "Shut up!" he exclaimed loudly, his voice echoing off the walls. "It's not Dumbledore's fault! The Dursleys were clever, they kept up appearances in the neighborhood, making everyone think they were wonderful for taking in their orphaned nephew. No one knew what was really going on behind closed doors. They were experts at hiding the truth, and I was just a kid. I didn't know any better."
The room fell silent, with all eyes on Harry. Dumbledore's expression was one of gratitude, while the others looked on, their faces etched with varying degrees of shame and regret.
McGonagall's voice was laced with frustration as she asked, "Why didn't you check Potter's will, Albus? Why didn't you know what James and Lily had wanted for their son?" The others in the room echoed her question, their voices rising in a chorus of indignation.
Harry intervened once again, his voice calm and reasonable. "It's not his fault, you all know that. The will was sealed with dark runes and magic at Gringotts. Even the goblins didn't realize it. It was a compulsion spell that prevented them from giving it to anyone but me, unless I asked for it myself. And at the time, I was just a baby. Dumbledore couldn't have done anything."
Dumbledore's expression was somber as he spoke, "I am at fault, I could have tried. I shall do better in the future. But I must admit, I ignored the will, knowing that it may not have allowed me to place Harry with the Dursleys." The others in the room looked even more outraged, their faces red with anger.
But Harry realized that, on this matter, Dumbledore was indeed at fault. However, given the circumstances at the time, it was a necessary decision, as Dumbledore had already explained. The risk of compromising the wards and putting Harry in greater danger had been too great. Harry's eyes met Dumbledore's, and he saw the deep regret and sorrow there.
Sirius's voice was laced with anger and frustration as he spoke, "Dumbledore had no right to place Harry with the Dursleys. He's just the Headmaster of Hogwarts, and at the time, Harry was just a baby, which means Dumbledore wasn't even his guardian then. He had no authority to make decisions for Harry." Amelia nodded in agreement, her eyes flashing with indignation, while Grandma Mrs. Tucker, her silver hair gleaming in the light, shook her head, her expression stern.
Sirius's anger boiled over, his voice rising as he spoke, "Dumbledore is at fault, really. It's his responsibility as the Head of the wizarding world to protect Harry, to save him from the Dursleys and Voldemort. He's the one who's supposed to keep us all safe, and he failed Harry miserably." The others in the room murmured in agreement, their faces set in stern lines.
Harry's laughter was bitter, attracting the attention of everyone in the room. "You're all hypocrites," he said, his voice laced with venom, his eyes flashing with anger. The room fell silent, with all eyes on Harry.
Sirius's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, Harry?" he asked, his voice cautious, his tone questioning.
Harry's eyes locked onto Sirius's, his gaze piercing. "You say it's Dumbledore's responsibility to protect me from Voldemort, but at the same time, you say he had no right to make decisions for me. It's just hypocritical." His voice dripped with accusation, his words biting. "You're my godfather, Sirius, not Dumbledore. It was your responsibility to keep me safe, to protect me from the Dursleys and Voldemort."
Sirius looked shocked, his eyes wide with surprise, while Remus's eyes flashed with anger for a moment. Sirius's voice was defensive, his tone protesting. "It wasn't my fault that I was framed and imprisoned in Azkaban, Harry. I couldn't have protected you, no matter how much I wanted to."
Harry's smirk was bitter, his eyes cold. "You decided to follow Peter, didn't you?" he asked, his voice laced with accusation. Sirius's eyes looked hurt, and Harry knew he had wounded him, but he felt it was necessary.
Sirius's voice was hot with emotion, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I lost my best friend, and Lily... I wasn't thinking clearly. I just made a mistake, Harry. I was blinded by my own guilt and grief."
Ginny's expression softened as she looked at Harry, her eyes filled with understanding and a hint of admiration. She was still angry at Dumbledore, but she now realized what Harry was trying to do - to make them see that Dumbledore was not infallible, but human, just like them. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley also seemed to grasp Harry's point, their faces nodding in agreement, their eyes shining with newfound understanding.
Harry smiled, relieved that someone understood what he was trying to say. "Exactly," he said, his voice calm and measured. "Sirius, you made a mistake that day, just like Dumbledore did. We all make mistakes that we regret. If you can acknowledge that you made a mistake, why is it so hard for everyone to understand that Dumbledore did the same? He's only human, just like the rest of us. He makes mistakes, just like we do."
Sirius looked confused, his brow furrowed in uncertainty, his eyes clouded with doubt. The others in the room also looked puzzled, unsure of how to respond to Harry's words. McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her expression thoughtful, as she weighed Harry's words. Remus's face was a picture of concentration, his eyes fixed intently on Harry.
The room fell silent, with all eyes on Harry. The tension in the air was palpable, as everyone waited for someone to speak up, to respond to Harry's words. Dumbledore's eyes, however, were fixed on Harry, a look of gratitude and admiration on his face. He seemed to be saying, "Thank you, Harry, for understanding me, for seeing me as human."
They all seemed to understand Harry's point, but due to the fact that they loved him dearly, their minds weren't working straight, especially Sirius, Snape, and to some extent, McGonagall. Their emotions clouded their judgment, making it difficult for them to see reason. The pain and suffering Harry had endured at the hands of the Dursleys was still fresh in their minds, and it was hard for them to reconcile that with Dumbledore's actions.
Snape's voice was laced with criticism as he spoke, "But Dumbledore should not make decisions for others, it's like treating them as pawns in a game of chess." His eyes flashed with annoyance, his expression stern. He crossed his arms over his chest, his posture rigid with disapproval.
Harry smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Yes, it seems wrong, but why don't you understand?" he asked, his voice calm. "Again, you're being hypocritical. You know Dumbledore had so much pressure on him, it's not easy being the leader of the light. As a leader, he has to take some harsh steps to ensure safety, for the greater good. He had to think of everyone, the whole wizarding world, not just me." Harry's eyes locked onto Snape's, his gaze piercing.
Sirius's eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical, but Harry continued, undeterred. "And yes, as you said, Sirius, Dumbledore is just a headmaster, he doesn't have any compulsion to be a leader, to think of everyone. But if that's true, then also, Dumbledore has absolutely no need to stay in the fight against Voldemort. And it's hypocritical if you expect Dumbledore to stay in the fight as the leader of the light, but then also accuse him of making decisions as one." Harry's voice rose, his passion evident.
The room fell silent, with all eyes on Harry. Dumbledore's eyes shone with pride, his expression grateful. McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her expression thoughtful, as she weighed Harry's words. Remus's face was a picture of concentration, his eyes fixed intently on Harry.
"Again, Dumbledore is the greatest wizard alive, but he's not perfect, neither is anyone else," Harry said, his voice calm. "Everyone makes mistakes. And Dumbledore's position allows him to make big decisions. It's rather lucky that Dumbledore is usually right, because given his position, his mistakes have a bigger impact than ours." Harry's eyes swept the room, his gaze meeting the eyes of everyone there.
Harry's eyes locked onto the faces of his loved ones, his voice filled with conviction and a hint of desperation. "And yes, it was a mistake that Dumbledore placed me with the Dursleys, which he regrets. But if anyone is at fault, it's the Dursleys. And if someone else, then it's me myself." He took a deep breath, his words tumbling out in a rush, as if he had been holding them back for too long.
"I had many chances to tell others, but I never did," he continued, his voice cracking with emotion. "Grandma Mrs. Tucker met me when I was six and was a mentor for me; I could have told her, but I didn't. I could have told her when she became my honorary grandma, but I didn't. I met Ginny last year; I could have told her, but I didn't. I could have told her parents, but I didn't. I could have told Professor Snape, or Gran Minnie, or Dumbledore himself the whole last year, but I didn't."
Harry's voice dropped to a whisper, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for understanding. "I could have told my best friends - Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco - but I didn't. I could have told Remus or Sirius when I met them last year, but I didn't. I could have told Amelia, she's the head of the DMLE, but I didn't. Because, in my mentality, I had this notion that I could never tell anyone. I was unable to."
The room was silent, with all eyes on Harry. His voice cracked, his emotions raw. "People say I'm very brave, but I was scared. And, honestly, I'm just 12. It's my fault that I almost died that day, and if it hadn't been for Dudley calling the Aurors, and if McGonagall, Snape, Dumbledore, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Ginny, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley hadn't come that day, they would never have realized that I was abused."
Harry's eyes locked onto the faces of his loved ones, his voice firm, but laced with a hint of sadness. "Yes, it was my fault, not that it means I deserve to be abused, but again, it was a mistake not to tell anyone. A mistake anyone could make, because we're human, just like Sirius did, just like Dumbledore did." The room remained silent, the weight of Harry's words hanging in the air like a challenge.
Dumbledore's eyes widened in amazement as he listened to Harry's words. He thought to himself, "Yes, I, Dumbledore, had lost my family years ago. My father died, my mother died, my sister died, and my brother Aberforth blamed me for it and was never close to me again. And my childhood friend, Grindelwald... yes, he was my friend, but it was hard to fight against him, to defeat him. At last, Grindelwald understood his mistake and is facing the consequences, imprisoned at Nurmengard. But I, Albus, was alone. Yes, I made great friends, McGonagall, Fawkes... I was seen as the leader of the light. I am the Headmaster, a profession I love. But Harry... he is so mature at just 12. The way he defended me... it was just so... so..." Dumbledore's voice cracked as he spoke, his eyes welling up with tears.
"I give you my deepest regret and gratitude, Harry," Dumbledore said, his voice trembling. But then, something unexpected happened. Dumbledore cried. It was the first time he had cried in years. Harry immediately hugged him, trying to comfort him. Dumbledore's frail body shook with sobs, his tears streaming down his face.
The others in the room were shocked to see Dumbledore cry. Ginny looked at Harry, her eyes shining with admiration. "He is just so loving and selfless," she thought to herself. "I am bloody lucky that he loves me, and I know that I can never stop loving him." Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looked proud, as did McGonagall, Snape, and Remus. Sirius, now getting a better judgment, his anger fading, understood.
Harry turned to Dumbledore and said, "Yes, it would be difficult for me to trust you so much like before again, but as I said, it's a mistake. I also apologize to you on behalf of others for their accusations." Dumbledore felt a pang of regret, knowing that he deserved the accusations, but he was touched by Harry's apology.
Dumbledore's eyes met Harry's, his gaze filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Harry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Your forgiveness means the world to me."
Then, Harry turned to the others and said, "If I can forgive Dumbledore, then you should too. After all, I had endured abuse." His words hung in the air, a challenge to the others to reevaluate their judgment of Dumbledore.
Dumbledore shook his head, his eyes filled with regret. "No, Harry, I was at fault," he said, his voice firm.
Harry's expression was resolute. "And so were the others," he said, his gaze sweeping the room.
The others looked at each other, a mixture of shame and admiration on their faces. "Yes, Harry was right," they thought to themselves. "He is so mature for his own good."
McGonagall was the first to speak up, her voice soft. "Dumbledore, Harry, I apologize to both of you. I should have trusted Dumbledore's judgment, and I should have been more supportive of you, Harry."
Snape's eyes narrowed, but his voice was laced with a hint of warmth. "I, too, apologize to both of you. My... concern for you clouded my judgment, Harry. And, Dumbledore, I should have trusted your wisdom."
Grandma Mrs. Tucker's eyes sparkled with tears. "Oh, Dumbledore, Harry, I am so sorry. I should have been there for you more, Harry, and I should have trusted your judgment, Dumbledore."
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looked at each other, then back at Dumbledore and Harry. "We're sorry, both of you. We should have been more supportive of you, Harry, and we should have trusted your wisdom, Dumbledore."
Amelia's expression was somber. "I apologize to both of you. As the head of the DMLE, I should have been more vigilant, and I should have trusted Dumbledore's judgment."
Sirius's eyes were filled with regret. "Mate, Dumbledore, I'm sorry. I should have been there for you more, Harry, and I should have trusted Dumbledore's wisdom."
Remus's voice was soft. "Dumbledore, Harry, I apologize to both of you. I should have been more understanding of both of your perspectives."
Ginny's eyes shone with tears. "Dumbledore, Harry, I'm so sorry. I should have been more supportive of you, Harry, and I should have trusted Dumbledore's judgment."
Dumbledore waved his hand, a warm smile on his face. "No, no, my dear friends. As Harry said, we are humans, and we make mistakes. Let us not dwell on the past, but rather look to the future."
With that, Dumbledore's guilt seemed to vanish, and he looked like his usual self again. The twinkle in his eyes was back, and his posture was once again confident and assured.
With all the emotional apologies and forgiveness out of the way, the atmosphere in the room began to lighten. The kids, Susan, Ron, the twins, Dudley, and Daisy, walked in with Charlie, looking sweaty from their Quidditch game. Charlie grinned at Harry and said, "You really have done a great job with training Dudley! He's a natural!" Charlie clapped Dudley on the back, making him smile even wider.
Harry smiled, feeling proud of his cousin. Dudley smiled back, looking happy. Harry then turned his attention to Daisy, who was also sweaty. "Did you fly?" Harry asked, shocked. His eyes widened in surprise, and he took a step closer to Daisy.
Daisy nodded, smiling. "Yes, Charlie helped me! I'm not very good at it yet, but Charlie says I'll get the hang of it soon." Charlie chuckled and ruffled Daisy's hair. "She's a quick learner, Harry. She'll be flying like a pro in no time." Charlie beamed with pride, clearly enjoying his role as Daisy's flying instructor.
Harry's eyes lit up with excitement. It looked like Daisy was starting to open up and mix with others. After him, Ginny, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Charlie seemed to be her next favorite person. Harry felt a warmth in his heart, seeing Daisy happy and carefree.
But then, Harry's expression turned into a pout, amusing everyone. He crossed his arms over his chest, pretending to be offended. "I wanted to teach Daisy flying as her brother," Harry said, his voice laced with mock indignation. The others laughed at Harry's antics, and Daisy giggled.
Daisy hugged Harry, her eyes shining with mirth. "You can still teach me, Harry!" The others laughed even harder, and Charlie chuckled, shaking his head. "I think I've got some competition, Harry." Ginny smiled at Harry's mock offense, finding it cute.
On that note, Dumbledore stood up, his eyes twinkling with a hint of exhaustion. "I should leave," he said, his voice gentle. "I will come tomorrow to discuss the case and how to punish the Dursleys at their trial." McGonagall and Snape also excused themselves, citing the need to send letters to new Muggleborn students. They left, leaving the others to their respective activities.
Remus and Sirius retired to their rooms, looking forward to a well-deserved rest. Grandma Mrs. Tucker and Mrs. Weasley went to Grandma's room, excited to start planning for Harry's birthday, which was just two weeks away. "We'll make it the best birthday party ever, Molly!" Grandma Mrs. Tucker exclaimed, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.
Mr. Weasley and Amelia excused themselves, heading to the Ministry for their jobs. "We'll be back by evening, dear," Mr. Weasley said, giving Harry a warm smile. Charlie left too, heading to his new Dragon reserve, which was nearing its grand opening. "I'll be back by evening with Pyre," he said, smiling at Harry, who grinned at the mention of Charlie's girlfriend.
Dudley left with Ron and the twins, excited to learn more about wizarding games. Percy left to work on his summer homework, looking determined. Susan decided to join Ron, the twins, and Dudley, leaving Harry, Ginny, and Daisy alone in the hall.
The three of them sat on the sofa, Harry wrapping his arms around Ginny and Daisy. Ginny snuggled into his side, feeling happy and content. Daisy leaned against Harry's other side, looking up at him with adoring eyes. Harry smiled, feeling grateful for these two special people in his life. "I'm so lucky to have you both," he said, his voice filled with emotion. Ginny and Daisy smiled, knowing exactly what he meant.
It was clear that Ginny and Daisy thought otherwise, especially Daisy, who gazed at Harry with adoring eyes. They both seemed to think that they were the lucky ones to have Harry in their lives. Ginny snuggled deeper into Harry's side, feeling grateful for his love and support. Daisy, on the other hand, looked up at Harry with a mixture of admiration and adoration.
Just then, a voice echoed from the fireplace, breaking the warm moment. Harry turned to see Draco's face appearing in the flames, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. "Harry!" Draco said, his voice cheerful.
"Hello!" Harry replied, grinning at his friend's sudden appearance. Ginny and Daisy turned to look at the fireplace, curious about the interruption.
"Sorry to disturb you," Draco said, "but I was wondering if I could come visit you at Fawcett Manor?" Draco's eyes flicked to Ginny and Daisy, and he nodded in greeting.
Harry's brow furrowed in confusion. "What's the problem? You've come here twice before, haven't you?" Harry's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing that something was amiss.
Draco's expression turned serious. "Yes, but I have to lie to my parents, especially Father... if they knew..." Draco shuddered at the thought, his eyes clouding over. Ginny and Daisy exchanged a concerned glance, sensing the tension in Draco's voice.
Draco composed himself, returning to the original point. "Anyway, I told them I'm going to Crabbe's today, but Father wants me to take Scorpius with me, so he can learn some 'values' and how to behave." Draco rolled his eyes, clearly disapproving of his father's motives. "You know how Father is, always going on about blood purity and the importance of our family's reputation."
Harry's curiosity was piqued. "Scorpius is coming to Hogwarts next year, isn't he?" Harry's eyes sparkled with interest, and Ginny and Daisy leaned in, eager to hear more.
Draco nodded. "Yes, and Father thinks it's time for him to learn the 'proper' way of things. But I was wondering... can I bring Scorpius with me when I visit you?" Draco's eyes locked onto Harry's, his expression hopeful.
Harry's face broke into a warm smile. "Of course, you can bring him! I'd love to meet Scorpius, actually." Ginny and Daisy smiled, happy to see Harry and Draco's friendship thriving.
After a while, the fireplace in the hall flared to life, and Draco and Scorpius stepped out of the flames. Harry's eyes lit up with excitement as he greeted his friend. "Draco! Scorpius!" Harry exclaimed, smiling warmly.
Draco grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Harry! Good to see you, mate," he said, clapping Harry on the back.
Scorpius, on the other hand, looked a bit more subdued. He eyed Harry warily, his blue eyes taking in every detail. Harry couldn't help but notice the similarities between Scorpius and Draco - the blonde hair, the sharp features. But there were differences too. Scorpius's hair was a darker blonde, and his eyes were a bright blue, unlike Draco's grey. His hairstyle was messy, unlike Draco's sleek, polished look. And he was just slightly shorter than Draco.
Ginny and Daisy watched the scene with interest, their eyes fixed on Scorpius. They had heard a lot about Draco's younger brother, about how he was always rebellious to the Malfoy beliefs. It was clear that Scorpius was his own person, with his own thoughts and opinions. Harry, sensing Scorpius's wariness, smiled warmly and held out his hand. "Hey, Scorpius. I'm Harry."
As Scorpius shook Harry's hand, his eyes involuntarily drifted to the lightning-shaped scar on Harry's forehead. Harry was used to this reaction by now, but Draco wasn't. "Scorpius, that's rude," Draco said, his voice low but firm. Scorpius's face flushed with embarrassment as he apologized. "Sorry, Harry. I didn't mean to stare."
Harry smiled warmly, putting Scorpius at ease. "It's okay, I'm used to it. Don't worry about it." He then gestured to the two girls standing beside him. "This is Ginny, my girlfriend, and Daisy, my... sister." Scorpius's eyes widened in confusion, and he looked at Draco, who seemed to be warning him not to ask any questions.
Scorpius's confusion was palpable, but Harry was grateful that Draco had kept Daisy's story a secret, even from his own brother. Only those present at the manor, along with Harry's best friends - Ron, Hermione,
Harry took a deep breath and began to explain Daisy's story in short. "Daisy was a homeless girl we found on our date in Muggle London," Harry said, his eyes flicking to Ginny, who smiled encouragingly. "She's about Ginny's age, and she looks... well, she looks like a younger version of my mum, Lily Potter." Scorpius's eyes widened in surprise, and he leaned forward, his interest piqued.
"Except for her eyes," Harry continued. "They're hazel, like my dad's. We're not entirely sure how she's related to me, but we're trying to figure it out. For now, she's living here at Fawcett Manor, under a special treatment." Harry's expression turned serious, and he paused for a moment before continuing.
"At first, the healers said she needed 20 hours of sleep per day, but now it's down to 15 hours. It's been a big improvement, and we're all really hopeful that she'll make a full recovery." Ginny nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with warmth and concern for Daisy's well-being.
Scorpius looked fascinated, his eyes fixed on Daisy, who was watching him with interest. She seemed to be taking everything in, her hazel eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I've been telling her bits and pieces about the wizarding world, so she can adapt," Harry said, smiling at Daisy. "She's a witch, and we want to make sure she feels welcome here." Ginny smiled, reaching out to take Daisy's hand in hers.
Daisy smiled back, looking happy and content. She seemed to be feeling more and more at home here at Fawcett Manor, surrounded by people who cared about her. Scorpius watched her, a thoughtful expression on his face. He seemed to be taking everything in, processing this new information about Daisy and her mysterious past.
Draco's eyes turned to Harry, his expression concerned. "How are you, Harry?" he asked, his voice low and sincere. Harry smiled, reassuring his friend.
"I'm almost healed," Harry said, gesturing to the various short bandages that covered his arms and torso. "It's a big improvement from when you last saw me, isn't it?" Harry chuckled, recalling the state he was in when Draco had visited him earlier.
Draco nodded, his eyes scanning Harry's bandages. "You were covered in bandages like a mummy," he said, shuddering at the memory. Scorpius watched the exchange, his eyes somber. He knew about the abuse Harry had suffered at the hands of the Dursleys, and it was clear that he was still processing that information.
Harry's expression turned serious, and he nodded at Scorpius. "Draco's told you what happened, hasn't he?" he asked, his voice gentle. Scorpius nodded, his eyes locked on Harry's.
Ron, Dudley, and Susan descended the stairs, chatting animatedly about their morning's adventures. "I'm telling you, we're going to be the twins' next target for pranks," Ron said, laughing. Susan playfully rolled her eyes, while Dudley grinned mischievously.
As they entered the hall, Ron's eyes landed on Draco, and he rushed over, a look of surprise on his face. "Draco! How are you here? I thought you had to...you know, lie to your parents to come visit Harry." Draco chuckled and stood up, brushing off his robes.
"Ah, Ron, always so quick to remember the details," Draco said, smiling wryly. "But yes, I'm here now, and I'd like you to meet my brother, Scorpius." Ron's eyes widened as he took in Scorpius's appearance, and he grinned. "Great to meet you, Scorpius!"
Susan and Dudley also greeted Scorpius warmly, and the group chatted for a bit. Then Ron's eyes lit up with a brilliant idea. "You know what? We should call Hermione and Neville! Since Draco's already here, we might as well make the most of it." Draco's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and he nodded vigorously.
Within 15 minutes, the hall of the manor was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter. Harry, Dudley, Daisy, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, Scorpius, and Susan all gathered together, enjoying each other's company. The atmosphere was lively and joyful, with everyone catching up and sharing stories.
Harry's expression turned thoughtful, and he suddenly remembered something. "You know, I forgot to tell you all about Dobby," he said, his eyes sparkling with memory. Draco and Scorpius nodded in unison, their faces serious. "Yes, he's our family's elf," Draco said, his voice low.
Harry leaned forward, his enthusiasm growing. "Dobby came to visit me, and he told me not to go back to Hogwarts this year." The room fell silent, with everyone looking at Harry in surprise. Hermione spoke up, her voice filled with concern. "Why did Dobby say that, Harry?"
Draco and Scorpius exchanged a glance, and Draco's expression turned somber. "I don't think I know why Dobby might have said that," he said, his voice hesitant. Hermione's eyes narrowed, her brow furrowing in concern. "Why don't you free Dobby, Draco?" she asked, her voice firm but gentle.
Draco sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I would, Hermione, but it's not possible." Ron, Neville, and Susan looked at him curiously, wondering why it wasn't possible. Draco's eyes clouded over, and he began to explain. "You see, when Scorpius was four, he tried to free Dobby. But Father...he told Dobby that he can only be freed if he himself gives Dobby a piece of clothing, not me or Scorpius."
Scorpius beamed with excitement as he chatted with Harry, his eyes shining with admiration. He had heard so much about Harry from Draco, who had often written to him about his experiences at Hogwarts. Scorpius remembered how Draco had spoken about Harry's kindness and acceptance, how he had been the first person to believe in Draco when he himself had doubted his own worth.
"I'm so glad I met you, Harry," Scorpius said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Draco's told me so much about you." Harry smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
Scorpius glanced around the room, taking in the lively atmosphere. He was thrilled to have met all of Draco's friends, including Hermione, whom he knew Draco had a crush on. Ron and Neville were great too, and Susan seemed really nice. And then there were Daisy, Ginny, and Dudley, who would all be starting their first year at Hogwarts alongside him.
Scorpius felt grateful to have made friends before even starting at Hogwarts. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but with this wonderful group of people by his side, he felt more confident than ever. "I'm so glad we're all going to be at Hogwarts together," Scorpius said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Sirius sat in his room, surrounded by the familiar comforts of the manor. His eyes wandered out the window, gazing at the rolling hills and lush greenery beyond. But his mind was elsewhere, lost in the tangled web of emotions that had been plaguing him for weeks.
The conversation he had with Harry five days ago still lingered in his thoughts. Harry's words, spoken with such conviction and empathy, had struck a chord deep within Sirius. "Follow your heart, Sirius," Harry had said. "It won't be a betrayal to Marlene to be with someone else. Marlene would want the same."
Sirius's thoughts drifted back to Marlene, his fiancée who had been taken from him far too soon. It had been 11 long years since her passing, and yet the pain still felt like an open wound. But Harry's words had made him realize that he couldn't keep living in the past. He had to move forward, no matter how daunting that prospect seemed.
As he pondered his decision, Sirius's thoughts turned to Amelia Bones. She had been patiently waiting for him to come to terms with his feelings, and he knew he had been leading her on. Giving her hope, only to push her away. But Harry's words had made him see things in a new light. Amelia deserved better. She deserved someone who could love her fully, without the weight of grief holding him back.
Sirius took a deep breath, knowing he had to make a choice. Either he could continue to sulk in his grief, or he could take a chance on happiness. On Amelia. He thought about the way she made him feel, the way she smiled at him, the way she cared for him. And he knew that he couldn't keep her waiting forever.
But as he thought about moving forward, Sirius knew he couldn't give Marlene's place to Amelia. Marlene would always hold a special place in his heart, a place that no one could ever replace. But he could give Amelia a new place, one that didn't replace Marlene's memory but rather existed alongside it.
Sirius's eyes refocused on the present, and he knew what he had to do. He would talk to Amelia when she returned to the manor, and he would tell her how he felt. It was time to take a chance on happiness, no matter how scary that prospect seemed.
Though he was currently living at the manor due to Harry's recovery, he knew he would soon have to return to the Bones estate, where he was under fake house arrest.
As the evening drew to a close, Draco, Scorpius, Neville, and Hermione made their way back to the Floo Network, bidding farewell to the others as they departed for their respective homes. Ron, feeling a bit tired, settled back into his room, while Daisy , Susan and Dudley retreated to their own quarters, eager to rest after the day's excitement.
Harry and Ginny, hand in hand, decided to take a leisurely stroll through the lush green forest surrounding the manor. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the gentle chirping of birds. Harry, with his unique ability to understand and communicate with animals, was in his element. He chatted with a curious squirrel, asked a wise old owl about its hunting prowess, and even convinced a shy rabbit to hop onto his shoulder.
As they walked, Harry's pets - Hedwig the owl, Poco the little sparrow, and Kluer the colour-changing cat - appeared out of nowhere, eager to show their loyalty and affection to their master. Hedwig softly hooted, nuzzling Harry's cheek, while Poco chirped excitedly, flitting about Harry's head. Kluer, meanwhile, transformed into a brilliant shade of blue, rubbing against Harry's leg with a contented purr.
Ginny laughed, delighted by the sight of Harry surrounded by his adoring pets. "You're like a magnet for animals, Harry," she said, smiling up at him. Harry grinned, scratching Kluer behind the ears. "I guess I just have a way with them," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the garden, Harry and Ginny continued their leisurely stroll. Harry felt grateful to be able to walk freely, his injuries from the Dursleys' abuse finally beginning to heal. Ginny smiled up at him, happy to see him so carefree.
Meanwhile, back at the manor, the Floo Network announced the arrival of Amelia Bones and Arthur Weasley, both returning from their work at the Ministry. Arthur made his way to the kitchen, where his wife Molly was busy chatting with Grandma Mrs. Tucker. Amelia, on the other hand, went to check on her niece Susan, whom she found chatting with Daisy in the living room.
After exchanging a few words with the girls, Amelia headed towards her room, lost in thought. Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice calling out to her. "Lia!" Sirius's voice echoed down the hallway, using the nickname only he had ever used for her. Amelia's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a flutter in her chest. But she didn't want to get her hopes up, not yet. She took a deep breath and turned towards Sirius's voice, a mixture of caution and curiosity on her face.
Next Chapter is Dursleys Doomed - I
A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.I hope that I did justice to the chapter. Yes I want to say that dumbledore was at fault but also that he is also only a human. And he regrets his decision and would never knowingly repeat his mistake. Other than that I found it a nice opportunity to introduce Scorpius into story. Well I have a few plans like Susan joining the group this year and I have been planning to call their group The Musketeers. Actually I have planned that the group of six - Draco , Ron , Hermione, Susan , Neville and Harry would be ' The Golden Musketeers ' and the group of another six - Ginny , Luna , Dudley, Scorpius , Daisy and one unknown would be ' The Silver Musketeers ' Together as the ' Dual Musketeers '. Give me your verdict on it. And even there maybe another group of six the ' The Bronze Musketeers ' and all three groups as Triple Muskeeteers or Trio Of Musketeers or something. What do You Reckon ? Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!