Author's Note: This story is inspired and is the continuation of Redhead which was written by The Red Fury. I was honored by the author to be allowed to continue this story. I dedicate this story to the author.

This is the link to the original story: : www. fanfiction s/ 7106731/ 1/ Redhead

Harry Potter, while famous in a yet undiscovered world for him, had been abused most of his life by the Dursleys. He never knew he had magic, nor did he knew about what really happened to his parents, other than the story the Dursleys told him. But for young Harry, it did not matter whether his father is a drunkard or a hero or if his mother was as bad as Aunt Petunia painted her. He never had another life. He never knew how it was to feel comfort in the arms of a loving guardian or to feel secure in his own home. His cupboard under the stairs is his only sanctuary, albeit temporary and fragile, against these monsters he calls relatives.

His cousin Dudley and his friends frequently bullied him and are more often than not tormenting him, creating a sport called Harry Hunting. He was quite adept at evading him after having years of experience. But for once in his life, he did not evade them. In fact, he taunted them, bravely facing the beating he knew would come to save a pretty girl, who had just transferred to their school, from his tormentors.

Little did he know that this action would set a chain of events that would change his life.

Harry never felt more comfortable than he did at that moment. He have had enough food three times a day, he had a comfortable bed and a space much bigger than his cupboard at home. He knew that it was temporary, he expected he'll be back at Privet Drive anytime soon. He feels scared at the prospect. He knew he'd be in trouble for "ratting" Dudley out. This is the reason why he felt dubious when the kind officer, Donalds, who first saw him after Dudley and his friends beat him up, told him that he won't be going back to the Dursleys' and instead would be staying with him and his wife if he'd want to.

The doubt Harry initially felt was lifted and turned to delight when Richard Donalds and his wife Eliza explained how they are to become his foster parents and later on, if they get along become his adoptive ones. A few hours passed with the three getting to know each other and before they knew it, it was time for the Donalds couple to go. Harry doesn't really trust people easily and while he doesn't know these people well he is certain they are much nicer than the Dursleys. He promised himself that he'd make sure to do everything he could so that they'll keep him.

Leroy Jethro Gibbs taught his daughter to fight for the truth and to uphold what she believes in with courage. Thus, he and his wife sat proudly as their daughter testified against Harry's abusers. He met Harry a few days before the trial as they were prepping his daughter for her testimony. He got to know the boy his daughter went to school with. Harry Potter was a skinny and short boy, bright and as was proven a courageous one.

Kelly sat straight and told her story unwaveringly and undaunted by the stares she received as she took the stand.

"What happened that day Kelly?" The family court counselor asked. "Ever since I moved to St. Grogory's Primary School, Dudley and his friends, Piers, Dennis, Malcolm and Gordon bullied me. They call me Yankee Hick and other names. Sometimes, they push me around. That last time however, Dudley grabbed me and pushed me down the ground. He was about to hit me when Harry shouted for them to leave me alone." Kelly narrated. Jethro's jaw clenched at what he learned.

Vernon Dursley looked purple with rage, he'd been angry at what he'd heard so far and had several outbursts about traitors and ne'er do-wells, but he was positively furious at how his son was being painted; a violent problematic child.

The trial had been brief and considering the overwhelming testimonies of neighbors, previous and current teachers about their suspicions of abuse on Harry Potter by his relatives and how these affected the behavior and treatment of Harry by their son Dudley.

Officer Donalds, his wife Eliza and his ward Harry were congratulated by those around them as the Dursley were led away. Harry, showing the signs of a battered child looked lost as he stared at what was once his family and tormentors. He just could not believe his luck.

Richard Donalds thanked the Gibbs for allowing Kelly to testify for Richard believes that her testimony was the final nail on the coffin for the Dursley's conviction.

Kelly meanwhile looked at Harry and hugged him. Harry visibly winced but refused to whimper in pain. But Kelly noticed. "I'm sorry Harry. I didn't mean to hurt you." She apologized. Harry blushed. "No, it's okay. I'm fine." He half muttered. "We're free of them now. They'll never bully us anymore." Kelly whispered. Harry nodded. "Yes, it's all thanks to you." He replied. "No, it's because of you. Because you are brave." Kelly replied with conviction as she grinned at her friend.

"You must come for dinner sometime." Shannon told the Donalds couple and Harry as they proceeded to leave the family court. She and Eliza chatted away with Kelly cheerfully suggesting some desserts to be had, while Donalds was surrounded by his friends as they discussed some issues regarding the case. Gibbs approached Harry and placed a hand on his shoulder in gratitude. Harry understood even as no words passed between them.