A/N:

Just to get this out of the way, this world, characters and many concept in this story belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., or anyone else she had given licensing rights too. Any direct quotes or wording that I miss to reference totally belong to those people.

A/N2: This is a repost of this chapter.

I made the mistake that sometimes people will read the story synopsis on my account page. This story is AU in its characters and the story line will most likely diverge from the original story. The OC characters in this story came from someone asking a 'what if' question one day. I am a general Weasley fan, but felt Ron needs a lot of growing up and write him that way in this story. I also like Dumbledore, but in this story, I did not write him that way intentionally. I wanted to expand my own views. I also change some of the characters personalities some. If you grow up in a different environment, you probably will not turn out the same. If this offends people, then this is not the story for you.

There will be mild Ron bashing, but he will grow up.

Hermione will not be with Harry, as much as that is one of my favorite pairings.

Harry will be abused early in the story. I hate the Dursley's and feel it is part of the story that is central to Harry's development. Harry is one of my favorite characters. He will come into his own and heal from it. He will get to a better home environment. He will make more friends than just Ron and Hermione. He does have a brother in this book. He will become a very strong character.

Edmund Potter is an OC character. It is not my 'attempt' to put myself into the story. This is meant to be an AU story and a 'what if'. Anytime I write a fanfic, I am technically adding myself into the story. I picture myself as the characters as I write to feel their emotions and reactions. Unless I was to write the story word for word from J.K. Rowling's phenomenal works, then, as an author, I am putting myself into a story.

Dumbledore will be made to look dark and will be bashed on. It does not mean he may not be redeemed later in the story, but sometimes the roads to evil are paved with good intentions. Sometimes, as you age, what you believed in your childhood becomes who you really are, or not.

Minerva McGonagall will also be far more competent and not hero worship Dumbledore. She is one of my favorite teachers in the original books and I treat her as such.

Neville Longbottom will have a much more prominent roll and not be the totally bumbling kid he was until end of fifth year. I always felt he got the shaft in the books and deserves a higher billing.

If any of this is not your cup of tea, then thank you for reading this Author's Note, but you will not want to read further.

For those that don't mind different views, Thank you for reading and enjoy!

-oOo-

Chapter 1 - Auntie Min

November 1st, 1981

"Good Evening, Minerva," a tall man in a purple robe with gold symbols and trim said to a tabby cat sitting stiffly on a wall. The man had wire rim glasses, a serene composure and a feeling of sedate power to him. The cat had odd markings that looked remarkably like spectacles.

The man took out a small silver object that looked like a lighter from his pocket. He started to click. With each click, the lamps and house lights on Privet Drive went dark. When only the lights from inside the houses illuminated the street, an austere looking woman appeared at his side. She struck a contrast to the serene looking old man in her black wire rim glasses and stern look that broached no argument.

"Albus, you can not mean to do this!"

The elderly wizard started walking, taking long strides. "Minerva, they are the only family they have. Where else am I to send them? If the Dursleys agree, they will both be safe."

"And what if they don't? I have been watching them all day. They are completely horrid, muggle or not. What I have already seen of their son," she stated.

"They are the only direct family they have," Albus spoke over her. Albus Dumbledore had spent his day determining the best course of action. He visited the site of the Potter's downfall. What he found saddened him. Lily and James had been well liked in the Order and both extraordinarily talented for their young age. The more heartbreaking part was their twin boys, now orphans.

"You know that Lily never spoke of her sister and refused to even allow them to meet the boys. I am not sure why, but I have the impression Petunia and her did not get along." Minerva stopped in front of Number 4 when Albus did.

Albus sighed. "I understand, Minerva, but I can find no better protection than what blood can offer. If Petunia and her husband can find it in their hearts to accept Harry and Edmund, they will be protected in ways that no one can reach them except us."

"But why do they need protection. You-know-who has been defeated."

Albus shook his head. "I am not sure what happened last night, but it was not the death of Voldemort. I am not sure if he will ever return from wherever he is, but it will be imperative to protect Harry."

Minerva's eyes narrowed. She had worked with Albus too long to not overlook his choice of words. "And Edmund," she added.

"And Edmund," he added.

His tone did nothing to soothe her sudden concern. Knowing she would get little else from him at the moment she spoke of the next most pressing issue. "I still cannot believe that Sirius would betray them like that. He is both the boys' godfather. That oath should prevent anything like this," she pressed. She had a bad feeling about the whole situation with Sirius, and it had nothing to do with the man.

A shadow passed over Albus' face. "Yes, terrible business that. All I can think is that when he made his Oath to Voldemort, his oath as Godfather must not have meant anything."

Minerva frowned. She knew of no such power that could over-ride a godparent oath. "And where are the boys now? I would have like to ensure their safety before you sent me here."

"Hagrid should be here very soon. I had to have them protected at Hogwarts until I could get the wards up here." As he finished, the sounds of a motorcycle rent the air. "If I am not mistaken, that is him now."

Minerva looked to the sky in the direction of the sound. It took a few minutes to grow loud enough for the sound to be on top of them. She didn't see the motorbike. Sirius must have finally figured out how to toggle the disillusionment charms. She knew Filius would be proud. As that fleeting thought struck her, the bike's charm stopped. A mere hundred feet from the ground, the large bike with a giant of a man came into view. He was carrying a bundle in his hand and a basket on the handlebars.

The bike landed gently, a surprising feat given the mass of the man on it. The bike came to a stop at the curb a few feet from Albus and Minerva. The man stomped on a kick stand and the bike settled. After pushing back a large pair of goggles, the man smiled a sad smile at them. "Good evening, Professors," the man spoke in his heavy colloquial accent.

"Hagrid, no problems I assume."

"No, Professor Dumbledore. Young Harry fell asleep around Brighton. Edmund has been a little fussy though." Hagrid looked sad.

Minerva stepped forward and took the bundle from Hagrid's arms. The man nodded his head before taking the other child from the basket. The child in her hands started to fuss and she moved him to her shoulder. The little boy had auburn hair and features that looked more like Lily than James. She knew the boy well and had seen him many times since they had gone into hiding. She loved the boy as much as his brother. "Shhhh," she said gently.

Hagrid handed Harry to Albus. She looked over and hissed. "His forehead, Albus."

Albus looked down and frowned. A lightening shaped scar looked just as raw and ragged as it had when Hagrid had brought him to Hogwarts. It was disconcerting that Poppy had not been able to heal him. "I know, Minerva. I am afraid he will always have something of this left. One does not survive the killing curse without some type of indicator."

"He will be all right? That still looks like it needs attention. Should it not be covered at the least?"

He shook his head. "I am sure if Poppy thought so, it would be."

"Are you telling me you haven't even talked to her before they came here? And what of Edmund, does he bear a mark?" She was incensed at his blasé attitude.

Dumbledore let out a long breath. "He did not escape unscathed either." Albus moved over to Minerva and pushed back the blanket and the shirt to expose Edmund's right shoulder. His scar on his shoulder mirrored Harry's, but not as raw looking. There was a small amount of red twinging the fabric. "Maybe a bandage is needed for Edmund's wound. Now, if you will, we must see to their protection and new family."

"For the record, I am still not for this." She glared at the man. They were to leave two injured children in the arms of people their mother wanted nowhere near them.

"I understand. Hagrid, you can return to Hogwarts."

"Yes, Professor. Goodbye, Harry and Edmund. Evening, Professors." With that, the man put his goggles back on, sniffling, kicked the bike into life and a moment later was disappearing into the night as he took off.

The two Professors stepped up to the front step. It was getting late and the eleven o'clock news could be heard wrapping up from an open window as the sounds of the bike faded into the distance. It sounded like the half-giant had opened it up and was speeding as fast as the bike would go now. Minerva was glad he had not done that with the boys.

Albus pressed the little light on the side of the door that was lit orange. They both heard a doorbell ring inside the house. "Muggles never cease to amaze me," Minerva said in a small voice. She had been raised in the Muggle world a long time ago. She appreciated how they did things that could rival many things magic could do.

Albus let out a small chuckle.

"Who the ruddy hell would be calling at this time of the night," a voice came from inside.

"Vernon, watch your voice. That nosy woman next door may hear," a lady hissed at the man.

"Right, dear."

Minerva frowned. That did not sound like a welcoming pair. It took a moment before someone came to the door. When it opened, they were presented with a walrus of a man with a massive mustache and beady eyes. "What do you want," he said before laying eyes on the people on his doorstep. The man's eyes narrowed. "We don't want anything you may be peddling."

Minerva bristled at the look the man was giving them. Before she could dress him down, Albus spoke up. "Good evening, Vernon Dursley, was it? I am Albus Dumbledore. This is Minerva McGonagall and these two slumbering boys are your nephews."

There was a squawk from behind the man. "No, you can't be here. My sister isn't here."

Vernon looked to his wife. It took a moment of looking at his terrified wife to realize what she was saying. The man turned on them, his face going red. "Oh, no. No, we will not have those freaks here."

Albus stepped up to the man, glaring at him until the man shut his mouth and stepped back. After a moment, he turned his attention to Petunia. "May we come in? It is damp and cool out here and your nephews are out in it. We need to talk about Lily and her boys."

Petunia lost some color. Vernon went to close the door at her reaction and Albus had to push his way in. Minerva could see his wand in his hand. "What is the meaning of this," Vernon said angrily as he and Minerva stepped into the house and Albus led them into the parlor.

"I was hoping to break the news in an easier way, but I can see pleasantries will not be observed this night. Lily and James were murdered last night at the hands of a very dark Wizard," Dumbledore said in as gentle a voice as he could.

Petunia lost even more color. "No," she let out a sob and Vernon had enough thought of his wife to wrap an arm around her and hold her up. She stood there for a few minutes, supported by her husband. All of them waited for her to respond. "Was it Voldemort?"

Albus gave a single blink. Minerva looked shocked that this woman would know that. "Volde what?" Vernon looked confused that his wife would know something like that.

Albus nodded. "It was. I see you know some of the dangers that were out there, and they are not all gone."

Petunia gave another squawk before tears started to run down her face. "Is that why you brought them here." She nodded her head at the boys.

"Yes. You are their last blood relations. As such, I can cast a powerful set of wards on you and this house that will protect you and the boys. It would mean you have to accept them in and give them board and room. They will have to call this house or anywhere you move home. Will you be willing," Albus asked them.

The boy in Minerva's arms started to fuss again.

Vernon opened his mouth. "You want us to take in these two brats of the woman that had abandoned her sister? Why the ruddy hell would we agree to take in freaks like them. If they were murdered, then it was their fault…"

Petunia stopped him, "We will take one of them."

Vernon turned to her sputtering. "You can't mean to do this?"

"One," Minerva said indignantly. "They are your nephews that need a house and people to love them and you will take only one. They are twins. In our world that holds a special place and they will be loath to be separated. How would…"

"That will be enough, Minerva. So be it. You will take Harry. You will raise him, feed him, house and clothes him. He will come to no harm and in turn you will have the same protections as Mr. Potter." Albus looked at the two Dursley's.

Petunia nodded. Vernon looked like an overlarge red apple. "Albus," Minerva hissed. "You can not mean to just abandon Edmund! He is family and blood too. What would you do with him?" She was livid at the man.

He looked at her, the first hint of annoyance she had ever seen him give her. "Edmund will find a safe place."

"What place would be safer than here if you are so confident that Harry and their relatives will be so supremely safe that you feel confident only you or I could reach them from our world?" She was not going to let this go.

Albus gave her a glare. "There is a second cousin of Lily's that would be suitable."

"Then why not send both of them there," Vernon said grasping at this sudden gift.

"Because, my dear man," Albus said turning to the Dursleys, "the blood protections I propose grow weaker with every separation from the parent. A second cousin will be proficient for Edmund, but not both of them."

"And if they were both to stay here, then they both would be protected and together. Albus, you know the bonds that twins make in our world. Would you risk that protection and bond for whatever your plan is here," she said angrily. "I will not have it and if you press this, Albus, you may find that I will not be as amenable to you in the future."

The man turned an angry eye to her. "Minerva, you are to take Edmund back to Hogwarts. Tomorrow we will sort him out. You disobey me in this at your own peril."

Minerva bristled at the man. Until this instance, she had never doubted her oaths to the man. He had always led them straight. Sure there had been many times she had followed him blindly, but it seemed to usually work out in the end. This time though, something had gone horribly wrong and now he was compounding the situation.

"I will take Edmund to a place I deem safe until we can talk. You may not know this, but where Alice Longbottom was made godmother of Harry, I was made godmother of Edmund. I will not allow you to do anything to hurt him. If I had that power over Harry, we would be having other words." Minerva pulled up to her full height, turned her head up and stared at the Headmaster of Hogwarts in an imperious way. "If anything happens to Harry while here, I will hold you personally responsible. When you are done, send your patronus and I shall meet you."

Albus lost some of his anger at her. How had he missed that Minerva was as close to the Potter's as she was? He had not known she had been made Edmund's godmother. He now understood their argument earlier today before he had sent her here to monitor the house and street. This could have a compounding factor that her oath to Edmund would always be able to overpower her oath to him as part of the Order. He frowned.

He would have to get to Alice before Minerva did, or she could break this arrangement.

Albus would also need to find a way for the Potter's Will to not be released. Minerva could never know what was in it.

"Very well, Minerva. Now, if you will excuse me, I have business to conclude here."

Minerva's nostrils flared. "We have business to conclude later as well."

With that, she gave a curt nod to the man she had respected for as long as she could remember. She would need to find a way to get hold of the Longbottoms. She doubted that Alice would agree to this course of action and she had a very bad feeling of leaving either of the twins here. Not being able to do anything about it though was rankling. She walked over to Albus, glaring at him before leaning down to Harry.

"Be safe, little one. If I can find a way for you and your brother to be together, I shall make it so." She gently kissed the boy's forehead, who smiled at her tenderness. She stood, her eyes were icily cold at Albus, and she thought she saw a flicker of doubt in his eyes. Knowing her Oath to Albus making her leave overpowered her rights to Harry, she walked up to the people that lived in the house. "I will give you one warning. If anything happens to Harry, I will not bat an eye or give a fight when the Aurors come to get me to go to Azkaban when I am through with you."

The way the fear danced in Petunia's eyes, she knew her promise had been received in the manner it was meant.

She walked out of the house, knowing if she didn't do so at that moment then her and Albus would come to wands and she would not endanger either boy that way. She was not his godmother, meaning that Albus and Alice had guardianship over him. If she was not here at this moment, then Albus could claim Guardianship over Edmund too. Her anger burned that she had to leave Harry here. She needed to talk to Alice, but she did not know where they were, having gone under the Fidelius charm about the same time as the Potter's. She had an inkling who could be there Secret Keeper. She needed to ensure Edmund was protected first.

"It'll be all right, Ed. You will not be separated from your brother long."

If she only knew how wrong her words were, she would never have left Number 4 Privet Drive that night.

-oOo-

August 2st, 1988

Edmund Evans was hopping on his feet, trying his best to keep his excitement at bay. His red hair was as unruly as usual, something Auntie Min assured him that his father had had the same issue. She smiled at the way his hazel eyes danced at the news. Auntie Min had just arrived, meaning it was getting close to the time of his party. His cousin Amelia was crawling on the floor while her brother was running around squealing as their father chased him.

Auntie Min gave him a smile. "I see the house is as lively as ever today."

Ed couldn't keep the grin off his face. "Yes, Auntie Min. David doesn't want to put pants on today."

She shook her head. At three, his younger cousin still didn't want to be dressed. Looking at his Auntie, he was a little disappointed that she was dressed more like a muggle, in a nice dress with a long loose knit shawl. He liked her witch's robes better.

From under her shawl she produced a long thin package. Edmund's eyes went wide. The smirk on his Auntie's face told him she knew he knew what it would be. "You should open this before your other friends get here. It wouldn't do for them to see this."

The eight-year-old boy took the package with an expression of reverence. He didn't wait, tearing the paper off as soon as he could. In his hands was a gleaming new Cleansweep Six. It had a dark mahogany handle with long brown twigs that were all straight, perfect and practically hummed in his hand.

"I hope you like it. Your parents say you can come to my place next week for a few weeks and we can try it there. Your father flew a Cleansweep five and I bought myself one so I can keep up with you."

"Oh, Auntie Min," he cried out hugging her and cradling his new broom between them.

"I see you gave him the broom," his mother said. "I suppose we should give him ours too."

He turned to see his Aunt Angela, in all purposes but blood, his mum. He knew she was his aunt, but no one minded if he called her mum and, his uncle, dad. She looked like his real mother from the pictures he had of his parents. Her hair was the same shade of red as his and his younger cousin. They both had slighter facial features and builds like her. He bounced to his mum, a huge smile on his face and holding his broom up for her to see. "Look what Auntie Min got me. Can I go outside and try it? Please! Please, please, please. I promise I will only hover. I won't fly away until Auntie Min takes me next week."

His mother laughed to see the glee on her nephew's face. Yesterday he had been so glum, she didn't know what to do with him when he got like that. "I don't think so, Ed. A few of your classmates will be here soon and we can't have them seeing you flying."

His face fell some. "Not even Hermione? I know she would love to see this."

Auntie shook her head. "Ed, you know we can't show muggles that."

He frowned, having a sense Hermione wasn't like their other classmates, but he was happy that he would actually have friends over the house. It had only been Hermione and him until they had gone to school. Now they had three friends that didn't seem to find his behavior odd or notice when strange things happened around him. Though, he was beginning to suspect that the dark hair girl with frizzy hair was the cause at times too. Like the other day when the teacher's mug had burst in his hand after he had yelled at another kid for getting the sounding of a word wrong.

"Bill, come here for a moment."

A moment later, his dad came walking into the kitchen. He was a tall man in khaki shorts and a button-down shirt. It was warm out. He was carrying his younger cousin upside down, who was laughing and making faces. They both had darker hair. His father's face lit up. "Is that what I think it is?"

"A brand new Cleansweep Six, dad. Just like my father had," he said proudly. He always referred to his birth parents as father and mother. "Can I go try it out."

"Of course you can, Ed. Just go hover…"

His Uncle was cut off by his Aunt. "Bill! We can't have him doing that with all the people that will be here soon. What if the neighbors see? I really don't want to cross the Ministry of Magic after what Minerva has warned us about. And you, young man, I already told you no."

"So, does this mean we get to give him our present?" His dad was smiling at his mum.

She rolled her eyes. "I swear, between you three, I'll be surprised if Amelia sees her eighth birthday."

"I neva get in twouble," David said.

"No, never," mum said sarcastically before turning to the counter and pulling an envelope over. "Here, this is a big part of your present this year."

He looked at her quizzically. Why was it only an envelope? He had never gotten a present like this before. He must have looked confused. "Just open it," his father said letting David down. His cousin came over and stared at his broom, unsure why his cousin would get a broom and be happy.

Opening the envelope, he saw two tickets. They had a quidditch pitch with people moving on it, flying brooms and wearing green and white uniforms in the background. "Is this for the England National Team!"

He looked up, jumping with his broom in one hand and tickets in the other. They all laughed at him. "We are going in two weeks from now, while you stay with me. They are playing Sweden."

"I love you. I love you," he said rushing his mum and dad. He gave them a big hug before turning and jumping again before running to Auntie Min. "I can't wait to go."

Auntie Min laughed at him. "Neither can I, Edmund."

"Now you definitely need to try out that new broom. I think we will need to do a trip up North to see him," his dad said. His mum huffed.

"Minerva, can you keep these hooligans in check so I can go get this little girl changed. His friends should be arriving within the next twenty minutes." She glared at him and his Uncle before turning a smile to Auntie Min.

When Edmund looked at his Auntie, she had a stern look on her face and he knew not to cross her when she had that look. "I think I can keep these three from getting into trouble."

"Is Hermione coming today," he asked his mum.

"Yes, dear. I've told you that four times already today."

He couldn't keep the smile off his face. A new broom, quidditch tickets and his best friend was coming over. Could his birthday get any better?

Ed was still bouncing off the walls, running after David and tickling him when the doorbell rang. "Ed, get over here," his mum yelled from the hall between the kitchen and the front door. He came running over, David now chasing him and laughing. Mum grabbed David as they passed her. "I don't think so, mister."

The doorbell rang again. "Don't keep your guests waiting. Straighten out your shirt."

"Yes, mum," he said jumping in front of the door. He could see shapes outside the door through the frosted panes. "Will you stand still, princess," he heard an all too familiar voice through the door.

His smile got bigger. He opened the door. "Welcome to the Sylvans and the Evans," he started before a frizzy fireball was through the door. She hugged him tight. "Happy birthday," she said before starting to tickle him.

"Hermione," he cried out before collapsing to the floor laughing. She was giggling too.

The adults that walked around them chuckled. "You two mind at least clearing the hall so the others can get by?"

"Tell her to stop," he said through gasps.

"That's enough, young lady. I see the McCallum's coming." That was Mrs. Granger who was holding his present.

Hermione stood up, laughing at his attempts to grab her and return the favor. He noticed that she was wearing jean shorts and a purple shirt with a unicorn on it. She quickly scooted behind her father. Her smile had a huge gap in the front top, where both teeth were missing. "I'm going to get you," he said getting up.

"Don't use me," her father said. "I'm not protecting you when you start it."

She let out a small scream as her father stepped out of the way and Ed lunged at her.

"Edmund," his mother scolded him. "Leave poor Hermione alone. Here comes Liam and Charles."

"It's Chuck, mum. And she started it," he said at Hermione, who stuck her tongue out at him. He returned the favor before more people were walking through the door. He was quick to say hi to Liam, a rather tall, lanky kid for their age with dark hair and hazel eyes. Chuck was the shortest of the three boys, just slightly taller than Hermione. He was chunkier than them, but not fat. His short brown hair was almost as messy as his own and he had light blue eyes. They were quickly shuffled out to the back yard for games and the party.

"All right, you rabble," his dad called out bringing them to the table. The four of them were smiling, red from the heat, dripping with water and all sat in the grass. Liam dropped and flopped on his back. All four of them were wet from the squirt guns they had dropped where they had been when called.

He shoved Chuck. "That's for pouring the water on me from the tree."

Chuck gave him a broad smile. "Hermione made me do it."

She had a smile on her face as he swiped for her and she leaned back. "Missed," she teased. She squealed as he shuffled to his feet and caught her before she could get away this time. He started to tickle her and she squirmed. "Stop," she said between laughs.

"Children," his dad said as the other adults chuckled at the sight.

"Time to sing. Everyone to the table," his mum announced as they broke up.

Ed helped Hermione up. "I hope you like to wear cake," she said in a sweet voice.

"You better not. It's my birthday," he warned her. She gave him an innocent smile.

He eyed her as they sat and she chose the seat to his right. Shortly after sitting down, a cake was put in front of him and they sang Happy Birthday. He went to blow out the candles and missed one. Before he could take another breath, Hermione helped him. He didn't think anyone else caught it but she smiled at him.

His mum was just taking the cake away when he jumped up. "Ow," he said staring towards Liam, who had been on his other side. "What was that for," he asked with tears in his eyes rubbing his bottom.

Liam was still smiling. "I didn't do anything," he told Ed.

Ed felt another sting across his bottom. "Oww," he cried out. Ed stumbled onto the ground. "Ed," Hermione called. She was at his side at almost the same time as his dad.

"Edmund," his father said concerned as he screamed out as a sharp pain bit into his back. He arched away from the pain, writhing in the grass as his parents and Auntie moved to his side and the other adults and kids moved away.

He cried out again as there was a sharp pain across his bottom followed by another across his back that felt like something broke his skin. He cried as Hermione grabbed his hand.

"We need to get him inside," Auntie Min said as he cried out again, this time whimpering as the sting lingered, tears streaming down his face. "Angela, I think the other guests should go."

He cried out again as a particularly sharp pain exploded over his shoulders. He felt his father lift him up. "No, we need to help Edmund," he heard Hermione yell.

He screamed in excruciating pain when something struck him the length of his back, from his shoulder to his bottom. There was a sudden crack and bright light. He whimpered again as his father shifted him in his arms, his back and bottom felt raw and painful. A second later, Hermione screamed and dropped, grabbing her back. He felt like something flat and bendy, like a belt, had just snapped in the same spot she was holding.

Ed looked to her, tears in his eyes. She screamed again, falling and her father was at her side. He cried out at the same time. His Auntie looked horrified. "In the house, now," she said in a low hiss. They were both carried in. Every time he felt the bite, which was dulled now, Hermione reacted in the same spot, crying and screaming. They both squirmed in their father's arms.

They were put onto couches, Edmund refusing to lay on his back side. It hurt too much. There was another sharp pain and they both screamed. "There's blood," his mum said before they lifted his shirt. They all gasped to see he had welts all over his back and bottom, along with several cuts on his back and bottom. There were marks as though a belt had been taken to him.

"Dear, god," Mr. Granger said when he saw his back. Hermione stopped screaming. She was breathing heavy, obviously in as much pain as he was. "Move out of the way," his Auntie said, taking her wand out and quickly casting a few spells over him.

"What are you doing," Mrs. Grainger said as something appeared above his back and in a second, he sagged into the couch as something cooling crossed over him. "I'll explain in a few," his Auntie said in a business-like voice moving to Hermione who was now crying freely. There were no new sudden pains. A moment later, the same symbols appeared above her and then she sagged into the other couch as his Auntie's wand waved over her.

"I am going to kill Albus," his Auntie said in a low voice.

Mr. Granger stepped menacing up to his Auntie. "You mind telling me what you just did to my daughter and what the hell is that stick."

"Phil, she didn't hurt her," his dad stepped up, trying to put himself between Auntie Min and the irate man.

Auntie Minerva stood up. "Mr. Granger, Phil, I did nothing to hurt your daughter. First off, this young girl is my godson's best friend, and I would never do anything but make sure she is as safe as he is. Second, I think we need to have a conversation. I am a witch, and if I am not mistaken, I am pretty sure your daughter is a witch also."

-oOo-

Harry lay in his closet. Tears were coming down his face. For some reason this morning he had felt a wave of joy. It lasted almost all day and made him so giddy that he had laughed when his cousin had fallen out of his chair this afternoon. That was the end of his joy though. After they made sure Dudley was all right, his Uncle had turned a mean eye to him as his Aunt glared at him.

He was laying on his stomach, his back too sore right now to lay on. It was the first time his uncle had used a belt on him. It had stung every time it bit into his bare skin of his back and bottom. It had been made very clear he was never to laugh at his cousin again, for any reason.

Harry took that lesson to heart.

The other sting was that yesterday he had turned eight. He only knew about his birthday because his teacher had asked him when his birthday was at the start of first grade last year. For the first time, he had actually been saddened on July 31st. He decided it had been much better when he didn't know when his birthday was.

He tried to stifle his tears. It hurt every time he moved. He tried to fall asleep, knowing that tomorrow they would probably wake him all the earlier because he didn't finish his chores today after the beating.