Title: Of Shield and sheath

Pairing: future DracoxHarry,

Summary: A foolhardy Dumbledore attempts to change fate, he gains more and less than he bargained for. Creature fic. Future Mpreg.

Chapter 21- A Summer of Contradictions

July 2, 1992

Harry had been served a sandwich made from dried-out cheese and a few pickles for dinner after returning to the Dursleys. Harry found himself locked in his room the next morning; sighing, he proceeded to put his things away. He had opened his window last night to allow Amaryllis to go hunting.

Amaryllis was currently in her cage sleeping, with her head under her wing, she was relaxed, so Harry felt almost safe. Well, as safe as possible when at Number Four...

He heard his aunt and uncle waking up, but Dudley wasn't home yet. Smeltings started the first Tuesday of September, rather than the first of September, meaning their last day was not as set in stone as it was at Hogwarts. This year Dudley would be picked up on July 3rd, a Friday and Uncle Vernon was only working a half day, so that he and Aunt Petunia could pick him up from school.

Harry was surprised when there was a knock on the door just before Uncle Vernon usually left for work.

From the back of the house, Harry couldn't see who was there; but he was hopeful it was Hermione and Dean.

There was some muffled arguing, but then his aunt's voice could be heard heading up the stairs.

"So, umm, you two go to school with... my nephew."

"Yes, he is a good student. Gifted at charms and potions." Dean said exclaimed.

"My nephew..." Aunt Petunia's voice sounded choked.

"He is very brave too." Hermione's voice was almost too quiet to be heard through the locked door.

"Harry..." his aunt called out, "I hope that room of yours is clean..."

Harry grinned as he tossed his school books in his schoolbag and tossed it over his shoulder and slipped into his ratty trainers.

By the time his aunt had wrestled the door open, due to her attempts to hide that it was locked by a key, he was ready.

Harry hugged Hermione and Dean enthusiastically, "Merlin, I missed you both."

Hermione flushed in embarrassment, but Dean chuckled, "Missed you too, mate."

"What's the plan? Today I mean..." Harry mumbled.

Dean grinned, "Homework,"

Harry groaned.

Dean rolled his eyes, "Come on, the sooner we finish, the sooner we can have fun. Besides, I have great news!"

Harry blinked, "Really?"

"My stepdad, he is a really big fan of the West Ham footie team."

Harry nodded, "The Hammerheads? I remembered Ron trying to... mess with the poster you had."

"Well, there is this summer camp where we can work with the players. My stepdad, he paid for all four of us to go!"

His aunt sputtered in shock, "Four boys? A footie camp? For a professional team? What does your father do?"

"David works at the ticket counter in Heathrow." Dean shrugged, "he was so pleased I had friends... at school I mean, that this was how he chose to celebrate."

"I am terrible at sport." Hermione whispered.

Dean shrugged, "Then would you feel too awful it if was just Neville, Seamus, Harry and I?"

Hermione nodded, "I don't mind, I always end up hurt when I do sport."

Harry smiled gently at her, "We would rather you avoid broken wrists anyway."

Hermione blushed, hiding behind her hair.

The three Hogwarts students trooped out of Number Four Privet Drive without a glance backwards.

Harry was surprised to find a car waiting for them.

"Hermione's dad hired a teen whose is a patient of their clinic to drive us around occasionally. He knows this awesome breakfast place." Dean grinned.

Harry climbed into the backseat with Hermione and Dean following behind.

The teen who introduced himself as 'Rupert', drove them to a place called Frankie and Benny's in Staines.

It was apparently an American-style restaurant, Rupert ordered two of The Works omelettes for them.

The portions were definitely Uncle Vernon and Dudley-sized; Rupert had a huge appetite despite being a stick like Aunt Petunia.

Hermione, Dean and Harry found themselves sharing a 4-egg omelette filled with mushrooms, tomatoes, bacon and sausage.

Dean ate the lion-share surprisingly, with Hermione trying to claim that she wasn't all that hungry.

"You got bullies up at that school of yours?" Rupert asked abruptly.

"We've got a git of a dormmate," Dean grumbled.

Harry nodded, "That weasel of a Weasley, why?"

"Miss Hermione, she's much quieter than I remember. She was always spouting off facts, telling us about a new book she read, I heard some parents calling her annoying because she never needed to study with that memory of hers. That it was unfair that she would test into dozens of schools without trying, while some poor student who actually tried to study would be denied a place." Rupert mused.

Dean snorted, "I was one of those study-holics, I had to be made to join a footie team to get some exercise outside of phys ed. Our school is a mixture of invitation only and legacy students- those who have a family history of attending, she may seem less vocal about her knowledge, but she is still top of our year."

"Why are you talking about me like I am not here?" Hermione asked in an impossibly small voice.

Harry sighed, "It isn't to make fun of you, we're worried is all. You've become quieter since December. You were so… excited and outgoing on the train. Now, it's as if you're frightened of your own shadow."

"I…" Hermione began, only to hang her head, "I don't know what's wrong with me…"

Harry patted her shoulder, "We'll figure it out."

Hermione gave him a shy smile, "Okay."

After finishing their meal, Rupert paid for it and then they trooped into his car for a drive to the library.

Rupert pulled out a thick sci-fi fantasy novel called Dune and proceeded to read while the three of them did homework in a quiet corner.

Instead of asking for the answers, Dean would ask what page they could be found. With Hermione's eidetic memory, it was easy for her and it helped boost her confidence.

Harry took note each time Dean asked, he was much slower at writing and formulating essays, but he was determined not to hold them back. Going to a professional footie team's youth training camp seemed fun, he wondered to himself what other activities his friends and their parents had for him…

XoooooooX

Rupert disappeared for a bit around lunchtime and Hermione's pager went off about forty minutes later.

The three of them were starving by the time Hermione announced in a soft voice that Rupert had sandwiches and waiting for them outside.

They packed up quickly and joined their teenage driver for BLTs, crisps and cokes.

They washed up after and were soon sprawled out on a study table in a library corner again.

All too soon it was time to go…

But before Harry could get out of the car, Rupert pulled out a second sandwich and a coke.

"Dunno why I were asked to get this and save it, but here it is." The teen said holding it out.

Harry blushed and tucked the food away in his book bag. He wrung his hands as he shyly thanked them for coming and letting him study with them.

Hermione shyly said she enjoyed herself.

Dean gave him a hug and congratulated them on finishing their homework in a very long day. They might revise later but the bulk of their summer homework was finished.

Reluctantly, Harry slipped into Number Four and found a list.

There was a mess in the kitchen from breakfast and the list had a note that the Dursleys would be eating out tonight.

Grateful for the reprieve, Harry cleaned the kitchen to a brilliant shine before hurrying upstairs to bathe. He nibbled his sandwich with a glass of water to wash it down with. He would save the coke for later... caffeine so late would keep him awake.

He was really looking forward to what was going to happen next, which meant he needed a good night's rest.

XoooooooX

July 3, 1992

Harry work early to find his bedroom door, thank Merlin, unlocked. He headed down intending to make breakfast and was surprised by a knock on the door.

He hurried to open it, finding a shy Hermione and her parents on the other side of it.

Harry blinked, "Good Morning…"

"Hello Harry, we were about to head to breakfast. I was hoping you would be available to join us. There is this museum that Hermione has always wanted to visit. We thought it would be a good cultural experience for you."

"BOY! Who is out there on the stoop?" Uncle Vernon thundered from the upstairs landing.

"My friend Hermione Granger and her parents," Harry called back. "They want to take me to breakfast and a museum."

"Don't be out too late." Uncle Vernon grumbled after a hushed tense conversation with Aunt Petunia. "You still have chores…"

After grabbing his ratty trainers, Harry found himself escorted to a vaguely familiar car; a Vauxhall's Cavalier. A few neighbours had a similar car, while the Dursleys had an Austin Maestro.

Harry and Hermione were safely strapped in to the backseat, they stopped to pick up an excitable Dean before heading to breakfast.

Yesterday morning they had giant omelettes, but this time they ended up at a fancy pancake restaurant called Cau.

There they ordered Lemon pancakes for Harry, cherry compote pancakes for Hermione, Dean had honey, Jean chose blueberries and yoghurt and Merc requested Vermont maple syrup.

Harry had never really been allowed in a proper restaurant other than Dudley's birthday last year, where he was shoved Dudley's unwanted Knickerbocker Glory because it didn't have enough ice cream.

The pancakes came out piping hot and they were warned to be careful…

Harry's seemed to have been flavoured with lemon zest and a bit of flavouring as well before being topped with two small slices of butter and a light dusting of confectioner's sugar. It was rather mild, not too sour, nor too sweet.

The others delved into their pancakes with obvious enjoyment and Harry felt ashamed when he barely managed to eat half an egg, a single sausage and one pancake.

Hermione managed twice that at least and so did her mother Jean, while both Dean and Merc had empty plates.

Both Hermione's parents exchanged looks of concern before Merc called for the cheque.

They were bustled back into the Cavalier and then they were on their way to their next destination.

Harry felt a bit out of sorts, both Dean and Hermione had studied Dickens, who was this very famous British author that they read and learned about their final year of primary school before Hogwarts.

Hermione was more herself then she had been in months, with a guidebook and a biography of Dicken's, she excitably enthralled them about Dicken's life.

Telling them how he had to quit school to go to work at a young age, due to his father going away to debtor's prison with many of his siblings. How he wrote honestly about the plights of the poor and orphans. That he had married a Catherine Thomson Hogarth in 1836 and they went on to have nine children only to end up separated in September of 1858.

Hermione seemed different and familiar at the same time; Harry wondered to himself if Ted should see her. He was helping Harry and Neville a lot…

The museum was one of Dicken's former homes and was full of Dickensian artefacts. It was educational but Harry didn't like not recognizing references to his fifteen novels and hundreds of short stories. The man also had time to write non-fiction articles, lecture and perform readings as well as campaign vigorously for children's rights and education among other social reforms.

Dean leaned into whisper that he had a book of short Dicken's tales for children that he would lend him.

Harry smiled at his friend in gratitude.

Harry, who was used to hunger, didn't pay his stomach any mind.

When Dean's growled, Merc laughed and ushered them out to Hermione's dismay.

They headed down the street only to be ushered into a restaurant called Cibo Gourmet. It was supposedly an Italian deli…

Harry had no idea what to order, his sandwiches were usually stale toast and butter or peanut butter.

Harry ordered a simple ham and cheese, Hermione asked for turkey breast and Jean had a tuna salad. While both Dean and Merc asked for the Meat Lover's trio with Roast Beef, Pastrami and Turkey breast with Jack Cheese. They all had side salads and cokes as well. It was a nice day, so they ate outside on the patio.

Harry wasn't used to so much food and ate very little, but he did try everything. He found that swiss was rather strong, he wasn't sure he liked it, but he did his best to eat it.

At lunch, they went back to the museum for a while, it was after four when the Drs Grangers reluctantly announced it was time to head out.

They dropped Dean off first and then Harry, Harry did feel bad because Surrey was pretty far from Finchley and West Ham, but the Hermione's parents didn't complain once about the cost of picking them up.

Jean asked Hermione if Harry had her number quietly.

Hermione eeped and insisted on having Harry handing her his emergency phone so she could save her pager number.

Harry expected that the same 'only if it's an emergency' rule applied because he had very few minutes.

Harry was surprised when Merc Granger escorted him to the stoop of Number Four.

The man slipped the rest of Harry's ham and cheese in his bag, before knocking on the front door.

Merc exclaimed what a wonderful young man they had, how respectful and polite Harry was.

Harry saw the dentist's eyes darting around the entry and downstairs hallway.

Merc quietly informed them that they would be picking Harry up in the morning as well for a day at Battersea Park as well as Go Ape.

Dudley, who was home, began predictably loudly complaining about Harry getting to go somewhere. Conveniently, forgetting that Dudley had gotten chances to travel while Harry was left at Ms Figg's.

Harry promised to be ready at the time that Hermione's dad said they would pick him up and was surprised when the man ruffled his hair.

"Rest well, tomorrow will be a long day." Merc stiffened a bit when Harry flinched at his approaching hand.

Harry mumbled his gratitude with his eyes downcast.

This might be his weirdest summer...

XoooooooX

Harry had been taken out every day for two weeks...

Despite seeing Hermione and Dean daily, he received no letters from his other friends despite promises.

Nothing from his Quidditch team, Neville or Seamus. Even letters from Remus and Severus hadn't come.

Harry was worried, Remus wrote him every week and he was used to slipping into Uncle Sev's office to study most weeknights.

He was taking his potions but had moved them to dinner, so he didn't look odd in restaurants.

Harry was worried that because he hadn't heard from Remus, that he wouldn't come fetch him.

He was packed because it was July 14th and he was promised that he would only be here two weeks.

Harry hadn't written anyone because he didn't hear from them first. It was probably rude, but he was wary of upsetting people. He was also costing Hermione and Dean's parents a lot of money. He knew how much most of the food he chose cost them and the tickets for the attractions. He offered to repay the Grangers only to be patted on the head and thanked for being Hermione's friend.

Hermione had birthday parties where no one came, or she was insulted by the guests. With Hermione away at Hogwarts for her birthday now, these were make-up birthdays...

Harry couldn't remember ever having a real birthday. Sure, Hagrid brought him sausages and cake, but it was nothing like Dudley's parties.

He still felt as if he owed the Grangers hundreds of pounds...

Harry was surprised to find Remus and Severus both on the stoop when the door rang.

He threw himself into Severus' arms, "You didn't write... I thought you didn't want me anymore."

He felt Severus kneel down and lift his chin, "Harry, I wrote you... I sent four letters. I didn't hear back..."

Remus knelt beside him and awkwardly hugged him as well, "I wrote you as well. You didn't get any letters?"

Harry scrubbed his cheeks to hide his tears, "No, I saw Dean and Hermione every day but none of my friends in the world," leaving the word 'wizarding' or 'magical', implied but not spoken, "sent me anything."

"Who are you?" Dudley drawled with a mouthful of donut.

Harry took both their hands, "These are my parents' best friends; Uncle Sev and Uncle Moony."

"Your worthless parents had friends?" Dudley taunted. "Where they bin? Why don't they look after you instead of you bothering us with your freakishness?"

Remus growled, his eyes flickering with gold.

Severus sneered at the boy, "My name is Professor Snape, I have a proper degree unlike your parents. Your mother barely passed typing school, she couldn't cut it as a secretary and married a junior executive. A lard of a man with brains to match. James Potter was not a worthless drunk, he was a detective and a decent man."

Harry knew that Severus really didn't like his father but didn't say anything...

"Professor of what?" Dudley asked stupidly.

"Chemistry, a class Harry excels in and you lot would fail spectacularly." Severus turned to Harry, "Fetch your things, I give you permission to use it, if necessary."

Harry realized it was permission to use his wand, but he doubted very much that it was permission to hex Dudley. He hugged them both before scurrying upstairs to fetch his trunk. He used just enough magic to make carrying his trunk easy. He had Amaryllis perched on his shoulder rather that in her cage. He still felt caging her was wrong...

He ignored his Muggle family; Remus was still growling but Severus seemed to have kept him from losing his temper.

Uncle Vernon hissed at them not to do anything freakish near their home.

Harry flinched and he heard Uncle Severus snap.

"It is pathetic that a man has to bully those smaller and weaker to feel powerful. I have known men like you who drink and use their fists. They usually come to a bad end; sooner or later, someone fights back. They die the way they live..."

With that, Harry was escorted away. They had shrunk his trunk, stashing it in Severus' pocket before Harry was pulled close.

Harry felt the uncomfortable feeling of being stretched and then found himself outside Neville's home.

The door burst open and Neville was running to meet them.

No sooner had Severus let him go, then Neville hugged him tightly.

"You didn't write back... I was worried that those Muggles hurt you!" Neville blurted out.

Harry awkwardly hugged his friend back, "I didn't receive any letters..."

Neville frowned, "We wrote you... Fred and George were threatening to steal their dad's car if you didn't arrive today. They weren't the only ones worried... Ollie was ready to try apparating to Surrey to look for you."

Harry tried to assure Neville that he was fine, telling him in a rambling way all the things he did with Dean and Hermione to keep him out of the house.

Harry's trunk was handed off to Neville's house elf.

Neville dragged Harry to the parlour where he was given an exam by both Healers Tonks. He was grateful to learn his malnutrition was getting better and his potions were working.

Harry greeted Lady Augusta shyly and thanked her for having him.

Healer Ted said he would be there in the morning for a double appointment.

Harry blurted out, "Can Hermione visit some time? Her parents spent a lot of money on me... she changed during the year. Getting more insecure and embarrassed easily.

Ted frowned, "She is a Muggleborn... I wonder..."

Andromeda snorted, "I expect that she has the same cursed books I found in your things."

Ted nodded, "I will examine her."

Harry gave him a small smile, "Let me know how much..."

Severus snorted, "That's an adult issue. Hermione is a scholarship student at Hogwarts; if she needs the services of a healer, that falls under the purview of the Board of Governors. Lady Augusta and I will handle it."

Neville's imperious grandmother nodded, "Yes... I am sure that we can come to an agreement. I plan to have Hermione and Dean examined by Andromeda as well. They will need to have their blood tested to make sure they have protection from childhood Muggle diseases as well as receive vaccines for magical diseases like Dragon Pox. Harry is due another vaccine as well I believe."

Harry winced, rubbing his shoulder in remembered discomfort. The dragon pox vaccine burned... he was not looking forward to that one again. Since he missed both his shots at eighteen and twenty-four months, he had to restart his vaccine series. He had one at Solstice and the other after recovering from being attacked by Quirrell, he should have his next shot at Solstice again. Something he was not looking forward too...

As an older child, he could have had them three months apart but given his health, Healer Andromeda didn't want to overstress his body.

Andromeda and Ted took their leave, they were expected at the hospital after all.

Neville excitedly dragged Harry into the small family dining room for breakfast.

Harry already missed Dean and Hermione...

He worried that they wouldn't be writing him either...

XoooooooX

Two nights after arriving at Neville's, Harry was surprised to find out that he was invited to a sleepover.

Other than Solstice, Harry had never been invited to a friend's house before.

He was greeted enthusiastically by Dean and a hyper Seamus who hugged him.

Dean's stepdad David had made them a huge platter of hamburgers and frankfurters, there was also a ton of toppings from relish to mustard.

Harry shyly thanked Mr Thomas for inviting him.

Dean excitedly announced they were having a Captain America marathon. An animated film had come out on video and there were also cartoons about a superhero team called the Avengers that Captain America was a member of.

Why they were watching a cartoon about an American superhero, Harry didn't know and felt silly to ask.

Despite not hearing from Seamus or Neville while he was at the Dursleys, it was easy to slip back into the easy companionship from Hogwarts.

Harry swallowed, "I know this is a guys' night, like the footie camp is just us but what about Hermione?"

Neville waived a hand dismissively, "The Quidditch girls were taking her to a spa weekend in Edinburgh. Apparently, it's a marvel or something. They plan to do some shopping as well. Hermione might end up with a makeover. We may barely recognize her..."

Harry was glad that Angelina had included Hermione, she needed strong witches as role models.

With soda, a burger, franks and popcorn in hand, Dean introduced them to superheroes.

Neville surprisingly had seen movies before, with a Muggleborn godfather by proxy, Andromeda's husband. It made some sense...

Harry shared a giant bowl of popcorn with his friends, while nibbling at his frankfurter.

He was determined to have fun...

XoooooooX

The sleepover at Dean's had lasted a second night, they had lunch at the movies where they saw Honey, I shrunk the kid. They had more cokes, frankfurters and popcorn to make the experience more exciting.

Then, it was two nights at Neville's before they were invited Neville's godmother's place, Lavender Vale.

Harry was surprised to hear they were watching Disney movies... he perked up because they were forbidden at the Dursleys.

They of course, started with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; because it came first, before moving to Pinocchio, Bambi and Cinderella. They ate waffles with Snow White, snacking on veggies and drinking juice with Pinocchio and Bambi. They shared homemade pizza that they all helped make. Ted insisted on healthy foods and ensured that Harry and Neville took their potions. Their last movie was Peter Pan... the idea of flying away from one's troubles was alluring but Harry would choose friends and his family just as Wendy did.

They spent another day watching Disney movies; staring with Lady and the Tramp, it was really nice...

Harry had never had such a full filled summer...

XoooooooX

Harry was growing closer to Neville; he was surprised when the boy even let him help in his greenhouses and Conservatory.

Neville gave him a few art lessons and taught him a couple easy songs on the piano. It was apparently something that heirs to titles learned.

He was given his own sketchbook and drawing pencils, Harry spent a few hours sketching but he doubted he was any good.

They still had meetings with Ted Tonks twice a week, but Harry was surprised to be included in Neville's fencing lessons.

He ate dinner with Severus on Wednesdays and had lunch with Remus as well as a man who was introduced to that was his father and Remus' grandsire, Lyall Lupin. Lyall wasn't always available for Lunch on Mondays but he had amazing stories about tracking rogue magical creatures. It was nice to hear stories about his parents and family...

He wondered if art, music and fencing were things his parents would have ensured he learned.

He was really looking forward to footie camp...

XoooooooX

July 26, 1992

Harry and Neville were Apparated to Dean's by Severus and Remus where they met Seamus and his mum Niamh.

Dean greeted them enthusiastically and they piled into Dean's family car, an Astra Belmont.

Uncle Vernon always said you could tell a lot about a man by his car and he was always comparing his own car to the neighbours'. Harry recognized common car models from the neighbourhood.

They were delivered to the Hammerhead footie club's field, where they were checked in by Dean's stepdad David and he promised to be there at five for them.

The four wizards checked in and picked golden yellow shirts as well as asking to be a team.

They were the first there and the camp staff agreed with smug smiles but listed them as the Griffins.

Dean was the only one who had real experience having played for a local youth league, so they elected him captain.

Neville knew nothing about the sport, Seamus' sport was rugby and Harry was never picked for teams at St Gregory's, so it left it up Dean to give them a few pointers.

Dean learned that Harry was surprisingly fast and despite his size, Seamus was both agile and anticipated opponents. Neville was very observant and seemed to have a knack for the position of goalie.

They were run through elementary drills, which thanks to Dean, the four Gryffindors did well at.

Dean was one of better dribblers, but no surprise there...

They played and drilled together with Dean offering gentle corrections; but overall, it was fun...

Harry had never been invited to a birthday party, much less a camp like this...

While he hadn't gotten any letters, which was weird…

His friends were genuinely glad to see him, and they returned to their friendship pre-summer with ease when reunited.

The only persons he hadn't really seen were the Quidditch Team, but he knew that Hermione was being included by the quidditch girls: Angelina, Alicia and Katie, while he was busy doing 'guy stuff'.

On the last day of camp, Neville's godparents Ted and Andromeda, Dean's stepdad and little sister Danielle, Seamus' parents as well as Harry's Uncles Sev and Mooney showed up to watch the last matches of the tournament.

Seamus and Harry were surprisingly the top scorers, and even without magic, they could run circles around their opponents.

The clock buzzed and the crowd cheered as Harry kicked one final goal around the monarchs' goalie.

Dean, Neville and Seamus tackled Harry in glee.

Harry had never felt so safe or part of something… Dean chose him for a team and taught him how to play. Then they won!

They were taken out to a fancy pizza place to celebrate before being taken home or in Harry's case, back to Neville's.

He really liked Tomle Chaise and well, Neville was pleased to have a friend that had some experience caring for plants.

Harry might never have the skill or the quiet joy that Neville had when it came to Herbology, but he would likely never fail it with his friend around.

What do you think? Outstanding? Exceed Expectations? Acceptable? Poor? Dreadful? Troll?