This story is complete and will not be changed/revised/edited to suit anyone else's preferences. It is fan fiction and therefore AU from the get go. If I wrote cannon I'd be writing the books. Not going to happen. Get used to it. I'm also playing totally outside the real world of youth football. Yes I know it really isn't like this but given what I'm doing to JKR's world why should I treat the football world any different. As has been said by other authors if you don't like it go read something else.
As I am Male and NOT the original author, whom as anyone perusing this archive should know is the wonderful JKR who lets us play with her world. I don't own a darn thing here.

Chapter 1

Harry Potter orphaned son of "Two useless hippie freaks who spent their lives living on the dole before finally dying drunk in a car crash. Causing his uncle to be burdened with a useless ungrateful freak," at least according to his Uncle and Aunt who would never tell him their names or even his. He only found out his name when the teacher was taking attendance the first day of school. After calling "Harry Potter" multiple times she skipped it and finished the roll. She then put the missing response and one un-answering student together walking up to him asking, "Are you Harry Potter?"

Harry proudly looked up saying, "No I'm boy," knowing to use his outside name

His cousin Dudley Dursley let everyone laugh before saying, "He's a bit slow but that's my cousin Harry," just like his father told him to.

For weeks later everyone picked on Harry. The change in their treatment started when the inevitable pickup football games began. Dudley had always fancied he was going to be a world famous football striker not realizing there were no such things as "large boned" football strikers using the term his mother used to describe the fat boy.

Harry on the other hand was forced to be the goaltender for all of Dudley's attempts at playing the position and surprisingly he was far better at catching the balls Dudley kicked that were going to miss then those Dudley actually managed to get on goal.

The problems started for Dudley in third year when the games became a bit more structured with older students or, heaven forbid, girls acting as referee and linemen or line-people as appropriate, and less like Dudley and his friends kicking the ball at Harry in one of their back yards.

"Dudley I don't care what you want. I'm picking today and both you and Harry are on my team. You're eight for gosh sakes grow up. Be happy you were picked before Harry was," Robert Bowen finally yelled after Dudley threw a fit when he picked Harry to play goalkeeper for his team. Robert's father had watched a few of their afterschool scrums and suggested trying Dudley and Harry on the same team. Robert had to admit Harry appeared to be able to stop everyone but Dudley and a few of his gang. Intentionally walking by as Dudley stopped to talk to Harry he overheard Dudley say, "You'd better be stopping everything or it's all weekend in your cupboard, well after Dad lets me practice a bit on you,"

Harry didn't need Dudley's remark. He was looking forward to finally being able to go all out playing keeper. His performance reflected that with Harry stopping every shot on or near his goal. Without Harry to let his shots "slip" through Harry's fingers or accidently re-direct his wide shots into the goal Dudley was highlighting his lack of ability while getting increasingly frustrated at his lack of success. At the half time break Robert moved a tired but protesting Dudley from striker to center defence. Ticked off at being moved a tired Dudley barely moved from one spot while his teammates on defence constantly yelled at him to get moving. His temper boiled over and Dudley reached out and grabbed the opposing player dribbling past him throwing the player to the ground so hard the kid bounced getting red carded for his effort while Harry found himself facing a penalty kick from the top player in their year group.

Robert looked towards the sidelines where his father stood and catching the motions his father was making walked up to Harry saying, "Don't worry about this we're up 4 nil so even if Wayne scores we are in good shape just relax and do your best."

Harry broke into a smile at Robert's words. The smile never left Harry's face as he took up his position on the goal line watching intently as Wayne placed the ball slightly off to one side of the spot. Harry took a guess that was the side he was aiming for. ╘He's going left' Harry thought. When the whistle came Wayne tried to copy the run up of his favorite player before driving a ground skimming shot that was heading just inside the left goalpost. Harry was diving towards that post the instant Wayne struck the ball stretching out as far as he could both hands reaching for the ball. Harry felt his fingertips hit the ball an instant before pain screamed up his left arm into his brain just as he landed on the pitch. Rolling over onto his back pulling his injured hand to his chest cradling it as his teammates rushed him yelling in their excitement at his amazing save. "Harry that was unbelievable," Robert yelled.

"What happened?" Harry managed to ask through clenched teeth.

"You nudged it enough so it hit the goal post and went out for a corner," Robert replied suddenly realizing his goaltender was hurt. "You okay?"

"I think I jammed a finger or two."

"Hey Dad! Harry hurt himself on that save!" Robert yelled to his dad who was quickly approaching the duo sensing something was wrong, as Harry was not getting up. Noticing Harry wasn't just bouncing up the rest of the students followed Robert's dad onto the pitch gathering around to see what was going on.

"Let me take a look," He said to his son causing him to back away before he bent down addressing Harry, "Hi Harry I'm Robert's dad, Norman Bowen, and I'm a trainer with Crawley Town."

"Really?"

"Yes really," Norman said with a grin.

Harry was wearing a sheepish little smile as he held his hand out for Robert's dad to take a look at. He was a bit thrilled having an actual professional trainer check his injury.

As Mr. Bowen took Harry's hand starting his examination Dudley saw red. Not only had he been thrown out of the game Harry was getting the attention Dudley knew was his due. He was the one who was having trouble walking he was so tired. Upset Dudley pushed his way to the front of the group saying, "Get up freak. You've been hurt a lot worse than that and I'll see you get more of the same tonight when I tell dad your freakishness got me red carded."

Harry's instinctive cringe at Dudley's words was Norman's hint something was off in the Dursley home. This was further solidified when he asked if Harry needed to go to the local A&C only to be met with a violent shake of Harry's head and a loud "No," from the lad.

"Isn't there something you can do? I mean you're a trainer and everything," Harry asked a pleading tone in his voice.

Norman Bowen knew his medical license covered treating something this minor and while he'd prefer an x-ray to be sure after the exam he'd just done he was quite confident this was just a dislocation and nothing more. Still rules must be followed. "Sorry son. I'd need your parents permission to treat this as it isn't an emergency," Norm explained.

"My parents are dead. I live with my aunt and her husband," Harry said blandly.

As luck would have it Vernon Dursley took that moment to walk up, "Dudders, game over?" he asked.

"No, Harry's holding up the game faking an injury," Dudley replied.

Norman took the opportunity to speak up. "Can I assume you are Harry's uncle?"

"To my and my wife's everlasting regret," Vernon replied.

"He doesn't want to go to the A&C for this. I'm a football trainer and can treat this with your approval."

Vernon didn't hesitate to ask, "How much will this cost me?"

"Nothing."

"Do it."

Now he had the necessary approval Norman rechecked Harry while hearing the uncle ask, "How many goals today Dudders?"

"None and I got red-carded because of the freak," Dudley replied.

Vernon looked over at Harry who cringed at his uncle's glare. "Harry this will hurt more for a few minutes but you should be fine after a few days," Norman said mistaking the reason for the cringe.

Ten minutes later he'd reset the dislocated finger and finished wrapping some tape he'd had in his medical kit around the injured finger and an adjacent one to immobilize it. Looking around he couldn't see Harry's uncle so he asked, "Harry did you see where your Uncle went?"

"Oh, He took Dudley and left. They probably went out for some treats. I normally walk home after a game."

"Not today you're not. Robert and I are giving you a ride home," Norman said.

Desperate to avoid that Harry replied, "No it's fine Mr. Bowen I walk every where I go."

Norman filed that tidbit away saying, "Harry you've just had an injury and while it's minor you still should have an adult around just incase something goes wrong. Now no further arguments from you we are giving you a ride home."

At the Dursley home Vernon and Dudley had not arrived yet so Norm told Petunia what happened and why Harry needed to be checked on if he was out of an adult's sight for too long before heading home.

Two days later at the Bowen home Norm was talking with Robert after school and just wanting to make sure the kid he'd treated was all right asked, "How is Harry doing? Any problems with that hand of his?"

"I don't know Dad, he hasn't been to school since that game. When I asked his cousin about him Dudley just walked away with his friends, didn't even acknowledge I'd asked a question. Quite rude if you ask me but that's Dudley."

Norm spent the evening going over his treatment of Harry in his mind wondering if he'd missed something but he couldn't find any reason for the kid to be missing school.

"Honey what has gotten you so distracted," His wife asked as the evening drew to a close.

"I treated a boy two days ago at one of Robert's afterschool games. It was a minor dislocation I thought and before you ask I did have his guardian's permission. Problem is Robert told me the boy hasn't been to school since."

Becky thought for a moment then asked, "Do you think Tom Covey would stop by and take a look at him just to make sure?"

"He might, I'll ask him tomorrow. Thanks for the idea," Norman said before giving his wife a kiss as they got into bed.

The following day Robert reported Harry still hadn't been at school adding, "Dad, Dudley said something odd when I asked him about Harry. He said he doubted Harry would be back anytime soon."

Mark called Tom who came over about half an hour later. After a short meeting between them Norm drove Tom to the Dursley home.

Petunia Dursley answered the door with, "May I help you?" the coldness in her voice indicating the answer should be no.

"Yes I'm Norm Bowen and this is my supervisor Dr. Covey. I treated Harry Potter when he injured his hand three days ago after school and my son reports Harry hasn't been to school since. I thought I'd better check on him to make sure I didn't miss something."

"Who is it Pet?" came a loud voice from inside the house.

"It's a Mr. Bowen and his supervisor come to check up on Harry."

"Tell those busybodies the boy is fine and send him away. We don't need useless do-gooders checking on that fr╔ boy."

Petunia winced when Vernon almost slipped but when she looked at them it appeared they hadn't heard Vernon's slipup. Officiously she said, "As you've no doubt heard Harry is fine. Have a nice day," before shutting the door in their faces.

Back in Norm's car the two sat for a moment lost in their own thoughts, before Mark collected himself and drove off. "Drive to your place, It's closer. I need to make a few calls before we go and grab some muscle. It's time for Dr. Covey to take the lead. However I want to revisit the Dursleys with a Bobby or two at my shoulder.

An hour later they returned with an escort. "Allow us sir. It's generally quicker," one of the officers said.

Petunia again answered the door only to gasp at the two officers standing before her. "Mrs. Dursley?" the Matron asked.

"Yes."

"I am WPC Sandmaier and this is PC Angel. I believe the two men behind us introduced themselves earlier tonight. May we step inside and hold our discussions there rather then on these steps?"

"Of course, come in quickly," Petunia said glancing around to see who had noticed the two officers entering her home not realizing their marked police car parked in front would inform all just who was visiting.

"Yes, well you're a bit late roomy they just arrived. You should have stopped them before they left. Now, I've got to go deal with them," They all heard a male voice coming from another room say.

A moment later a severely overweight man appeared from where the voice came asking, "Why are you bothering us?"

PC Angel knew this man having had fellow officers comment about a few run-ins with Dursley and he also had a good guess who was on the other end of that phone call. By prior agreement WPC Sandmaier took the lead on dealing with him knowing the man had trouble with women in authority, while he stood by taking notes ready to assist, more when than if things went badly.

"Mr. Dursley?" WPC Sandmaier asked.

"Obviously," Vernon replied his face already turning red.

"Doctor Covey requested our assistance to check on a patient of his, one Harry Potter age eight whom he stated was under your guardianship. He also stated your wife refused him access on your word. Is all this correct?"

"No, I don't believe we've ever taken the boy to see a doctor have we Pet?" Vernon replied not realizing the implicating statement he'd just made.

WPC Sandmaier looked down towards the paper in her hand.

"Let me see that," Vernon said roughly snatching the paper out of her hand.

WPC Sandmaier immediately stepped back out of Vernon's reach saying, "Mr. Dursley please return that."

"Oh, do be quiet girly before I have you reassigned like those other busybodies that interfered," Vernon said off-handedly while studying the paper in his hand. Not noticing the micro smile flash on PC Angel's face as he recorded the conversation in his small notebook.

"Mr. Dursley that is crown property. I demand you return it now," WPC Sandmaier said formally.

"This is all garbage. Now get out and go get some of those lay-a-bouts off the street and stop bothering us hard working people!" Vernon yelled spittle flying as he tore up the paper throwing it towards the trash bin.

Petunia looked on knowing it wouldn't turn out well when the female officer took the lead. That look turned to one of horror when after tearing up the paperwork Vernon approached the female officer and grabbed her obviously intending to throw her out of the house.

Unfortunately for Vernon WPC Sandmaier was well versed in hand to hand combat while Vernon was more than a few years and stone removed from his time as a member of the Smeltings wrestling team. Ten seconds after laying hands on her he found himself face down while several parts of his body were radiating pain.

With her husband down Petunia moved to attack WPC Sandmaier with, of all things, a kitchen knife. PC Angel intervened breaking Petunia's wrist in the process of disarming her.

A quick call over his radio later had an ambulance and backup officers racing to Number 4 Privet Drive this time everyone arrived with sirens blazing insuring the neighborhood was aware of the problems Petunia and Vernon were experiencing.

The first car to respond included Vernon's "Roomie" who PC Angel separated for a quick word. "Inspector I already have evidence of you breaking regulations by calling a suspect to warn him of our visit. That same suspect tore our warrant to pieces and attacked WPC Sandmaier forcing her to take him down. His wife then attacked WPC Sandmaier with a knife. Forget he's your "Roomie" and be a professional officer," left unsaid was unless you want your conduct under review. A hard look later PC Angel got a nod of agreement.

"Status?" the Inspector called out.

"Living room and kitchen are secure we need to have the upstairs checked. Information is there should be two boys eight years old living here in addition to these two."

"Right PC Angel you check upstairs. Yell if you need help but I'll assume you can handle two eight year olds."

Angel made his way carefully up the stairs working his way around the landing opening each door as he passed it until he was at the last closed door. Opening that door he was met with a wall of sound caused by a large lad playing video games. He had to walk in and shut off the TV before the boy even noticed him.

"Hey turn that back on I was winning!" the boy yelled.

"Come on lad you're needed downstairs," P Angel said firmly.

"Yea, like you can tell me what to do in my own home," came the reply as the lad reached for the TV to turn it back on.

"Do you really want to do this the hard way?" PC Angel asked staring the boy down. Seeing the boy struggle off the bed and onto his feet Angel stepped back out of the room always making sure to be out of reach. It wouldn't do to have to manhandle an eight year old, as the boy cleared the bedroom door Angel motioned towards the stairs.

"Found this one upstairs playing video games. No one else was up there," Angel announced coming down the stairs behind the boy.

"So that was what all that racket was. I was just about to send you some help when it stopped," the Inspector said.

Seeing his father face down and his mother being attended to by medics Dudley asked, "What did you do to my Folks?" as he rushed over only to be stopped and herded into the living room by one of the uniformed officers who'd arrived in the second group.

"I take it that was not the boy you were here to check on?"

"No sir, I believe his name is Dudley. May I ask him a few questions about Harry?" Norm Bowen asked.

A head nod later Norm entered the living room PC Angel following along still taking notes as Norm asked, "Dudley where is Harry?"

"Dad locked him in his room after I smartened him up for getting me red carded."

"There were no locked rooms upstairs," PC Angel interjected.

"Not up with us normal people. He's in his cupboard where freaks like him belong," Dudley said as if it was common knowledge.

Norm exited the living room with all eyes following his movement as he walked over to the locked cupboard under the stairs. Seeing the lock PC Angel asked for the key and Petunia's head turned to look at Vernon who shook his head no. "Note the woman indicated the gentleman has the key and he refused to co-operate," Angel said glancing at the inspector who nodded. Angel took his baton to the lock knocking it and the attaching hardware to the floor on his second swing.

Opening the cupboard door he got on his knees and bent over entering momentarily before backing out quickly saying, "Dr. Covey I think you're needed here."

After a quick look inside Dr. Covey backed out saying, "Get me your crash bag. I'll also need at least one bag of plasma if you have any with you."

Hearing the urgency in his tone both ambulance attendants abandoned Petunia Dursley heading for the front door.

"What about her?" Vernon's "Roomie" asked concerned about Petunia.

"She's stable with only a broken wrist and will live. He may not," was Dr. Covey's reply.

Once he had the crash bag He removed several items before heading back into the cupboard occasionally calling out for more items that one of the attendants was quick to pass through the open door. Finally with the attendant's assistance Dr. Covey carefully pulled Harry and the thin baby's mattress he was still laying on out of the cupboard. The attendants then used a scoop stretcher to pick up Harry and his mattress taking both to the Greater Whinging A&C with Dr. Covey attending to Harry the entire way.

It was two days later before Dr. Tom Covey found the free time to relax and talk with his friend and associate Norman Bowen "I'll admit that boy is in better shape and healing faster than I thought possible."

How bad was he?" Norm asked the question he was afraid to hear the answer to.

"Norm, your actions that day saved the boy's life. Never doubt that. I can't prove this but I feel if we'd been one or heaven forbid two or more days later we'd be attending a funeral. I spent four hours that night in A&C with a second doctor assisting. Norm we lost him twice that first night. The first time his heart stopped the scar on his head split wide open with a black tar like substance flowing out causing someone to scream. I had to detail one nurse to just keeping his head clean. We got his heart restarted and thought he was stabilized so we started to catalog his injuries when it stopped again causing us to re-stabilize him before finishing up. Despite our best efforts I firmly believe the only reason young Harry is still with us is the Lord wasn't ready for him and the devil wouldn't take him," Dr. Covey said.

Meanwhile in a Scottish castle that housed a school the headmaster relaxed. His monitoring devices had alarmed five days ago then again two days ago just before he left to attend a meeting of the International Confederation of Wizards. Knowing they'd gone off multiple times in the past and every time he checked with the squib he had living near by she'd reported Harry was fine. He left intending to deal with it upon his return but when he'd returned they indicated everything was stable. Reassured he went about his other duties. Pleased the situation had resolved itself he made a mental note to yet again reduce the sensitivity of his detectors as they had obviously had yet another false alarm not realizing after all the reductions this final one essentially turned them off.

Harry's living situation was slow to resolve itself, which for Harry wasn't a bother as he spent most of the fall first in Greater Whinging Hospital where they realized he didn't need glasses anymore before moving him into a group home undergoing rehabilitation while his relatives situation was resolved.

HPF

Two months later Norman Bowen looked up to see his friend and defacto boss enter his office at Crawley town FC causing him to exclaim, "I can't believe it Tom they've put Harry back with the Dursleys!"

"I know Norm, but they had a great barrister who was able to convince the Judge their son exaggerated his claims and given all the prior complaints against them were "lost" the Judge had to rule as he did. However it's not all bad. That PC Angel was able to get co-custody and I petitioned for and was granted medical custody. Thus both the PC and I can visit their home at any time to check on Harry and I have to be informed of any injuries Harry receives and excluding emergency situations I'm the only one allowed to authorize any treatment I feel is medically advised including treatment for mental health issues. Speaking of which given his age and diminutive size I've gotten agreement to start him on a course of HGH treatment. It should bring him up to the correct size for his age in six months or so, but he'll need to exercise to optimize his results," Tom replied a bit of a smile on his face.

"What we need to do is get him on a football development squad once he's fit enough. That will help with his exercise and give us another lever on the Dursley's," Tom commented to his friend.

"That should be do-able. Hopefully come summer he'll be well enough to play on our U9 squad. Best get with PC Angel, he can use his co-custody to register Harry that will avoid any problems with the Dursleys," Norman said hoping Harry would be able to return to pre-injury form without too many problems.

Harry's rehabilitation lasted through the winter. At first he was taking classes at the rehab center as he was in no shape to attend Little Whinging Primary School. Accommodations were made that allowed Harry to continue his studies monitored by the Hospital Staff. When teachers at Little Whinging complained that the staff was assisting Harry, as his work was far superior to his previous work. Several were allowed to test him with only a nurse in the room who stood behind Harry where she could monitor his condition while being unable to assist him. When they questioned him about why he was doing so much better he explained he received a beating every time he did better than Dudley they understood the situation they'd overlooked.

Spending Christmas with Nicholas Angel or Nick as he was told to call him when he was out of uniform allowed him to miss Dudley's Aunt Marge's standard Christmas visit. This along with actually getting his own presents on Christmas made this Harry's best Christmas ever. Though visiting London with Nick, Robert and Norman Bowen to see West Ham play Manchester United might have helped. The resemblance between Harry's red and white Crawley Town FC jacket and Manchester United team colors managed to garner a few odd looks however as it had "Crawley Town FC" in big letters on the back along with a good size red and white shield on his left chest most just smiled. Crawley Town was so far down the FA ladder most weren't sure how many levels down one needed to go to find them. Of course the two walking crutches he used to steady himself eased his acceptance with the West Ham fans around them. They jokingly tried to entice Harry to support The Hammers laughing when he finally announced, "Crawley Town forever!" knowing they would never stop backing their beloved Hammers either, even when getting married a woman might take her husband's name but she would never switch allegiance from her beloved football team.

After the holidays Harry found himself back with the Dursleys. This time his bedroom was Dudley's second bedroom that he'd been using to store his old and broken toys in. They'd cleaned it up just enough to put a small bed, dresser and wardrobe in it. Harry was doing his rehabilitation after school and on weekends. "I can't see wasting time hauling someone as worthless as you over to that rehab place just to waste more government money. They take enough of my wages as is. You can lay in that bed and get better on your own," Vernon announced the third weekend of Harry's rehabilitation.

When Dr. Covey received word Harry had missed two appointments he visited Harry wanting to insure he was healthy. Harry assured him he was feeling fine but his uncle felt it was a waste of his time to take Harry back and forth. The meeting that followed between Dr. Covey, PC Angel and Vernon Dursley was shocking for Vernon. He'd thought with Harry back under his roof he was back in charge. A notion both Dr. Convey and PC Angel were happy to change. Petunia would now pick up Harry and Dudley from school then drop Harry at rehabilitation. Vernon would pick him up after work. That got Harry out of the Dursleys for most of the day.

PC Angel took to randomly dropping by at night after he caught them making him do housework one Saturday evening after a full day of rehab. He rather firmly put a stop to it. When Vernon yet again complained about the hassle and additional cost Nick, on his way home from patrol duty began picking up Harry after rehab bringing him home further upsetting Vernon as there was now a marked police car stopping by his home on a regular basis.

Once Harry finished Rehab Harry found himself spending his after school time doing conditioning drills and Sundays playing football for the Crawley Panthers U9 squad with his cousin who lasted all of three games before quitting. Petunia Dursley was upset at the nutritional guidelines she'd been handed yet again having looked forward to Harry's special meals ending when Harry finished rehab. Every time he caught sight of Harry eating something different Vernon ranted about having to feed the boy a special diet. Though looking over the guidelines she gleamed some satisfaction she might be able to feed him mostly the same meals. However the boy's portions would be noticeably smaller then the ones her growing boy needed and along with the dessert restrictions might sufficiently appease Vernon. Seeing the notebook Harry carried labeled "Crawley Town FC" she asked, "Boy why do you have that notebook?" knowing Dudley would want one from his favorite team.

"Oh I'm in training so I need to record everything I eat, weigh myself at the same time every day and write that down too, I log my workouts with the exercise bands, I also need to record the time I go to bed and the time I wake up if they are outside of the times they've given me. Mr. Bowen said I needed to do this so they can have a base something or other."

"I wish they'd spoken to me. I do those things for Dudley," Petunia said exasperated at yet more records being kept of her nephew. Though if the truth was known her mental notes on Dudley mostly consisted of what would start a tantrum and what would stop one.

The few weekends Harry and Nick were both free Nick would pick up Harry when his shift ended on Friday dropping him off Monday morning at school. During those weekends Nick introduced Harry to running and weight training with Norm Bowen's approval and guidance. The big thrill for Harry though was the Crawley Town starting goalkeeper working one on one with him on a few of those Saturdays showing him little tricks and training routines specifically tailored for goalkeepers.

When his teammates commented Harry was so good in goal that the other teams had started bringing everyone but their goal keeper up past midfield Harry and the Crawley Panthers striker came up with a play toward the end of their season not telling anyone about it. The next game as they returned to the pitch after halftime Harry stopped by one of the linesmen and gave him a heads up. About five minutes later Harry stopped a soft shot and quickly booted the ball as hard as he could towards mid-field instead of passing it to one of the backs like he'd been doing all season. The striker had been coming back and was half way to Harry when he saw the save. He took of running and when Harry kicked the ball he was flying towards the other goal. While keeping an eye on the last defender to insure he stayed on side until he heard Harry's kick. The ball landed a good three meters in front of him and he was able to dribble it into the box and fire a hard shot past their goalie for his second goal of the game. They were able to do it in a few more games before the other teams started assigning at least one defender to cover Crawley's striker so their goaltender wouldn't be left alone.

It was the weekend after Harry's birthday and Harry was at Nick's enjoying a Dursley free weekend when a knock at the door drew Nick away. "Mr. Angel?" the man at the door asked.

"Yes can I help you?"

"We were told Mr. Harry Potter might be here."

"And your business Mr.╔," Nick asked clear asking for his name.

"My apologizes, I am James Nickerson and my associate is Harold Alexander. We represent Southampton Football Academy and we'd like to offer Harry Potter a position in our academy," The man said holding out his credentials for Nick to see.

"Come in and we can discuss this. I admit to being a bit surprised given Harry has just turned nine," Nick replied escorting the men into his living room where Harry was.

"Normally we'd wait a few more years but Tim Flowers was very complementary regarding Harry's talent after he'd attended the first session of our goalkeeper camp this summer. From conversations Tim related to us along with our research we've just finished up indicated there were some family issues that we might assist with. Both Tim and the matron who monitored the students staying over the two weeks said his maturity level is high suggesting he might be able to deal with the separation from his family which is the main reason we normally do not recruit this young. That and it will require special dispensation from the Football Association. Something our lawyers feel should be granted provided we are able to make a suitable case and everyone involved agrees it is in young Harry's best interest."

It took up to the start of school but a host family was found that all involved approved of. The Dursley's couldn't wait to sign away all of their responsibilities to Nick thereby eliminating anyone bothering them and their perfectly normal lives. Once visiting rights and doctors notifications were worked out both Nick and Dr. Covey signed their agreements which unsurprisingly were far more involved that the one with the Dursleys.

Due to his reducing the sensitivity of his detectors numerous times over the years along with the amount of Harry's blood that had soaked into the cupboard floor Dumbledore would not know Harry had left the protection he'd erected at the Dursley's home until his Hogwarts letter went out years later.

Harry quickly fell into the routine of schoolwork with football practice twice a week and at least one game every weekend. The first time he was benched for low academics was also the last time. Harry realized that, unlike the Dursley home, it was low grades that would get him in trouble. Harry quickly progressed to become one of the top students in his school while making his mark as the starting goalkeeper for the clubs U10 squad. A position he would hold without interruption as he moved to the U11 squad.

Harry also flourished outside of school and football. Initially the Creeveys had decided being a host family would be a good source of additional income. Milk deliverymen didn't earn a whole lot and with two young boys in the house the finances were already feeling the pinch. However Harry quickly became more like an older cousin living with them than a boarder. Nicholas Angel took up a role as an uncle to the two Creevey boys quickly incorporating them in to his outings with Harry. Dennis being only a year younger was easy to accommodate but occasionally special arrangements were required to deal with Dennis who was three years Harry junior.

In such a caring environment Harry's accidental magic totally disappeared. His home life was great and his coaches were constantly reminding all their players outbursts of temper were not appropriate on or off the pitch.