Chapter 1: Mistakes Have Consequences

I know it's been a long time since I updated, but I have finally gotten the time pattern right. I hope this is easier for everyone to understand and I hope you guys enjoy reading it.

Please, review. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, J.K. does. I just love to write.

"But, sir,-" the nine-year old boy with jet black hair and bright green eyes said as he was cut off once again.

"No, you have caused too many problems this time I'm afraid I'm going to have to call your family," Principal Lucas said.

"Please," the boy pleaded, fear emanating from his voice and eyes.

He almost looked like he was going to let him off, but then, a man burst through the door. The man was holding a stick in the air and was pointing at the man.

"Obliviate!" the man said. Principal Lucas's face went blank and the boy stared at him in awe.

"Okay, you're free to go back to class now. Oh, sorry, I mean you're free to go with your uncle, Harry."

"Sorry, kid, didn't mean to spring this on you, but you need to come with me, okay?" the man asked as he bent down in front of him.

"Am I in trouble? Because I promise I didn't do anything, I was just running away from my cousin and his friends' who were trying to beat me up and I just landed on the roof."

"I know, Harry, and you aren't in trouble," the man replied, but looked him over like he was really sad or in pain. "Who did this to you?"

"Did what? I'm fine," Harry said, defensively. He knew that if he talked bad about his family in anyway he was going to beat even more and he wouldn't get to eat for the next week.

"Son, it's okay to tell me. You aren't going back to that place," he said. He shook his head and he sighed. "Well, my name is Remus Lupin, Harry. I was best friends' with you're dad and mum when we were in school."

His eyes widened in shock and he said, "But my mum and dad died."

Remus nodded and looked at the Principal concerned.

"Will you come with me, Harry?" he asked. "It isn't exactly safe to talk about the stuff we need to talk about here."

Harry nodded and asked, "Are you going to take me home?"

Remus shook his head with a glare. "Harry, if I have my way, you will never have to go there again. No, we're going to a place called Hogwarts and we're going to get you healthy so you can be safe."

He nodded and asked, "Sir, what did you do to that man?"

Remus laughed and said, "Harry, call me Remus, I would like to think that I could be your friend like I was to your parents." Harry nodded and he replied, "I made your principal forget that we were ever here."

"But how?"

"With magic, of course."

"Magic doesn't exist," Harry said. "Uncle Vernon says that magic is wrong and that he won't have any talk of that nonsense."

"Harry, you can't believe everything people tell you, especially a pair of muggles like your Aunt and Uncle. Harry, you're a wizard. Your parents were two of the greatest wizards I've ever known and they went to a school called Hogwarts where students go when they turn eleven years old for training and knowledge."

Harry nodded and tried to absorb this, but he said, "I'm not a wizard, I can't be."

"We'll see, Harry," Remus said. "Are you ready?"

Harry looked at this man, Remus, that he had just met and nodded. He didn't know why, but he trusted him and Harry wanted to know about his parents.

Remus led him to the front entrance of the school and they walked out the door.

"Harry," Remus said as he looked down at him. "Will you hold on to my arm very tightly please and don't let go?"

Harry nodded and gripped Remus's right arm as tight as he could. They started spinning really fast and then, the school and everything else wasn't visible anymore. Harry closed his eyes tightly as he felt his body feel like it had been sucked through a vortex.

When he felt his feet were firmly on the ground, Harry opened his eyes and saw a whole bunch of shops around us.

"Where are we?" he asked.

"We're in Hogsmeade, Harry."

Harry nodded and Remus led them to what looked like a gate that seemed to lead up to a huge castle. Remus stood at the gate for a second, but it wouldn't budge.

"Well, looks like I'll have to send for us to be led up to the castle."

Harry nodded, confused, but interested as Remus took out his wand again.

"Expecto Patronum," he said as a silvery wolf erupted from his wand. It stood in front of them and Remus said. "Find someone to let us through, but it cannot be Professor Snape or Filch." The wolf ran away and Remus said, "Well, it'll take a few minutes for someone to get that so would you like anything, Harry?"

He was parched and starved, but he was used to it so he shook his head and they sat down to wait.

It didn't take as long as he thought for someone to come down and let them through. Remus seemed to let out a sigh of relief as he saw the huge man.

"Hagrid, good it's you, I need you to let me through. Dumbledore is expecting me and I need to discuss something with him."

"Sure thing, Professor Lupin," the man named Hagrid said. "Who's this with you?"

"I can't tell you, Hagrid. It's up to Dumbledore to do that." Hagrid nodded and let them through. Harry followed them up to the now huge castle and they walked up to huge door and they walked through.

Remus led him upstairs as Hagrid said, "I'll catch up with you guys at dinner if you're staying, Remus."

"I don't know yet," he replied as he led him further. "Harry, this castle moves a lot so you need to follow me very closely, understand?"

Harry nodded and they walked up several sets of stairs and when they stopped, they were standing in front of a huge opening.

"Looks like he's expecting us," Remus muttered and they walked up the stairs and he stopped and knocked on a door.

An old voice called, "Come in."

Remus went in and Harry followed behind him.

"Headmaster," he said.

"Remus, what have you done?" the Headmaster asked, seriously.

"I know you only asked for me to go and look, but I couldn't leave him there. He was getting ready to get in trouble for something that wasn't his fault and then, well, Harry step forward."

He did and the older man gasped. Harry felt the two gazes on him, but he couldn't look up and see the pity and sympathy in them.

"You poor boy," the older man muttered. "Harry, look up please."

He did and saw the Headmasters' face for the first time. It was calm, but he could sense the anger underneath that he was hiding. He nodded as he looked him over and he noticed that he kept looking at Remus.

"Sir," Harry whispered.

"Yes, Harry."

"I don't mean to be any trouble, but could I please use a restroom?" he asked.

"Harry, never be afraid to ask anything that concerns your health or discomfort." He nodded and Remus led him to a side room that led to a bathroom. He was quick, but only for fear that he would miss something.

Harry walked back out to see two ladies in the room along with Remus and Professor Dumbledore, he was thinking that was who the old man was. Feeling shy with the gazes on me, he went and stood next to Remus.

"Harry, this is Professor McGonagall and Madame Pomfrey."

"Hi," he tried to say, but it came out as a whisper.

They smiled at him and Dumbledore sighed.

"Harry, would you like to stay for dinner?" he asked.

"That would be nice, sir, if it isn't too much of burden."

"Never, Harry, we'll all meet in the Great Hall. Would you mind following Professor McGonagall down?"

He shook his head and followed her down the stairs and out of the office.

"You seem afraid, Mr. Potter."

"I am, ma'am, I've never seen someplace this big and I've never had so many people paying attention to me at one time without it meaning I was getting ready to be beat for being in trouble," Harry said, but then realized what he had said and looked down.

He heard the Professor gasp and then, he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Harry, you will never have to face those people again, you're safe now."

He nodded and followed her the rest of the way down the stairs. They walked down a hall that led to a pair of doors. She opened them and led the way inside the biggest room he had ever seen. It had four tables long enough to seat a lot more people than he could possibly think and then, sitting at the top of the table with Professor McGonagall and the rest of the teachers was Dumbledore.

"Come, Harry, I do believe you can sit wherever you like." He nodded and looked at the tables. Of all of them, the one right next to him on the right felt the most right. He sat down and plates of food appeared in front of him.

He looked up at Professor Dumbledore and he nodded for him to eat.

Harry looked at all the foreign food and took a little bit of everything and started with what he knew. When he finished, the food disappeared and was replaced with dessert. He felt that he hadn't done anything to deserve dessert, so he let it sit there until everyone else was finished. When the dessert disappeared, Remus walked over to him.

"Harry, could you follow me? I'm going to show you where you're going to sleep tonight and then, we are going to figure out where you are going to go tomorrow."

"Can't I just stay here?" he asked in a stage whisper.

"I'm sorry, but Hogwarts is closed to students until term starts and then, you won't be starting for another two years." He nodded, but Remus said, "Hey, don't look so down, you're going to probably end up with someone that is going to take care of you very well, okay?"

"Yes, but why is no one in school now? It's August 20 and I started school a week ago and so did Dudley."

"Yes, Harry, but Hogwarts term doesn't begin until September 1."

He nodded and followed Remus the rest of the way. They stopped in front of a portrait that had a fat lady in it.

"The password is Quidditch, Harry." He nodded and Remus repeated it to the fat lady and the portrait opened to reveal an open room.

"This is where you'll stay tonight, Harry, the facilities are behind that door on the right and we have already had the couch set up for you."

Harry nodded and said, "Remus, I don't have any clothes other than these."

Remus nodded and called, "Jigsaw."

A small something appeared and said, "Ahh, Mr. Lupin, what is it that Jigsaw can do for you."

"Could you look in the lost and found to see if there are any pajamas and clothing, Mr. Potter here can where tomorrow?"

"Yes, Mr. Lupin. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Potter, if you ever need anything just call my name and I shall come."

"Thank you, Jigsaw," Harry said.

"Now, while we wait for Jigsaw to come back, Harry, how much do you know about the night your parents died."

"I don't know anything except that they died in a car crash," he replied.

Remus laughed a little at that and said, "I'm sorry, Harry, but your parents didn't die in a car crash."

"Oh," Harry said. "How did they die?"

"I'm sorry, Harry, but I can't tell you," he said. "But I believe Dumbledore is going to tell you some tomorrow."

Harry nodded and sat down on the comfortable couch.

Jigsaw appeared with a pop holding several articles of clothing.

"Thank you, Jigsaw," Harry said and Jigsaw bowed. He disappeared with a pop. "Remus, my parents died happily, didn't they? I mean, I've had dreams before and it's always the same thing, but I can never tell if it's my mum and dad or not."

"Harry," Remus said. "Your parents died the most bravest and happiest people ever and I'm sure they are proud of how strong you've been."

He smiled a little and walked back to the bathroom, as he changed he saw the scars and bruises and the bad coloring on his skin. The smile faded until he thought, 'no family is ever going to want me.' He left the bathroom and walked out to the room.

"Harry, I'm afraid I must go for the night, but I promise I will be back tomorrow and perhaps I could give you a tour of the castle."

"That would be really nice, Remus," Harry said as Remus smiled and patted his shoulder.

"I'll see you tomorrow then, Harry," he said as he left.

Harry sighed and laid down on the couch. It was, by far, the most comfortable couch he had ever slept on, but he didn't have much to compare to except his cot under the stairs. After thinking that he was so full, probably the most full he'd ever been, he fell asleep with no dreams at all for the first time in his life.

When he woke up the next morning, Harry was sure all of it had been a dream, but when he opened his eyes, he saw the red and gold room with the fire place and comfy chairs and the best couch in the world.

He sat up. He noticed now that someone was sitting in one of those arm chairs.

"Good morning, Mr. Potter," the small man said. "My name is Professor Flitwick, I was sent up hear to make sure you made it to the Great Hall safely."

"Okay, sir, I'll just change real quick," he said and practically ran to the bathroom with the thought of food guiding him. When he came out, the small man led him down from the room and back down to the large room.

Harry sat down at the same table he had yesterday and breakfast food appeared. He, once again took a little of everything and ate slowly so the food would last longer. When he finished, he looked up at the table and saw Professor Dumbledore looking at him.

"Harry, would you please follow Professor McGonagall to see Madame Pomfrey?" Dumbledore asked politely.

He nodded and Professor McGonagall stood and led him back up the stairs. This time they stopped on what he thought was the fourth floor, but he couldn't be sure because the stairs changed so much.

"Come along, Mr. Potter," she said and Harry followed inside a room that said Hospital Wing.

He stopped right inside the doors and said, "I'm sorry, Professor, I didn't know this is where we were going. I can't be checked on or given a physical or anything. If it gets back to my family, I'll be in serious trouble."

"Harry," said Professor McGonagall. She bent down slightly. "Don't be afraid. You are never going back to those people. You are safe."

Harry nodded and Professor McGonagall stood up, but Harry still looked down. He didn't like doctors. He hadn't been to one since he was five, when he started school. He followed the Professor and they were met by Madame Pomfrey.

"Hello, Mr. Potter, would mind taking a seat on one of the cots, please?" she asked. He shook his head and sat down gingerly on to the bed. "Now, you're going to feel a slight tingling from head to toe, but that's normal. This is a diagnostics test to see how healthy you are." He wanted to protest, but he knew that he had to have this done.

The tingling happened and he knew immediately something was wrong as Madame Pomfrey started writing stuff down with a frown upon her face. He kept his head down and she looked at him.

"Mr. Potter, could you please remove your shirt?" Harry shook his head no and she asked, "Why not?"

"I cannot ever do that to another person. No one deserves to see what they did to me," he said, sullenly.

"Mr. Potter, Harry, I already know that the damage has been done, I just need to know how bad it is and what I can do to treat it."

Harry nodded and removed his shirt.

Professor McGonagall gasped and Harry felt his face as it burned with shame. Madame Pomfrey was trying to keep a straight face as she wrote everything down, but even he could see the pity and anger in her eyes.

Harry put his shirt back on and jumped off the bed.

"If you don't mind, Professor, I think I'll find my way back to Great Hall by myself."

"If that is what you want, then I will tell Professor Dumbledore and we will meet you in the Great Hall for lunch."

Harry only nodded as he left.

He walked down the stairs slowly and stopped suddenly as the steps started moving. He sat down and decided that it was best to just think while he was alone.

'Why me?' he thought. 'I didn't do anything to deserve this.' Silent tears ran down his face as he thought about everything he had learned today and yesterday. He tried to wipe his eyes fast as he heard footsteps on the stairs, but it was too late.

"Harry," a voice said. "Harry, what happened? Are you hurt?"

He looked up at the voice and saw it was Remus. He shook his head and Remus met him.

"Are you alright, Harry?"

"I'm fine," he replied. "It's nothing."

"It doesn't seem like nothing. How about we talk as we go to lunch?" Remus asked. Harry nodded and followed Remus down the stairs. "So what happened, Harry?"

"Have you seen my examination papers yet?" Harry asked and Remus shook his head no. "Well, basically, here," he said as they found a bathroom. Harry walked in and Remus followed him. "This is why I was crying." He removed his shirt and Remus gasped at the scars that covered his back and chest, also his bones were showing through his skin. "I saw the way Professor McGonagall and Madame Pomfrey were looking at me and I couldn't take it." He put his shirt back on.

"Harry, who did this to you?" Remus asked, calmly, but Harry could feel the underlined fury.

"I can't tell you or Dumbledore because if I go back there and they find out no one can help me."

"Harry, you aren't going back there," Remus said. "Now, please, tell me exactly who did to you?"

"My cousin and my Uncle Vernon," Harry replied.

Remus nodded and they walked back out the door and into the Great Hall.

"Harry, will you please come to my office after you have finished eating?" Dumbledore called from the High Table.

"Yes, Professor," Harry replied and sat down. As usual, he ate his fill, which was always little and waited through dessert.

After everyone finished eating, Harry followed Remus to Professor Dumbledore's office.

Harry sat down and Remus next to him.

"Harry, I have read Madame Pomfrey's examination and I'm truly sorry for what you had to face while you lived in that house."

"It's okay, Professor, it isn't your fault."

"I'm afraid it is, Harry, for I was the one that left you there all those years ago."