non Dursley relaxed in his chair in the kitchen, absorbed in his newspaper. The summer had been downright pleasant ever since that freak had been taken away by his murdering good-for-nothing of a godfather. And the best part in Vernon Dursley's mind was the fact that their doorstep would never be darkened by any sort of freakishness again, it was a pity they had lost the source of labour but he knew the money they would save and the ability to give their Dudley his second bedroom back was more than a fair exchange.
A sharp noise broke into his thoughts and groaning he pushed himself and went to answer the door, nobody ought to be calling at this time of night and if it was any of those freaks he was determined that this time they would not get anywhere near his nice respectable home and family. Even if the freak's godfather threw him out like he ought to they would never take that boy back under their roof again. He had been a burden and an affront to their nice, normal lives and they would not stand to be pushed around by that world any longer.
Reaching the door he yanked it open only to be faced with an empty doorstep, closing the door once more he muttered darkly about layabout youths who had nothing better to do than irritate decent hardworking folks. Turning back towards the kitchen he froze suddenly. Several figures stood before him, all abnormal twisted freaks. They were short, perhaps the height of a child with grey skin and large bat like ears. But worst of all were the slender blades each one carried, one of which was pressing lightly against his throat.
Vernon Dursley swallowed hard and immediately wished he hadn't as the sharp metal jabbed deeper into the skin and a trickle of blood flowed slowly down the blade. For the first time in his life he felt the sensation of fear which slipped down his spine and wormed its way inside his body. He was helpless, at the mercy of something he could not control, could not threaten, could not influence and he could clearly see the viciousness in the creature's eyes. All the anger, all the beatings, all the torment he had so willingly dished out floated before him as for the first time he realised just what his nephew must have felt every time he raised his hand or belt. He shook that thought from him, the freak had deserved everything he had given him and that thought emboldened him. He was a perfectly respectable, normal man and there was no reason for him to be threatened the way he was being.
That though firmly fixed in his brain his courage flared up. "Now look here," he began, "I am a perfectly decent, upright citizen and you have no reason to enter my property. I demand you leave at once." A strange sound started and it gradually rose in volume, until the whole house was echoing with it, chilling him to the bone. It took Vernon a moment but a lance of terror shot straight through him as he realised that the creatures were laughing.
The goblins couldn't conceal their mirth. They had this fat, useless human at sword point and they would be able to run him through in an instant and the human stood there and threatened them! Not to mention that the threat itself was completely pathetic and he had no grounds which would allow him to threaten anyway. Their grins grew wider and their smirks more feral as they saw the fear in the man's eyes as he registered their laughter. They had been sent out for a revenge court, and a revenge court after the crime of child abuse no less. That ensure that this worthless man and his family would be treated to the best hospitality the goblin nation had to offer and each goblin knew they would love every single minute of it.
Unwilling to spend any more time in the miserable hovel that the muggle lived in, they slapped a portkey down onto him and within a few second man and goblins vanished, heading for the deep recesses of Gringotts bank. Now the real fun could begin.
Harry stood in the sitting room, nervously shifting his weight from foot to foot. A letter had come from the goblins last night informing them that the Dursleys had been brought in and their trial would be scheduled for the following morning. He knew he had to attend. He was the person they had wronged and he had to give testimony but as much as he wanted to see his tormentors punished he would have been completely happy to never have to face them again. Not only would he have to see them at the trial he would also have to speak about what he had gone through and that more than anything distressed him. He had only told Sirius this information and even then he had told his godfather very little. To have to stand up and explain to a whole court room exactly what had occurred was something that he would have done anything to avoid.
Noticing his godson's worry Sirius came and stood behind him, one hand carding through his pup's messy black hair. Harry leaned into the touch, resting lightly against his godfather, "I don't want to go," he whispered, his eyes downcast. He heard Sirius exhale slowly and then his godfather moved so he was kneeling in front of him, meeting his eyes. "It will be fine Harry. The trial will mean that the Dursleys will never be able to hurt you again." Harry's gaze didn't stray from the floor and Sirius knew immediately that something else was bothering him. "What it is Harry?" he asked softly.
For a moment the boy didn't answer then, "I'll have to speak about it; I'll have to tell everyone what...what they did." The last few words were said in a whisper. Understanding dawned and mentally Sirius berated himself for not foreseeing this exact problem. He had never wanted to tell anyone what he had gone through and it had taken a lot of coaxing for him to do so.
Gently he pulled Harry into a hug, "Don't worry Harry, the trial will be closed, you will only have to speak with to the jury and answer a few questions. Goblin trials are different from human ones." He could see his words were having no impact and he changed tactics. "I will be with you the entire time, even when you are giving evidence if you want me to be there. Goblins allow the new guardian to accompany the child in the abuse cases."
"You'll stay with me?" Harry whispered, his voice broken.
"Yes pup, if you want me to." A nod was his only answer, "Then I'll stay with you pup. You can pretend you are just telling me if you want to, if that makes it easier."
"Thank you," his godson said fervently and reassured Harry was feeling a little happier, he released the teen, allowing him to stand again although he kept a hand planted firmly on his godson's shoulder, ensuring the child knew he was there for him. He felt Harry move backwards slightly, so he was resting against his side and he smiled slightly at the obvious trust Harry had for him. He was aware the trial was going to be hard, especially on Harry and he would do anything to make it easier for his godson.
He glanced over at the clock, the goblins had sent them a portkey which would allow them to travel to Gringotts and return home without having to travel through the Alley, and it would activate at precisely 11am. He was extremely grateful that they had bothered to send one; going through the Alley would have been fairly tough, especially after the trial and the last thing either of them wanted was the press noticing something was wrong and digging into his past, or Merlin forbid finding out about the trial or some of the testimony.
The simple glass paperweight the goblins had charmed glowed blue and quickly they both placed a single finger on it as the portkey activated, pulling them towards Gringotts. Abruptly the sensation stopped and Harry fell flat on his face. Smiling faintly at his godson as he remembered his first attempts at using a portkey Sirius reached down and helped his godson to his feet, checking that he had sustained no damage from his contact with the marble floor.
Glancing around he immediately noticed that the portkey had brought them to Sharpclaw's office and both Sharpclaw and another goblin he didn't recognise were waiting for them. Bowing as protocol demanded and ensuring that Harry followed suit he greeted both goblins in Gobbledygook before pausing and waiting for the goblins to make the next move. The unknown goblin moved forward, a small bowl in one hand and a lancet in the other, "We need to verify you identity," Sharpclaw spoke up, "This trial has the highest secrecy levels due to the particulars of the case and victims." Sirius nodded, he recognised the equipment, the goblins were going to verify their identity through their blood, the one thing that could not be change through polyjuice potion.
He held out his hand and the goblin quickly took a sample, dropping it into the bowl which glowed blue, confirming he was Sirius Orion Black. Harry glanced up at him uneasily and Sirius smiled warmly down at him, indicating that he should also hold out his hand. Still slightly wary Harry did as his godfather indicated and the bowl glowed blue once more, confirming his identity as well.
The air of tension that had hung in the room ever since they arrived evaporated and Sharpclaw smiled viciously at Sirius. "We are ready for the revenge Lord Black, our guards have taken great pleasure in the interrogation of the prisoners, they got great entertainment out of them, particularly the muggle man and they thank you for this opportunity." Sirius nodded his acknowledgement distractedly, his attention fixed on his godson. Harry had flinched at the mention of his uncle and drawn closer to Sirius in what was obviously fear. Reaching out he placed his arm around the teen's shoulders, hugging the boy to his side and was rewarded by Harry relaxing slightly despite the fact the boy had his arm in a death grip.
Satisfied that Harry felt somewhat safer, he turned some of his attention back to Sharpclaw although a portion remained on Harry. "I thank you for the opportunity to exact revenge for those who have harmed my godson although I must inform you this is not solely for the purpose of revenge, it is also to ensure those monsters will never hurt him in any way again." His face softened, "However this whole ordeal is hard on him so I humbly request that we can complete the trial with all deliberate speed."
Sharpclaw glanced over at Harry, his shrewd eyes noting how the boy was pressed up against his godfather, seeking comfort, his finger's clutching at the animagus's robes and the expression which was filled with apprehension and fear. "Of course Sirius, the wellbeing of your ward is of utmost importance, particularly considering the circumstances surrounding the trial." His voice had lost its feral edge and Harry supposed it was almost gentle for a goblin. "If you would follow me to the courtrooms we can began."
"Thank you," Sirius replied, sincerity laced through his voice. Sharpclaw merely waved the thanks away before motioning them to follow him.
Quickly they followed him out of his office and through the maze of passages, gradually getting deeper and deeper into the vaults and recess of the bank. Throughout the whole journey Harry stayed extremely close to Sirius, the fear and anxiety pouring off him. Sirius kept his arm firmly across Harry's shoulders, unable, whilst they were walking to pull the boy into an embrace but determined to do what he could to lessen his godson's fear. For his part Harry leaned against his godfather as much as possible, trying to use his presence to keep the demons of his past away. It was working, just not very well and the knowledge that the Dursleys and in particular his Uncle would be in the courtroom they were heading towards didn't help in the slightest.
As if he could hear his thoughts his godfather glanced down at him, compassion shining in his grey eyes, "I'm here Harry and I promise I will stay with you and they won't be able to hurt you. Even if they try I will protect you so you don't need to worry." He said softly, his hand rubbing Harry's shoulder gently. Harry relaxed slightly at Sirius's words, his godfather was here with him, he didn't have to face them alone and although the fears still beat around his mind he felt them recede a little. He was with his godfather, he was protected.
A polished doorway stood proudly at the end of the hallway and their goblin escort stopped before it, tapping the surrounding stone in a very precise pattern. Slowly, grinding against their hinges the doors swung open, revealing the entrance to the courtroom. Sirius felt Harry stiffen against him but he knew this had to be done, they had to be put somewhere they would never hurt Harry ever again and Harry had to see that had happened, he had to know for himself that they would never be able to hurt him again.
Not to mention they had to be beyond Dumbledore's reach, he didn't trust the man with his godson. He had been responsible for sending the boy there and Sirius was under no illusions that if Dumbledore could find a way to send Harry back to them he would. And that was something he would not allow. They would never be able to hurt Harry again and for that to happen they had to be beyond Dumbledore's reach, beyond the reach of anyone in the Wizarding World and the only way that could happen was through the goblins. Once they had been tried and punished by the goblin's legal system there was no possible way any witch or wizard would be able to have any influence over them or their fate again. But for that to happen they had to go through the trial and the only thing he could do now was staying with Harry and comforting him.
Gently he pulled the boy into the courtroom alongside him. The sooner they started the sooner it would all be over and they could return home. Quickly they climbed the stairs at the side of the courtroom. They would be seated above the floor of the court, out of reach of the defendants who were restrained on the courtroom floor and within easy reach. As they climbed Harry kept his eyes fixed on the stone flags below him, anything to delay the moment he would have to look at the Dursleys and face them.
Just as they reached their seats and Harry finally steeled himself to look down into the courtroom a cry of pure, unadultered rage rang through the air. Human and goblin eyes alike snapped to the source of the sound and Sirius saw Vernon Dursley, his face mottled red with anger staring straight at them with hatred clear in his eyes.
Harry flinched violently.
"Freak, you ungrateful worthless freak, I will punish you, I will beat you. What do you mean sending these creatures to apprehend us? It's your fault, I..." Sirius ignored the man's tirade, his attention firmly fixed on his godson. After his initial flinch Harry had all but cowered against him, trembling, and his movements had become more frantic as his uncle had continued and Sirius could feel his fear racket upwards. Heedless of their surroundings, Sirius reached out and pulled Harry into his arms, holding the boy tightly against him and murmuring words of comfort. He felt Harry's arms wrap round him, holding him in a death grip and he rubbed Harry's back soothingly as his godson continued to shake.
Dimly he was aware that somebody had silenced Vernon and both Petunia and Dudley had been brought in and that the prosecutor was beginning her opening statements. There would be no defence. The Dursleys would speak for themselves after the evidence had been presented, and then the verdict would be given. There was no doubt in his mind it would be returned as 'guilty'.
Harry clung to his godfather, heedless of the shudders that ran through him. He had been adjusting to living with Sirius, living with someone who loved him and he had started to forget the Dursley's, forget what they had done, forget the specific incidences, or at the very least, he had buried them deeply behind his walls where he didn't have to look at them and remember. But hearing his uncle's voice, hearing him shout the taunts that had echoed throughout his childhood, and usually preceded a beating brought it all back.
Pain. Loneliness. Fear. Memories assaulted him from all sides. Every beating, every taunt, every time he had lain injured and afraid in his cupboard swept over him and it was only the presence of his godfather that kept him from giving in to the despair and fear that accompanied the memories.
Sirius held him, protecting him, comforting him, loving him and eventually the shudders slowed then ceased altogether. He was still afraid, still reeling from the images that had flashed before him but he was safe. Despite the fact the Dursleys were there, Sirius was here with him and he wouldn't be hurt, he would be safe. It was still going to be hard, especially when he had to face them and the rest of the court and speak about what had happened but he wouldn't be alone. He would never have to go back and finally he would be able to see that it was never possible for them to hurt him ever again. Finally he would be able to see that they had gone, they were unable to reach him. For the first time in his life he would be able to be completely safe from their abuse and he would never have to look over his shoulder for them ever again.
Suddenly he became aware of the murmur of voices and he realised the trial had began. His face flushed with embarrassment and he pulled himself upright as he realised he had broken down in front of the goblins. Interpreting his sudden movement correctly, Sirius allowed him to sit up, moving away slightly although he kept an arm around Harry's shoulder, a gesture Harry was thankful for. It wasn't embarrassing and it allowed him to keep hold of the comfort his godfather was offering, something he was realistic enough to know he needed.
Keeping his eyes lowered, his cautiously surveyed the goblins, especially those who comprised the jury and judging panel, hoping they hadn't noticed. He could see waves of sympathy rolling off most of them and he winced, it was obvious that they had noticed and he felt his cheeks grow hotter. However he could see that the judging panel appeared unfazed, although Harry could detect a slight apprehension and anger in their expressions.
"Your case is not the first abuse case they have overseen Mr Potter, and neither are you the first to seek comfort from their guardian when confronted with their abusers, particularly in the face of violence."
Sharpclaw had accompanied the two wizards to the courtroom. As the one who had conveyed the request, custom dictated he should be present but he also had personal reasons for his actions. Over the years he had built up a friendship with Lord Black and he was aware how hard this was going to be for his friend, particularly as he had realised Sirius blamed himself for what the child had gone through, even though it was not his fault. As he spoke he could see that his presence was indeed necessary, the trial had scarcely started and already it was obvious that there would be several uncomfortable and awful revelations, particularly looking at the Potter Heir's reaction.
Sharpclaw hadn't been lying when he had explained that the judging panel, who had sat in every criminal case over the last seventy years had seen abuse cases before, or that they had seen children seek comfort from their guardians however there were a few facts he had neglected to mention. In particular, they had only seen a reaction which had a comparative severity once before. The case had shocked the goblin world and it had been the most severe abuse case they had ever seen. The child in question had been physically and mentally abused for over ten years, abuse involving frequent beatings, starvation, forced labour and multiple injuries. They had been lucky it had not resulted in the death of the child, they knew if it had continued for another few months it would have. Listening to the man's ranting and observing the boy's behaviour he was certain the situation here was extremely similar.
The first witness was called to the stand, and the female goblin who had carried out the health survey stepped up. "I, Krikaly of Clan Stonebrow, swear on my life and magic every word I say here is the complete truth."
What followed was nothing less than a horror show. Goblin medical scans were far more detailed than wizard ones, being able to document injuries stretching back lifetimes instead of just a few months and the list that was produced was immense. First and second degree burns, broken bones, malnutrition were all documented however after describing at least thirty separate injuries to the court Krikaly paused and sucked in a deep breath, her expression solemn.
"Those injuries were all received over a period of eighteen months, between 1981 and 1983."
There was instant uproar. Goblins surged to their feet, their expressions angry and the rage and contempt was clear to see in both the jury and judging panel.
Sirius's fingers gripped Harry's shoulder so tightly it was almost painful and Harry could see that his godfather had become almost unnaturally still. Frowning slightly as he thought of the list of injuries the healer had spoken of, he cast his mind back over his childhood; surely it hadn't been that bad? He knew he had broken most of the bones in his arms and fingers several times and he had received hundreds of burns from cooking and various punishments but still, thirty, and when he wasn't old enough to be doing the chores properly. However as he thought back he realised he couldn't find many memories where he wasn't sporting some form of injury, whether it had been from beatings by Dudley's gang or his uncle or punishments that had gone too far. He could clearly remember the time when he was about six and he had been thrown into his cupboard after and beating, and he had landed on his arm, the impact causing him to break his wrist.
Suddenly he was anxious. The record obviously held every single incident, every single injury he had ever sustained and soon everyone would know. He glanced up at Sirius, in particular he was worried about his godfather's reaction. The animagus still had a tight grip on his shoulders and still sat as if frozen.
Looking up he was surprised to see the sorrow in his godfather's eyes but what was most shocking were the silent tears that were slowly slipping down Sirius's face. Hesitantly, unsure of quite what to do, but wanting to help his godfather, Harry reached out and gently squeezed the animagus's free hand which was clenched into a fist. "It's alright Sirius," He murmured, "It doesn't matter."
Instantly his words got a reaction. In a movement so swift Harry scarcely had time to register it, his godfather had unfrozen, turned so he was facing Harry and had taken hold of his shoulders with both hands. "No Harry," Sirius said, his voice rough, "It matters more than you could ever know." Harry looked down. Sirius was wrong, it didn't matter. It was ages ago, he couldn't remember most of the injuries anyway and he was with his godfather now and it wouldn't happen again, so it didn't matter. It was obviously the wrong thing to do however. "Look at me pup," Sirius commanded, his voice strained. Reluctantly Harry glanced up, meeting his godfather's gaze and he was started by the depth of emotion he could see in them.
"Listen Harry, it does matter. You were just a child, a small child, scarcely more than a baby and they hurt you. It is the most inexcusable thing they could do to a person, no matter what they thought of them, especially as you were completely defenceless." Harry glanced away again but Sirius was not going to let him escape. Strong fingers reached out, capturing his chin and turning it gently back to face his godfather. "Do you understand that pup?"
After a few moments Harry nodded. He still thought it didn't really matter but he could see his godfather felt extremely strongly about it and he wasn't going to argue, particularly given their situation. Sirius looked at him suspiciously but let the matter drop, evidently he had realised Harry was not convinced but he would not embarrass him here, especially as the middle of a goblin court was not the best place to address the issues.
"Just to warn you though," Harry said quietly, "It isn't going to get any better."
He heard his godfather's sharp intake of breath and suddenly he found himself being pulled tightly against him. "I'm so sorry Harry, so sorry that you had to go through that. I should have taken you, should have demanded you and I'm so sorry I didn't." Harry leaned against Sirius's side, knowing the animagus needed it.
"It's alright Sirius," he whispered, "I forgive you. The past can't be changed and anyway you have more than made up for it now."
Sirius merely smiled sadly and gently held Harry against him in a one armed hug. Harry didn't resist as he liked the feeling of comfort and love that was surrounding him, not to mention it helped him keep his composure as he looked down at the Dursleys who were directing murderous looks towards the goblins, especially the healer. He was grateful that their attention was currently directed elsewhere, but he also knew that he would need Sirius to remind him that he was safe when his uncle switched his attention towards Harry again. Years of abuse and torment meant that all his instincts screamed for him to run the moment his uncle's anger was focussed on him.
Gradually the noise in the court died down as the goblins mastered their rage. An almost deathly silence came over the room as Krikaly started to speak again and Harry could see that even the Dursleys were silent, with faint looks of fear on their faces. For some reason that made him feel better.
"During the middle of 1983 we begin to see signs of constant muscle strain, consistent with labour beyond which the body is capable of. It is also at this period that the number of broken bones decrease dramatically, however there is a sharp increase in the number of burns, with twenty separate burns recorded over a three month period, four of which were third degree. The malnutrition became more pronounced and throughout this period there is evidence of virtually constant bruising and cuts, which indicate regular beatings, several injuries which appear to have been caused by a belt."
As she spoke Harry cross referenced the injuries with his recollections. He knew he had been started on his chores and cooking shortly after his third birthday and he had received several nasty burns and bruises in that period. A particular incident stood out vivid in his memory.
A few months after he had begun cooking he had managed to burn the roast when Aunt Marge had been staying. Of course they had immediately apologised to her and had taken her out for a meal however he had received one of his worst ever punishments when they had returned. Uncle Vernon had dragged him into the kitchen and placed Harry's hand onto the gas ring on the stove, keeping it there by keeping a tight grip on his wrist before he lit the stove and turned it on to full power.
He could still remember the searing agony that had flared through his skin and the fire had raged against his hand. When his uncle had finally released him the entire side of his left hand was covered by a large burn. He could clearly remember lying in his cupboard, pain flaring in his hand until it had finally gone numb. It had taken months before he had any feeling in that side of his hand and even longer for the skin to finally regrow, although it had left a huge scar.
Absently he traced over the pink lines marking his palm and two fingers, he knew that the scar would never go, even though he had a suspicion his magic had helped to heal him. He knew that the skin was never supposed to grow back after a third degree burn however his had; maybe that was the reason he hadn't shown vast quantities of accidental magic as a child if large quantities were used healing him.
Suddenly warm fingers captured his, stilling their movement and turning his hand so the palm was up, facing his godfather. Gently Sirius's fingers brushed the scars and he glanced up to look at his godfather's face. Regret and pain were clear to see as his godfather gazed at the scars marring his skin, "They're just old wounds," Harry whispered, a tad uncomfortably. He still wasn't used to anyone making a fuss over his wellbeing, especially past injuries. Sirius didn't say anything, merely enfolding Harry's hand in his, hiding the marks of the abuse.
"It's over Harry, they will never hurt you again." He murmured.
Harry smiled, "I know Sirius, and thank you."
"For what pup?" He could hear the confusion clearly in his godfather's voice.
"Being there, protecting me, loving me."
Sirius tightened his grip, "You don't need to thank me Harry, I'll always do that for you."
In the stand Krikaly continued her testimony. Throughout the next several years the injuries were extremely similar. Malnutrition, bruising and cuts, burns and the occasional broken bone, usually fingers or his nose although the number of broken bones grew steadily larger, mainly due to Dudley coming into his bullying with his gang and beginning to beat him up or go 'Harry hunting' on a regular basis.
Mutterings regularly broke out amongst the goblins watching the trial as a particularly nasty injury was revealed or several were revealed at once. Harry was surprised that the Dursleys hadn't yet broken down from the number of venomous glares that were sent their way but for the main part he tried to ignore the trial. He knew he would have to speak out but for the time being he wasn't giving his testimony and he wanted to prolong the moment he had to speak as long as possible. Resting against Sirius's side he focused on his godfather's presence to the exclusion of everything else, using that to concentrate on his Occlumency shields, strengthening his labyrinth.
Feeling Sirius stiffen brought him back to his awareness. "Could you please repeat that?" A gravelly voice asked, the iciness obvious.
"In the sixth month of 1988 my scans recorded that he suffered from two fractures in his legs, a fractured spine, a broken wrist, internal injuries and a concussion. Furthermore my information indicates that all these injuries were sustained simultaneously."
The silence that covered the courtroom was deafening. Harry's gaze swept the courtroom, seeing shock and horror on the faces of the judges and jury, he knew it had been the worst beating he had ever received but he didn't try to think about it. He had buried the memories so deeply and tried his utmost to hide them completely. It was something he never wanted to relive or even remember again. He had never experience the torture curse but he was certain it couldn't have hurt as much as that beating did. There were reasons his memories of the Dursleys were only ones he visited in his nightmares.
It was the only time the Dursleys had actually taken him to the hospital. He knew they had done so because after the beating he had been unable to move his legs and they were not prepared to deal with all the questions that would arise from him being paralysed or so grievously injured. He couldn't remember the story they had told the medical staff, most of his time at the hospital was blurry. He had been on so many different medications, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs that he had scarcely been coherent and nowhere near aware of what was going on.
He glanced up at Sirius and saw the horror and pain in his godfather's eyes. It almost made his heart break, he had never wanted to see such a reaction on his godfather's face and to know it was related to what he had gone through made it even worse. He snuggled up against Sirius's side, burying his face in the crook of the animagus's arm, not seeking comfort for himself, but for his godfather, hoping his presence would reassure the older wizard. He felt Sirius pull him closer and relax slightly and he knew it had worked somewhat.
"Harry, were you alright?" He asked urgently, not quite realising that Harry was trying to reassure him. Harry nodded, his head still resting against his godfather.
"I was fine, they actually took me to the hospital. I mean it took several months before I could walk again but..."
"What do you mean it took several months before you could walk again?" Sirius demanded, cutting him off, shock evident in his face. Harry shifted uncomfortably in his godfather's tight grip, he didn't particularly like reliving the memories,
"Just what I said. When I got to the hospital I had no feeling below my waist, I couldn't move anything or feel anything at all. It stayed like that for a couple of months, the doctors were sure I was paralysed but then one day I suddenly regained feeling in my legs. It took me several more months before I could walk properly again though."
Instantly he found himself crushed against his godfather's chest, Sirius's arms cradling him and his godfather's face buried in his hair. "You're alright, you recovered," the animagus whispered again and again although Harry got the feeling it was more for Sirius's benefit than his own. He considered pulling away but discarded the idea almost instantly. Now that he actually thought about it, he realised he didn't mind the affection, in fact he wanted it. There was nobody here who would speak to the newspapers, nobody who would judge him for wanting to be loved and with that thought he realised he didn't have to be embarrassed, he didn't need to be and he didn't want to be.
That thought firmly fixed in his mind he relaxed fully in his godfather's hold. Even though he didn't need it at the moment he soaked in the comfort offered, it felt so wonderful to be surrounded by such unconditional love and comfort and to give it back in return. Smiling, he wrapped his arms around Sirius and returned the embrace, reassuring his godfather he was still here, happy, as healthy as possible and safe. He felt his godfather's arms slacken somewhat, the older wizard getting over his shock slightly but he didn't pull away. Sirius needed him now and he was going to stay with his godfather, the man who had been there for him so many times already this summer and would be there when he had to give testimony, when he needed him once more. He loved his godfather and he would do anything for him and he was beginning to see that Sirius would do the same for him. Closing his eyes he burrowed into the hold and registered Sirius's shock at his action before his godfather tightened his grip.
Personally he hadn't minded the hospital stay and the months after it. For once in his life he hadn't had to do constant chores, and visiting the hospital for weekly check-ups had meant his uncle couldn't beat him in any fashion because the nurses would notice the bruises and ask about them. Not to mention he had received regular meals. In fact he had hated it when the visits finally stopped, it meant he returned to his old routine although it had never become as bad again. Until this summer, he thought bitterly, tensing unconsciously at the thought, they had returned to their old treatment only far far worse.
He didn't realise he had tensed until he felt Sirius's fingers stroking gently through his hair and he automatically relaxed, his thoughts of the Dursleys and his rage and bitterness evaporating. He never could hold onto his anger or bitterness for very long when Sirius comforted him and it was in the past now. All he had to do was get through the testimony then there would be nothing they could ever do to him again, apart from in his dreams. And he would get through it. It would be very difficult and he knew he wouldn't be able to get through it alone, but he had Sirius, he had help.
Sharpclaw's eyes glanced over at his friend and the child and smile cracked the normally stotic features. The goblin was shrewd and didn't miss much and he could clearly see that something had happened in the past few minutes, something that both wizards but particularly the boy needed. It was as if a shield had broken, a shield built up to protect the child but at the same time a shield no child should have, and now the boy was finally getting a chance to be the child he had never been, and never had the chance to be if the medical information was any indication at all.
Watching them now it was easy to see that something was different. At the beginning of the trial the terror had been obvious and it was plain to see that the boy was going to his godfather because of the fear but it was also obvious that he had moved away once the worst had been dealt with. He had still been clinging to his defences, not letting them down but now it was different. An untrained eye might not have noticed the difference, it was subtle but nonetheless it was profound.
Lord Black still held his godson tightly and the boy still stayed curled up in the older wizard's lap but this time it was not marked by the same level of fear as it had previously. The boy was just enjoying the comfort and no longer worrying about it or what others thought. His defences had broken completely. But what really warmed the goblin's heart was the soft smile on his friend's face, despite the pain that still lingered in his eyes, as he held his godson.
He had hardly ever seen the man so happy, even before Azkaban, the happiness Sirius had had always been marred by the war, and to an extent the happiness now was being marred by the abuse and Azkaban but still, the only time he had ever seen the man so happy was when he had come to change his will, to make Harry his heir. Both of them were healing, both of them needed each other. It may have been the least likely place for barriers to collapse but now they had he knew that despite the horrors in both of their pasts they would be alright.
The uproar that had occurred when Krikaly revealed his worst injuries had died down and she continued to list the numerous injuries he had received. Harry tuned out the rest. The level of abuse had been toned down after the broken back incident, not only were they worried about the neighbours finding out, it was quite hard to make up a believable story about his injuries, he also hadn't shown any more accidental magic until the zoo visit just before his eleventh birthday, something which had reduced the severe punishments he had received.
And shortly afterwards he had escaped, gone to Hogwarts where they couldn't reach him. They hadn't touched him after the letters had come and only in the summer once Dobby had done the hover charm. And even then they had been wary because even if he wasn't allowed he was still a trained wizard who could use magic and they knew he could do something that could harm them and would only get a warning afterwards. Realistically he knew he would have received a severe beating after he blew up Aunt Marge but he hadn't stayed around long enough for the punishment to be given.
It had only been at the beginning of this summer that they had returned to their previous form. Looking at it now he wondered whether his summer there had been his punishment for the Marge incident, after all he knew better than most just how long Uncle Vernon could hold a grudge, and the longer he held it the worse the punishment would be.
During the remainder of the testimony Harry had shifted so he was curled up against Sirius's side, his godfather's arm around his shoulders. He kept his eyes closed and just focussed on his occulmency, he didn't need to dwell on the beatings, chores and punishments they had dished out, and he knew that if he allowed himself to listen, if he paid attention to what was being said, the fact the Dursleys were just below him, he would never be able to keep his calm, and keep the terror from coming back.
He was so deep in his mind that he didn't realise her testimony had finished. Suddenly he was pulled straight out of his protective shell.
"We call Mr Harry James Potter to the stand."