1st August
Harry woke up feeling warm, uncomfortable and exhausted. He just wanted to go back to sleep but something was wrong, he just didn't know what. He opened his eyes to see if that would give him a clue. Was he in the hospital wing again? He felt bad enough. But the sight that greeted him was definitely not the hospital wing. He was in a bedroom. Not his bedroom or one he recognized.
He looked around the room; there were some clothes that had obviously been set out for him. A pair of workout trousers and a plain t-shirt that, while not sized to fit him, were a lot closer to his physique than the hand-me-downs he got from his cousin. It was then he noticed that his clothes were gone, also that the bites he had from Ripper had been dressed, and then redressed. His heart leapt into his mouth as he also found his wand holster, and wand, were missing.
Harry then started recalling the events from the day before, but they were fuzzy. He remembered seeing Hedwig hurt and covered in blood. He looked around for her but couldn't see her. His chest tightened again, painfully, he couldn't handle this amount of stress. He hoped she was getting help, but this looked like a muggle house.
He dressed in the clothes and went to see if he could find out where he was. He tried the first door he came to, it seemed to be a girls bedroom. Not useful at the moment, so he moved on. The next room was the room of what looked to be a married couple, and it was a lot neater than the previous room. The third room he tried proved to be just as useless to his current predicament, though knowing where the bathroom was, wasn't bad knowledge.
All that was left were the stairs, so down Harry went, still searching for any sign of magic in this muggle house. He soon found himself in a kitchen/dining room. There was a woman who he didn't know, but she did look vaguely familiar to him, a passing face he'd seen before maybe?
"Uh...Hello?" The woman, who sat at the large dining table flipping through numerous pages of printed muggle paperwork. Looked up at him, before smiling widely. "Oh. Good morning, Harry", so this woman knew his name, he tried to rack his brain to work out where he had seen her before but all he was getting for his efforts was a headache.
Deciding that 'boldly forward' was the best way here he just asked, "Sorry, I don't want to be rude, but can you tell me who you are? You look familiar but I don't know from where. And can you please tell me what happened to my owl and my things?" Harry tried to be as polite as he could but thought that he may not have managed that well.
The unknown woman did not seem to take offence, "No problem. I am Dr. Emma Granger, and I'm a dental surgeon. You've probably seen me somewhere before; I am Hermione's mother." That was why she was familiar, this was Hermione's mum. Harry had seen her in passing a few times at King's Cross. Now that she mentioned the relationship with her daughter, he could see her resemblance to Hermione...or was that Hermione's resemblance to her?
Harry didn't want to think about it too much, else the headache would return. Mrs Granger continued, "as for your things, Hermione has your wand and your clothes, what little you had were beyond saving I'm afraid. As for Hedwig, who is lovely by the way, she is always so nice whenever she delivers one of Hermione's letters..." Harry remembered vaguely Hedwig's instance at carrying Hermione's mail as well. "...she is on her way to Diagon Alley with Hermione and my husband Dan. She is going to be fine."
Harry sighed in relief, finally managing to relax a little for the first time all summer. Now that he knew she was Hermione's mum and that his familiar was safe, he looked a little more closely at Mrs. Granger. Hermione definitely didn't take after her mum, but there was something about the eyes, the set of her jaw and the way she held her shoulders that were definitely present in her daughter. Harry also noticed a similarity about her ears that Hermione had lost to the potions accident.
Now that Harry had a better idea of where he was, he wondered how he had gotten there. How did he just... appear in Hampstead, London? He had a vague recollection of trying to get to London, but how did he find Hermione's home? He didn't know the address, just the general location. "Do you know how I got here? I don't remember..." Mrs. Granger looked at him sympathetically, "We don't know that much Harry. Last night, you just appeared with a loud crack, just a few feet from where you are standing, shirtless, covered in dog bites and blood, with Hedwig in your arms. Then you passed out."
She paused for a second looking like she was contemplating whether to say more, "A wizard from the...Department of Magical Law Enforcement? Yeah, he came. and said something about underage magic and the Statute of Secrecy. But, when he saw your injuries he said something about exceptions and that he needed to do an investigation. He asked us if you could stay here for the night and that he would be back tonight to get a statement from you."
Harry wondered how much trouble he was in. He knew that using magic was okay in an emergency, but Uncle Vernon was good at blaming Harry, very good. Harry remembered a few teachers who had taken an interest in his clothes over the years and how Uncle Vernon convinced them it was Harry's fault. He had little doubt that by the time the DMLE came back the story would be his Uncle defending his family from 'mad wizard' Harry. If the last year had taught him anything it was that people were more than willing to think the worst of him.
Mrs. Granger interrupted his brooding, "There is some breakfast for you in the microwave. Hermione put together a plate for you before she left." Harry wasn't expecting to eat; it was just his mindset by now. "T...thank you." Harry found the microwave, and inside was a bowl containing some yoghurt, fruit and muesli. Mrs. Granger told him where to find the cutlery and he collected some, then gingerly sat at the dining table with her.
He started eating, slowly picking his way through the food, each bite eagerly anticipated by his stomach yet difficult to keep down. It was always the same after so long without much of any food. Noticing Harry's slow pace Mrs. Granger frowned, in a concerned motherly way, "Is everything okay ? I know a lot of families don't eat as healthy as us. I let Hermione prepare your breakfast because I thought she should know better than me what you like."
Harry looked up, "It's fine, perfect in fact. These are the same fruits I put on my breakfast at school. I just didn't think Hermione paid that close of attention to what I eat. I mean, yeah, I know she gives me the 'I'm disappointed in you and you should feel bad ' look if I put too much sugar in my morning porridge or if I have bacon and eggs more than once a week, but I didn't think she noticed the fruit I put in my porridge."
Mrs. Granger smiled at her daughter's antics, "Hermione bullies you into eating porridge instead of sugary cereals, Harry?" Harry only just managed to avoid embarrassing himself by laughing with his mouth full in front of his girlfriend's mother. He swallowed carefully before speaking again, "I would say it's more the drafty old castle, in Scotland, during the winter, that bullies me into eating porridge", Harry smiled, "there is a reason the Scots eat a lot of it."
Mrs. Granger wondered out loud, "Is the castle really that cold?" Harry thought about it, "The magic in the castle does affect a lot of things, so yes and no. The corridors and entrance ways are pretty open so they can be freezing cold. The rest, the classrooms, great hall, common rooms and dorms, however, are nice and warm."
Harry had by now finished his first meal in about two days. And the first one that was a full portion in almost a week...Harry started to feel a little better, if a little queasy. Now that he had a little more energy and sustenance in his body, his head was starting to get going again and Harry had a question. "Mrs. Granger, why did Hermione take my wand?"
Apparently, the DMLE wizard had told the Grangers that Harry was suffering from magical exhaustion. He had warned them that if Harry did any magic for the next few days, he risked doing permanent damage to his magical potential. He had also said that as Harry was going to be at the centre of an investigation where he performed underage magic, it would look bad there as well. Hermione, after hearing all that, had simply walked up to Harry's sleeping form and taken his wand, effectively removing any temptation from him.
Harry was mostly aware that this was his first time meeting his girlfriend's mother, tried to be at his best, 'tried' being a good word. He was tired; the bites, scratches and belt-marks were hurting and his stomach was queasy after breaking a long fast. He did his best and Mrs. Granger seemed to understand. The two chatted about insignificant things until Harry gave in to his exhaustion, and yawned widely and loudly. Mrs. Granger had then firmly sent him back up to the guest room to get some more sleep.
--- ϟϟϟ ---
Hermione had returned a few hours later with Hedwig and her father. While the two where relatively quiet, Harry was almost immediately awoken by Hedwig's screech as his owl called out through the house, looking for him. Harry was halfway down the stairs before he even knew he was fully awake and Hedwig was in his arms a few seconds later. Harry checked her over and she was mostly fine. She'd been cleaned up of all the blood and her wing had been healed, but there where a lot of feathers missing.
Important feathers.
His Hedwig couldn't fly. It would take a year for all those feathers to grow back in. Hedwig loved flying, it was a passion they shared. Some of Harry's best memories with her were when just the two of them were flying around Hogwarts at twilight. Harry would often just go for a fly after Quidditch practice and Hedwig would show up and fly with him more often than not. Harry had learned a lot about reading air currents from Hedwig, and while not necessary for broom flight, it did help him keep an edge for quidditch.
Now, she couldn't fly, she couldn't hunt, she couldn't be herself. All because he couldn't keep a simple promise; he had let that dog get to her. It was all down to him, she was hurt because of him. It was his job to protect her. It was all his fault. Next thing he knew, Hedwig was clutched to his chest, with his face buried in her feathers as he sobbed quietly, "I'm sorry...I'm so sorry Hedwig. It's all my fault..."
Hermione watched this happen, first with a smile as she watched the two reunite, then with a pained sadness as Harry broke down. She moved Harry and Hedwig over to the sofa, the owl still clutched tightly to Harry's chest. She nodded to her parents to take the other seats in the room. She sat him down, then claimed the space next to him, putting her arm around him and just letting him cry it out. If Harry had been paying attention, he might have noticed that Hermione put her arm around his waist instead of his shoulder, as was her habit as she pulled him close.
"It's okay Harry. Hedwig is fine. She's safe now", the bushy haired girl soothed, torn between trying to help calm him or letting him get his heartache out. "It's my fault Hermione. It's all my fault..." Harry kept repeating this, managing to force the words out between the shaking sobs wracking his body violently.
"What's your fault Harry?" She pressed a little, hoping Harry would open up, but also hoping she was not so forceful to close him off. "I promised her 'Mione, I promised Hedwig I wouldn't let it happen", Hermione felt the words in her chest, as though it were suddenly hollow. Why had Harry needed to make a promise like that?
"Harry it's going to be fine, Hedwig is fine. She is all healed u-", before Hermione could finish Harry interrupted her, "B...but her feathers. She can't fly without them. She loves flying. She's going to hate me."
Hermione smiled a little, thankful to have a solution to one of Harry's worries, "Harry, I have a potion to grow her feathers back in a week. Like I said, she'll be fine. A little put out, according to the witch at Eeylops, as she most likely won't like the taste. But, she will be flying again before you know it." With Hermione's reassurances, Harry was able to start putting himself back together. "S...she's going to be okay?" The desperation was evident in his voice, but he was calming slowly. "Yes Harry. Hedwig will be fine. I promise."
Harry let out a sob, suddenly he was crying harder again, "Y...you shouldn't make promises like that 'Mione...It hurts you when you can't keep them." A look of despair crossed Hermione's face for a second as she realised what she had said, "Harry I need you to tell me what happened. Everything. All of it, since I last saw you at King's Cross." Without even meaning to, Hermione used the same tone she used whenever she took charge at Hogwarts; library research, potions, spell incantations. Harry had just become accustomed to doing what Hermione said when she spoke like that. It was a good thing too as Harry, purely on reflex, started telling her about the last two weeks.
The three Grangers sat and listened as he started explaining his life since leaving Hogwarts for the summer.
Almost robotically, his voice devoid of all emotion, he spoke of his uncle, his aunts' Petunia and Marge. He spoke of Ripper and his hunting of Hedwig, the bites he had gotten keeping the bulldog away from his familiar. He spoke of the food he cooked for them but wasn't allowed to eat, cooking breakfast before being allowed to use the facilities. He told them about his birthday, how they mocked him with his favourite foods, cooked by him, and having to listen to a slanderous tirade about his parents. Then of the glass, the belt, the attack on Hedwig and, lastly, his loss of control, then just waking up here.
As Harry finished his tale, Mr. Granger got up and left the room. Hermione was clinging to Harry, her arms avoiding the wounds she had seen the night before, her face wet with the tears she had. Mrs. Granger sat still, watching Harry, her expression one he had never seen before; caring, pity and rage all rolled up into one. Her cheeks were also wet with her share of tears. Mr. Granger must have gone to a nearby bathroom, as the sounds of retching could be heard; the only thing to break the silence.
He returned a few minutes later, taking the seat next to his wife. They all sat in silence for a time, it could have been an hour but was probably closer to two, maybe three, minutes. Then the silence was broken as Mr. Granger spoke a single syllable. A simple word which hid its complexity.
"Why?"
The three looked at him, then they all looked at Harry. "They don't like magic", he mumbled. A frown appeared on Mr. Granger's face. It looked like he thought of something, "Harry, when we were contacted by Hogwarts, we were told that only immediate family who shares a home with Hermione could be told about magic. How does your Aunt Marge know about magic?" Harry thought about all the rules uncle Vernon imposed to keep magic from his sister. "S...she doesn't know about magic, sir", Harry replied, starting to understand what Mr. Granger was talking about.
He spoke to Harry again, "Then I must ask my question again. Why? Why does this Marge Dursley hate a child so much?"
Harry was now thoughtfully confused. Over the years, Marge had always been the same. When he learned about magic, he had lumped Marge in with the Dursleys; they hated him for his magic. But, if Marge never knew of his heritage, why did she hate him? "I...I don't know."
Hemione, who hadn't let go of him throughout his explanation, spoke up, "Harry, you are never going back there. I promise. You won't ever have to go back there." Harry pulled her in tighter, a look of sadness on his face, "'Mione, you can't promise me that. You can't"
From across the room, both of Hermione's parents replied as one, "Yes, Harry. She can