Stand By

    His entire body ached. Groaning, Harry pried his eyes open and sighed with relief, having momentarily forgotten that he was indeed safe, somewhere far from both Voldemort and the Dursley’s. Too many mornings at his so called family’s house had started with pain.

    Gently stretching, Harry slid off his covers and stood. The room was small, with only the bed he had just risen from and a dresser to the left. On the far wall was a small window, early morning light streaming in.

    As slowly and cautiously as he could, Harry made his way to the window, hoping for some clue as to where he was. A sheer, white curtain was slightly parted. Harry pulled back one side, revealing the outside world.

    There, just outside his safe haven, was a very familiar house. Harry watched with growing dread as the front door swung open to reveal a short, overweight man. Vernon Dursley paused to kiss his wife before hurriedly walking to his car.

    Sudden, cold terror washed over Harry. “No, oh god,” he moaned, shaking his head furiously as if to erase the image. “I left, I can’t be here. It’s not time. I can’t…I’m not ready! No!” Tears were streaming down his cheeks, but he didn’t brush them away.

    “I LEFT! I CAN’T BE HERE! NO! NO!” Harry screamed hysterically, dropping to his knees.

    “Harry?” Remus called, panic edging his voice.

    “NO! NO!”     

    “Remus, what’s wrong with him?” Arabella asked as she followed Remus into the room. Remus could only shrug, going over to kneel beside Harry.    

    “What’s wrong Harry? What is it? You’re safe here!” Remus firmly gripped Harry’s arms as he cried, “Talk to me, Harry. What is it?”

    “It’s wrong,” Harry sniffled, falling against Remus, who pulled him into a tight hug, “Why are you here? I’m stuck.”

    “Shh. You’re safe, Harry. No one is going to hurt you.” Remus lightly stroked his hair. “Shh. I’ve got you.”

    “How did you get here?” Harry mumbled into his chest.

    “Bella, go call Dumbledore. See if you can get Pomfrey to come down. And ask if Severus has any sleeping potions,” Remus instructed over Harry's head. Arabella nodded, casting a sad glance at Harry before rushing out.

    “Did they call?” Harry questioned in a small voice.

    “Harry, what are you talking about?” Remus asked, still rubbing soothing circles on Harry’s back, “Did who call? Look, Voldemort is nowhere near. We are at Arabella Figg’s house, across the street from the Dursley’s. You know her,” he sighed softly, “You are safe.”

    As if suddenly waking from a daze, Harry yanked away. “I’m sorry, Remus,” he said after a moment, struggling over the words, “I must have been having a nightmare. I’m fine.”

    Disbelief colored Remus’s eyes, but he nodded anyways, releasing his grip on Harry. “Why don’t we get you back in bed?” he suggested.

    “Alright,” Harry agreed, allowing Remus to lift him to his feet. They carefully made their way to the bed and Harry slid under the covers.

    “Do you want to talk about your dream?” Remus asked, taking a careful seat at the edge of the bed. Harry firmly shook his head no, not quiet meeting Remus’s eyes. “Harry, what is it? Something spooked you and it wasn’t just a nightmare. I can see it in your eyes.”

    “Look, Remus, no offense, but shove off, alright?” Harry sighed, “I’m fine.”

    “I’m not going to press, Harry. But just know, I will always listen to whatever you have to say. Always,” Remus promised, gently patteing the boy’s arm.

    “Thank you. I’m going to go sleep now, if that’s alright.”

    “Of course,” Remus nodded. Harry smiled softly, before rolling on his side. Remus stood, moving towards the door, but paused with his hand on the doorknob. “Sleep well, Harry.” His answer was a soft mumble and deep breathing from the boy.

    Harry looked so small and fragile nestled in between the huge pillows on Arabella’s bed. His pale skin was sharply contrasted against the deep burgundy of the bedspread, making him look even more colorless. A fierce protectiveness washed over Remus as he watched the sleeping boy.

    “You’re safe now Harry. I promise,” he sighed before leaving quietly.     

    Remus headed downstairs. A loud clatter of noise from the living room drew his attention, and he hurried in. Madam Pomfrey was just pulling herself from the fireplace, Dumbledore right behind her. Arabella was already there, brushing off her sooty robes.

    “Where is he?” Pomfrey asked.

    “He’s sleeping,” Remus answered. At Arabella’s confused look, he clarified, “I explained to him where he was and he seemed to understand. He told me he had a nightmare and that it had carried over.”

    “Arabella said he had an episode,” Pomfrey said.

    “I’m not sure what happened,” Remus shrugged, “He was screaming about how he left and he shouldn’t be here and then he asked if they had called. I didn’t know what to say so I explained we were at Arabella Figg’s house, across from the…” Suddenly, Remus trailed off, mouth dropping open slightly.

    “What?” Arabella prompted.

    “I just…he was standing by the window.” Three blank stares met his. “It’s ridiculous, I know, it’s just, he was standing by the window which looks out on the…”

    “Dursley’s,” Arabella finished, “You don’t think he’s reacting to them, do you?”

    “They may treat him less then decent,” Dumbledore began, “but there has never been signs of any threat to him in that household. He has no reason to fear them.”

    “The boy has been through much in the last 24 hours. Did you ever consider this might be his brains way of processing it?” Pomfrey shot Remus a pointed look, “I hate those Muggles as much as you, but he is safe there. We would have seen marks if he was being…abused.”

    “Emotional abuse doesn’t leave marks,” Remus grumbled under his breath.

    “Remus, Pomfrey is right. I know you care for him and are just trying to protect him, but he has been through a lot and maybe he’s just trying to deal with it,” Arabella moved to put an arm around Remus’s shoulders.

    “You’re right. I’m sorry I called you all here,” Remus smiled sheepishly at the group.

    “Nonsense, dear,” Pomfrey said, “I should be checking on him. We were hoping to have him back at Hogwarts as soon as possible.”

    “”I’ll take you up,” Arabella volunteered.

    “Excellent,” Pomfrey motioned for the Arabella to start before following the women out of the room.

    “Remus, the boy is strong. He will endure, this and whatever else he must,” Dumbledore said softly, before turning and following the other two. Remus sighed heavily and followed, mind silently praying the headmaster was correct.