Stay Free

Chapter 6: The-Boy-Who-Goes-Missing

Harry opened his eyes painfully to the sight of darkness, wincing as his back muscles ached. He blinked a few times, trying to adjust his eyes to the dark.

"Oh..." he moaned, bringing his hands up to squeeze his head. It felt like someone had stuffed a watermelon in each of his ears. "Oh...ow..."

After having a few moments of self-pity, Harry sat up straight to get a look at his surroundings, but not before his head hit something. Again.

"Ow!" Harry exclaimed, clutching his head again. He placed one hand above him, and felt rough wood. A spider climbed down his palm, tickling his wrist until he flicked it off.

"Hang on a minute..." said Harry slowly. He ran his hands down the wood around him, and swore under his breath. "I'm in my cupboard again!"

There was a low chuckle on the other side of the wall. "Yes, boy, you are." It was Uncle Vernon. "I've had enough of you, that creepy man you say is one of your teachers, that entire family of redheads that blows up our house every time they visit--"

He continued to rant on about all the wizards and witches he knew, while Harry desperately tried to find means of escape. He stuck his hand into his pocket, searching for his wand--

"You haven't got your wand to help you," Uncle Vernon said with amusement. "I took it out of your pocket once I knocked you out."

Harry cursed loudly for quite a length of time, but it only made Uncle Vernon sound happier.

"And now you're going to stay in there until you die of either dehydration or starvation, whichever one comes first," Uncle Vernon hissed. "You're locked in, there's a chair against the handle, and the only breathing holes you have are in the stairs. And you can't magic yourself out, or you'll get expelled. And if anyone comes to find you, I'll just say that you ran away. Good plan, if I do say so myself." He laughed menacingly.

"Remus--that's Professor Lupin to you--is coming to pick me up tomorrow!" Harry yelled through the door. "He'll know that you're lying. He'll find me."

"Keep dreaming," Uncle Vernon growled. "Keep dreaming." There was the sound of footsteps, echoing slightly until there was no more.

In a fit of rage, Harry slammed his fist against the door. It did nothing except make his knuckles bruised.

Nursing his wounded hand, Harry pulled a torn, limp blanket over his body. If his memory served correctly, it was red and had a blue stain in the corner where Dudley had spilled juice when he was four. Harry rubbed the corner between his fingers, and wished for the next day to come.

* * *

The next day, Severus was sitting in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place, wrapping a thin piece of cloth around his left forearm. The Dark Mark had burned so horribly the previous night, it had started to bleed. He winced when the cloth touched the still bleeding flesh, but continued to wrap it.

Footsteps on the stone stairs announced the arrival of Remus Lupin, who had just come from the Dursleys to pick up Potter. But when Severus turned around, there was just the werewolf, looking very pale and worried.

"Where's Potter?" Severus inquired, tightening the cloth.

"His uncle said he ran away," Lupin answered. He had begun to pace back and forth, his hands clasped together behind his back. "But Harry wouldn't run away, I know he wouldn't--"

"He did before his third year," Severus pointed out.

"But he had reason to," Lupin retorted. There was a small bead of sweat moving down his forehead. "He had just inflated his Aunt Marge. He was scared. He didn't know where to go."

"Did he say anything about the Dursleys at the trial?" Severus asked. He finished tightening the cloth, and shrugged the arm of his robes back over it.

Lupin shook his head. "But there's just something...not right about the whole situation. His room was too neat for a sixteen-year-old boy, and his owl was still there. Harry's aunt and cousin didn't say anything while Vernon spoke, which makes me think that he's told them to be quiet about something. I tried to get a private talk with them, but he shooed me off his property, threatening to call the police."

Severus stood up. "I'll go talk to Petunia."

Lupin grabbed his arm as he made a move towards the fireplace. "She won't talk to you," he warned, his brown eyes, flecked with gold, wide in fear. "She's terrified of you--"

"But she also knows that I cared for her sister very much," Severus interrupted, jerking his arm away from Lupin's grip. "She knows who I am. I visited Lily often during the summers."

"So did I," Lupin snapped. "I was friends with her as much as you were, Severus."

"But you didn't sleep with her," Severus retorted. Lupin gaped at him. Ah, yes, Lily hadn't managed to tell him about that slight detail.

"I did. Petunia knows that Lily and I had some sort of relationship. As much as she hates magic, Petunia still loved her sister. And she will tolerate me more than you. If you'll excuse me, I have to go rescue Potter. Again."

As Lupin stared in disbelief, Severus tightened his cloak around himself and made his way to the fireplace. He grabbed Floo Powder out of a small tin can, and tossed a handful into the flames.

"Number Four, Privet Drive," he said clearly, and stepped into the green fire.

The minute he tumbled onto the spotless living room floor, a shriek filled his ears. Severus jumped up, screwing his eyes up and pressing his hands to his head.

"Mum!" Dudley Dursley shouted, trying to calm his mother, "Mum! It's all right! It's the man who was here with Harry before! Calm down!"

Severus brushed soot off his cloak and glared at Petunia. She was sitting on the couch, drawing her knees up to her chin and hugging them to her chest.

"What do you want?" she spat angrily. Dudley slinked away to the kitchen. "We told you the boy ran away--"

"Petunia," Severus cut in smoothly, "please do not speak with me in that tone of voice. It's bad enough that I have to hear that sort of whine from students during school."

Petunia shut her mouth abruptly.

"Much better. Now, where's Potter?"

"We told you," Petunia answered, "he ran away."

"Now, Petunia," Severus said with enough false sweetness to make Umbridge proud, "we both know that is simply not true. Potter was about to spend the rest of his summer with his friends and what little family he has left. He wouldn't run from that."

"How would you know?" Petunia asked, her bony jaw stuck out defiantly. "You don't know him. He despises you--"

"The feeling is mutual," Severus muttered.

"--so how would you know?"

"I knew his mother very well, as you know," said Severus, drawing himself to his full height, "and I know that Potter has been blessed with her mind. He isn't that stupid. Now tell me where he is!"

"He ran away," Petunia repeated. "He ran away."

Severus took his wand out of his pocket. "Do you know what I can do to you with this, Petunia?"

"Yes," Petunia snapped. "You can kill me if you wish. But that won't do anything. Without me, the boy isn't safe."

Severus tightened his grip. "No, I don't have to kill you. But I can make you feel pain." He tapped the wand against her temple. "Did Lily tell you what I am?"

"A Death something," Petunia said, her eyes following the tapping wand. "You were sided with that--that man that killed her and Potter."

"I was, and, technically, I still am. So, would you please tell me where Potter is?"

"He ran away."

Severus heaved a sigh and ran a hand through his oily hair. "Do I have to force you?"

"I'd like to see you try," said Petunia, sticking her nose in the air. "Don't your lot get in trouble for using magic on us...what do you call us?"

"Muggles," said Severus impatiently.

* * *

Harry awoke to the sounds of muffled voices coming from somewhere in the Dursley's home. He sat up (careful to not hit his head again) and pressed his ear to the door.

"...ran..."

"...where...Potter?..."

"...blessed...where..."

"...Death...killed..."

"...force..."

"...trouble..."

"...Muggles..."

Harry frowned. It sounded like Aunt Petunia and Snape. But what was Snape doing here? Remus had already come to Privet Drive to find Harry while he was still asleep, but had been shooed away by Uncle Vernon, who told Harry the entire story through the closed door.

"WHERE IS POTTER?" Snape was bellowing.

"I TOLD YOU, HE RAN AWAY!" Aunt Petunia shrieked.

"I'M IN HERE!" Harry shouted, banging on the cupboard door. "YOU IDIOT, LOOK IN THE CUPBOARD UNDER THE STAIRS!"

But no one responded to his cries. Harry closed his eyes, concentrating all his strength on the door opening. If he had managed to do it when he was thirteen, it would work when he was sixteen, right?

But the door didn't budge. Refusing to accept defeat, Harry got into a crouching position, and rammed his body into the door.

After a moment (and wincing as his shoulder started to throb painfully), Harry sat back down, leaning against the wall. It was no use. He was going to be stuck in the Dursley's home until he died.

* * *

Lupin was waiting when Severus arrived back at Grimmauld Place. He jumped up at the sight, but retreated to his seat when he saw Potter wasn't with him.

"No luck?" Lupin said glumly.

Severus shook the ash off his robes as he responded, "None. Petunia didn't say anything useful, even though I threatened her with magic."

"Why don't we just use a Tracking Charm?"

Severus snorted. "Pointless. If Potter is still at Privet Drive, it won't help because Albus put up wards against Tracking Charms. And if Potter isn't there, then he's been captured by the Dark Lord, who, as we know, is very paranoid and puts up millions of wards wherever he goes."

Lupin's head dropped into his hands. "I can't believe this," he moaned, shaking slightly. "I haven't even been his guardian for more than two months and things are already starting to happen."

"I'm meeting with Death Eaters in a few days," said Severus awkwardly. It felt odd to be having some sort of heart-to-heart with Lupin. "If Potter is mentioned, I'll let you know."

Lupin nodded, sniffed a couple of times, and stood up. "I'm going to go let the Weasleys and Hermione know that Harry has gone missing."

* * *

Harry sat in his cupboard, twiddling his thumbs and wishing that he was telepathic, when there were voices outside the door. He dropped his hands into his lap, and slowly moved to the cupboard door, trying to avoid noise at all cost.

"What do you mean, someone else was here?" Uncle Vernon was hissing.

"It was that Snape man," Aunt Petunia was saying fearfully. "The one who's been here all summer."

Uncle Vernon swore under his breath. "He's going to be even more difficult to convince than that timid fellow who was here the other day."

"That's Remus Lupin, from the train station."

"I know, Petunia, I know." There was the sound of pacing feet on the carpet. "Well, we've got to make sure that the boy isn't able to scream for help like he did today. You're sure Snape didn't hear anything?"

"Positive. He was too busy yelling."

"Good." The feet stopped pacing. "Now, I'll make sure the boy can't return to that freak school of his." The footsteps started again, only this time they were moving towards Harry's cupboard. He backed away into the corner, feigning sleep.

"Get up, boy," Uncle Vernon snapped, grabbing Harry by the scruff of his neck. Harry blinked to get used to the light that was streaming in through the small door.

"What?" said Harry groggily, trying to rub his eyes. Uncle Vernon yanked him out of the cupboard and threw him onto the floor.

"You're not going to return to that school of yours," he hissed, putting his purple face very close to Harry's. "And I'll make sure of it."

"And then you'll be in over your head," Harry spat. "Dumbledore will--"

But Harry couldn't finish his sentence, for Uncle Vernon had just slammed his fist into his mouth, powerful enough to make Harry's head snap back. His glasses flew onto the stairs above his head. Blood dripped from his lip; a tooth had gone through.

"Up, boy!" Uncle Vernon bellowed. He kicked Harry in the ribs and back, forcing him to half-sit, half-crouch.

"Why are you doing this to me?" Harry sputtered through a mouthful of blood. He wiped it clean, spitting the coppery taste onto the hardwood floor.

Uncle Vernon's eyes glittered with malice. "That, my boy, is something you will have to learn on your own." And he punched Harry again, this time in the cheek. One of his knuckles collided with Harry's eyes, which he shut just in time.

Harry fell against the end table, one hand grasping the legs so he could stay upright. Holding one hand to his ribs, he managed to stand up without falling.

"Tough, are you?" said the blurry image of Uncle Vernon.

An anger Harry had never felt before bubbled in his chest. He wanted nothing more than to lunge at his uncle, beat him until he could feel no more--

"Aren't so special, are you?" taunted Uncle Vernon. "Your lot says you're the 'Boy-Who-Lived.' But you don't look so tough right now, do you?"

The anger began to boil. Wasn't he the Boy-Who-Lived? Did that boy weaken at the sight of his Muggle uncle, but was still able to escape Voldemort's wrath?

"I'm tougher than you think," Harry responded, and brought up his right fist, lashed it into his uncle's neck, enjoying the cry of pain and surprise--He kicked at Uncle Vernon's legs, trying to make him fall to the floor--

But Uncle Vernon had grasped Harry by the throat. He began to tighten his fingers, squeezing until Harry choked, and he tried, blindly, to strike anything near him. The fingers tightened even further, and his vision clouded.

"This isn't a two way street, boy," Uncle Vernon growled. "I hit you, you stay on the ground. Do you understand me?" He shook Harry forcefully.

Harry fell limp. "Y-Yes, Uncle Vernon."

* * *

While Harry was being beaten by his uncle, Severus, Lupin, and Dumbledore were sitting in the Headmaster's office, unaware of what was going on at Privet Drive.

"Albus, I don't understand why you don't just let us storm in and tear the house apart!"

"Remus, my boy, you will understand--"

"Headmaster, this is a matter of life and death. Potter could be anywhere--"

"Severus, I trust Harry--"

"He's just a child!" Severus and Lupin exclaimed in unison.

Dumbledore sighed heavily. Snape leaned in forward to listen closely. The Headmaster sighing usually meant that he was going to say something important. Or he would offer a new Muggle sweet he was fond of, but Severus was hoping for the information.

"You both know that I do care about Harry's safety. But I do not believe that he is in any danger. If he was, there would have been some sign. Severus, there has been nothing from Tom?"

"Nothing."

"And Remus, nothing out of the ordinary at Privet Drive?"

"Yes."

Dumbledore relaxed in his chair. "I'm sure that wherever Harry is, he's taking care of himself."

* * *

"There," Uncle Vernon snapped angrily after an hour or two of beatings (which had now progressed to the living room) to his nephew. Harry sat up shakily, trying not to move too much.

"Now, to be sure you don't return to that school," Uncle Vernon began, "I'm going to get rid of your schoolbooks."

"S-sorry?" Harry stuttered. He blotted his bleeding mouth with his shirtsleeve.

Uncle Vernon grinned widely, and reached for something under the couch. He pulled out all of Harry's books, his summer work, quill, ink, and parchment. His robes and cloaks were also in a pile beside it. Next, he threw a lit match into the fireplace, which was already stocked full of wood.

"Now watch it burn," Uncle Vernon whispered, and threw the armload into the flames.

* * *

"Er, Professor Snape?" said a timid voice.

Severus placed the Daily Prophet that he was reading onto the kitchen table. "Yes, Mr. Weasley?"

Ron Weasley walked down the rest of the stone steps. "It's about Harry," he began anxiously, scratching the back of his neck. Severus nodded for him to continue. "Is he all right?"

"I can't answer that question," Severus said, folding his hands on top of the table. "I have no idea where Potter is, and no way to find out. The Headmaster feels that wherever Potter is, he can take care of himself."

"That's completely idiotic!" Weasley exclaimed. "Harry can't take care of himself if he's being tortured by You-Know-Who, or something!"

Severus rubbed his left forearm at the mention of the Dark Lord. "Potter has not been captured by the Dark Lord, or any of the Death Eaters."

"Then where can he be?" said Weasley exasperatedly.

"Again, Mr. Weasley," said Severus heavily, "that, I cannot answer."

* * *

"You'll stay in here," Uncle Vernon growled, throwing Harry into Dudley's old bedroom. "Any funny stuff and you will find yourself without your right arm." He slammed the door behind him, causing the walls to shake slightly.

Harry collapsed onto his bed, savouring the soft mattress and the warmth of blankets. He buried himself underneath the weight of the blankets, curling up into a small ball, hugging the pillow. It was then that Harry allowed himself to cry.

For the next few days, the routine was very simple. Uncle Vernon would come to Harry's room in the morning before work, beat him senseless, and then return that night to do the same. There was no food or water given to him.

On the fifth day, Harry crawled to his bed, dragging what felt like a broken ankle. He couldn't make it onto the mattress, so he grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around himself. He lay down on the floor, his cheek scratching against the loose floorboard.

Hedwig hooting feebly took his attention away from self-pitying. Harry looked up at his owl, who was perched on top of her cage. She was losing weight as quickly as he was.

"Hey," Harry said hoarsely. He licked his chapped lips, trying to get the dry feeling out of his mouth. "I'm sorry, Hedwig. There isn't going to be any food. Or water. Nothing."

Hedwig hooted again, and half-flew, half-hopped to Harry's arm. She bit his ear lightly, and Harry allowed himself a faint smile.

"I can't write any letters, Hedwig," Harry said, stroking her feathers. "Uncle Vernon put all my school things into the fireplace. The mirror from Sirius is broken, and I don't have my wand to fix it." Harry sighed. "I might as well die here. I don't know why Dumbledore hasn't sent anyone over here. Doesn't he know that the Dursleys treat me horribly?"

Hedwig stretched out her wings, and managed to fly to the window. She glanced at Harry, as though waiting for him to say something.

"Hedwig, the windows have bars on them," Harry croaked. "You can't get through--"

Then, to his surprise, Hedwig slid right through the spaces in the bars. She gripped the bars with her talons, pushed off into the night, and remained flapping to stay in the air.

"Go to Grimmauld Place," Harry called out in a hoarse croak. "Find Remus, Ron, or Hermione--Just find someone, get me out of here--"

Hedwig nodded--it might have been a trick of the eyes--and flew off into the stars. Harry watched until she was a mere dot in the distance, and then let his head fall down to sleep.

* * *

"No, Lupin, Potter is not being held by Death Eaters," Severus said before Lupin could get the question out. The werewolf shut his mouth abruptly, and stepped aside so Severus could walk through the doorway.

"Was there anything that could be of any use?" Lupin asked hopefully.

"Nothing." Severus leaned against the wall casually. "Lucius said nothing of interest while I visited him in Azkaban, and the Polyjuice ran out before I could talk to anyone else."

"What about the rest of his family?" Lupin inquired.

"Draco is the only person living at Malfoy Manor, and his mother is too messed up in the head to understand anything. When I told Draco that Potter had gone missing, he just shrugged it off and said he would keep his eyes and ears open."

Lupin nodded gravely, biting his lip. A dark shape moved behind him, and Severus immediately went for his wand. He relaxed when he saw it was the shadows of Weasley and Granger walking down the stairs. His arm was around her waist, and her head rested on his shoulder.

Lupin, having already heard them with a werewolf's extra sensitive hearing, said in a low whisper, "They're both very worried, not to mention depressed. The three of them don't like being split up like this."

"The Gryffindor Dream Team," Severus muttered.

Lupin closed his eyes and let his head fall back against the doorframe. "I hope Harry's all right," he said quietly. "It would kill me if he's hurt--"

Lupin stopped talking abruptly, his eyes snapping open.

"What is it?" Severus said impatiently. Lupin raised one finger, signalling for him to be quiet. The werewolf slowly turned so that he was facing the wall to the side of the door. He then pressed his ear against the door, evidently listening.

"There's something outside," Lupin whispered. He sniffed the air. "It's not human, though."

"What is it?" Severus repeated, taking out his wand.

"It's..." Lupin sniffed again, and frowned. "It smells like an owl, but it's got something else on it..."

With his ear still on the door, Lupin turned the doorknob with one hand, quietly pulling it open an inch. He sniffed.

"Definitely an owl," Lupin confirmed. "Coming this way..."

THUMP!

As if on cue, something hit the door. Severus jumped back on instinct, and Lupin wrenched open the door to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Something white whizzed into Severus's vision, and he raised his left hand to catch it.

"Yes, it's an owl," Severus said dryly, holding up the bird. It was snow-white, very thin, and was clutching onto his left forearm as if it might die if it let go.

Lupin studied the owl closely. "It hasn't brought a letter," he mused, "but it looks and smells familiar..." The werewolf's eyes brightened slightly. "Ron! Hermione! Come here!" he yelled.

Weasley and Granger came from the living room a moment later. "What is it, Professor?" Granger asked. Her eyes were red and puffy.

"Do either of you recognize this owl?" Lupin asked. Severus held up the bird, which was nibbling on his fingertips. He stuck his wand back into his belt.

Weasley gaped. He withdrew the arm that was slung over Granger's shoulder, and grabbed the owl. "It's Hedwig!" the red-haired boy exclaimed. "Harry's owl!"

"You're sure?" Severus said sharply. Weasley nodded.

"Positive." He glanced at Granger. "It is, isn't it? She looks a bit thin, though."

"Poor thing," Granger said sympathetically. She took the owl out of Weasley's hands. "I'll bring her to sit with Pig. He's in your room, right?"

Weasley nodded again, and Granger left the corridor.

"All right," Lupin said eagerly. "This is a clue. If Hedwig is still alive, then so is Harry. She's very loyal to him, and he doesn't go anywhere without her--"

"Didn't you say that Hedwig was still in Potter's room when you visited Privet Drive?" Severus interrupted. Lupin paused.

"Yes, she was," Lupin said slowly. "Harry must be at Privet Drive. But where? I kept my ears and eyes open, but I couldn't see him. I could smell him, but that was because he's been living there since he was a baby."

"Let's go," Severus said in a business-like tone. He opened the door, stepped outside, and beckoned for Lupin to follow. He turned to Weasley and said, "Watch the owl. If anyone else comes to the door, tell him or her where we've gone. We might need help later on."

Weasley nodded, his freckled skin pale. Severus gave him a jerk of his head, and then Disapparated.

As soon as he arrived outside of Privet Drive, Severus took out his wand again. A faint popping noise announced the arrival of Lupin, who had his wand out already.

"How should we do this?" Lupin whispered, one eye on the Dursley's home and the other on Severus. "Should we run in and blast the house apart to look for him, or should we be cautious?"

Severus considered this for a moment, then said, "Cautious. Though we are saving Potter from God knows what, we can still get in trouble with the Ministry for destroying Muggle houses."

Lupin nodded quickly. "Good idea. Let's go."

A muttered, "Alohomora," allowed them entrance into the Dursley's home. Severus stepped through the doorway, and nodded to Lupin.

"I'll take the upstairs," Severus said in a low whisper, "and you take the downstairs. If you find anything, holler. If anyone else wakes up, hit them with a Stunning Spell and a Memory Charm."

"Sounds good to me," said Lupin, and he crept into the living room. Severus started up the stairs.

There was nothing out of the ordinary in the corridor or the bathroom, so Severus poked his head into Dudley's room. He was lying in his bed, snoring like a mountain troll. Everything was fine. Severus moved on to Petunia and Vernon's room, which held nothing of interest. Both were asleep.

Severus stopped at the door to Potter's bedroom. There was a small square cut out in the bottom, but it had been nailed shut with what looked to be the remains of a shirt. There was also a broom stuck in the door handle, which Severus took off gently and placed on the ground. He tried the doorknob, but it was locked. Another whispered, "Alohomora," and it was magically unlocked. Severus pushed open the door slowly, but it creaked anyway. He stepped inside, and flicked on the light.

The Potions Master frowned. All of Potter's books--which were usually on his desk--were missing. In fact, so were all the ink, parchment, and quills. He scanned the rest of the bedroom. There was a mess of blankets at the side of the bed, the window had bars on it, and--

The blankets moved. Severus immediately pointed his wand at them, but dropped his arm to his side as a faint groan echoed through the room. Messy black hair poked through the blankets, and two bright eyes stared at him.

"Potter," said Severus in a low whisper, "what have they done to you?"

The boy pushed the blankets off his body, wincing as they moved across the numerous injuries. His breathing was slow, and one of his hands was gently touching his ribs.

"Uncle Vernon," Potter rasped. His cheeks were hollow, his hair in oily slicks about his face--which had enough bruises on it to make Severus wince--and his voice was hoarse.

"Have they been starving you?" Severus asked. He crouched down beside Potter, cringing at the smell of blood.

"Yeah," Potter answered, his voice cracking. His movements were slow, as if it pained him to do so. "No water either. I was in my cupboard the first two days."

"Then he started hurting you?" Severus inquired.

Potter nodded. "He said he didn't want me to return to 'that freak school.'"

"For Merlin's sake..." said Severus, shaking his head. What would make someone do such a thing? "Potter, let's see the rest of the damage. I need to know what kind of condition you're in before I can Apparate you out of here."

Potter nodded again, and began to unbutton his shirt. His fingers were clumsy, and he gave himself a faint smile. "Can't move so well," he said apologetically.

When he finally had it undone, Severus had to look away for a moment. Potter was covered with bruises, each of them piled up on one another. His prominent ribs, looking sharp enough to injure something, poked through his white skin.

"Tell me if it hurts," Severus instructed. He tapped his wand on Potter's stomach, murmuring a spell. The boy let out a low hiss of pain, and his face twisted. "All right, you've broken a couple."

"And that, too," Potter added, gesturing to his swollen ankle. "I can't walk on it."

"Ferula," Severus muttered, tapping Potter's ankle. Bandages wove itself around the ankle, making a splint. He did the same to his ribs. "There. That'll hold it for now--can you stand?"

Potter grasped the mattress and used it to lift himself up. He gingerly put weight on the ankle, and nodded. "Is anyone else here?" he asked, still holding his torso. He breathed slowly, trying not to injure himself more than needed.

"Lupin," Severus answered, and Potter brightened slightly. "He's downstairs--hold on, I should let him know I found you--"

Severus flicked his wand, causing red sparks to fly out. The sparks zoomed out of the open door, heading down to wherever the werewolf was.

"Have you got any food?" Potter asked. He was gripping the bedside table with white knuckles, and he swayed slightly.

"No, I don't. How long has it been since you've eaten?"

Potter closed his eyes to think. "I--I don't remember," he said finally.

Before Severus could comment on that, there were footsteps outside the door. Lupin slipped inside, shutting the door quietly behind him. He looked at Potter, and his shoulders sagged.

"Harry!" said Lupin with relief. He strode forward, looping an arm around Potter's shoulders and bringing him into a rough hug. Potter returned it weakly, his arms limp. "What the hell have they done to you?" He held Potter at arm's length so he could see better.

"No food or water for almost a week," Severus replied before Potter could open his mouth. "And Vernon has been using his fist, as I'm sure you can tell."

"How can someone do this?" Lupin said, shaking his head. Severus could see his upper arms tensing angrily. "And to a child?"

"Can we just get out of here?" Potter said impatiently. Severus could tell by the look on his face that he did not prefer being called a child. "Please?"

"We need to contact the proper authorities about Vernon," Lupin said. "I don't care what Dumbledore says, child abuse is not acceptable. Have the Dursleys been physically abusing you since you first arrived here?"

"Yes," said Potter, clearing his throat. He dropped his gaze to the floor.

"Why didn't you mention this to anyone, Harry?" Lupin demanded heatedly. His eyes had suddenly hardened. "I knew they treated you horribly, but beating you up?"

"It's never been this bad," Potter snapped. "Sure, they made me work like a house-elf and let Dudley smack me around a bit, but it was never this bad!"

"Still, Harry--"

"Lupin," said Severus in an undertone, "let's leave this alone. We can discuss it with Dumbledore later."

"Or, better yet, we can call in the Muggle Aurors--the policemen. We can call them on the--er--telephone, is it? Yes? All right--I'll call them, tell them that you had contacted both of us and said that you needed help, and that we came to investigate. That way, Vernon goes to prison, and Petunia is still here to protect Harry."

Lupin looked at Severus. "How does that sound?"

"Fine by me," Severus answered, and glanced at Potter. "What do you think?"

Potter nodded. "Good."

* * *

Sirens rang in the distance as Harry helped himself to the contents of the refrigerator. Remus had just called in the police, Snape had contacted Dumbledore and told them what happened, and the Dursleys still had no idea what was happening.

Harry bit into a pear and nearly moaned at the taste. How long had it been since he had food in his stomach? Nearly a week? Oh, he was never going to take advantage of the thought of food again, Harry thought as he shoved the rest of the food into his mouth hungrily.

"Harry, you're going to hurt yourself," Remus said, sounding amused. Harry looked up from spreading large amounts of jelly on bread. "Don't eat too quickly. Your body won't be used to food for awhile."

Harry placed the sandwich back down unwillingly. "There," he said, "is that better?"

"For now," Remus said, smiling faintly. He walked into the front corridor, and Harry followed. "Now, we wait."

Harry sat down on the floor at this statement. If he was going to wait, he wasn't going to stand. Besides, it hurt too much to put weight on his legs.

Snape came in from the living room, stuffing a small package of Floo Powder into the pockets of his robes. "Dumbledore has been notified, but he nearly had a heart attack when I told him the story. He thought the Dark Lord had captured you, instead of your Muggle uncle."

"Speaking of Muggles," Harry began, noticing that it felt like he was speaking through a bag of marbles (perhaps it was because he hadn't properly spoken in days?), "you two need to dress like them. The police will think it's odd that I've been saved by two men who look like they're wearing bathrobes."

"I hate wearing Muggle clothes," Snape grumbled, but he withdrew his wand and tapped his robes. They shimmered slightly, and turned into a pair of dark blue jeans and a plain white-t-shirt that had a black button-up worn over it. Harry muffled a laugh into the sleeve of his shirt, which, he noticed with disgust, was soaked with blood.

"It could be worse," Remus offered, a true grin on his lined face. He had changed his robes into a dark green sweatshirt and tan trousers.

"How could it be worse?" Snape snapped, his arms crossed over his chest. He looked very uncomfortable. "I hate this type of clothing."

Before Remus could open his mouth, there was the sound of a fist banging against the front door.

"Police!" a male voice called out. "Open up!"

Harry stood up, but Remus had already stridden forward with and opened the door. Two men, looking to be in their mid-thirties, stood on the doorstep, both wearing uniforms and looking ready to storm the house. They relaxed when they saw Harry over Remus's shoulder.

"I'm PC Brown," said the man on the left. He had shaggy blonde hair, blue eyes, and looked to be just over six feet. He was carrying a small notepad in one hand, which he jerked at the other man as he said, "And this is PC Davidson."

"Are you the man that called?" inquired Davidson. He had brown hair that was cut very short, and similar coloured eyes.

"Yes, I am," Remus said, and he stepped out of the doorway. "Please, come in."

Both officers nodded and walked inside. They both cringed visibly when they looked at Harry. "This is the boy who was being abused?" Davidson asked sharply.

"Yes," said Snape with the tone of voice one might use to explain one plus one equals two. "By his uncle. For at least a week. No food or water."

"We'll need your names, please," said Brown, flipping to a blank page in his notebook and uncapping a pen.

"Severus Snape, and that's Remus Lupin. We're teachers at his boarding school over in Scotland."

"And how long exactly have you known this boy?"

"I have a name, you know," Harry muttered. Both officers turned to glance at him, eyebrows raised in a silent question. "My name's Harry Potter. I've known Professor Snape since I was eleven, and Professor Lupin since I was thirteen."

Brown scribbled this across his notebook. "And why did you contact these particular professors? What do you teach anyway?" he added, looking at Snape and Remus.

"Chemistry," Snape said quickly.

"History," Remus answered.

"I see..." Brown wrote that down, and looked back at Harry.

"I contacted them because Professor Lupin is my favourite teacher, and Snape because he's been visiting occasionally during the summer," Harry answered truthfully. "I'm an orphan, you see, and the Headmaster likes to have some of the teachers check up on me. You know, make sure I'm doing all right."

"Aren't you a little old to be having a babysitter?" commented Davidson.

"My godfather died recently," Harry said coldly, "and it was partly my fault. That is why I need a--as you so quaintly put it--babysitter."

Both Remus and Snape shot Harry a warning glare as the two officers muttered things to each other under their breath. "He died in a drowning accident," Remus lied. His voice was light, yet it shook slightly. "Harry was at the lake when it happened, and he considers it to be his fault."

"And where is Mr. Vernon Dursley?" Davidson asked.

"Upstairs," Snape answered, jerking a thumb at the stairs.

"He's still asleep," Remus added. "And so are his wife and son."

"You three stay here," Brown said, drawing himself to his full height, "and if we aren't back down in a couple of minutes, use the radio in the car to call for help. Understood?"

The three of them nodded mutely. Both officers began walking up the stairs. Once they were out of earshot, Harry let out the breath he had been holding. "I didn't think they were going to believe me."

"The absence of Occlumency lessons has brought back your temper problem," Snape commented. "It will be awhile until you can fight anyone off without your wand--"

"Where is your wand, Harry?" Remus interrupted. "Certainly you could have fought Vernon if you had your wand on you."

"He said he took it away from me when I was knocked out the first time," Harry replied, fumbling with a loose thread on his shirt. "I don't know where it is."

"We'll ask him about it," Remus said firmly. "Of course, we won't mention that it's a wand and that you're a wizard, because they won't let you leave with us if they think we're mentally ill."

Snape snorted, and Harry let the corners of his mouth curve up slightly. "We can just say--" he began, but was interrupted by a bellow from upstairs. "There's Uncle Vernon."

"Do you think the police will let me leave with you two?" Harry asked as a high-pitched shriek followed Uncle Vernon's shouts.

"I can convince them," Snape said grimly, reaching into his pocket and twirling a wand between his fingers. Remus shot him a look, and he returned it reluctantly.

"They'll let you leave with us," Remus assured Harry, "I'm sure of it."

There was the sound of footsteps following the werewolf's statement, and Harry looked up to see Uncle Vernon, his hands cuffed behind his back, being led down the stairs by Brown and Davidson.

"Boy," Uncle Vernon growled, spittle flying from his mouth, "you're going to pay for this, you little, lying brat--"

"That's enough, Mr. Dursley," said Davidson sharply. Uncle Vernon's expression darkened, but he shut his mouth.

Brown turned to look at Remus and Snape. "Will you take--Harry, is it?--back to the boarding school for the rest of the summer?"

"Of course," Remus said quickly, and Snape jerked his head in a nod. "The Headmaster won't mind if Harry stays at Hog--er, the school. He can catch up on his summer work."

"Brilliant," Davidson agreed. "We'll be in touch, as this may have to go to court," he added, and began leading Uncle Vernon out of Number Four, Privet Drive, Brown close behind. "Now, Mr. Dursley, you will accompany us back to the station..."

"I'll ask Petunia about Potter's wand," Snape said as soon as the squad car drove off into the distance. He began walking up the stairs, his wand held out in front of him.

"All right," Remus said, clapping Harry on the shoulder, making him flinch. "Now, where are your school things? You'll need to pack them."

"Well--er--Uncle Vernon burned them," Harry admitted. "Threw all my books, quills, and parchment into the fireplace. And my robes."

Remus's eyes hardened, and his grip on Harry's shoulder tightened. Harry winced as the fingers dug into his bloodied and bruised shoulder, but Remus paid no attention.

"I'll order new ones for you from Flourish and Blotts," Remus said finally, releasing Harry's shoulder. "Merlin, Harry, I didn't think they were this bad."

"It never was this bad," Harry muttered.

Before Remus could open his mouth to reply, Snape came walking down the stairs. He had changed back into his robes, and he was holding something in his fingers.

"Your wand," Snape said, tossing it into Harry's hands. He caught it with relief. "It was hidden in a safe under the bed."

"All right, then," Remus said, "let's go."

He started to head to the door, but Harry grabbed a fistful of his shirt. "Wait! The Marauder's Map!"

Remus turned around very quickly. "He didn't burn that, did he?" he asked frantically. "If he did, I'll beat him to a bloody pulp--"

"No, he didn't," Harry cut in. "It's under a loose floorboard in my room, along with my Invisibility Cloak--"

"All the things you didn't want the Dursleys to see," Snape finished for him. Harry nodded. "Well, Potter, seeing as how it's safe for you to leave Privet Drive, we'll just bring you to Grimmauld Place for now, and I'll go back and get your things later."

Harry nodded again. "All right. Can we go now?"