Abused

See chapter 1 for disclaimer

Chapter 2: Missing Students

Chapter 2: Missing Students
Beth Blackwell floo’d into the offices of the MLE, and stopped at the desk. “Auror Shacklebolt is expecting me.”

Before the attendant could say anything, Kingsley’s head popped out of a door. “Good evening Healer.” She walked past the stunned young man and into the door held open for her. As Beth took the seat offered, the Auror nodded, “I’m Kingsley Shacklebolt.”

She smiled faintly, “And I’m Elizabeth Blackwell. I work at St. Mungo’s, but I’ve been on call for Lucius and Draco Malfoy since the downfall of the Dark Lord.” She handed the man her itemized list of Harry’s injuries.

Kingsley looked it over, and his brows drew together in anger as he kept reading. Finally he looked up at her. “This is atrocious, Healer.”

Beth shook her head, “And I’m not certain that’s the extent of it. I won’t know the side effects of Mr. Potter’s skull fracture until he regains consciousness. From what Lucius told me, I don’t think there’s any vision problems, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t have brain damage, or hearing difficulties as a result.”

She continued, “I’ve restricted visitation to those who were at the Manor… and yourself. I don’t want anyone there who might put my patient at risk.”

Shacklebolt frowned, and told her, “There are charges being filed against the Dursley family as we speak.”

Beth interrupted, “Lucius told me to let you know that Mr. Potter is still under 17, meaning this falls under the child abuse laws.”

At that, Kingsley sat upright, “I hadn’t realized that. With your assistance I’ll set up for Lucius to obtain guardianship until he reaches that age... or maybe older, depending on his final condition.” Thinking it out, he stated, “I’m also going to charge Albus Dumbledore with negligence in regards to Mr. Potter’s living situation… and the fact that Mr. Longbottom heard Harry request not to go back there. By the time it comes to trial, both Longbottom and Potter will be of age to testify against the others.”

Healer Blackwell shook her head, “I don’t think I’d do that just yet, but talk to Lucius about it. It may not be politic to reveal your hand to him at this point.”

Kingsley met Beth’s eyes, “Alright, but as far as I am concerned, Harry Potter’s whereabouts are classified. It won’t be in any of my files, and I’ll have the temporary guardianship papers placed under a ‘Need To Know’ Spell of my own devising. I’ve used it before when an abused child has had to be removed from a home.” He sighed, “I only wish I had known about this before. I would have removed Harry from his Aunt’s residence sooner. Unfortunately, Dumbledore convinced everyone that the boy was safest there because of his mother’s blood. Once Voldemort was dead, Harry shouldn’t have been expected to return to that place. Through his godfather, he owns the Order of the Phoenix safe house, and could have stayed there.”

Elizabeth stood and thanked the man. “I’ll leave it for you to discuss things further with Lucius. I’ll be there in the morning to check on my patient again.” Kingsley nodded, “Perhaps I will see you there, then. Good night, Healer Blackwell.”
~*~
Lucius had returned to Harry's room, leaving Draco to play host to his year mates. Drawing a chair up beside the bed, he leaned back watching the Gryffindor sleep. Introspectively he admitted that the day's scenario was something he never could have imagined. Like his son... and so many others... Lucius Malfoy had been of the opinion that the Potter boy was spoiled and arrogant. Seeing him at the mercy of the gargantuan beast whom was supposedly family, brought out a totally different perspective. The aristocrat pushed back a strand of dark hair, seeing only a faint outline of where Voldemort's curse scar once marked the teen.
~*~
Lucius woke in the chair beside the Gryffindor’s bed. Stretching, he called for Tibby and told her to stay with the boy, but if he woke, to get Draco. He then headed through to his own room, and a hot shower. The blonde stood under the spray allowing the heat to ease his stiff muscles. He really should know better than try to sleep in a chair, but he hadn’t wanted to leave Harry to wake alone.

After a drying spell, Lucius donned a pair of black trousers and a blue silk shirt, feeling that informality would be infinitely more comfortable if the day turned out anything like the one before.

Returning to Harry’s room, he found that Beth Blackwell had already arrived and was examining her patient. Glancing toward the door to the hall, he found Draco leaning against the jamb watching the healer closely. He motioned his son into the room as they continued to observe Beth’s actions.

Seeing the house-elf in the corner, Draco went over and whispered in her ear, and the elf disappeared. He saw his father’s eyebrow rise, and the younger man whispered to him, “I sent her for tea.” Lucius nodded at his son’s thoughtfulness and returned his attention to Elizabeth Blackwell.

Eventually she looked up. “Well, he’s improving slowly. I’m not sure if that’s the good medical care, or an unconscious acknowledgement of being somewhere safe.”

Lucius gave a faint chuckle, “You’re the only healer I know who willing admits that sometimes medicine isn’t the most necessary cure.”

Beth shrugged, “With almost two centuries under my belt, I think I know more than just about any Healer or muggle physician in the world. Most of them totally ignore the needs of the mind and spirit, only thinking of healing the body. If they’d sit back and think, the condition of mind and spirit both affect the body in strange ways.”

Luc rolled his eyes at her, “Thankfully, the Dark Lord didn’t realize that either, or he’d probably still be around.”

The healer nodded, “By the way, Auror Shacklebolt suggested charges against Albus Dumbledore, and I told him to discuss it with you.”

The blonde frowned, “I don’t think that would be wise at this point. That old fool doesn’t need to know if he didn’t care what would happen to the boy in the first place.”
~*~
The house elves found it shocking that the main rooms of the Manor weren’t being used. Everyone seemed to gather in the injured boy’s room, and usually called for informal meals to be served there.

Draco discovered that even though Susan had been a Hufflepuff, she could hold her own in a game of wizard’s chess, while Neville and Luna spent their time discussing spells, charms, and books in general with the Lord of the Manor.

Beth Blackwell stopped in daily to check on Harry, just waiting for the day that he would wake up.

It was almost two weeks from the time he had been rescued before the Gryffindor showed signs of waking. As his eyes fluttered open, the room’s other occupants gathered around him, urging him toward coherency.

Emerald eyes looked at everyone. He could see their mouths move, but heard nothing. Harry’s eyes widened and, frightened, he cried out, “Don’t tease me! Someone make some noise.” Suddenly realizing that he didn’t even hear himself, he began to panic.

At Harry’s outburst, Lucius knew something was very wrong, and he reached out to gather the terrified teen in his arms. “Draco, get Beth… NOW! The rest of you, go sit by the fire until I can get him calmed down, and Beth can examine him.” Without a single word of argument, the teens did as commanded, retreating to watch as the cold, arrogant Lucius Malfoy rocked their frightened friend.

“Are you sure that’s Lucius Malfoy?” Susan asked softly.

Neville chuckled, “Remember when Harry said there was more to him that he wouldn’t let people see? I think that Lord Malfoy is revealing the man behind the mask.”

Beth darted into the room and seeing Lucius with Harry, stopped to talk to the teens, “What happened?”

Neville replied, “He woke up, and we were all talking to him, when he yelled something about wanting us to make noise. Then he started to get hysterical."

The healer rolled her eyes, “Damn! I was hoping that nothing else would be wrong. Thanks kids, I’ll deal with him and Lucius now. Why don’t you go downstairs with Draco?”

She went over to the bed as the others left. “Luc?”

The blonde shook his head, “What’s wrong with him, Beth? He’s so frightened.”

The healer shook her head, and finally removing the young man from her friend’s grasp began examining him. Lucius stood back watching as she did her thing and began testing Harry’s ears. Finishing her exam, she gave him a vial of calming potion and watched as he visibly relaxed.

Motioning Lucius back to them, Beth said softly, “He seems to be deaf, Lucius.”

The aristocrat frowned, “What do you mean, ‘Seems to be’?”

She met the steel blue eyes, “There’s no actual damage to his brain or ears. I think it might be fear-induced.” She smiled faintly, “If it is, when Harry feels truly safe and protected, his hearing will return.”

“So how will we communicate to ease his fears, Beth?”

With a wave of her wand, parchment and a Quick Quotes quill appeared. “This will allow him to read what you’re saying, but as for Harry, I’d like you to encourage him to continue using his voice… even if it sounds a bit off, or loud. He needs to exercise his vocal cords so that he doesn’t lose his speech as well.”

She turned and got Harry’s attention. Speaking slowly so that the quill could keep up, the woman said, “Hello, Harry. My name is Beth and I’m a healer.”

He glanced from her open, friendly face to the parchment that she had spelled to hang in the air at the height of her head. “What’s wrong with me?”

Elizabeth Blackwell sat down beside him, taking the slender hand in hers. “From what I can see, it would be called ‘hysterical’ deafness, as I can’t find a physical reason for you to be unable to hear.” She saw the look of defeat in the emerald eyes, and smiled gently. “Don’t, Harry. I personally think that when you truly feel safe and protected, your hearing will return, that it is a way for you to subconsciously protect yourself.” Beth sat there watching him work it through, while Lucius stood back observing.

Finally, she grinned, “I can also arrange for a tutor in muggle sign language. They teach it to the deaf… and those who interact with the deaf.”

Harry perked up, and Lucius nodded, “I think that would be best. I believe that my son and the others will all learn it with him.”

The young wizard was paying attention to what was being written on the parchment, and he asked, “What about my voice?”

The healer smiled at him. “I’d like you to keep talking, Harry. It may sound a bit odd to the others, but you need to keep your vocal cords in use, and they will adjust. It will also be easier for you to communicate by speaking, even though you can’t hear yourself.” With a caring hand, Beth brushed the hair away from Harry’s face. “Let Lucius and the others help you handle it, Harry.”

Finally admitting his confusion, the brunet inquired of the aristocrat, “H-How did you know…?”

One eyebrow rose, and Lucius said, “… that you were in trouble?” With Harry’s nod, he continued, “Mr. Longbottom actually found the courage to come to me with his concerns. Apparently he overheard your conversation with the Headmaster regarding your accommodations for the summer.”

Harry snorted at the word ‘accommodations’, and Lucius chuckled at his response. “I agree with you, Mr. Potter. Now, let’s see what we can do to get you back on your feet. When you feel up to it, I’ll see about tutors for you and your friends. I really don’t think you want to return to Hogwarts after this.”

Harry shook his head emphatically. “Sir, what about my relatives?”

Lucius smiled, “The Dursleys are in the custody of the MLE, but Kingsley Shacklebolt tells me that no one has, or will be, notified of their location until after their trial for child abuse and neglect.”

Harry shuddered, “But then, who is my guardian?”

The blond took Beth’s place on the side of the bed. Gently stroking the dark hair, he said, “I hope you don’t mind, but Kingsley had me named your guardian.”

Harry shook his head. “Sir, may I ask you a favor?”

Lucius nodded, “Of course, Harry.”

Swallowing hard, he said, “Would you please check on my vaults?”

The blonde frowned, “Harry…?”

The Gryffindor continued, “I’ve had a feeling for some time that everything is not as it should be, but there was no one that could help me. I’m supposed to gain access to my inherited vaults on my 17th birthday… both Potter and Black, and there is also my school account.”

Without blinking an eye, Lucius said, “We can simply seal the vaults and accounts until you are capable of dealing with them, Harry. I would be more than happy to help you until then.”

At the mention of sealing accounts, the young wizard frowned, “There’s one account that needs to remain open though. It was set up by my parents to help Remus Lupin. My godfather also had money funneled into it for Remy.”

Taking the slender hand in his, Lucius Malfoy made a decision. “Harry, I am going to seal your accounts and vaults. But I will set up a special account for Lupin from my own vaults. At a later date, if you feel it’s necessary, you can reimburse me for the funds I put into it. Will that set your mind at ease?”

Harry nodded, “Thank you, Sir.”

The blonde chuckled, “My name is Lucius, Harry, I give you permission to use it.”

Suddenly, Harry burst into tears.

Confused, Lucius glanced at Elizabeth Blackwell, who whispered, “Give him comfort, Luc. Apparently he’s never had anyone around who gave a damned.”

Thinking back to when Draco was very small, the blonde wrapped his arms around the teen, and began rocking him. He soon found his attention centered on the wounded spirit in his arms and didn’t notice when Draco stood in the door… but Beth did.

She drew the younger blonde from the room and closed the door. “Let it be, Draco. You know your father loves you. Right now, young Harry needs to know caring… and your father needs to relearn how to let his caring side show to someone other than you. No one will ever replace you in his heart, and you know that, too.”

They entered the lounge and took seats. After several quiet moments, Draco said softly, “He’s never known love, has he?”

Beth shook her head, “I don’t think so, Draco… except for when he was a baby. Those people he lived with made him feel worthless, and unloved. Even when your father was forced to appear cold, you knew he loved and cared about you. That was why he changed sides in the war… because he didn’t want you to have to go through what he was.”

Realizing at last what the healer was getting at, he smiled, “Alright, Beth, no temper tantrums from me about the time Father spends with Harry.”

She smiled back, “There’s nothing that says you can’t spend time getting to know the real Harry, either. You might find a friendship that will last all your life.”

“She’s right you know.” They both looked up to see Neville and the two girls watching them. “Once you make your peace with him, he’ll be there for you through anything… as long as you don’t betray him. That’s just the way Harry is. He has three things he prizes above all. Friendship, loyalty, and love.”

Susan smiled at them, “Love may end, friendships may grow cold, but disloyalty will destroy both of the others.”
~*~
September 1st arrived, and the Hogwarts Express left King’s Cross as scheduled. As Head Girl, Hermione Granger finished her meeting with the prefects she was amazed that Blaise Zabini was her male counterpart. That surprised her because she figured that Draco Malfoy would be Head Boy, and had expected problems from the blonde.

Returning to her usual compartment, the Gryffindor witch sat with Ron and Ginny Weasley. “Something strange is going on. I expected Malfoy to be Head Boy, and instead it’s Zabini.”

Seamus poked his head in the door, “Has anyone seen Neville?”

Ron shook his head, “Nope. Haven’t seen Potter either come to think of it.”

Ginny even frowned, “Do you think our ignoring him last year was a mistake?”

Hermione put her arm around the younger girl. “No. He needs to realize that he’s not gay, and that the two of you belong together. Without us around, who has he got?”

A tap on the door got their attention, and Lisa Turpin, the Ravenclaw Prefect appeared. “Hermione, we seem to be missing some students. I got together with the other prefects and no one has seen Luna Lovegood, Susan Bones, Draco Malfoy, Neville Longbottom, or Harry Potter. Not at the station, or on the train.”

The four occupants of the compartment stared at each other, and Ron burst out, “What in Merlin’s name happened over the summer?”

Hermione frowned, “Did you ask Zabini about Malfoy?”

Lisa nodded, “He hasn’t heard from his housemate since getting off the train in June… none of the Slytherins have. Luna’s a flake, but she usually keeps in touch with some of us, and we haven’t heard from her either.”

Ginny cut in, “I think my father would have heard if anything happened to Susan, what with her aunt working at the Ministry.”

Ron nodded, “And nothing has been said around home of any sort of attacks this year.”

The Ravenclaw inquired, “What about Potter? You three usually see him toward the end of the holiday.”

The two redheads simply shook their heads in negation. “We haven’t heard a word from him all season.”

The Head Girl sighed, “I’ll talk to the headmaster as soon as I can. Thanks for letting me know.”

Lisa remembered the way things had been the year before, and realized there was something the Head Girl was hiding. She went back to talk to her housemates about the situation after speaking to the Hufflepuff prefect and getting that House in on the problem. Unified, the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws decided that whatever was going on, they’d stand behind their missing housemates.
~*~
Albus Dumbledore waited patiently through the sorting then stood to welcome the students, both new and returning. As he spoke, he glanced around the room. Noticing several empty places, he cut his announcements short and ordered up the feast.

Returning to his seat, he asked the four Heads of House, “Why are we missing students tonight?”

Flitwick and Sprout tilted their heads to listen to him, while Minerva inquired, “Who is missing, Albus?”

The old wizard said softly, “The ones I notice are young Malfoy and Mr. Potter. Would each of you…” his words dropped off as Hermione Granger approached.

“Excuse me Headmaster, but the Prefects noticed something unusual on the train. We seem to be missing five of the upper year students.”

The teachers looked at each other as Albus asked softly, “Who seems to be missing, Miss Granger?”

Straightening her shoulders, the Head Girl replied, “Potter and Longbottom from Gryffindor; Lovegood from Ravenclaw; Bones from Hufflepuff; and Malfoy from Slytherin. No one saw them either at the station or on the train later. I double-checked with the other houses, and the people who normally hear from those five haven’t seen or heard from them since King’s Cross in June. It’s as if they dropped off the face of the earth during the summer.”

Dumbledore waved her off after saying, “I will look into this matter Miss Granger. For now, put it out of your thoughts.”

Once she left, he turned to Snape, “Severus, Mr. Malfoy is your godson, have you heard anything? I received a letter this summer from him declining the Head Boy position.”

The greasy haired man shook his head, “I’ve heard from neither Lucius nor Draco this summer, but that isn't terribly unusual. They frequently travel during the holidays. I do have to say that it surprises me he would turn down Head Boy. He’s wanted that spot since first year.”

Minerva spoke up. “We need to contact Amelia Bones regarding both her niece and Mr. Longbottom. When his parents regained their senses last winter there was a scene where they refused to believe he was their son. They can’t accept that more than 15 years have passed while they’ve been in St. Mungo’s. He was devastated and Susan took him home with her for the summer.”

Filius asked, “Why doesn’t Miss Granger know what’s going on with Mr. Potter? I thought he spent part of each summer with the Weasleys?”

Albus shrugged, “I didn’t get a request from him to go to the Burrow this year.”

At that Minerva frowned, “And that didn’t tell you to check on him? Where did you bury your head, Albus? You know he hates it at his Aunt’s, and always wants out of there as soon as possible.”

The Headmaster sighed, “I think I’d best contact Kingsley Shacklebolt and see if anything happened I wasn’t aware of. Minerva, please contact Amelia Bones and Mr. Lovegood. Severus, if you would be so kind as to get in touch with Lucius Malfoy…”

The dark haired man shrugged, “If I must, Albus.”
~*~
After releasing the students to their Houses, Albus went to his office and contacted the MLE. When Kingsley appeared, he asked, “I seem to be missing some students. Right now Minerva and Severus are checking on most of them. The last one, I am more than just a little concerned about.”

The dark Auror raised one eyebrow at the old wizard, “Who’s that, Albus?”

Dumbledore replied, “Harry Potter. I expected him to be here, but Miss Granger said he wasn’t even on the train.”

The Auror sighed, “I’ll check at Privet Drive and then get back to you.” Albus agreed and closed the connection.
~*~
Kingsley chuckled as Albus disappeared from the floo, and turned to contact Lucius Malfoy. When the blonde appeared, the Auror smirked at him. “Our esteemed Headmaster is missing a few students. I think he’s going to have Snape check on your son. I wonder who'll be checking on your other visitors?”

A sneer appeared on Lucius’ face. “Probably McGonagall. Too bad that she won’t find out anything isn’t it? As far as Severus is concerned, he’ll be told that Draco is being tutored for advance placement as a University second year in the autumn.”

Kingsley nodded, “And if Albus asks me, I’ll tell him I met you and you were bragging about Draco’s A.P. chance. That should be an additional rattle, after I tell him that no one was home at Privet Drive when I check.”

He met the blonde’s eyes. “How is Harry doing anyway?”

Lucius smiled, “He’s doing well. His ability with sign language is extraordinary, and even his magic is responding to wordless command.” He frowned, “Be careful Kingsley, Albus is a talented Legilimens.”

The Auror chuckled, “Very true. But if I leave all the current memories of Harry and his friends in a pensieve, Albus won’t find them in my mind. I just may have to get you to nudge me to regain those stored memories though.”

The aristocrat laughed, “Just call me. Now I’d better see how my young students are doing with their tutor.”

One eyebrow rose, “By the way, how do you like running a private school?”

A snort was the primary result from Lucius. “I’ve had stranger occupations, but I never imagined it would be from all four Houses.”
~*~
An hour later, Kingsley floo’d to Hogwarts to see the Headmaster. The look on the old man’s face almost caused him to burst out laughing. It seemed as if he had expected Harry to be with the Auror.

Albus motioned him to a seat. “What happened with the Dursleys?”

Kingsley Shacklebolt shrugged, “Not a damned thing. No one was home. I even did an illegal search but the only thing I found was some blood in the front hall and in an unused bedroom.” Kingsley sat back, “At the hour I was there, someone should have been home, but there was absolutely no sign of them.”

The old wizard frowned, “You said there was blood in the front hall.”

The Auror nodded. “There was. And before you ask, I checked with all the muggle hospitals in the area and no one by the name of either Potter or Dursley had been admitted. They even checked back as far as June… when the boy was last seen getting into his Uncle’s vehicle. It’s as if they dropped off the face of the earth.”

Dumbledore sighed, “Keep me informed if you hear anything, Kingsley. I can’t believe they’ve just disappeared.” The Auror nodded and floo’d back to his office.

“What the hell have those damned muggles done now?” The headmaster muttered. “They were supposed to keep him in line, not take him and vanish.”