Abused

My thanks to whomever waved their wand over my simple story... and transferred it to the Harry/Lucius subcategory.

This has been revamped with the aid of the original reviews. I hope you approve.

Almost everything belongs to JKR, The goblins are mine (except Griphook), and the house elves are mine.

Scott is himself, a very brave man whom I have great admiration for.
Elizabeth (Beth) Blackwell is a historical figure. The first licensed woman Doctor in the United States.

Sorry folks, no hardcore goodies. I'm feeling rather mellow.

Chapter 1

Draco Malfoy glanced up as the warning for the Manor wards went off. Rising, he went to the portico and attempted to see what was at the front gates. Giving up, he apparated there, only to find three of his schoolmates outside of the shielding.

Glaring, he snarled, “Longbottom, what in the nine hells do you want?”

The ebony haired Gryffindor met his eyes squarely, “May we speak with your father… please?”

The fact that the shy, reserved teen wanted to speak to Lucius Malfoy rattled the blonde as nothing else could have. He recognized Susan Bones of Hufflepuff and Luna Lovegood of Ravenclaw with the young man. Rolling his eyes, Draco let them through the shields. “I don’t suppose any of you can apparate?”

Neville chuckled, “Malfoy, we’re ALL pureblood! Of course we can apparate.” Draco really should have known that, and sighed.

Pointing in the distance, he said, “See that tall tree?” When the others nodded, the blonde said, “I’ll meet you there,” and disappeared. It only took seconds for the three teens to follow him. As they reappeared beside him, Draco headed toward the door, the others trailing behind him.

Neville was edgy about meeting up with Lucius Malfoy, but he had a friend that he thought was in trouble, and Lord Malfoy was the only one he knew that might be able to help. In the foyer, Draco called out “Mugsy” and a house elf appeared. “Where is my father?”

The house elf quickly replied, “The master is in the conservatory.”

Draco nodded at her. “Bring tea to us, please.” Mugsy nodded and vanished with a pop.

Neville, Susan, and Luna followed the blonde through the lower floor of the Manor until they reached a room full of exotic flowers and plants. “Wait here,” Draco told them, and disappeared behind some of the taller foliage. It may have seemed like forever, but moments later, their schoolmate reappeared with his father.

Lucius Malfoy’s eyebrows rose at the sight of the three young people. “My son said you wished to speak with me.”

Hesitantly, Neville replied, “Yes sir, we do.”

Surprised at the courage of Longbottom, the aristocrat nodded, “Join me, please.”

He glanced at Draco, who said, “Mugsy will bring tea, Father.” At a nod from the elder Malfoy, the others followed him to a group of seats near a fountain.

“I take it, Mr. Longbottom, that whatever you have to say is very important.”

The dark head nodded, “Yes, sir. I think a friend is in trouble, and you’re the only person I know who might be able to help him… if you’re willing.”

At that, the blonde sat back. “Continue please.”

Susan spoke up. “We overheard something before school ended, that made us think a schoolmate is being abused at home. He had requested not to be sent back there, but the headmaster insisted.”

Luna nodded, “He’s actually shown us some of the marks that his relatives have left on him, and I know that Madame Pomfrey has to spend time healing him each year when he returns to school.”

Lucius stared at the trio, “And what makes you think I can help this person?”

The Gryffindor sighed, “We don’t really know that you can, but your name had come up when we discussed people he might actually trust.”

Susan said softly, “Many of the people that our friend has trusted over the years have since turned their backs on him for what we consider stupid reasons. Please sir, could you at least consider helping him?”

The lord of the manor watched the three, musing at the idea that they represented three of Hogwarts’ four houses. "Do you have any actual proof that your friend has been mistreated?”

Neville drew something from his pocket. “He showed this to me one night when neither of us could sleep. It’s his first Hogwarts’ letter.”

Lucius took the parchment from the brunet. As he read the name and address on the letter, he looked up, startled. “This was his first letter?”

Neville nodded, “Yes sir… and that’s why, after what we overheard from the headmaster, we think he’s in trouble.”

“Draco, go call Kingsley. Have him bring your cousin with him.”

The younger blonde replied, “Yes, Father,” and left the room.

“I will see what I can do, Mr. Longbottom, but I’m sure that Kingsley Shacklebolt will have a few questions he needs to ask you.”

The young man sighed with relief, “I’ll gladly answer whatever I can, Mr. Malfoy. I just want to be sure he’s ok. He’s been there for me through some tough times, and I’d be a poor friend if I couldn’t get him help when he needs it.”

The house elf served tea and the three teenagers conversed quietly with the former Death Eater. Lucius was still surprised by their courage in seeking him out, so treated them more cordially that he might have otherwise.

When Kingsley Shacklebolt joined them, his companion automatically tripped over her own two feet. Draco rolled his eyes as his schoolmates chuckled over Nymphadora Tonks’ clutziness. As the Auror took a seat, Lucius handed him the parchment. “What do you know of this, Kingsley?”

Shacklebolt glanced over the item and frowned, “If this is true, Lucius, then he’s living in adverse conditions that should have never continued.”

The aristocrat waved toward the teens, “These young people brought it to me, concerned that he’s also being abused.”

Kingsley said, “Neville?”

The young man began to explain the conversation he had overheard, and his fears for his friend.

After listening to the complete story, the Auror said, “Would you care to join us, Lucius? I think we need to pay a visit to Privet Drive.” He looked at the four teenagers, “Please stay here until we return.”

Lucius spoke to Draco, “Please have our healer on standby… just in case.” The young man nodded as the three adults left the room.

“Now would one of you care to tell me just who they might be rescuing?” The Slytherin inquired.

Not sure if it was the right thing to do, Neville said softly, “Harry Potter.”

That literally knocked the feet out from under the blonde. “Potter’s abused? Get real!”

Susan Bones replied, “You haven’t seen the whip scars on his back, Draco… or the knife scars from where someone has carved filthy names into his skin.”

Luna nodded, “All anyone at school ever sees is the scar on his forehead, but somehow I think that the Dark Lord did less damage than Harry’s relatives.”
~*~
After using the floo system to get to the Leaky Cauldron, the two Aurors and Lucius apparated to Privet Drive... just in time to hear agonizing screams emanating from number 4. Not waiting for his companions, the blonde burst through the door, catching Vernon Dursley in the act of using a knife on the brunet wizard.

As the behemoth stood and lurched toward the aristocrat, Tonks stupefied him, only to hear, "What did you do to my husband?" being screeched at her by a horse-faced banshee.

Kingsley silenced her as Tonks turned to deal with the whale lumbering down the stairs at his mother's cry. Lucius had knelt beside Harry, gently lifting his head. "Come on, Harry, you need to drink this potion."

Slowly, as the pain-filled emerald eyes opened and stared into his, Harry opened his mouth, allowing Lucius to pour the stabilizing potion into his mouth. Carefully, the blonde stroked the boy's throat, aiding him in getting the medication down. Lord Malfoy heard a soft whisper.

"Please... don't... leave... me."

Brushing the bloody and tangled locks away from Harry's face, Lucius told him, "I won't leave you here, Harry. You're going to come home with me."

Harry gave him a confused look, but said "Th-thank you."

"Lucius..." The blonde looked up. "I'm taking this bunch to MLE headquarters for questioning. If I get the answers I think I will, charges will be filed against them."

The former Death Eater nodded again. "I'm taking him to the Manor where I can control just who has access to our young hero. Draco will have the Healer waiting for my call. I'll have her deliver a copy of her report to your office as soon as she's finished with Harry."

Tonks inquired, "How's Draco going to feel about Harry 'invading' his home?"

Lucius shrugged, "I really don't care. This boy went through pure hell to save all our lives, and I think it's about time we repaid at least some of the debt."

The rainbow-haired witch gave him a radiant smile. "I'll stop by later, Uncle Lucius." The blonde nodded as he lifted the frail teen into his arms, and walked out into the street.

Moments later, there was an empty spot where Lucius Malfoy had stood.
~*~
Lucius apparated from Privet Drive to the gates of Malfoy Manor, stepped across the wards and apparated to the front doors. As a house elf opened them, Draco rushed to meet his father, who said, "Get the Healer here... NOW!" He called out, "Tibby..." A young elf appeared. "Prepare the rooms next to mine. We will have a guest for the foreseeable future." As Susan saw the condition Harry was in, she turned and hid her head against Neville's shoulder.

The Gryffindor steeled himself and asked, "Will he be alright, Sir?"

Lucius shook his head, "I don't know, lad. Why don't you all follow me so that you know where his room is?"

As the aristocrat laid the young wizard on a bed stripped down and covered with white sheeting, Tibby appeared with a basin of warm water and several soft cloths. "Does Master want these?" Lucius eyed the items and nodded as the elf sighed with relief. "Master, Mugsy is bringing clean clothing for your guest." Lucius nodded again as he very gently began to wash away the blood and filth that caked the brunet's pale skin.

"Father, do you want me to get Uncle Severus?" Draco asked, not really wanting to distract his sire.

"I don't think so, Draco. If Mr. Longbottom is right, the Headmaster is up to his wire-framed spectacles in this, and I don't want a word of it getting back to that old fool. If Healer Blackwell needs potions, I think you and I can make them... and if not, we'll find a way to get Severus' help without letting him know who it's for."

Pulling herself together, the young Hufflepuff asked, "Is there anything we can do to help, Mr. Malfoy?"

Lucius nodded, "Can you find your way back to this room?" Susan nodded, and he continued, "Meet the healer at the foyer fireplace and bring her here immediately.

"Mr. Malfoy...?" Lucius acknowledged Neville, and he continued. "If I may, there are some plants in your conservatory that will help prevent infection. All you would need is a few leaves steeped in the water you're using to wash Harry with."

One blonde brow rose, and Luna stepped in to explain. "Neville is top student in Herbology, sir."

The blonde sighed, "Very well, Mr. Longbottom. We will do anything possible to help Mr. Potter."

It seemed to take no time at all for the Gryffindor to return with the leaves, and Lucius had Tibby bring another bowl of hot water to place the medicinal plant matter into while he continued to work on cleaning Harry's face up.

As he began to work on cleansing the slender, callused hands, a grey-haired elderly witch followed Susan into the room. "What do you have, Luc?" One eyebrow rose as he continued his task.

"Hello Beth, my young friend has been mistreated." He glanced toward Harry's fellow Gryffindor, "He's seventeen, isn't he?"

Neville shook his head, "Not until the end of July, Mr. Malfoy."

Meeting the Healer's hazel eyes, Lucius said, "Make it a case of child abuse, Beth. When you're done, Kingsley Shacklebolt needs a copy of your report to attach to the charges he intends to file."

The Healer nodded. "Has he had anything yet?"

The blonde nodded again, "I got a dose of stabilizing potion down him when he was found. Other than that, we were just beginning to clean up the worst wounds with some herbal water." At that, the woman's eyebrows rose, and Neville stepped in to explain.

After hearing what was put in the water, Beth Blackwell nodded. "That's an excellent natural antiseptic, and something I might have recommended. Now let's get a good look at what I'm dealing with." As she began helping to clean Harry's wounds, the healer suddenly found a young witch at her side, holding the basin of water. When she raised an eyebrow at her host, Lucius merely shrugged.

"If they hadn't come to me with their concerns, no one would have known he was in trouble until way too late." The older woman nodded and accepted Luna's assistance, while Susan aided Lucius in his efforts.

More than two hours later, Beth Blackwell stepped back... and almost fell from exhaustion but Draco and Neville caught her and lowered the healer into a chair. She nodded her thanks, and began to tell them what she had found.

"This is NOT pretty, Luc. The young man has a fractured skull and jaw; a broken nose, both clavicles, three fractured and two broken ribs; a lacerated kidney; broken ulna on the right side, crushed hands, fractured hip. Besides that, both legs have been broken! And that doesn't include the cuts, bruises, burns, whips scars, etc., that I found over his entire body. That young man has been abused for a very long time. Whatever hell did you pull him from?" As the blonde began to speak, Elizabeth Blackwell held up her hands, "And before you start, let me tell you, you're damned lucky you got him here alive... even with the Stabilizing Potion!"

Lucius nodded, "Kingsley Shacklebolt, Nymphadora, and I took his from his Aunt's house in Surrey... AFTER we found the uncle using a knife on him! He came to just long enough to drink the potion, and even then I had to help him swallow it."

She nodded, "I suggest that Kingsley add attempted murder charges to those of child abuse. If you hadn't gotten to him when you did, he'd have been dead in a few hours. As it is, it's going to take time for him to heal physically, and he's going to need counseling to deal with the emotional aftermath of the abuse. Nightmares are a given in this situation..."

Neville cut in, "Harry's used to nightmares. For the six years I've known him, he's had nightmares most nights." He shook his head, "I don't know that he's even had a peaceful night since he put down the Dark Lord."

The healer nodded, finally realizing who her patient was. "I'll give you a list of potions for him to take. None of them are terribly complicated, but the one you're going to have to watch carefully is a modified Dreamless Sleep. It may not be as addicting, but he could still become dependent on it. There are also salves for his burns and knife wounds, numbing agents, and analgesics for the pain he'll be in."

Beth glared at the blonde, "And above all, I do NOT want him left alone. However, I must insist that you restrict visitation until you are positive that you've weeded out anyone else who is a danger to Mr. Potter. I would suggest assigning a house elf to his care, and giving them more control over the situation with the young man. You have several that are highly intelligent that could do the job." She met his eyes, "But please, Luc, if he trusted you enough to take the potion for you, don't just leave him here and forget that he needs human contact as well."

At that, the aristocrat smiled, "If I had intended to forget young Harry was here, I would not have put him in a room adjoining my own, Beth."

Having regained some of her energy, the healer stood. "Well, I'll head over to MLE headquarters and give the youngster my report in person. And while I'm at it, I'll see about getting you assigned as his temporary guardian... until he's fit to handle his own problems. I don't want anyone else getting him away from here and causing more damage." Beth turned to the three young people who had brought the situation to Lucius' attention. "Thank you for caring about your friend enough to come to the 'Big Bad Wolf'!"

Lucius rolled his eyes at that, but remembered, "Speaking of wolves, I wonder why a certain werewolf wasn't around to help him?"

Susan cut into his thoughts. "Professor Lupin was sent to Romania right after the battle with the Dark Lord. We don't know why the Headmaster did that, but it cut Harry off from the only adult who seemed to care."

Neville nodded, “And Granger and the Weasleys dropped him shortly after the battle. Seems Harry upset their plans to marry him off to Ginny and bring them back from obscurity.”

Luna said softly, “He helped us when Umbridge failed to teach us any defence at all, and we’d be poor friends if we turned our backs on him. Unlike the Gryffindors, you’ll find that the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs will be there for Harry.”

Susan Bones chuckled, “With the exception of Neville, that is.”

Luna Lovegood threw her arm around the young wizard, “Nev has the Gryffindor bravery and the Hufflepuff loyalty in spades. Eventually, I think we’ll also find that there’s a bit of Ravenclaw and Slytherin buried inside him.”

Having listened to the three young people, Lucius told the house elf, “Tibby, stay with him, and if he wakes, send for me. I will be in the laboratory.” The elf nodded as her master led the others from the room.

At the bottom of the stairs, the healer said, “I’ll go to the MLE and see Kingsley. I imagine he’ll be back in touch with you after our meeting.” The blonde nodded, “Tell him I’ll be home all evening, Beth, and thank you for your quick arrival.”

Elizabeth Blackwell smiled, “I’ll be in tomorrow to check on my patient again, Luc,” and she stepped into the floo.
~*~
Finding that he had willing assistants, Lucius moved everyone into his personal lab and began preparing the potions that his young guest would need. Neville was wise enough not to want to be anywhere near a cauldron, so he offered to return to the conservatory and gather the needed fresh ingredients while Susan and Luna helped prepare those that were already in stock. The Malfoys started fires underneath the cauldrons as the needed items began to appear beside them. Within twenty minutes the Gryffindor had returned and he, Susan, and Luna sat down to ready those items as needed by the blondes.

It amazed Lucius how well the four teens worked together considering Severus’ continual gripe about incompetent students in his class. He finally asked about it and was surprised by the answers.

“I made things tough for the Gryffindorks, I admit,” Draco said.

Neville chuckled, “I didn’t need your help, Draco. Snape terrified me from the start. I could have worked well with a partner who would have allowed me to select and prepare ingredients, if they could have handled the brewing but he wouldn’t allow it.” He shrugged, “I’ve never been really comfortable with making potions, and the professor’s attitude toward me… and all Gryffindors, didn’t help any.”

Luna laughed, “Believe me, Professor Snape terrorizes the Hufflepuffs almost as much as he does the Gryffindors. He tries to treat the Ravens the same way, but it never seems to work out. We’re too certain of what we know to let him bother us.”

Draco nodded, “To be honest, if the professor would be more supportive, he’d have less problems with explosions. There’s no reason why his better students couldn’t help the others succeed. I’ve often helped Crabbe and Goyle on the sly… just to keep their cauldrons from blowing everyone sky high.”

Even Neville shuddered, “Just as long as you wouldn’t stick me with Granger. At this point, I would love to see her covered with purple boils or something like that. Anything to make her understand what it is to hurt. Harry’s been there for me through some tough times, and it angers me that they could abandon him like they have.”

Lucius glanced inquiringly at the young man, and he decided to explain. “The night Harry’s parents died, my parents were also attacked. All my life they’ve been locked away in St. Mungo’s, driven insane by the Cruciatus Curse.” He bowed his head, and the two girls went to his side.

After a long moment, he looked up. “Somehow, Voldemort’s death brought about the release of my parents from their insanity… but they could not accept that my 16 year-old self was their little boy, and they turned away from me. Harry was there to offer me comfort and support. We became the brothers that neither one ever had. I won’t let anyone get away with hurting him again!”

The aristocrat nodded, “And that was what brought you to me?”

Neville nodded. “That and an idea that you don’t trust the headmaster any more than I do. He’s spent all Harry’s life putting him in danger. My brother needs a man who will look after his best interests now, and I'm certain you have the power to keep him from any further problem with Dumbledore.”

Lucius met the brown eyes honestly. “I will do all that I can, Mr. Longbottom. I can promise you though, that Albus Dumbledore will regret sending Mr. Potter back to those horrid muggles.”

The Gryffindor smiled, “Thank you, Sir. I will be grateful for anything you can do for Harry. He doesn’t deserve the hell he’s been put through.”