Ascendio by Gifted

[Gifted]

Hey there. I have to admit I'm pretty nervous about putting this up. It's my first MMAD story and I've never posted off FF.net before. But, it's a first time for anything right? I wanted more feedback from other MMAD fans.

Anyway...this is my own take on an abused Harry being adopted my Albus and Minerva. Um...not sure if this is the right category. I would define this as general, but I guess most of it will be fluff.

Ascendio on FF.Net: www.fanfiction.net/s/4592201/1/Ascendio
My Profile: www.fanfiction.net/u/466183/Gifted
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Title : Ascendio

Author: Gifted

Rating : K+ or PG

Summary : AU. MMAD adopts an abused! Harry. When it comes to light that Harry is a victim of abuse and neglect at age 5, Albus is determined to find him a better family. Will he realize that the answer is right under his nose?

Disclaimer : I do not claim to own Harry Potter or anything associated with it. Harry Potter belongs solely to J.K. Rowling and her respective partners. I write fanfiction merely for my entertainment and others’. Also, Dumbledore and McGonagall adopting Harry is not my original concept either. The title was inspired by Ministry of Magic.

Claimer: However, I claim this plot and fanfiction. There may be original characters in later characters.
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Preface
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The idea of Ascendio started as a rough plot I always wanted to after reading so many adopting Harry stories. I have a fondness for them and even read the badly written ones when I find them. It came into conception when my friend The Grey Detective 7, suggested I do such a story when we chatted during a phone conversation. Despite the fact that I had two other stories going on, I couldn’t resist.

My friend proposed a challenge. To write a good MMAD adopting Harry story that was realistic within the Harry Potter universe. Too many stories hold too much clichés and events that just wouldn’t happen (I won’t be pointing any fingers and I hope you know I don’t mean to offend). So the challenge is to write a MMAD adopting Harry story that was: 1) realistic within the Harry Potter universe, 2) make that Harry wasn't completely hidden, but not a public spectacle, and 3) was well written.

The name Ascendio is not completely original either. Ascendio is the title of a Wizard Rock song by Ministry of Magic (you can find their music on Myspace). I stumbled upon it while exploring Youtube and fell in love with the song. When I was trying to think of a title for this story, I was singing Ascendio in my head when a few lyrics appealed to me: I’ll have a family/Someone that loves me/Mother, Father, Son/Just like everyone. I don’t understand who the MoM were referring to as Harry’s mother or father though. Anyway, that verse clicked with my story and seemed perfect.

Well, now that all the rambling is done, I hope you enjoy this story.
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Prologue
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“Dear Dursleys,

I am most grieved to inform you that on Halloween night, James and Lily Potter were murdered by Lord Voldemort. As I hope Lily has informed you, Lord Voldemort is a dark wizard who wishes to kill wizards of non-magical heritage, muggleborns in another word, and enslave non-magical people such as yourselves or as we call, muggles…”

Oh yes, Petunia remembered that all right. It was a silent, dark night when a red haired woman with green eyes arrived; her arm looped with a messy black haired man. They knew that Vernon and Petunia would not take their visit kindly, but they had insisted. They warned them about this wizard, told them that because of their relation to Lily, they might be of target.

Scared for his pregnant wife and the future safety of their family, her husband had responded by denying their relation. They shooed the Potters out, as if them leaving would rid a chance of danger. At the time, Petunia agreed with the tactic. After all, ignorance was bliss. It was when Lily told her quite confidently that it didn’t matter whether they wanted her to or not, they were sisters and she would watch out for her; keep her safe. After all the hatred she had shown Lily, she was still a good sister.

There were times when Petunia started regretting her past temperament toward Lily and felt watched, but life moved on. With the arrival of baby Dudley and Vernon’s new job at Grunnings’, the thoughts were driven away. In fact, with her new busy life as a mother, she sometimes forgot she even had a sister and she enjoyed this pleasure.

So it was a shock when a baby who resembled Lily’s husband was found on her doorstep with a note. Only four years ago, Harry Potter became an unwanted tenant of Number 4, Privet Drive. His green eyes were a constant reminder of her childhood as the sister who lived in Lily’s shadow.

“He targeted James and Lily because of their work against him and seemed to plan killing the entire family including their baby son Harry. After murdering James and Lily, he attempted to kill Harry. What you must understand is that the Killing Curse is an Unforgivable and there is no cure. Lord Voldemort has used this spell thousands of times to the same effect. So it is quite miraculous that Harry survived and somehow Voldemort’s power broke. The details of that night are still unknown and Voldemort is no where to be found currently.

Now Harry is in need of a home. I am handing him onto his only living relatives: you. I have reason to believe that Lily died for Harry, trying to give up her life for his. I have come upon the conclusion, that this has created a blood protection, possibly what destroyed Voldemort. However, blood protection only works when another who shares his blood lives in the place he calls home. I am of course, thinking of Petunia, who shares the same blood as Lily and Harry. This protection will protect the house, it’s residents, and Harry even when he is away from the house.

I know it is quite sudden, but it is important that Harry grows up in the muggle world. In the Wizarding World, he is already known as a hero who defeated Voldemort. I do not want Harry growing up spoiled and egotistic. I ask only that you treat Harry as one of your own and keep his past a secret until he turns 11 when he will be attending Hogwarts, School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

It was surreal to Petunia when she had first read this letter. For years she had tried to convince others, especially herself, that magic would be the end of one who participates in it. Now that she finally had proof in her hands, it did seem as worth it anymore. No, she was not upset about her sister, just upset at the addition of a new charge.

Very sudden indeed. No one even bothered asking them if they minded allowing a wizard in their home and left no way to contact them back. Though there was no way for them to object, they certainly tried to get back at the wizards. It was simple enough to not tell Harry about his past to make sure he wasn’t spoiled. She and Vernon had agreed that surely if they saw that they weren’t treating him properly and neglect him as much as possible, the wizards would notice and take him away.

Harry was put in the cupboard as if a nasty piece of garbage and has slept there every night since; his room you can call it. When he was a baby, he was fed only when he remembered which was usually at least once a day (if he was lucky, twice) and washed only when he started to smell or was to be out in public. He was given all his hand-me-downs from Dudley though Dudley was much too big for him and was given the least food at mealtimes. Usually they spoke to Harry only when needed to. These were usually commands such as “here, boy” or “clean this.” His Kindergarten teacher showed concern over Harry’s clumsy usage of the English language (though he was a very good listener since he was used to not asking questions). Surely the freaks must notice something is wrong.

It’s too weird though, Petunia thought bitterly about magical people. They didn’t even notice the past four years of neglect. Desperation was settling in on the Dursley family. They had to get rid of Harry soon or else they would unwillingly give up.

So that was why on the last day of school, Vernon and Petunia Dursley had arranged for Ms. Figgs to baby-sit the boys while they schemed. Petunia placed the parchment down onto the kitchen table and placed her glaze at her husband. In reply, he shrugged.

“Let’s go over what we’ve already done,” Petunia suggested. Vernon sighed in response.

“We ignored him and favored Dudley over him. We yell at him for no reason. We treat him unfairly. And we neglected him. What else is there to do Petunia?” he responded and buried his face in his hands.

Petunia sighed in response and looked down at the letter. To her surprise, a sentence stuck out at her:

I have reason to believe that Lily died for Harry, trying to give up her life for his.

Though, this passage was familiar to her, she continued reading:

I have come upon the conclusion, that this has created a blood protection, possibly what destroyed Voldemort. However, blood protection only works when another who shares his blood lives in the place he calls home. I am of course, thinking of Petunia, who shares the same blood as Lily and Harry. This protection will protect the house, it’s residents, and Harry even when he is away from the house.

Blood…

I am of course, thinking of Petunia, who shares the same blood as Lily and Harry.

“Vernon!” Petunia gasped out, a sudden epiphany breaking out.

“What?” the large man almost fell out of his chair out of shock, but he turned his attention to his wife. Her face, which had been in a painful grimace, turned into a large smile which confusing Vernon greatly.

“I think I found the answer!”
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Author's Note: ... [I took off this part of the notes because it was pretty long and was meant for my regular FFN readers.)

Yeah, a cliffhanger. Sorry about that, but it is just the Prologue. You know, meant to capture attention.

Anyway, sorry if it went on and on about what you already know about. Yes I know the letter is awfully boring, but I needed to get across how Petunia thinks up the next part. And also, I don't mention the Prophecy in there because I don't think Albus would tell the Durlseys that kind of information.

Also, let’s see if you can guess what happens though I’m sure you’ve probably seen it before because I don’t think it’s that original. Actually, I don’t think it’s original at all. When I think about it, it might be a bit cliché, but it’s the only way I can get Harry away from the Dursleys with being too out of character.

Anyway, the next chapter, we’ll be seeing how it is in the Wizarding World. Got to stop rambling on now or else I'll never get this homework done (cry I feel SO stressed). Please review if you want! I just pray that you point out spelling and grammar mistakes. Seriously, they make my day! Because I don't have a beta and I usually go through the whole story every once in a while to correct errors. By pointing something out, you make the work easier for me.

[Gifted]

Disclaimer: I do not claim to own Harry Potter or anything associated with it. Harry Potter belongs solely to J.K. Rowling and her respective partners. I write fanfiction merely for my entertainment and others’. Also, Dumbledore and McGonagall adopting Harry is not my original concept either. The title was inspired by Ministry of Magic.

Claimer: However, I clam this plot and fanfiction. I made up the first name for Professor Victor.
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Chapter 1
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The usually full and noisy castle was strangely devoid of any sign of students that evening. Of course, that was for a very good reason. Earlier that day, the first day of summer vacation begun and all the pupils had been sent back to their families. Though the castle seemed deserted of life, this was not true. Out of all the many rooms and windows of Hogwarts, only one room was lit and that happened to be the Staff Room.

Many of the children that attend Hogwarts do not think of what their teachers do while on summer vacation, but if they ever happened to ask, they would find out that every year, Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of the school, would throw an End-of-Year party for the staff before they left to their own ways the next day.

Minerva McGonagall had never had much of a fondness for parties. She admitted that it was a good opportunity to socialize with her colleagues before they returned to their own homes, but she was always a bookworm as a child. She preferred to skip parties and instead read a book or learn something new. Parties were just not of interest to her. However, this was a party she couldn’t miss as Deputy Headmistress of the school. Every member of the faculty attended the affair; the isolated Sybil Trelawney and Professor Binns who hated social events were even coming.

When she arrived, she was correct saying that everyone would be there.

Severus Snape, the not very popular Potions Master, sat in front of fire and no one dared to go near him.

Bathesheba Babbling, the Ancient Runes professor, chatted very animatedly with Victor Vector, the Arithmancy professor, in an apparently interesting conversation.

Rubeus Hagrid, the half-giant keeper of keys and grounds, was talking to Silvanus Kettleburn, the Care of Magical Creatures professor, no doubt about beasts. Hagrid had quite a fascination with them and Silvanus had a long time of experience.

Argus Filch, the caretaker of Hogwarts sat absentmindedly in a chair petting his precious cat Mrs. Norris. Minerva suppressed a shiver. She avoided that cat whenever she could.

She also noticed that Sybil Trelawney, Divination professor, sat very quietly in the corner. Thank goodness she was too interested in tarot cards to pay attention to the others.

Very soft music was in the background, but only one couple was dancing. Filius Flitwork, the dwarf Charms professor, was trying to dance with a giggling Pomona Sprout, the Herbology teacher, failing very badly. Rolanda Hooch, the flying instructor, watched them from a distance and seemed to try very hard not to laugh.

Irma Pince, librarian, and Aurora Sinistra, the Astronomy professor, seemed to be holding a very stiff and forced chat, as if both were very bored and didn't really want to talk to each other.

Minerva could spot only one absence. The year’s Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Agatha Sonya who left for reasons she did not want to say. Minerva sighed; they would have to find yet another teacher for that subject again over the summer.

Finally, she spotted the person she was originally looking for. His snow white long hair and beard was hard to miss in the crowd. For the special evening, he had chosen to wear a midnight blue robe with silver edgings and stars. His blue eyes twinkled merrily behind his half moon glasses. He was chatting with Quintius Qurriell, the Muggle Studies teacher and she could guess the topic. The mentioned man had a fascination with muggles. This man was Albus Dumbledore.

To his students, he was known as a kind headmaster. To his colleagues, he was a wise, but eccentric old man. To many people in the Wizarding World, he was the defeater of Grindelwald and the Only-One-He-Ever-Feared. Yes, he was all that, but much more to Minerva McGonagall. As a student, he was her role model. Then, he was her confidant, an adult she could trust with her problems. The confidant changed in a friend and now, best friends. However, he also has claim to another role in her life, though he was not aware. He had been, since her first year, the object of her schoolgirl crushes and steadily fallen completely in love. It was her most secret burden.

She was just a former student. Sure, she had grown up and even became his right hand, but feeling like a fool was just something she wanted to avoid doing. Minerva doubted that Albus would fall in love with a woman 44 years his junior and he himself taught when she was a student. She decided that it was best not to tell him. Their friendship might become too awkward and she didn’t want to risk abandoning it.

Seeing that the conversation was wrapping up and Quintius was leaving, Minerva approached him. At seeing her, he gave a large smile. Quintius went over to Poppy Pomfrey, the head nurse as she just entered the room. Pomona and Filius seemed to have given up their dancing and joined Rolanda in laughing.

“Hello Minerva,” he greeted, “Wonderful party isn’t it?”

“Yes, I suppose,” she replied, “Everyone seems to be having a good time.”

“What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Are you enjoying yourself?”

“Well,” Minerva breathed as if debating her answer in her mind, “You know parties aren’t my favorite thing in the world.” Albus nodded in understanding and there was a moment of comfortable silence.

“What are your plans for the summer?” Albus asked casually.

“Same thing every summer,” Minerva answered, “Staying at Hogwarts of course.”

“Positive you have no family affairs you rather be attending?”

“None at all.”

“Are you sure?”

“Why Albus! One would think you wouldn’t want me to be at Hogwarts,” she teased playfully knowing that his question were opposite. Though he understood what she meant, his twinkle in his eyes dimmed a little.

“Of course not my dear friend. I just hate to think that your duty as my deputy is taking you away from your family.”

“I don’t even have much family left,” Minerva gave him a rare genuine smile to reassure him, “Just a few cousins who wouldn’t miss me at all. Hogwarts has always been my home. Don’t you have any family to visit?”

“Well,” he paused while he contemplated his answer, “Let’s just say I am a very old man.” Minerva nodded understanding what he meant. She noticed that Albus's attention seemed to be focused on an object behind her. When she glanced over her shoulder, she could see that Snape was approaching them.

"Good evening Headmaster. Professor McGonagall," Severus addressed them while the two acknowledged him by nodding their heads in greeting, "Headmaster, I have the paperwork you wanted me to complete done."

"That was very quick Severus," Albus commented, "I only just asked you this morning."

"I had some free time," he replied dismissing the subject, "When can I turn them in?"

"Whenever you want to," the Headmaster answered, "Just put them in my office."

"I'll go ahead and bring it up to the office right now if you are alright with that."

"And miss the party Severus?" Minerva asked teasingly, "Who else can I brag about Gryffindor's Quidditch victory to?"

The Potions Master paused with an empty face before smirking, "Quidditch is nothing compared to the House cup."

"You're just saying that because your Slytherins were stuck with that instead."

"If I do remember correctly," Albus interrupted with a smile, "Minerva, you once said when Gryffindors won the House cup that behaved students were better than competitive ones."

"The prize my Gryffindors win is always better than the alternative, especially Quidditch," Minerva retorted. Albus laughed while Snape tried not to roll his eyes.

"As entertaining as this banter is, I'll be going now. I think I will retire to my office later if you need me Headmaster," Severus ignored Minerva's previous comment," Good night Professors."

"Good night," the headmaster and his deputy echoed back. They watched as the man left the room; his absence went unnoticed by the other attendees.

"I do wish that he wasn't as antisocial," Albus sighed. Minerva knew that he cared a lot of the Potions Master and was always concerned about his wellbeing.

"I am sure that he is content with what he has with his life, even though he complains about his students," she knew quite well that Severus only put up the dunderheads because Hogwarts was his home and how satisfying it was when he found talented Potions students.

"I think so too," the headmaster agreed, "Now, if only he would stop applying for Defense Against the Dark Arts position every year."

Minerva was about to ask him why he always rejected Severus's application when her whole evening was spoiled when Sybil walked up to them. She hoped that she would just walk right past them, but it was obvious that she was heading towards the headmaster. Please, please tell me she's taking a turn for the drinks table,she thought. Despite her mental pleas, Sybil had reached her destination to the two.

"Headmaster! I have urgent news!" Sybil exclaimed as she waved her hands about excitedly and her multiple bracelets swung about.

"Yes Sybil?" Albus asked very politely. Minerva was amazed that he never showed any sign of irritation with her.

The Divination teacher shuffled her tarot cards about showing them flashes of significant cards, "I was just with my cards, doing routine predictions. You know like how some students would turn out, my new classes, and such other things like that. While doing so I think I may have stumbled upon something essential to every person at Hogwarts!"

"Oh bother," the deputy muttered under her breath. Sybil didn't show any notice.

"There is someone, possibly in this very room, who will be deeply affected by the events of tonight. According to this card," she flashed another card so quickly that they couldn't even read the title before shuffling for more, "this person was powerful magic and seems to have unrequited love."

Don't we all? Minerva thought mentally about the man next to her.

"This person's decisions will change the Wizarding World dramatically tonight. I believe this person is-"

"HEADMASTER!"

All chatter and movement instantly stopped while all attention was turned to the doorway. Severus, his hair and robes rumpled, panted from running.

"What's wrong Severus?" Albus asked looking very concerned. With good reason, Severus seemed very upset. Sybil huffed from being interrupted and ignored.

"Excuse me, I was-" she tried to gain Albus's attention back.

"The blood wards," Severus interrupted the fraud Seer again. There was much confusion with much whispering and puzzled looks. However, this phrase seemed to mean something to Dumbledore who instantly rushed out the room behind the Potions Master. Minerva felt out of the loop and didn't like the feeling. Wasn't she Albus's best friend?

"How rude of-" Sybil tried to talk to Minerva, but like the other two, she had raced after the men, ignoring the teacher again.
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How can I be more than just an orphan?

More than just a burden without a home?

But there's no hope in hoping for the future.

I learned that a long time, a long time ago.

Keep my head down; don't look up for nothing.

I'm on my own, alone in this world.

So alone.
- "Ascendio" Ministry of Magic
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Harry Potter was not aware that his fate was being determined at that moment in Number 4 Privet Drive. To him and his cousin Dudley, it was just another day. Well, maybe just to him. For Dudley, this day was very special seeing it was the last day of school for summer. The two boys had been picked up by their kind neighbor Ms. Figg who was to babysit them for the afternoon.

When they had arrived there, Ms. Figg cleared off a small table and brought out paper and crayons so the boys could draw. She volunteered to get them snacks and disappeared into the kitchen. Dudley set right off into drawing, very happy at the chance to receive praise afterwards. Harry however did even pick up a crayon. He just very silently watched one of Ms. Figg's many cats.

"Dudley?" Dudley barely heard his name spoken and glanced upon at Harry with a confused expression. Harry barely talked and when he did it was hoarse and difficult to hear his voice. He also spoke with a lisp and Dudley was always proud that he wasn't stupid enough to have one.

"Yes?" he answered back. Even though his parents told Dudley to not have that much communication with the freak that lived with them, he couldn't help, but be curious.

"I juth wanted to th-thay," Harry continued trying to keep his voice steady, but it shook nonetheless, "that I'm thorry."

"You're what?" Dudley asked though he was pretty sure Harry said "sorry." Even though he liked mocking Harry about his lisp by making him repeat things, his reaction was more of surprise than mocking.

"Thorry."

"No, I heard you the first time. I just...was surprised," Dudley replied. The Dursleys would always complain that all their hardship was Harry's fault. In fact, he knew that his parents would be pleased that he caved and said sorry. But with the innocence of a five year old, Dudley always that they he should be the one to apologize. He and his parents were just so cruel to him. What had Harry done to deserve this treatment?

"Do ya forgive me?" Harry asked. Dudley considered this for a moment. He really didn't think Harry had anything to apologize over, but didn't want to make him feel bad.

"Of course," he replied which made Harry give a rare smile, "But what are you apologizing for?" The messy black haired boy's smile wavered.

"For being the freak I am," he answered very solemnly. Dudley realized that Harry really thought he was a freak.

"Harry, you shouldn't be apologizing," Dudley ventured to say, "I'm sorry." Harry gave him a questioning look.

"Sorry for taking so long boys," Ms. Figg returned with bowls of snacks and juices rambling on about how she had to dig through all the cans of cat food to find human food. The boys silently agreed to not continue their conversation around Ms. Figg. It would be their little secret.

"So what have you boys drawn?" Ms. Figg asked and she looked over to Dudley's picture, "Is that your family Dudley?"

Dudley looked down at his quickly drawn picture of stick people. He had drawn himself in the center in between his mother and large father. That's when Dudley noticed he had left a little bit of room between him and his mother. He hadn't intentionally left that room, but now his picture looked off. Something was missing...

"It's not done yet," Dudley answered smiling and searched his box of crayons for the right colors.

Ms. Figg turned to the silent boy to look at his paper, "Harry! You haven't drawn anything. Don't you like to draw?"

Harry didn't say anything or moved, but then he shook his head slowly.

"But drawing is fun Harry and I was hoping for some pictures to decorate my refrigerator... Do you think you can draw a picture for me?" Ms. Figg asked. Harry nodded and picked up some crayons. Ms. Figg smiled in return.

The rest of afternoon was uneventful. Ms. Figg chatted to them and only Dudley spoke back. However she did try multiple times to get Harry to talk, but it was always one-sided. Dudley had finished his family pictures and had drawn many others, very happy of his accomplishment.

"Thank you Dudley!" Ms. Figg smiled, "Maybe my refrigerator will finally be decorated after all."

"I want to show the picture of my family to Mum," Dudley explained. He was especially proud of that one. He had filled the space with a stick person to represent Harry. He had never drawn Harry before in any family pictures and wanted to show off how clever he was.

Ms. Figg nodded in agreement, "Of course, it's very nice. I do believe it's time to go home. Get your things boys." Dudley got his bag and his picture. That was when he noticed that Ms. Figg forgot to ask Harry's picture. He looked over to the green eyed child and saw that he was throwing the mentioned picture away in the trash bin.

He walked over to Harry about to ask him what he was doing when he looked down at the picture inside. It was a stick person with black hair, green eyes, and a lightning bolt scar on its forehead. Obviously Harry. This Harry was unhappy because his smile was upside down. Two blue lines were under the eyes and went down the cheeks. Dudley realized that this Harry was crying.

Immediately he hated this picture. He liked his version of Harry better. In his picture, Harry was happy. Happy with the family and happy with being Dudley's friend. Friends. Maybe they would finally be friends.

"I forgive ya," Harry whispered very softly. Dudley had almost forgotten he had apologized earlier and gave a grin. Being nice felt a lot better than being mean.

Ms. Figg led the boys back to Number 4, unaware that things had just changed drastically. Dudley and Harry didn't hate each other anymore. But so much more than that changed, but the boys were blissfully unaware. They followed Ms. Figg in companionable silence.

When they reached there, Petunia had answered the door and Ms. Figg left them to return home. Dudley cheerfully greeted his mom.

"Hi Mum! Today was great!" Dudley exclaimed. Petunia smiled at her son's positive attitude.

"Was it because it was the last day of school?" Vernon asked entering the room. Dudley noticed Harry was trying to blend in with the wall though it was useless. His black baggy shirt stood out against the pastel wall. Didn't Harry realize wouldn't need to hide anymore?

"Hi Dad! Yeah, but also because at Ms. Figg's house I drew a picture!" Dudley told them.

"That's wonderful Diddykins!" and "Let's see it son!" were heard and he handed over his picture to his father. The parents' smiles were faltering as they took in the picture. Silence reigned were Dudley was so sure there would be praise.

"Don't you see?" Dudley asked thinking they needed clarification, "It's our family."

Petunia paled and Vernon started turning different colors. Something was wrong. Both the boys could tell.

"Go upstairs sweetie," Petunia said finally breaking the quiet.

"Why?" he retorted, "What did I do wrong?"

"We never said you did anything wrong!" Vernon snapped back though it was more at the idea that they would ever punish their son than at Dudley. Harry started ending towards his cupboard. Dudley frowned. He didn't want Harry to be under the stairs again.

"Go watch some television in your room," Petunia suggested.

"Can Harry come?" Dudley asked. That seemed to be the final straw and Dudley regretted this action.

"NO! NOW LISTEN TO YOUR MOTHER AND GO UPSTAIRS!" Vernon shouted. Dudley rushed up the stairs as fast as his chubby legs could take him. He hadn't reached the door yet and could still hear what was happening downstairs.

"You're not getting away!" Dudley could hear his father say," We have a bone to pick with you." He realized it was about Harry and wondered what he had done. Since when had he done anything wrong?

Before Dudley could close his bedroom door, he could hear a ripping sound. Paper tearing into two. Again. Again. And again. As he finally close the door, he knew that what was been torn apart was the family picture he worked so hard on.
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Author's Notes: ...[Took out as it was directed at my regular FFN readers again.]

Originally the last segment was going to be part of the next chapter, but I realized this chapter would be too short and just added it in. It was difficult at first because I hadn't given much thought to how this segment would go until now. And what's also cool it ended up being 9 pages!

Otherwise, I hope Minerva was in character. I need to practice writing her more. Also, if you think Dudley was out of character, I want to point out that he's five. Five years old have a hard time hating others because of a reason they don't understand. Plus, I actually pretty fond of Dudley as a character. I wasn't surprised at all in DH. I saw it coming.

By the way, the lyrics included in this chapter come from the Ministry of Magic wrock band. They're my favorite and they make the most awe inspiring HP songs. If you want to listen to "Ascendio" you can search it up on Youtube or Myspace. It's on their supplementary profile.

I want to clarify that this story isn't a songfic and I hope that it's clear that I just wanted to add to the story. There will be more lyrics from "Ascendio" scattered through the story when it applies to what's happening, but to be honest it'll be rare (though I think the next time might possibly be the next chapter or after that).
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That's all that I've written for now because I'm writing another fanfiction. I'm hoping for some MMAD fans' opinions and it would be great if you guys reviewed on FFN (totally not required, but it would be nice).

Thank you for reading!

[mercifulheavens]

Lovely story. I loved the part about Dudley drawing his family picture with Harry in it... too bad he grows up to be terrible. The argument between Severus and Minerva was priceless and I enjoyed the the part when everyone ignored Sybil...

All in all I love this story and look forward to the next chapter!

mercifulheavens

[twinkle]

A very interesting story so far. And I like that Dudley tried to befriend Harry at last.
As I have to study psychology at the moment I think you captured the effects of the Dursleys' behaviour towards Harry very well. And I am curious what will happen next.
Please update soon ;o)

[bethj4013]

This is a great story please update it I am also curious as to what happens next....Raising Harry stories are some of my favorites

[Gifted]

Hey everyone! Thanks for the comments! As promised, here's the next chapter. I swear, the rest of the fanfic will be fluff. This will be the most drama.
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Chapter 2
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Minerva couldn’t remember another time she felt an adrenaline rush since the last war. She also couldn’t reflect upon whether she liked it or not; her mind much too busy focusing on the billowing robes of a headmaster and his potions professor as they rounded corners. Much to her annoyance, they had not noticed she was giving chase to them so they practically flew down corridors. The Deputy didn’t know Dumbledore still even had this strength still.

This development, whatever it is, must be very important, he thought as they raced up staircases. And it bothered her that neither Severus nor Albus shared this information with her. But, Minerva tried to force this train of thought out for now.

Soon, she could tell that the destination was the Headmaster’s office as they turned into that corridor.

The gargoyle had jumped out of the way without any hesitation and thankfully let her through as well without any inclination to repeat the password. Now, her breath seemed to catch up to the amount she had just ran in the last few minutes and she started to pant as she slowed to a stop feeling a little light-headed.

She took this time to examine the office for any indication of the emergency. It was obvious something was off as there was a beep that would resound every few seconds. Not only did it get on one's nerves, but it caused her confusion as she had never heard anything like that before at Hogwarts.

Her eyes scanned the room visually. The collection of books and knick-knacks that she didn't know the purpose of seemed untouched and in excellent condition. What had Severus said in the staff room again? It slipped through her mind having not experienced any recognition.

The two had surrounded Albus's desk and Minerva finally located the source of the beeping. She had seen the object before long ago when she used to be a student. It would sit, inanimate, upon a bookcase. A few years ago, it had slipped her notice that it had been relocated to the desk and it would whirr steadily and silently. The object in question reminded her of a silver tea kettle except with no handles or spout. Instead, a panel which resembled a weather vane would circle around the perimeter. Now however, it spun fast; almost violently knock itself on its side.

"I see what you mean Severus, this is a matter of upmost urgency," Albus had remarked, "Get the portkey ready."

"Of course," the Potions Master responded already pulling out a drawer of the oak desk.

"What's wrong?" Minerva asked taking her place by the Headmaster's side. Dumbledore however seemed very surprised upon her appearance, too caught up in what was happening.

"Minerva?" he asked, "What are you doing here?"

"I beg your pardon sir, but when I saw what a hurry you were in, I thought I would help any way I can," she replied hoping that the two men wouldn't be upset.

"That's very kind of you Minerva; however this is a sensitive matter between Severus and me. You can't-"

"Just let her come, Albus," Severus interrupted while pulling out a stuffed lion that wore a Gryffindor scarf. The Deputy wanted to ask about it, but held her tongue.

"Severus, I would have thought that-"

"I know, I know, but we could use all the help we can get and we can trust her. And we need to leave immediately, we don't have time for Gryffindor stubbornness," he explained.

"Oh, honestly. It's not like I would have held you two back if you had to leave," she bristled.

"You know perfectly well-"

It was Albus's turn to interrupt though, "Are we ready to leave Severus?" The black haired man fell silent at his protest.

"Yes Headmaster." He held the stuffed lion out to Albus and Minerva instantly understood that this was to be the portkey. The Headmaster pulled out his wooden wand.

"I'll explain everything when we return," Albus spoke to her while taking the lion himself and silently casting spells on it, "All you need to do when we arrive is to take the lion and find a small boy of five. We do not know his condition. All we know is that he needs our help. Use the portkey back to Hogwarts and take him to the Hospital Wing."

"Isn't Poppy at the party?"

"We have instructed Poppy that if either one of us ever says 'blood ward' she is to report to the Hospital Wing and prepare herself for a patient," Severus answered, "She doesn't know anything else about this." Minerva felt a little bit better that her friend wasn't in on whatever was going on too.

"Severus and I will be looking for whoever caused this," Albus continued, "And remember, the boy has black hair, green eyes, and you can identify him by the lightning bolt scar on his forehead. Return without us. Understood?"

Minerva nodded. Albus reached out the plush and the two professors also placed their fingers on it.

"3," the old whitened man begun counting down the seconds.

She was glad that they entrusted her to help them, but she was so terribly confused. What was the whole purpose of this? Would the boy be hurt?

"2."

So, the boy has black hair, green eyes, and a lightning bolt scar on his forehead. That shouldn't be hard to find. Not many 5 year olds had scars on their foreheads. Wait...

"1."

"Albus Dumbledore, is this boy Harry Potter?!" They vanished in a flash of light; the old man with a slight cringe.
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Arabella Figg was cleaning up the snacks leftover from the boys (well, more like Dudley) when she heard a cracking sound in the living room. Startled, she accidentally dropped the bowl of pretzels which hit the floor with a crash. She sighed looking at the shards scattered about the linoleum floor.

"Didn't I tell you that they were the worst sort of muggles imaginable?! But no! You had to leave him with them! If he is in any way hurt, I'm going to-"

"Minerva, calm down!" Severus's voice shouted. Ms. Figg entered the living room to find the three that had just came from Hogwarts, the only female currently yelling at the Headmaster. The Transfiguration Mistress then turned to glare at Severus.

"Hello, Arabella. Sorry for dropping in like this," Dumbledore apologizing tipping his hat. All traces of him cringing at his deputy's voice were now absent.

"Is there something wrong with Harry?" Ms. Figg asked, her hand raising her to her jaw, "I just saw him. If I just let him walk into something-"

"Don't blame yourself," Minerva reassured.

"We are on a tight schedule," Severus pressed. Minerva dropped her temper for now (though still very irritated).

"Do you remember where Number 4 is located?" the squib questioned opening the front door for them.

"Yes, thank you for your help Arabella," Albus said. The three were very much aware that it was still the afternoon and were now in the process of changing their robes into ordinary muggle clothing.

"No problem at all," she breathed in reply closing the door behind the professors, "And good luck."

Wasting no time, they tried to act casually while trying briskly walking. It was painful, Minerva thought, to know nothing of what was happening to young Harry. Perhaps it was something just as simple as scraping a knee. Or perhaps something of a more serious matter like Death Eaters seeking revenge. Though, she tried to reassure herself that Albus wouldn't have left the house defenseless to even allow that, the situations still ran through her brain. Each crazier and more implausible than the last. But mainly she focused on the final destination as it came into view.

Number 4, Privet Drive looked relatively normal. Its lawn perfectly green and trim; the windows and car in the driveway shone spotlessly. Nothing seemed to be in any state of disrepair. It was hard to believe that somewhere behind that facade was a small boy who was apparently in danger. She would have never given it a second glance otherwise.
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Vernon Dursley had never felt more pleasure than he had at this moment. Sure, one may consider close seconds (his wedding day, Dudley's birth, or whenever he earned lots of money from his work), but they all paled in comparison. Now, he had watched in excitement while the useless boy was beaten. To him, it was glorious payback for the last few years of embarrassment and the recent corruption of their son. Potter had gone too far. They had known that he would eventually be a bad influence to him and this was just the evidence they needed.

It's a wonder that we hadn't thought of it sooner, he thought. Well, they had thought of disciplining Harry with slaps or a hit on the head, but Vernon would usually jump back with something that felt like static electricity. Once, even a burn similar to what one would experience placing their finger on a stove. Needless to say, they had abandoned the direction after realizing this was the blood protection, the reason he was housing with them. But Petunia had never tried the approach herself. It was actually quite ironic. The very protection he needed, backfired on the freaks' plan.

"I think that's enough," Petunia finished. Vernon nodded in agreement. They didn't want to go too far on the first try. The two observed their handiwork as Harry, the little boy of only five, laid face down on the backyard grass. His glasses, a burden they had to pay for out of their own pockets were broken and laid a few inches away from him where they originally fell off. He burried his head in his arms which muffled his loud sobbing. All over his clothes were patches of blood staining the clothes that once belonged to their son.

"Do anything like that again," Vernon threatened, "And it'll be worse next time." Though secretly he knew that Harry would go through this again. He enjoyed it too much.
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After what felt like forever, which was just a few minutes, the trio finally reach Number 4's front door. Severus impatiently opened the door with wordless magic; making sure that no one from the street saw his wand. They had no time for manners, this was an emergency. The door swung noiselessly and admitted them entrance.

The entrance looked just as perfect as the front. From the beautiful wood floor to the lovely pattern wallpaper, everything was impeccable. The walls were decorated with muggle, non-moving prints and family photos. To Minerva's disdain, none of them showed Harry. It was almost like he didn't exist.

"Should we split up?" Severus suggested. The other two agreed. They could see no sign of life from the hallway and it seemed that all the lights were off.

"Who are you?"

Surprised, they all pulled out their wands and pointed them towards the source of the sound. Their effort was not needed though and Albus would have chuckled under normal circumstances. It was just simply a young boy peering through the balcony railings above them. He was large for a kid and would have seemed around Harry's age. But it was quite obvious that this was not the child they were looking for as he had neatly combed blonde hair. They relaxed their wand arms, but didn't dare put them away.

"You must be Dudley," Albus remarked.

The boy nodded in reply, "Yeah, but who are you? Why are you here?"

Severus rolled his eyes in frustration, "We don't have time for this."

"Ignore him," Minerva said waving off the Potions Master, "We can't explain everything, but we are here for Harry Potter. Please be honest and tell us here he is."

"I think they're out in the backyard. I heard noises out there," Dudley explained, scared, "I'm worried about him." Minerva raised an eyebrow in surprise. She remembered Dudley as the toddler screaming and kicking Petunia for treats. The Transfiguration Professor hadn't even attempted to imagine the two boys were friendly to another.

"Thank you young man," Albus tipped his hat politely, "We'll do our best." The trio ran down the hallway and through the kitchen backdoor. Minerva was expecting anything, but the sight of James and Lily Potter's son on the ground; crying and bloodied. The two guardians towered over him and looked on in surprise at the appearance of the wizards.

Albus's voice reminded her, "Minerva, remember." Needlessly though. Minerva had keep her part of the deal and was already rushing towards Harry sprawled out upon the ground with the stuffed lion in her hand. She scooped him up in her arms, much too light for what she expected. He made no protest at bringing picked up by a strange woman most likely because he was too weak. The Deputy also picked up small glasses in case they needed them. She pointed her wand to the stuffed lion and whispered the activating spell.

The last thing she saw before they disappeared was her two colleagues advancing on the so called parental units and that Harry had fallen asleep.
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A moment later, she found herself in the much too familiar Hospital Wing. Before she could blink, Poppy had already ran up to her.

"Merlin's beard!" the nurse exclaimed, "When they told me I would have a patient, I wasn't expecting this."

"Neither did I," Minerva replied looking down at the kindergartner in her arms.

"Right here Minerva. I have a bed prepared and everything," Madam Pomfrey said gesturing to one of the neatly made beds, "Now, what's the child's name?"

"Believe it or not, it's Harry Potter."

"Harry Potter? James and Lily's son? The Boy Who Lived?"

"What other Harry Potter do you know that I don't? Of course, he is!"

"But, I wouldn't expect this happening to him." Who would?, Minerva thought. Harry was just one of those special children you always thought would have a happy childhood. His parents, especially James had a livelihood. To top it all off, he was the Boy Who Lived. The savior of the Wizarding World wasn't supposed to be the victim of child abuse. Though, she supposed, no child should be.

After her initial shock, Poppy determinedly set to her work while Minerva was just as equally determined to help whenever she could.

She ran her wand over Harry's body while uttering the diagnostic spell, "Broken leg, bruises and cuts...and a fever it appears. Apparently he was sick at the time."

"What first?" the Deputy and now temporary assistant Healer asked.

"It would be helpful if I had young Potter's medical file, do you think-"

"That Albus might have it in his office?" Minerva finished the question for her, "Quite possibly. I'll go check." She hurried out while Poppy begun dressing Harry in new pyjamas that she had shrunken to his size and cleaning off blood. She searched the Headmaster's desk. Not only did she find numerous lemon drops, she did find Harry's file in the top drawer with a note in Albus's handwriting: "For Poppy - Sorry I couldn't get it to you sooner, but it was for security reasons." She noted that most of the information in the file seemed to be from just mandatory shots Harry needed. Otherwise, he was brought no other time to any muggle doctors. The only other areas of interest being his need for glasses and the scar that identified him.

She reentered the Hospital Wing bitterly, "He doesn't appear to be allergic to anything. Though, you can't really know. The Dursleys hardly brought him there." Harry looked much better than how he was when she left. Bruises still marred his body, but he was free of blood.

"You wouldn't believe how dirty he was," Poppy tutted, "It's like they hardly bathed him."

Minerva picked up the glasses she had brought earlier, "Reparo." The glasses were nearly as good as new and she placed them on his bedside table so he could use them when he awoke. Next to that she placed the lion she was surprised she was still holding. Perhaps, if Albus didn't want it back, Harry could have it. She then helped Poppy by searching for a fever reducer potion in her storage while the nurse healed the bruises, cuts, and the broken leg.

"There," Madam Pomfrey sighed after pouring a spoonful of the potion down his mouth, "Everything's healed. We'll have to wait until we see how his fever is doing, but that should be gone soon."

"And now we wait," Professor McGonagall stated since there was nothing else to do. The staff party had ended in this short space of time and they were the only two in all the castle. So they waited for the two men to return. Mostly they waited for Harry to awaken.
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A/N: The child abuse was the most difficult to write so I hope it came off as okay. Thank you MMAD fans for the responses! And thank you twinkle for your comment. I wasn't sure if I was portraying the Dursleys realistically.

[BonesBooth]

Awww, poor Harry. Do continue!

[bestwishes4Maggie!]

You stop now, NOOOOOOO!
Continue, really nicely done more love in MMAD. Harry needs good parents!
~S

[bestwishes4Maggie!]

OMG, i pressed you're other story link and you continued it there but not here. Shame on you. Just Kidding, Loved it!