As Poppy fed Harry his broth, the conversation turned to Harry and his reasons for running away from her. After she informed him that she had given Dobby her oath not to betray him, he began to tell his tale starting with life on Privet Dr. He then worked his way up through the years at Hogwarts which she had seen for herself and always ended up dealing with the results. The conversation then turned to this year and everything he had been put through.
How his friends and even the staff had treated him so badly that he finally just went into hiding to escape the harassment. He talked of how betrayed he felt that his own head of house wouldn't stand up for him or protect him in any way and how her outburst during class one day had been the final straw that saw any respect he once had for her vanish completely.
He talked of Christmas and going to Gringotts and finding out that Albus effectively blocked any chance he had at gaining any measure of control over his own life. He talked of sending Dobby to the Gnomes and then the gift of hope he received in return. As he ended the tale, she was in tears and understood his reactions.
It then came time for her confession.
"Harry, there is something I have been dying to tell you for four years but have been ordered not to do so. You see, your grandmother, Dorea, and I were especially close during school. While we both went into healing, she eventually left the program to marry your grandfather. And while I had my fair share of suitors, I felt a stronger calling into healing and never stopped to marry or have a family. I delivered your father and upon his birth was rewarded with the gift of being his godmother."
"It was then that I finally had the family that I always wanted but never took the time to have. When James came to Hogwarts, it was like having my own child around and made me realize just what I had missed out on. Of course he was a little scamp much like his son but I loved him dearly. Just as I do you. Albus forbade everyone from talking to you about your family and it was especially hard on Minerva and me. It's not my story to tell but Minerva was more than just a teacher to both your parents."
He looked at her with wide eyes as she continued. "So you came to Hogwarts and I could tell that things were not quite right but I couldn't do anything about it or Albus would have me dismissed from the staff. So many times I wanted to tell you everything but I kept silent so I could stay close to you and protect you the only way I could."
"You were my only connection to James and once you graduated, I was planning to retire with the offer to take care of your family as it grew. I know this may not make much sense because I'm babbling but I want you to know that I believe everything you've told me. I also believe that Lily was smart enough to do what she did. I'm just sorry it took this long for you to find out everything."
"It's okay Poppy, I'm still having trouble with some of it but I can understand the decision you made. The one I'm having the most trouble with is Aunt Minnie."
Poppy gasped. He looked up and said
"Yes, I have seen my parents will and I know exactly who she is to me. The way she acted towards me is the main reason why I didn't come with you even when I knew it would be for the best. I'm trying so hard to stay out from under Dumbledore's thumb and if I had gone to the infirmary, he would have used my injuries to once again try to gain control over me."
"I would have already left Hogwarts but the magical contract of the tournament is effectively keeping me tied to the school for now. Now that I've researched contracts, I know that I could have walked away anytime until I did the first task but once I did, I was locked in and whoever put my name in was off the hook. I just keep telling myself that I only have to make it a little bit longer and I'll be free of his control. And even with everyone else against me, knowing this makes me feel better and freer than I ever have."
"The entire castle isn't against you anymore Harry. Many have seen the error of their ways. Your former friends are looking pitiful but I think it's because your lady friend is giving them the devil every chance she gets."
Harry looked at her questionably. Poppy said "Miss Jones reminds me of your mother in some ways. She is fiercely loyal to those she cares about and it's pretty obvious she cares a lot for you. I don't think it was intentional but before I came here, Miss Delacour said something that upset her and it was too much for her to take. She ended up cowing the French champion and at the same time, wreaked havoc amongst your housemates. From the account I heard, Miss Weasley ran from the Great Hall in tears. If she cares that much for you and if you share her feelings, don't let her get away. Once James caught Lily, he was on top of the world and nothing could bring him down. Now, if you'll allow an old lady to be nosy, do you love her?"
He thought for a minute. "I don't really know. I've never had a girlfriend before so I don't have something to judge it by. I've had the love of friends and she is definitely that. My feelings towards Hermione were changing before all this started and it felt different. How do you really know?"
She smiled down at him. "Well, how often do you think about her? What do you feel when you are together? What do you feel when you're apart? If you can answer those questions, I think we can get a better idea"
"Hmm…well, I miss her when were not together and look forward to when I can see her again. We always have a good time when we're together and she's easy to talk to and seems to understand stuff. As far as thinking about her, pretty much all the time but it's more along the lines of Meg would think that's funny or I wish she was here so she could explain it to me."
"Sounds to me like you've come to rely on her much like you did Miss Granger."
"I'd ask her to be my girlfriend but I don't want her to have to go through all the trouble that it would cause. I mean, who would want to be with someone who has all this drama in his life."
"Well, you can't schedule your life around the crap that happens in it. If you care for her then you need to show her and not make her wait. As long as you two are happy then that is all that matters so don't worry about what the rest of the castle says or thinks."
"So my great god mum is giving me relationship advice?"
"Well, yes! You know your father was incredibly thick in this area as well until I straightened him out. Besides, I think she could help you in more ways than you think."
"I'll think about it."
She frowned at his statement but then became a little nervous. "Now that you know I won't betray you, I want you to come back to Hogwarts with me. Before you say anything, there is a second room off my personal quarters that I can convert for you and no one will ever know you are there."
"I don't…."
....
Want to read ahead by 60+ chapters then join my p*atreon right now.
Free members an get up to 6 free chapters if you join my pa*treon as a free member right now.
Join now before it's too late.
Link: pa*treon.com/GalaxyWonder (Remove the *)