Chapter Text
Astrid and Harry
Astrid woke up in a panic, the flashing lights of gunfire fading to be replaced by darkness. Everything felt wrong, her entire being felt like it was crammed into a too tight suit. Where was she? How is she still alive? Did her squad manage to get her to a hospital in time? Stretching her arms, her hands met cold wood in all directions. Okay, drawing a calming breath Astrid took note of her surroundings. She’s in a small room that smells of dust, dried sweat and blood. Feeling around again, her hand found a metal string, pulling on it her vision was suddenly filler with blinding light. Shutting her eyes and groaning in discomfort, she started opening her eyes slowly this time. Worn wooden walls, marked with childish drawings and various stains filled her sight as she looked around. It appeared as if she was in a small cupboard. Stretching her hands towards the tiny door Astrid freezes as her hands come into view. Her hands are tiny, they look like the hands of a child. Looking down she sees a tiny body draped in ratty clothes to big for her.
“What’s going on?!” Astrid exclaimed. Oh god… even her voice sounds childish. Just as she is on the verge of hyperventilating the sound of steps coming down the stairs stops her spiraling thoughts in their tracks. Seconds later the door is ripped opened and a large meaty hand reaches in and drags her outside.
“Stop laying about and start breakfast, freak!” She’s too shocked to even register the insult, almost like in a trance she obeys his words and start looking for the kitchen. Letting her thoughts take over as she robotically starts making breakfast she tries to find out what’s going on.
How is she in the body of a child? Astrid is sure she died after taking three bullets to the chest. They were in a small village in the middle of a dessert, they had no chance to get her to a hospital in time. It was supposed to be a routine drill, to clear the building. It was a standard drill which they had participated in many times. However, after entering the building they were ambushed, and since she was leading the strike team she was in direct line of fire.
Before she could think more on it, breakfast was finished when a tall and thin woman entered the kitchen.
“You have ten minutes to use the bathroom, and not a minute more” her shrilly voice exclaimed. Hurrying to the bathroom, shutting and locking the door behind her. After taking a moment to let herself relax and just breathe after her stressful morning. Rushing to the sink after having calmed down, she stood on her toes and got her first view of her new existence. Green eyes framed by round glasses, and messy black hair is the first thing she noticed. She looked around the age of four maybe five years old. Before she can examine herself more fully she hears the muffled voice of the woman again.
“Duddykins, breakfast is ready”
Astrid completely freezes as her mind starts to put the pieces together. Holy shit! I’m in the body of Harry Potter. Just to confirm what she already knew, she sweeps her fringe to the side and sees the famous lightning bolt scar.
“No-no-no-no. This can’t be happening!” She frantically whisper. Feeling her panic rising even more after her eventful morning. Just then someone starts banging on the door.
“Your ten minutes are up, get out here and start working you freak!” The voice of presumably uncle vernon can be heard. Opening the door and stepping out, vernon grips her arm painfully hard and starts dragging her to the kitchen.
“Start cleaning!” He yelled, spittle flying from his mouth.
“Yes, uncle vernon” Astrid replies meekly. There is no way I am letting them treat me like this forever, but until I have a solid plan on what to do I should play along.
Later that night when she was back in the cupboard she started making a mental list of what she needed to do. Having read the harry Potter books she felt confident she knew enough to win her the war with a minimal amount of casualties. At that thought she felt tears well up in her now green eyes. She had spent her entire career as a soldier, now she was reborn in a world that was about to descend into civil war. Pushing her emotions to the side, she focused on her biggest concern. Which is the horcrux in her, she needed to start learning everything she could about magic as soon as possible. There was no way she was going to let herself die, she had received a second chance. She wasn’t about to waste it by dying prematurely. To learn magic she needed to get to diagon alley. She really didn’t want anyone to know that she had ventured into the wizarding world before her arrival at hogwarts. Meaning she couldn’t access her vault at gringotts because the goblins will probably notify Dumbledore if she wanted to make a withdrawal. That means she needed to pickpocket unsuspecting passerby's to get enough money to buy the amount of books she wants. After she has read enough about magic she will hopefully be able to start practicing wandless magic. She also needed to keep the timeline similar to the books, so that she can predict Voldemorts moves. Having made an outline of a plan she closed her eyes and let herself be swept away to bittersweet dreams.
Being woken up by harsh knocking on her door, Astrid got up and stretched her aching body. Yesterdays chores must have been more tiring for her young body than she realized. It had now been a couple days since she woke up in this world, and she was exhausted. The Dursleys worked her like a slave, her only reprieve was school, which was mind-numbingly boring.
“Start making breakfast, boy!”
“Yes, Aunt Petunia” She replied dutifully to the mega-bitch that is now her aunt. God… she really does resemble a horse, the long neck with her oval face. Petunias harsh expression that is directed hatefully towards Astrid adds ten years to her look. After starting on breakfast Astrid could hear the sound of heavy footsteps making their way towards the kitchen. Uncle Vernon came waddling through the door with a tiny Dudley in his arms. Looking at the little boy, she felt disgust towards his parents bubbling up in her chest. This tiny five year old boy would grow up to be an obese bully, all because his magic-hating parents never learned to be decent people. The Dursleys are so busy being normal, they are blinded by the damage they are inflicting upon their son. Vowing to herself to try and shield Dudley from his parents, Astrid started to plan how to minimize her guardians toxic behavior. Perhaps getting them in trouble with child services would scare them enough to change their behavior. With that thought she got an idea and felt giddy at the thought that it might affect Dumbledore as well. Seems like I’ll be going away for a while.
Walking towards school Astrid spotted a bus stop, walking towards it she went up to the timetable and memorized the departure times to town. Seeing that there was a bus leaving at 4pm, she decided to leave towards diagon alley today. Arriving at school she sat down at an empty seat and prepared for a slow day. Looking around, it was obvious that she was already an outcast. None of the other children looked her way, and the teacher would glance up periodically to watch her. After waiting for the clock to turn eight, the teacher stood up and addressed the room. Not that she wanted to make friends with any of the snot-faced devils.
“Okay class, settle down. Is everyone ready to have some fun?” Her question was met with an excited chorus of “Yes, mrs. Thompson”
“Today I thought we could start with drawing our family, I think it would be a very nice gift for your parents.” Mrs. Thompson said with sweet smile directed towards the children. God… these next few years are going to be mind numbingly dull she thought with a groan.
After school was finally finished Astrid hopped on the bus headed towards town. Having to argue with the bus driver to even be allowed on the bus however, reminded her that traveling as a small child will draw a lot of attention. Hoping for minimal trouble, and trying to blend in by walking behind an adult Astrid continued her journey. Arriving at the town, she made her way towards a crowd of people heading for a quaint little mall. Stealing the wallets of unsuspecting passersby she had enough money for all she needed. With an more than enough money she bought a small sandwich for the train ride. Stopping and looking at a newspaper she found the date, 23 of July, 1985. Seems she had just turned five, that meant she wasn’t getting her letter until six years has passed. Settling in on the train, she had found an empty seat next to an older gentleman that smelled heavily of smoke. He glanced curiously at her but continued to mind his own business when she gave him a small innocent smile.
Arriving in London, she started wandering the streets looking for the leaky cauldron. After a few hours of wandering around she spotted an oddly dressed individual, the woman had to be a witch. She had no luck just wandering around, so she might as well take this chance. Following the woman Astrid prayed she was headed for Diagon. After trailing behind the wool-clad blonde for twenty minutes, Astrid wanted to jump with joy when she spotted the old pub sign a few streets down. Rushing past the woman, she hurried towards the leaky cauldron. Excitement coursed trough her at the prospect of soon being able to witness magic. Catching a glimpse of herself in a store window, she stopped to look at herself. She was too recognizable as Harry Potter. Combing her hair to cover the scar, she also removed her glasses. Looking herself over, she supposed that would have to do. She had no other way to disguise herself, and even though she struggled to see without her glasses she would have to endure it for a few hours. Entering the pub she walked up to the barman, and if memory served her well his name was Tom.
“Hello? My mummy told me to wait here until she come back” Astrid said with a childish voice.
“Hello little one, when will your mummy be back?” Tom said with a reassuring voice. He must think this is bad parenting, and if she hadn’t been an adult she would’ve agreed with him.
“She said this long” Astrid replied, holding up all her fingers and showing them to Tom.
“Alright little one, what can I do for you?” He asked, peering over the counter to look at her.
“Can I get something to eat? My mum gave me money.” Giving him the crumpled bills, she climbed onto the bar stool.
“Certainly, wait here little one” he said as he turned around and wandered off. Looking around while swinging her legs that didn’t even reach the step on the barstool, she saw the passage that led to Diagon alley.
After waiting awhile, Tom came over with her food and a glass of water. Thanking him for the food she started eating with gusto. She was hungry after her long trip, that and the Dursleys had probably never given Harry a proper meal before. She sighed as she thought about the damages malnutrition would have already done to her new body. Maybe she should look into some nutrient potions. After finishing her food, she waited for someone to head towards the alley. A couple of minutes went by before she spotted someone walking in that direction. She yelled goodbye to Tom so that he wouldn’t worry and report her presence to anyone. Hopping down from the bar stool, she ran to catch up with the couple striding at a fast pace towards the door. Making sure that they didn’t notice her, she crept behind them and waited for them to open the passage. When they stepped through Astrid got her first look at a magical district and she couldn’t help but gasping in amazement. It was beautiful, filled with life and colour. Everywhere she looked there was magic, flying papers, colourful sparks, bubbling cauldrons and magical creatures. As she looked around she wondered if the warm feeling in her chest was magic or love.
Elbowing her way through the crowd, she headed towards gringotts to exchange her money from muggle to wizard currency. Greeting the goblins stationed outside with a small smile and a nod she headed inside. As she stood in line waiting for her turn, she looked around and admired the interior. It resembled what she had always imagined a palace to look like.
“Next!” the goblin in front of her said as the gentleman before her stepped away. Placing all of her money on the counter she looked up at the goblin and gave him a smile.
“Hello sir, I would like to exchange all of this to wizarding currency” Astrid stated with as much seriousness as a five year old could manage.
“Very well” the goblin replied after counting all the bills. Afterwards he filled a pouch up with galleons and handed it to her.
“How much is it?” she asked as she had no desire to count it herself.
“Forty three galleons. Next!” he replied in an impatient tone. Thanking the goblin she stepped out of line and headed for the alley in search of a trunk store. She needed a satchel to carry all her purchases, after finally wandering around she found a store she thinks has what she needs. Opening the door she heard the sound of a bell going of, and an employe came out from the backroom. The girl looked to be in her early twenties, she had beautiful brown hair and a cute freckled face with a button nose. At first the girl stopped and looked for presumably an adult, when she didn’t find one she turned to look at Astrid.
“Hello, where are your parents?” the young girl asked with concern lacing her voice.
“Outside, I’m here to buy a bag. All on my own!” She said with an excited voice, acting like a child who is proud of doing grown-up stuff on his own.
“Well, aren’t you a big boy.” the employee said, crouching down to my eye level. Up close you could almost count all her freckles, looking at her uniform Astrid noticed a name tag that read Emma.
“Yup, I’m five, almost six.” She replied to Emma, never letting her fake smile waver. This acting like a child was going to get tedious, she hoped she would be able to obtain an aging potion soon.
“Alright, my name is Emma, how can I help you today?” she asked standing up.
“I want a bag, that can hold lots and lots of my things.” Astrid stated, hoping Emma understood she wanted a satchel with wizarding space. Dumbing down her speech was necessary as no child had a very advanced vocabulary. Having to stop herself rolling her eyes at the thought of having to deal with condescending adults.
“Of course, I have just the bag. Follow me.” She said and got up, she started walking towards the back of the store. Following her past all the different trunks and the dusty shelves, they stopped in front of a small table with different bags. Looking at her selection she spotted a bag that was a dark leather colour. Looking closer, she saw that the bag had beautiful maroon blue stitched details of a raven on the front. Picking it up she held it out towards Emma and asked if it was bigger on the inside.
“Thats a very good choice, it is very pretty. That one is bigger inside, it also shrinks with a touch of a wand, just tell your parents that if they place their wand on the raven it will shrink.” She said while demonstrating the shrinking mechanism.
“I want this one.” She said while clutching the bag to her chest, looking up at her with puppy eyes. She chuckled at the little boys display and guided him to the register.
“That will be six galleons.” Emma said while opening the register. Thanking her for her help, Astrid handed over the correct number off galleons. With an excited smile she slung the bag over her shoulder an skipped from the store. Entering the street, she started looking for a potions store. After walking for a while she changed directions towards knockturn alley. There was just no way they would let her buy an aging potion, except maybe in knockturn. Finding the well hidden backstreet to knockturn, she wished she had a hood to pull over her face. Everyone was staring, it was obvious she didn’t belong. She just hoped no one would try anything, while being an expert in combat she didn’t think that would be useful in this situation. Her five year old body would not be able to take down an adult. Besides, she probably wouldn’t be able to get close enough to try, they had magic, one whispered word and she would be incapacitated.
Hurrying down the street she walked into a store with a cauldron sign. Releasing a breath she didn’t even know she was holding, she scanned her surroundings. The shop was small and dingy, every surface was either covered in potions or dust. There were other nicknacks as well, but Astrid had no idea what it was. Browsing the store she started to look for nutrient and aging potions, depending on the price she would by at least a dozen nutrient potions and maybe three of four aging potions. Finding the nutrient potions, she saw there were only eight on the shelves, grabbing all of them she continued looking. After what felt like ten minutes of searching she was ready to give up, when she found them stacked on the back of one of the shelves. Having found what she came for she headed towards the register. Placing them at the counter, she masked all her emotions and portrayed an disinterested face.
“How much?” She asked in a no nonsense tone.
“Twelve galleons.” A wrinkly old man stated, his teeth were yellowing and he was missing an eye. He was smiling in a smug way, and Astrid had a feeling he was going to make this transaction as difficult as possible. Considering this was knockturn alley, she doubted the potions were high quality. In fact, the nutrient potions had a different colour and consistency for every vial. Chuckling and smirking in an amused way she thought to test out her theory.
“Do you take me for a fool? No, six galleons.” Astrid replied with an irritated tone.
“This is a store, ain’t no haggling little boy.” The man replied in a firm tone.
“Looks can be deceiving, and I’m not paying twelve galleons for potions that might not even function. Those nutrient potions are probably the worst quality I have ever seen.”
He was caught off guard by her reply, after all she was hinting to the fact that she could be anybody. Looking her over more carefully, he nodded his head.
“Alright, six galleons.” He replied reluctantly. After handing over the galleons, she put all the potions in her bag, she nodded goodbye to the man and headed towards the door. Just as she was nearing the door, it opened and a black clad figure passed by her as she stepped outside. Turning to go back to Diagon alley a hand grabbed her shoulder, making dread fill her. Turning around she looked up at a filthy man. He looked homeless, she couldn’t even guess his age because his face was layered in dirt and grime. Grimacing at the leery smile he gave her, she tried to free herself from his grip.
“What’s a pretty little thing like you doing here?” he asked. His words sent shivers down her spine, realizing she was in danger.
“None of your business, now unhand me.” She sneered at him, looking at him like he was filth beneath her shoe. Trying to sound posh and act important, hoping that he would think her protected, either by money or status. However when her reply only angered him, she realized he was to dumb to get the hint. Well, fuck. Looking around her with frantic eyes, she searched for anything sharp that she can use as a weapon. Seeing nothing useful she turned her eyes back to him, looking for an injury she could exploit if this turned into a fight.
“Who d’you think you are! I’ll show you not to wander here alone!” He yelled at me, gripping my shoulder harder. Just as she was preparing to hit him in his private area, the door she had just come out of opened. The black clad figure she had passed on her way out exited the shop and grabbed the mans hand.
“Unhand him.” A deep voice said. This time shivers went down her spine for entirely different reasons. Looking over her shoulder at the man, she felt her face pale. Because behind her stood none other than Severus Snape. Turning around again she prayed he wouldn’t recognize her, she was so lost in her thoughts she didn’t even notice when the man released her. Astrid snapped out of her thoughts when a different hand grabbed the same shoulder.
“Come.” Snape hissed at her as he dragged her along. He was leading her out of the alley, she had to sprint to keep up with his long strides. The closer they got to Diagon, the more she found it difficult to breathe. There was a big chance he would recognize her, and she did not want to deal with Dumbledore yet. Exiting the alley he turned around swiftly and started hissing insults at her, she kept her head down to hide her face. She hoped he assumed it was because she was being chastised.
“You idiotic boy! What were you thinking entering knockturn alley, you could have been killed. Where are your parents?! What sort of parents lets their young son go unsupervised? Well?!” He hissed angrily, his face twisted into a sneer.
“My parents are dead, and I got lost.” She replied meekly.
“Then where are your guardians?” He asked with less anger in his voice. She shrugged her shoulder at his questions, before looking up at him. He was young, she realized. Doing the math in her head she guessed he was only around twenty-five years old.
“My aunt doesn’t care what happens to me. But thank you, for saving me. Bye!” Astrid replied with a small smile, when she saw his eyes widen a little in recognition she sprinted into the crowd. Hoping against all odds that he wouldn’t tell Dumbledore. Realistically she should be preparing for a visit from the headmaster. Arriving at a back alley she hid behind a barrel and drew her breath. Staying hidden for a couple of minutes to be sure he was gone, she banged her head against the wall. Damn her luck, why of all people did she have to run into Severus Snape. There was no doubt in her mind he would tell the headmaster that he spotted the boy-who-lived wandering alone in knockturn alley. Although she was grateful for his help, she don’t know if she would have been able to fight off the man.
Standing up and heading towards the leaky pub, she made sure to stay hidden in the crowd. Reaching the pub, she headed for the muggle world to buy herself some adult clothes. Finding some cheap clothes that looked decent, she headed towards a public restroom. Removing the cork of the aging potion and smelling it she reared back as she started coughing from the rancid smell. Holding her breath she mentally prepared for the horrible taste and knocked back the potion in one go. Feeling nauseated from the taste she leaned her head against the cool bathroom wall. She started to feel tingling in her hands and feet, which was soon replaced with a sharp pain as all her muscles and bones started growing at a rapid pace. Standing straight she finally felt somewhat normal, like her body actually fit her. Stretching her body felt like heaven, exiting the stall she got a look of herself in the mirror. Studying herself she felt handsome, she had a sharp jawline, button nose, full lips and striking green eyes. She looked to be around fifteen maybe sixteen, so the potion adds around ten years.
Now that she had taken the potion she needed to hurry, she only had a limited amount of time before it wore off. Making her way back to Diagon she entered the book store and started filling her basket with any book that caught her eye. She made sure to get all the 1st-3rd year hogwarts books. Other than those, she added some books for beginners and intermediate level for runes, arithmancy, healing, warding, animagus and dueling. She also found some books on wandless magic and occlumency. Looking for books on wizarding culture and laws as well so that she could understand this world better. Dragging her haul to the register she counted up the required amounts of galleons. The total came to 12 galleons, it was a little expensive but considering how many books she bought it was to be expected. Placing all the books in her bag, she shrunk it down and headed for the leaky cauldron once again.
“Hello Tom, I would like to reserve a room for three nights. With breakfast, lunch and dinner sent up.” She said with a polite small.
“Certainly, that’ll be 5 galleons. What’s your name, young sir?” He asked while jotting down my request in a book.
“Damien Mortem” The fake name gave her some amusement at least, it translated roughly to subdue death. Tom confirmed his order than handed him his room key. Thanking him, she made her way upstairs. Entering the small room she looked around, it contained a bed, a small table with two chairs and a door that she assumed lead to the bathroom. Closing the door she made her way to the bed and fell face first into the mattress. Astrid sighed as the tiredness overcame her, it had been a long and eventful day. She had barely closed her eyes before she fell asleep.
Waking up the next day, she yawned as she covered her eyes from the sunlight streaming in from the windows. Just lying still and relaxing before pushing herself up to her feet. The aging potion had worn off in her sleep, and as she didn’t wake up she was either more tired than she realized or it wasn’t as painful as growing up was. Grabbing a change of clothes she headed towards the bathroom. Stepping in the dingy shower she let the warm water wash over her and sighed at the feeling of being clean. The Dursleys hadn’t let her shower yet, and considering it is five days since she woke up in this world she felt filthy. When she stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel she saw that breakfast had been delivered. Grabbing a book she sat down and started to read while nibbling on a piece of toast, taking this time to relax and learn as much as she could undisturbed. When these three day was over she had some mayhem to cause.
After she had eaten dinner on the third day, she packed all her belongings into her bag and shrunk it down. Tying it to a string she slung it over her neck so she could wear it as a necklace which she could hide beneath her clothes. Wandering into muggle London, she started looking for a police officer or store security. Seeing a cop entering a grocery store she jogged to the entrance and waited for the cop to exit. Seeing him step out she ran into him “accidentally” and stopped to apologize.
“Sorry” Astrid mumbled while acting alarmed when she looked up. Trying to act nervous of the fact he was police.
“Woah there son, where you headed in such a rush?” He asked while placing his hand on her shoulder. She scuffed her shoes against the ground and only shrugged at his question.
“Where’s your parents, son?” He asked while placing a finger under my chin, he raised my chin so that he could meet my eyes.
“Dead.” She mumbled, shrugging out of his hold.
“I’m sorry to hear that, who’s taking care of you then?”
“My aunt and uncle.” She whispered while making herself smaller, to seem uncomfortable to even mention them.
“Alright, and where are they?” He asked while guiding her towards the police car.
“At home, please don’t take me back.” Astrid whispered with a pleading voice. While she wanted to cackle at the thought of police showing up on their doorstep. Oh.. what would the neighbors say?
“Why don’t you come with? Maybe I can help you.” Nodding my head she got in the backseat of the car when he opened the door for her.
Albus was growing concerned. Yesterday he received a letter from Arabella Figg that Harry Potter never made it home from school. Using the tracking charm he had placed on the boy showed that he was in London. After contacting some of his trusted he sent them out to look for the boy. However none of them had found him, or even seen him yet. Scribbling some words on a piece of paper he called for a house-elf and asked it to be delivered to the dungeon. Sighing, he rubbed at his eyes, it was now fifty-three hours since the boy went missing. He hoped that none of the former death eaters had gotten a hold of the boy. If they had, the war was well and truly lost. He needed the boy to kill Voldemort once he returned. Hearing three knocks on his door he he looked up.
“Enter!” He called out, smiling when the dour potions master entered his office.
“Headmaster, you wished to see me?” Severus replied with a monotone voice. As always, keeping his emotions in check.
“Yes yes, please sit, my boy. Tea?” Dumbledore asked with his usual grandfatherly voice.
“No thank you, Albus” Which was Severus’s way of saying get to the point. He never was one for idle chit-chat.
“Very well, I have some grave news. Harry Potter is missing.” Upon hearing his words the professor startled.
“What?!!” He hissed out between clenched teeth.
“How could this happen? You said the boy was safe.” He exclaimed, standing from his chair.
“He is, by all appearances, he simply ran away. I have already people out looking for him. But I wondered if you had heard something from your old contacts?” Albus asked with concern shining in his eyes.
“No, nothing. How long has he been missing?” Severus answered, his reply made relief flood Albus’s system. He didn’t think anything sinister had happened to the boy, but to hear that the dark side was silent was a relief.
“His aunt hasn’t seen him since he went off to school two days ago.” Albus replied absentmindedly, his thoughts were miles away. Which is why he didn’t notice his slip-up. He had never told Severus where the boy resided, because he knew he wouldn’t approve. So when he heard the potion master speak he froze.
“His aunt? Surely you don’t mean Petunia Evans.” Looking at Severus he saw that he was furious. His back was straighter than usual, and his hands were clenched into fists.
“Now now, my boy. I assure you he is growing up loved and pampered. Petunia is not the same girl you once knew.” He informed him, not that he knew. He had never checked up on the boy after placing him with the Dursleys. But he needed the boy to distrust slytherins, and that would be easier if he hated the head of slytherin house. So if he made Severus hate Harry before even meeting him, then there was no chance of trust between them. Severus was furious, he couldn’t help but think about the rail thin boy he met in the alley. That was not the picture of a loved and pampered boy. My aunt doesn’t care what happens to me is what the boy said, and if he the person he was talking about is Petunia then that was probably an understatement.
“Was that all, headmaster?” Severus asked, wanting to leave and rage in the privacy of his quarters. He had promised to protect the boy, but the headmaster had made him fail in his duties.
“Yes, of course my boy. But if you hear something, I expect to be told immediately.” Albus said with a stern look. Nodding at the headmasters request, that was in reality an order, he swiftly turned around and exited the office.
The look on her aunts face when she opened the door to see her standing between two police officers was priceless. That memory will probably be able to power a patronus for years to come. Seeing Petunias face turn from shocked to gleeful though made her blood boil, that’s right she was a troublemaker. Probably thinks she was caught steeling or something. Oh, she had no idea what was coming, and Astrid had a feeling she was going to dig herself into deeper trouble than she already was.
“Whats he done now?” She asked with a sneer directed at me.
“May we come in Mrs. Dursley?” The police officer to her right asked. Her name was Madeline, and Astrid had spent the last day telling her all about her home life. Astrid knew that she was firmly in her corner. They entered the residence when Petunia stepped aside and opened the door further for them. Before she had even closed the door, Petunia was speaking again.
“You should have kept him in a cell for a couple more days, maybe he would have learned his lesson then.” She kept rambling on, how the boy was nothing but trouble, how they tried to teach him right from wrong, and how they worried about his influence on their son. However she stopped talking when the officers went directly for the cupboard. Opening it and looking inside a stony look overcame their faces.
“Petunia Dursley, you are under arrest for child abuse and assaulting a child. You have the right to remain silent, anything you…” you could barely hear the officer anymore over her screaming as she was placed in handcuffs. Astrid only wished her fat uncle was home as well, although the thought of him being arrested at work was a gleeful thought. She was led back to one of the police cars, while her aunt was dragged into the other one. The neighbors had all come out to see what was going on. She had no doubt that she would end up back here, but they would forever be judged by the neighbors now. Dumbledore or one of his lackeys would probably make all this go away, but she doubted they could obliviate an entire neighborhood. Seems her attempt at controlling the Dursleys were of to a good start. Maybe these years weren’t going to be so dull after all.
A week later she was back at no.4 privet drive. Now though she had a proper bedroom, and her aunt and uncle barely dared to show their faces outside. Her uncle had lost his job, and was now looking for another. Since they couldn’t spend frivolously anymore, they couldn’t spoil Dudley, so maybe he would grow up more humbled this time. Their treatment of her had improved as well, they didn’t dare lift a finger against her in fear of retribution. She grew up in an abusive household her last life, worse than anything the Dursleys could do to her. Which is why she refused to live like that one more time. She had still not healed from her childhood, she was not about to add more trauma to her life. They would probably worsen again when more time passed and no police officer showed up on their doorstep, but for now she was safe. Her hunch that Dumbledore would fix this mess was correct, five days in child protective services and suddenly they were on their way home like nothing had happened. There is no way that would have happened without some magical help. Seeing as they had all the evidence they needed to put the Dursleys behind bars. However that also confirmed for her to be wary around Dumbledore. No good man would allow child abuse to take place, even for the greater good. All she needed to do now for the next six years was study, she had some goals she wanted to reach before hogwarts. Learning about the inner workings of the ministry was on top of that list, she was planning to get herself cleared legally an adult as soon as possible. Becoming an animagus and learning to control her magic was second on the list. She would learn magic anyway, and have time to learn at Hogwarts if she didn’t learn everything now. But being able to manipulate the system couldn’t wait, she needed to know the laws before she entered the magical world. With that thought, six years of non-stop reading began.