Chapter 4| The First Eleven

The first part of Harry's life was the same, till he learned how to properly talk. He knew there was no changing Veron, the man was slimy and disgusting down to the bones! However, Petunia and Dudley could be saved. They could be helped. After all, Dudley had died early in the first timeline because of his alcoholism... It was a painful death for him... And Petunia died via suicide by anti-depressants and sleeping pills.

Harry wanted to save them. He knew that he just needed to talk with them and teach them better ways. At least, make them happier so they don't die such painful deaths.

He first talked with his Aunt, when Veron was out shopping with Dudley. She had begged the large man to take their boy out. The man, if he could be called that, did so just to "shut her up". It was clear the man didn't cherish his son unless he was being something akin to a monster like him.

The boy-who-lived waited in his cramped room under the stairs as she hid in hers, sobbing and crying. He hated hearing those sounds, so, he snuck out and went to her room. He had gently rubbed her back and soothingly talked to her. She had jolted when she felt his hand, yelled and called him a freak when he talked with her, but... She eventually broke down in his comfort. She apologized to him, calling herself a monster for letting a baby like him be hurt by her husband's hands.

He could only continue to stroke her head and back, whispering that things will get better. He didn't know how things would get better, but he knew they would. He would help her with that.

Next was Dudley. The kids at their preschool were picking on him because of his weight. Harry didn't like that, so he talked with Dudley, listening to him yell and complain to him. He took the abuse of the words, even of the fists. He then told him how to gain friends, and helped him gain good friends. He taught the plumper boy how to behave in public, how to apologize and be polite. The large boy found a friend and a brother in Harry.

Of course, Vernon had gotten worse with the small boy, scars forming on his body painfully. His aunt and cousin did the best they could to help him, but they too were filled with fear of the fat man's abuse. Harry couldn't blame them; the bastard was large and extremely violent. He told them this.

Out of some desperation to keep the boys out of the house for as long as possible, the brunette signed them both up for a variety of things. The powerful wizard saw this as a chance to learn how to defend himself properly. Petunia saw it as well, and she almost gleefully gave it to him under the guise of helping Dudley with baseball.

During all of this time, the young-looking wizard was practising his magic, relearning how to do many simple things with his weaker body. Using plenty of Glamours, he was able to sneak into Diagon Alley sooner and was able to nab some herbs. Herbs that he used to make sleeping potions for Vernon, so for at least one night, the three of them didn't have to worry about him. And then healing potions and creams to rid himself and the others of their wounds and scars.

Then, like before, the letters and Hagrid came. Unlike before, it was only Vernon who spoke ill of Harry's mother, and Petunia was almost desperate to have her sister's son go with the half-giant. Dudley hadn't tried to eat the cake that was meant for the thin boy, instead, he almost protected it from his father's burning wrath toward the giant.

Happily, he gave his aunt and cousin a hug, whispering that he'll finally help them like he'd promised. He then grabbed what little things he personally owned and hurried off with the friendly giant.