Safe Haven

Harry POV:

The boy awoke groggily. His eyes barely fluttered open before closing again. Content to stay cooped up in his cupboard. He would get up when Petunia called him to get breakfast ready.

He slept for a while longer peacefully dreaming. In his dreams he imagined someone finally taking him away from the Dursleys and welcoming them into their loving home. One that could love a freak like him, but alas this was just a dream. Reality was waiting for him once he opened his eyes.

Speaking for which shouldn't Petunia have called him already?

The boy had a very good internal clock. More like he adapted to have one. If he didn't wake up on time he would get smack for being lazy.

The boy opened his eyes for good this time and was shocked. What greeted him wasn't the familiar ceiling of his cupboard. It was a completely new sight he had never seen before.

Confused, the boy sat up from the unusually comfy surface he was laying upon. He was surprised to find himself laying upon an actual bed. Not just any bed mind you, but a huge 4 poster bed covered with silky sheets and soft blankets.

The rest of the room was just as luxurious as the bed. About 3 times the size of the Dursley's living room. Off to one wall a fireplace sat its fire giving off a warm glow lighting up the otherwise dark room.

Scared that whoever's room this was would not like him sleeping in their bed he quickly vacated it. As soon as his small socked feet hit the floor the silver chandelier overhead lit up the room.

Upon closer look it didn't appear to be an electric one. The candles burning atop it gave off some faint smoke. Odd he thought, how did those candles light themselves?

Now with the room probably lit he was shocked once again. From what he could see, this room probably cost more than the Dursley's whole house.

The room was a tasteful combination of various shades of green and dark wood. There was a large wooden desk placed in one of the corners. A grand bookshelf was sitting not far from the desk filled with all sorts of old looking books.

He walked over to the bookshelf and reached out, plucking a book off its shelf. He had always been fond of reading. Maybe he could stay here for a bit and read for a while.

To his dismay after opening the book and looking at the words on the page he found he couldn't read them. After checking a few other books and finding the same unintelligible words he decided to stop trying.

He instead decided to examine the large mural painted on one of the walls. It was a stunning scene of a forest filled with life. It was so well made he could almost hear the wind rustling through the branches of the trees.

He stared at it for a while and found looking at the mural gave a sense of peace. That was then the swore he saw one of the rabbits move. He watched more closely trying to see if it would move again, but it seemed to just be his imagination. Paintings don't move after all.

Feeling a little braver he explored around the rest of the room. He didn’t find much. While the room was furnished there didn't seem to be any personal items to prove that someone lived here.

Going over to one the windows he pulled the curtains open slightly only to be met with darkness. It must still be nighttime.

After thoroughly exploring the room he decided to try opening one of the doors. There were a total of 3 doors attached to this room.

Upon opening the first one he found a bathroom just as lavish. It was equipped with a large bathtub, toilet, and a sink. Opening one of the cabinets inside he found many strange looking glass bottles filled with unknown colorful substances.

Much like the bedroom, it was stocked with all the items one could need, but none of it was used.

Walking back into the room he tried one of the other doors finding it to be a closet filled to the brim with clothes and accessories. Seeing as they looked really expensive he didn't dare touch anything. He exited the closet and closed the door behind him.

That was when the final door in the room opened.

Entering the room a tall, elderly man wearing a pristine black suit. He walked gracefully, his polished shoes clicking softly against the hardwood floor.

The boy, surprised by the new person entering the room, was slightly scared. Maybe this person had come to finally kick him out of this nice room?

"Good evening Young Master, I hope you have had a pleasant resting period" The old man spoke, giving a low bow to the boy.

The boy was confused as to if this man was actually talking to him. He looked around but found no one else but the two of them. Deciding whether or not he should ask who he was talking to the old man spoke up again.

"I have come to wake you for the nightly meal, but it seems you are already awake" He said humorously, giving the boy a gentle smile.

"Are you… talking to me?" The boy muttered confusion written all over his face.

"But of course, Young Master. Worry not the Master and Mistress will explain everything over dinner. For now my job is to simply get you ready. If I may?" The man explained.

"Oh… alright" Not exactly what he was agreeing to, he gave a nod with a nervous expression.

"No need to feel so nervous. I'll draw a bath for you so you can freshen up. It will take just a moment" He spoke before heading off to the bathroom.

The boy, curious about what he would do, followed after him. The stopped at the doorway peering inside while the elderly man worked.

The man went over to the same cabinet with all the mysterious bottles. He picked out a few and set them on the rim of the tub. Before turning back to the boy.

"Do you have a preference for what fragrance you would like, Young Master?" He questioned.

The boy shook his head negatively in answer.

"In that case I find dewberries have a lovely scent" He spoke, pulling another bottle from the cabinet with blue liquid.

The man then got to work filling the tub. All he had to do was tap his finger against the faucet for water to start gushing out. Once it was about half full he tapped again to stop the water.

Then the man poured a few drops from the vial containing the blue fluid. The bathroom was then filled with a light and fresh scent of morning dew.

Examining the vials the man had picked out a little closer, these were not like the soap bottles at the Dursleys with clear labels on them. The only differences between them being color and a few of those same unintelligible words from the books plastered on the side.

Confused at which ones were which, the boy asked a question "Which bottles am I supposed to use?"

"Oh yes i'll explain it to you Young Master" He pointed to the bottle with a green solution in it. "You may use this one to clean your hair" Pointing to another one with pink fluid. "And this can be used to wash skin" The man explained.

With everything in order now the man nodded to himself. "There the bath is ready now. I will now go and see if I can't find some clothes for you to change into. If you need anything feel free to call me Young Master" The man then left the bathroom heading over to the closet on the opposite side of the room.

Before the man got too far away the boy grabbed one of his coattails stopping the man in his tracks. Realizing what he just did, the boy quickly let go fidgeting in place.

"Yes Young Master, is there something you need?" The man said smoothly, that gentle smile still on his face.

"Um… Thank you Mr…" The boy murmured, stopping mid sentence before it registered that he didn’t know the man's name yet.

"Alistair, Young Master. You may call me Alistair. Also I do not need your gratitude since I am simply doing what is expected of me, but your thanks is appreciated" He acknowledged continuing his walk across the room.

Scurrying into the bathroom and shutting the door behind he let out a small sigh of relief. The boy had no idea what was happening but for now he was playing along.

Alistair had said that he would get his answers at dinner, but he was so confused about how he got in this situation. He had never had anyone draw a bath for him, much less get him clothes.

This was all so strange for him. Usually he was the one serving others, he was not used to being served.

After taking a minute to calm his nerves he determined he should properly start bathing now. He wouldn't want Alistair to wait too long for him.

After removing all of Dudley's old clothes he turned to look into the mirror to see a small and skinny 8 year old boy. Skin pale from being locked up inside away from the sun. His black hair was greasy and cut unevenly. The round black glasses on his face cracked in multiple places.

Feeling embarrassed he didn't think he deserved to be called anyone's Young Master.

Turning away from the mirror he went to the side of the tub and felt the water, it was warm. He doesn't think he was ever able to take a hot shower nevermind a warm bath. Deciding to enjoy it while he can, he climbed into the tub.

Once he settled in he got to work cleaning the grime from his skin. Looking at the bottles lined up next to the tub he grabbed the one with green liquid inside as instructed to wash his dirty hair.

A knock came from the bathroom "Young Master I have laid out your clothes on the bed. Is there anything else you require of me?" Alistair questioned.

Startled by the sound he knocked one of the bottles onto the floor. Luckily it did not break, but it did make a rather loud noise.

"Young Master, are you alright?" Alistair called anxiously from the other side of the door.

The boy's face turned a bright red in embarrassment. "Yes I'm fine sorry I just knocked over a bottle" The boy responded.

Alistair let out a relieved sigh. "I am glad, I was worried you might have hurt yourself. I'll leave you to your bath then Young Master" He said.

The boy quickly finished cleaning himself and exited the bathtub. Remembering where he saw the towels on his earlier exploration quickly grabbed one and used it to wipe himself down. Finished he wrapped it around him before he too exited the bathroom.

"Very nice Young Master. Now that you are all fresh and clean, let's get you ready for dinner shall we" Alistair said before clapping his hands twice.

In response two fairly young ladies entered the room. Both dressed in matching uniforms consisting of long back dresses with white frilly aprons. Donning white headbands.

Once they entered they bowed to the boy. "Good evening Young Master" They said in sync.

"Yes this is Evelyn" He gestures to the brunette on the right. "And this is Julia" He gestures to the crismon haired one of the left. "These two will be your personal maids so you will be seeing quite a lot of each other in the future. Now I will leave you two to help the Young Master dress" He says before taking his leave.

"Wait Alistair…" The boy tries to call for him but he is already out the door leaving him alone with the two ladies.

"Now Young Master, let's get you dressed" Evelyn said. Then despite the boy's protests the two ladies worked quickly and efficiently. Before the boy knew it he was clothed in an intricate black outfit. Walking over to a large standing mirror in the room he got a better look at what he was wearing.

Clothed in a grey ruffled dress shirt. In addition to an ebony waist coat with matching shorts. His feet clad in knee high black socks and a pair of shiny new dress shoes.

"I look like a prince…" The boy mumbled under his breath. Looking at himself he had never worn anything so nice.

"But of course, Young Master. Only the finest clothes are fit to be worn by you" The other maid Julia said with a smile. "Now off you go Young Master it's time for dinner" She said, herding him out the door.

The boy stepped into the hallway to be greeted by Alistair. The man looked him up and down. "You clean up very nicely, Young Master. I knew you would look good in black. Well, are you ready to meet the Master and Mistress?" He held out his white gloved hand for the boy to take.

The boy reached out and grabbed his hand nervously. Letting Alistair lead him away from the room and down the hall.

It took a little while navigating down different hallways and flights of stairs. Wherever he was this place was enormous and he felt he would easily get lost if the man wasn't guiding him. Before he knew it they had arrived at a huge set of grand doors.

Letting go of his hand the man pushed open both doors. "May I present the Young Master" He said, giving an elegant bow.

Opening the doors revealed a large but cozy dining room with a long table resting in the middle of the room. There were only three chairs at the table. Two of them being occupied by a man and a woman.

The woman was a tall, golden haired woman wearing a beautiful white dress with a tall collar, poofy sleeves, and a large skirt covered in lace. Her long hair done up in an elegant bun. The boy thought she looked like a princess from one of those children books Dudley never read.

The woman stood up walking around the table and towards them. "Thank you Alistair, a fine job as always" She praised with a smile.

"You are too kind, Mistress. I am but a humble servant. Now I must be getting back to my other duties" He replied.

"Yes you are excused. Don't work too hard Alistair" She chimed.

"Of course Mistress" He answered before turning back to the boy. "I must be off now the Master and Mistress will take care of you now" Using one of his hands he gave the boy a reassuring pat on the shoulder.

"Will I see you again?" The boy said worriedly. This man had been one of the few people that was kind to him. He wanted to make sure the man wasn't leaving him for good.

"Naturally as I hope you will come to find this place as your new residence" Alistair responded walking out the large doors and closing them behind him. Leaving the boy alone with two new strangers.

"How about we sit down and start our meal. I am sure you are hungry after your long rest" The woman said gently. The boy merely nodded and the woman showed him to the last empty chair at the table. The woman returned to her own seat.

How they were seated now the boy was sitting across from the woman. With the man taking the spot at the head of the table forming a triangle.

The man lifted his hands and gave two sharp claps. Following a large number of men and women dressed similar to Alistair and the two ladies from earlier entered the room. They placed down silverware,empty plates, and chalices. Decorating the previously empty table.

One girl even brought over an exquisite candelabra and placed it in the center of the table. Two more bringing beautiful vases of flowers to brighten up the mood of the room.

Once the place settings were all finished. Another group came out with the first course of the meal. Each person at the table received a small bowl of what looked to be soup.

The boy however didn't dare to touch it. If there was anything he learned in his short life it was that freaks don't get food.

The other two at the table however didn't have the same restriction and once everything was in place and the servants had left they started eating.

The man seeing that the boy didn't touch the food spoke up for the first time. "Is it not to your liking?" He said in a gravelly voice.

The man even sitting in the chair was tall with a broad shoulder. He had ebony hair similar to his, but his being more sleek unlike his own constant tangled mess. Dressed head to toe in all black. He wore an ornate double breasted tailcoat fitted with silver clasps and buckles. Underneath a large black fur lined cloak.

"Oh..No-o Master" The boy stuttered. Scared in front of the very imposing man.

"You do not need to refer to me by that title. You may call me Ward" He corrected.

"And you may call me Diana. There is no need for such formalities between us" She stated.

"Okay…" The boy murmured back. Ward looked over at him "A man shouldn't mutter like that. If he has something to say he says it confidently" The man remarked.

"Yes sir" The boy said a little louder, his voice trembling. "Better now why aren't you eating?" Ward inquired.

"Freaks aren't allowed to eat normal people's food" The boy stated as if it was a fact everyone should know. Afterall it was drilled into his head every day of his life.

"Is that so and what makes you think we are normal people?" The man questioned the boy with a small smile on his face.

The boy however was stunned at that declaration. Was it possible these people were like him? "Are you freaks too?" He questioned his eyes shooting back and forth between the two seeing if he could spot anything amiss about them. His search however yielded nothing.

"Something like that…" The woman giggled in response.

"We are not humans" Ward admitted. "So there is no reason you can't eat the food sitting on your plate. So eat up" The man commanded.

Not having to be told twice the boy picked up one of the spoons laying next to the bowl. He dipped it into the savory liquid bringing it up to is lips careful not to spill a single drop.

It was delicious...

Bonus Evelyn POV:

A few minutes after Alistair and Young Master left.

A loud squeal resounded from inside the room.

"Oh spirits, did you see how cute the Young Master was! I can now die happy!" Julia wailed.

Evelyn swiftly gave the girl a swift kick on the butt sending the girl flying. "Stop fooling around and get to work. We need to have this room tidy by the time the Young Master returns" She growled with a sneer on her face.

"You are always so mean to me" Julia cried rubbing his hands on her poor butt.

"If you would stop fooling around, maybe I wouldn't have to. " She snapped. She then got to working fixing the bed. Smoothing out the blankets and fluffing up the pillows.

That was when another cry came from the bathroom. If that girl was messing around again she wouldn't know what she would do, but it will be painful for sure.

Running out of the bathroom carrying what seemed to be some old rags Julia ran over to her holding up the fabric.

"What is it now?" She said, crossing her arms and sneering at the red haired girl.

"Do you see these!!" Julia exclaimed. She had another look at them not seeing what the girl was so worked up about. "What are they?" Evelyn asked, confused.

"These were the clothes Young Master was wearing before he came here! I know because they smell like him!" She shouted only to receive a smack on the head. "What was that for?" Julia whined, rubbing her now hurting head.

"Stop going around smelling weird things. Especially the Young Master, you should know better" Evelyn scolded.

"You know I can't help it if my nose is more sensitive! That is not the point though look at these. They are hardly fit to be called scraps of fabric nevertheless clothes. I bet the people who were with Young Master didn't treat him good!" Julia cried tears falling from her eyes.

"I bet the Young Master had a really hard time in the past" The girl sobbed. While the silly girl was usually a pain to deal with, she was right this time. While they couldn't be 100% sure these clothes were evidence enough.

Taking the tattered clothes from the crying Julia. Evelyn walked over to the fireplace and taking great pleasure in watching them turn to ash.

"Those people are lucky I don't know who they are. If I ever find out I will crush them" Evelyn said clenching her fist.

"Yep, yep if we ever find them let's make them suffer!" Julia cackled her tears now gone, replaced with evil laughter.

All she got in response however was another smack.

"Get back to work" She commanded.

"Yes ma'am" Julia whined out like a child.

The two girls got back to work cleaning the room until it was spotless.