Emma comes fully into the picture, Tina is protective, and Harry is just glad he's finally got his Savior.

***

Tina stared at the blonde woman in front of them, Harry peeking out from behind her to stare at her curiously. He had never seen her before, and he wondered how Petunia and Vernon knew her. She looked to be around 23, with an athletic build, long blonde, curled hair, and green eyes similar to his own. Even though he had no idea who this woman was other than her name, Emma, he felt he could trust her, and moved away from Tina timidly.

He walked around Tina's legs and stood in front of her. Those almost mirror green eyes snapped to him, and Harry held out his hand to her. "Vernon Dursley is my uncle. I'm Harry Potter," he said quietly.

Tina looked down at Harry with a look of worry, which slowly changed into a proud one as he spoke to the stranger and introduced himself. A brief look of surprise crossed Emma's face before she gave a smile Tina read as genuine, and she gently took Harry's small hand in hers to shake. "It's nice to meet you, Harry."

"How do you know my uncle?" Harry asked, tugging Emma to sit on the bench with him, breaking one of his cookies in half and handing it to her. Emma took it, mildly surprised, and looked at Tina with a look of confusion. Tina just shrugged at her, likely knowing that Emma wasn't a threat. As Tina examined her, she couldn't sense any magic in Emma. She felt different, but Tina had no idea why. As an Auror, especially the head of the American division, Tina could easily see past Glamour Charms, and she couldn't see a wand anywhere on Emma. Tina decided the woman was not a threat to her or the boy, who was now biting into his cookie.

"I'm what you would call a freelance investigator, a private investigator for some people, or what you would call a bail bondsperson, which all means I help people find bad men and women and call them out for all of their crimes, and your uncle, Harry, has been doing really bad things at work. He's been stealing money and has been very cruel to people at his job," Emma explained gently to the small boy.

Harry watched her, tilting his head slightly. "You don't have to talk like that to me. I'm not a baby," he muttered.

Emma was starting to become aware of that, what with the way Harry talked. "Well, alright then!" she smirked. "How old are you Harry?" Harry held up seven fingers on his hands, his mouth holding his half of the pink niffler cookie. Emma was nibbling on the other half. "Seven?" Harry nodded. "Well, then you most certainly are not a baby! You're growing big!" She messed up Harry's hair, delighting in the way the boy grinned and laughed.

Tina watched the exchange in silence, a smile on her face. She quickly decided she liked this woman, but that didn't mean she wasn't going to be cautious. She somehow just knew Emma wouldn't hurt the boy left in her care today, and though she didn't possess Queenie's ability to read minds, her decades of time as head Auror meant she knew how to read people. She was the wizarding equivalent of a No-Maj profiler, meaning she had the training to watch body language to see what people were lying, using their behavior to catch bad guys and helping interrogate them. She took the behavior of the people she caught and used it against them.

Harry was laughing as Emma tickled him. They seemed so close already, and it made Tina blink as she felt magic swarm from Emma, though the blonde didn't seem to notice. Her magic felt as if Tina had drunk a mug of Queenie's hot cocoa: warm and familial, nowhere close to dark. It felt familial, safe. She shook herself as she felt the magic wash over her, then she looked at Emma. "So, you are a bail bondswoman?" the Auror asked, getting back onto the topic that Emma had brought up in the first place.

Emma nodded, patting Harry's knee. "Yes, I am. I was hired to investigate Vernon Dursley under the charges of money laundering and staff abuse . . . and now, apparently, those charges are going to include child abuse." Harry looked up at her, surprised she knew about it. "I know the signs, kid." Harry nodded slowly, and looked back down at the cookies in the bag, placing the rest of his cookie in it, so he could take them home and eat them later. "I was heading back to my place to put together everything I've gathered so far," Emma continued. "I heard Dursley's name get mentioned, and since that isn't a common name in New York, I took a gamble and guessed you meant Vernon."

"Well," Tina sighed, "You were most certainly correct. I'm from Child Protective Services, and young Harry here has been through a tremendous amount of abuse at the hands of all of the Dursleys." Tina set her hand on Harry's shoulder and looked down at him with a sad smile. "I'll have to take him somewhere tonight because he is never going back there again, at least not if I have anything to say about it." Tina lifted her sad smile to Emma, who had a contemplative look in her emerald-colored eyes.

"Yes, I suppose that is a problem. Do you know where you are going to take him?" Emma asked, kneeling in front of Harry, who had been quiet and staring off into space, fiddling with his shirt. "If you can't place him anywhere, and you can't take him home with you, I have the space. I can take him," Emma suggested, looking at Tina.

Harry's head whipped towards her, his eyes wide. "You want me in your home? But you just met me!" he protested. "I don't have anything I need to get from the condo, but I also don't have anything for tomorrow. What would I do?"

Tina's left hand clenched into a fist, and her right hand twitched towards the wand holstered on her waist. She was so glad Harry never had to go back to those wretched No-Majes. "That would be very kind of you, Ms. Swan, if you're sure." Emma nodded, so Tina looked down at Harry. "Are you comfortable with that? Going home with Emma?" she asked him and Harry nodded, clenching the bag of cookies in his hands. "Okay," she nodded, clapping her hands. "And Harry, sweetheart, don't worry about that. I was planning on taking you to do some shopping to get clothes that fit you properly anyway after our stop here, but afterward, I can drop him off at your home so you can get whatever is needed ready for him."

Emma nodded in agreement as she stood, then she quickly leaned down and opened her arms for a hug from Harry. He leaned up to hug her, so she knelt down and brought him closer to her, his small arms around her neck, hers around his back, and instead of Harry letting go when she did, he leaned in closer, so she picked him up, holding him to her on her hip. Emma had a strong feeling the reason he didn't want to let go was because he didn't get hugs or any physical affection. That thought made Emma squeeze the child to her even tighter, but not too tight as to keep him from hurting him.

"I really get to see you later and stay with you, Emma?" Harry asked, mumbling it into Emma's neck where he had buried his head. He felt Emma nod, and he pulled back and kissed her cheek, making her laugh.

"Yes, Harry. You're going to be staying with me," Emma confirmed, and she knelt back down and let Harry go, kissing his head. "Now, go with Ms. Tina, and I will see you later," she said, and Harry immediately nodded, now much more open and carefree than he had been almost two hours ago. He was excited to get clothes that were his own and happy he didn't have to go back to the Dursleys. He finally had the savior he was looking for.

Tina nodded at Emma as she quickly told Tina her address, and took Harry's hand. "I suppose we will see you later, then, Ms. Swan." Tina smiled and she smiled at Harry as they started walking away, Harry calling out "see you soon, Emma!" over his shoulder.

***

Instead of staying with Tina when they arrived at the store just a few blocks from the bakery, Harry went off to explore the toy section; Tina followed at a slower pace, smiling sadly at the sight that met her. Harry was looking at all of the toys there like they were Camelot themselves and he had never seen anything so amazing. He probably hasn't, Tina realized darkly as thoughts of what she wanted to do to the Dursley's passed in her head. She shook her head to rid herself of the thoughts and got Harry's attention. "We can come back to these in a bit, but right now we need to get you some clothes and a new pair of shoes," she told him softly, gently taking hold of his shoulder and steering him in the section of the boys' clothing.

Almost two hours later, because Harry kept getting distracted and Tina kept letting him, seeing as he'd never been inside a store before, Harry had clothes for a week, two new pairs of shoes, a few different toys, and a stuffed black dog. Harry had also gotten a backpack and other things he'd needed immediately.

After they paid with the money the Ministry had, for this reason, it was in a No-Maj bank account specifically for situations like this, Tina hailed a cab and gave the man the address Emma shared, and they were on their way to Emma's apartment. Harry couldn't stay calm no matter what he tried. He was jittery, and very nervous now that this was actually happening. He was really, truly away from his aunt and uncle and very dreadful cousin.

Harry looked over at Tina and back at his hands, fiddling with the new sweater he had on. It was extremely soft and fit him perfectly, something he'd never had before. "Tina?" Harry asked quietly, his voice shaking.

"Yes, sweetheart?" Tina asked gently, seeing his fiddling and nervous posture.

"What if she doesn't want me? What happens if I have to go back to the Dursleys?"

"She would be crazy not to want you, Harry. I'm sure she will, and even if she doesn't, you know what? You are never going back to that home, ever again. I promise you that." Tina had a feeling that Emma did want Harry though, but she didn't say anything to her about it. Besides, she had a feeling if Emma changed her mind, she knew exactly who would take Harry instead.

Harry nodded, not saying anything else.

They settled into silence as the rain started, washing over the windows of the cab. In the silence, they could hear the light pattering of the rain on the roof and the soft music on the radio. Tina took Harry's hand gently so she didn't startle him, and Harry smiled at her, relishing in the contact. He'd never been touched so carefully before, and Tina and Emma were starting to become his favorite people.

***

Harry marveled at the sight in front of him. The building was 20 stories high. He'd never been in a building so high up before. He'd been higher up than the building of course, because he had been on a plane thousands of feet in the air, but the only high up building that he'd ever been in was the Dursley condo, which was only a few floors.

Tina watched the elevator count the floors as they ascended, then she smiled as a bell dinged. "This is our stop, Harry." Harry swallowed hard, his grip on Tina's hand tightening as the doors slid open. She squeezed back, letting Harry tuck against her side as they walked down the hall. She counted the condo numbers as they went, then she stopped in front of Apartment 723. "Here we are," she said, raising her hand and knocking on the door.

Harry clung tightly to Tina, last minute doubts surging in his head. What if Emma really didn't want him, after all? Would he go to Tina? Would she have to place him somewhere else? What if they ended up being worse than the Dursleys?

His thoughts were interrupted when the door swung open, and Emma filled the doorway. Her eyes found him first, and all of Harry's doubts were washed away when he saw her eyes brighten. "Now, who's this handsome fella?" she grinned at him.

"Hi, Emma!" he chirped, giving her a toothy smile.

"Hey, kid," Emma laughed, taking a small step back and opening the door wider. "Come on in. Can I offer you anything to drink, Ms. Goldstein?"

"No, thank you, Ms. Swan," Tina shook her head, looking around Emma's condo appraisingly.

Harry was taking in every detail as well, his emerald eyes wide. He had only ever been in the Dursleys' residences, which had to be perfect and pristine like a showroom. Emma's place looked like . . . well, it looked like what he thought a home should look like. There was evidence someone actually lived here, with a folder of papers on the dining table, a leather jacket thrown casually over the couch, books and magazines on the coffee table . . .

"As for you, kiddo," Emma smiled at Harry; was that a hint of nervousness in her voice? "I hope this meets your approval?"

Harry looked up at her in shock. Was she joking? "I love it already!" he cheered, breaking away from Tina and slamming into Emma's legs, hugging them tightly.

Emma stumbled slightly before regaining her balance, and she laughed loudly in relief, leaning down and rubbing Harry's back. "Oh, I'm happy you approve, kid!"

Tina smiled in relief, having come to a similar conclusion. "This already looks like a far better place than those Dursleys', Ms. Swan," she declared, setting the bag with the rest of Harry's belongings on the floor by the couch.

"Oh, please," Emma waved off the declaration, one arm still around Harry. "I think we're going to be talking a lot in the coming days. Call me Emma."

"As long as you call me Tina," the Auror compromised with a nod.

"You got it," Emma agreed, looking down at Harry. "How about I show you your room, kiddo, and you can get settled in while I talk with Tina?"

He nodded rapidly in excitement, and he grabbed Emma's hand. "Yes, please!"

Emma nodded in agreement, leading him down the hall. Harry could see the bathroom at the very end of the hall, then she opened the door on their right. She flipped a light switch inside the door, and Harry's eyes lit up. His bedroom was practically the same size as his back at the Dursleys' had been, and the bed tucked against the wall had sheets of sky blue pristinely made, ready for him to use. Even the limited furniture in the room - a dresser and bedside table - looked like they had received some use, rather than furniture at the Dursleys' that appeared to apply to the motto "look, don't touch."

"So," Emma's tone had regained its nervous touch. "What do you think, kid?"

"It's brilliant!" Harry gushed, dropping Emma's hand to pounce on the bed.

Emma laughed in relief, leaning against the wall and watching with a fond smile as Harry made himself comfortable on his bed, looking like the seven-year-old boy he was meant to be. "Make yourself at home, kid."

"Thanks, Emma!"

"Here, Harry," Tina appeared in the doorway, playfully holding up a ball of black fur.

"Snuffles!" Harry cheered when he saw his stuffed dog.

Tina laughed, tossing the stuffed animal to Harry, who wrapped his arms around it at once. "There you go." Harry giggled and hopped off his bed, continuing to explore every nook and cranny of his own room, and the two women stepped out of the door to continue to talk in the hall. "This is better than I could have hoped for him, Emma," Tina admitted with a smile. "But I have to ask . . . an apartment like this while you're so young . . . ?"

"Clients have paid very well in my line of work," Emma told her. "I know better than to be a thief . . . well, I know that now."

Tina's eyebrows shot up. "That sounds like a story."

"One from a lifetime ago," Emma sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's . . . part of it includes why I want to help Harry so much. It's a touchy subject, I'm sorry."

"I understand," Tina held up her hands, not pressing further. "But you're prepared to house Harry through the closing of this case?"

"Absolutely," Emma promised with a vicious grin. "I have all the encouragement I need to close Dursley's case. By the time we're through with it, Dursley's never going to be the perfect man he wants to be."

Tina matched the woman's grin. "I look forward to seeing your results, Emma." Emma nodded in agreement, and Tina checked the glowing clock on Harry's bedside table. "Harry?" The boy poked his head out of the small closet, and she refrained from cooing at him. "It's time for me to go, dear."

Harry's expression fell. "You do?"

"I do," Tina confirmed, crouching down as Harry walked up to her. "It's getting late, so I need to head home. I also need to return to the office tomorrow so I can give my report so you never have to go back to your aunt and uncle."

Harry nodded in understanding, though he still looked sad. "Will I see you again?" he asked timidly.

"Yes," Tina nodded at once, putting her hands on Harry's shoulders. "I'll set up times with Emma to see how you're doing while your aunt and uncle are being investigated. I think you'll even be sick of me by the time this is all over."

Harry instantly shook his head. "No, I won't," he disagreed. "Not when you were the first person who openly cared about me."

Out of the corner of her eye, Tina saw Emma cover her mouth with one hand. Tina, on the other hand, gave Harry a shaky smile, trying to blink tears out of her eyes. This kid, she thought fondly. "Well, now there's two of us here for you," she promised. "I'll come visit as soon as my schedule allows, OK?"

"OK!" Harry agreed, wrapping his arms around her neck and hugging her tightly.

Tina immediately reciprocated, hugging Harry around his waist, closing her eyes to avoid letting her tears fall. "You're in good hands, Harry," she whispered. "I promise."

Harry rested his chin on her shoulder, giving Emma a radiant smile. "I know."

Emma smiled back, heart close to bursting at the trust shown by the boy. "How about you get your bags, Harry," she suggested. "Get this room set up how you would like."

Harry nodded eagerly, pulling away from Tina's hug. "See you soon, Tina!" he waved before darting out of the door and into the hall.

Tina rose to her feet, smiling at Emma. "Take care of him."

"With my life," Emma vowed, holding out her hand.

The two women shook hands on the deal, matching looks of determination flashing in their eyes. No Dursley was ever going to so much as lay a finger on Harry Potter again, not if they had any say . . . and oh, Emma knew she had one hell of a say with what she had on Vernon Dursley.

***

Emma Swan plus Tina Goldstein equals Vernon Dursley's perfect, golden reputation being torn to shreds and dragged through the mud, methinks! XD Honestly, this duo is terrifying by themselves . . . and this is before Queenie and a few certain others get added to the picture. Harry's going to have a hell of a lot of people looking out for him, that's for sure . . . especially once this case is finished, and Emma has Harry for good.

We also know we are dramatically changing parts of Emma's background, since she's taking Harry in while she's this young. But, as we're fully embracing the fact that literal fairytales are being brought to life . . . we will likely dramatically overuse the statement "suspend your disbelief."

. . . and yes. Harry's stuffed dog's name is Snuffles. That was completely intentional. XD

Next chapter will get a glimpse into the Wizarding World once more . . . after all, Tina has a few people to keep informed, including someone we have yet to see in person!

~ Miss Moffat

***

Well folks, Emma is here, and she's here to stay! New York will feel more like home then anywhere else in the world to Harry for a while, at least until a few others are brought in and become part of the fixtures in our young heroin's life. When Tina and Emma get together stay out of their way, ecpeically if they have determined looks on thir faces. It usually means someones in trouble or Harry has done something extremly stupid and needs moms help to fix it XD

Once we get a glimpse into the Wizarding World, our heroine's story offically begins, and our two favorite saviors find something neither has ever, truly had. . .family <3

Thanks for reading, and as always, stay safe, stay kind, and continue reading XD

~ Miss Singer