CHARLUS DID HIS WAITING, five days to be exact when Bathilda finally summoned him to attend Hogwarts with her. In the time that he waited on her call, he adjusted to living at Maeve's flat. To ease the transition, Charlus was glad to have Marmalade in his company, simply because it was nice to hold onto something from the past. And Maeve seemed to enjoy the company of the two, helping Charlus tend to Marmalade's older injuries to get the cat feeling brand new again. They gave Marmalade a bath, plenty of food and water, and even set up a little spot for her by one of the windows.

However, the majority of the time, Marmalade tended to follow Charlus around. During the nights and early mornings, she would sleep on top of his chest, curled up in a tight ball. And during the day, she would walk behind him or wait outside the door if he happened to be in the bathroom. Perhaps she was thankful to be saved or maybe she remembered Charlus, who resembled one of her late owners.

Before Bathilda's arrival that morning, Charlus was settled at the kitchen table, with Marmalade asleep in his lap. He stared at the window that overlooked a quiet street as several birds took to singing their latest gossip. However, his mind was somewhere far away, wondering what had become of his nephew. 

It was a blessing to know that Harry had survived, but he couldn't imagine just what Harry felt knowing what he had actually survived. He was known as the Boy-Who-Lived, praised by wizarding kind, but he was also a boy who lost his family the very same night. Both parents murdered attempting to protect him. Maybe he didn't know, after all, he was only a little boy and those that were caring for him probably didn't think it would be appropriate to share such harsh details.

But who would the Ministry or Dumbledore trust to take Harry in? He was a saviour to magical folk, they had to trust his life among those that would protect him with all of their beings. So why was it so difficult to figure out where he was?

When Maeve entered the kitchen later a little while later, she made a motion to alert Charlus that she was in the room so she didn't startle him. He acknowledged her with a nod of his head before looking out the window again.

"I remember when Harry was born," he said, bringing her attention back to him, " I wasn't there for the birth. But I remember feeling such a warmth wash over, a feeling of pride, even though I hadn't done anything. And then shortly after, I get a letter from my brother telling me that Harry's been born. He's beautiful and perfect in every single way."

Maeve grabbed a cup of tea and brought herself to sit next to him as he continued.

"When I finally did get to meet him, I realised just where that warmth and pride came from. I could see it on James' face, every time he looked at Harry. The way he held Harry like he was the most precious thing in the world. Of course, it was the same with Lily. It was the same for all of us. The way we all felt, you would think we all gave birth to Harry. I think it was then that we all realised that we would do anything for him."

"Harry is very lucky to have people who care about him so much," Maeve said as he looked at her, " it's a blessing really."

"That's why I need to know where he is. Dumbledore has to know. If Harry's happy and healthy, so be it, I'm not going to disrupt that. I just want to be involved in his life in any way possible."

"I hope you get the answers you're looking for today."

"I'm not leaving that castle until I do."

When Bathilda arrived, Charlus offered his arm for her to take. She was rather wobbly on her feet in her old age, he was fearful that she would fall over at any time. Welcoming the assistance, she took his arm and held onto it, requesting that he do most of the apparating to Hogsmeade, they would walk the rest of the way up to the castle. As they took the long walk up to the castle, the two signed back and forth.

It seemed Bathilda hadn't forgotten much over the years of not using sign and Charlus was thankful to just communicate freely with his hands. He was still getting used to Maeve and reading her lips. He could tell it often left the Healer uncomfortable with how much he needed to watch her mouth. But it was either that or Maeve would have to learn how to sign overnight to carry a full conversation with him.

"When we get to the castle," Bathilda told him, " remain calm. I know you want your answers but if you lose your temper, you are going to lose your chance. Understand?"

Charlus nodded his head.

"Good. Now, I asked Dumbledore to meet with me when we arrive at the castle, and he agreed. So you'll have your chance to speak with him."

"I can't thank you enough for this. I don't know how to repay you-"

"Nonsense. I don't do things for payment, Potter, you should know that by now. I never accepted a knut from your parents when it came to watching over you and your brother. I certainly don't expect anything in return now."

He didn't respond as they were nearing closer to the castle. Just seeing Hogwarts in the near distance left Charlus with a lump of his throat. So many good memories had been created within the castle walls and grounds. It seemed after they had all left school that everything had turned dark so quickly.

They had been so naive during their Hogwarts years, believing they were invincible. The war decided to prove them wrong.

In his memories, he could see James attempting to lure the Giant Squid in the Black Lake with a piece of toast. And there was Sirius pretending to be the Giant Squid dragging his brother into the water.

Closing his eyes, Charlus could feel the tears that burned as he tried to hold them back. He was only thankful that they had finally reached the castle entrance as they were greeted by none other than Professor McGonagall.

Minerva McGonagall hadn't really changed all that much since the last time he had seen her. There was still a sternness to her face that never seemed to fully fade after decades of teaching. However, upon seeing Charlus in Bathilda's company, her expression softened drastically.  She had played a very intricate part when it came to the Order and fighting the war, but some of Charlus' best memories with her came from his time in Hogwarts.

Yes, she was often the professor that caught him, his brother, and their friends when they were up to no good. She was usually the one that issued them detention but there was still a motherly bond between her and the boys. Spending the majority of the year away from home, many students needed someone to turn to that acted as a parent and although strict, there was a lot of love that McGonagall had for her students even long after they graduated.

Charlus didn't expect a hug from her, but he welcomed it more than anything. His arms wrapped around her as he held onto her tightly. There was no telling how long they remained hugging, but eventually, McGonagall pulled away first. She quickly straightened her robes and proceeded to wipe her hands under her eyes to clear away any tears that had dared to fall without her permission.

"It's good to see you, Mr Potter," she said with a faint smile, "although quite a surprise. I wasn't aware that Ms Bagshot would be bringing anyone with her."

"Well, I have to keep some secrets," Bathilda laughed, " how else would I remain interesting these days? And with all due respect, where is Albus? He said he would be meeting me today."

McGonagall's pursed her lips for a moment. "I'm afraid the Headmaster is out for the day. He did not give a reason besides important business he needed to tend to. He sends his deepest apologies and hopes to reschedule a time where you two can meet."

Bathilda was not interested in rescheduling to have tea time with Albus at a later date. She wouldn't have really bothered with calling a meeting with him had it not been for Charlus. But beside her, she could see Charlus' jaw tighten, his frustration building rapidly. She reached out one of her frail hands and grabbed his quickly, reminding him to keep his temper. There was no use in getting upset, especially with McGonagall who was only acting as a messenger.

Charlus didn't yell, he didn't swear, he didn't do much of anything after Bathilda grabbed his hand and gave it a light squeeze. He was aware that he was close to losing it. Always coming so close to fall short. But it seemed like Dumbledore and Fudge were purposely ignoring him. While he was certain that Bathilda did not reveal him accompanying her, it was possible that Dumbledore figured it out. He always had a way of figuring things out.

Why he insisted on avoiding Charlus was beyond him, all he wanted was some answers and some help. Was that too much to ask for?

"Professor," Charlus called to McGonagall in a soft voice, " surely you would know. I'm close to going mad here, please, tell me you know where my nephew is. Do you know where Harry is right now?"

"Oh, Mr Potter, I don't believe I am in the position-"

"Please, if you know, you have to tell me," he begged. "I just want to see him, I want to see him and make sure he's alright. I woke up in St Mungo's, thinking that I had enough time to save my family. Turns out I was wrong, I failed them. I failed James and Lily...I know by now that you know about Sirius...I should have died that night I ended up at St Mungo's. But by some miracle, I'm here. And I just want to see Harry. Do you know where he is?"

McGonagall remained tight lip for a few moments and he was sure she was going to tell him some rehearsed answer along the lines that she couldn't help him. However, she reached both of her hands out and took both of his in hers.

"You're not going to like what I have to say, Mr Potter."

A chilling sensation washed over him as the sentence left her mouth. He didn't like that she wouldn't make eye contact with him, it was completely out of character for her.

"I may not like it, but I need to know."

"Very well," she sighed, " the night of your brother's death, Harry survived as I'm sure you know by now. There weren't many options in place for Harry to go, with you in St Mungo's and Mr Black...well, there was no telling what You-Know-Who's followers would do in retaliation. Unfortunately, we witnessed what they were capable of as a result of the Longbottom's attack."

"Professor, please-"

"Harry was sent to live with his only other living relatives."

Charlus was extremely confused for a moment as he stared at McGonagall. After the death of James, and Charlus left incapacitated for a long period of time, there weren't any Potters left. Unless they were counting Sirius, who married into the family. But if he had been sent to Azkaban, who was left?

"I don't underst-"

The realisation hit him like a cold bucket of water especially as he met McGonagall's gaze again.

"No, you're not...you're not telling me....no...no!"

There was no way in hell that anyone could come to the conclusion that Harry was better off left in the care of the Dursleys.