Chapter Text
Severus felt out of his depth. As head of Slytherin house; he had dealt with his fair share of abused children; but never one whose abusive history could rival Harry’s.
The potions master wasn’t certain how to handle things, now that others were part of the equation. He would not reveal any of his little Gryffindor’s secrets without his willing permission; that included the results of the diagnostic scan.
However, Tom, at the very least would need to know about the abuse, even if only in general terms; but Severus was not willing to bring that topic up with Harry until the teen had sufficiently calmed and was no longer in a regressed state.
Severus needed both of the other men in the room to be aware of Harry’s fragile condition, for different reasons.
Tom needed to know Harry’s difficulties were due to Dumbledore’s scheming. He would have to know why Harry was seemingly changing sides. Though it was something Tom had been hoping for; it would be foolish in the extreme for him to take such an apparent turnabout at face value. Severus also knew that once Tom was aware of the horrors Harry had been subjected to, because of the old man’s manipulations, he would be all the more likely to help in any way possible.
Lucius needed to be aware of the circumstances, both because he had caused this latest bout of trauma; albeit unknowingly, and because he was essentially the political brains within Tom’s group.
Any steps taken; especially concerning Dumbledore would fall under Lucius’ area of expertise.
Severus had been quiet for the last few minutes, trying to decide the next course of action, while simultaneously attempting to soothe the distraught teen he was holding.
Unfortunately, before he had come to any conclusions, Lucius felt the need to further prove his idiocy.
“I fail to understand why we are pandering to the brat’s histrionics. Severus, perhaps you should dump the pampered prince somewhere else so we can discuss whatever you came here for. You shouldn’t have brought him with you, he’ll just report everything he hears to the old man.” Lucius would have continued with his tirade, had Tom not cut him off.
“Lucius, while I value your knowledge of the political ins and outs of the wizarding world; your continual insubordination, and failure to look before you leap, is outstripped only by your arrogance. For once, shut up and find out what is going on around you, before speaking,; let alone taking any action.”
The blond shut his mouth with an audible snap. Knowledgeable as he was in the world of politics, he would never have gotten as far as he had without Tom’s backing him with his own knowledge and connections. Tom could easily make Lucius’ life very difficult if he pulled that support.
Severus had stopped paying attention to either man, as his little Gryffindor’s shaking had begun to increase once again at hearing the harsh words spoken. The potions master was sincerely concerned that Harry could not take much more without shattering to pieces.
Much as he hated to, Severus felt the best course of action at the moment, would be to give Harry a few sips of a sleeping potion. The teen needed sleep nearly as much as he needed his muscles to relax.
Severus had no intention of breaking Harry’s trust, but he did need to fill Tom and possibly Lucius in on a few things. If the blond was going to persist in his behavior; Severus would rather the upcoming confrontation take place while Harry remained oblivious to the tension.
Quietly he explained to the green-eyed wizard what he intended to do. He wasn’t sure that the small teen really took in any of his words, but the soft soothing tone at least had the strain in his little Gryffindor’s body easing somewhat.
Coaxing the distressed youth to swallow the small measure of potion, Severus arranged his charge, so he was cradled more comfortably in his arms.
Then he turned to the two others in the room. Both of whom had fallen silent after Tom’s reprimand.
“I took a secrecy oath and even if I did not, I would not divulge personal information about Harry without his knowledge and consent. Having said that, There are a few things I can tell you, that will help explain the situation until Harry has calmed enough for me to speak to him about revealing more.” He then looked directly at Lucius. “I will not stand for any more of your foolishness. This is not your home. This meeting has little to nothing to do with you at this point. Tom, Harry and I came to an agreement on the terms of this meeting; something you were not a part of. I will thank you to keep a civil tongue in your head.’ Turning to Tom Severus continued. “I will not presume to tell you what to do in your own home. I will ask of you that Lucius not be a part of any meeting that includes Harry, until such a time that the three of us; Meaning you, Harry and myself, have agreed to his inclusion. I would also ask, if that time comes, Lucius will have to have made considerable effort toward reparation of some sort for his words and actions against Harry. I also wish to reiterate, that I have made myself Harry’s protector; and as such will not leave him if he is distressed or in any way uncomfortable with being separated from me.”
Severus sat back and waited for Tom’s reaction. He really didn’t care what Lucius thought. The blond had many good qualities; not just within the political arena. Though the man had been sorted into Slytherin, his actions were more indicative of a typical Gryffindor. Recklessly charging in, without first assessing the situation.
Tom was silent for a few moments. He had certainly read the note Severus had sent via house-elf, but seeing the child; so different to how he had been described, as well as his reactions to Lucius’ words, his thoughts were going in a different direction.
Tom had long-ago made it a hobby to watch people, and read their reactions. The fear the teen had exhibited was not faked. It was very rare that Severus could be fooled; and was one of the reasons Tom trusted the potions master’s judgment. Every time they both came to the same conclusions about an individual, they had been proven correct 100%.
“I agree on all counts. Though while Harry is sleeping I would ask that you tell what you are able while both Lucius and myself are here. After that I will dismiss him, and we will discuss with Harry when and if Lucius needs to be a part of further meetings.”
Both Severus and Tom ignored the look of outrage that crossed Lucius’ features.
“I agree. Depending on what is decided between you and Harry, I believe Lucius’ knowledge and experience could be an asset. However, as long as he continues not to listen and observe the situation before attempting to see how far he is able to put his foot down his own throat; I see him as more of a liability.”
Tom nodded his agreement with that statement. “While I concur with all you have said, I would also like to point out that if Lucius is given some information that would help him to understand the current circumstances, he may be able to be of use once he has had the time to digest everything.”
Harry shifted and whimpered softly in his sleep. Severus began running his fingers through the raven curls; using the time to calm himself and think. After a moment the teen in his lap settled, and Severus spoke. “I know you are right, and Lucius does need to have at least something to go on. However please understand, as I said in my letter; my first priority is Harry. His health, in all aspects, as well as his safety. Which includes him not just being safe, but feeling that as well.”
He tucked the blanket more snugly around the shivering teen. He then looked at the two other men, and said, “Nothing is what we thought it was, where Harry is concerned. There are questions we do not have the answers to, as of yet; but what we do know is practically everything the wizarding world thinks they know about Harry is a lie.”
Tom contemplated that for a moment; all the while studying the tiny 15-year-old in the potions master’s arms.
“he was abused, wasn’t he?”
Severus nodded in confirmation. He and Harry had conferred about what he could and could not reveal before Harry was ready. If Tom flat-out asked this, Severus wasn’t to lie or evade; but neither was he to give any details. Severus said as much to Tom, who understood; but said he would want more details as soon as Harry was comfortable.
“is there anything else you can tell us?” Tom was watching the sleeping teen as he asked.
“Dumbledore. Of course we are aware that he is not as he portrays himself, we have discovered there is quite a bit more to it. Including that we are fairly certain he is an illusionist.”
Tom sat back in surprise. “That is something new. Though if it proves to be true, it would explain many things that have previously not made much sense. I believe you have made certain that whatever information harry has imparted whether it be of a personal nature or otherwise; could be verified. I trust your judgment and believe I know you well enough to say that you would make every effort to ascertain what was said was the truth.”
Tom said this in part, to bring to Lucius’ attention, that they were not operating under false information, or pretense.
Severus understood this, and answered without hesitation. “We used a modified wizarding oath, of a truth spell variant. We both took the oath, so each could trust the other’s responses and thus be more likely to be forthcoming. Coupled with the secrecy oath, this also gave the insurance that what was revealed would not get back to anyone that might not be trustworthy.”
Again speaking for Lucius’ benefit, Tom asked, “What are yours and Harry’s intentions if we are unable to come to an agreement to work on the same side?”
“With what he knows so far of your goals and motivations, he has said unless he finds out something to the contrary; at the very least he will give you all the information he is able. This includes, but is not limited to: Information about Dumbledore.
Names of members within the Order of the Phoenix,
And any of the knowledge he has amassed about the problems with muggle/wizard relations.
On that last one, he wants to make sure you know he is not calling your own knowledge into question, but rather that his personal experiences may give a different perspective.
In addition, should the two of you be unable to come to an agreement to work together, Harry is willing to take an oath to the effect that he will not do anything to work against you, as long as you don’t come after him, or the few names he has who will also be siding with him; whichever path he chooses. I myself, will be staying at Harry’s side whatever his decision. Should you and he go your separate ways, I will also take an oath; same as Harry’s.”
Tom stood. “I agree with all we have discussed so far.” Turning to the silent blond man, he said, “I am aware you own a pensieve. I would strongly suggest that you utilize it to learn what has occurred today. Both what has been revealed, as well as your part in making a difficult situation nearly untenable.”
Looking down at the small wizard again stirring restlessly, he addressed Severus.
“I think it best that Harry wake with only you in attendance. I will show you to the rooms you will be using for as long as you are here. Please let me know if you require anything. Also as soon as it is possible I wish to speak with Harry. In your presence of course. I will not speak of anything he is not ready for. However I do wish to allay any fears about his safety within my home. Due to the happenings earlier, I am concerned he will fear further attacks. I wish to let him know steps will be taken to prevent that.”
The potions master replied in the affirmative, and followed Tom to his and Harry’s rooms.
He was hopeful that maybe; just maybe, things would work out without any more damage done to his little Gryffindor.