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Chapter Text

Ronald Weasley sat in his bedroom at the Burrow, two weeks after the end of his fourth year at Hogwarts. 3 weeks after his best mate won the Triwizard Tournament and was forced to watch a fellow student’s murder. 3 weeks after his best mate was forced to participate in a ritual to rebirth the darkest wizard of the century. 3 weeks after his best mate was tortured, by means of the Cruciatus curse. 

He hasn’t received any post from his best mate- Harry Potter- since the second day of Summer. In most cases, he wouldn’t worry too much, but now? All he can do is worry. You see, when his mate came over to join him and his family for the remainder of summer so that he could join them on their trip to the Quidditch World Cup, Ron found out something about his best mate. Something that made him sick to his stomach.

Harry was showering at the crack of dawn, and when the brown-haired boy walked out of the bathroom and into their shared room, Ron heard him and sat up only to see his best mates back littered with lash-marks and when Harry turned around to investigate the gasp he heard, Ron saw bruises upon bruises lining his stomach and chest.

After about an hour of hushed arguments, the bruised boy came clean, under the condition that the redhead never tells another soul. Ron- regretfully- agreed. Harry admitted to him that his uncle beats him regularly throughout the summer.

And now, Ron sat on his bed, freaking out because his best mate- that gets beat by his uncle- has made no contact in 12 days. To say that the boy was worried for Harry was an understatement.

Sure, the boy’s thought about just saying ‘screw it’ and telling his parents. But what if nothing can be done- which is what Harry believes- because of the blood wards? What if he tells someone and it makes it worse? What if Harry hates him for it?

“Ronniekins!” His brothers- George and Fred- sang, from his doorframe.

“Mum’s sent us-”

“To come fetch you-”

“For dinner.”

Ron without looking up from his bouncing right leg gave a mumbled reply. “Tell her I’m not hungry. I’ll be down later.”

He didn’t realise they were still in the room with him, until he heard them sit on the spare bed- which was basically Harry’s bed at this point- across from him. “What’s up?” Fred asked.

The younger boy looked between his two other brothers- chewing on his lip- for no less than 2 minutes before responding. “I haven’t heard from Harry in 12 days.”

“That’s not… unusual, is it?” George asked.

Ron sighed. “He swore he would write to me every 3-4 days, because…” He trailed off and aggressively rubbed his face. “What if… what if I found out something about Harry’s relatives, and he made me swear not to tell anyone, but I thought that he was in danger because he promised to write to me every few days, so I wouldn’t worry and it’s been 12 days ?” By the end of his ‘what if’ he was panting from how quickly he was asking, and tears were burning at the corner of his eyes. “If… if that happened, what should I do?” He asked shakily.

The twins exchanged a glance. “You tell mum and dad.” George answered.

Ron deflated. “He’s going to hate me.”

“He might be angry at first, Ronnie, but he’ll thank you later. I’m sure of it.”

“Since when does it take 10 minutes to fetch your brother for dinner?” The boys’ mum- Molly- asked from the doorway. The woman’s eyes darted between her older sons’ serious faces, and her youngest son’s tear-filled eyes. “What’s wrong?”

“Mum, will you grab dad? Ronnie has something important to tell you guys.”

Five minutes later, Ron sat on his bed with his parent’s sitting across from him on the spare bed, while his older brothers joined his younger sister for dinner. “Son?” His dad- Arthur- questioned.

“Last summer when Harry was here,” Ron started. “It was like 4 or 5 in the morning, and no one was up yet. I saw a bunch of scars and bruises on Harry. Fresh ones. He had taken a shower when he knew no one would be up. He made me swear not to tell anyone.” He cried. “But I don’t know what to do.” He took a deep breath. “Mum, Dad. His uncle beats him. He made me swear, but he promised to write to me every few days and it’s been 12. I haven’t heard from him in 12 days. And I’m so worried. What if they’ve hurt him really badly?”

“Arthur. Firecall Albus now. Say whatever you have to say to get him here as fast as possible. If he tries to put us off, tell him we will be going to collect Harry. Tonight .”

The balding red haired man squeezed his son's shoulder. “You did the right thing- telling us- son. I’m proud of you.”

Molly moved to sit next to her son and wrapped her arms around his tall frame. “It’s going to be okay, Ronnie.” She pulled away. “Look at me, darling.” Ron did. “I know that he is your best friend, and you wanted to be loyal to him, but you can’t keep things like this to yourself. Do you understand me?”

Ron nodded. “I’m sorry, mum.” He cried. “I didn’t know what to do, and I’ve been so worried . I don’t want him to hate me, but I don’t want him to hurt either.”

Molly embraced her son again, and just held him as he cried. She only released him once they heard Arthur yelling from the staircase. “Molly! He’s stepping through!”

“Come down and eat dinner. Your father, Albus, and I will handle it, okay?”

---

“ Did you know ?!” Molly thundered, poking a finger into Albus Dumbledore’s- the Headmaster of Hogwarts- chest. “Did you know about what those monsters are doing to Harry?!”

Albus faltered at Molly’s anger. “I’m afraid I don’t know what you’re referring to, Molly.”

“Ron has just told us that Harry’s relatives beat him, Albus.” Arthur said coolly, placing a hand on his wife's arm- still poking the older man's chest- and she reluctantly dropped her arm.

Albus’ eyes widened. “Of course I didn’t know.” He said quietly. “I will admit, I’ve always assumed he wasn’t treated well. But I never would have thought-” He sighed and dropped into one of the chairs in Arthur’s office. “Why didn’t Mr. Weasley come to someone sooner?”

It was Molly’s turn to sigh and she dropped into the love seat, pulling her husband down with her. “He found out last summer. He says Harry made him swear not to tell anyone. He was scared of losing his best friend. I’ve already spoken with him about it.” She shot the man a stern look. “You are not to add onto it Albus. He feels terrible enough.”

“The reason he’s brought it to our attention is because Harry told him he’d write to him every few days, but it’s been 12 days since he’s heard from him.”

Albus rubbed his beard contemplatively. He knew he needed to get the boy out of there. But where to? Here, at the Burrow was too risky, the wards are not strong enough. The only other place he could think of with sufficient warding was- he shook the thought away. There was no way he would be able to convince… or could he? “I will handle the situation. He will be moved from that house tonight.” He promised. “I must take my leave, so that I may assess the situation.”

---

Severus Snape was not in the mood. He’s pretty much been in that dilemma for the past 3 weeks. That is when he was marked for death, by the Dark Lord. Marked as a traitor. The noseless bastard did not believe his story of why he’d remained at Hogwarts for all these years.

Now, he was in hiding. Him! Severus Snape! He obviously knew that he’d be dead within seconds of stepping outside of impenetrable wards, or worse- captured to be tortured. That didn’t mean he had to like it. Not only that, he was also dealing with the near constant burn of his dark mark. The Dark Lord’s way of punishing him from a distance.

Oh but of course, here he is, being summoned back to Hogwarts by Albus Bloody Dumbledore. 

“You wished to see me, Albus?”

The old man had his elbows placed on his desk, tapping his fingers rhythmically, looking at Severus with an odd twinkle in his eye. “Ah yes. Severus, my boy. Have a seat. Have a seat.”

Whatever Albus was about to say, Severus knew he wasn’t going to like it. Still, the man sat, piercing the old man with a glare. “Just get on with it, Albus.” He sighed.

“I have a favour to ask of you, my boy.” Severus raised an eyebrow as if to say duh . “You are not going to like it. It has come to my attention that young Harry’s relatives… are not treating him… as they should. He needs to be checked in on.”

Of course. It’s always the Potter brat. “What do you suppose I should do about that, Albus? I am in hiding, in case you’ve forgotten?” Bloody hell, he treats Potter like he’s Merlin himself! “If you wish to check up on the boy, why not do it yourself? Or perhaps have one of the other order members check on him. Perhaps one not marked for death or capture?”

“I’m merely asking you to apparate directly outside of the blood wards, and I will provide you with a portkey that will bring you directly back here, so you will not have to step out of those wards again. Please, Severus.” There was no way he was telling the potions master his entire agenda right away. The stubborn man would never agree to it. “Just check on the boy.”

---

Heaving a long drawn out sigh, Severus knocked on the door to Number 4 Privet Drive. He waited for about 2 minutes before an oaf of a man- with a beer belly that rivalled his own fathers. “Who are you?”

“I’m here to check on the Potter boy.”

The man's face turned a shade of red that bordered on purple. “So you’re one of them freaks then?!” The man shook his head. “I have enough of those ‘round here! Get off my property, before I call the police!”

Severus raised an eyebrow, and in less than a second had his wand trained directly between the man's eyes. “Step aside, Mr. Dursley.” He hated the word ‘freak’. He didn’t know how many times his childhood best friend came to him crying over that word.

“Vernon! What in God’s name is- YOU!! ” Petunia Dursley nee Evans shrieked. “What are you doing here?!”

Severus smirked. “Hello Tuney.” He sneered. “Apparently your nephew hasn’t written to his friends in nearly two weeks. I’ve been sent to check on him.” He watched as the tall woman with horse-like features cast a nervous glance at the oaf. “ Move .”

The two stumbled back, allowing Severus entry to the house. “Where is the boy?”

“Not here!” The oaf- Vernon- yelled. “So you can go!”

With a dramatic roll of his eyes, he pointed his wand past the idiotic muggles. “ Point me .” Then he proceeded to allow his wand to lead him to a room up the stairs with seven locks and a cat flap ? He cancelled the spell. “ Alohomora. ” He quietly cast. When he eventually made his way into the room, he was shocked to find the boy curled up into a foetal position on the floor unconscious. “ Merlin .” He breathed.

He was instantly relieved when he felt a pulse on the boy's wrist, it was barely there, but he still had a pulse. He placed his hand on Potter’s shoulder and quickly pulled the portkey- a broken pocket watch- from his pocket and left the premises.

When Severus portkeyed into Albus’ empty office with an unconscious Potter, he immediately scooped the boy into his arms and floo-ed down to the hospital wing. “Poppy!” He shouted running out of the fireplace.

“What is- oh dear! Get him into a bed now!” She commanded, upon getting a closer look at the frail boy, she looked at the very pale professor. “Severus! Snap out of it.” She said, snapping her fingers in his face. “I’m going to need your help!” With a nod, the Medi-Witch and Potions Master quickly got to work.

---

“Oh my.” Albus muttered, upon entering the hospital wing just as Poppy and Severus got- a too small- Harry stabilised. “How is he?”

Poppy dropped into a chair, and tossed her wand on a nearby table. “Stable. For now.” She looked up at the two men. “Now, does someone want to tell me what happened?”

“Albus sent me to check on the boy at his relatives home.” Severus said, pinning the headmaster with a glare. “He admitted to being informed that the boy wasn’t being treated adequately.” He paused. “Why in Merlin’s name, did you send the boy to Petunia??”

The older man sighed. “Her and her son were the boy’s only living blood relative’s Severus. She agreed to house him, so I’d never thought-”

“Well you thought wrong ! You were well aware of how much that woman hates magic. Yet, you saw fit to sentence the saviour of the wizarding world to a lifetime of abuse and neglect!”

Poppy cleared her throat. “Sit down, Severus.” She told her friend. “ Now . You need to calm yourself.” Once the man begrudgingly sat, the Medi-Witch handed Albus a piece of parchment.

Harry James Potter

Age; 14

Height; 5’’5’

Weight; 40.2357 KG- Severely underweight

Fractured collarbone

Broken left femur

Broken right wrist

3 broken ribs

Punctured left lung

Severe internal bleeding

Severe concussion

Collapsed trachea

23 open lacerations

Albus placed the parchment on the table and ran his hands over his face. “I had no clue.” He whispered. “I’ve always noticed how thin he was but…”

“We’ve treated the collarbone, punctured lung, the internal bleeding, his trachea, and we’ve closed all the open wounds on his back. However, there is nothing to be done about the multitude of- healed over- scars on the boy’s back.”

“So that just leaves the broken bones and concussion. I’ve applied bruise paste all over the boy and his malnutrition will be a long process. His body needs a break from the influx of spells and potions administered, in 2 hours Poppy or myself will be administering Skele-gro for his broken bones.” He stood up. “I need to go brew a concussion Elixir and nutrient potions, then bottle some headache draughts for Mr Potter.”

When Harry woke up, 2 days later, he was surprised at the lack of pain he was in. He had pissed off his uncle beyond belief when he woke up from a nightmare about the graveyard. His uncle had lost it. But Harry wasn’t in any pain, apart from a headache and being sore all over.

Not only that, he was comfortable. He wasn’t in his old lumpy mattress. This one was soft. He came to the realisation that there was no way he was at Privet Drive. With a deep breath, he opened his eyes and began to look around. “Potter. You’re awake.”

Harry’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head. He was in the hospital wing. At Hogwarts. And his hated, greasy-haired potions professor was there too. No way was this real. He frantically reached around for his glasses, to confirm. Someone pressed his glasses into his hands and when he placed them on his face, his jaw dropped. Definitely Snape.

“How is your head?”

Harry blinked. “Er… uh, fine… sir.” He sat up. “How did I get here?”

“I was sent to check on you, due to your lack of letters to Mr. Weasley, and found you unconscious and barely breathing in your bedroom.”

The boy froze with wide, panicked eyes. No no no no no. This is not happening. There is no way this is happening. Uncle Vernon is going to kill him. Oh God. Oh Merlin. Fuck. Shit. Ron must have blabbed to his parents! He’s going to bloody throttle him! He swore he wouldn’t say anything! How could he do this?! He was so caught up in his thoughts, he barely noticed a potion vial being pressed to his lips. 

“Drink, Potter. It’s a calming draught.” Harry obliged. “Better?”

He felt a wave of calmness pass over his body and nodded. “Yes sir.” He paused. “How long until I have to go back?”

The man raised an eyebrow. “You will not be returning there, Mr Potter.” He stood and dusted his robes off. “Poppy will be in to check on you momentarily, I need to have a word with the headmaster.” The man spun on his heel and left.

Harry stared after the man. That was the strangest interaction he’d ever had with the man. He was decent. He wasn’t acting like the greasy-haired git. “Mr Potter, you’re awake!”

The boy smiled at the Medi-Witch. “Yes ma’am. Thank you for helping me.”

“Severus actually did more than I did.” Say what? “How are you feeling? Any residual pain?”

Harry shook his shock off. “I’m fine Madam Pomfrey.” He told her. His headache that he woke up with was mostly gone. “I feel great, actually.” And he really did.

---

“I trust young Harry is doing well?”

Severus nodded. “He woke up roughly 15 minutes ago. I had to give him a calming draught, but he complained of no pain.” He paused. “Is that what you wished to speak with me about?”

“In a way.” Albus said. “I have found myself in a bit of a… dilemma- so to speak- regarding Harry.” Severus raised an eyebrow. “He will obviously be unable to return to the blood wards, and he will be too vulnerable with the Weasley’s. The warding on their home is too weak, and I’m quite unwilling to ask them to risk their families lives by housing Mr Potter.”

“Can the boy not reside in the castle for the remainder of the Holiday?”

Albus sighed. “No one will be here, Severus. Poppy leaves to visit her sister in a week and I will be away for a while, come August. I plan on tracking down Tom’s last 3 remaining Horcruxes.” He said with a twinkle in his eye. “There is truly only one place that I know of that will be safe for the poor boy.”

“Absolutely not.” Severus hissed. “Have you lost your bloody mind, Albus!? The boy and I hate each other! I will not be forced to live with the Potter spawn for 6 weeks!”

The old man sighed. “Severus. We both know you’ve never hated the boy. If you had, you wouldn’t have spent the past 4 years protecting him. You wouldn’t have even agreed to collect him from his relatives. And you and I both know that Harry is not James Potter.”

“Regardless of that, headmaster. The boy does not trust me. Upon seeing me when he woke, he worked himself into a panic attack! Place the boy with the mutt! He’s under Fidelus.”

“That wouldn’t be ideal, Severus. Sirius means well, but he won’t know how to deal with Harry’s state of mind. You will. You’ve been in his shoes.”

Severus ran his hand through his- greasier than usual- hair. “If I do this, you will need to tell the boy everything. Tell him of the prophecy, of his role in the coming war. You will not leave out a single detail, Albus. If you intend for the boy to learn to trust me, there can be no secrets.”

Chapter Text

“Harry! My boy, Severus says you’re feeling well?”

The boy nodded. “Yes sir. The professor said I’m not going back to my aunt and uncle?” The headmaster shook his head. “But what about the blood wards, sir?”

“My boy, if you returned, you would be safe from Voldemort, yes. But you would not be safe from your relatives.” Harry looked down. “Had I known what was going on, I-” He paused. “I owe you an apology, Harry.” The boy’s head snapped up. “I should have checked in on you more. If I had, then perhaps you would not be in this situation now.”

Harry didn’t acknowledge the apology. There wasn’t much to say about the matter. He sure as hell wasn’t about to forgive him. “Where will I go?”

“There is only one option, no one will be here at the castle for the remainder of summer, so you can’t reside here. There is only one other place safe enough for you to go.” Harry furrowed his eyebrows. “Severus has agreed to accommodate you for the summer.”

Harry’s eyebrows shot to his hairline. “He hates me!” The boy exploded. “No bloody way!”

“Now Harry, Severus does not hate you. I assure you. He merely misjudged you. It is the only viable option. While I’m sure the Weasley’s would be happy to have you, it’s simply too dangerous for them.”

“What about Sirius? He wrote to me the day I got to the Dursley’s he said he’s staying in London under powerful protection wards. Can’t I go there?”

The headmaster shook his head. “It’s not a viable option, Harry. Sirius is not fit to care for you. I assure you, he would love to, but he is not in the right state of mind to do so. You must understand, Harry. He spent 12 years with the dementors, his mind never got the chance to mature with his body. He still has the mindset of a 23 year old man, it will take time for him to get where he needs to be, mentally.”

Harry slumped. Well fan-fucking-tastic. He was stuck with Snape. He’ll probably be stuck writing lines all summer! “I understand.” He muttered.

“Now Severus has told me that if you were to stay with him,” Here it comes. There were conditions. Of course there were! “I will need to be completely honest with you, as he is not willing to lie to you.”

What? He sat up straighter. “Honest with me about what, sir?”

“Everything, Harry. Everything I should have told you when you were 11 years old and had been forced to face Voldemort for the second time in your life. I thought you too young for such a burden. I wanted you to have a chance at a happy childhood.” The old man gave Harry a sad smile. “But it appears as though you’d never had one, have you?”

Harry shook his head. “I suppose not, sir.”

“There is a prophecy that links you to Voldemort, Harry. It is why he targeted you as a baby. I was interviewing professor Trewlaney for the divination post at the Hog’s Head in Hogsmeade. A part of this prophecy was overheard by one of Voldemort’s followers. The identity of this man was known to no one, until recently. Peter Pettigrew was chased out of the pub halfway through the telling of the prophecy.”

Harry furrowed his eyebrows. “Trelawney’s not a fraud?” The headmaster chuckled. “What was in this prophecy?”

“ The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches. Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies. And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not. And either must die at the hand of the other, for neither can live while the other survives. The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord  will be born as the seventh month dies. ” Albus recounted. “There were two children that this prophecy could have applied to. You, or Neville Longbottom.”

“So it might not be about me?”

Dumbledore sighed. “It is you, Harry. When Voldemort chose to go after you, he marked you as his equal. Setting the prophecy in motion.”

“I… I have to kill Voldemort?” He asked shakily, images of Cedric’s body hitting to ground flashing through his eyes. “I have to murder someone?”

He watched as tears gathered in the corner of the headmaster's eyes. “I never wanted to place this burden on you Harry. You are just a child. That’s what I’ve told myself every time that I’ve nearly told you this. But with Voldemort’s return? I realised that Severus was right. You need to know the full truth.” He gave Harry a sad smile. “Yes Harry, you will need to kill Tom Riddle.”

Part of Harry wished that Dumbledore would have just kept the bloody truth to himself, but he knew that was unrealistic. Without the truth, Harry would probably be the one to die. He has to murder Voldemort. He has to murder a genocidal maniac. He has to murder him, like Pettigrew murdered Cedric. Fuck. Fuck Dumbledore and his bloody secrets! He’s known this whole time? I hate him! Fuck you!

“There is more Harry.” More?! Are you kidding me?! “When the killing curse rebounded from you as a baby, it should have killed him. It has come to my attention that a young Tom Riddle created something called Horcruxes.It is the darkest of the dark arts. It prevents death. Each Horcrux holds a fragment of his soul. I began to suspect such a thing when you destroyed that peculiar diary in your second year.”

“How the bloody hell am I supposed to kill someone that’s immortal!”

Albus patted his arm and the boy yanked his arm away, as if burned. “If you recall, Harry, you destroyed that diary with a basilisk fang. There are 3 more Horcruxes that I intend on destroying as soon as I can locate them. And thanks to you, I know how.”

“Will you need me to get you into the chamber? For the fangs?” He was not looking forward to that. It was scary as hell down there. And was not in a particularly helpful mood.

Thankfully, the man shook his head. “The Sword of Godric Gryffindor will do just fine. It is goblin-made, therefore when you slayed the basilisk with it, it infused the sword itself with the venom of the snake. Meaning that all I need to destroy these artefacts is the sword.”

Thank Merlin. He really did not fancy a stroll down to the Chamber of Secrets with the lying bastard. “Is that all?” The man nodded. “Can you leave?” He asked numbly.

Albus stood. “Shall I fetch Madam Pomfrey to get you a calming draught?” The boy mutely shook his head. “Severus will be by shortly to collect you and transport you both to his home for the remainder of the Holiday.” Harry nodded and Albus left the hospital wing. 

I have to murder someone. How am I expected to become a murderer? I’m not even 15 years old! What if Dumbledore can’t find those Horcruxes?! He hugged his knees to his chest. “Fuck.”

---

“Mr Potter. I trust the headmaster has been to speak with you?” Harry nodded. “He told you of the prophecy and of the Horcruxes.”

“Yes sir.” Harry paused and looked up at the greasy git. “Thank you sir. For making him tell me and for agreeing to let me stay with you this summer… oh and for er… saving my life.” He wanted to throw up. He just thanked Severus Snape.

The man raised his eyebrow. “No need, Mr Potter. I trust you know how the floo works?”

Greasy git! “Yes sir.”

“Very well. We will be floo-ing to Spinner’s End.”

Moments later the two were standing in an old brick house. It wasn’t at all what Harry was expecting. It wasn’t like the dungeons at school. It was an actual house . And a muggle one from the looks of the light switch. “This is the sitting room.” He said gesturing to the room they foo-ed into. There was a black couch, a dark wood coffee table, a large bookshelf and a dark green reclining seat with a silver trim. Predictable.

The man spun on his heel and walked out, Harry had to jog to catch up with him. “Kitchen and dining area.” Harry didn’t even have time to really look at them before Snape was moving again, he stopped at a closed door. “This is my study. You will not enter this room without my permission.” Harry nodded, then he gestured to a staircase that led to a basement. “My lab is down there. Again, no entry without express permission.”

He staked down to the hallway where 3 closed doors were. “This is where you will be staying. I expect you to keep it clean.” He opened the door to reveal a room with a twin sized mattress, a desk with a comfortable-looking desk chair, a wardrobe, a dresser and an end table with his owl already perched on it.

“Hedwig!” He sprinted over to her. “I’ve been so worried girl.” He said, petting her, she nuzzled into his hand and he laughed. “I’ve missed you.”

A throat cleared behind him and he flushed. “Shall I finish the tour? You may bring the bird.”

Harry couldn’t stop himself, he beamed at the professor he was supposed to hate, then perched the snowy owl on his shoulder. “Sorry, thank you again sir.”

“Thanks are unnecessary, Mr Potter.” The man strode across the hall and opened another door, it was a bathroom. “This is your bathroom. Keep it clean. I have my own, so you will only be cleaning up after yourself.” Harry nodded so Severus pointed to the last door in the hallway. “That is my bedroom. You are never to enter if you don’t wish to be poisoned on the spot.”

Harry gulped and nodded, Severus smirked. “That concludes the tour. The headmaster will be by at some point tonight to bring your things from your relatives home.”

“Breakfast is served at 8am. Lunch at 1pm. And dinner at 6pm. You are to miss no meals. I expect you in bed and your lights out by 11pm. Understood?”

Harry nodded with wide eyes. “Yes sir.”

“Throughout the day, you may browse my books in the sitting room. I expect all of your assignments to be completed before August 15th. That gives you just over 3 weeks. I will review each assignment to ensure it is up to my expectations.” 

Ugh. Greasy git.

“You will continue to take your Nutrient potions until Madam Pomfrey and I deem you a healthy weight. If you require a pain relief potion, let me know. You may have led the Medi-Witch and headmaster to believe you are in no pain, but I am not an idiot Potter.”

Harry gaped. “I- I feel fine sir. I’m a little sore, yeah. But that’s it.”

The man rolled his eyes. “I will go prepare dinner. Go… read… or something.”

---

Towards the end of a very quiet and awkward dinner, the floo flared to life which could only mean that Dumbledore was there. “May I be excused, sir?” He asked automatically.

Severus raised an eyebrow, then nodded. “Leave the plates. I will take care of it.”

“Thank you sir.” Then Harry bolted past the headmaster and up the stairs.

Albus looked sadly at the boy’s retreating form. “I take it your chat wasn’t desirable?” Severus drawled, to which the old man sadly shook his head. “Did you expect otherwise, Albus?”

“I suppose not, Severus.” The man sighed. “I can only hope he may find it in his heart to one day forgive me for my mistakes.” He shook his head and pulled Harry’s shrunken belongings from his pocket and placed them on the dining room table. “Let me know if you need anything.”

Once the headmaster took his leave Severus sighed before gathering Harry’s belongings and making his way to the boy’s room. He gently knocked and only entered once he received a quiet, “come in.”

Severus placed the belongings on the floor, then returned them to their usual size. “Your things.”

“Thank you sir.”

The potions master nodded. “It was no bother, Potter.” He said. “You are permitted to use magic under my wards. It may help with setting Tempus alarms to notify you of mealtimes and such in the event that you lose track of time.”

“Thank you.”

Severus raised an eyebrow. “You say that a lot, Mr Potter.”

The boy flushed. “Sorry.”

For the love of-! “You’ve nothing to be sorry for.” He said calmly. “You may start on your assignment or read, unless you wish to turn in early for the night.”

“Thank- er… yes sir.”

Severus' lips quirked at that. “I will be in my study. Just knock if you require anything.”

The man left and Harry pulled his knees up to his chest. Snape wasn’t being awful, Harry could only hope that remained the same for the rest of summer. With a sigh, he pulled his wand from his trunk, placed it on his bedside table, turned the lights out and decided to turn in for the night.

Chapter Text

He woke up in his cousin’s second bedroom. Was it all a dream? Severus Sodding Snape didn’t rescue him from this place? Bloody hell. “BOY!” He heard his uncle bellow from the hall. Harry jumped up and ran to the door, just as his uncle swung it open. “What did I tell you about keeping that RUDDY BIRD QUIET?!”

“I’m sorry Uncle Vernon. If I could just send her to a friend,” He pleaded. “She won’t bother you again! Or if I could let her out to hunt. She’s hungry.”

His uncle delivered a brutal punch to his ribs. “Keep the ruddy thing quiet before you get her killed, like you got Cedric killed.”

“C-Cedric?”

The scene changed and he was back at the graveyard. “Kill the spare!” He heard a shrill voice say. “Avada Kedavra!” Another voice came, then Cedric dropped to the ground.

“NO!!” Harry screamed, he wasn’t frozen in place like before, so he rushed over to his friend's limp body. “Cedric?” He shook his limp body. “Please, please! Cedric wake up!” He begged. The boy’s empty eyes snapped open. “Cedric?” He breathed.

“Why, Harry? I thought we’d became friends. Why would you ask me to take the cup too? I’m dead. Because of you.” Harry shook his head, sobbing. “You killed me Harry. My parents lost their only child. Because of you.”

Harry’s entire body wracked with sobs. “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault! I’m sorry!”

“Potter.”

Harry was tied to the tombstone of Tom Riddle Sr, screaming as Voldemort touched his scar.

“Potter!”

Harry was on the ground writhing and screaming as Voldemort cast the Cruciatus curse. “Crucio!” The maniac laughed, as the boy’s screaming started back up.

“Potter! Wake up!”

Harry shot up right, panting and crying. He pulled his knees to his chest and gripped his hair, not yet noticing another presence in the room. “I’m sorry.” He whispered. “I’m so sorry Cedric.”

“Potter?”

Harry jumped. “Sir!” He wiped the tears from his face. How bloody embarrassing. “I’m sorry sir! I- I can cast a silencing charm! I- I didn’t mean to wake you! I’m sorry!”

Severus moved his arm up to run a hand through his hair and watched the recoil back and shield his face. He decided to pretend not to see it. “Potter. Breathe .” Harry did. “You’ve nothing to apologise for and there is no need for silencing charms.” He told him. “Do you require a calming draught?”

“No thank you sir.” The boy whispered. 

Severus cast a tempus . “It’s only 1am. Perhaps some dreamless sleep?” He questioned. “I will permit you to have a later breakfast, should you oversleep.”

Shakily, Harry nodded. “Please, sir.”

“ Accio dreamless sleep.” A deep purple potion vial came zipping into the room and into the potion master's hand. He handed it to Harry. “Get some sleep, Potter.” Then he was gone.

---

Harry shuffled down the stairs at 8:30 the next morning and sat at the table where a plate of eggs and toast sat, along with his nutrient potion and a glass of orange juice. “I’ve had the food under a warming charm.”

“Thank you, sir.” He said, refusing to look up.

Once the boy finished his breakfast, Severus cleared his throat. Harry glanced up at him, then his eyes shot back down to his- thankfully- empty plate. “Mr Potter.” The boy gave him his full attention. “Are nightmares a common occurrence for you?”

“I guess.” He mumbled. “Sir.”

Severus hmmed. “Is this something you got into trouble with your relatives?” 

“Would you like me to do the dishes sir? I didn’t clean up after myself last night, I’m sorry about that sir.” He said, ignoring the question. Severus waved his wand and the boy’s plate went flying over to the sink to wash itself. “Oh, right. Magic.” He awkwardly chuckled. “I’ll just get started on my summer assignments then sir. May I be excused?”

“Perhaps after you answer my question.”

Harry clenched his fists and looked down. “Yes. I got in trouble. May I be excused? Sir.”

“I have one more thing to say. Afterwards, yes.” Harry looked back up with furrowed eyebrows. “You played no role in Mr Diggory’s death.” The boy flinched and looked down. “I also owe you an apology.” The boy’s head whipped back up. “I never gave you a chance to excel in Potions, due to my… transgressions with your father. I apologise. Perhaps over the summer and- if necessary- during the school year, I could give you lessons, so that you are up to par for your O.W.L’s. If you’d like.” The man stood. “You may be excused now. I will be in my lab. If you need something, place your hand on the door and I will be alerted.” Then the man was gone.

What the fuck just happened? First Snape’s asking if he got in trouble for his nightmares? Well that’s probably because you went ballistic last night when you realised you woke him up. Then he told him Cedric’s death wasn’t his fault? It bloody well was! Then he apologised for the past 4 miserable years? And offered him private lessons! What the fuck ?

---

Harry was halfway through his Transfiguration essay when there was a knock at his door, he cast a tempus - to make sure he didn’t miss lunch- it was only 11:45. “Er come in.”

“I need to make a trip to the grocer. We are low on supplies.” The man informed him. “Would you like to accompany me?” 

Harry’s eyes widened. Fresh air? That sounded bloody brilliant! “Yes sir.” He jumped up and practically bounced towards Snape. “Where are we going?”

The man raised an amused eyebrow. “Just a local muggle grocery store. Would you care to cap your ink bottle?” The boy flushed, then went back to his desk to do just that. “I will need to grab some muggle money from my study, then we will leave.”

“Er, sir? I-er… I don’t have anything… er- presentable to wear. Will this be okay?” He asked, referring to the clothes he was currently wearing. A tee-shirt and a pair of rolled up jeans at least 3 times his size. The child’s face was flushed with embarrassment and Severus remembered- all too well- that feeling. 

“If you unroll the jeans, and put your arms down by your sides, I can shrink them for you.”

Harry’s entire body relaxed and he complied. Soon enough, the clothing fit him perfectly and he grinned. “Thank you sir!”

“Meet me in the foyer, I will go collect the muggle money.”

---

“This is a small town, Potter. People will ask your name. It’s Harry Evans. I would rather not have our location compromised because some muggleborn child hears the name Harry Potter.”

Harry nodded. “Okay sir.” At least he didn’t have to go by a completely different name, not only that, he wasn’t Harry Bloody Potter. “Will you have to go by another name?”

“Everyone in this town already knows who I am. I grew up here. Also, my name isn’t one that attracts attention.” That made sense. At least he didn’t throw it in his face that he was famous. Improvement. The two of them entered the store and made quick work of the shopping. “Do you have any allergies?”

“Just celery, sir. I had to eat Dudleys once as a kid and they were so mad ‘cause they had to take me to the hospital.” He said, without thinking. He blushed a bright red. “Sorry.”

Severus raised an eyebrow. “Whatever for?”

“I er… I don’t know?”

Severus held back a snort. “It appears you also apologise a lot.” 

Once they were done shopping, the two made their way back out to the street, then into another store. “Where are we?”

“A clothing store. Pick out no less than 5 outfits. Along with undergarments.”

Harry choked on his air. “Huh? I-I don’t have any money sir. I’ll be fine, I-”

“Did I ask if you had money?” Harry shook his head. “Very well, run along now.” He said, making shooing gestures with his hands.

Harry quickly grabbed the 5 cheapest shirts, 3 cheapest pairs of shorts, and 2 cheapest pairs of pants he could find. Followed by a pack of boxer briefs and a pack of socks, then made his way back over to Severus. 

“I will pay you back, sir.” He swore once they returned from their shopping.

“Nonsense. You are in my care for the summer. I wouldn’t imagine you’d do something as offensive as attempting to pay me back. It’s never wise to offend the dungeon-bat .”

Harry sputtered and choked out a laugh. “You know about that?!”

“Oh I know everything, Mr Potter.” He said with a smirk before disappearing into the kitchen to put away groceries. “Put your new belongings in your room, then you may work on your assignments until lunch is ready.” He called from the kitchen.

Harry grinned. Snape called it his room.

---

Later that night after dinner, Harry walked into the sitting room, where Severus was sitting on the reclining chair, reading a potions journal. “Sir? I was wondering if it would be alright if I wrote to Ron and Hermione and told them I’m staying with you?” 

Severus nodded. “I suppose. Do not disclose our location in the letter. The last thing we need is a herd of Death Eaters waiting outside the wards.” The boy frowned. “Worry not, they’re not only after you. The Dark Lord is not fond of being fooled. He was none-to-pleased when he learned of my spying.” The boy's eyes widened. “Go on, write to your friends. I’m sure Mr Weasley is beside himself with worry.”

Harry frowned, hesitating momentarily, before deciding to sit on the couch. “I’m sorry that he’s after you, sir.” Severus raised an eyebrow. “Well, I know I’m supposed to… to kill him-”

The man held up his hand. “Do not worry about such things at this point in time. You are not prepared, and that is hardly your fault.”

The two sat in silence for a few minutes before Harry spoke up again. “Sir?” Severus closed the journal and looked at Harry. “How many people know?... ab-about my relatives?”

“As far as I’m aware, the Weasley’s, the headmaster, Madam Pomfrey, Professor McGonagall, and myself.”

“No one else has to know right?”

“Unless someone else divulges the information to outside forces, no one else should have to know.” Severus informed him. “It is entirely up to you who you decide to tell.”

---

Harry cast a Tempus - it was 10:15, which meant he needed to get these letters drafted and sent off with Hedwig within the next 45 minutes. He was hitting a bit of a block with Ron’s letter, not because he was angry with him for blabbing, he wasn’t- not anymore, at least. 

He felt like he owed his best mate an apology. He also needed to thank him. And beg him not to tell their other best friend, Hermione, about his relatives. Then explain the Snape situation. With a deep breath, Harry dipped the tip of his quill into his ink pot and began writing.

Dear Ron,

Hey mate, I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to write. How has your summer been? You’ve not been worrying too much, I hope? I’m okay now. But… I wasn’t. I’m not staying with my relatives anymore! I never have to go back there again, mate! 

I’m not going to lie, I was pretty angry when I first found out you told your parents, but now? I’m bloody thrilled. I’m really sorry for putting you in such a difficult situation. It was bloody selfish of me, so I’m sorry. But I’m out of there now! For good! 

Do you think we could maybe not tell ‘Mione? Unless you’ve told her already. If you did, well it’ll suck, but I’ll manage. I don’t wanna leave her completely in the dark, so I’ll tell her some, but I just don’t want her to know how bad it truly was. I just don’t want to worry her, especially now that there isn’t anything to worry about anymore.

You’ll never believe who I’m staying with for the summer! Snape! And before you freak out, he’s actually been really really decent. It’s kind of weird, but not in a bad way. Like, he told me that I’m not allowed to miss meals, and he lets me do my homework, and I woke him up with a nightmare and he wasn’t even mad! He gave me a vial of dreamless sleep and said I could sleep in! And he bought me new clothes and told me not to pay him back. Mate, he even apologised for the way he treated me at school and offered me potions lessons, so I have a chance to pass my O.W.L’s! All of this is in just the two days I’ve been here!

Well anyways, I wanted to write to you and tell you thank you for telling your parents and to make sure you knew I wasn’t mad at you. I’m doing okay.

Harry

Harry folded up the parchment and set it to the side, then proceeded to draft a letter for Hermione.

Dear ‘Mione,

How’s your summer been? I hope it’s been good. It’s been a pretty weird summer for me.

I’m not living with the Dursley’s anymore. Things with them were a little worse than I made them out to be. But now I never have to go back there. 

I’m staying with Snape this summer, and I’ve only been here for 2 days, but it’s actually been really nice. Ask Ron about the details, I don’t fancy writing it all out again, and I knew Ron would need details after I told him about where I’m staying. You know how he is about Snape.

Anyways, I wanted to write to you because I know how much you worry. But I’m good. I can’t wait to see you and the Weasley clan, I miss you all. 

Harry

He folded up Hermione’s letter, and grabbed Ron’s, then tied them to Hedwig’s leg. “Here girl, get these to Ron and ‘Mione, okay?” His snowy owl purred, then took off out the window.

Harry made his way over to his trunk and pulled his charms text out, flipping to the chapter on silencing charms, once he found the particular charm he was looking for, he pulled his wand and began quietly casting the ‘ Locus un Silencio’ charm on each wall of the room for good measure. Only after that was completed, did he turn out the lights and go to sleep.

Chapter Text

Harry heaved a long sigh, reading through his divination text. He had been staying with his potions professor for about a week. His birthday was in 2 days, but Harry barely acknowledged that. He was more worried about Snape. 

Him and the professor had been getting along fine, but that was what had Harry so worried just now. Surely he would be tired of Harry soon, right? What then? The man isn’t even capable of slightly moving his arms, without the boy flinching. That must insult the professor, right?

Harry knows that he’s a burden on the man, he’s not a bloody idiot. Especially with these potions lessons he’s been giving him. He’s sure that the professor’s only being nice to him out of pity. And that was insulting. He doesn’t need anyone’s pity!

He sighed again. He appreciated the professor and everything he was doing for him. The housing, the clothes, the food, and the potions lessons. He’s beyond appreciative of the apology he’d received. He doesn’t want to burden the man. It would be better if the other shoe would drop already. Whether it be Snape finally snapping and just hitting him, or just kicking him out.

Maybe he should just speed the process up? Yeah. He’ll purposely break Snape’s little rules or whatever, just to figure out how he would react. Harry chewed on the tip of his quill. Would he hit him? Or use some magical method? Maybe he would start withholding meals? Kick him out?

He closed his divination text and groaned. He was so tired. He hadn’t gone even one night without some form of nightmare. Right now, he averages about 3 hours of sleep a night. He shook his exhaustion away. 

Which rules to break? Certainly not the summer assignments. He doesn’t want his little experiment to affect his education. He’s definitely not entering the rooms Snape deemed off limits. He’d rather not be poisoned- thank you very much . Maybe he’ll forgo a couple meals, it’s not like that’s anything he’s not used to. Not to mention, he’s barely had an appetite lately- aftereffect of the nightmares, he supposes. Maybe he’ll throw a little disrespect in the mix? He knows how much Snape hates that .

With that plan set in motion, he nodded to himself and went back to reading the material for his divination essay. He hates the bloody subject and the professor that teaches it. More than ever, now. Stupid prophecy. He’d love nothing more than to be Just Harry. Not the-boy-who-lived, not ‘the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord’, not Harry Bloody Potter. Just Harry.

---

Harry squared his shoulders and ignored the sound of Snape’s footsteps coming toward his door, focusing instead on finishing the last few inches of his divination essay. Then the man knocked. “Er, come in.” Harry said, not looking up from his essay.

“Mr Potter, were you planning on gracing me with your presence for lunch? It is nearly 1:30.”

Harry looked up at the professor. “Oh. I’m not very hungry.” Then he went back to his essay, heart loudly thumping against his chest.

“I do not believe I asked if you were hungry . I do- however- recall informing you that you are not to miss any meals.” The man said evenly.

“Why would I attend lunch, if I’m not hungry?” Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw Snape step into his room and he stiffened up. “I’d much rather finish this essay.” He added boldly.

“You will come eat.” The man growled. “ Now. ”

“I’m. Not. Hungry.”

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t care. You’ve barely touched your food in the past few days, I have overlooked that on account of your nutrient potions, but you will not be missing meals entirely. Hungry or not. You. Will . Eat.”

It sounded to Harry as if the man was losing his patience. Good. “No.”

“Excuse me?”

The boy spun around to look at Severus. “I’m not hungry. So no. I won’t eat.” He said with a glare. “And you can’t force me to, either.”

“You will get up and seat yourself at the dining room table and eat, or I will be forced to spell the food and your potion into your body. And trust me when I say, Mr Potter, when one is conscious, it’s not a very pleasant experience.” The two glared at one another for a long minute. “So what will it be, Mr Potter?”

Harry dropped his quill and marched to the dining area, throwing himself into a chair, glowering at his plate of food with gritted teeth. What in the bloody hell was that ? Snape didn’t even raise his hand at him!

Severus watched as the boy angrily ate his food then drank his potion and his tea and deposited his dirty dishes into the sink, but when he opened his mouth to ask the child, now was that so difficult? The boy was fleeing into his bedroom and slamming the door.

What in Merlin’s name was going on with the child? Was he just being a cranky teenager? He has seemed rather tired, nearly the entire time he’s been here. But why is he just now getting moody? Then, it was as if a switch just flicked on in his brain. He recalled doing something similar when he moved in with Minerva at 16 years old. He’s testing me . Severus realised.

---

Severus breathed a sigh of relief when the child came down for dinner. He did not have the energy to argue with the stubborn Gryffindor again. “How are your assignments coming along?”

Harry startled slightly at the question. Surely the professor must be furious with him after this afternoon, especially after he decided to hide in his room all day. “Oh. Erm, I’ve finished Transfiguration, Charms, and Divination. Working on History of Magic now.” He pushed the food around on his plate, then forced himself to take a bite.

“Seems like you’re making a lot of progress. Good.”

Good? What the fuck? What? Did Snape think he was too traumatised to properly do his schoolwork or something? “Why wouldn’t I?” He asked defensively. 

The man raised his eyebrow. “It was merely a comment, Potter.”

Oh sure . He huffed and ate his food as quickly as possible, followed by his potion, and finished his pumpkin juice. He quickly scooped up his dishes- too quickly, it seemed- when he stood up, his glass plate that he was holding slipped out of his hand and shattered on the floor. He froze, he could feel the colour drain from his face.

He was suddenly 7 years old again, dropping the heavy stack of dirty plates on the floor of his aunt and uncle’s kitchen floor. “I’m sorry.” He whispered. He frantically looked around the room for a broom and dustpan, to no avail. He dropped to his knees and started picking up the pieces with shaking hands. “I’m cleaning it.” He choked out. “I’m cleaning it up. I’m sorry.”

“Potter! Potter, stop! ” Severus jumped up and moved over to the shaking boy. 

Harry instinctually clenched his fists to shield his face, paying no mind to the blood that was now dripping all over the floor. He squeezed his eyes shut when he felt a hand closing around his wrist. Then the hand was taking something from him? What did he have? He opened his eyes and saw his professor pulling broken shards of glass from his bloody hand. 

“Oh.” He whispered, staring at the blood, then the pain settled in. He hissed when Snape removed the last shard of glass from his palm, but then he paused, cocking his head at his hand. The pain apparently brought him back to reality. He wasn’t 7 years old, he’s 14. He never has to see the Dursley’s again. He’s living with Snape for the summer.

Severus furrowed his eyebrows at Harry studying his bleeding palm. That was a bit disconcerting to watch. He quickly waved a wand over Harry’s hand, healing the cuts, then over the broken glass and blood on the floor, cleaning it up. “Are you okay?”

Am I okay ? Is he mad? I’ve been nothing but a git today! And he’s asking if I’m okay?! He was  so confused. He was difficult and disrespectful this afternoon, then he broke one of Snape’s plates! And the man is asking him if he’s okay? “Yes sir.” He whispered. “I’m sorry.” 

“It was an accident, yes?” The boy nodded. “Then you’ve nothing to be sorry for.” He pulled the boy up and led him to the couch in the sitting room. “ Accio calming draught.” When the small vial flew into his hand, he uncorked it and handed it to Harry. “Drink.” 

Harry shakily drank the potion, then gently placed the empty vial on the table. He watched as the professor sat down on the coffee table, sitting across from the boy. “Am I in trouble?”

“No, Mr Potter. I would merely like to clear something up with you.” He said. “No matter what you do, I will never lay my hands on you. Nor will I send you away.” The boy’s eyes widened. “I have-” He took a breath. “I have been in your shoes before. In regards to a magic-hating muggle for a guardian. My father- a muggle- was not a kind man.”

The boy frowned. “I’m sorry. And… I’m sorry for earlier too, about lunch… and the plate… and for you being stuck with me.”

“Potter. You needn’t apologise. And as for that last bit, I am not stuck with you. I would not have agreed to this arrangement if I wasn’t willing. Understood?” The boy nodded. “Now, shall we discuss what happened just now when the plate dropped?”

Why?! “Erm, I-I thought I was going to be in trouble.” He admitted hesitantly. “I would have if I was at-” He snapped his mouth closed with a snap. “Can I go back to my schoolwork?”

Severus sighed. “I do believe it will help if you talk about the abuse-”

“I wasn’t abused ! I wasn’t!” He insisted. “Uncle Vernon just took it a bit too far, is all!”

“When I arrived to check on you at your relatives residence, you were barely breathing. I do believe he did more than just take it a bit too far , Potter.”

Harry huffed. “Can you stop calling me Potter all the time? I have a name.” He grumbled.

“I can do that, Harry .”

The boy sighed. “Just don’t call it that. Can I please just work on my essay now? I’ll think about talking about… stuff sometimes. I just really don’t want to right now, sir.”

Thankfully his professor allowed him to return to the bedroom. But Harry didn’t return to his essay. He laid in bed and thought about everything that had just happened. Maybe Snape wouldn’t hit him, but what would happen if he did get in trouble? He said he wouldn’t kick him out either. But what would he do? 

Just ask him!

No. Absolutely not. He sighed. It was hard to believe that Snape’s dad was like Uncle Vernon. It made him wonder if Snape was able to get away from his father. He groaned. Snape wants him to talk about… things . He’d called it abuse ! Sure, his uncle gets a bit too rough with him sometimes, but that’s not abuse… is it? No. He’s Harry Bloody Potter. He couldn’t have been abused. That thought was absurd. Or was it?

---

Harry had a rough night. He spent all night thinking about the incident at dinner. He didn’t fall asleep until 3am, now it was 4:30 am, he’d just woken up screaming at the top of his lungs. He’d never been so grateful for that silencing charm he’d found in his Charms textbook. With a groan, he stood up and turned the light on. 

He went over to the desk and continued on his Herbology essay. He was about halfway through, when his scratchy throat got to be a bit too distracting. After a quick tempus he noticed it was almost 5:30. He sighed and made his way down to the kitchen, where Snape was nursing a mug of coffee. “G’morning sir.”

“You’re up early.” Harry shrugged. He really wasn’t, but Snape didn’t need to know that. “Are you having difficulties with sleep?”

Harry studied the man for a moment, then decided on honesty. “Yes sir.”

“Nightmares?” Another long minute passed before the boy nodded. “I’m surprised I didn’t hear you.” He commented with furrowed eyebrows. Harry flushed and proceeded to get his glass of water. “Mr P- Harry.”

The boy swallowed his mouthful of water. “Sir?”

“Is there a reason I wouldn’t have heard you if you were having a nightmare?” Harry chewed on his lip. Technically speaking, the man never said he couldn’t use silencing charms. “Harry?”

Harry shrugged. “I guess. Maybe.” He flushed when the man raised an eyebrow. “I’ve had a silencing charm up.” He admitted. “When I woke you on that first night, I felt really bad.”

“I do believe I told you no to silencing charms.”

“You just said it’s not necessary.” He muttered.

Another eyebrow raise. “Well now I’m telling you no to silencing charms. I will be personally cancelling them.” Snape slightly narrowed his eyes. “How often are you having nightmares?”

“A lot.” Every. Single. Night.

“Is this why you’ve been so lethargic since you arrived?” The boy didn’t respond, opting to finish his water instead. “Sit.” The boy placed his cup in the sink and obliged. “How much sleep are you getting?”

“Not a lot.” He answered vaguely. “Less last night than usual, but I think it’s just ‘cause I had a hard time falling asleep last night.”

Severus hmmed. “Are you just dreaming about the graveyard?”

Harry visibly shuddered. No. He was dreaming about the graveyard a lot, but not just that. He chewed on his lip, eyeing Snape. He did tell the man he would consider talking about things. “I mostly do. S-sometimes I dream about my uncle. And about the things that seem to happen at the end of every school term.”

“Ah yes. You do live quite an exciting life, don’t you?”

Harry snorted. “Are you referring to Quirrel? Or Perhaps the giant Basilisk? Maybe my professor turning into a werewolf and my animagus Godfather fighting him to save us? Or getting my name thrown into the Goblet of Fire and being forced to participate in deadly tasks?”

“Indeed. Care for some tea?”

Harry laughed. A real genuine laugh. “Sure, professor.” He said with a grin.

After a few flicks of his wand Harry was holding a steaming mug of tea in his hands. “I do believe it’s only fair that if I call you Harry, you call me Severus.”

Harry choked on air. “Sorry?” The man smirked. “You want me to call you by your first name?”

“Indeed. I could hardly expect you to call me professor all summer, can I? However, if you ever do it in front of another student or- Merlin forbid- in class - you will be scrubbing cauldrons for the next fifty years.”

“I can try.” He said with a laugh. “But it’s gonna be weird .”

They sat in silence for a short while, before Severus broke it. “How long did you sleep last night? An answer other than ‘not a lot’, if you would.”

Harry sighed. “Maybe a little under 2 hours?” He sipped his tea. “It was really bad.” He mumbled. “I woke up at around 4:30, so I went ahead and got back to work on Herbology.”

Severus frowned. “I think we’ll have an early breakfast. Then you will be returning to bed.”

Nonononono. No. NO. “What? But- no, I don’t-”

The man held up a hand. “Non-negotiable, Harry. One cannot function on such little sleep.”

“I-I can! I’ve done it before! I don’t want to sleep, I can’t sir! Please .” He realised he probably looked mad, but he didn’t care. He can’t sleep. He won’t . He won’t live through it all, again. 

The man sighed. “Harry-”

“No! Please. Please , sir. I don’t go back to sleep after nightmares anymore! They get worse and I can’t- I can’t- I won’t-” He shuddered when he felt the man's hands wrap around his wrists.

“ Breathe .” Harry obliged, chest heaving. “You need to sleep, Harry. I will supply you with a calming draught, and help you to clear your mind before you go to sleep. It will not make you not have the dreams, but it may help with the severity of them.”

Much to his embarrassment, Harry felt his eyes welling up with tears. “I don’t want to sir. I don’t want to see it- feel it again.” Vernon, Cedric, pain, Voldemort, more pain, so much pain. All my fault, all my fault. He’s dead because of me. Voldemort’s back- because of me. Vernon hurt me because of how I am. Burden. Destructive. Freak.

“..arry? Harry, can you hear me?” The boy blinked and focussed his attention on Severus, who was now crouched on the floor next to Harry’s chair. “Listen, I can give you a half-dose of dreamless sleep. It will put you to sleep for 4 hours.” Harry felt himself nodding. “We cannot make a habit out of using dreamless sleep, Harry. You will need to work through your nightmares.” The man moved back over to his chair. “Ready to eat?”

“Can I just take the potion? I don’t think I can eat.”

“Something small? A slice of toast, maybe? The nutrient potion works best with food, and I don’t want you taking dreamless sleep on a completely empty stomach.” 

Harry agreed. “Toast.” It took 30 minutes before he was able to finish that single slice and take his bloody nutrient potion. 

“Harry? When you wake up, perhaps after lunch, I want you to join me in my study, so that we may talk about things .” When the boy opened his mouth to argue, Severus held a hand up. “It is either myself or I will ask Albus about a trustworthy Mind Healer.”

---

Harry sat criss-crossed on the couch in Severus’ study- occasionally picking at his skin- looking at the man, dreading the conversation they were having. “I suggest we have talks like this, at least once a week, preferably more.” Harry made a face. “It won’t be easy.”

“I don’t think it’s necessary, Severus.” Harry mumbled. “I’m fine. I don’t talk about things. It works for me.” He wouldn’t have even been here if the man hadn’t threatened to make him see a bloody mind-healer .

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. “Yes, your constant nightmares are irrefutable proof of how well it works.” He sighed. “How about a trade off? I ask you a question, and if you answer it, you ask me a question. No lying or half answers. However, if you don’t wish to answer the question, I merely ask a different one and vice-versa. Does that seem fair?”

“Yeah, I guess.” He sighed.

Severus laced his fingers together. “Can you tell me about your dream last night?”

Harry looked down and scowled at his hands. “It started at the graveyard this time.” He said. “I convinced C-Cedric to take the cup with me. He died. Pettigrew took my blood. Voldemort-” He looked up when he heard Severus hiss and clutch his arm. “Severus?”

“Go on. I’m okay.”

Harry frowned. “He was reborn. He touched my scar and it felt like my head was exploding. Then I’m on the ground screaming.” Harry squeezes his eyes shut. “He used the Cruciatus on me. F-four times. It hurt so much. Worse than anything.” He shook the images away. “Then the ‘duel’, the priori incantatem happened. I saw my parents. Cedric. A bunch of other people I didn’t know. Cedric and my parents… they asked me why I k-killed them. Then I was back at my aunt and uncle's house. My aunt screamed at me. Called me a murderer. I killed her sister, my dad and Cedric. Uncle Vernon came home and I got punished and I screamed, then I was awake.” He told him.

There was a short stretch of silence, before Severus spoke. “You killed no one, Harry.”

Lies. LIES. LIAR. “Right.” He finally looked at the man. “It’s my turn, right?” The man nodded. “Does it hurt you when I say his name?”

He sighed. “The mark reacts to hearing it, yes. It causes a burning sensation.” The boy frowned. “Do not worry. I am in the process of creating a salve for the pain. Do not apologise.”

Harry bit his lip. “I just wish this past year had never happened… apart from- y’know- this . Being here, with you, instead of my relatives.” He looked at his professor. “I’m allowed to talk about magic… to do my homework, I don’t get in trouble for nightmares… it’s… it’s been really nice. I really like it here, Severus.” He looked back down at his hands. “I like… you.” 

“I am quite fond of you as well, Harry.” A beat of silence. “I do believe it is my turn. Tell me, what would you like to do for your birthday tomorrow?”

What? “Oh… er, I just planned on schoolwork… maybe some reading or something?”

“So you would be opposed to visiting your friends and Dogfather at his safehouse?”

Harry’s head snapped up. “Really?! I can?”

“Indeed. I do believe Molly Weasley has quite the party planned for you. She was really quite adamant-” Severus paused when he heard his floo flare to life. “Pull out your wand, Harry. I’m not expecting anyone.”

“ Severus! ”

The man nearly dropped his wand and sprinted into the sitting room, where he found his sobbing Godson. “Draco? Draco, what’s happened?”

“He killed her, Severus! He killed Mother!”

Chapter Text

Severus watched as Harry retreated to his room. He wouldn’t want me- of all people- to see him like this . The boy had told him. The man took a deep breath, then focussed his attention on the hysterical boy on his sitting room floor. 

Severus pulled the boy up and seated him on the couch. “Start from the beginning. Tell me everything.” He said, after giving the boy a calming draught. 

“The ministry showed up late last night. Arrested Father for possession of dark artefacts. When the Dark Lord found out, he was angry. He showed up this morning. Told me that I was to be his new right hand, since Father failed him. Told me that at midnight, I was getting marked. When he left, Mother said she didn’t want me making the same mistakes as Father. She drafted a letter to you, but it was intercepted- I think. Did you receive a letter?” 

“No, Draco.” Severus squeezed the boy’s hand. “What happened next?”

“Mother and I were having tea, awaiting your response. The Dark Lord returned, angrier than before.” The platinum haired boy took a deep breath. “She handed me the floo powder and told me to come here, she said that we were keyed into your wards. Just as I stepped into the fireplace, I saw Mother hit. Killing Curse. Her eyes…” He squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath. “She’s… She’s dead, Severus. He killed her.”

Severus closed his eyes. Narcissa. Dead. Draco, probably marked for capture or death, much like himself. The boy’s eyes were bloodshot, frantic, terrified… broken. “Draco.” He murmured. “I am very sorry.” He squeezed the boy’s shoulder. “She died, protecting the one she loved most in this world, Draco. You. She died knowing she was doing the right thing.”

“What’s going to happen to me, Severus? The ministry is refusing to believe he’s back. Will… will they think I killed her?” He asked brokenly.

Severus shook his head. “No, Draco. Your mother sent you here last night after your father’s arrest. You’ve been here since last night, understand? I informed you of your mother’s passing.” He sighed. “It appears as though you’ll be staying with us.”

“Us? Who else is here?”

With a grim look at his Godson, he answered. “Harry Potter.” Before the boy could freak out, he held his hand up. “Don’t. Draco, I know the two of you have never gotten along, but trust me. I need you to behave yourself. I will have a similar discussion with Harry.”

“ Harry? You’re calling him Harry ?” The seething boy paused. “D-did he see…?”

“The beginning, yes. He said that you wouldn’t want him to see you like that and excused himself.” The boy furrowed his eyebrows. “Shocked?” A nod. “Stay here. I need to have a conversation with Harry.”

With that, Severus made his way up to Harry’s- soon to be Harry and Draco’s- room. “Is he okay?” The brown haired boy asked. “I don’t much like Malfoy, but… yikes .”

“He is… not particularly.” The man admitted. “Draco is my Godson.” Harry’s eyes widened. “It would appear that his father is in Azkaban and his mother has… passed. Which means…”

Oh God, he is kicking me out. “I-I understand, sir. I-I’ll pack my-”

“What in Merlin’s name are you on about?”

“He’s your Godson, sir. I understand, truly. He has nowhere to go, which means you will be his guardian. I get it. It’s okay.”

“You foolish child. Sit down.” With a bewildered expression, the child sat down. “I am not, nor will I kick you out, Harry. This merely means that Draco will also be staying here.”

Harry looked more concerned than when he thought Severus was kicking him out. “Malfoy and I… in the same house…”

“... same room as well.” Severus said, fighting every urge to smirk at Harry’s face. “Harry, listen to me. You both have had… trying summers. I expect the both of you to be on your best behaviour. I will confiscate wands if I need to.”

“ I can control myself.” He huffed. 

Severus raised an eyebrow. “See that you do.” He glanced around the room. “I will need to do some rearranging. It will be a bit more cramped.” The boy just shrugged, so Severus pulled his wand and began moving things around and duplicating the furniture. “I will be able to cast a slight extension charm on the room.”

When he was finished, the room was slightly larger- as Severus said it would be. There were two twin sized beds on opposite sides of the room, with identical end tables next to them, on the wall where the door was, there were two dressers and wooden wardrobes, then on the opposite wall sat two twin desks- side by side. “Wicked.” Harry breathed. “I would hardly call this cramped, Severus. I still have more space here than… Well, it’s not that cramped.”

Severus eyed him, looking almost pleased? “Let’s get back to Draco.” When the two of them reached the sitting room, the platinum haired boy was staring into the fireplace. “Draco.”

The boy stiffened and turned to them. He gave a curt nod to Harry. “Potter.”

“Malfoy.”

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. “Would it be too much to ask for the two of you to call each other by your first names?”

“Yes.” The two boys said in unison, then proceeded to glare at each other.

“Merlin, help me.” He mumbled. “I need to inform the headmaster and Professor McGonagall of recent updates. I hardly think I could trust the two of you here alone, so I’m going to send them a patronus and have them floo here to join us.”

Harry stiffened. He’d love to see McGonagall, but not so much Dumbledore. “Oh, er… can I go work on my assignments then?”

“No, your presence is required.”

“But-”

“ Harry . I said no. You will be here.” The boy deflated, but didn’t argue further. “Draco, you will need to inform the headmaster of the events that took place today. If you wish for no audience, you are more than welcome to use my study.”

“Or I could just go to my roo-” Harry’s mouth snapped shut and the glare Snape sent his way.

Severus pointed at the couch. “Sit. Both of you.” He shot Harry a pointed look. “I understand that you are not very happy with Albus at the moment, but you will be respectful.” He glanced at his Godson. “You will both be respectful to both of them.”

“Yes sir.” Came their twin responses, followed by glares.

With a sigh, Severus pulled out his wand. “ Expecto Patronum. ” The two watched in amazement as a beautiful doe began prancing around the room. “Show off.” The man muttered. “To Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall. There is a situation that requires your attention, floo to my residence at your earliest convenience.”

Within 5 minutes, both older wizards strode through the floo and stared at the- now 3- residents of Spinner’s End. “Severus?” Minerva inquired, after a long tense silence.

“As you can see… I’ve acquired another ward.”

After about 30 minutes of explaining, then a 15 minute conversation between the headmaster and Draco in Severus’ study, the headmaster and deputy headmistress were on there way to inform the members of the Order of the Phoenix- which is apparently a group of people fighting on the side of the light.

“Before you guys go,” Severus interrupted the duo's walk to the floo. “Minerva? Might I have a word? And Albus, might you… supervise the boys?”

That was offensive. They didn’t need a bloody babysitter . Particularly Albus Bloody Dumbledore, notorious liar to Harry. “I’d be more than happy to!” Of course . “Harry, my boy. How are you?”

Snape shot him a pointed look on his way out of the room. “Fine, sir.” He answered glaring at his shoes. 

“Settling in okay? And you Draco?”

Harry nodded, but Draco raised an eyebrow at the man. “I’ve only just arrived, sir. Severus notified you and Professor McGonagall almost immediately.”

There was a short tense silence, before Albus broke it. “Harry, my boy, I can see that you are still quite upset with me.” Harry clenched his fists, forcing himself to take even breaths. “I just want you to know that I never would have placed you with the Dursley’s had I known-”

Harry’s head snapped up. “What do you mean, you never would have placed me with them? Is that just another one of those things that you decided not to tell me about my own life ?”

“I thought you knew-”

The boy scoffed, shaking his head, forgetting about his arch-nemesis sitting beside him on the couch. “How could I have known, sir ?” Deep breaths Harry. Deep breaths. You know what? No, fuck that. He jumped up. “I came to you! I begged you! Begged you not to send me back there!”

“I had no clue that they were so awful to you, my boy. I’ve admitted that I recognized you were a bit thinner than you should be, but I thought-”

He jumped up. “So you realised that at the very least I was being bloody starved ! But that still wasn’t enough to have someone, anyone check up on them… on me?! What was it, sir? All for the good of that stupid bloody prophecy ?!” He was panting, he could vaguely hear the sound of glass rattling, he flinched back when Dumbledore touched his arm. “DON’T… TOUCH… ME!”

“ Harry! ”

---

When Severus and Minerva entered his study, he turned to her with panicked eyes.“Minnie, what the bloody hell do I do?”

“Well for starters, make sure they don’t kill each other?”

Severus groaned and ran his hands through his hair. “I’ve finally gotten Harry to start to open up about his relatives and the tournament- barely - and now he has to room with his school enemy!”

“Sev, darling. Take a breath, alright? It will all be okay… eventually .” She placed her hands on his shoulders. “You are taking care of the children of your 2 best-friends. 2 mothers that died for their only children. You know what both these boys are going through, and you’re going to help them. It won’t be easy, and you can summon me for assistance whenever you need to.”

Severus thought back to the abuse he endured by his father’s hands. To his mother finally putting a stop to it when he was 16. Watching his father murder his mother right in front of him. He remembers being a broken and angry teenager. “You’d go through it again?”

“In a heartbeat.” She swore. “Look at the kind man-” He snorted and she glared at him. “You are a kind and loving man, whether you care to admit it or not, Severus Snape. And you are exactly what those boys need.”

The man sighed. “I don’t know what I’m-” He paused to groan when he heard raised voices, undoubtedly coming from the sitting room. “Merlin help us all.” He said pulling the door open and striding into the sitting room.

Draco was staring between Harry and the headmaster, with wide, confused eyes. Harry was hyperventilating, working himself into a panic attack, the glass of his china cabinet- and everything inside of it- was rattling. Then Albus- stupidly- reached out to touch him, the boy recoiled. “DON’T… TOUCH… ME!” The boy screamed between gasps.

“ Harry! ” Severus shouted, then everything exploded.

The boy looked terrified, he was shaking like a leaf. “I-I’m sorry! I d-didn’t mean to! I’m… I- I really-” He frantically started looking around the room, before bolting for the front door, Severus barely caught him in time. “I’m sorry!” He gasped, struggling to break free from the man's hold.

“It’s okay, Harry. It’s okay. Hush, child.”

The headmaster and Minerva worked in tandem to restore the sitting room, then she turned to the headmaster. “Albus. I’d think you’d better leave.” Minerva told the old man. “He’s in no state to talk through this with you now.” 

The old man nodded, with sad tear-filled eyes. “Yes, of course. Draco, Kingsley Shaklebolt and possibly Nymphadora Tonks will be bringing some of your belongings to you tomorrow, is there anything other than your school belongings you wish for them to grab?”

“Er oh… I have a small wooden box of possessions in my black and green dresser- not the brown one- in the top left drawer, hidden under a loose panel.”

With that, the headmaster was gone. Harry was still hyperventilating, but no longer struggling to leave, Severus loosened his grip on the child, but kept his arms around him. “Will one of you get me a calming draught? There is one in the drawer of my desk in the study.”

Once Draco placed the vial in Severus’ hand, he walked over to stand near Minerva. “Draco, why don’t you come help me prepare dinner?” At Draco’s incredulous expression, the older woman laughed. “Don’t worry, I won’t take points if you mess up.”

“Er, you’ll have to tell me what to do. I’ve never stepped foot in a kitchen.” As the pair were leaving, Severus heard the boy exclaim, “Wait you can’t actually take points right now, can you?!” The man snorted and shook his head.

“Better?” He asked Harry, to which he nodded, so Severus released him. “I think we’d better get back to my study, and finish our conversation from earlier.”

The boy slumped, but didn’t argue. Soon the two found themselves seated on the couch in the study. “I’m really sorry.” He mumbled. “I don’t know what came over me. I know better than to let my magic get out of control like that.”

“One could hardly control accidental magic, Harry.” The boy started aggressively picking at his skin, until Severus’ hand was on top of his. “Stop that, you’ll make yourself bleed.” He dropped his hands. “I should have known better than to leave you in a room with him without any other adults. I know that you’re still quite angry with him, so I apologise.”

“It’s not your fault.” He mumbled. “I went sort of mental.”

Severus turned to face him. “What exactly happened in the five minutes that Minerva and I weren’t in the room?”

“It was fine at first. He was trying to make small talk and I respectfully brushed him off. You can even ask Malfoy, he was there-” He groaned and buried his head in his hands. “I all but told Malfoy that I got starved and er… punished , by muggles. I’m sure all of Slytherin will know as soon as school starts back-”

“They will not know, Harry. I do not believe Draco will say anything. It may not seem like it, but he’s not a bad kid. A bit misguided, perhaps.” Harry scoffed. “Truly, Harry. However, if you’re that worried about it, I can speak with him before the start of term.”

Harry nodded. “Thank you. And I’m really really sorry about the sitting room.”

Severus raised an eyebrow. “You apologise far too often. You have no need to apologise for the incident in the sitting room. It’s called accidental magic for a reason.” The boy just shrugged, refusing to look at him. They were definitely going to circle back to it later, though. “What did he say that got you so worked up?”

“That he was the one that put me there.” He quietly said. “I suppose I should have realised it sooner. Why else would he feel so bad for… er for what happened? I can’t believe I was so stupid not to see it.” He said, shaking his head. “I’m a bloody idiot .”

“ That is enough .” Harry snapped his head up to look at Severus, with furrowed eyebrows. “I will not have you sit here, right in front of me, and belittle yourself. You are not stupid, nor are you an idiot. If I’m correct- and I do believe that I am- you were worrying about possibly a million other more pressing matters at the time, were you not?”

Harry began picking at his skin again. “I guess.” Severus tapped his arm, with a pointed look at the boy's hands, so he stopped and dropped his hands again. “It was just the last straw, I guess. I’ve been so angry with him for keeping me in the dark all these years, and then I find out that he’s the one that left me with my relatives? Without a second thought about me?”

“If it helps at all, I hear that both Molly Weasley and Professor McGonagall shared quite a few choice words with him. Molly, though, shared her displeasure twice.”

Harry gave a small smile. “Mr. and Mrs. Weasley have always been really good to me. Even though I’m not their kid. It’s… nice.” He thought back to every jumper Mrs. Weasley had knitted him for Christmas, even before he had met the woman. He thought about how Mr. Weasley had warned him about Sirius- even though Sirius had been innocent- when no one else had bothered. When Mr Weasley came to collect him from his relatives for the Quidditch World Cup, he basically forced his relatives to tell him goodbye. They showed up at the third task in the tournament to watch him as family spectators . He thought about later that night when he was in the hospital wing and he broke down, Mrs. Weasley didn’t make fun of him, or call him a baby, she just held him, like he was one of her own children. “They treat me like one of their own, almost.” He grinned. “But they never get mad at me.”

Severus smiled softly at him. Harry didn’t know he was capable of such a thing. “I bet you’re excited to see them tomorrow.”

“I still get to go?”

“Why wouldn’t you?”

Harry looked at him like he’d grown another head. “I just figured with Malfoy… and- oh I don’t know- destroying your sitting room , there would be too much going on or I’d be in trouble.”

“Harry. Tomorrow is your birthday. I can hardly take that from you. And you did not destroy the sitting room. Your accidental magic broke a few things that were easily repaired.” He paused for a few seconds. “Is that something you got in trouble for?”

“I don’t wanna talk about it.”

Severus sighed. “Please. I do believe it will help.”

After staring at the wall with a pinched expression on his face for a few minutes, he finally spoke. “It was the worst offence, in Uncle Vernon’s eyes. Merlin forbid, to even mention the word ‘magic’.” He started picking again. “I couldn’t do anything right.” He didn’t stop picking, even when his hand started to bleed. If anything, he started picking more aggressively. “I just wanted to be normal.”

Severus grabbed Harry’s bleeding hand and healed it with a raised eyebrow. “Harry, if I catch you picking at yourself again, I will use a sticking charm and keep your hands firmly stuck to your thighs.” The boy flushed. “I mean it.”

“Sorry.” He mumbled. “Nervous habit, I guess.”

“Perhaps find a habit that doesn’t hurt you?”

Harry grimaced. “I’ll try, Severus.” He hugged his knees to his chest and laid his head on top of them. “I don’t wanna talk anymore.” He mumbled. “Can we just sit here for a while?”

“Of course. We can sit here until dinner is served, and if you wish, we can sit here after too.”

---

“How long have you known Severus?” Harry found himself asking Minerva, pushing his food around his plate with his fork.

“Well, I met him when he started at Hogwarts, but we developed a closer relationship in his 6th year. So I’ve known him for 24 years, technically. But we’ve been close for nearly 19 years.”

Draco choked on his water, and Harry’s fork clattered to the table. They both looked horrified. “I think you might want to better explain yourself, Minnie.” Severus said after snorting.

“What do you-” She looked at both boys' faces. “ Boys ! That- I would not- I cannot believe-”

The man snorted again. “Minerva took me in when I was 16.” He watched as both boys flushed, and went back to pushing the food around on their plate. “Neither one of you have taken a single bite of your food.”

“I’m really not very hungry, Severus.” Draco mumbled. 

Severus sighed. “I must insist you eat at least half of it. You have had a very long day, and I understand that, but meals will not be skipped in this house. Harry can attest to that, can you not, Harry?”

The boy slumped in his seat. “He goes mental.”

“I do not go mental . You were being unreasonable.”

Draco sniffed. “Potter has always been a bit unreasonable, hasn’t he? Not to mention dramatic. I mean, all that fuss with the headmaster? And that’s after you told us to be resp-”

“Draco. That’s enough.” Severus warned.

He scoffed. “Honestly Severus. Does he have you brainwashed?” He turned to Harry, who was stiff as a board and practically not breathing. “Really Potter? I highly doubt a couple of muggles could do something to the precious boy-who-lived.” He sneered.

Harry jumped up and ran to his bedroom, slamming the door behind him. “Minerva, could you try and get him to eat? And make sure he eats all of it, he hardly ate anything today. Oh and his potion as well.” Once he received a nod, he pointed at Draco. “You. Follow me.”

Draco sighed and followed Severus into his study. “What did I even do?”

“Sit.” He did. “If I’m not mistaken, you are not Harry Potter, correct? You have not lived his life? Been in that house he grew up in? Lived with his relatives?” 

The boy gulped and shook his head. “No sir.”

“You will not even mention his relatives to him again.” Once the boy nodded, Severus sat down next to him. “Draco, I’m sorry you're hurting right now. If I could take it away, I would. But that is no reason to try to make someone else hurt too. I am not asking you to become friends. I only want you both to be civil, at the very least.”

“I’m sorry.” He said, voice cracking. “I don’t know what’s gotten into me, Severus.”

Severus pulled him into his arms- something the boy’s father made him stop doing at the age of seven- and held him while he cried. “You’re grieving, Draco. You’re in pain. I understand that. I will not allow you to throw Harry’s childhood in his face, though. I care for you both, and I will not stand for you boys to be destructive to one another.” 

“I’m sorry. I just… I don’t want to be here. I want to be at home with Mother. I want my Mother.”

Severus sighed. “I know. I know you do, Draco.” Once the boy settled down, he released him. “I think you and I both know that you owe Harry an apology.”

“I know. I will.” He swore. “He won’t believe me though. But I’ll still do it.”

---

Minerva knocked on the boys’ bedroom door. “I don’t wanna talk, Severus.”

“It’s not Severus, Harry.”

“Oh. You can come in, professor.”

The older woman came in and sat next to Harry on his bed, placing his plate of food on his bedside table. “Are you alright?”

“I can’t believe I lost it on Dumbledore, in front of Malfoy .” He groaned. “I think I’ve lost it.”

She snorted. “You have not lost it. Albus made a grave error, and you were the one that had to pay the price for it. You had every right to react the way you did.” Harry shrugged. “As far as what Draco said, he is hurting in a different way than you are right now. I’m not defending his actions, and neither will Severus, but when one is grieving, they won’t necessarily always think before they speak.”

“Does he ever?” She gave him her best ‘Head of House’ look. “Sorry.” He looked at the plate of food on his bedside table. “I don’t suppose you could just tell Severus I ate?”

She raised an eyebrow at him. “Eat, Harry.”

“It’s weird hearing you call me and Malfoy by our names.” He said, picking up his plate. About halfway through his meal, he looked at Minerva. “You don’t have to stay here and watch me.”

“Oh, but I do. Severus asked that I make sure you eat all of your food before I give you your potion.” Harry rolled his eyes, but went back to eating.

Chapter Text

“What?!” Draco exclaimed, when Severus broke the news of the shared bedroom during his official tour of the house.

Harry rolled his eyes. “I’m hardly happy about it either, Malfoy.”

“The two of you will behave. If I even so much as suspect that hexes are being thrown, your wands will be mine, until the start of term. Am I clear?”

“Yes sir.” The boys muttered in unison.

Severus nodded. “Very well. It’s been a very long day for the both of you. I suggest you both call it an early night.” He said, leaving the two boys alone.

They both laid in their prospective beds, tossing and turning for an hour. Draco glared at the ceiling, before sighing. “Are you awake, Potter?”

“Yeah.”

“I am… sorry.” He bit out. “I do not know your story. It was uncouth of me to assume I did. I will attempt to do better in the future.”

Harry sat up and looked over at the other boy. “It’s er… it’s okay.” He said before laying back down. They were both quiet for a few minutes. “I’m… I’m sorry about your mum, Malfoy.”

“Thank you.” He said stiffly. “Goodnight Potter.”

“Night, Malfoy.”

Draco laid there for several more hours, replaying this afternoon's day in his mind. Seeing his mother hit with the killing curse. For him. He didn’t dare close his eyes, for fear of reliving it. It would soon be inevitable though, he felt his eyelids start drooping, so he cast a quiet tempus . It was nearly 2am. With a sigh, he rolled over to let sleep finally take him, then he heard it. Crying.

He looked over at Potter’s bed, he appeared to be having a dream of sorts, he sighed. “Potter, wake up.” He whispered harshly.

The crying only got worse. “‘M sorry.” He heard the other boy cry. “I’ll be better Uncle Vernon.”

Draco froze. Potter was dreaming about his relatives. “Potter, wake up.” He said a bit louder. He started groaning loudly in his sleep, then he started thrashing and screaming, scratching at his skin. “Potter!” Draco yelled, jumping up.

Severus came barging into the room, flipping the light on. “Harry!” He grabbed Harry’s wrists, putting an end to the scratching, but he was still thrashing and screaming. “Harry! Wake up!”

Harry sat bolt upright in bed, only to begin thrashing when he felt hands on him. “I’m sorry!” He gasped. “I’m sorry Uncle Vernon! I’ll be better!” He yelled, trying to pull from his grip. “ Please !”

“It’s okay.” Severus whispered. “It’s Severus, Harry. You’re in Spinner’s End. Here with Draco and I. Breathe. You’re not in trouble.”

Harry felt himself calming down. Unbelievably embarrassed. Not only did he wake the professor up again , but he also woke up Malfoy, and when he woke up, he started freaking out because he thought Severus was his uncle. When the man let go, Harry pulled his knees to his chest and buried his face in his hands. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologise.” Harry looked up to argue, but when he saw the concern written all over Severus’ face, he started uncontrollably sobbing. Which only added to his embarrassment. 

Draco left the room. If Potter had the decency to leave the room when I was a sobbing mess, I could at least offer him the same courtesy . He thought.

“I don’t kn-know what’s wrong w-with me.” He furiously scrubbed at his face, but the tears wouldn’t stop. “I’m g-going men-mental!” Severus started rubbing his back and he hated how much he just melted into it. It made him feel so utterly weak . He never used to cry like this.

“There’s nothing wrong with you.” Severus whispered.

Harry shook his head. He was wrong. He’s never done this. This isn’t normal. I’m not normal. I’ll never be normal. Always the freak in the cupboard. He stopped shaking his head. That’s it. I’m a freak. Maybe Uncle Vernon can fix it. “You have to send me back, Severus.”

Whatever the man was expecting him to say, it wasn’t that . “Excuse me? Absolutely not.”

“You don’t get it! I’m not supposed to be like this.” He cried. “It’s been too long since I’ve been punished. Maybe Uncle Vernon can fix me. This isn’t normal . It’s freaky! And he knows what to do when I’m being freaky! I-I can’t do it anymore!”

Severus sighed and moved his hand from where it was rubbing Harry’s back, to cup the back of his neck. “Harry.” He said softly, using his free hand to brush the stray tears from his face. “You are not freaky .You don’t need to be fixed. You are healing , Harry.”

“Then I don’t wanna heal, Severus.” He sobbed. “It’s t-too much!”

Without a second thought, he pulled the crying boy into his arms. “I’ve got you. It’s going to be okay. You’re going to get through this.”

He wasn’t sure how long he sat there crying into his professor’s shirt. He was- however- sure that he was absolutely mortified. “I’m sorry.” He mumbled, pulling away, then hastily pulling his shirt up to wipe the tears and- ew- snot off his face. “Will you tell Malfoy I’m sorry for waking him up?” Severus gave a short nod, so Harry started to get up, before he was pushed back down.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Getting up?” He said. “There’s no way I can go back to sleep now. Not after that .”

Severus was already shaking his head before Harry could even finish his sentence. “No. It is not even 3 o’clock in the morning. You need to sleep .” He held up a hand. “I will help you clear your mind, but you are going back to sleep, Harry. I promise- if done properly- it will help.”

He was tired. So very tired. “Can’t I just get more dreamless sleep? I can help you brew more.”

“No. I’ll not have you becoming dependent on it. It is extremely addictive.”

Harry groaned. He would love nothing more than that deep purple potion. “Fine. But can you put up a silencing charm around my bed so I don’t wake Malfoy up again?”

“No. I want to know if you’re still having nightmares.” Harry sighed, but nodded. “Alright, I want you to think of something that makes you feel calm, that won’t remind you of any bad memories.”

Harry’s first thought was flying. But when he thinks about flying, he thinks about the dragon he had to outfly in the first task, which immediately sends his mind to the final task… and Cedric. It took a while, too long for him to finally land on his potions lessons. It was calm. He wasn’t forced to talk about his feelings when they were brewing. They just worked in tandem. It’s nice.

“Got it?” Severus asked, to which Harry nodded. “Good. I want you to think of that calm feeling, and nothing else. Don’t let any stray thoughts in. Just focus on that absolute calm.” He said in a low voice. “Nothing can hurt you there, Harry. Just calmness. Nothing else.” He continued speaking lowly until he heard the boys breathing even out.

Once Harry was asleep, Severus crept out of the bedroom and went to find Draco. It didn’t take long to find him, he was laying on the couch, with a book in hand, asleep. Once he walked over to the couch, he realised the boy was silently crying, so he shook the boy awake. “Draco.”

He gasped, then visibly deflated and sat up. “Is Potter okay?”

“Are you?”

Draco shrugged. “Not really.” He paused for a long minute. “I really feel like a prat- about what I said at dinner- now.” He admitted. “What did they do to him, Severus?”

“That’s not my place to tell you, Draco. You know that.” The boy sighed. “Do you want to sleep out here or in the bedroom? I can’t promise that Harry won’t have any more nightmares. I helped him clear his mind, but you and I both know that it’s not foolproof.”

Draco nodded. “Severus?” The man hummed. “I’m scared to sleep.” He admitted. “When he started having the nightmare, I hadn’t even gone to sleep yet. Everytime I close my eyes, I see her eyes.”

“I can provide you with half a dose of dreamless sleep for tonight. But-”

Draco rolled his eyes. “But let’s not make a habit out of it. Yeah I know, Severus.”

Severus summoned the vial and handed it to Draco. “Go to sleep, brat.” Draco grabbed the vial, and went into the bedroom, closing the door behind him as quietly as possible.

---

When Harry woke up, he decided that he’d very much like to crawl in a hole and die. He woke up screaming like a maniac in the middle of the night, waking up the whole house. He started bawling his eyes out in front of Severus and Malfoy .

He glanced over at Malfoy’s bed, and the sight of the blonde boy’s sleek and perfect hair, made him abandon all thoughts. His hair looked like a literal bird's nest. With a quiet snort, he decided to get up face the day. He just really hoped Severus wouldn’t want him to talk about things .

“How’d you sleep?”

Harry looked up to see Severus watching him with furrowed eyebrows from the dining table, so he made his way over and sat across from him. “Good, sir. Thank you.”

“Happy Birthday.”

The boy’s eyes went comically wide. “Oh. Thank you.” Severus raised an eyebrow at his reaction, so he sipped at his orange juice. “The only person to wish me a Happy Birthday in person was Hagrid. When he came to tell me I was a wizard. It’s just weird hearing people say it, I suppose.”

After an awkward silence, Severus decided to change the subject. “Clearing one’s mind before bed is a good method of preventing- at best- or delaying nightmares. Had I known they were so frequent for you, I would have suggested it earlier.” He said with a raised eyebrow. The boy flushed and diverted his attention to his food. “Molly is expecting you to floo to the safe house at 2pm. Black and the children do not know you are coming. We thought it best to not have a crowd when you first arrive.”

“I appreciate that. Does Sirius know I’m staying here?”

Severus inclined his head. “He knows that something happened and that you are staying here for the time being. However he does not know why, it is up to you to divulge that information.”

Harry nodded. That was not happening. “I’ll bet he was a delight when he found out.”

“Oh yes.” Severus drawled. “Sirius Black is well-known for being a calm and collected wizard.”

---

When Harry floo-ed to Number 12 Grimmauld Place, he was immediately pulled into the loving arms of Molly Weasley. “Oh I’ve just been beside myself with worry, Harry-dear.” She said into his hair. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“I’m sorry for worrying you.” He mumbled into her shoulder. “I’m really glad Ron told you guys.”

He heard her sniffle and he felt a pang of guilt. “Don’t you go apologising, Harry James.” She lightly scolded, pulling back to get a better look at him. “You are looking so much healthier.”

He grinned. “Severus has been great. I tried to skive off lunch the other day and he went mental . Then the headmaster put me in an… off-putting mood last night and he still made me eat. He does not mess around when it comes to missing meals.”

“ Good .” She said. Harry disagreed, but he wasn’t about to argue. “Are you ready for this?”

He snorted. “No. But let’s face the music anyway.” She furrowed his eyebrows. “Muggle expression. I’d be surprised if Mr. Weasley didn’t know it. It’s a popular one.”

“He probably does. That man is a fanatic.” She said with a fond shake of her head. “I do believe that my kiddos and Arthur will want to see you first. I’ll go collect them.”

Five minutes later, there were 6 redheads in the room, 4 of which immediately pulled them into their arms. “I know you said in your letter that you were doing good, but I’ve still been worried.” 

“I’m okay now.” 

The three boys decided to take a step back, but Ginny was not budging. “Don’t you ever do that to us again, Harry James Potter. I swear to Merlin!”

Harry pried her off of him and looked her in the eyes. “I’m okay, Gin. I’m loads better now. I’m sorry I’ve had you all worried.” He told her, then he looked up at the rest of the Weasley clan. “I truly am sorry, guys. I never thought… I didn’t think it would get that bad.” He looked at Ron. “I never should have put you in that position, mate. I’m sorry.”

Arthur came over and clapped a hand on his shoulder. “All is forgiven. I’m just glad you’re okay, son. We all are.” Then he pulled Harry into a one-armed hug.

Once the hugs were all dealt with, he looked around at the redheads. “I have a favour to ask of all of you, if it’s too much, I understand. I would just really appreciate it if we could keep it quiet.”

“Of course.” Fred said, ruffling his hair.

George came over to assist in the hair ruffling, until Harry batted their hands away. “Shall we-”

“Get this-”

“Party-”

“Started?” The twins chorussed.

The party in itself was going relatively well, until everyone sat at the large dining table eating dinner. He had managed to convince Severus to let him wait to drink the nutrient potion until he returned to Spinner’s End that evening.

They all were laughing and joking around. The occupants of the party consisted of the Weasley clan, Hermione, Sirius, Remus, Lee Jordan and Angelina Johnson- both going into their seventh year of school, but both 17 and members of the Order- an auror named Tonks- he absolutely loves her- and Minerva. 

It was going great, but it got to the point where his Godfather had a bit too much to drink. “I still can’t believe you’re living with Snivellus. ”

Harry frowned. “Don’t call him that, Sirius.”

“I just don’t get it!” He exclaimed, jumping up. Harry visibly flinched. “It’s Snivellus Harry! You thought the name was bloody brilliant last year!”

“That is quite enough, Sirius.” Minerva said, while Remus grabbed his arm to try to force him back in his seat. “Get yourself under control.”

Sirius ripped his arm from Remus’ hand. “No! I get that it’s the safest place for him right now, but now he’s defending him?!”

“Yes. I am.” He stood up to look his Godfather in the eye. He was bloody terrified. He loves Sirius, he truly doesn’t think the man will hit him, but with alcohol thrown in the mix, one can never know. “He has done a lot for me, Sirius. I really need you to understand that.”

Sirius looked at him incredulously. “Has he poisoned you, Harry? We can find a cure!”

“For the love of Merlin, Sirius!” Minerva said, standing up. “Both of you, follow me.” She said, grabbing Sirius' arm and dragging him out of the room, Harry following closely behind. “Talk.”

Sirius ran his hand through his hair. “Can we have the room?”

“Absolutely not. You’ve proven yourself incapable of handling your temper.”

Harry breathed a sigh of relief. “Sirius? Severus really has done-”

“I’m sorry? You’re calling him Severus ?!”

Harry swallowed. “Yes.” He took a deep breath. “Look he’s been really good to me and he makes sure I don’t skip meals- which is a bad habit I’m trying to break- he’s making sure I get my schoolwork done, he took me shopping ! I just need you to understand-”

“Look Harry, I don’t know what happened with your relatives, but I’m sure you’ll be safer with them.” Harry went rigid, but Sirius didn’t seem to notice. “Honestly, I’m starting to question your sanity, pup.”

Harry took a step closer. “You don’t know what you’re talking about!” He yelled, then without thinking about the possibility of embarrassment, he pulled his shirt off, showing his Godfather all the scars that were too old to heal. “ Look at me! Tell me again! Tell me that they’re better than Severus! I fucking dare you, Sirius!”

“Pup-”

Minerva stepped in between them, while Harry hastily threw his shirt back on. “I think that’s enough. You have done enough.”

“I’m his Godfather! He should have been sent here.”

Harry swiped the tears off his face. “A gentle reminder, Sirius. I would’ve been with you. But you decided revenge was more important and ended up in Azkaban. Severus saved my life ! If he hadn’t shown up that night, I would have died . When I wake up screaming because I’m back in that graveyard, or I’m back with my relatives, he helps me through it. Hell, he told me I wasn’t allowed to put silencing charms up! And he makes me talk about my bloody feelings !”

“I didn’t know, pup. Why didn’t you tell me?”

Harry threw his hands up. “I didn’t tell anyone! I didn’t want anyone to know! I still don’t!” He took a few deep breaths. “Stop looking at me like that. I don’t need your pity.” He spun around and left the room, returning to the table, not meeting anyone’s eyes.

Soon, Minerva was seen coming down the stairs, followed by Sirius. “No! Stop Minerva! I want to know why no one told me my Godson was getting beat by his relatives!”

He heard a collective of gasps around the table, and didn’t need to look up to know everyone was staring at him. He stood up. “I sh-should get back. I-”

“What is wrong with you!? Get out of my sight! Right this instant, Sirius Black!” Molly thundered.

Minerva gently grabbed his arm and led him into the other room. “Breathe, Harry. Look at me and breathe .” Once Harry did, she smiled at him. “Good. Now I’m going to go in there and make sure that what was just said doesn’t leave that room.” He numbly nodded.

---

Severus and Draco looked up from their respective books when Minerva and Harry came through the floo. At first, neither Slytherin knew why they came together and not separately, then they saw Harry’s face. His eyes were red-rimmed, from crying, and he was trembling all over. As soon as the boy was steady on his feet he darted to his room and slammed the door.

“What happened?” Severus demanded.

“Sirius Black is an idiot.” Minerva said simply. “Harry hardly touched his dinner, but I don’t think you’ll be able to convince him to eat. Sirius opened his mouth right as dinner got started.” She lowered herself onto the couch, next to Draco and looked at Severus where he was sitting in his armchair. “The next time I see that-”

“Minnie.” He interrupted. “What did that imbecile say?”

She glanced at Draco. “How much do you know about his relatives?”

“That they hurt him. That’s all.” He glanced between the two. “I’ll let you guys talk. Put up a silencing charm, I’m just going to read at the dining table. I don’t think Potter will appreciate my presence at the moment.”

Once Draco left, Severus cast a muffliato . “Minnie?” The woman relayed the events of the end of party dinner and she watched as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “He said that where everyone could hear?” He asked, horrified. “I need to check on Harry.” He cancelled the spell and made his way to Harry’s room and knocked.

“Please go away.” 

Severus sighed. “I’m coming in, Harry.” He opened the door and found the red eyed boy fisting his hair with very bloody fingers. Clearly the child had been picking at his fingertips again. “Let me see your hands.” Thankfully he didn’t argue and Severus quickly healed them.

“Sorry.” He mumbled.

Severus pulled his desk chair over and sat down. “I’m sorry that your party went so horribly.”

Harry shrugged. “It was my first birthday party. It’s still the second best birthday of my life.” He laughed mirthlessly. “Isn’t that something?” He hugged his knees to his chest. “Sirius has a really big mouth.” He said after a while. “I had literally just told him that I didn’t want anyone to know, and he came downstairs screaming it to the whole house.”

“He’s never been one for subtlety.” Severus said carefully. He’d made it this far without insulting the mutt, he is more than capable of keeping it up.

Harry choked out a laugh. “Thank you, Severus.” At the man’s raised eyebrow, he continued. “I know it’s killing you not to talk bad about him. It’s no secret that you guys don’t get along.” He lifted his head up and looked at Severus. “Maybe that’s why I got so upset about him calling you that, y’know? If you can attempt civility with him, why can’t he?” He sighed. “I fully intended on ignoring you when you came in, by the way. And now I’ve done more talking than you.”

Severus snorted. “I’m a man of few words.”

“When you wanna be.” Harry conceded. “Other times, you’re a man of too many words.” He sighed. “Was that rude? I’m sorry. That was probably rude. I really need to learn to sh-”

“Harry.” The boy’s mouth shut with an audible click . “It is not rude. It is a fact.” There was a beat of silence. “Thank you for defending me, Harry. You did not have to do that. It’s likely what escalated the situation. I’m not going to ask if you’re okay because-”

“I’m fine.”

Severus raised his eyebrow. “-because I know you are not fine .”

“I don’t regret defending you, even if that’s why the day went to sh… er, went downhill. You’ve done so much for me in the past 2 weeks, I don’t want to hear anyone say bad things about you.” He told him. “I know I’m going to have to get used to it, because… I’m in Gryffindor.”

Severus raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Am I not Gryffindor’s most beloved teacher?”

Harry’s lip quirked up, then it fell and he sighed. “Lee Jordan and Angelina Johnson know. I hope they don’t look at me differently. I don’t think I’d be able to bear it, Severus. It’s bad enough that Hermione knows now, she’s gonna start fussing over me the second she sees me.”

“You didn’t tell Miss Granger?”

He shook his head. “I knew I was going to tell her eventually, I was thinking I was just gonna ease her into it though. Not anymore. Do you know Tonks? Will she look at me differently?”

“She’s a Hufflepuff. Wears her heart on her sleeve. Abysmal at potions. I don’t know how she managed to scrape by with a NEWT, honestly. Clumsiest witch I’ve ever met.”

Harry found himself laughing. “She really is clumsy. I swear she tripped over the air.”

“She’s Draco’s cousin, did you know?” Harry shook his head. “They didn’t meet until today, when she and Kingsley dropped off Draco’s things. I do think she traumatised him, though. He looked absolutely mortified when she hugged him.”

Harry snorted. “I would’ve paid to see that.” He sighed. “Thanks Severus. For distracting me, while also- somehow- getting me to talk about it.”

Chapter Text

Harry’s not sure when it happened exactly, but at some point in this past month, he and Malfoy have become… not enemies. He almost… trusts him. It’s weird. But he supposes it stems from sharing a room with the other boy for a month. They talked. It was different than when Severus would make them talk about their feelings. 

“Are you ready for the train tomorrow?” Draco asked, pulling him from his thoughts. That was another thing. Draco could always tell when he was getting caught up in his head.

Harry sighed. “I suppose. I haven’t talked to Ron and Hermione since the party. They’ve written to me, but they haven’t brought it up. Hopefully it stays that way.”

“Knowing Granger, it won’t. Everyone sees how she is with you and Weasley.”

Harry snorted. “Yeah, she cares. A lot.” He looked over at Draco. “How are you feeling about it?”

“Like I’m going to be sharing a compartment with Zabini and the Greengrass sisters. They don’t have any death eater ties, so I’m less likely to be attacked by them. Severus even switched the dormitory around. I’m going to be rooming with just Zabini this year.”

Harry nodded, not that Draco could see it, they were laying in the dark. “It’s safer, I suppose. I meant what I told you earlier, Malfoy. You could always come sit with me. Hermione won’t mind too much, as long as you apologise. Ron will get over it once the trolly comes around.”

“Thanks Potter.”

They laid there in silence for a while. “Do you think everythings gonna change? With Severus, I mean. I know that it’s public knowledge that we stayed here this summer, but… I don’t know.”

“I think he’ll be fairer to you than he has in the past. He has no reason to pretend to hate you anymore. Nor does he have any good reasons to ignore blatant bullying. And with him becoming our permanent guardian, I think it’ll be okay.”

Harry sighed. “I hope you’re right. I don’t think my small brain could handle too much more change. I’m still coming to terms with not hating you, Malfoy.”

He chuckled. “Same to you, Potter. All your little Gryffie friends are gonna have heart attacks. I am personally looking forward to seeing that. I’m gonna make a show of not hating you.” Harry snorted. “Who’s sleeping tonight?”

“Not me.” They had come up with a bit of a routine of swapping sleeping schedules. That way, one could wake the other from nightmares before they escalated. Then when someone gets woken up, they swap shifts.

“Me either.”

They both sighed. “I was really hoping to get the nightmares under control before school started back up.” Harry heaved another sigh. “But silencing charms it is.”

“Yeah, mine aren’t as… vocal, but I’ll probably throw some up, just in case. Who knows? Zabini might turn into a death eater wannabe if he gets woken up in the middle of the night.” Draco commented, then sighed. “You’re so lucky, Potter. You get to go to the platform without a babysitter. But I get my huggy hufflepuff cousin escorting me.”

Harry laughed. “Tonks is nice.”

“Did I say she wasn’t? I said she was a huggy hufflepuff.”

“She’s a nice huggy hufflepuff.” Harry said, biting down his laughter. “I really oughta tell her you missed her hugs.”

Draco sat up and looked at Harry. He didn’t need the light on to know the other boy was glaring at him. “You wouldn’t dare!” He shrieked.

The door swung open. “ It is 2am .” Severus hissed at the two. “Why are you not asleep?”

“Um-”

“Er-”

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. “Boys. Did one of you have a nightmare?”

“No.” Harry muttered. “Sorry if we woke you.”

Severus sighed. “I am not angry. Don’t worry, child. What in Merlin’s name were you yelling for?”

“Er, Potter said he was going to tell Tonks I missed her hugs !”

Harry snorted. “To be fair, you talk about the ‘huggy hufflepuff’ and her hugs a lot.”

“Well that clumsy huggy hufflepuff will be here at 10 in the morning to collect you, Draco. I would much rather you be awake when she gets here.” He walked over to the boy and pushed his head onto the pillow. “Good night.”

“Good night, Severus.”

The man walked across to Harry’s bed. “And Fletcher will be apparating you to kings cross at 10:30 in the morning. If I have to spend even a second longer in that man’s presence than necessary because you overslept, you will be scrubbing cauldrons until you're 40.” He repeated the action of pushing his head into the pillow. “Good night.”

“Night Severus.” The man made his way to the door. “Severus?” He turned to look at Harry. “I want you to know, this has been the best summer I’ve ever had. Thank you.”

“Do not thank me for something you should have had all your life. Good night boys.”

---

“There you are, lad!” Mundungus Fletcher said once Harry was able to stand properly after his first experience with apparition. “Have a nice trip!.” Then he disappeared with a crack .

“Okay then.” Harry said to himself, then began his journey to platform 9 and ¾. He was nearly there when he felt an all too familiar hand wrap around his forearm and pushed him against a nearby platform. It was platform 8. “U-uncle Vernon.”

“Miss me, boy?” He sneered, delivering a swift punch to the boy’s ribs, causing him to double over in pain. “That old fool is having us sent to prison!” Another punch. “What did you tell them, boy?!” He fisted the front of Harry’s shirt and lifted him off the ground. “Huh?!”

Harry shook his head. “Nothing! I didn’t!” He gasped. “Let go! Please Uncle Vernon!”

“Unhand him you fat oaf!” Just like that, the brown haired boy crumbled to the ground, hyperventilating. And Vernon was running through the crowd. “Potter?”

Harry’s head snapped up. “Malfoy?”

Then he saw Tonks running up to them. “Draco! What were you- Harry? What happened?”

“Nothing!” Harry answered quickly, jumping up.

Draco rolled his eyes. “His uncle happened.”

“I’m fine. Honestly. You don’t need to tell Severus.” He told Tonks. “I don’t want him to worry.”

She looked at him incredulously. “Let’s get you boys on the train.” She placed a hand on both boys’ shoulders and escorted them to the platform, then all the way to the door of the train.

Draco made his way to the compartment where Zabini and the Greengrass sisters were sitting, then Harry made his way to the compartment where Ron and Hermione were waiting for him. “I have so much to tell you guys.” He said when he sat down.

“Where are your things?” Hermione asked. “And why do you look like you just ran a marathon?”

“Oh, Severus took mine and Malfoys things to school already. And I’ll get to the other question after I tell you guys everything.”

And tell them he did. He told them about Severus finding him nearly dead at his relatives home, about the prophecy, about his nightmares, about his anger towards Dumbledore. He told them about what happened with Narcissa Malfoy. He told them that he and Draco are no longer enemies. Begged them to play nice with him. Told them how much Draco and Severus helped him this summer. Told them about Severus becoming his permanent guardian. Finally, he told them about what happened on his way to the platform. He did- however- decide to leave out the punches his uncle threw.

“Oh Harry!” Hermione all but flew into his side and hugged him. “I’m so happy for you. I think that Professor Snape is going to be really good for you, and even Malfoy! And I think it’s bloody brilliant that those monsters are going to prison!” She cried.

Harry patted her back. “It’s okay, ‘Mione. So what do you say? Play nice with Malfoy?”

“I will if he does.” Ron grumbled.

Hermione huffed at the redhead. “Absolutely.”

“Ooh, I have an idea.” Harry said to Hermione, grinning. “When Malfoy apologises to you, can you hug him? I’ve gotta see the look on his face!” He laughed when she swatted him.

About thirty minutes later, Ron and Hermione were telling him about all the pranks the twins pulled on Sirius in the last month- after delivering all his birthday presents that he never got to open- when the door to their compartment opened and Draco entered. “You good, Potter?”

Harry rolled his eyes. “I told you. I am fine .”

Draco looked at Ron, then at Hermione. “I would like to apologise to you both. For my behaviour the last 4 years. Especially you, Granger.”

Harry looked at Hermione hopefully and he heard her mutter, “honestly Harold.” Then she jumped up and pulled the blonde boy into a hug. “You are forgiven, Malfoy.”

Ron and Harry were doubled over laughing at the look on Draco’s face. Harry ignored the pain in his ribs that the laughter cost him. He was enjoying himself too much. Draco narrowed his eyes at Harry. “You planned that, didn’t you Potter?”

---

By the time they reached the school, the compartment that started out with just Ron, Harry, and Hermione, now held the three of them, Draco, Zabini, Ginny, and Neville. It was a bit cramped, but soon nobody minded much.

When the seven of them, plus the Greengrass sisters entered the great hall, nobody expected the ‘feared by all’ potions professor/ bat of the dungeons to come charging at their group. “I think Tonks told him.” Draco told Harry.

Severus grasped Harry’s shoulders and began checking him for visible injuries, much to the boy's embarrassment. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

“I’m fine.” Harry squeaked, his face was a shade of red that rivalled Ron’s hair. “Really.”

“You did not answer my question.” He led Harry away from prying eyes and ears. “Did he hurt you?” When Harry neither confirmed nor denied his question, he sighed. “ Harry .”

“He hit me.” He admitted. “But I’m fine. I’ve survived much worse.”

Severus frowned. “I’m taking you to Poppy. Let’s go.” Harry groaned, but didn’t put up a fight when the man dragged him to the hospital wing.

“Back so soon, Mr Potter?”

Severus made him sit on a bed. “He ran into his uncle at the platform. He said the bastard hit him. I swear to Merlin if I ever-” The medi-witch placed a hand on his arm and she raised an eyebrow at him, so he took a deep breath. “Will you run a diagnostic?”

“I’m fine! This is unnecessary.”

Madam Pomfrey hushed him and began the diagnostic charm, smiling at Severus. “He’s got a few bruised ribs. He’ll be in a bit of pain for a few days and he’ll require some potent bruise paste, but he’ll live.”

“See? I’m fi-”

Severus held up a hand and glared at him. “Say that again, and you’ll be in detention.” Harry’s mouth snapped shut. Once Poppy retired to her office, Severus began applying the bruise paste on Harry’s stomach. “Is there a reason you requested that Miss Tonks not tell me that you were attacked by your uncle?”

Oh. That’s why he’s so annoyed. “I didn’t want you to worry.” He mumbled. 

“It is my job to worry for you and Draco, Harry.”

The boy nodded, but scowled. “You didn’t have to worry in front of the whole school though.”

---

Harry decided that this year was going to suck . First Severus embarasses him in front of the entire school. Then Seamus Finnegan decides he’s a liar and is a complete git about it. Now, one of the older students- Cormac McLaggen- keeps throwing hexes at him for no good reason! And all of this in the first week of school!

“Let me sick Fred and George on him.” Ron begged.

Harry rolled his eyes. “It’s fine Ron. I’m sure all of this will blow over soon.”

“I disagree. You are being bullied, Harry. You should tell an adult.”

He scoffed. “I would hardly call it bullying. I can handle Seamus and Cormac. Come on, let’s go to lunch. Merlin knows Severus will hunt me down if I don’t show up.”

The three got up from the corner they were seated at in the common room and began to make their way to the Great Hall, but Hermione wasn’t done. “Except it’s not just those two, Harry! It’s nearly the entire school!”

Harry groaned. “Hermione. Just leave it, alright? I think I can manage.”

And he could. He really could. He just wasn’t expecting what happened next. That’s all. He was perfectly content, ignoring Seamus and Cormac’s comments at lunch, but then Michael Corner walked up to the Gryffindor table, hand-in-hand with Marietta Edgecombe. “Hey Potter.”

“Er… hello.” He greeted awkwardly. “What’s up, mate?”

Corner scoffed. “We’re not mates , Potter.”

“What’s up, Corner ?”

He smirked. “So, Marietta here saw you at King’s Cross.” Harry raised an eyebrow. “She said you got your arse handed to you by a muggle.” He froze, not looking up, not reacting, he was just frozen. “What was it you said that he said, babe?”

She laughed. “‘Let go. Please Uncle Vernon.’ But it was more like a cry, really. Then the likes of Malfoy came to his rescue.”

In an instant, the twins, Lee Jordan, and Angelina Johnson were out of their seats. “You’re way out of line. Get lost.” Angelina told them.

“Can’t fight your own battles, Potter?” He laughed. Loudly. “You expect us to believe you went up against You-Know-Who, when you can’t even defend yourself against a muggle?”

Harry jumped out of his seat, shoving his way past them and fled from the Great Hall, ignoring the laughter of the two Ravenclaws, and his friends shouting after him. He didn’t have a set destination in mind, but he ended up standing outside of Severus’ quarters and decided to just lay low there. He let himself inside and curled up on the couch.

---

“Minerva. Why are there so many Gryffindor’s approaching us?” His eyes raked over the large group of children rushing towards them and he groaned. “Merlin, help me. It’s Harry’s little group of protectors.” What happened now? “Weasley’s, Miss Granger, Mr Jordan, and Miss Johnson, what can we do for you?”

“A couple of Ravenclaws came over and started harassing Harry at lunch.” Ginny told them.

“Corner and-.” Fred piped up.

“Edgecombe.” George finished.

“They know something about Harry’s uncle!” Lee said.

Hermione stepped forward. “Edgecombe saw what happened at King’s Cross and told Corner.”

“He ran off after that.” Angelina said, worrying her lip.

“Malfoy’s looking for him, but we haven’t been able to find him anywhere . We’ve been searching for over an hour, sir.” Ron added.

Minerva looked at Severus. “I’ll speak with Filius. You find Harry.” Severus nodded and took off in search of his ward. Minerva looked at the group of teenagers. “I will have word sent to you when we find him. Try to enjoy the rest of your Saturday.” Then she left the seven concerned students.

---

“ Point me Harry Potter.” Severus cast and his wand immediately led him to the dungeons, to his quarters, where he found the boy asleep on his couch. “Thank Merlin.” He muttered. “ Expecto patronum. For Minerva McGonagall: I found him in my quarters. Please alert Draco and your worried Gryffindor’s.” He walked over and gently shook the boy's shoulder.

Harry’s eyes shot open and he gasped. “Hey, it’s okay. It’s just me.”

“Severus?” He sat up and rubbed his eyes. “How long was I asleep?”

The man raised an eyebrow. “I don’t know. Your friends have been looking for you for over an hour. They just found me and caught me up on what happened.”

“Oh.” He hugged his knees to his chest. “So that wasn’t a dream.”

Severus sat down on the couch next to him. “Do you wanna tell me what happened? It might be a bit easier to understand coming from 1 mouth, compared to 7.”

“Michael Corner and Marietta Edgecombe came over. Talking about what happened at Kings Cross with Uncle Vernon… making fun of it. Made a comment about how no ones going to believe I went up against er.. Him if I can’t even defend myself against a muggle.”

“I think I’ll ask Fillius if they can serve their detentions with me. I’ll let him decide how many, as long as I get to watch them scrub all my cauldrons and disembowel toads and pickle rat brains.”

Harry turned his head slightly, where his cheek was resting atop his knees and forced a smile, but it came off as more of a grimace. “Thanks, Severus.”

A very red-faced Draco chose that moment to come flying in the room. “Potter! I have been looking all-”

“Draco.”

The boy paused and noticed how upset Harry was. “I don’t know what they did, but I know a lot of hexes. I’ll even team up with those insufferable twins. And I hear baby Weasley can cast a mean bat-bogey hex! And Granger with her Avifor charm, I heard she learned how to launch the birds at people!”

“You don’t even know what happened.” Harry said, cracking a small smile.

Draco scoffed. “Have I ever needed a reason to hex someone before?” He paused. “What did happen?” By the time Harry finished telling the other boy what happened, Draco was seething . “I think that’s as good a reason as any to hex someone!”

“There will be no hexing. Or pranks. Or weaponized charms. There will be detention with me.”

Harry nodded, while Draco pouted. “So who else is it, Potter? When I caught up with your bodyguards, Granger said you were being bullied, so who else is bullying you?”

“I’d like to know that as well, actually.”

At that moment, Harry decided he was going to kill Hermione. He rolled his eyes. “No one is bullying me. People just don’t believe me, which we all knew. No big deal. Hermione is just overprotective and very dramatic. I swear.”

“If that changes, you come to me. Immediately .” Harry nodded. “Well, since you’re both here, I wanted to show you boys something. Follow me.” He led them down the hall where there were previously 2 doors, now there were 4. “The castle has recognized you both as my wards, and has provided each of you with your own bedroom.”

“This is brilliant, Severus.” Harry whispered, sitting on his bed.

From across the hall you could hear Draco cheering. “I don’t have to share with Potter!”

“You both are welcome to stay down here whenever you’d like. These are our quarters. Not just mine.” He looked at Harry. “If you plan on staying down here tonight, I would recommend letting your little protectors know you’re alright.”

Harry nodded. “I do, if that’s okay?” Severus inclined his head. “Can I just send a letter through the floo? I don’t think I want to face anyone just yet.”

“Of course. Draft your letter, then come have lunch.”

Harry made a face. “Severus-”

“Is it really worth arguing with me, when you know my answer will never change on this matter?”

Chapter Text

After the incident with Corner and Edgecombe, things only got worse for Harry. People were shoulder checking him and throwing tripping hexes at him in the corridor constantly. He couldn’t go even one day without people throwing insults at him, whether it be in class, at meals, in the corridor, or even in the Gryffindor common room! 

He was getting beyond fed up with it. He’d be lying if he said it wasn’t starting to get to him. Because it was. It really, really was. Then it- somehow- got worse.

“Bollocks. I left my essay down in the common room. I’ll be right back.”

Harry nodded at Ron, and started locking his belongings in his trunk, then Seamus spoke up from his bed. “So, how’d you do it Potter?”

“How did I do what, Seamus?” Harry asked, sighing.

Seamus leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. “How’d you kill Diggory? We all know you did it. 4 of you went into that maze, 2 of you came out early, then you came out, clutching his dead body. What? Did he get too close to beating you?”

“ Seamus !” Dean yelled.

But the boy just jumped up. “No! He’s a bloody murderer, he is!”

Neville stood up. “No he’s not. You’re crossing a line. And you’re gonna feel like a real git when you realise the truth. My Gran and I stand by Harry, not those idiots reporting for the Prophet.”

Harry couldn’t take it. He couldn’t breathe . Seamus is right. He’s a bloody murderer. He staggered to the bathroom connected to their dorm, ignoring Neville and Dean calling his name. Once he made it in, he slammed the door shut and cast a locking charm on the door. I killed him. It’s all my fault. My fault. My fault. He squeezed his eyes shut and he was suddenly back in the maze. With Cedric. He leaned against the wall and slid down to the ground.

“C’mon Ced! We’ll both take it together!” He said with a grin. “I can’t make it over there by myself anyways, my ankle’s shot.”

Cedric scoffed. “You know the summoning spell. You earned this, Harry.”

“So did you!” Harry groaned. “Look, I don’t care about this whole thing, I never even wanted to be in this tournament anyways, but you’re too bloody noble to take the cup for yourself. So either we take it together, or we sit here all night. Your choice.”

The taller boy rolled his eyes. “Fine. But we split the winnings. Take it or leave it.”

He grinned. “Deal! Now come help me up!”

Harry choked back a sob, trying to bring himself back to reality. He vaguely remembers the last time he got caught in a flashback, the only thing that could pull him back was pain. Slowly, he pulled himself to his feet and started searching the drawers and cupboards for something, anything sharp. Even some random small unimportant object that he could transfigure.

Then he found something. A needle. It likely was once attached to a prefect badge or head boy badge. He shakily pointed his wand at it and transfigured it into a small letter opener. It was only when he felt the blade dig into his wrist, that he was able to finally breathe. Then he did it again, and he felt himself fully relax.

He remembers being out with Aunt Petunia and Dudley- years ago- when his aunt noticed a teenage girl with scars up and down her forearm. She told her precious Diddykins to stay away from people like that. He remembers thinking she must be barmy to do that to herself. 

Harry shook the thoughts away. He quickly cleaned his arm, then the letter opener and shoved it in his pocket. This could be a good thing for him. A way to relieve stress. He nodded to himself, yeah , this is good for me. He washed his face, then walked back into the dorm. 

“Alright mate? Neville told me what Seamus said.” Ron said, as soon as we walked back in.

He forced a smile. “I’m fine. I’m knackered though. I’m going to sleep.”

“Harry, wait.” He turned to look at Dean. “I’m sorry about Seamus. He’s been drinking firewhiskey with McClagen all night. He doesn’t really think that.”

He forced another smile. “It’s alright, Dean. Don’t worry about it. G’night.”

---

Harry’s solution for stress quickly turned into an almost weekly thing. By the time Halloween rolled around, half the school was accusing him of killing Cedric. He’s pretty sure that McClagen started spreading it around. It makes sense. Seamus gets drunk with the git last month, then comes upstairs talking about how Harry’s a murderer. And now, so is-at least- half of Hogwarts.

“You look like shit.”

Harry glared at Draco. “Gee thanks. What do you want? I’m trying to study.”

“Are your nightmares getting worse?” He asked.

Well shit . Distraction time. “I think Severus fancies Madam Pomfrey.”

“What??”

Mission accomplished . “Yeah I forgot to tell you about it until just now. But when he took me to see her on the first day of term, they were making eyes at each other.”

Draco stared at him for a minute then chuckled. “That was very Slytherin of you, Potter. I’m proud of you.” At the other boy’s confused face, he laughed. “As interested as I am to hear about Severus fancying someone, you’re trying to distract me. Well played. Now… are they getting worse or not?”

The boy shrugged, rolling his eyes at a group of younger students walking past them, whispering and pointing. “I’m fine Malfoy. Stop worrying. You’re going to damage your rep.”

“Nope. My reputation is already ruined. No turning back now.”

Harry closed his herbology textbook. “No studying for me, got it.” He looked at Draco. “It’s fine, I’m fine. Drop it.” He glanced around the room and groaned. Every single person in the library was either whispering, pointing or glaring at him. Or all of the above. 

“Let’s go see Severus.” The Slytherin suggested.

Harry shook his head. “I need to study.”

“You can study in our quarters.”

He sighed. Draco was not going to give up. “Fine. But if he tries to make me talk about my feelings , I’m stealing all of your hair products.”

“You clearly need them more than I do.”

Harry punched his arm. “Shove off, you git.”

“Prat.” Draco said, helping the other boy pack up his books and parchment. “Okay, let’s go.”

---

As soon as they entered their quarters, Harry greeted Severus, then disappeared off to his room, earning a frown from Draco. “What is it?” The man asked him.

“People are accusing him of killing Diggory. I don’t know for sure if they’ve said anything to his face, but I think they have.” Draco said lowly. “He keeps insisting that he’s fine, but… he’s… not . He looks like he’s not sleeping.”

Severus frowned. It was painfully obvious that Harry was going through something, he was just hoping the boy would come to him himself. He’s not stupid, he knew this year was going to be hard on the boy, but for his classmates to accuse him of murder ? “I’ll talk to him.”

“Okay.” Draco whispered. “Thank you. I want to help him… I just don’t know how .”

Severus squeezed his shoulder. “By doing this, Draco. Getting an adult that- hopefully- can help.” He made his way down the hall and knocked on Harry’s door.

“Come in.”

When Severus walked in, Harry was sitting on the floor with books from 3 different subjects opened in front of him. “You’re keeping busy.” Severus commented, sitting across from him.

“OWL year, y’know.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I’m aware.” He paused, observing the boy as he jotted down notes about the uses of Venomous Tentacula. “Harry.” The boy looked up. “Are you okay?”

Harry’s grip on his quill tightened. “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“I thought we’d agreed that you’d come to me if things got worse with your peers?”

The boy put his quill down and looked at Severus. “It’s fine Severus, truly. It’ll all blow over eventually, then everyone’s going to feel really dumb. I just have to deal with it for now.” He sighed when Severus frowned. “Look, I’ll be okay, I swear, but I really have to get back to this, I have three essays due on Monday.”

“Fine, I’ll leave you be. But I think we need to go back to having our weekly talks.” When Harry looked like he was about to object, Severus held up a hand. “No. I never should have let those stop in the first place. From now on, we meet down here every Saturday after dinner.”

The boy rolled his eyes. “Whatever, fine.” He muttered, scowling.

---

“Severus?”

He looked up from grading papers to face a fidgeting Draco and a red-faced Harry. “Yes?” He inquired, but the blonde boy only got more fidgety. “Draco. What is it?”

“It’s just that… Potter said something to me yesterday in the library.” Severus raised an eyebrow. “And I was curious about whether or not it was true.”

Harry elbowed him. “Yeah, throw me under the bus.”

“Throw you under the knight bus, I think you mean.”

Harry rolled his eyes. “Sure, Malfoy. Are you going to ask your question? Or should I?”

“Well excuse me , if my self-preservation is kicking in. Merlin knows you don’t have that .”

“Boys.”

Harry elbowed Draco once more, then turned his full attention to Severus. “Do you fancy Madam Pomphrey?” Both boys watched as their guardian’s face flushed. “Oh my God , you do! I knew it!” He turned to Draco. “I bloody told you they were making eyes at each other!”

Draco dragged Harry to the couch. “Severus. We need details. How long have you fancied her? Does she fancy you too? Are you guys dating yet? If so, how long have you guys been dating, and why didn’t you tell us?”

Severus ran his hands down his face, suppressing a groan. Merlin, help me . “We… used to be engaged.” He admitted. “We no longer are. I felt it was unsafe for her. Drop it.”

“Why?” Harry asked, with his head cocked. “Because of mouldy-shorts?”

Draco snorted. “Did you say Mouldy-shorts ?”

Harry shrugged and turned back to Severus. “Is that why, Severus?”

Severus sighed. “Yes. I will not be discussing this matter anymore. I believe you both have homework to work on. Or friends to visit. If not I’d be more than happy to find something for you to do.” He said shoo-ing them away. 

Once they were gone, he heaved a sigh, putting the papers he was grading away. He propped his elbows up on his desk and dropped his head into his hands, thinking about that awful night that Voldemort returned.

“Sev? How’d it go, darling?”

He shook his head. “He knows. If Albus hadn’t sent me with a portkey, I wouldn’t be standing here right now.” She walked towards him, but he held up a hand. “We can’t do this, Pop. It’s too dangerous. If anyone finds out… you’ll be killed. Or your sister. I can’t-”

“You stop right there, Severus Tobias Snape.”

He shook his head. “No, Poppy. I won’t risk you or Rosemary. You can’t be affiliated with me. I’ve been discovered as a spy, I’m marked for death. If we marry, you and your sister will be too.”

“You’re willing to throw it all away, throw us, throw me away, because you’re scared?”

“Dammit Poppy! What don’t you understand? Do you wish to be killed? For your sister to be killed?! Neither of you will be safe. I will never forgive myself. Please, Poppy. Just don’t fight me on this. I need you alive. Hate me, if you must. As long as you're alive.”

She grasped his hand and pulled him to the couch, curling up next to him. “I could never hate you, Sev. When you come to your senses, let me know. I never leave this castle alone. Rosie can hold her own, as can I, you’ve seen us in duels.” She kissed him. “So when you grow some bollocks, let me know. The engagement still stands, it’s just on hiatus for now.”

Severus felt a fat tear roll down his face, Poppy swiped it away with the pad of her thumb. “I love you Severus Tobias Snape. Even when you’re being a thick son-of-a-bitch.” She laid her head on his chest. “You can tell yourself the engagement’s been called off, if you wish. Just know- in my eyes- you’re still my fiance. This ring is mine. Because I will marry you.”

“You’re so stubborn.” He sighed. “I love you too, Poppy. And perhaps- if we're lucky, mind you- we will marry.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “I love you so much.” He whispered. “This is killing me from the inside out.”

---

“I never thought I’d say this, but… Severus is an idiot.”

Harry snorted. “I’ll do you a favour and not repeat that.” He paused. “We’ve gotta do something, right? I mean, did you see his face when we asked him? He looked so… sad. They obviously are still in love. So… what should we do?”

“As much as I don’t want to be murdered in my sleep, I agree with you. We’ve gotta get them to talk to each other.” He thought for a moment. “Oh! I’ve got a brilliant idea. You get terribly injured and I will shut them in Madam Pomfrey’s office.”

Harry stared. “Why me ?!”

“Because you’ve no self-preservation skills. Duh. You’re more likely to be terribly injured.”

“ No .” Harry rolled his eyes and playfully shoved Draco. “I say we talk to Minnie. She's basically Severus’ mum. We can ask her for advice. Worst case scenario, we go to Dumbledore. He lives for meddling. Severus told me that’s how I ended up staying with him.”

“You’d be willing to face the headmaster? After your last encounter?”

Harry shrugged. “I’ve had a lot of time to think about everything. I don’t really think I’m angry at him anymore. A bit resentful, maybe. But not angry.”

“Let’s go.” Draco grabbed Harry’s arm and they ran to McGonogal’s office. “Hang on, we need a name for our little suicide mission.”

“Hmm. How about Operation Medi-Bat.”

Draco rolled his eyes. “Whatever.” He raised his hand to knock on Minerva’s door, then he paused. “Wait, how should we do this? If you say ‘wing it’, I will punch you in the face.”

“Er… I don’t know. I normally just improvi-” He snapped his mouth shut when the door swung open. “Hello Professor!” He squeaked. “Er… fancy seeing you here?”

Draco shook his head. “You’re hopeless, Potter.” He dropped his hand.

“ What in Merlin’s name are you boys up to?” The professor asked with a raised eyebrow.

The blonde boy gave her an innocent smile. “Oh nothing, Minnie.” He said sweetly. “Might we have a quick word with you?”

Minerva sighed. “Get in here.”

Once both boys were sitting down, the older woman took a seat behind her desk. Harry looked over at Draco. “Looks like we’re winging it, Malfoy.”

He huffed. “So, Severus just told us that he used to be engaged to Madam Pomfrey. And we were thinking, well it was Potter’s idea. Not mine. Whatsoever.”

Harry squawked at him. “Excuse me?! You literally said you agreed with me!” He looked at his head of house. “And that’s after he called Severus an idiot!”

“Oi! You literally just said you weren’t going to repeat that!”

“That was before you threw me under the bus! Again !” He turned back to Minerva. “And he suggested I get terribly injured, to force Severus and Madam Pomfrey to talk!”

Draco smacked his hand over Harry’s mouth. “Will you shut up ? You’re such a-”

“ Enough !”

Both boys flushed and shrunk in their seats. “Sorry.” They mumbled.

“I highly suggest you boys stay out of Severus’ love life. He will not be very forgiving if he finds out you both were meddling.”

“Minnie. He looked so sad . We just want to help.” Harry pleaded. “We’ve got to do something .”

The woman sighed. “Listen. They will resolve this in their own time. Let the adults handle their own issues. If Severus finds out you guys are planning something, I imagine you both will be on restriction for a very long time.”

“Okay.” Draco said, sullenly. “Let’s go Potter.” Harry looked at the boy incredulously, so Draco dragged him out of the woman’s office.

“We’re just going to give up? After everything Severus has done for us?” Harry demanded once they were out of earshot of Minerva’s office.

He rolled his eyes. “Obviously not. We couldn’t exactly force Minnie to help us. And it’s safer if she doesn’t know that we still plan on interfering.” Draco grinned. “Let’s go see the headmaster.”

---

“Harry, Draco, my boys! Lemon drop?” Both teenagers popped a lemon drop in their mouths. “To what do I owe the pleasure, boys?”

“Before we get to that, sir.” Harry started. “I owe you an apology- of sorts. I understand now why you waited so long to tell me of the prophecy. I think at the time, there was so much going on and I was angry, and finding out you kept it from me just sent me over the edge. Don’t get me wrong, I’m still quite upset about you placing me with the Dursleys, but I had several opportunities to tell you what was going on, and I didn’t. I also should have been able to piece together the fact that you’re the one who placed me there, I just didn’t want to see it.”

“And I also want to thank you. I ran into my Uncle at King’s Cross and he told me that you’re sending them to prison for what they did to me. I think that’s when everything sort of fell into perspective for me. I was just too ashamed of how I acted to work up the courage to apologise.”

There were tears pooling in Albus’ eyes. “Oh- my boy- you don’t owe me an apology. Far from it. I never considered the possibility of your relatives treating you the way they did, quite the oversight on my part. I should have been checking on you frequently, and not through the eyes of a squib in the neighbourhood. I failed you, my boy. So you needn’t apologise to me. And as for the prison time your aunt and uncle will be serving? It was the least I could do after what I inadvertently caused.” He cleared his throat. “Now that that’s settled, what can I help you with?”

“Well, sir.” Harry started. “Severus says that you’re the most meddlesome… er person he knows.” He said. “So Malfoy and I were wondering if you might offer us some advice.”

Albus looked positively gleeful. His eyes were twinkling more than either boy had ever seen. “I would be honoured.” He said, grinning. 

Draco snorted. “You might not feel that way in a moment, sir. We want to get Severus and Madam Pomfrey back together. Harry saw them making eyes at each other… whatever that means, and Severus told us that they were engaged and why they broke it off. I think it’s absolute rubbish !”

Harry noticed the twinkle dim a little. “Sir, he’s done so much for us. We want to do something for him now. He will probably murder us if he finds out, but he’ll forgive us if it works.” He chewed on his lip for a moment. “He doesn’t have to know you helped us.”

“Ah, but he does, Harry. Don’t mind my reaction, I merely tend to think twice before crossing that man. But alas, here we are.” The twinkle came back and he rubbed his hands together like a giddy super-villain. “So here’s the plan boys…”

Chapter Text

The past week went relatively well for Harry. With the distraction of Operation Medi-Bat, he’s been too caught up planning with Draco and the Headmaster to really pay much mind to the whispers and taunts of his classmates. He’s only had 2 or 3 thoughts of hurting himself, and only actually followed through once! And his dreams have quelled a little too.

“What time did Dumbledore say again?” Harry asked for the 4th time in the last hour.

Draco rolled his eyes. “6:00, Potter. If you ask me again I will cast Silencio on you.”

“Well, excuse me if I’m a little eager. This plan has been a week in the making and now that the day is finally here, I’m a little nervous.” He cast a tempus. 5:56. “Oh God.”

Another eye roll. “I’ll help you study for your herbology exam, Potter.” Harry looked at him incredulously. “We have to appear as though we have no involvement in this. If I’m in here helping you study, it’ll be inconspicuous. Especially given your marks in that class.”

“I’m not usually bad at herbology, you know?” He defended, pulling his herbology textbook and the study sheet Hermione made for him from his trunk. “It’s just harder this year.” He mumbled. “I share that class with the ‘puffs, and they all think I killed their housemate. I know Professor Sprout doesn’t think that, but when she looks at me… she just looks so sad and… something else, but I can’t quite place the look she gives me. I think I remind her of him.”

Draco frowned at him. “I really think you should talk to Severus about everything. Somethings gotta give, more so now that it’s affecting your grades.”

“I’ll manage.” Harry forced a smile. “Anyway, Hermione made th-” He paused when he heard the floo flare to life. “Let’s go.” Both boys jumped up and calmly exited Harry’s bedroom, where they saw Severus helping Madam Pomfrey up off the floor.

“I will kill her!” Poppy exclaimed.

Draco shot Harry a concerned look. “Hello Madam Pomfrey. What are you-”

“You’re going to kill who, Poppy?” Severus interrupted.

Poppy took a deep breath. “Hello Draco. Hello Harry.” She turned to Severus. “Rosemary. She just showed up in the hospital wing. Said ‘hey sis’, then activated the floo and flung me in!” The woman looked angrier than when a patient was being difficult. “I apologise for the intrusion.”

“It’s alright Madam Pomfrey!” Harry piped up. “I didn’t know you had a sister.”

Poppy nodded. “I do. I don’t recommend them. I will see you all later.” She grabbed a handful of floo powder and stepped into the fireplace, only when she threw the floo powder down and shouted “Hospital Wing!”, nothing happened. “Severus?”

Severus frowned. “Step out of there Poppy. I’ll walk you upstairs, on my way to ask Albus why my floo has been disconnected. Boys, behave.” Once he received two nods from the teenagers he and Poppy made their way to the door, only to find that it wouldn’t open. “What in-” He cast about 10 different unlocking charms to no avail. 

“Check for magical signatures.” She bit out.

He did. “You’ve got to be kidding.”

“What’s going on?” Draco asked.

“Albus has locked us all in together.” He ran a hand through his greasy hair. “I am going to throttle that man. I swear to Merlin himself.”

Harry frowned. “For how long?”

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, then a silvery blue phoenix patronus flew into the bedroom. “Hello Severus, Poppy! I have a message for you!” Came Albus’ voice. “One very eager Rosemary Judith Pomfrey has offered to cover the hospital wing this weekend! So the door will be unlocked and your floo will be repaired first thing on Monday morning! You have much to discuss. Hope all goes well, love birds!”

Severus and Poppy looked back at the two horrified teenagers. “That meddling old fool!” He thundered. “I hope you boys didn’t have plans this weekend.”

“All weekend?!” Draco shrieked. They did not agree to that. “It’s the first Hogsmeade weekend!”

Harry groaned. “Ron’s gonna kill me. I was supposed to distract Neville with Herbology crap so he could ask ‘Mione out on a date!”

---

“I could punch you in the face right now, Severus Snape.” Poppy said, once the boy’s went back to Harry’s bedroom to resume studying.

“Yes.”

She raises an eyebrow at him. “That’s it? Yes?”

“Well, I would very much deserve it.”

She stood up and began pacing the sitting room. “You were being a bloody coward, Sev. Now, I’m not saying you weren’t trying to protect me, because you were. I know that. I’m merely stating that you did all of this because you’re scared to lose me .” She stopped pacing and glared at him. “I am scared to lose you too, Severus. But I didn’t have a choice. So I just deal with it. Because whether we’re in a relationship or not, I will never stop loving you!”

“You had a choice. You chose the easy way out. You were being a damned coward!” She sharply turned away from him. “Do you understand how hard it was for me?” She asked quietly. “To treat your boys’ injuries, with you at their bedside and not punch you or kiss you?”

“I was a coward. And I hurt you.” He stood and made his way over to her. “I deserve to be punched, to be hexed. I deserve anything that you may wish to throw at me, Poppy.”

She spun around and wrapped her arms around him. “I don’t want to punch or hex you. As much as you may deserve it.”

He returned the embrace. “I’m so scared I’m going to lose you. I don’t think I’ll survive.” He whispered. “If something happens to you-”

She looked up at him. “If something happens to me, it will be my choice, Severus. It’s my turn to make the choices. And I choose you. It’s worth the risk, to me. I don’t want to live a life where we’re no more than colleagues. I just want you .”

“You have me, my love.” He swore. “I’m so sorry.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. “I missed you, Pop. I’ve missed this .” There was a long stretch of silence, where they just held each other. “You think Rosemary will agree to move into the castle?”

“I think I won't be giving her a choice. Especially after this stunt.”

He snorted. “Please forgive me, Poppy.” He begged quietly.

She broke from the embrace and looked up at him. “Consider yourself forgiven. Just stop being an idiot, and marry me already.” 

He cupped her cheek and kissed her. They only broke away when they heard a door slam. “Oi! It worked! They’re snogging, Potter!”

“Did he just say ‘it worked ’?”

Poppy laughed. “He did, indeed.”

---

“So, are you guys going to get married now? When? Can I help plan it? I’m not too bad at planning, I used to plan and cater all the parties my aunt and uncle hosted.” Poppy snorted. Severus shook his head. Draco face-palmed. “What?” He asked with furrowed brows.

“Subtlety, Potter. You really oughta work on that.”

Harry flushed. “Right. Sorry, but…”

“Yes. We are engaged again. We do not know when yet. As for the planning, ask Poppy and Minnie. I don’t plan things like that.” Poppy smacked his shoulder. “Okay fine. We’ll be married down here- in the dungeons- everyone will wear black. The bloody baron will officiate. The charming Madam Pince will be there to ensure absolute silence. Filch will be my bestman, and Mrs. Norris can be Minnie’s date.” Harry and Draco were doubled over laughing, Severus was smirking, while Poppy swatted his arm. “What’s wrong? Do you not like my wedding plans?”

“Madam Pomfrey?” Draco questioned after the laughter died down. “I heard a rumour that Potter has his own personal bed in the hospital wing, is that true?”

Harry elbowed him. “Git.”

“Prat.”

“Boys.”

Poppy laughed. “Yes. I engraved his name into the bedpost. I can show you on Monday.”

“You what ?” Harry said, jaw dropped. “You- I- no- Madam Pomfrey! ”

“You boys can call me Poppy.” She said, ignoring Harry’s outburst.

Severus rolled his eyes. “Finish your tea boys. Then go lay down, it’s late and I’ll not have you both lazing about all morning.” He waited until they were nearly out of the room, before adding, “Oh, and boys? Next time the two of you meddle in someone else’s personal life, you will be exuding mucus from flobberworms and pickling frog and rat brains until you die of old age.”

---

Harry sat up with a gasp. Stupid bloody nightmares . He rubbed his eyes and walked over to his desk and sat down, reaching into his bag- that sat next to his desk, on the floor- and pulling out his letter opener. Everyone will be better off without me . He dropped the letter opener. Let’s face it, I cause nothing but death. First it was my parents. Now it’s Cedric. Who’s next? Severus? Malfoy? The Weasley’s? Hermione? He shook his head.

“No.” He whispered. “I’m supposed to kill him.”

Oh please, I’m only 15. How am I supposed to kill a fully trained dark wizard? Dumbledore will figure it out. He glanced at the letter opener on the ground. Pick it up. He listened to the inner voice in his head. Once the letter opener was back in his hand, he placed it to his wrist until he saw blood. Deeper. I deserve it. He dropped the letter opener again.

His wrist wasn’t bad, he only put enough pressure to draw a little blood. He picked up his wand and cleaned the blood from his wrist. Coward. I’m useless. I don’t even have the guts to kill myself. Even if it makes everyone’s life easier. 

He dropped his head in his hands- his wand dropping to the floor next to the letter opener- and he sobbed. “I can’t do this anymore.”

Just end it. It will be better for everyone. He shook his head and stumbled out of his hall down the hall to Severus’ bedroom. Before he could talk himself out of it, he knocked on the man’s door. He stood there, shaking and gasping for breath for about 30 seconds before the door swung open. “S-Severus.” Harry gasped out.

With concern etched on his face, Severus pulled the boy into his arms. “Breathe, Harry.” He murmured. “Just breathe for me.” He whispered They only broke apart when Harry’s breathing returned to normal. “Tea?” Harry nodded mutely, and they made their way to the kitchen. “I’ll make us some tea, why don't you get a fire started in the sitting room?”

Harry nodded, grateful for something to do. He got the fire started, then curled up on the couch and waited for Severus. As soon as the man returned, Harry jumped up. “I’m sorry. Did I wake Madam- er… Poppy?”

“Don’t apologise. Sit.” Once they were both comfortably seated on the couch Severus spoke up. “She woke briefly, but I told her to go back to sleep. Don’t worry, she wasn’t upset, only concerned.” He brushed Harry’s hair out of his eyes. “Nightmare?”

“Yeah.” He whispered. “They… they’ve been getting worse.” He looked down. “This last week I’ve hardly had any, but…” He shook his head. “Before that, I’d been having them every night. I- er-” He took a deep breath, steeling himself. “I can handle the nightmares, alone… but-” He sighed, hugging his knees to his chest. “I think I’ve gone ‘round the bend, Severus.”

He frowned. “What makes you say that?”

“Well, when that rumour started about… me being the one to… kill him.” He choked out. “That was in the second week of school. Seamus said something to me about it… and I freaked out and ran into the loo. I had a really bad… I don’t remember what it’s called. It was like I was back there. In the maze. With Cedric.”

“A flashback?”

Harry nodded. “Yeah, that’s it. Anyways, um do you remember back in Spinner’s End when that happened when I broke that plate?” He knew he was all over the place, but Severus nodded, so he was pretty sure that the man was keeping up. “Well, I only managed to remember where I was when I hurt my hand.”

Severus’ entire body tensed up. “Okay…”

“Well… I remembered that. It… it distracted me from what was going on in my head. And so… when- when that happened in the dorm, I transfigured a n-needle that I found into a letter opener and- and I’ve been-” He broke off, swallowing the sob the was threatening to escape, and just yanked his sleeve up and showed Severus. “I’m sorry.” He whispered. “I-”

Severus didn’t say anything. He gently grabbed Harry’s wrist and examined the scars. He pointed to the fresh ones. “Did you do this tonight, Harry?” Harry nodded. “I’m going to heal it, alright?” He said, before tracing the opened wound with his wand.

“I’m sorry.” He sobbed. “I’m sorry. I’m so messed up and-and people are just being so-so awful and I can’t do it anymore, I can’t. That-that’s why I woke you, be-because I kept having these t-terrible thoughts.”

Severus pulled the crying teenager into his arms. “What kind of thoughts, Harry?”

“That everyone would be better off without me.” He whispered brokenly, clutching onto his guardian's sleeping gown. “M-my parents are dead because He wanted to kill me. Cedric is dead because he was just there . I don’t want other people to die, just because they’re there . I can’t- I’m not… I-” He broke off dissolving into sobs. “I-I know I have to live. I have to kill him b-”

“Stop right there, Harry.” Severus said firmly. “You don’t have to kill him. You are a child . Do you understand me? Look at me.” Harry looked up and Severus ran his hand through the vulnerable boy's hair. “I promise you that no one would be better off without you. I- for one- would be devastated . Just as I know Draco will. Or your friends. Or the Weasley’s. There are so many people that care for you.”

“But what if you all die because you care for me?”

Severus held the boy tighter. “What if we all die regardless of our connection with you? I am a traitor, Draco is seen as one as well. We’re marked for death- circumstances that you played no role in- the Weasley’s and Longbottom’s are viewed as blood traitors. Granger is muggle-born. All of us are on the side of the Light. There will be a war, and people will lose their lives, but that is war. It is inevitable. Not everything falls on your shoulders, Harry.”

“It’s not fair.” He whispered.

Severus sighed. “It’s not. I want you to make me a promise. If you ever get an urge to hurt yourself or if you have these thoughts, I want you to come to me. I don’t care what time it is. I don’t care if I’m teaching a class. You are more important than any class I may have.” 

“I promise.” Harry whispered. “I’m sorry, I know I should have come to you sooner, I just… I don't know how . I’m used to someone… caring .” He admitted.

Severus nodded. “I’m just glad that you managed to come to me before it was too late.” He kissed the top of Harry’s head, causing the boy to freeze up, before relaxing into the man’s arms. “I don’t know what I would do if I lost you, Harry.” He mumbled. “That brings me to the next thing.” He took a breath. “I want to speak to Professor Sprout. She used to be a mind healer, before teaching. She’s been quite worried about you.”

“She has?”

Severus nodded. “She’s been trying- for the past month- to get me to set up a session for you, but you’ve made it very clear to me of your opinions on mind-healers.”

“I will.” He whispered. “I’ll talk with her. I think… I don’t… I want to get better. I know this isn’t normal. The way I’ve been feeling… what I’ve been doing.” He lowered his head, and went back to resting it on Severus’ chest. He knew he should be embarrassed- he was practically laying on top of the man- but he couldn’t bring himself to care.

“I’m going to confiscate the letter opener Harry.” The boy nodded. “ Accio Harry Potter’s letter opener.” When the object zipped into the room, Severus expertly caught it by the handle with his non-dominant hand. With the wave of his wand it disappeared with a pop .

Harry watched as his only form of relief disappeared. He sucked in a breath and squeezed his eyes shut. He knew it was bound to happen. But seeing it just… leave was something else entirely. He stared at Severus’ empty hand, with trembling lips.

Then Severus repositioned them in a more comfortable position. Severus was now leaning against the arm of the couch cradling- the now sobbing- Harry to his side. Harry’s legs were curled up against Severus, until his sobs died down. Severus looked down at the boy as his breathing evened out and he fell into a deep sleep. Once he was sure that Harry was sleeping, he lowered the boy's head down into his lap, and uncurled the poor boy's legs, so he wasn’t too uncomfortable. Sighing, he decided to just rest his eyes for a moment, before levitating the boy back to his bedroom.

That’s how Poppy found them just over 2 hours later when she woke up at 6:30am. Harry- with his tear-stained face- lying on the couch, with his head resting in Severus’ lap. And Severus, sitting up with his head laid back, asleep. One hand resting on Harry’s head, and the other resting on the boy’s chest, rising and falling with each breath Harry took.