A/N: Because I forgot before, though I have a general disclaimer on my profile, I do not own any of this, I am just playing in JKR's world. I am not in it to make money or anything else, just to amuse myself and anyone who chooses to read it. This disclaimer remains for the rest of the story so I do not have to post it again...and again...and again.

A/N2: If you would like to use any of the drabbles for a longer story, feel free, just PM me to let me know which one and link the story so I can read it. Thanks!

A/N3:There are mentions of past child abuse in this chapter. I do not, nor will I ever, condone it. I am simply using it to make a point in here. If you are uncomfortable with that, please feel free to not read it. Thank you.

A/N4: Last one, I promise. I will try to post at least one a week, but life may get crazy as school and work both start but I will do my best to try, most likely they will be posted on Saturday afternoon or Sunday nights. Thanks!

Sticks and Stones - Hurt/Comfort/Drama - K+ - Harry Potter & Severus Snape

Harry threw himself into an empty classroom, crouching into one of the dark corners, muttering to himself as he slammed his head repeatedly against the dirty wall. Consequently, the teen, bright emerald eyes shut tight in a fruitless attempt to stem his tears, did not notice when his Potion's Professor followed him in and knelt in front of him.

Severus listened closely, never having seen the 14-year-old break down. He had followed the distraught teen after having seen him rush from the Great Hall alone, especially after having had his name chosen from the Goblet the night before, and seeing the youngest Weasley boy completely act as if Potter was not there. What he heard shocked him.

"Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me…sticks and stones can break my bones, but word will never hurt me…they can't hurt me. They can't. I won't let them," he sobbed out a curse. "No, no, sticks and stones not words. Not words," he muttered the final two words over and over as he began to rock in place.

Severus gently eased into the distraught teen's mind with little problem. He was horrified by what he saw. A large, walrus of a man back handing the child who chouldn't be more than 4 or 5 at the most, while screaming at him. 'Freak, Monster, Bastard, Demon, Abomination, Slut, Whore, Trouble, Fiend,' and so many more, some repeating, most not on various occasions. A moment later the vision switched. It was the night before, students muttering as he passed, 'Liar, Cheat, Attention-Seeker, Fake, Hypocrite,' and even more. He did not think there was a name under the sun this poor child had not been called. It moved too quickly through a serioes of memories, most he didn't catch more than a brief glimpse of, a few he did: Draco insulting his lack of family; his first day of potion's and being attacked by Severus; the youngest Weasley boy's fit's of jealousy; his guilt over killing Quirrell and getting his friends hurt; daily insults from his family.

He pulled out of the boy's mind and wrapped him in his arms, for the first time seeing Harry and not Potter's son. He cradled the teen close, one arm firmly around his much too slender waist, the other resting along his back, his hand cradling the bruised head gently. "Shh…you're alright," he said softly. "You're not alone and you're never going back. You're safe," he soothed repeatedly, trying to get the boy to hear his words.

Harry clung to him, the first voice to show him much needed kindness and love, a warm, strong body to help him face the world. He recognized the man, how could he not after four years of classes and countless detentions, but he was safe. Snarky, sarcastic, stern, yes, but safe. "Don't leave me," he begged into the man's chest as he began to calm slightly.

"I won't, child, I am here," Severus promised.