True to Poppy's words, Harry didn't take to the potions normally. No, instead he slept for three days, making his professor wonder how long it had been since he slept. On the morning of the fourth day, the man was startled awake by a sharp cry from the next room. It sounded suspiciously like 'Eek?' so the professor rushed to calm the child.

"Mr. Potter, you are fine." Started green eyes met black. "I was at the clinic when you were brought in, and I was rightfully worried when it turned out that you had wounds consistent of a beating, hypothermia, and sleep deprivation. I brought you to my home, where Madame Pomfrey healed you, and gave you potions."

"Why? Why do you care whether or not if I'm sick or hurt. No one else has. Madame Pomfrey-"

"-has tried multiple times to get the headmaster to remove you from the Dursleys care. You won't be going back to them." Harry frowned, looking at his hands. That's when Severus noticed the words on his right hand. "What is that?" Grabbing the hand, Harry tried to hide, the man hissed in outrage.

'I must not tell lies.' was written in the teen's hand writing.

"It's nothing-"

"I highly doubt that. Now, where did you find a Blood Quill?"

"It's not my doing! I don't tell lies often, and when I do, everyone can tell it's a lie!" The man gave him a sharp look. "Professor McGonagall just told me to shut up and keep my head down."

"Excuse me?"

"That's what she told me to do, before my first of detentions by Umbridge..."

" , Blood Quills are illegal."

"Hermione said so, and I don't doubt it. However, the Ministry would take her side, and claim that I found it by accident and decided to use it to get even at them by taking down a high standing figure, or something like that." Harry sighed, pulling his knees to his chest. "Admit it, I'm right about this. I rather she concentrate on me, though. So the other kids aren't being forced to use them."

"Mr. Pott-Harry, you're not a scapegoat. No one deserves to be abused." The teen snorted, looking away at the graying wall to his left. "I'm serious."

"Then why was I abused for nearly fifteen years?" Severus opened his mouth. "I went to teachers, to cops, I even went to a cop when we were in London. They just sent me back."

"I won't be letting that happen, Harry." The man sighed, "why don't you write to Miss Granger, and Mr. Weasley? They are rightfully worried about you." Harry closed his eyes as if the words had been a physical blow. "Harry?"

"They killed her. They killed Hedwig. I found her body the day I got out...they killed Hedwig." The boy repeated, trying to get the man to understand. Which he did.

They killed his familiar.

"Harry..."

"She's never hurt anyone! She was always so quiet unless they locked her up!" Harry sobbed into his knees. "It always happens to them! First with Lilla, the cat Mrs Figg gave me. Then went Titan, my garter snake. Now Hedwig. Why do I even try?"

"Shh..." The potions master hesitated before hugging Harry. "They will pay, Harry. I will force Albus to get them before a magical court."

"Dumbledore just wants a weapon."

"Then I will have Lucius help me. As for right now, we are going to start your occlumency lessons tomorrow. To get a head start, I want you to meditate."

"Meditate?"

"Yes, this should explain it." The man handed over a scroll.

/Life can get a little crazy at times.
The hectic pace and demands we face on a daily basis often leave us feeling stressed, overworked, tired and even unhappy.
Meditation is a simple, effective and convenient way to calm your busy mind, relax your body, become grounded and find inner peace amidst the chaos of day-to-day life.
I was first introduced to meditation at twelve years of age by my grade school drama teacher.
At such a young age I didn't have much to stress about, but even then I was drawn to the benefits of meditation.
I loved quieting my thoughts, feeling present and enjoying the deep sense of relaxation and peace that came from meditating.
Throughout my life I have continued to explore various approaches to meditation and have discovered how profound the benefits can be.
Newcomers to meditation often feel intimidated. They imagine a monk sitting in lotus pose for hours on end atop a mountain. But the reality is that meditation is much easier and accessible than most people realize.
Here is a simple 10 step beginner's guide to meditation:

1. Sit tall
The most common and accessible position for meditation is sitting.
Sit on the floor, in a chair or on a stool.
If you are seated on the floor it is often most comfortable to sit cross-legged on a cushion.
Comfort is key.
Now imagine a thread extending from the top of your head, pulling your back, neck and head straight up towards the ceiling in a straight line.
Sit tall.

2. Relax your body
Close your eyes and scan your body, relaxing each body part one at a time.
Begin with your toes, feet, ankles, shins and continue to move up your entire body.
Don't forget to relax your shoulders, neck, eyes, face, jaw and tongue which are all common areas for us to hold tension.

3. Be still and silent
Now that you are sitting tall and relaxed, take a moment to be still.
Just sit.
Be aware of your surroundings, your body, the sounds around you.
Don't react or attempt to change anything.
Just be aware.

4. Breathe
Turn your attention to your breath.
Breathe silently, yet deeply.
Engage your diaphragm and fill your lungs, but do not force your breath.
Notice how your breath feels in your nose, throat, chest and belly as it flows in and out.

5. Establish a mantra
A mantra is a sound, word or phrase that can be repeated throughout your meditation.
Mantras can have spiritual, vibrational and transformative benefits, or they can simply provide a point of focus during meditation.
They can be spoken aloud or silently to yourself.
A simple and easy mantra for beginners is to silently say with each breath, I am breathing in, I am breathing out.

6. Calm your mind
As you focus on your breath or mantra, your mind will begin to calm and become present.
This does not mean that thoughts will cease to arise.
As thoughts come to you, simply acknowledge them, set them aside, and return your attention to your breath or mantra.
Don't dwell on your thoughts. Some days your mind will be busy and filled with inner chatter, other days it will remain calm and focused.
Neither is good, nor bad.

9. When to end your practice
There is no correct length of time to practice meditation, however when first beginning it is often easier to sit for shorter periods of time (5 to 10 minutes).
As you become more comfortable with your practice, meditate longer.
Set an alarm if you prefer to sit for a predetermined length of time.
Another option is to decide on the number of breaths you will count before ending your practice.
A mala is a helpful tool to use when counting breaths.

8. How to end your practice
When you are ready to end your practice, slowing bring your conscious attention back to your surroundings. Acknowledge your presence in the space around you.
Gently wiggle your fingers and toes.
Begin to move your hands, feet, arms and legs.
Open your eyes.
Move slowly and take your time getting up.

9. Practice often
Consistency is more important than quantity.
Meditating for 5 minutes every day will reward you with far greater benefits than meditating for two hours, one day a week.

10. Practice everywhere
Most beginners find it easier to meditate in a quiet space at home, but as you become more comfortable, begin exploring new places to practice.
Meditating outdoors in nature can be very peaceful, and taking the opportunity to meditate on the bus or in your office chair can be an excellent stress reliever.

Meditation is a simple, effective and convenient way to calm your busy mind, relax your body, become grounded and find inner peace amidst the chaos of day-to-day life.

"I have to do this?"

"Yes. Once you have meditation down, it will be easier to teach you to occlude."

"Okay, I'll do my best." The man nodded, and stood.

"I will give you about half an hour, if you have trouble, call for me. When the time is up, you are to eat the soup I will bring in."

"Yes, sir." Harry slowly started to do as the paper said, and his breathing evened out. At some point, his mantra turned to one word: fire. When Severus entered, he was hesitant about stopping the meditation. He knew the boy was subconsciously organizing his thoughts.

"Harry, Harry, come back." Blinking owlishly, the teen accepted the bowl of soup. "Eat, then sleep."

"Yes sir."


It was the day before Christmas. Harry had long since picked up on occlumency, and had his mindscape set. His old cupboard surrounded by fire that worked like the Cruciatus curse. Severus had suggested it, and Harry had agreed. So far, there had been attempts on Voldemort's side, but none of the visions were getting through to the Potter heir.

Today, they were out in muggle London. After some convincing, Harry had two boxes, and so did Severus, of blankets and clothing, for the street kids that had taken the child in. Upon seeing him with a healthy flush and grin, Eek and Cat had glomped him.

"Hey guys! I got some blankets and clothes." The boy grinned at their surprised looks. "Christmas presents. Also, I got something for Kid." Kid was a five year old girl, who refused to tell them her name. Her eyes were wide as he handed her a stuffed bear. It had a jean jacket with Kid printed on the back in gold shimmer. "Do you like it?" She nodded quickly, hugging him. "If you ever need me, squeeze it's left paw. I know you're a witch, Kid." A soft shiver went through her. "You'll do great at Hogwarts, love." She nodded.

"She's a candidate?" Severus asked as his ward stood.

"Yes, she is."

"Harry, take her with you." Eek said, overhearing them. "She's getting sick. We think it's pneumonia."

"Kid?" She shrugged, "Severus, can we?"

"I do not see a problem with taking her in." Harry grinned, picking the little girl up. They said their goodbyes and made their way home. Severus apparated them straight into the living room. "I will prepare her a room. Give her some writing utensils so we can find her real name." Kid shook her head rapidly.

"She thinks you'll send her back."

"I will not. Not if she is being hurt." The little girl relaxed, before opening her mouth.

"Alana." Harry bit his lip and grinned encouragingly at her. "Alana Smitch."

"Well, dear, how would you like me to adopt you?" Harry felt his heart plummet. "I was going to ask Harry the same question tomorrow, however, I believe it pointless to wait."

"Are you blood adopting us, sir?"

"I am. Now, get to bed, we will have a long day tomorrow."