Chapter 3 – Spinning

Severus sipped his coffee in his living room, reading the Daily Prophet. Mostly a waste of good paper, but every now and then something worthwhile came through. But not today, evidently…

He tossed it aside in favor of the new edition of Potions Portents, shifting to get more comfortable in his seat. None of the students knew he had a regular column in it, using the pseudonym S. Prince, but it allowed him a chance to say what he wanted about potions without risking any backlash against him or Hogwarts. Or Voldemort, either, if he chose to focus on potions that would be harder to justify as ones beneficial to the Dark Lord, although quite honestly given the man's predilections, Severus wasn't sure that EVERY potion could have some relevance with just a moment or two of thought. Just to be safe, Severus had tried to come up with an excuse for each and every potion he had ever made, and managed an easy explanation for even the first-year ones. The problem, of course, was getting the Dark Lord to bequeath that moment or two of explanation before acting. Severus did not miss those days.

He'd been mulling over Potter's problem deep into the night, and it had woken him up early. He'd scoured what there was in his own small library that wasn't potion related first. He felt the solution would be potion-based, obviously, but it never hurt to try other options. But nothing he had came close to providing a solution. Hogwarts, might have something, but going there was out of the question, as was leaving the boy alone. Who knew what trouble he could get into? Besides, Albus had the head for those kind of solutions in addition to the access to the library. Poppy would check the medical.

He would focus on potions; given that Severus spent his salary on almost nothing but ingredients and potions books, he had every major offering on potions in the last century. Some combination of the sensory deadening potion along with magical inhibitor, perhaps, but that wiuld depend on the boy's medical condition too…

A soft chime went off, warning him of an incoming floo request. It was such a simple thing to add, instead of having witches and wizards just showing up to your house, even if they were guests. Of course, Dumbledore and Poppy had override authority, just in case he came back from a mission to hurt to help himself but hadn't ever needed it.

Severus moved smoothly and deliberately over to the fireplace. Poppy. He should have known she would be able to keep from getting her hands on the boy as soon as she could. Of course, Potter hadn't come downstairs yet. He did have ten minutes left on the timer, and Severus had heard some dull thumps when the first alarm went off, so the little urchin should be up. Severus chided himself; there was no real vehemence behind the epithets he used toward the boy. Somehow he was…okay…with that. The boy was clearly not like James in spite of the unfortunate facial similarity. So long as Severus reminded himself to look for Lily, he should be okay.

He opened the floo to Poppy, who smoothly stepped out a moment later.

Unfortunately, that was the moment Potter chose to come down the steps, and it became readily apparent the floo, at least in active transport mode, was one more thing he would need to avoid for some time. The sight was too much for the boy to handle, or the magical aura was. Whichever, it knocked the boy out and send him flopping face-first down the steps. Severus whipped out his wand and just after the first smack had caught the boy and floated him to land softly on his back at Poppy's feet. Blood punctuated the steps and at least a tooth or two had be knocked out. Damn.

Poppy was already at work. "My goodness, Severus," she spoke as she waved her wand, "Albus told me it was bad, but he can't even be NEAR the floo, let alone in it? How are we going to fix this before school starts? The poor dear."

She popped open her satchel to pull out vials Severus recognized as Incisor Inciter and Tooth Tightener. Those would restore the teeth missing and strengthen any others knocked loose. She spelled them directly into Harry's stomach, and Severus nodded happily. Too many people thought you kept needed potions in your mouth as that was where the problem was, but the reality was these potions were blood focused and would heal the body from the inside. The nurse then waved her wand again, and with a soft pop the boy's nose straightened.

"And the septum too. Wow, he just went right out on it, didn't he?" said Poppy, fussing as she flipped her wand to set the inside of the boy's nose to rights as well.

Severus had a sudden urge to put up a sign like in the Muggle factories, reset to "zero days without an accident". The boy was going to be a nightmare.

With a nod from Poppy, Severus levitated Potter to his couch in the living room, Poppy following along silently for the moment. Once Severus had placed Potter on the sofa, she went to work on her complete diagnostic.

"Well, he is malnourished, a little damage there. You think two weeks of growth potion?"

"I had planned on three to be safe," he admitted. Leave it to a Potter, but he was sure two weeks wouldn't be enough with those genes. Lily's half could only do so much…

With a nod, she said, "A little extra won't hurt with that one. Some old breaks, but I'm not sure they are worth taxing his body for, not when we have to focus on his other issue." She hummed as she waved her wand and a colored display flickered above the boy. Severus leaned in carefully to look closely at the small red flares on it, the signs of current or old but incompletely healed damage.

He knew enough to read for basic injuries and emergencies. Clavicle. Forearm. Both past breaks. Four previously broken fingers. One spiral break on the other arm. Contusions on back and around the neck. Deep bruises on buttocks. Bone bruise on the thigh. And yet the boy moved as if he had no pain at all, no complaints. The cynical part of Severus' head reminded him that Potter had just learned about magic; of course he'd been distracted. Today would be different. The overwhelming newness could lessen enough for the pains to take more precedence. But as bad as these wounds were, and they demanded a return visit to the Dursleys, they weren't the primary problem moving forward.

"Anything about his sensitivity, Poppy?"

She shook her head sadly. "Dumbledore was right; his core is progressing well, but it isn't so unusual that we can put it in the realm of Albus or Voldemort, so those kids' books suggesting a new age of Merlin will be disappointed. He's going to be well above average, but he's not THAT powerful. His core is the yellow and white maelstrom-like ball here," she said as she jabbed and pointed with her wand.

She continued. "The weird part is here, this black spot on his forehead coinciding with his scar. Not sure what that is, but I don't like the look or feel of it. Severus?"

Severus nodded in agreement. He wouldn't voice it until he had a chance to go over it with Albus, but if felt like Lily and yet the Dark Lord somehow. What had that imbecile delved into this time?

With a tight focus, Severus stayed on target, though. "So, there is no reason you can identify for his sensitivity? No locus for it, nothing to work on directly?"

With a sad shake of her head, Poppy said, "No. Wizards and witches don't really have a certain place where magical sensing is located. It's all over as far as we know. You can see his core looks fine, and I don't see how that could be the cause. Not saying it isn't, but I don't see it."

She paused, thinking again. "Albus has said it would be best if we could avoid notice…"

"I concur. Systemic problem, with a sensitivity issue, means a potions solution is likely our best bet, I would think. It's almost textbook, except for the fact that we've never seen a case quite like it."

"I agree," said the nurse, "but that does limit our ability to get help for the boy. My friend Lazarus at the clinic could help. Maybe I can talk to him in generalities. He does have a library to die for, so maybe something is there if I can't find anything at Hogwarts. As good as our library is, it doesn't focus on medicine. Surely there's been a case like this before…If I see a chance to get more information, I'm going to take the risk. He needs help, Severus! Falling down steps because a floo goes off? He'd never survive in our world, and we cannot have that!"

Severus saw nothing to add to that comment. "Other than that, is he okay for now?"

The nurse nodded, thinking. "Your potion, and I think a bone strengthener likely wouldn't be bad; it has been known to heal already mended bone too, when not done correctly. And then start a regimen of exposure and building of endurance and strength. The psychological issues…"

"Will be part of all of our efforts for some time, I suspect."

"I can help when you need time, Severus."

He thanked her appreciatively. "Then I think, unless there is something else, we'd better wake Potter here and let him meet you."

With a swish of her wand, Harry' gave a little jerk, and soon his eyes started to flutter. "P-professor Snape?" he asked groggily, trying to get oriented. "I think it may have happened again." He touched his face carefully. "I fell…"

"You did indeed. This is Madame Pomfrey," he said as he waved over to the school nurse who was smiling and waving gently. "She is the school nurse at Hogwarts, and as such likely to become well-acquainted with you. She patched you up today." His sardonic tone was not lost on the boy, who ducked his head.

"Pleasure to meet you, Madame. Thank you!"

He sat up, and the nurse hastened to slow him from trying to stand. "Well met, Mr. Potter. I hope you do not take after your father; he was in my care too much and he even sent or two too many boys to my care too."

At that, Harry seemed to be fully awake and looked horrified. "He sent people to you?!"

Madame Pomfrey nodded, not even looking the least bit guilty despite Severus clearing his throat meaningfully. Best the boy learn no one is perfect now. She seen Severus' injuries a few too many times, and while Severus was capable of taking care of himself in a scrap, he likely wouldn't protect himself in this instance. "He did. He could be a bit like your cousin, it sounds like. While he grew out of it, he did take it out on too many boys, like Severus here…"

"Madame," hissed Severus.

"Tish tosh, Severus. He needs to know. You weren't perfect, and you hit back, but you almost never started anything. Harry," she said, turning back to the boy, "you will find the wizarding world can be too quick to put people on a pedestal as well as to take them down. Given your parents' sacrifice, people will be reticent to tell you about the real people they were, with strengths AND weaknesses. But I can tell already from just your eyes and body language that, as hard as it can be, you want to know the truth."

Harry nodded, arms folded in around himself protectively, but fascinated. "He did grow out of it, then?"

She nodded. "Your mother would never have finally accepted him otherwise," she said firmly.

Harry looked out in the distance. "Then I should let Dudley have a try when we're older. I don't think I can take Aunt Petunia or Uncle Vernon, though."

Severus said darkly, "They are long since adults and should know better."

"Now, Harry," said Madame Pomfrey gently, "can you tell me if anything is hurting? Anything sore, even old aches that pop up before a rain or the like? You'll find magic can help with many of these. And Severus and I are quite god at keeping secrets if need be."

Severus nodded, but marveled at her Slytherin side. She didn't say they wouldn't do anything with the knowledge, just not reveal it to others. He could work with that…

"Well," he said hesitantly, eyes bouncing back and forth between them, "my shoulder does ache sometimes."

She nodded and waved her wand to perform an unnecessary scan, but better to make him think he hadn't already been checked thoroughly. "I sense an old break, Harry. A bad one that didn't heal properly."

He shrugged. "I fell."

Poppy want to call that out for the poppycock it was but just nodded. "If you say so, Harry. Perhaps when we know each other better you can tell me more. Severus has some potions which will help with that and correct it all, although it may be uncomfortable."

"We will try to find something to take your mind off of it; perhaps some pictures of your mother and some stories."

Harry nodded so eagerly Severus had no doubt that was the best solution, capable of handling even Skele-gro.

Poppy packed her bag. "Well, Harry, I'm not sure if that school of yours focused on the importance of hygiene, proper diet, drinking enough, and a regular sleep pattern, but all are essential. Eat everything Severus gives you, drink every potion and every drink on the table, and mind your bedtimes. Exercise too is important; perhaps you can get Severus outside with you. It would do him good!"

She quickly bustled to the door and slammed it behind her as Severus sputtered and looked at Harry with an ominous glare that made it clear the boy had better not even think about it. Unfortunately, Potter quailed in his seat so much that Severus had to reign himself in.

He sighed internally. The boy had almost none of James in him at all; James would have smirked and had a plan to ask Severus to go outside five times a day. Even Lily would have asked every day or two after such a command, out of concern though. It looked like Severus would need to be even more careful in his looks. This was going to be hard! How could he snap at dunderheads whose carelessness risked everyone else's health if he softened up on Harry? And yet Harry couldn't take that treatment yet.

Severus was so lost in his thoughts he almost missed the boy saying quietly, "Perhaps we could just walk to that little park down the way?"

The boy had some spunk after all! Severus went from elation that the boy wasn't completely spineless to frustration that his potions were going to wait even more. "That would be acceptable," he agreed. "That is one of the places I met your mother, after all."

Harry nodded as if he expected it, but couldn't keep the smile from his eyes. "I hoped." Then he became more serious. "Can we go later today?"

Severus thought it over. As much as he wanted to start testing as soon as possible, the boy would need time outside. Time to relax, something to all appearances he had little of prior to now.

"Perhaps after we get through some work, Mr. Potter. After all, we have some serious work to do together. But," he finished as the boy seemed to sag, damn Lily's eyes, "while hard work should be its own reward at times, maybe we can reward ourselves with a trip to the park if we put in some good effort. What do you say, Mr. Potter?"

Nodding, Harry asked in a small voice, "Do you think you can help me, sir?"

Severus gave a small smile that disappeared as fast as a sliver of sun on a cloudy day. As he spoke he led Harry toward the dining room, where Bispy should have breakfast ready and waiting. "Mr. Potter, I believe you will find that the world of potions can do an amazing number of things. We can put a stopper in death even. If the potion doesn't exist, it is only because it hasn't been made yet. But it can be."

Harry's eyes grew larger hearing this.

"I believe you saw my potion lab yesterday when we walked by? Good. First we will work on your stamina by exposing you to magic and seeing what your limits are and start to build up some resistance. Then after lunch, we will reward ourselves with some potion time, and then take a trip to the park before dinner. Then clean up, some reading and personal time before bed."

They sat down for breakfast, a mix of cut fruit and oatmeal with juice. They began feeling each other out. Severus laid out his rules and punishments, with no spanking or physical punishments and no withholding of food, but instead focused on lessons that would cement why a particular behavior was dangerous or off limits and why Harry didn't care to protect himself as asked. Harry seemed astonished and eager to please. Even without trying to use legilimency Severus could tell the boy did not want to be sent away. There was a desperation to please. He sighed; it was disconcerting to see on the face of a Potter.

Harry wolfed his down, a sign of his interest in potions, perhaps? It couldn't be ignored, however.

"Complete one bite before starting the next if you please, Mr. Potter."

The boy stopped chewing and looked up from where he was leaning down to his food. "Mm…"

"Sit up; your spoon goes to your mouth, not the other way around. And do empty your mouth before what I am sure is to be a spectacular apology. It dims the whole point if you show me what you're chewing in the process." Severus didn't manage or try to keep the sarcastic cut out of his voice, and the boy winced.

"I'm sorry, sir," came the whispered apology.

Severus pondered; the boy was too timid. He needed to learn some backbone while also learning manners and comportment. Slytherins would eat him alive, and yet it was quite possible that would be the best home for him.

Dammit, Albus, I'm a potions master not a finishing school!

Perhaps the boy could be trained to love potions, though, that would be worth it. Severus couldn't help but think about being able to rub it in James' face. It would have been awesome; even just the thought of it was delicious. Of course, Lily would object but be proud at the same time…

Severus shook his head seeing the boy still clenching his arms about himself. Too much time dwelling in the past, he chided himself. Move along. Maybe put into effect the little things Minerva and Albus had been asking for over the years. Maybe I could practice too. For Lily, I'll try. If only I had learned to control my tongue earlier, this would be easier. Urgh, this is going to be hard…but if I can handle the Dark Lord I can handle the Dark Haired Menace. He didn't notice Harry observing his internal struggle carefully, thoughtfully.

Hesitating as if not trusting himself to speak without sarcasm, Severus said, "I am…sorry, Mr. Potter. My lesson was well intended, but I could have delivered it better. One of the professional hazards of teaching potions; I'm afraid I can be quite harsh to many, abrupt at best. Part of it is my own failing, but part is due to job hazards. You see, potions can explode." Since when do I explain anything?

Harry looked up. "Explode?" His eyes widened; that could be interesting.

Severus snorted; it was a wonder pre-teen boys ever made it to teenage-dom. He nodded. "Indeed. And if I do not correct behavior immediately, they can hit innocents, burn, boil, transform, the mind boggles at what can be unleashed by the uninitiated. So I can be curt, short, and cutting to get to the heart of the matter and correct behavior as quickly as possible, at the expense of manners. Sometimes. I…apologize, Mr. Potter."

Harry stared at him. As the silence drew out, Severus realized it was likely few adults had ever actually apologized to the boy, or even talked to him. Albus, Poppy, even himself with his sardonic nature, it could be weird. Severus knew that well enough.

"Well, Mr. Potter, if you have finished eating?" Severus wiped gently at his lips and watched the boy mimic his actions carefully. Perhaps he could teach him that way?

The boy nodded.

Not able to keep his own excitement from creeping into his voice, Severus said, "Then let's try some different types of magic to see your limits and then introduce you to the wonder that is potions."

The boy's chair was pushed back and he was on his feet with the alacrity of a cat. Severus said carefully, "Always push your chair back in carefully, Harry, and place your napkin beside your plate. Bispy will take care of it once we are clear of the room."

The boy nodded, this time without withdrawing in on himself. "Can Bispy hear us at all times?"

Severus looked at him, interested. "She will know if you are talking to her, why?"

The boy looked up at the ceiling for some reason, and said softly, "Thank you Bispy."

A soft, lilting chime dinged. "That is her saying 'You're welcome,' Mr. Potter. Now, let's go to the sitting room, where Bispy has cleared us some room to work."

Severus rapidly took the boy through a series of tests. He decided to start with the floo to see just what the issue was. Starting the fire magically was fine; Harry found that part fascinating, and explained the feel of the magic being used.

"Can you sense the spell, feel it before it is cast like you know it is about to be cast? What is the experience?" Severus asked, genuinely curious about just what the boy could feel.

Harry cocked his head, thinking. "I think I can feel it as if the magic is building up, coal..col…"

"Coalescing?"

"That's it, coalescing, about to spring, and then I can feel the…intent? Like that spell felt warm but without any darkness."

That was interesting. Severus looked at the crackling fire. That would be a very helpful talent if trained, to detect spells and know which to avoid, which were feints or low energy spells that could be overcome. There was potential in that alone.

"Well, Mr. Potter, we shall work on that later then. For now, let me show you how the floo works, although we will not use it; your experience today of the magic getting pushed through the system indicates we cannot hope for that yet. Now, what we do is take a pinch of floo powder, here," he handed the pot for Harry to examine, which the boy did, fascinated by the swirl of magic he saw floating around it.

"We then toss it in the fire. Actually, you'd better stand back at first, until we see how you react. It hit you all the way over on the stairs last time."

Harry moved back to the wall, where Severus had him take a seat on the floor. He stared nervously at the fire. "And this is a way to travel?"

"And to communicate; you can talk through connected grates as well. Now watch carefully and let me know if you feel any discomfort."

Severus tossed a pinch in the fire, and it flared green. Harry's head jerked back so hard it made an audible thump.

"I'm okay," he said sheepishly at Severus' stare. "Just surprised me."

"Can you feel it? Is it too intense? Please be honest; if we are to tailor a potion to your needs, we need to get a precise picture of what we are dealing with."

Seeing the black head bob up and down, Severus stepped into the fire, but without calling a destination and without looking away from Harry. Still not calling a destination, Severus stepped back out. The boy was already holding his head and squinting his eyes face contorted in pain. But the boy wouldn't quite close his eyes either, so fascinated was he with the magic.

"Right, well that's out too for now. No worries, Harry, we will find a lot more that we can cover and you can handle as we build toward things like this."

So, if the floo was too much then what? Severus then took the boy through a series of tests. He put a disillusionment charm on the boy, and the boy had managed to hold it for a few moments before passing out. So much for the idea of taking him out in public without getting noticed. Not that they could go anywhere magical, but still.

Once he revived Harry, he managed to go outside with the boy and summon the Knight Bus, but Harry had cringed so hard, Severus had begged off the ride saying Harry was sick, and hurried the boy back inside.

Harry waved of Severus' hesitant apology. "I need to do this, I know, Professor Snape. And it's just so cool! But do you think there is hope? Really? I won't get sent back?" He voiced his greatest fear softly.

"You will not get sent back to that abysmal place. Believe me, Mr. Potter, if anyone had known what it was like, if we'd been allowed contact, you'd have never been there. No, our problems will begin in two ways possibly, but there are solutions. First, if we cannot solve the problem by the end of summer and school starts, as I must be there. In that case, we would need to find you a different suitable home, which the Dursley's certainly are not! The second, I suppose I should warn you of, is that I sometimes as a potion master, lives are at risk and I have to deal with some unsavory types and rarely with my godson, so there is an off chance I will ask you to go to your room and stay there with Bispy watching over you. In those situations, please do not hesitate to follow my directions, and I will ask in advance you ignore my tone in those moments."

The boy nodded, but still looked concerned. Severus quickly decided to change his strategy. Instead of trying to find the limits, he decided to try to get the boy some success to build on. He was thankful he hadn't started with occlumency, planning to save that until the boy could identify the feel of his own magic, and then use that to guide his mental processes.

And that was when he hit a breakthrough. The boy had been taken with the potions lab.

Clear sign of intelligence. Mother's genes.

It had started with Harry's gaping mouth and head-on-a-swivel process of taking inventory of the potions lab. It was so intense Severus had to remind him twice that he wasn't allowed into the lab without Severus there. Finally assured the boy had processed the directive, Severus began giving him a tour of the lab, the stations, the fires, types of cauldrons and uses, knives, cutting boards, and what differences they all made. Harry hung on every word. And then came the ingredients…

While many were inert, common Muggle ones, others were intensely magical. At Severus' question for Harry to indicate which ones stood out, Harry started indicating ones and listening raptly as Severus explained each one, why it was magically imbued, and what it did in various potions. Harry clearly had a quick mind, as his questions showed an ability to tie things together in a way that showed true understanding.

"So, aconite and wolfsbane are the same thing? And that's why those two potions are similar?"

"Well done, Mr. Potter. If you were in Slytherin I would give you points for that. Be sure you are always thinking in class, and not just listening."

"What is Slytherin?"

Severus started putting the mermaid tears and doxie dung back on the shelf. The boy had found it funny those two things shone so brightly. Perhaps he was right at that. "Hogwarts is separated into four distinct houses, and you get sorted into one when you arrive. Slytherin for the cunning and ambitious, Ravenclaw for those who desire knowledge most, Hufflepuff for the loyal and true, and Gryffindor for the brave and impetuous." Maybe not quite fair, but too bad Minnie!

Harry nodded. "So if I want real friends, I should go to Hufflepuff?"

Severus shook his head, mentally apologizing to Lily that the boy thought of it that way. "You will have friends in any house, Mr. Potter. It does not mean those in houses other than Hufflepuff are not loyal and true, just like it does not assure that everyone inside that house is completely loyal and true. All people lie at least some, after all. No, it is more a question of what guides you most. If you wish to shine, Slytherin. If you wish to understand, Ravenclaw. If you wish to be around friends or serve others, but be in the background perhaps, then Hufflepuff. If you want to lead the charge when you see a problem, Gryffindor."

"Ah, okay," said Harry, thinking. "So why would you give me points if I were in Slytherin?"

Severus smiled inside. Good, the boy could catch subtleties; maybe he could survive in Slytherin after all. "I am the head of that house. It has historically been viewed with some trepidation. You yourself, I imagine, thought negatively hearing the word 'cunning.' No need to deny it; it has somehow become a negative in our society to be ambitious, and yet I was in that house because I want to be a potions master above anything, and wouldn't let anything stop me. A healer like Poppy wanting to thrive could be the same. That does not sound evil, does it?"

Harry shook his head, looking abashed.

"Do not let it get you down, Mr. Potter, but do not let it temper your feelings. If you are sorted there, it is because you will excel there. Wanting to be your best is not a negative. Just remember that. Now," he held a hand forestalling more talk on the topic, "let us try a potion if you are willing to see how it affects you?"

Once again, he said nothing but Harry's unruly hair bobbed back and forth as he nodded eagerly.

Severus had Harry perch on a stool as he decided to whip together a simple healing potion. It was fast, and heavens knew he'd need it sooner than later with the boy. He let Harry handle the knife and get used to how to slice basic ingredients and then add one small piece at a time. Not exactly as the potion called for, but it should still be usable, and it was the safest way to gauge how much of the potions process the boy could handle.

"Woah!" called Harry just after they had stirred in the last ingredient.

"What is it, Mr. Potter?" asked Severus, interested. This was the key step, but the tell was when the potion changed color, which it hadn't quite yet. It would momentarily.

Harry was staring raptly at the potion. "Can you see it? Feel it? The cauldron is glowing, and I can feel…magic, I guess."

Just then the cauldron began to morph, changing color and showing the magic at work. "Wooooaaahhh," said Harry again.

Severus, though, was taking notes. "So, Mr. Potter, as we added pieces we had cut up, did you feel the magic grow or did you sense the magic suddenly appear as we neared critical mass, I mean enough of the ingredients?"

Harry thought, "A little of both. Like I could feel the magic with the first piece, but it was like a pinprick when you need a sledgehammer. It would never do the job. And then as we neared the end, it started to growing exponentially toward the conclusion."

"Really?" asked Severus, jotting down figures. That could change the way you added some contents. And here was another potential benefit of Harry's gift and curse.

"Soooo," he asked softly, "how'd you like to try a little more powerful potion this time?"

"Can I cut and stir again?" asked the boy as he nodded so fast his head bobbled.

Severus watched the boy gather the list of ingredients happily. So far, so good…