Still don't own anything but the plot.
A/N: Sorry it took me so long to update. I moved and somehow misplaced the notebook that I had the story written in. But I found it so on we go.
Chapter 4
Over the next few weeks Severus observed Harry. He watched the way he acted in class, in the Great Hall, and sometimes on the rare occasion when he passed him in the halls. For the most part all seemed well with Harry, but every so often Severus could see that there was still such a burden riding on the young man's shoulders.
One day Severus couldn't take it anymore and asked Harry to stay after class.
"You wanted to see me sir?" asked Harry after everyone else had left the room.
"Yes." Severus softened the gaze that held Harry's attention and continued, "Harry, why do you torture yourself?"
"What? I don't torture myself!" retorted Harry.
"You do. You walk around with this weight that you carry. You are never going to be happy and free unless you let it out. You are trapping yourself in your own body."
Harry didn't like the reality that Severus just threw at him. He knew that he had to let it out, it was driving him insane. His journals seemed to fill up quickly. The journals that he had gotten less than a month ago were filling up fast. He had filled all of them up except three. After a moment or two the realization of Severus' words really sunk in.
"I know." Harry said, "I just don't know if I could ever say some of the things out loud."
"You don't have to." Severus informed Harry.
"But you just said…"
Severus cut him off before Harry could finish what he was going to say. "I said that you needed to let it out, not that you had to say it out loud."
Harry thought about that for a moment and realized a way he could share everything with someone without having to say it out loud.
"Does the offer still stand that you won't tell anyone?" Harry asked.
"Of course."
"Okay, can I come have tea with you tomorrow?" The following day was Saturday and Harry was free.
"Yes you may. Do you remember the way to my chambers?"
"No, sorry sir, I don't."
"That's alright. I will meet you here again, this time how does eleven sound? And I will also have a brunch for us as well."
"Eleven will be fine sir."
"Very well then, I will see you tomorrow."
As Harry gathered his things Severus watched his movements and expressions as he did so. Severus couldn't be completely sure but he noticed that a small burden had been lifted already just knowing that Harry was going to b e able to share those burdens with someone else.
Severus was also relieved that he convinced Harry to talk to him, or confide in him. Whatever is was that the Dursley's did to him, Severus was going to find out. But at least Harry would have someone that he could go to from now on.
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