After a moment Professor McGonagall let him go and as he turned around he noticed that Professor Snape had his face buried in his hands. If Harry's heart had clenched painfully before then it was being attacked now by a thousand trolls and three-headed dogs. While there had been hard feelings from previous lessons he still felt a respect for the man. He understood what his Mom had been telling him and realized he might have had a hard time being close to Dudley's children as well. Still despite the fact that his Dad had tormented the Professor as a child, Professor Snape had protected him. It had shocked him when Quirrell said Snape had been trying to save him and then he had felt guilty for doubting the man. Seeing him in the forest with Quirrell now made since as did the bite on his leg from Halloween. The man had known that Quirrell was someone who was dangerous and he had been trying to protect them.

Swallowing hard he slowly moved forward to stand in front of the professor, pulled Snape's arms open, and hugged him. At first Severus froze as small around circled around his chest and a head laid against his shoulder, but then he heard Harry speaking.

"It's ok professor, it's ok. Shhh..." Harry soothed and Professor Snape wrapped his arms around him and pulled him close crying harder.

"I'm so sorry...I should have treated you better..." Severus sobbed and just held Harry as he continued to fall apart. Thinking now he realized how cruel he had been and admitted to himself how much it had hurt. He could have guided the young boy, been his friend, and perhaps over time like an uncle to him, but instead he'd been cold and harsh.

"It's not your fault...my Mom explained it to me; my Dad was mean to you and she was your best friend, so when she started to date your tormentor it pushed you farther apart. She wanted me to tell you that she forgave you for calling her a Mudblood and that you will always be the brother she never had and she'll always care deeply for you." Harry assured the older wizard and Professor Snape pulled him into his lap.

"Thank-you." Severus croaked and continued to hold Harry close letting the pain dissolve. Harry curled closer to the man who was holding him and rubbed his back soothingly as he started to cry himself. Severus froze for a moment when he felt his shoulder become wet and then leaned back farther on the couch reclining Harry against his chest.

"Shhh...everything is going to get better now. I promise to be there for you every step of the way and most importantly I promise I will be kinder to you. I'm so sorry for how I treated you and I hope over time you can forgive me." Severus murmured kissing Harry on the top of the head and leaning his head against his. Harry cried harder and snuggled even closer to the Professor's neck relaxing.

"I'm glad you're here and I've already forgiven you, Uncle Severus." Harry whispered back as he started to fall asleep. Severus smiled down through his tears and felt his own eyes start to close without alcohol helping for the first time in weeks.