Harry woke up to see a pair of black glittery eyes staring at him. He tried to speak, but couldn't, owing to his parched throat. He reached for a glass of water but the person watching him beat him to it. He helped Harry put on his glasses and held a glass of water to his lips. Harry drank thirstily, coughing a little as he finished.
Harry looked at the man in front of him. For five years, this man had mocked him, humiliated him, tormented him, so why was he suddenly showing him so much concern? Harry could not understand. Throughout this summer, he had felt as though Severus' attitude towards him had changed, he was more caring, more helpful, gentler. Harry could still remember Severus' slip that time, when he had almost said that he loved Harry. No, impossible. Severus hated his dad.
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Severus looked into the vivid green eyes staring at him. It showed confusion, confusion at what Severus was doing. He knew it was time to explain.
Taking a deep breath, he said," Harry, I know you are confused about my change of attitude. I want to say that I'm sorry. I'm sorry for causing you so much hurt and pain in the past. That was a stupid man's mistake. I was dwelling on the past..." Severus trailed off for a moment before starting again. "You see, Harry, you resemble your father so much, I see him in you. I should have realised that I should not have blamed you for your father's mistakes. It was not your fault... Will you... will you forgive me Harry?"
The boy seemed confused, and if possible, a little scared. Shit, I've scared him, Severus cursed inwardly. Hurriedly, he tried to amend, "Uh... I mean, I didn't mean to hurt you... I realise now how much I care for you, and I see you as a son... But, I ...I understand if you don't want to... I mean, it's not that easy to forgive. Um... I just want to protect you, to help you... I... Uh... Erm..." Severus seemed to be at a loss for words.
"It's okay, I understand," a small voice startled him. Severus stared at Harry, not daring to believe his ears.
"I mean, I love you Harry, as a son, are ... are you sure you want to do this?" Severus stammered out.
"Yes..." Harry's voice grew firmer, "yes, I'm sure. I trust you. Please help me."
Severus stared at the boy in shock. "Oh yes! Oh Harry... I"m so sorry" Severus kept repeating as he wrapped Harry up in a loose hug, careful not to hurt him from his injuries from the previous night.
He did not see the small contented smile that lit up the boy's face as Harry buried his face in Severus' robes.
"Now, what did Dumbledore say about my mental barriers again?" Harry said.
Severus could have laughed out loud. This boy had to have telepathy, or mind-reading powers or something. "I see you've figured out that it was Voldemort manipulating your mind last night. Good to see you back with us. I'm going to build barriers in your mind, and I will guard them. So when someone wants to invade your mind, they will have to go through me first. But... that would mean that I would know all your secrets, all your memories. Are you sure you are ready for that, Harry?"
Severus watched the small boy fidget with the sheets, thinking. Then Harry nodded. "I'm ready."
Severus could have cried out for joy. There Harry was, accepting him. He had to try very hard to suppress his smile. "Okay, look at me in the eye, try not to blink. It'll feel a little uncomfortable, but relax. I won't hurt you. Ready, okay."
Severus fixed his gaze on Harry's and muttered a chant. He saw Harry's memories flash by his eyes, some of them left him horrified, others left him aching inwardly. He built strong barriers around the memories, making sure that only he could break them.
Finally, he was done. As he broke the gaze, he collapsed into his chair, tired out from the effort.
"Thank you." Harry said quietly. Severus smiled slightly in acknowledgement.
"Rest well, I'll see you again tomorrow morning." Severus gently touched Harry's cheek, surprised when Harry leant in to the touch.
