Soulless

Chapter 10: Waking up to a new day

Severus Snape just stared at the 13 year old boy who somehow managed to do what no other wizard in the wizarding world had done before.

Harry's scar was coated in dried up blood and his body was tangled into the sheets again. Snape straightened the sheets and washed away the dry blood. He was called by Poppy this evening before he finished grading the 2nd year's essays, for a second he just couldn't believe Harry was almost done breaking his shields. Snape patiently waited 2 hours or so before Harry's glow increased and he could feel the magic running in Harry's veins again. It took Harry nearly a whole day to break his shields and the more the time it took, the more restless Snape had gotten. He just couldn't describe the relief he felt when Harry's shields broke.

Snape glanced at the time, he had exactly 2 hours till midnight and in that time he had to separate Harry's memories. He had to be cautious and not to put any extra pressure on Harry's mind, Harry's mind was now fragile and one wrong move could destroy everything.

Snape gently probed Harry's mind, he was surprised at how well Harry had kept his memories from straying everywhere. He stared at the many barriers surrounding Harry's mind, they were stronger than even his own and that impressed and irked him to no end. He looked at the barriers for an entrance, it was then when his gaze landed on the broken corner of a rather painful barrier, it surprised him Harry would use such a dangerous way but then again Harry was a Gryffindor after all.

Snape gently slipped into the corner and had to stop himself from groaning when he saw a whole maze in front of him. They weren't kidding when they said Harry was a strong occlumen. He was grateful when he saw that the route Harry had taken was covered by a golden glow that was shaped into footsteps. Snape followed the footsteps all the way to the roads that split into two and then to the fountain. He had to particularly stop when he realized that Harry used the mirror of Esired in forming his shields, he had to admit that was quite clever. He passed through the last door and stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Harry on his knees, a golden glow surrounding him. Harry was clutching what seemed to be a memory to his chest. Snape went closer avoiding the many memories now that were spinning wildly across the room.

Harry's eyes were closed but he saw a tear frozen on to Harry's cheek, a few bangs covered Harry's forehead.

Snape approached Harry slowly; wiping away the frozen tear. It was then when his gaze landed on the 7 doors that surrounded the room. 7 doors had their names engraved on the front, Dursleys, Hogwarts, Secrets, Adventures, Happy moments, Sad moments, and Confusion.

Snape stared at it for a moment before he got to work. He started first with the dursleys memories, some he had to duplicate so they could go into secrets and sad moments. By the end of the Dursley's memories he was fuming and wanted to do nothing more than throttle those pathetic excuses for human beings. Forcing himself to calm down he started on the next pile of memories which belonged to Hogwarts. He had to duplicate a great amount of them so they could go under adventure, much to his dislike. He had to particularly replay the last few memories which showed how Harry felt after he read the note. What hurt him the most was how Harry thought he was someone else when Harry cried onto his chest, he felt rejected.

Continuing Snape went through the many memories outside of Hogwarts and inside. The sorting took him less time than he thought. Harry's many memories of his childhood were of the cupboard which he easily sorted into the Dursleys, secrets, and sad moments. It took Snape a while to finish up and he was almost done when he realized Harry still had a memory. He slowly came closer and gently picked the memory away from Harry's chest. Slowly he was watching what Harry held as his most treasurable possession.

….

Snape stood in a casually messed up room that had different toys scattered onto the floor. His attention was quickly drawn to a woman clutching the crib bars that held a tearstained baby.

"Be brave, be strong Harry." Lily whispered to the boy. The boy listened intently to his mother knowing that this would be their last greeting and farewell.

Snape couldn't watch anymore. He looked at Lily's face one last time, the same red hair and the same brilliant green eyes; he let a tear fall down his cheek before he retreated.

….

Snape put the memory into secrets and sad moments, he was done at last. Tiredly he glanced at Harry one last time making sure he was breathing easily; he made his way back out of Harry's mind.

Once out, Snape sat beside Harry and smiled, it wasn't a half smile instead it was a full smile. He never did that in a long time and it felt…. good.

Madame Pomfrey joined him and stared at the boy, watching the color return to Harry's face.

"You did it."

"All I did was help him separate his memories, he had the rest covered." Snape whispered and got up to inform Dumbledore about Harry' recovery. He glanced at the time on his way; it was a minute to midnight. Instead of going on he let the clock strike 12 before he moved on.

Harry stirred from his deep sleep knowing that he was saved.

….

For the first time in weeks the sun took its position high in the sky, its rays streaming upon a particular raven haired boy.

Harry opened his eyes for the first time in days. It was blurry at first but he accioed his glasses and placed them on. He blinked several times and put a hand to block the sunshine which bathed him. It seemed like he had been sleeping a thousand years. He let a smile grace his face, it was like he was reborn, starting from the beginning. Harry made an attempt to get up but an immense pain shot up from his head. He felt dizzy so he held onto the bed for support.

"Dobby" Harry called.

"Yes master?" Dobby asked. Dobby was half crying and half smiling at seeing Harry recovered. Harry shrugged the pain off and got up.

"Can you get me my new school robes from the trunk… wait what day is it today?" Harry didn't want to wear robes over his already aching body.

"Today is Saturday master." Dobby replied confused.

Thank merlin it's Saturday, he could at least wear something casual.

"Dobby can you bring me the khaki pants and the new silk shirt Hermione gave me." Harry requested.

"Of course master." Dobby eagerly replied and flashed out.

One thing he was glad for was how he learned to exchange wizard money for muggle money, which definitely replaced a majority of his clothes in the trunk. He just kept a few rags or hand-me-downs from the Dursleys so during the summer the Dursleys won't get too suspicious.

Dobby returned 10 minutes later and only then did Harry realize it was only 6 in the morning. Shrugging Harry made a visit to the loo and took a quick shower, as well as changed his clothes. Looking in the mirror Harry combed his wet hair to the best of his ability and returned to his bed. Afterwards Harry waited patiently for Madame Pomfrey to return. Madame Pomfrey showed up after about half an hour.

"Good morning Madame Pomfrey" Harry greeted in a refreshed tone.

Madame Pomfrey's eyes gone wide and for a moment she just stared at Harry.

"Mr. Potter y-you a-a-re a-aw-awake." Madame Pomfrey sobbed and the words came out barely understandable.

Harry raised an eyebrow, exactly how long was he out and how bad was his situation that he had already two people cry at seeing him before he even got to the breakfast table.

"Child, you had no idea how worried we were." Madame Pomfrey told him as she started to examine him. Harry lay down as Madame Pomfrey's wand ran over him and gave her his results.

"Am I good to go?" Harry didn't want to push his luck any further, he was glad he didn't have to hear a 30 minute lecture but he was getting anxious to get out of here.

Madame Pomfrey nodded and handed him a few potions and a healing salve.

"Drink these two potions after breakfast and the rest after lunch. Also apply the salve every 2 hours on the cut on your forehead." Madame Pomfrey instructed.

Harry nodded and took the potions and the salve from her and put them in his book bag which thankfully he found near his bed, he had a feeling he owed Dobby another thanks.

Breakfast was starting and Harry carefully picked up his book bag so the potions didn't break. After thanking Madame Pomfrey he headed to breakfast.

The moment he entered the great hall Hermione and Ron grasped him into a huge hug before he even got to the Gryffindor's table. The action was followed by pats on the back by his classmates and many congratulations as well as questions. Harry ignored a majority of them as he made his way to the Gryffindor table. Seating himself Harry took the time to get his thoughts straight. He hated being fussed over and he had a feeling that this wouldn't be the end of it.

Harry looked up from his plate that Hermione was busy piling to the staff table; smiling to himself Harry scanned the staff table for a particular black clothed potion's master which he spotted on the other end of the table. What surprised him the most was that Snape was watching him too and just to make sure Snape didn't think he was looking for him as well Harry averted his gaze to his head of the house. Much to his surprise Professor McGonagall was looking at him too. Then did he realize that all of the professors were looking at him. His confusion must have shown on his face because Hermione nudged him from under the table.

"All of the professors were worried sick about you." Hermione whispered.

Harry felt a warm feeling in his stomach which even in reality was a complete stranger to him. Harry started to eat whatever Hermione had piled onto his plate, resisting the urge to look up at the staff table. After about 15 minutes Harry was full and he only managed to eat about half of the food on his plate. He looked at Hermione who rolled her eyes and nodded. Harry smiled and took the potions from his backpack and drank them. Taking a decent gulp of his pumpkin juice to wash away the taste of the potions, he was just about to leave when Hermione grabbed him by the arm and pulled him back down.

"Here, have this" Hermione gave him some sort of album. Harry flipped through it and was shocked at the numerous pictures it contained of Snape and him.

"How did you get these?" Harry asked but it sounded more of a command then a question.

Hermione shifted a bit and guiltily replied. "Well I asked Dobby to spy on you and Snape because I was worried that Snape was going to do something bad to you and I couldn't think of anything else…" Hermione ranted.

"All forgiven" Harry cut her short. Hermione stopped and looked at him wide eyed.

"You're going to forgive me just like that?" Hermione asked.

"One thing I learned from my past is that it's not good to hold grudges." Harry answered as he put the album inside his backpack.

"By the way it's a lovely album and thanks for giving it to me." Harry added as he left the table leaving a shocked Hermione behind.

….

Snape watched Harry leave the table without even finishing his meal. Annoyed at himself for even caring what the brat would eat or not eat, Snape excused himself and headed to the dungeons. He entered his quarters and looked at the armchair which held a box of chocolate frogs he ordered from Hogsmeade for a certain Harry Potter. He didn't know what he would say to him but sighing Snape picked up the box of chocolate frogs and exited his quarters.

He was going to the Gryffindor common room when a part of him told him that Harry might have gone to the astronomy tower. Trusting himself Snape headed to the astronomy tower.

When he reached the tower he stopped at the sight of Harry curled up on the floor with an album on his lap, staring at a picture. Snape approached the boy slowly and seated himself next to him.

"Find something interesting" Snape asked. Harry turned to look at him.

"I found something quite interesting." Harry replied smiling. Snape's heart felt warmed at the sight of that smile on Harry's face. Harry pushed the album towards him and he picked it up.

Snape's eyes went wide, in front of him was a picture of a tearstained Harry curled up against his chest and his arms around Harry in a protective way. Snape flipped through the rest of the album and was surprised at the numerous pictures it contained of Harry and him.

"How did you get these?"

"Please don't ask" Harry whispered. Snape decided to let this one go, he closed the album and handed Harry the chocolate frogs.

"Thank you Professor" Harry grinned as he took the chocolate frogs from Snape.

Snape nodded and watched Harry munch on a chocolate frog. He badly wanted to hug Harry, protect him, and even be the one Harry came to with all of his problems. That could never happen; Snape scolded himself for even thinking about it.

They were both silent, lost in their own thoughts.

"I'm sorry." Harry whispered after a while. Well that was unexpected Snape thought.

"I shouldn't have assumed things that night. I should have asked you instead of storming off and ….." Harry started to rant.

Snape was torn, without another word he wrapped Harry in his embrace. Harry felt the familiar arms around him and buried his face once again into Snape's chest.

"I should be the one apologizing." Snape spoke as he combed his fingers through Harry's hair.

Harry was saying something but it came out as only sobs.

"Hush child, it's over." Snape whispered to Harry.

They both stayed in the same position after that for a while. Finally Harry pushed back and Snape brought his hands to wipe away the tears that still lingered on Harry's cheeks.

"How about we have that chess game you promised me a week ago?" Snape asked changing the subject, Harry nodded.

"I better get going; I have to finish grading the 3rd year's essays." Snape said as he stood up. Harry nodded again and Snape gave the album back to Harry.

"I'll be waiting for you." Snape told Harry as he walked away.

Harry stared at Snape as he left and then smiled to himself.

Too much was changing and it felt ….right.

Author's note: Please review and give me any advice for what you want to happen next. I'm still open for beta-readers. Also I kind of rushed on this chapter so excuse my grammar and all the other mistakes I made. Love you all!