Trust Broken, Trust Restored

On Saturday, everyone bundled up and made their way to Hogsmeade. Harry watched them go sadly before heading back into the castle alone. He was almost to Remus' office when Fred and George got his attention. The twins were hiding behind a statue of a hump-backed, one-eyed witch. Harry eyed them suspiciously before making his way over.

"What are you two doing?" He whispered.

"We've come to give you a bit of festive cheer before we go." Fred smiled.

After Ron and Hermione, the twins were the ones to worry most about him. He smiled at them and assured him that he was fine, but they would have none of it and pulled him into an empty classroom. George closed the door and cast a few privacy charms before turning back to his brother and Harry.

"Early Christmas present for you." He said as he pulled out a large, square, very worn piece of parchment from his robes and placed it on the nearest desk.

"What is it?" Harry asked, peering at the blank paper curiously.

"This, Harry, is the secret of our success." George smiled proudly.

Harry grew more awed as the twins explained to him how the parchment worked. When he saw the map for himself, he was just as impressed as Fred and George. It was amazing! He had known Hogwarts was big, but what you saw above ground was only half of the castle. The dungeons were amazingly complex and there were several secret passages that went across the school's grounds. There were even two that went all the way to Hogsmeade.

He bit his lip. He wanted to see Hogsmeade like the others in his year. He wanted to do normal kid things. But he didn't want to put himself, and maybe his friends, in danger. He looked down at the map for a long minute before deciding. He'd bring his invisibility cloak just in case and he'd be very careful, but he'd go. He wouldn't get this chance again.

xXxXxXx

The tunnel to Hogsmeade was filthy, dark, and very cold. He hugged the winter cloak Snape had gotten him closer and smiled. It was really warm. He hurried as much as he could and after half an hour, found himself crawling out of the cellar of Honeydukes. The store was so crowded that no one noticed his strange entrance. He smiled happily when he noticed Ron and Hermione arguing over sweets toward the front of the store. He made his way over.

"How about these? Think he'll like them?" Ron asked, shoving a jar of Cockroach Clusters under Hermione's nose.

"No thanks." Harry answered and laughed when his friends spun around to face him. Both of their mouths were open with shock.

"Harry!" Hermione whispered loudly. "What are you doing here? How…?"

"I was bored so I thought I'd explore." He answered with a blush, fidgeting from nerves. He didn't want to tell them about the map. He wasn't sure why. Maybe Silas had something to do with it. By now, Harry was aware that his Slytherin alter didn't like his friends. "I never thought the passage would lead here."

"Wow! I'm impressed!" Ron grinned and pounded him hard on the back.

"Ron!" Hermione glared. "Harry should not be sneaking around and exploring gods know were, if you don't remember!"

"Hermione, its Christmas. Harry needs a break. Black can't come here. There're tons of wizards and the dementors are patrolling the area. He's safer with us than without us and you know it."

Eventually Hermione caved and the three of them explored Hogsmeade. The snow was coming down so thick that he didn't even need to use his invisibility cloak. He was very glad he had come. Hogsmeade was incredible. He was so enthralled he hardly noticed the snow storm. But even they couldn't keep it up and finally made their way to the Three Broomsticks for rest and something warm to drink.

All three of them had red faces from the cold, but were smiling brightly with happiness. The whole day was spent talking loudly and laughing, never had they had so much fun together. But trouble always seemed to find them, even if they weren't looking for it.

The tavern's door opened abruptly and the Hogwarts teachers came in bringing a gust of cold air and snow with them. Madam Rosmerta was quick to get their orders. Minister Fudge saw them and went over to sit with them; he also invited Rosmerta to sit with them since the tavern was fairly empty.

Ron and Hermione were hidden in the shadows, their table in the corner. Harry was safely out of view, hiding under the table in case someone looked over. He couldn't believe his bad luck and had to do his breathing exercises to try and control his panic. He definitely didn't want to be caught away from school. McGonagall still hadn't forgiven him for Gabriel's attitude. But he forgot all of that as the conversation at the teacher's table grew hushed and strained.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were sitting just close enough to make out what they were saying. At first, they complained about the dementors and how awful they were. That led naturally to talk of Azkaban, and then to talk of the prison's only escapee. Rosmerta talked fondly of Sirius Black, remembering him from school. Harry went cold when he heard that Sirius had been his father's best-friend, and the two had been leaders of their gang that included Remus Lupin and a man named Peter Pettigrew.

But the worst was yet to come as the others explained to her just how evil the man was. Sirius Black had betrayed his parents. Black was the cause of their murder. Black was the reason he had been forced to live with the Dursleys. And not only had Black been his father's best-friend, he was Harry's godfather.

Harry was shocked, but knew it was true. He now understood why Snape had been worried Remus was the one helping Black into the castle. They had been very good friends in school. Remus had known who Black was, knew what he had done Halloween night thirteen years ago. Snape knew as well. Everyone knew except Harry.

"Harry…" Hermione asked shakily, pity and concern in her eyes.

Gabriel glared at her and covered himself with their invisibility cloak. Hermione cried out, but he easily avoided her searching hands. Ron tried to help her, but he was even clumsier than Hermione. Gabriel evaded them and quickly made his way to the secret passage under Honeydukes. He made the journey back to Hogwarts at a steady run. In just over ten minutes, he was stuffing their cloak into his bag and jogging toward the Defense classroom and Remus' office.

"Harry, I was wondering when you'd show up." Remus smiled happily as he stood to greet the boy. He was shocked when the boy whipped out his wand and pointed it level with his face. The tip was glowing slightly and there was a hardness in Harry's emerald eyes that had him freezing where he stood.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Gabriel asked lowly. Remus wouldn't have been able to hear him if the classroom hadn't been so quiet. "Why didn't you tell me about Dad? About Black? About you? Tell me why."

Remus went pale and leaned heavily against his desk. He stood silently, a hand rising to cover his face, the perfect picture of defeat. But Gabriel was unmoved and stalked slowly closer, his wand never wavering. Remus felt tears burn his eyes. He had wanted to tell Harry himself, he really had, but he hadn't wanted to lose what he had with Harry and had kept putting it off a little bit longer. Now it was too late and he might lose Harry forever.

"I'm so sorry." He said and there was no doubt in Gabriel's mind that the man meant it. But that wasn't enough. His eyes narrowed and the wand began to glow brighter. Remus got the message and explained. "I didn't mean to keep things from you, Harry. I was planning on explaining everything, but kept putting it off. I was afraid you might think the only reason why I loved you was because you were James and Lily's son. And I didn't want you to like me back because I was once one of your parents' closest friends. I wanted it to be just us for a little while. I'm sorry, Harry. It was wrong of me to wait so long. I've betrayed your trust."

"Damn right you have!" Gabriel yelled, furious. "You're just like everyone else! No one cares what's good for us, I mean… the students… ah, kids." He couldn't believe he had slipped up so bad, and hurriedly rushed on hoping to distract Remus from noticing the odd phrasing. "They think just because I'm young, I can't handle what's going on, but you're all wrong. I'm a kid, but I'm also strong and keeping me in the dark only hurts me more. Everyone thinks they are doing what's best for me, but really they are only doing what's best for themselves! There's no one left to trust and what kind of life is that? Is it any better than the one everyone is so intent on sheltering me from? I don't think so. I think its worse!"

"You're right." Remus said tiredly, tears spilling from his eyes. "You are absolutely right. I was wrong and being selfish. I should have told you sooner. I'm really sorry, Harry. I don't know what I was thinking, putting it off. Please. Let me tell you now. I've wanted to tell you about your father for a while now."

"Didn't you hear me? I can't trust you." Gabriel stared hard into the man's eyes and slowly lowered his wand.

Without another word, he turned and stormed from the room. He headed toward the dungeon. Halfway there his stride turned smoother and Harry's arms stopped swinging, instead coming in close to his body, hands tucked into his front pockets. Silas strode into the Potions classroom. It was empty, as was the professor's office. He turned and made his way casually to the man's private rooms. When he knocked, the professor opened the door with an irritated glare that quickly turned into something neutral and curious. He stepped in and allowed the door to be shut behind him.

"I'm not here for pleasantries." Silas interrupted him when Severus opened his mouth to speak. "Why didn't you tell us who Black was when you were explaining him as a threat?"

Severus' face went blank as he faced Silas, who stood not four feet from him. The boy's body posture seemed relaxed and indifferent, but there was a tension in his thighs and shoulders that told the truth about the situation. He eyed Silas, looking for any weakness or indecision to exploit. There was none.

"I was a childhood enemy to both your father and Black. When we graduated, I learned to tolerate and occasionally work with your father, though I admit I still disliked him, but I had never learned to do even that much with your godfather. These unresolved issues are what made me particularly cruel to you in your first years here at Hogwarts. If I were ever to help you in the way that I hoped, I decided to not think or talk about either James Potter or Sirius Black. I thought it best to disassociate you from my feelings for them."

"And this was incredibly hard to do seeing how very difficult it is for you to put down your grudges." Silas sneered back, unimpressed.

"You do not know me." Severus said so coldly that even Silas stiffened against it. "Do not presume to judge my character."

"Of course not, Professor Snape." Silas bowed mockingly. "How foolish of me to expect trust from the man we were placing so much of our own trust in. And it was I who encouraged that trust in you! Because of that, Harry believed he could talk to you about anything. We knew you weren't going to do the same, we didn't even expect it, but to keep something so important from us… You've thrown my recommendation back in my face. You've proved that not only can you not be trusted, but that my judgment can't be trusted either."

Severus felt his cold mask slipping. He hadn't felt it was his place to discuss these things with Harry. He hated Potter and Black. Surely someone better should sit down and talk to the boy about his deceased parents. Surely Lupin would. But the stupid werewolf hadn't. No one was telling Harry what he needed to know.

Every child needed to know about their parents. But Harry especially needed to understand the complexity of the situation now that Black was loose and after him. As Harry's confidant, it had been his responsibility. But because it was an unpleasant task, delving into emotional realms that he was awkward and incompetent with, he had shirked that duty. Now he had lost something precious and was unprepared with how much that hurt him.

Silas watched the pained expressions flicker across his teacher's suddenly vulnerable face. He felt just as regretful, but there were lines that you just did not cross. "You have done much for us, Professor. We are grateful, but we will not be coming back to serve detentions or continue therapy with you. I'm sure you understand. Excuse me."

And Severus did understand. Had their positions been reversed, Severus would not have been handling it as well as the boy before him. There was nothing he could say. There was nothing he could do to justify himself. He felt his fists clenching into tight fists as he silently watched the child he had come to love turn his back and walk out his door.

xXxXxXx

Harry sat on his bed, the curtains pulled tightly shut and warded against invasion. Neither Ron nor Hermione would be able to get them open. Whispering Lumos, he read the summery of the confrontations his alters had with Snape and Lupin. Silas and Gabriel also put in their opinions on the professors' reactions and reasons.

Harry didn't know what to think. He could understand the position the two men had been in. He was glad Lupin liked him for himself and not because of his father, but he could have made that clear without keeping this secret. And he was touched that Snape didn't want to talk poorly about James in front of him, but surely he could have said three short sentences to let him know the truth about Black. Harry wrote these thoughts in his journal and ended his light spell. In the silent darkness, he curled into a ball, feeling very alone, and cried himself to sleep.

xXxXxXx

Ron and Hermione were really worried. Harry had warded himself in his bed and they didn't know what to do. They were just about to go tell a teacher when Harry came down to the common room just before lunch. He looked awful and tired, but wouldn't accept their comfort so Ron suggested they go visit Hagrid.

"It will do us some good to get out." He declared.

Hermione wasn't sure leaving the castle again was a good idea, but looking into Harry's face made her keep silent. If it would make Harry feel a little better, then it was well worth it. And they would be with him. It took them just under twenty minutes to get dressed and reach Hagrid's hut. They knocked, but the half-giant didn't answer.

"What's that sound?" Ron asked as he put his ear to the door. The others copied him and heard a low moaning sound. "Is that Fang?"

"Maybe we should get a teacher?" Hermione asked worriedly.

"Hagrid!" Harry called loudly as he kicked at the door. "Are you home?"

Finally there was the sound of heavy footsteps and the door was yanked open. Hagrid fell on the three third years, bawling like a baby. They just barely managed to maneuver Hagrid back inside the hut and into a chair. All three had to sit panting for a minute to catch their breath afterward.

When they were better, they turned their attention to their distressed friend. Slowly the story came free. Buckbeak was going on trial. If Hagrid didn't come up with a good defense, they were going to execute the animal. All because of Malfoy on the first day of class. The three quickly promised to help.

While Ron and Hermione dealt with Hagrid, Harry went over to the hippogriff that was sleeping in a corner of the hut. He knew this was the one that Gabriel had ridden and wanted to meet him for himself. The creature was definitely not helpless, but it was also affectionate. Compared to Hagrid's other pets, Buckbeak was cute and cuddly. It would be horrible to see him die.

xXxXxXx

The very next day they were in the library looking up law and trying to find anything to help Hagrid keep Buckbeak alive. At least the important job kept Harry from thinking about Lupin or Snape. He threw himself into the task and his friends didn't question him for once or try to get him to talk about what he had heard in the Three Broomsticks.

His nightmares got worse and he found himself looking in empty classrooms they passed expecting to see Lockhart lurking within them. He took half-vials of Dreamless sleep, but it still allowed images and sensations to slip through. Ron and Hermione were becoming increasingly worried as he became more jumpy and tired.

xXxXxXx

Six days later Harry was woken by Ron throwing pillows at him. It was Christmas morning and the two boys scrambled to the end of their beds to open their presents. Due to not being able to go to Hogsmeade, Harry had only been able to make his friends cards. He felt bad about it, but Ron and Hermione assured him it was alright. He knew Hagrid, Professor McGonagall, and the Headmaster would be ecstatic over the cards. He had made two for Professor Snape and Professor Lupin, but hadn't sent them because he still wasn't sure how he felt about them.

Shaking his head to clear it of his thoughts, he lifted a present and tore it open. It was from Mrs. Weasley. The box had a scarlet sweater with the Gryffindor lion knitted on the front, a dozen home-baked mince pies, some Christmas cake, and a box of nut brittle. He and Ron laughed over their similar gifts and tugged on the sweaters. Moving the box aside, Harry found a second long, thin package. He lifted the single white card. It read:

Happy Christmas

from Professor Snape and Professor Lupin

As soon as Harry finished reading the words, they disappeared. He felt something well-up in his chest and he reached trembling fingers to the gift. Ron saw what it was and gasped, practically throwing himself across the room to get to his side. The boys stared dumbly for a long minute before slowly turning to look each other in the eyes. They both began to smile at the same time.

"I don't believe it." Harry said hoarsely, turning back to the glistening Firebolt. And he really couldn't. Even though they were fighting, his teachers still thought to get him something, and not just any something, but a very expensive broom. Harry remembered the respect Remus had shown when he took the pieces of his Nimbus 2000 and felt tears prickle at his eyes.

"Who sent it too you?" Ron breathed, eyes glassy with awe. "Was there a card?"

"No." Harry answered, knowing Ron would never understand why Professor Snape would buy him such an expensive present. Not without explaining his condition and the truth about his summer, which he wasn't ready to do.

"It's beautiful." Ron whispered.

Harry nodded complete agreement. The Firebolt's handle glistened and he reached out his hand to touch it. He could feel the broom vibrating very gently under his hand as he lifted it out of the box. When he let it go, it hovered off the ground by itself, at the perfect height for him to mount. The twigs of the broom were perfectly smooth and streamlined. It really was beautiful.

"Oh, Harry! Who sent you that?" Hermione asked, coming into the room with Crookshanks.

Ron was still staring dazedly at the broom so Harry answered, "Don't know."

"This is the best broom ever made." Ron told her. "It probably cost more than all the Slytherins' brooms put together. I can't wait for Malfoy to see you on this, Harry! Hey, can I have a go on it after you? Please?"

"I don't think anyone should ride it yet!" Hermione said urgently.

The boys looked at her like she were crazy, but before they could tell her so Crookshanks sprang from Seamus' bed, aiming right for Ron's chest. The redhead backed away quickly, yelling at the top of his lungs. The three teens scrambled to catch the cat before it tore the sick Scabbers apart. By the time, they finally caught Crookshanks and Hermione left to put him in her room it was lunch time.

Ron grumbled darkly the whole way down to the Great Hall. Hermione ignored him; her nose in the air on Harry's other side. Harry stood between them and heaved several sighs. He wished his friends could get along. He was tired of their constant bickering and fighting, but at least they hadn't yet tried to put him in the middle. That was something at least.

The Christmas feast was huge. There were only five students counting the three Gryffindors so Dumbledore set only one table out and they all ate together. Even Trelawney came down. Harry tried to avoid both Snape's and Lupin's gazes, and felt his cheeks heat whenever he caught one of the men looking at him. He did offer them a shy smile and that set both men to staring at him longer. He fidgeted and looked away.

After eating, Ron and Harry ran back to their room, planning on taking the Firebolt for a ride. They were just heading to the portrait, broom in Harry's hand, when it opened. Professor McGonagall stepped in with a red faced Hermione at her heels. Their Head of House looked sternly at them and took the broom away for testing. Harry couldn't believe it. He stared after his teacher, only half aware of Ron yelling at Hermione in rage and the girl yelling back that it was for Harry's own good.

Feeling tears prickle at his eyes, Harry ran from the room. His friends cried after him, but he ignored them. They had no hope of catching him. He had become really familiar with the castle, especially after studying the map the twins had given him. He was at Professor Lupin's door in minutes.

"Harry?" Remus asked worriedly as the boy ran into him and wrapped his arms tight around his waist.

"She took it!" Harry cried as Remus' arms came around him. "She's going to strip it down! They think it's jinxed because I couldn't tell them it was from you and Professor Snape and thought it might hurt me!"

"Calm down." The man soothed and guided the young teen to a seat. "I'll make sure she doesn't damage it, all right? Professor Snape will help me get it back to you."

Harry nodded and swiped at his face with his sleeve, "Thank you. I've never gotten a present that great before and I really liked it."

"I'm glad." Remus smiled and knelt so that he could keep an arm around Harry easily.

"I made you a card." Harry admitted, face going red. "It's up in my room. I could go get it."

"Thank you, Harry." Remus hugged him. "I'll love it, but why don't you send it to me later. Right now, I'd just like to talk to you. I've missed you all this week."

"I missed you too." Harry admitted, leaning into the hug. "I was just so confused and mad and hurt. But… I understand why you kept waiting to tell me. I'm really glad you like me because I'm me and not my father's son."

"I do, Harry. I love you. You're a great kid." Remus assured him. "And I'm so sorry for hurting you."

Harry nodded and they sat in silence for a few minutes before Harry timidly asked, "Do you think you could tell me about them? My parents, I mean."

"Of course." Remus smiled. "Why don't we go for a walk?"

"Okay. I'll go get my cloak and your card. Meet me by the front door."

"I'll be there." Remus promised with a huge smile.

xXxXxXx

They walked around the frozen lake. The ground was covered in thick powdered snow. The Whomping Willow stood gray and naked. Hagrid's hut was small and far away, smoke rising slowly from the chimney. Harry was silent. He was waiting. He could see the tension in his teacher's shoulders, see pain in his face. This was not something that would be easy for him.

"I think I'll start by telling you about me." Remus finally said. His voice was casual, but he looked straight ahead and not at the boy beside him. "You know that I have a… sickness. You've seen Professor Snape give me a potion that helps. I got this sickness when I was five years old. I was bitten by a werewolf. That in turn made me one. Every month I grow weak and restless during the three days that lead up to the full moon, and on the night of the full moon I turn into a blood-thirsty monster half-man and half-wolf. I no longer think like a person, I have no memories, I am fully animal.

"The potion helps me keep my human mind and prevents me from being a threat to people. But when I was little I didn't have that and my family had to chain me up every month to keep themselves safe. Some wanted to just kill me, but my mother wouldn't let them. Still, I grew up as something to be feared. I had no friends; people wouldn't look at me or touch me. When they spoke to me it was with hurtful words."

"I know what that's like." Harry offered.

Remus turned to smile at him, "I wish you didn't. But my life changed, much like yours did, when I turned eleven. I found out I was also a wizard. The Headmaster knew what I was and still allowed me to come to Hogwarts. He arranged it so that when the full moon came I was taken to the Shrieking Shack and chained there. It was in the middle of my first year when James and… Sirius Black approached me. They had noticed that I was quiet and had no friends. They asked for my help on a prank. It was on Peter Pettigrew. I said I would after they talked me into it. Peter thought it was funny and we ended up being friends."

"What was the prank?" Harry asked, eyes glued to his teacher's face.

"We turned his nose red and made it glow." Remus laughed. "Peter said he always did like Rudolph. After that, the four of us were inseparable. I had friends for the first time in my life. We played many, many jokes. That was our thing. You see, your father and Sirius were very smart and powerful. They grew bored with school, and Quidditch can only take up so much time. So they devoted themselves to pranks. Most of them were on Slytherins of course. We were all Gryffindors and the rivalry was just as strong then between the two Houses, maybe even more so when Voldemort became active."

"You guys pranked Snape, didn't you?" Harry said as understanding dawned. "He said he was childhood enemies with you and he never liked my father or Black."

"Yes. Severus was pranked several times a week. Some were funny, some were humiliating, and once… once Sirius pranked him and it was very nearly deadly." Remus fell silent for a moment before shaking his golden brown hair and continuing the story. "I loved them like brothers, but I never told them my horrible secret. I was so very ashamed of what I was. I was a monster and if they found out they'd leave me. Well, they did find out and they didn't hate me. They stood by me and kept my secret. I can't tell you how much that meant to me."

"I can guess." Harry smiled and took Remus' hand. The werewolf squeezed it. "I'll keep your secret too. I promise!"

"Thank you, Harry." Remus whispered and cleared his throat before continuing. "James liked your mother for years, but she was a bit like Hermione and frowned on all his pranks. But James persisted and showed her the serious, intelligent man he could be. They fell in love in our seventh year and married only a few months after graduating. I went to school to learn to be a teacher. Peter and Lily did all they could unofficially to help the war effort, while Sirius and James became Aurors, they're like warrior policemen."

"So they fought in the war then?"

"Oh yes." Remus said grimly. "Voldemort was active when we were still in school, killing hundreds. People were growing more and more desperate and terrified. The Light was loosing. Then a year and two months after your birth, Dumbledore heard that Voldemort was going to try and kill the Aurors and soldiers who were causing the most damage in his forces. Several families went under the Fidelius Charm. Dumbledore was already the Secret-Keeper for a different family, so James chose Sirius to be his."

"I know he betrayed my parents and told Voldemort where we were." Harry said, thinking it would be better if he didn't force Remus to repeat that part. "What happened after Voldemort disappeared?"

"Sirius came for you, but Hagrid wouldn't hand you over. So he went into hiding. Peter went after him. I was away and didn't learn of any of this until days later. Peter found him and Sirius killed him along with a dozen innocent people. Aurors came and finally captured him. He was put into Azkaban the next day. I wanted to take care of you, but I was not your godfather and I'm a werewolf. The Dursleys took you in."

Harry tensed and Remus could feel it in the hand he was still holding. He stopped and knelt before the boy and wrapped him in a warm hug, ignoring the snow that seeped in through his pants. Harry hesitated, but eventually brought his arms up around the man.

"I'm sorry that I didn't check up on you. I was grieving my best friends, and by the time I asked where you were Dumbledore said he couldn't give me the address. Said it would be better for you to remain hidden. I didn't push because it was true that the remaining Death Eaters were out to kill you to revenge their Lord's death. I thought I was protecting you."

"What are you talking about?" Harry asked stiffly. He had never said anything about not liking the Dursleys or about the neglect. His blood ran cold. Had Snape told him? Did Remus know what they did to him?

"They didn't treat you well." Remus said sternly. "You don't have to keep it from me. I can tell by the way you were so surprised and unfamiliar with friendly touches. I was the exact same way until your father helped me."

"It's alright." Harry blushed. "Really. Tell me more about when you were in school."

Remus let Harry go and relented. He had made it clear that Harry could talk to him, but he couldn't force the child to tell him about his life. So he took up Harry's hand and they continued their walk. Remus talked for hours about pranks and Hogwarts. He told only happy things and tried not to speak about Sirius again. He left his name out and focused on James and Lily.

Harry was pleased to learn he had his mother's eyes. He already knew he looked like his father. People told him that often, especially when he flew. He thought he could listen to Remus' stories for hours. They laughed and cried together. Harry had never seen his teacher look as alive as when he talked about the past. Feeling warm and safe, Harry stayed with Remus as long as he could and didn't go back to the tower until late that night.

xXxXxXx

"Come in." Severus yelled.

His office door opened and a head of black tousled hair poked around the door. Severus looked surprised as cautious green eyes bore into him. He carefully set his quill down and gestured the boy further into the room. His whole body tensed, afraid the boy would turn the opposite way. But he didn't. Harry came in and sat nervously in the chair before him, fidgeting with his shirt in a way Severus had seen hundreds of times. He couldn't stop the small smile that graced his lips.

"Thank you for the Christmas gift." Harry finally said, red staining his cheeks. "It was wonderful!"

"I heard Minerva has taken it?"

Harry nodded miserably, eyes in his lap.

"Don't worry. Lupin already came by and we're keeping a protective eye on it. You will have it back good as new."

"Thank you, sir!" Harry looked up beaming, but the smile melted too soon for Severus' liking. "Sir? Ummm… I… I've talked with Remus, I mean Professor Lupin, and I think I understand better why no one told me about Black. I'd… I'd like… to be able to continue my therapy… with you, if you would still let me?"

Severus face was calm and neutral as he said, "Of course, Harry. I would be most pleased to continue. It can be too… quiet without your regular visits."

Harry's smile returned and it stayed. "I made this for you. I couldn't go shopping, but…"

"No." Severus took the hand-drawn Christmas card and looked it over slowly. It was a picture of the lake frozen and surrounded by snow. The Forbidden Forest was in the background. "It is well done. Thank you."

"It's nothing." Harry blushed. "Not compared to a Firebolt. I can't thank you enough…"

"You already have." Severus scowled and waved away anything else Harry would say.

Harry grinned at that familiar gesture. He had missed Snape just as much as he had missed Remus, and he was very glad that things were going to be alright between them. He felt the same warmth from yesterday rise in his chest. And as he thought on everything Snape had done for him, was still doing for him, it got stronger. With wide eyes, he realized it was too strong for him to deal with and unconsciousness took him.

Severus stiffened as Harry sat straight and pulled his legs together. He knew that posture. It was Rose. He frowned. What could have happened to draw the eleven year old alter Out? Harry smiled shyly at him, green eyes bright with something Severus couldn't recognize. He/She looked expectant. Rose wanted something to do, wanted to please him. That much was clear.

"I don't grow my own ingredient here." Severus explained, making sure she/he could see his mouth.

"May I?" Rose asked gesturing at the desk strewn with papers.

Severus thought about it and then nodded. He knew where everything was and didn't need it organized, but he needed to give the girl something to do besides stare hopefully at him. As soon as the girl's/boy's bright eyes left him, he felt himself relax. He hoped Harry would come back soon.

But he didn't. Severus spent all day with a hopeful, smiling, helpful Rose. He was about ready to tear his hair out. Curfew was approaching and he was at a loss on what to do. He suspected by now that it was his presence that had brought the girl Out, so maybe Harry would be okay if he sent Rose back to the dorm. Could Rose even find her way?

"Rose?"

The girl was bent over, scrubbing a cauldron and couldn't see him. She didn't even twitch when he screamed her name. Severus sighed and touched her shoulder. She turned bright eyes to him with a ready smile.

"It's time for bed. Do you know how to get to your room?"

She nodded, without looking away.

"Good. Get some sleep."

"Thank you."

"Goodnight, Rose." He said tiredly.

"Goo' nii.'" She slurred and walked forward to hug him tight.

Severus shifted uncomfortably and waved back at the child as she left the room. After a minute, he slipped out after her. She stopped and turned around. She had felt him with her empathy. Damn. He waved her off and turned in the oppsosite direction. He would just have to hope the other alters would keep Harry safe should trouble arise.

xXxXxXx

Silas? Gabriel? What happened today? Harry asked, bottom lip in his teeth.

I don't know. Gabriel wrote. It was odd. Maybe Rose just needed to be let Out for a bit.

I have a different theory. Silas wrote more slowly, showing that he was thinking. I'll tell you more when I know something for sure.

Okay. Harry wrote unsure. It had been a long time since he felt he had no control over his condition. He was really glad Silas and Gabriel were there for him. He spent a little time writing in his journal and made a mental note to talk to Snape about his dreams worsening.

xXxXxXx

Harry ate breakfast with Ron. Hermione sat at the end of the table, still being shunned by the boys. Remus came by and asked Harry to come to his office after he ate and he quickly agreed. Ron offered to come, but Harry made an excuse and hurried off by himself. He got to the professor's door and Remus opened it with a bright smile. Harry smiled back and took a step forward. He knew no more.

xXxXxXx

Remus was shocked by Harry's behavior and a horrible suspicion rose in his mind. Harry was sitting in a chair in a way most odd for a thirteen year old boy. He was also acting deaf. Over all, this wasn't Harry. He looked at the boy, making sure he had his attention before saying he wanted him to follow. Harry nodded happily and stood, brushing his lap off as if he were wearing a dress. Remus' eyes narrowed and he made his way quickly to the Potions classroom with Harry on his heels.

"Severus!" He called loudly and the man came scowling out of his office.

The dark eyes took them in and his face became a blank mask. With several swipes of his wand, all the doors to the room shut and powerful privacy spells were put in place. Remus felt his hair rising. This wasn't a good sign. Harry gripped his hand and loving green eyes looked up at him, asking what to do to make him feel better. He gave a shaky smile and turned his own eyes on Severus, demanding answers.

Severus knew it was time to come clean with the werewolf. If Silas couldn't prevent Rose from coming Out around Lupin, then it must be okay for him to know. And it was obvious Harry needed the care Lupin could give him. He turned his eyes on Rose. The girl was focused on Lupin, probably feeling his distress. He waved his arm and the girl turned her head.

"Rose, thank you. You've done well. I need to speak to Harry or Silas now. Can you do that for me?"

She smiled and hugged Remus. She let him go and ran over to hug Severus before shutting her eyes tight. For several long seconds she stood there, then Harry's expression went liquid, his whole stance shifted. Green eyes opened and Silas turned so that both men were in sight. Severus went to stand closer to the werewolf to make it easier on him and the boy's posture relaxed still further. There was a hint of a sneer on his face and Severus knew he wasn't happy to be in the same room as them. Obviously he hadn't forgiven them just because Harry had.

"Harry?" Remus asked in tight, confused voice. "What's going on?"

"Oh, yes. Please explain it to him, Severus." Silas drawled the name mockingly. "Lord knows he'll be completely sympathetic to Harry's plight."

At hearing Harry refer to himself in the third person, Remus' eyes grew wide with horror and understanding. Severus decided to verbalize the main points anyway.

"Harry has a condition known as Multiple Personality Disorder. The alter you brought in with you is called Rose. She is eleven and deaf. This is Silas. He's about fifteen years old."

"Don't stop there." The teen smirked. "You left off the best part." He turned to look right in the distraught werewolf's eyes. "I'm completely and utterly Slytherin. Didn't think your precious Harry had it in him, did you?"

"Is that animosity?" Severus asked calmly. "Do you resent Harry?"

"No." Silas drawled, bored. His hands came up to cross in front of his chest. "My animosity was directed at the wolf. Oh, and you as well, if you didn't catch it."

"I see." Severus mirrored his stance. "You're still bitter that we withheld information from you?"

"That and other things." Silas dropped the casual act and glared icily at the men before him. "I know what you want. You want me to tell you why Rose is coming Out. The only thing I'll tell you is if you want it to stop happening, you'd better stay away from Harry."

"What does that mean?" Remus asked. He stood with a hand gripping a desk to keep his balance and his other hand was trembling at his side. He couldn't believe this. He couldn't imagine what could have happened to his pup to make him do this to himself.

Silas sneered and turned to walk out the door, but as soon as his hand grabbed the handle his whole back tensed up. Harry turned around. Severus recognized Gabriel in the confident stride the teen used when he came back to stand before them.

"Sorry about that. I'm usually the rude one." Gabriel gave them a brazen grin. "I think you should sit before you fall down."

Severus looked over and agreed with Gabriel's assessment. Lupin was white as a ghost and looked like he might faint. Severus sneered and conjured a chair. Lupin sat dumbly, his eyes never leaving Harry. He sighed and conjured two more. Gabriel nodded and took a seat while Severus sat in the third.

"Alright. I didn't know what was going on with Rose, but while Silas was Out I began to figure it out. I think." He smiled. "Silas only ever acts like that when he's afraid for Harry. He thinks Harry will get hurt. But I know you two won't hurt him. I mean, I was all for gutting you, Snape, but I've come to learn differently. You both want what's best for Harry."

"Get to the point." Severus snarled.

"Who… who are you?" Remus asked shakily.

Gabriel glared hotly at Snape, ignoring the wolf for the moment. "If you want my help, you'll stop with that attitude. I won't take your shit." Then he turned a gentle face to Remus. "I'm Gabriel. I handle confrontations and battles and such. Anyway. I think Harry's come to love you two. But Harry can't love. He gave that to Rose."

Severus felt understanding come and felt both touched and uncomfortable. So that was the emotion he couldn't recognize in the girl's eyes. He felt that revealed a lot about him and grimaced.

"Harry can't love?" Remus asked and tears fell down his cheeks.

"Yeah, well. I can't really tell you details." Gabriel shook his head hard. A pale hand came up to grip at his hair. Then Silas was back. The teen glared at them both. He stood and stalked from the room. The wards didn't even stop him. He flicked his wand twice and they all crumbled under his power, skill, and anger.

Severus reapplied them and turned to Lupin. They had a lot to talk about. And he was glad he was in his classroom. They'd need a lot of calming potions.

Chapter end.