Hi everyone! I'm finally back with another chapter and I hope you enjoy it! Please review and let me know what you think. I know that there are still some people who think that I'm going to abandon this fic but please let me say that I WILL NEVER ABANDON IT! It may take me a while to update but I really am going to finish it.
So please review and tell me what you think. If you have any questions I'm more then happy to answer them.
I also want to give a big thank you to my wonderful beta Nita! Your great!
Back to Being a Baby- Things get hectic
Dumbledore sighed as he turned away from the hospital bed which currently housed a sleeping Severus, and looked over to McGonagal, who sat with a still crying Harry in her arms. Both McGonagall and Dumbledore had tried to put Harry to sleep before heading to the hospital wing, but the distraught boy would have none of it.
Turning back to look at Severus, Dumbledore could not help the small smile that bloomed on his face at the sight of the usually stoic man lying asleep in a hospital bed with his thumb hanging slightly out of his mouth. Sitting down in the chair by Severus' bed, Dumbledore ran a hand through the soft, black hair, as he watched Poppy bustle towards the bed.
As far as Poppy could tell, Severus was relatively unharmed, except of course, that he was now six and a half years old.
"Albus," Poppy finally spoke as she adjusted the covers around Severus' small body. "Do you have any idea what might have caused this?"
"It looks to have been a potions accident; Severus' cauldron exploded," Dumbledore explained as he and Poppy made their way over to where McGonagall was sitting with Harry, who had finally settled down to quite dramatic sniffles.
"I am going to get a sample of the potion that Severus was brewing and have it analyzed. The problem is, I cannot do it myself," and here, Dumbledore cast a small glance at Harry. "I'm just not sure I trust anyone else to do it." Both women nodded in understanding.
"Well, there must be someone, but right now, we are not going to figure anything out. Albus, why don't you put H-A-R-R-Y to B-E-D while I go and get a sample of the potion?" McGonagall suggested, always the practical one.
"She's right, Albus," Poppy added as she sat down in a chair. "Right now, it's too late and we are all high strung. It's best if we leave it to the morning."
"Yes, of course, but Minerva, why don't you take Harry up..."
"Oh really, Albus!" McGonagall interrupted. "He will barely settle for me when he is calm; we both know that you're the only one who has any chance now."
Dumbledore smiled slightly as he gently took Harry from McGonagall's arms. Almost immediately, Harry shifted so that he could bury his face in the crook of Dumbledore's neck and quieted even more. McGonagall turned to Dumbledore and gave him a pointed look as if to say "See?"
"Well, now that this is all settled," Poppy said briskly as she got up and started bustling around in one of the drawers before coming back with several empty vials and a tray to hold them in. "I would like a sample of whatever potion that was as well, Minerva. And if I know Severus, and he's been in here just about as much as Harry, then I know that whatever he was making will take more then one sample to figure out. Trust the words of experience, dear."
With that, Poppy handed the vials over to McGonagall and then turned to Dumbledore, who was look over at Severus' sleeping form with a look of determination on his wizened face.
"Poppy, you will remember to leave the fire going?" Dumbledore inquired as he looked at the Medi-Witch.
"Of course I will, Albus. And yes, I will call you if there is any change, but no, I don't think there will be, as whatever he was hit with seems to have put him in a magical sleep."
Dumbledore opened his mouth once more, but before he could say whatever he was going to say, Poppy continued.
"No, Albus, I'm not completely sure how long he will be asleep, but I can guarantee he won't be waking up tonight. Anything else?" Poppy asked as she put her hands on her hips and raised her eyebrows.
"No, my dear, though I must say you know me a bit to well," Albus chuckled. "I just want to make sure he does not wake up alone."
Poppy smiled slightly in understanding before making a motion of "shooing" McGonagall and Dumbledore out.
"If you don't leave now, you won't get anything done," Poppy exclaimed as McGonagall and Dumbledore proceeded to leave. "And mind that you don't let that boy sleep too much!" Poppy added. "If you throw him too far off his normal sleep patterns, it will be ridiculously hard to set things straight."
Dumbledore nodded his thanks, and both he and McGonagall turned the corner and were soon out of sight.
"Well Albus, I will see you in the morning then," McGonagall said as she and Dumbledore were about to part ways. "If you need any help with him, do let me know," McGonagall added as she ran a light hand through Harry's hair and placed a gentle kiss to the top of his head. "You be a good boy, Harry. Take care."
Harry shifted slightly to see her and instead of answering, he blinked sleepy, red, slightly swollen eyes owlishly up at her. McGonagall smiled despite everything before leaving to go collect the samples.
"Well Harry, it looks like it's just you and me now." Dumbledore smiled at the sleepy child in his arms as he made his way up to his rooms.
xXxXxXx
By the time Dumbledore's feet hit the floor, he was half way across his room before he even realized he was awake. By the time he did gain complete consciousness, he realized two things; one, Harry was screaming, and two, the sky outside was only just starting to get lighter.
"Harry, dear child, quiet down now," Dumbledore murmured as he finally reached Harry's crib and started to reach inside to pick Harry up. However, what Dumbledore hadn't been expecting was for Harry to move away from him and curl up into a small ball.
"I sr'y! I suh-suh-sr'y!" Harry's speech was so garbled that Dumbledore was having a slight problem understanding him. Understanding soon dawned and Dumbledore shook his head sadly.
"You have nothing to be sorry for, Harry. Come on now pet, I am not angry or upset with you in any way," Dumbledore soothed automatically as he once again tried to reach for Harry. "Now, come on, Harry quiet down." Suddenly Harry snapped his mouth shut as he darted away from Dumbledore once more.
Dumbledore stood still, a shocked expression on his face. He could easily see that Harry was forcing himself to keep him mouth closed, but that did not stop giant sobs from erupting from his chest and great fat tears were leaking out of his eyes. Harry had not acted like this since…
Dumbledore closed his eyes and ran a wrinkled hand over his tired face. Harry was once more reverting back to how he used to act. Dear Lord, would this child ever receive any peace?
Opening his eyes, Dumbledore forced his voice to become as soothing and unthreatening as possible. "Harry, dear, everything will be alright."
Dumbledore spoke slowly as he approached Harry once more. "I am not going to hurt you, pet. Come now, Harry, it's me, Albus." Ever so slowly, Dumbledore reached toward Harry and drew him out.
Harry trembled in his grasp, even as Dumbledore did everything he could think of to get him to calm down. He tried all the usual things that generally got Harry to settle down, even after his worst nightmares, everything from rocking in the highchair and humming, to trying to feed Harry some of the cinnamon flavored apple sauce the young boy loved.
However, the main word is "try," for Harry would not calm down enough to safely eat it, and Dumbledore had the suspicion that even if he did, Harry would still not eat it.
Dumbledore leaned back in the rocking chair and closed his eyes. After all the work he, Minerva, and Remus had done to help Harry, it had all come undone. Dumbledore looked down in time to see Harry clap a hand over his mouth as a sob nearly made itself heard.
"Oh Harry, please, child, try to remember that I am not angry with you." Dumbledore knew it was of no use. He also knew that it was pointless to ask Harry what was bothering him or what he had dreamed.
When it finally reached seven o'clock, Dumbledore set Harry, who had finally managed to fall back into a fitful sleep, into his crib, before making his way to the fire to call Minerva.
McGonagall quickly arrived as she noticed that look on Dumbledore's face, and knew not to waste time.
"What is it?" McGonagall demanded as soon as she came through, and took the seat Dumbledore offered her. "Is Harry alright?"
Dumbledore shook his head before leaning back in his chair. "I am afraid that the recent events that have taken place have cause Harry to regress."
McGonagall sighed as she, too, leaned back in her chair.
"Well, how bad is it?" McGonagall questioned as she helped herself to some morning tea.
"He is once more afraid to be touched," Dumbledore began as he took a sip of his own tea. "When he woke up screaming, I told him to quiet down. Well, he took it quite literally, and did his best not to make a single sound after that. Every time he was going to cry, he would slap his little hand over his mouth and look at me as though I was going to condemn him."
McGonagall stayed quite for some time before finally saying, "We knew that he was going to be upset… maybe once he settles down, and the upset from yesterday and whatever dreams he had last night wears off, he will start to go back to normal. And Remus should be coming back soon enough, that's sure to help."
Dumbledore nodded his head in solemn agreement.
"Albus…" McGonagall trailed off slightly as she took a tentative sip of her tea. "We are planning on keeping Severus here with Harry, are we not?"
As McGonagall looked up, she could see that the twinkle that had been absent in Dumbledore's eyes only a moment before was suddenly shining full blast.
"Yes, my dear, I would not have it any other way. I must say that though this is an unexpected turn of events, our fearsome potions master deserves to have a good childhood just as much as Harry. And for however long it lasts, I want him to be with those who care for him."
McGonagall smiled and nodded her head.
"Well, that's wonderful, of course, Albus, but I was also thinking that it would do them both some good to have some contact with other children. Children are different when adults are around; maybe if Harry is around another child, without you and I constantly hovering over his shoulder, it will help him."
"My dear, I believe that you have the right idea. Now, I do think it would be best for me to go and set up where Severus will stay. For now, I think it will be alright if he and Harry share a room."
With that, Dumbledore stood up and made his way over to the door that lead to Harry's bed room.
However, just at that moment, the fire turned a brilliant shade of green and Poppy's head was visible.
"Albus, Minerva! Severus is waking up!" And with that, she was gone.
Suddenly, both McGonagall and Dumbledore sprang into action, quickly bundling Harry up, and getting the things they would most likely need. It was decided that McGonagall would take the long way with Harry, so that Dumbledore could floo over.
Surprisingly enough, through everything and all the hustle and bustle that had happened, Harry did not wake up, and for this McGonagall was grateful. She was not sure what she would do if Harry suddenly woke up screaming, especially now that things were so hectic.
xXxXxXx
Dumbledore stepped gracefully into the hospital wing and, after brushing off his robes, he hurriedly made his way over to Severus' bed.
The small boy was still not completely awake, but he was squirming around on the bed, and it was obvious he would be awake any minute. Pulling up a chair, Dumbledore sat down to wait.
Everything had happened so fast that he hadn't even started to think about what he was going to tell Severus. Not much was known about Severus' early life, but Dumbledore knew enough to safely say that it was unpleasant. Dumbledore was actually a mite excited at being able to give his surrogate son a second chance. Goodness knows he deserved it.
The boy on the bed gave a small groan and suddenly sprang up, looking around wildly. His onyx colored eyes came to rest on Dumbledore, and his bottom lip quivered slightly, but the boy quickly clenched his jaw to stop it. Dumbledore could see that lessons in controlling one's emotions had started very young in the Snape household.
"Hello, Severus," Dumbledore began gently. "I am Albus Dumbledore, how do you feel?" Almost as if this was some sort of key phrase, Poppy came bustling out of her office and began running diagnostic spells over Severus as he sat, rigid, with his eyes the size of saucers, and looking as though he wanted desperately to cry.
"Poppy, please, could you give us a moment?" Dumbledore asked, and just as Poppy was about to give a furious reply, probably something along the lines of "He is my patient!", Dumbledore gave a pointed look toward the young boy on the bed, and with a slightly angry huff, Poppy bustled back to her office.
"You must forgive Poppy; she just wants to make sure you are alright. Now Severus, I'm sure you have some questions, so why don't you ask them?" Dumbledore prodded gently as he moved his chair closer, but not so close as to make the boy feel threatened enough to run. Just close enough that Dumbledore would be able to stop him.
"I… don't know whur I am…" Severus began, and Dumbledore actually had to hold back a look of surprise. For some reason, it only just hit him that Severus had been de-aged, up until this moment he had expected this young boy to sound exactly as his grown up counter part did. Shaking it off, Dumbledore nodded in encouragement.
"That's understandable, my dear boy. Well, you are at Hogwarts. Do you know what that is?" Severus nodded, his eyes once more growing wide, but this time in excitement.
"Whur awr my Muther and Father?" When Severus spoke this time, it was in a much more normal tone and at a faster pace.
"Your parents are not here, Severus, dear; you will not be seeing them again I am-" Dumbledore suddenly stopped as he noticed that the calm façade that Severus had been trying to maintain was shattering. "Severus what-'"
"They left me?" The question was asked in a broken whisper. "Am I going to go to an ofanage now?" Several tears slipped out of his eyes as he spoke.
"Oh dear child, no!" Dumbledore exclaimed, wiping away the tears gently before he cupped Severus' face in his hands. "I am going to take care of you and there is a nice lady here named Minerva McGonagall who will as well. Do not worry child, shed no more tears, everything will be fine." Dumbledore waited a few moments to see if the boy was going to get even more distressed, but was surprised when he simply sat back on the bed and said, "Ok".
Dumbledore stared at the boy for a moment before leaning back in his chair and smiling at the boy; he had been expecting to have to give a far longer explanation of things. However, he was not going to complain, and as of now, it was better to stick with a short version of things until it was known what exactly the potion did.
"May I tend to my patient now?" Poppy snapped as she appeared in the doorway to her office. "Am I allowed?"
Not waiting for an answer, she bustled around looking for the things she needed. After charming everything to float behind her, she stood by Severus' bed and smiled down at him. "Well, how are you doing dear? Feel alright?" Severus nodded slightly but he was looking more then a little uncomfortable.
"Albus, I'm going to have to ask you to wait outside while we finish up in here," Poppy instructed as she started to show the headmaster to the door. However, just as Dumbledore was about to leave, something attached itself to his robes, making his step falter. When he and Poppy looked down, they were surprised to see a very frightened looking Severus looking back at them.
"Now, really!" Poppy exclaimed at seeing her patient out of bed. "Young man, you march yourself right back to that bed!" Severus' only response was to clutch tighter at Dumbledore's robes and bury his face in the many folds. Both adults exchanged looks of surprise as Dumbledore bent down to talk with the boy.
"Severus, you need to go back to the bed so that Madam Pomphry can look you over and make sure you're healthy." Severus stubbornly shook his head. "Come now, my boy, would you feel better if I stayed here with you?"
"Now really, Albus, you can't. Some of the tests I run might be affected if someone else is in the room," Poppy explained, as she took Severus' arm and tried to lead him back to the bed.
Whatever reaction Poppy and Dumbledore had been expecting, it was not what Severus actually did. When Poppy tried to pull Severus away, he actually cried out and latched on even tighter to Dumbledore. A second later, he was crying and babbling so fast that it was impossible to actually tell what he was saying.
Without a moment's hesitation, Dumbledore swooped down and picked Severus up. He had to admit the boy was much heavier then Harry, and it took him a moment to adjust to the heavier weight in this arms. Severus, on the other hand, wound his arms around Dumbledore's neck and wrapped his legs around Dumbledore's waist as he continued to cry.
"Severus, child, what is the matter?" Dumbledore asked urgently. This was the type of behavior he had been expecting after Severus first woke up, but he had taken everything so well! Well...obviously not.
"Severus, please tell me, my boy. I can't help you if you don't tell me what's wrong."
Severus' only reply was to shake his head and clutch Dumbledore tighter.
"Perhaps its shock," Poppy suggested as she motioned for Dumbledore to set Severus back on his bed. "We don't really know what that…. Well, you know what I mean, Albus."
Dumbledore nodded, but instead of putting Severus down on the bed, he sat on the bed himself and continued to sooth the child.
"Poppy, you are not going to get anything done right now. Could you please go and warm a cup of milk for Harry for when they arrive? And perhaps some tea for Minerva," Dumbledore suggested as he rubbed light circles on Severus' small back. Poppy nodded and went to go prepare everything.
Several minutes later, Severus had calmed down to the point where he was no longer crying but he would not let Dumbledore put him down. So Dumbledore continued holding the boy, while telling him stories and often times simply telling him that even though Severus did not know it, he had known him for a very long time and cared for him greatly.
When the doors to the hospital wing opened, and McGonagall walked in with a still sleeping Harry, Dumbledore made sure to motion her to be quiet. Understanding, McGonagall sat on one of the beds closest to the door and waited.
Less then five minutes after McGonagall's arrival, Dumbledore looked down to see that Severus was asleep, and smiling slightly, he gently laid him down on the bed and tucked the covers around him, before walking over to where McGonagall and Harry sat.
"Well? How is he?" McGonagall asked anxiously as she settled Harry down on the bed so that he could continue to sleep undisturbed.
"Obviously confused," Dumbledore began as he and McGonagall walked over to Severus' bedside. "He got hysterical when Poppy asked me to leave. I am getting the feeling that Severus' does not care very much for the hospital wing. I think it might be best if we move him as soon as possible to my rooms so that he can start getting settled."
"Lets talk with Poppy; you know how she is about her patients," McGonagall said with a slight smile.
"Poppy?" Dumbledore called when they had reached her office. "Severus and Harry are asleep," Dumbledore explained as he and McGonagall walked into her office. "Minerva and I were just wondering when it would be alright to move Severus to my quarters?"
Poppy sighed and leaned back in her chair. Across her desk were pieces of parchment with endless numbers, writing, and other scribbles. Looking down at one of the many charts, Poppy held it up for her colleges to see.
"Since I am not sure what exactly Severus was working with, I really can't say what is going to happen. So far, he has not had any negative effects, other then the obvious deageing. However, last night I was running some tests, and the activity in his body seems to be working overtime. It is not dangerous, but it appears that Severus is ageing rather quickly. This morning when I performed the age spell again, it said that he was closer to seven years old. I'm not exactly sure how this is happening, but it's best if that potion is looked at right away. From what I can tell. there really is nothing wrong with him, other then the fact that he is slightly undernourished, I really don't see why you cant take him right now." Poppy hesitated for a moment before standing up and continuing. "I was just going over some formulas, but without knowing what potion it was… well, you will let me know as soon as you find out, won't you?"
"Yes, of course we will," McGonagall murmured as she tried to wrap her mind around everything that was going on. "Well, Albus, why don't we take him up now that he's asleep? Make things a little easier for him," McGonagall said as she looked out of the office door and at Severus' sleeping form.
"Yes, of course. Well, Poppy, thank you for everything, we will be in touch." Dumbledore smiled slightly as he and McGonagall exited the room.
"Albus, why don't you take Severus and I'll take Harry," McGonagall offered as she made her way over to Harry and picked him up easily. It took Dumbledore a moment before he was able to get used to Severus' larger weight, and he had to shift the boy slightly to keep his balance, but fast enough, he turned and followed McGonagall out of the hospital wing.
xXxXxXx
Once the group got back to Dumbledore's rooms, Dumbledore gave Severus to McGonagall as he went into Harry's room to quickly transfigure a bed for Severus. McGonagall came in and put Harry in his own cot. Dumbledore tucked Severus in and quickly realized that the transfiguration was not his best work. However, at the moment, with his fried nerves and so many things going on, it was hard to really care too much.
"Well!" McGonagall sighed as she and Dumbledore settle down for a much needed cup of soothing tea. "Albus, I knew when I agreed to help you that my summer would not be dull, but really! Must there be so much excitement?"
Dumbledore chuckled softly as he added honey to his tea.
"Two children to watch. This will certainly be interesting. Now Minerva, I was thinking that it might be better to let the two have some time with one of us later today."
"Yes… Harry would certainly benefit from that. Some one on one attention should help him," McGonagall agreed as she took a small sip of tea. "And then, of course, it would probably make things easier on Severus. Perhaps after lunch, I can take Harry and let you and Severus have some together time. We should at least introduce them to each other."
"Yes, yes, of course. Might I suggest the Room of Requirement if you find a lack of something to do? I'm sure Harry would enjoy it."
"Perhaps, yes… that sounds fine. You should take Severus outside. Goodness knows that child could use some sun."
"I was just going to stay here, but I think that is an even better idea, Minerva," Dumbledore admitted. "Hopefully, Severus will like the outdoors as much as Harry."
As McGonagall and Dumbledore finished up their tea, they both kept a close eye on the large grandfather clock to make sure that Harry would not over-sleep. Just as McGonagall was going to go in and check on Harry, a small cry cut through the lazy silence and McGonagall smiled slightly as she went into Harry's room. A second later, she came back out with Harry in her arms, looking as though he was still half asleep as he rubbed his eyes and clutched his blanket.
"Hello there, my boy." Dumbledore smiled as McGonagall sat down across from him again. Harry gave a hesitant smile in return and a small wave.
"Harry, Albus and I had an idea for today, would you like to hear it?" McGonagall asked as she looked down at the boy in her lap. Harry nodded slightly, looking up at McGonagall. "Well, we thought that it would be nice if this afternoon after lunch, me and you could have some fun together. Would you like that?" Harry smiled shyly and nodded.
"Wonderful!" Dumbledore exclaimed with a bright smile. "Well then, Harry, would you like something to eat?" Harry simply looked at him but said nothing.
"Come now, Harry, dear, you need to tell us what you would like," McGonagall said in a soft voice.
"Yo-gur…" Harry said softly as he looked between McGonagall and Dumbledore as if trying to see if he was in trouble.
"Yogurt, that sounds excellent, Harry." Dumbledore smiled as he got up and walked over to his desk. Turning his back to them, he silently called for what Harry wanted, as well as some fresh fruit.
"That's sounds very yummy, Harry, and very healthy too!" McGonagall laughed and Harry seemed pleased that their reactions.
Harry quickly finished his breakfast and was then set down on the floor to play with his different toys. Both of his caregivers were saddened to see that he did not have any real zest for playing and simply pushed his toys around.
Severus woke a few hours before lunch and came out of the room and stood in the door way until Harry looked up and noticed him. Dropping the block he was holding, Harry sat back, his eyebrows knitted together as he looked at the dark haired boy standing in the doorway.
"Severus!" Dumbledore exclaimed as he followed Harry's gaze. "How are you doing, my boy? Did you sleep well?" Dumbledore asked as he motioned for Severus to come over to him. After several moments hesitation, Severus slowly walked over to Dumbledore and allowed himself to be picked up and set on the old wizards lap.
"Hello, Severus," McGonagall greeted kindly as she picked Harry up and brought him over to where Severus and Dumbledore were sitting. The two youths regarded each other silently.
"Severus, this is Minerva. She is going to help me take care of you," Dumbledore explained gently. "Can you say hello?"
"Hello," Severus said softly as he leaned back against Dumbledore. Dumbledore and McGonagall both smiled at him.
"Severus, this young man right here," Dumbledore said indicating Harry, "is Harry. Minerva and I are watching him as well. We hope that you two can get along and have a wonderful time." Severus and Harry continued to watch each other silently until Harry looked away and pressed himself back against McGonagall.
"There, there, pet," McGonagall soothed. "He's just shy," McGonagall explained to Severus as she set Harry down and nudged him over to his toys. After a few moments, Harry sat down and resumed playing with his blocks.
"What would you like to eat, Severus?" McGonagall asked as she settled back into her chair. Severus dragged his eyes away from watching Harry and back to McGonagall.
"Umm…" Severus hesitated looking up at Dumbledore as though hoping he would know already.
"Go on Severus, tell us what you would like," Dumbledore nudged gently.
"Umm… jam an' toast an' egg…" Severus looked thoughtful for a moment before his face lit up. "Orange juice please!" Both McGonagall and Dumbledore laughed at his enthusiasm and Severus gave a small pleased smile as well.
Making sure that Harry was not watching, Dumbledore ordered Severus his food and couldn't help but feel content that magic did not have to be hidden from Severus like it did for Harry.
Severus ate quickly and was even able to have a nice bowl of fruit before he pushed his plate away with a quick "all done!"
"Alright then, Severus, why don't you go play with Harry while Minerva and I get ready for the day?" Dumbledore suggested. "You and I can spend the rest of the afternoon together and Minerva is going to take Harry, so it'll just be me and you." Severus nodded as he got down off his chair and slowly made his way over to Harry.
Dumbledore and McGonagall smiled at each other as they both went about making sure that they had everything ready for the afternoon. One thing that they had both realized was that Severus was still in the pajamas from the hospital wing and so McGonagall was going to transfigure a few simple things for him until they got the opportunity to go buy some.
As Dumbledore and McGonagall bustled from room to room gathering everything together, they did not pay too much attention to the two children who appeared to be playing in contentment on the floor.
Harry watched as the big boy walked over to him when he had been told that they should play together. The big boy, Se'vus, walked over and sat down, and looked down at Harry without saying anything. Not knowing what to do, Harry shyly held up a block for the other boy to take.
Severus frowned down at the small boy as he snatched the block out of his hands and sat down heavily. Harry looked taken aback and flinched when Severus grabbed several other blocks that were close to Harry.
"What?" Severus demanded when he saw that Harry was not stacking blocks like he was. Harry simply watched him silently with wide eyes. "Why don' you play?"
Severus kicked a block towards Harry, hitting it harder then it was necessary so that when it stopped, it was too far away for Harry to reach.
"Why don' you say anythin'?" Severus demanded, his frown deepening. Harry looked away; he did not like the look on the boy's face. Looking up, Harry watched as Ms. Meleroneful and Mr. Dwumbledow bustled around doing grown up things, and hoped that one of them would come and get him soon.
"Well? Why don' you say anything? Don' you know how to talk?" Harry frowned slightly but still did not speak. "Oh, I get it!" Severus continued. "You'wr just a baby! Babies can' talk!" Severus crossed his arms and looked down at Harry as though proving that Harry was so much smaller then he.
"I no baby…" Harry whispered, looking at the ground. He was feeling more and more sad and uncomfortable the longer he was around the boy.
"Yeah, you awr!" Severus snapped childishly, and he got up so that he was towering over Harry. "Baby, baby, baby!" Severus taunted. Harry leaned back and crawled away slightly before hesitantly getting to his feet.
"I's not a baby!" Harry's voice was still little more then a forceful whisper, and he could not bring himself to look at the bigger boy.
"Yeah! Little baby!" Severus continued as he put a hand on Harry's shoulder and forced him to sit down. "Play baby! Baby, baby, can' do nothin' but play! They no good at anythin' else!"
Harry's eyes started to fill with tears as he forced himself to pick up a block and start to make a tower. Harry had only just stacked on the third block when Severus suddenly kicked the blocks, causing them to go in every direction.
"Baby's don do nothin'…!"
"SEVERUS!" Harry and Severus both jumped as Dumbledore and McGonagall rushed over to them. Severus was looking up at the adults with wide eyes while Harry was still looking at the ground. His small hands were shaking and fat tears were leaking out of his eyes.
"Severus Snape! That was very mean, what you did!" Dumbledore scolded as he knelt down and forced Severus to look at him. "You and Harry must get along and you are not to pick on him! He is younger then you are and you should know better!" Dumbledore continued as he watched McGonagall out of the corner of his eye go over to Harry. Dumbledore felt a pang of anger and sadness as he watched Harry flinch away from her before allowing himself to be picked up.
"Severus, really!" McGonagall started as she came over with Harry in her arms. He had his head lying against her shoulder and was clutching at her robes. "If for some reason you and Harry have a disagreement, you must come to us! Name calling is not permitted here!"
Severus looked from one adult to the other before his eyes came to rest on the boy in McGonagall's arms. A slightly pained look crossed his face before his gaze dropped to the floor and he hung his head. Moments later, tears were filling his eyes.
"Severus…" Dumbledore sighed so that he could calm down. "Severus, we are not angry. We are upset because what you did hurt Harry." McGonagall nodded.
"We want you boys to be able to get along. Severus, you're older then Harry, so you knew what you were doing was wrong."
"Come now, Severus, none of that, everything is all right," Dumbledore soothed as he drew Severus to him and ran a hand through the boy's longish hair. "I want you to apologize to Harry."
Taking this as her cue, McGonagall knelt down and turned Harry to face Severus. Harry did his best to resist and continued to clutch at McGonagall's robes. For several long moments, no one spoke, then very softly, Severus mumbled, "Sorry."
"Thank you, Severus," Dumbledore praised. "Now, why don't you go change into some other clothes? I believe that Minerva left some on your bed, and then we can go." Dumbledore had to give Severus a gentle nudge before he left the room.
Sighing, Dumbledore stood up and turned to McGonagall and Harry. Putting a hand on the boy's back, he closed his eyes for a moment when Harry flinched at the touch.
"I'm sorry, Harry. I'm sure that Severus just needs to get used to things. That doesn't excuse his behavior, but please don't judge him on this alone," Dumbledore said as he wiped away the remaining tears on Harry's face.
"Minerva, I will talk with Severus," Dumbledore continued as he looked up at his Deputy Headmistress. "I must say, I should have foreseen this." Dumbledore shook his head. "I'm sure things will work out."
xXxXxXx
That night, after both boys had been put to bed, McGonagall and Dumbledore sat down to discuss their day.
"Well, I must say that Severus enjoyed being outside. He tired quickly, but he did love it," Dumbledore started as he leaned back in his seat to get more comfortable. "I did talk with him about Harry. It did not seem to be a topic he wanted to discuss. I made sure that it was clear that he needed to be nice to Harry, and that if he needed anything, that we are here for him. I also made it clear that we cared for him and Harry equally. I'm not going to say that they won't have their occasional spats, they're children! But I don't want it getting out of hand."
"Yes, yes," McGonagall agreed. "Harry was very quiet. I can tell now what you mean, he has regressed. He didn't want to play that much, but he did seem content. I tried to talk with him about Severus, but he wouldn't say a word." McGonagall sighed as she shook her head. "Perhaps once they get used to each other, things will get easier. For now, I must take my leave, Albus, I shall see you in the morning. Don't hesitate to call, should you need anything."
"Good night, Minerva," Dumbledore said as he watched her leave. Shaking his head, he walked into the boy's room. They were both sleeping as close to peacefully as one could want. Harry was, as usual, more tense then any child should be in sleep, but Dumbledore hoped that would change. Kissing both boys good night he walked into his own room and prepared for bed.
Come on you know you want to leave a review:)