I find this chapter rather relaxing and light hearted. I hope you enjoy it.
Thank you all for your reviews! I appreciate your continued support! (:
Onwards,
Chapter Twelve; Scars and Scandals
"I tell ya Harry, Parvati and Lavender gawk over you every time you show up in the Common Room!" Ron raved as the Gryffindor trio exited the Charms classroom.
Hermione scoffed as she shoved her assignment sheets in to her book bag before saying,
"They've started an 'I'd ride Harry Potter's Quidditch Stick' club. It's rather repulsive, no offence Harry. They have posters of you stuck up everywhere in our dorm."
Harry blanched as they headed up to the DADA room. They had just finished Charms, where they were being taught how to charm mirrors to sing, which in Harry's opinion was completely pointless.
The most successful student was obviously Hermione, but after her was surprisingly Lavender. She had charmed her mirror perfectly according to Professor Flitwick, even though it kept singing that she was attractive enough to date Harry Potter and elope away with him.
The class had laughed uproariously at that. Especially the Slytherin's who seemed to find it rather catchy and burst in to song whenever Harry looked their way.
"I just hope that they don't accidently put me in a body bind and kidnap me during Defence." Joked Harry as they lined up outside of the Defence Against the Dark Arts room to wait patiently for Snape.
Soon enough the Head of Slytherin House opened the door with a flick of his wrist and as Harry walked past him, he seemed to hum something that sounded suspiciously like the mirrior's song from Charms.
Once the class settled he stalked up to the platform, his robes billowing around him like usual.
"Today we will be focusing on changing our opponents clothing for a tactical advantage. For example; one could hex a shirt to strangle its wearer, turn shoes in to blocks of ice or cover their pants in a very sticky substance call gubber which solidifies in seconds."
His eyes caught Harry's but then quickly darted away. It had been a week since the attack of Hogsmeade and Snape's confession. This in Harry's mind had been completely forgotten, apart from the fact that they had both come to an understanding.
Not much had been said since then. Snape seemed to be busy with lessons and Harry's anxiety around him had heightened to extreme levels. He was nervous that he seemed to be enjoying Snape's company more and more. The detentions that he had been in for the past few weeks had been nothing but civil and pleasant. Snape asked him to help brew various potions, which Harry appreciated as he needed as much help in Potions as he could get and they would talk about various aspects of the war.
"Potter and Brown, come up here now." Snape snarled as he moved to the side of the platform.
Harry strode confidently up to the front of the class, grateful that Snape was not his opponent.
"I need you to take your robe off Mr Potter; I trust you are wearing suitable under garments?" Drawled Snape as Lavender and Parvati let out a sickening laugh.
Harry looked at his Professor horrified, but none the less took off his school robes to reveal a plain white t-shirt and old blue jeans that surprisingly fit.
Snape nodded his head before continuing; only Harry saw the small smile flit across his lips.
"Now Miss Brown, I want you to say this incantation very clearly, whilst drawing a circle around Mr Potter's shirt. It is Proketum Gubmera. This will cover Potter's shirt in gubber."
Lavander distractedly nodded her head and to Harry it was obvious she wasn't paying much attention to Snape at all.
"Go ahead." rumbled Snape as he watched with hidden amusement at Harry's obvious alarm. He knew that the girl would not cause Harry any physical pain when the spell was cast, even if she was distracted.
"Poktum Gubmer." Said Lavender in a rather sing-song like voice while she distractedly drew an oval in the air.
"Shit!" Exclaimed Harry as dark green sludge hit him and seemed to bubble on his shirt, "is it supposed to be hot sir?"
Snape advanced forward as Lavender gasped an apology and tried to move closer to help, but Harry quickly darted out of the classroom, Snape following close behind.
"I don't think I'll use you for class demonstration anymore Harry, you're always distracting somebody." Joked Snape as he turned around from shutting the door.
His breath hitched as he looked at Harry and his smile died from his face. The boy had torn his shirt off and was attempting to mop the sludge off of his skin, but this was not what startled the Professor.
Harry had multiple scars stretching across his body. Some from the top of the ribcage to his hip, others just careless slashes across his chest. They looked like ropes of skin, or discoloured mountains spread across the boy's pale torso.
"Turn around." He mumbled as he met Harry's look of utter shame and embarrassment.
Harry's back was even worse. The skin was mottled together in various shades of pink and white. The thickness of the scars varied, but these all seemed to be the same length.
"Madam Pomfrey could fix all my nerve endings and the burn wounds... but she said that these," he ran his fingers along his ribcage, "were unhealable... since they had been recut so much."
Snape nodded his head and tore his eyes away to meet Harry's.
"I guess I can add more to the collection." Harry mumbled as he rubbed his lightning bolt scar. Snape missed him glancing down to the scar on his hand.
"I may have a cream that will help fade them Harry. I'll brew it tonight." Snape finally said as he cleaned Harry's shirt.
"That won't be necessary sir, its fine."
"I don't care if its fine Potter, I doubt you want to go around looking like the London underground." Even though the words were harsh Harry smiled gratefully as he walked back in to the classroom after putting his shirt back on.
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"I'm just so sorry Harry! I swear I did everything right!" Lavender Brown exclaimed as she ran her fingers up and down Harry's arm.
"Yeah Harry, are you sure it's safe to wear that top now?" Parvati piped up, before they both burst in to a fit of giggles.
Only a few minutes ago Harry had peacefully been finishing off his Transfiguration assignment by the hearth when Parvati and Lavender had pounced. They had both flanked him and were sitting uncomfortably close.
Harry had also noticed that Ron and Hermione where nowhere to be seen at all, which he properly scowled at.
"Uh... I already changed, so I'm fine," mumbled Harry as he gently brushed Lavender's hand away which had began to slide underneath his shirt, "sorry, I've got detention with Professor Snape now. Bye."
With that Harry grabbed his things and darted out of the room before either of the girls could reply.
Once in Snape's office he let out an exhausted sigh and collapsed into an old leather chair opposite Snape's mahogany desk.
Snape looked up with a quirked eyebrow. He was attempting to make sense of the various pieces of paperwork spread over his desk at the present.
"Something wrong Harry?" He mumbled distractedly as he picked a sheet up and began to read from it.
Harry smiled at the use of his first name. It seemed to be happening more frequently, but only when they were alone, which for now Harry was fine with.
"If I tell you sir, I won't hear the end of it." He replied with a cheeky smile as he ran his hand through his hair.
"That's your entire life story Potter, so spit it out." Said Snape as the corners of his mouth twitched slightly.
Harry stood from his chair and strode over to the large book shelf in the far right corner of the room. It seemed to be so full of books that the shelves were bending slightly.
"Lavender and Parvati won't leave me alone," Harry finally confessed as he steadfastly refused to look back at Snape, even though he heard a snort, "I'm not kidding sir! Lavender was rubbing her hands all over me and Parvati basically asked me to take my top off!"
Snape let out a low rumble of laughter as he looked up at the young boy who seemed scared and annoyed by two girl's attention.
He felt something warm rise up through his chest when he realised that this was something normal teenagers faced every day. Harry was getting the chance to act and be normal.
"And the problem with that is? These two rather attractive girls are begging for your attention and you do not want it?"
"I don't like it! I don't like them! They're to sickly sweet and... Ick. They just sit and giggle. They wouldn't understand half the things I've been through and I don't want to have to tell them!" Harry ranted as he spun around and glared at Snape's smirking face.
"Ah, so you prefer someone more rogue do you, perhaps a Quidditch player? Who could rough you up a bit?" Suggested Snape, he stroked his chin and pretended to appear thoughtful.
Harry's jaw dropped in horror as he realised Snape's accusation. He couldn't speak, he was simply too shocked. That was the last thing he expected Snape to say, but unfortunately he was partly right.
"Well, yeah sort of. I mean I want a girl who isn't afraid to grit her teeth and get stuff done," Harry faded out at Snape's expression, before light swatting him on the arm and continuing, "not that kind of stuff! I mean like Quidditch and duelling!"
"So Ms Weasley?"
"No! She's great, but she's more of a sister!"
"Then who Harry? I would say Miss Granger, but I can't see you taking Weasley's prize." Asked Snape as he summoned a tea set from one of the secret cupboards located in the walls surrounding them.
"I don't know sir. No one at school is that appealing." Mumbled Harry, he felt defeated as he plonked himself back in to the chair and accepted the tea Snape handed to him.
Snape did not comment, he just looked at the boy who he had wormed his way in to his heart and wrapped himself around so there was no escape. He felt a surge of pride for some reason, he was not entirely sure why, but he put it down to the fact that he and Harry were on the best terms that they had ever been. Harry seemed to be becoming more and more attached to him and Severus could not deny that he too cared a lot about Harry as well.
"Never mind Harry, term ends in a week and they will be off for the Christmas holidays", reminded Snape as he stood and strode around his desk to stand in front of Harry, who was still slumped in his chair, "but for now I believe you have detention. Do you not?"
Snape let out a grin when Harry moaned in response.
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"Where are you going for the holidays Hermione?" Harry asked after he got back from detention. Snape had him chopping ingredients for two hours and Harry's fingers had started to feel numb. Fortunately Snape had given him a salve so that they were not tender in the morning.
"I'm just staying home because mum and dad want to visit our relatives. It won't be very interesting." She sighed as she scratched something out on her Muggle Studies parchment.
Harry then took notice of the various other books and parchment that were spread around his friend. In one glance he saw two various Potion textbooks, an Astronomy assignment, a Transfiguration text and a Charms assignment.
"Have you bitten off more than you can chew this year 'Mione?" Harry smirked as she yet again scratched at her assignment.
"Hmm?" She mumbled as she filled in the rest of the page, "I just thought I'd double check everything. I didn't have much company with you being in detention for the night."
"Where's Ron?" Harry asked rather conversationally. He did not miss the slight scowl that took over Hermione's features when she heard the red head's name.
"I don't know." She replied in a clipped tone.
"Did you's fight again?" Groaned Harry as he scanned the Common Room for Ron, but his best friend was absent.
"Oh no, just a rather heated discussion that sent him off in a grump." She practically spit, which made Harry rather wary of how much more he could ask.
"Oh... Do you want to talk about it?" He asked rather sheepishly, figuring if she said 'no' that he would head up to the dormitory for a well deserved sleep.
"No. Thanks anyway Harry." She said as she turned to him and gave him a genuine smile. She then turned back to her work. So Harry left her to it.
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Monday morning Harry just about flew down to the Great Hall for breakfast. No one had roused him from his deep slumber. So now he was heading to class with his tie still lose around his neck and a piece of toast wedged between his teeth.
"Morning Harry." Mumbled Ron as Harry approached the line of students outside of Transfiguration.
Harry returned the greeting before McGonagall strode between them and strode in to the classroom.
Her hair was in the usual bun, her lips were thin and her pale blue robes flowed around her rather elegantly.
She gave the class a stern look and Harry knew it was going to be a difficult and gruelling lesson.
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The day felt as if it took decades to finish and Harry walked out of Charms sighing with relief. He was absolutely exhausted and was wondering how he was going to cope with detention. He hoped Snape was not going to set him too difficult of a task.
After dinner, Harry once again found himself walking to Snape's office. He yawned widely as he politely knocked on the door, before being told he could enter.
Snape was sitting behind his desk. He was gently massaging his temple. He looked up at Harry, who noticed his black eyes were soft, not cold and unnerving as they used to be.
"Evening sir," Harry said as he stood in front of his Professor, "what am I doing this evening?"
Severus took note of the dark bags that were under Harry's eyes. It was obvious that the boy was not sleeping well.
"You will be just reading tonight Harry." Snape replied as he indicated a rather large text for Defence Against the Dark Arts.
Harry nodded his head, scooped the book off the desk and headed over to the rather comfy couch Snape had placed to the left of the room.
They both fell into silence as Snape marked papers and Harry read. Eventually the sound of a book hitting the floor retrieved Snape from the seventh year essay he was engrossed in.
He smiled slightly as he glanced over to Harry. The boy's glasses were askew, his mouth slightly parted and his breathing rather heavy.
Snape knew for a fact that even though the couch Harry was asleep on was comfy, it was impossible to get a good night's sleep on. Making up his mind rather quickly he cast a silent levitation charm and gently hovered Harry in to his chambers. The entrance was concealed behind one of the larger book cases that lined the office.
Once in his bedroom Snape carefully lowered Harry on to his four poster bed, after pulling back the duvet and sheets.
Harry shifted and mumbled slightly in his sleep as Snape removed his shoes and banished Harry's top.
The boy mumbled again and the tuft of black hair that was sticking out from under the quilt shifted to the side slightly. It did not look like the boy was going to awaken anytime soon.
"Good night Harry." Snape whispered as he headed into the living room of his chamber. He would be sleeping situated in a rocking chair tonight.
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Harsh shouts stirred Severus from his sleep. He stood up quickly and moved down the hall as screams filled the air.
He rushed into his bedroom to see Harry twisted up in his sheets, struggling for release. He was sweating, mumbling and his face was scrunched up in pain.
"Harry," Snape said as he approached the bed, "Harry, wake up."
"SIRIUS!" Harry screamed. Tears were now spilling out of his clenched eyelids, "Sirius!"
Snape quickly summoned the linen that Harry was tangled up in, leaving the teenager to thrash freely around the bed.
Not having any second thoughts as concern overwhelmed wariness and restraint, Snape quickly seized the boy and wrapped him up in an embrace.
Severus was aware the boy had awoken as the thrashing had stopped and only harsh sobs were raking Harry's slim figure. Severus was also aware of the hand that clenched at his night shirt and the hot tears that seeped through to his chest.
"You are safe Harry." He whispered as he tightened his hold.
Harry did not comment, he simply moved closer and buried his face in the crook of Snape's neck.
They stayed that way for a long time.
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The first thing Harry noticed when he woke was that his pillow seemed to be moving. It was made of a soft wool and black material. The second thing he noticed was that strong arms were gently wrapped around his torso.
Reluctantly opening his crusty eyes Harry looked around a room he was positive he had never seen before.
It was full of rich and dark colours that contrasted perfectly with the large ebony bookcases and shelves. Blues, greens and black mixed to create a very masculine and powerful presence in the room.
It only verified Harry's suspicions when he glanced up to see Snape's peaceful face slightly pressed into the deep blue material of his pillow case. The room was no doubt Snape's master bedroom.
He gently moved off of his Professor's chest, freshly aware that the man had rescued him from one of his ongoing nightmares.
The sharp intake of breath made it obvious that Harry had accidently woken Snape. Black eyes opened and they met a pair of green ones that were filled with wariness and embarrassment.
"I believe your exact words not two weeks ago were that 'we need each other'. Yet you still cannot trust me when it comes to me helping you." Snape said even though his voice was husky. He rose from the bed fluently and summoned his teaching robes.
Harry smiled feebly before answering,
"I've never had anyone to trust before sir. It will take me a while to get used to it."
"You never trusted the Headmaster?"
"Everyone trusts Dumbledore. He doesn't really count. I mean I have trusted and still do trust people, but I have never relied on anyone." Harry replied with a smile as he also got dressed, grateful that Snape had left him with his shorts on, he quickly shrugged on his school uniform.
Snape did not reply, which gave Harry time to marvel at how bizarre this situation was. Here he was standing in the feared Potion Master's bedroom after waking up from a nightmare wrapped up in said man's arms.
Something warm spread throughout his chest when he realised that this was the first time someone had been there to comfort him since his parents had died. What Harry appreciated the most was that he did not feel and overwhelming fear that Snape was going to run off and report to the Slytherins. He trusted the man whole heartedly.
"Come Harry, we have breakfast and you need to be prepared for your classes." Snape said as he pulled on his coat, ran his hand through his hair and exited the bedroom. Harry was hot on his heels.
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"Harry! Where were you last night?" questioned Ron as Harry strode in with Snape. The entrance alone had caused whispers to spread throughout the Hall. After all a Grffyindor had come walking pleasantly in to the Great Hall with Snape of all people.
"I... Uh," Harry mumbled. He was not quite sure how to explain that he had fallen asleep in the Head of Slytherin's chambers, "I fell asleep in detention."
"And Snape just let you sleep there the night!" Ron hissed in disbelief. Hermione almost looked as shocked as Ron.
"Well... yeah." Replied Harry in a dismissive tone as he looked to the Entrance Hall where many first and second were screeching in glee.
"It was first snow last night Harry," Hermione said brightly as she swiftly changed the topic, "rumour is Headmaster Dumbledore is going to cancel today's lessons!"
Harry frowned at her as she seemed to be rather disappointed with this announcement.
He opened his mouth to tell Hermione to relax a bit before Dumbledore stood and the Hall fell silent.
"Since we are so close to the Christmas holidays and I know many of you will fall tragically ill so you are not able to attend classes I believe it is best if lessons are cancelled today." Dumbledore announced in his grandfatherly tones. Harry barely suppressed a snort as he saw Snape scowl and dramatically roll his eyes.
Many hoots and whoops filled the Hall, mostly made by one Ronald Weasley. The whole student body rose and charged out in to the untouched snow.
Dumbledore turned and smiled at the various expressions on his staff. He chuckled as Severus grumbled something about the old man's sanity to a thin lipped Minerva.
