A/N: Alright, let's see. Reviewers have complained about the whole going off with Sirius thing in the last chapter. It has been said that Sirius wouldn't endanger his godson like that no matter who caged he feels and also Harry's alters shouldn't have let him go. They were created to protect him and this was a major failing.
Well, first, Sirius would do something like that. He's loses sight of practicality and common sense when a prank or fun is in front of him. In the books, he tried to convince Harry to go to Hogsmeade with him even though it was dangerous and Harry was explicitly told he wasn't allowed. Harry told him no and Sirius got angry and disappointed in Harry. That passed quickly, but it still happened. Plus, Sirius is now suffering under extreme mental pressure as he tries to distract himself from the nightmares in his mind from his stay in Azkaban. He'd be even more reckless than normal.
And as for his alters letting him go, Sirius promised they wouldn't be seen, no one would know, and they'd be back in two days. Silas takes into account that Sirius was able to remain hidden near Hogwarts all year even while the Ministry was desperately looking for him. He didn't think it was a good idea, but felt the risks were not as high as they could be. Gabriel wouldn't protest because he'd be very bored at this point and is ever confident that should anything happen he could protect them.
Harry got mad at Hermione for telling because she purposely told his supposed specific location. She did not trust him when he pleaded with her not to tell and that he couldn't go back to the Dursley's. I don't think it hypocritical that he got mad at her for that (and I'd like to point out he wasn't furious; he even defended her to Silas when his alter got mad for her telling) and then had no trouble sneaking off with Sirius. He had no intentions of getting caught whereas Hermione's intentions were the opposite.
Knowing Your Place
It was two o'clock when Sirius apparated them outside the falling apart house a few hours from London. He shared a look with his godson and opened the door, stepping inside and suddenly arrived somewhere in Italy. Harry stepped up to the staircase and called for Remus, but there was no answer.
"Omi!" He called.
"Sirs! You've been very bad, sirs!" The elf appeared and was not happy at all.
"I know, Omi." Harry answered and gave a small smile. "I'm sorry and won't do it again."
"You not needs to be telling me that, sir. You needs to tell Master."
"Yes, I know." Harry said with a nod. "How can I get a hold of him?"
"I wills get him, sirs. Just wait here." Omi said and disappeared with a pop.
"That wasn't a good idea." Sirius muttered.
Sure enough, not a second later, the front door slammed open and Severus Snape strode in. His face was set in a dark scowl that was even scarier because of how ill he looked. Despite this, Harry felt tears of relief burn his eyes. But before he could say anything, Severus shoved Sirius into a wall and began choking him.
"What. Were. You. Thinking? How dare put Harry in danger for your own GODDAMN SELFISHNESS!"
Sirius thrashed, trying to get free of the choking hand, but Severus' wand came up and Sirius stilled. Harry winced as terror and rage filled the room. He put his hands over his eyes, but still couldn't escape the spiraling emotions. His back hit the wall and he made a small sound of pain. Severus dark eyes went to the boy and he felt like screaming as he watched Harry cower away from them.
"Get out of my sight." Severus hissed icily, releasing Sirius.
Sirius coughed a few times and glared through watering eyes at the Potions Master, "I'm not leaving you alone with him."
"Go, Sirius." Harry said softly, straightening as much as he could. "I need to talk to him. Please. I'll be alright, I promise."
Sirius searched his godson's eyes, but Harry was being honest. He gave a threatening glare to his childhood rival and stormed up the stairs to his room. Severus and Harry stood still and silent until they heard the convict's door slam. The sound freed them both. Harry took two quick steps and wrapped his arms around his teacher's waist as he felt Severus' anger melt away and revealed the deep worry and relief it was hiding.
Severus tensed with shock and surprise. His arms hovered uncertainly as he looked down at the teen hugging him. The boy's head was a few inches short of his chin, but he couldn't see Harry's face because it was pressed to his chest. When long seconds passed and Harry made no move to release him, Severus sighed and settled his arms around him tentatively. His grip tightened when he allowed himself to feel the happiness of being with Harry again. This was the second time Harry had come back to him when he had been certain the boy would never allow him back into his life.
"I'm sorry." Harry said and Severus had to strain his ears to be able to make out the muffled words. "Please come back. Don't leave me."
"Harry…" Severus pushed him away and knelt so that he was more at eye level. "What happened? Are you alright?"
Harry wiped at his eyes and smiled, one hand resting on Severus' shoulder for support. "I'm fine. I just… I merged with Rose and… I wanted to come back… I wanted you to come back… I'm sorry about being so mad about you telling… I don't care, really!"
"I'm here." Severus promised and stood.
He led the way to the parlor so they could talk, not realizing he was holding Harry's hand the whole way. They separated into their accustomed positions and Harry settled into his place with a feeling of contentment as he looked at the man across from him. Severus didn't smile back at him, but there was a loosening of his shoulders and jaw, not to mention the gentle emotions glowing around him that told Harry that he was feeling the same relief at being home. Harry's smile widened at the thought; he had a home for the first time in his life.
"Tell me what happened." Severus said sternly.
Harry obediently described his adventure with Sirius. He expected his teacher to feel anger again when he told about the Hide and Seek game, but though anger flared for a second it was quickly subdued as Severus concentrated instead on Harry and not Sirius. Harry wrapped his arms around his legs happily, he was so glad Severus was here.
"Why are you smiling like that?" Severus asked in confusion. He had only ever seen such a joyful smile on Harry's lips when the boy won a Quidditch game.
Harry blushed and looked shyly at his knees, "I… I can feel you… and I'm just happy that you're here to help me again… I missed you."
Severus stared at the boy and felt a small smile tug at the corners of his mouth. "Merlin help me. I missed you too, brat."
Harry launched himself at Severus and landed in the man's lap. Severus let out a surprised oomph as the air was knocked from him and awkwardly hugged the boy back. He had come to terms with caring for the boy, even though he was a Gryffindor and James' son, but he was still uncomfortable with physical displays of affection.
Harry looked up at him with a sad, knowing smile and left his lap. Severus felt uncomfortable with that knowing gaze. The boy had powerful empathy and Severus was not comfortable with anyone knowing him that well. His Occlumency shields strengthened defensively and he watched to see if Harry was hurt by this, but the teen only shrugged.
"Sorry about that." Harry said as he sat back down on the couch. "I… I just have so much… so much inside me now…"
"I understand." Severus nodded, face blank once more. "It might take awhile for your emotions to level out. They'll be a bit erratic for awhile as you adjust to the re-introduction of Rose."
He paused, wondering if this was a good time to begin discussing the new memories that came with accepting Rose. After watching the emotionally unstable teenager for a minute, he decided to move onto more solid ground. "Rose's" memories could wait.
"Harry, I need to know. Can you hear your alters in your head?" He asked carefully.
"I could." Harry answered easily, but he was sitting straighter and his smile disappeared. "Ever since I woke up at the Inn with Sirius after the storm, Silas and Gabriel have been talking to me in my head. They couldn't come Out either."
"You can't hear them now?"
"Not since I merged with Rose." Harry shook his head. "Do you think that means its back to the way it was before?"
"Perhaps." Severus sat back and raised his hands thoughtfully, folded before his mouth. "Did you experience any moment of deafness since you accepted Rose?"
"No." Harry tilted his head curiously.
"You might be temporarily deaf to your alters because of Rose's condition." Severus explained.
"Oh." Harry sighed. "I understand why she was deaf, but how is that possible anyway?"
"The mind is a complex and powerful thing." Severus smiled darkly. "You'd be surprised what it is capable of. Basically, your mind stopped translating your audio sensory input in self-defense. The same as if you had lost a limb. Your body would recognize it was losing too much blood too quickly and would just stop letting blood flow to that area. If it weren't for this, anyone who loses a limb would bleed to death in minutes."
"Gross." Harry grimaced and Severus laughed. Harry smiled happily that he had earned such a reaction.
"I wish I could stay, Harry, but I have to go." Severus said reluctantly. "I was released to take a few hours to sleep, but have to return to the search parties now. I will be back as soon as I can."
Harry nodded, "I'm sorry."
Severus waved that away and stood, "Why don't you go and eat? I want to have a word with the mutt."
"Are you going to hurt him?" Harry asked solemnly, green eyes weighing heavily on Severus.
He turned away and strode toward the door, unable to bear that gaze; "Maybe a little, but you will have him back alive." He didn't look back to see if the boy was doing as he had been told. He didn't really care as long as Harry wasn't following him. He quickly made his way upstairs. Sirius' door was locked.
He sneered and put his hand on the doorknob; "Open."
The door obeyed and Severus entered. Sirius was sitting on the bed facing the window with his back to the door. The man was still too thin and his hair was tangled. There was a weariness in his posture that made him seem vulnerable. None of this touched Severus, however. He crossed the room and glared down at the back of the convict's head.
"As soon as I contact Lupin, you will be moved elsewhere." He said coldly.
The weakness disappeared as Sirius spun around and glared fiercely in the Potion Master's eyes, "You can't keep me from my godson, Snivellus. I'll hurt you if you try."
"No, you won't." Severus smirked and the expression only enraged Sirius more. "Because if you do, you will be hurting Harry. And if you do that, I will destroy you. Harry can't handle your insanity right now. Therefore; you will leave. You will not sulk or upset Harry before you leave and only when I deem you competent will you be allowed visiting rights."
"This is absurd!" Sirius roared. "If James and Lily were alive…"
"But they aren't." Severus snarled. "And I'm being more than reasonable. I'm being bloody lenient! Don't push me, Black, or you will never see Harry again!"
"Bastard." Sirius growled.
"Start packing." Severus sneered and spun, striding from the room without another word or glance. He didn't see Sirius slump against the wall under the window in defeat or the burning hate in the man's bright blue eyes.
xXxXxXx
Remus stepped from the fire in Snape Manor. Neville was sitting on the couch with paper and books strewn about him. His head came up and he gave his teacher a smile.
"What are you doing?" Remus asked as he collapsed into a chair.
"Transfiguration essay." Neville quickly scooped everything in a pile and shoved it to the side. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah. Just tired." Remus gave a strained smile. "Full moon tomorrow."
"Can I get you anything?" Neville fidgeted.
"I'm fine, Neville." He assured the teen. "How are you? I haven't gotten to see you as much as I thought I would."
"I'm good. Any news about Harry?"
"There were a few sightings, but they got away." Remus sighed. "Severus sleeping?"
"Yeah, he went up about an hour ago."
"You must be bored out of your mind. How about a game of Exploding Snap?"
"Alright." Neville smiled. "I'll go get my cards."
Remus sighed and closed his eyes, just resting for a bit while the boy was gone. They played for about thirty minutes, Neville clearly winning when the fire flared and Severus stepped out. Neville gaped in surprise and Remus stiffened at the dark look the man had on his face. That never meant anything good.
"What's happened?" He asked.
"The mutt and Harry have returned. Harry's eating now and Black is sulking in the guest room." Severus looked to Neville. "Go pack your things. You are going to be staying with Harry. I know you are scheduled to return home Monday, but Lupin will inquire if we could extend your stay or maybe have you come back again later."
"Thank you, sir!" Neville beamed and sprinted out of the room.
Severus turned his attention to Remus, "You will find an alternative place for the mutt to stay. He's unstable from his stay in Azkaban and has twice endangered Harry's life. I've forbidden him to return until he recovers some semblance of sanity."
"What happened?" Remus asked again, frowning. But as he listened to Severus coldly describe the Hide and Seek game Sirius had invented, he no longer thought Severus was being too harsh. "But who will stay with Harry? He can't be left alone with only Neville."
"I will manipulate free time away from these damn searches." Severus answered casually and tried to ignore the growing grin on the werewolf's face. It was harder to ignore the man's next words.
"I'm glad you and Harry have patched things up between you. You need each other."
"Get going, Wolf, and take the Gryffindor with you. I have to have a talk with the Headmaster." Severus sneered and gestured Neville into the room when the teen hesitated at the door.
Remus laughed and shrunk Neville's things for him to put in his pocket. The boy's face was flushed and Remus assured him gently, "Don't worry about it if you've forgotten something. We can always come back."
"Thanks." Neville blushed, embarrassed that his teacher knew the source of his distress.
He stepped up close to his teacher and Remus wrapped an arm around his shoulders and called out 'Leaky Cauldron'. From there, Remus lead them to an alley and apparated to the Inn in the town outside London. Then he led the panting teen to the outskirts and apparated again, this time right outside the dilapidated house.
Neville looked around in awe and tried to ignore his queasy stomach. Dieing wood was set off to the right and green spotted fields surrounded them. There was a dirt lane leading up to the house, but there were no other buildings or people in sight. A red painted fence that was falling over in several places marked off the property the house stood on. He couldn't imagine Professor Snape living in such a place and braced himself for another apparation. Instead Remus led him toward the front door. Neville followed confused and curious.
"Welcome to…" Remus paused and tapped his chin. "I don't know if Severus has a name for this place. I've only heard him call it 'the house' or 'my house'…. Well, that doesn't matter. Welcome, Neville."
He swung the door open and Neville's frown deepened. He could see through the door a dark, rundown corridor. The walls were leaning in and Neville doubted the floor would support his weight. But his teacher's grin told him that all was not how it appeared, so he took the two steps needed to cross the threshold.
Between one eye blink and the next, he was standing in a well furnished, well cared for entrance hall. The wood flooring was sturdy and a warm golden brown color. The walls were painted a pale cream and paintings hung on the walls of landscapes. If you looked closely, you could see the trees waving in a gentle breeze or the water in the lake shimmering and moving. There was a wooden staircase with pale yellow banister. An auburn-red carpet with tiny yellow geometric symbols covered the center of the stairs all the way up to the second landing. It was warm place and Neville was astonished.
"Nev!" Harry cried and came barreling out of a doorway to the side.
Neville fell backward under the sudden impact and he lay on the floor laughing as Harry hung around his neck and half across his chest. Remus laughed and lifted Harry. He hugged the boy tightly and scolded/welcomed him. Sirius came down during the middle of it and jumped onto the two, knocking Remus down next to the sitting Neville.
"Moony!" He cried.
Neville smiled. He had been nervous about meeting the convict, not knowing if he'd be afraid or not, but it was hard to fear someone who had just transformed into a dog and was licking his teacher and best friend's faces.
"Sirius, get off!" Remus laughed and shoved at the dog.
Harry turned and jumped on Neville again. This time Neville was braced and remained sitting. "Sirius took me to Disneyland! It was so much fun! I almost got sick on this one ride and…"
Neville listened to his friend's rapid chatter as Remus finally stood and helped them to their feet. Harry was still talking as they were led into a sitting room done in rich blues, purple, and silver. The furniture was all hand-carved wood, a dark brown in color. Neville sat beside Harry on the couch and Sirius and Remus sat on either side in chairs.
"I'm glad you had fun, pup." Remus cut in. "But you shouldn't have left. You could have been captured by the Ministry or sent back to the Dursley's by the Order. Worse, you could have been killed by Death Eaters."
"Hey, back off, Moony." Sirius frowned, his face darkening. "We just wanted to have a little fun."
"Sirius," Remus sighed, "there are ways to have fun that don't put either of you in danger."
"We were fine. We came back, didn't we?"
"Because of luck." Remus lost his soft edges and his eyes grew angry. "What were you thinking baiting the Aurors like that, Sirius?"
Neville looked over at Harry as the argument continued. The teen was no longer smiling. He was sitting straight and rigid. His back was pressed firmly into the cushions and he stared at his hands clasped firmly in his lap. Neville frowned and leaned in, "Hey. It's alright. They're not mad at you."
Harry nodded once, but didn't answer. Colors and emotions were flickering in the corner of his eyes. It was getting brighter and the emotions in the two men became stronger. He felt disappointment, pity, and anger from Remus; and below all that was something hungry and animalistic. Frustration, anger, and a brittle, painful howling restlessness flared around Sirius.
Harry was trapped between them. It hurt. It made him afraid. He wanted them to be happy again. He wanted it to stop. But he didn't know what to do to make them better. He had a sudden urge to serve them tea and tears filled his eyes at the stupidity of that. Just then the argument became more heated. Sirius felt hurt and a defensive fury. Remus was blazing with righteousness and rage. It tore into his mind and he screamed.
Neville grabbed Harry by his shoulders as his friend screamed, but he flinched away from the contact, falling to the floor and cowering. Sirius and Remus fell silent with shock and stared at the teen pleading not to be hurt. "Maybe we should leave him alone." Neville suggested shakily.
"I'm sorry. I'll be good. Please don't hurt me." Harry begged. He was hunched over his knees, his arms wrapped around his chest, but his head was lifted and his green eyes were filled with terror as they darted from face to face.
"Oh, Harry." Remus breathed; all his anger at his friend gone in an instant. He felt exhausted and wanted to find a dark place to cry. If James and Lily could see Harry now they'd be devastated.
Sirius transformed into a dog and approached the teen. Boy watched him come and whimpered, yanking up his arms protectively over his face and head. Padfoot backed off, confused. Why was the boy acting like this? Harry wasn't afraid of him in this form before. What had changed? Then Harry unknowingly answered his question.
"Don't! Please, oh please, don't make him eat me." Harry practically screamed. "Hit me. Punish me, but don't tell the doggie to hurt me! I'll get the belt. I'll be good, please… Please!"
"Shhh, Harry." Remus said thickly. "Padfoot won't hurt you. You weren't bad. No one's going to punish you."
Neville was crying, turning his face away from his friend and hating himself for his cowardice. He jumped when Remus grabbed him by his upper arm, but didn't protest when he was led slowly to the door. Harry's pleas tapered off as soon as they were out of sight and retreated to just whimpers and sobs. Neville slid down the wall and sat on the floor next to the door. Remus sat next to him and wrapped him in a one-armed hug.
"Sometimes I forget that Harry… that he was hurt…" Neville whispered in shame.
"Maybe that's a good thing." Remus said tiredly. "We can't walk around treating him like he might break at any second."
"I guess…" Neville sniffed. "But why would his family do this to him? … And…. what… what did they do to him to… to make him like that?"
"I can only guess." Remus said tightly and hung his head. "No one knows what his family did to him. Not even Harry."
"He will know one day, though." Neville shivered. "What happens then?"
"I don't know. I just don't know, Neville."
"I feel so pathetic." Neville laughed bitterly. "Compared to what Harry's gone through my life is perfect. How can I be so weak when he's so strong?"
"It doesn't work that way." Remus said sternly. "You can't compare your pain to another's. You can understand, sympathize, and empathize with other people, but you can't truly know what it means to be another person. Harry's been hurt. He is even more damaged than either of us, but that doesn't make our own lives and hurts smaller or less painful. The only thing Harry can change is our determination in beating and surviving the darkness. Do you understand?"
"Not really." Neville smiled tearfully.
Remus smiled down at him and wiped away his tears, "Don't ever feel weak for breaking down under the weight of your life. Your pain is unique to you; not stronger or weaker than someone else's. The only thing we can do for each other is be there to help make sure we get back up after falling. And I'm here, Neville. So is Harry… Most of the time." Neville laughed and Remus grinned. "That's better. We care about you and don't want you to hide your pain from us. Let us help you get back up. And when we fall, we'll know you'll do the same for us."
"How can I do that for Harry?" Neville's eyes burned with determination. "I want to help him."
"Talk to Severus." Remus advised. "He understands what Harry needs." Neville nodded. Remus gave him one more squeeze before standing, pulling the teen back to his feet. "Why don't I show you to your room?"
xXxXxXx
When Boy was left alone with Padfoot, he crawled under the couch and curled up there. His body would shake violently every few seconds. Padfoot lay next to him and licked his hand or face when this happened. Boy didn't respond, he just lay and stared unblinkingly, tears trickling from his dull eyes. His breath was deep and ragged still.
It hit Padfoot then just how dangerous it was for Harry right now. And he understood Moony and Snape's anger at him. He had been selfish. He had hurt Harry. He whimpered and felt the horrors in his mind rise up. Thankfully they left only vague impressions because he was in his dog form. He shuddered, knowing that nightmares would grip his mind, waking and asleep, if he were to return to being a human.
xXxXxXx
Neville and Remus had just got done unpacking the teen when Harry appeared in the doorway. "Hey guys." He smiled and bounced into the room. "Did you know my room is right across the hall, Nev? How long are you getting to stay?"
"Just till the day after tomorrow." He smiled.
"Cool!"
"Padfoot?" Remus asked, looking at the black dog. It looked beaten.
"He followed me up." Harry explained. "I think he's sad or scared or something. He won't turn back to Sirius."
"He's probably just tired." Remus smiled. "Well, I guess I'll leave you boys alone. I won't be back for a few days and Padfoot will be coming with me. Be good. Severus will be back soon."
"Bye, Remus!" Harry came over and hugged him tight. "Be careful."
"I will." Remus ruffled his hair and turned to Neville. They hugged and Remus left.
Harry stood, pressing down his hair.
Neville laughed at him; "I don't know why you're bothering."
"Come on! You have to see the game room!" Harry grabbed his friend's hand and dragged him out of the room.
xXxXxXx
Severus walked into The Three Broomsticks and headed toward the stairs. Usually patrons were not allowed up there, but Dumbledore had talked to Rosmertaand she was allowing the headmaster to use it as a meeting point for the Order members Dumbledore had reinstated to search for the missing Harry Potter.
There were only eleven surviving members, including Dumbledore, who had been a part of the original Order of the Phoenix. Dumbledore had called back eight of them and inducted one new member; the goal of the reinstated Order was to organize and lead the search for Harry.
When Severus arrived at the meeting room, Dumbledore nodded and gestured for everyone else to settle down. They had been waiting for him. He saw that three of them were missing. Remus, he knew, was excused for four days due to the full moon tomorrow night, and could only assume Hagrid and Mad-Eye were out in the field searching. Severus took a seat at the end of the table, near the new member.
Shacklebolt, an Auror and Dumbledore's informant in the Ministry, was a tall, bald black wizard who had a slow deep voice. His robes were simple and would not hinder his movements. He was logical and calm-headed, a very efficient and deadly dueler. The only ornamentation he wore was a single gold hoop earring in his left ear.
Dumbledore sat at the head of the table. He was wearing dark blue robes with no flashy moons or anything else of that nature. This spoke volumes of the old wizard's state of mind. Closest to him were Minerva McGonagall and Emmeline Vance. McGonagall looked as proper as ever, but her stern appearance was muted by fatigue. Vance was wearing her favorite emerald green shawl, but looked as stately as ever.
Next to McGonagall was Dedalus Diggle. He was an average wizard with no common sense and Severus couldn't stand the man; neither could McGonagall, but she was always diplomatically polite to him and that explained his current place at her side. Elphias Doge was to Vance's left. He had a wheezy voice and his silver hair was the only evidence of his old age. He was a rather intelligent man and, despite not being the best dueler, had contributed greatly to the Order and was continuing to do so.
The meeting was fairly short. They reported on the areas they had been searching and that they still had found no sign. Shacklebolt's was the longest report do to the stupid mutt's games, but the Ministry had found no more clues since then. Dumbledore nodded and set up the new round of search duty. Severus was scheduled for the third shift with Shacklebolt. He didn't say anything. Instead he waited for the others to file out so he could speak to the headmaster alone.
"Severus, my boy, you wish to speak with me?" Dumbledore asked.
"I do." Severus stood and came to sit next to the man he had once seen as his mentor. "Potter has been missing for almost two weeks. Black taunted the Aurors following him and still managed to get away. I understand the importance of bringing Potter back, but this is obviously not getting results. I have work to do and cannot waste any more of my time searching for that filthy mutt and the brat."
"I understand, Severus." Dumbledore sighed. "You and Minerva have the school year to prepare for. I will release you from active duty and shall only call on you if we have a new lead."
"Thank you, Headmaster." Severus bowed his head.
"Be near your Manor, Severus. I will floo you when you are needed." Dumbledore stood and made his way from the room. "I must be going. I am late for a meeting with Mister Fudge as it is. I'll talk to you later, my boy."
Once the headmaster was gone, Severus flooed to Snape Manor. "Omi!"
"Yes, Master?" The elf asked as he popped into view.
"I need the amulet of my mother's."
"Yes, sir!" The elf hurried away.
Severus crouched in front of his fire and began muttering, his wand waving before him. The fire swayed with the wand and slowly went from green to red to yellow and back again. Omi appeared behind him and waited patiently. His luminous yellow eyes glowed as he watched the powerful magic his Master was weaving.
Without disrupting the flow of his words or movements, Severus reached behind him. Omi quickly placed the necklace in his Master's hand. Severus brought it before him and tossed it into the fire. The colorful flames licked up and caught it, cradling it gently. The necklace writhed for several minutes in the dancing flames before the fire began to go out. It settled gently in the ashes and Severus reached in to pull it out.
The metal was cool to his fingers and he clasped it around his neck and slipped the Celtic knot under his robes. The amulet would heat should anyone floo him and he had activated the physical entry ward. No one would be able to enter his Manor and he'd have plenty of time to apparate back should anyone call.
"Return to the house. I shall be there soon." He told his elf. Omi nodded and disappeared.
xXxXxXx
"Explain again why we are leaving Harry with Snape." Sirius demanded darkly as he and Remus apparated to the muggle town outside London.
Remus sighed, "Let's get out of sight. This might take awhile."
Sirius said nothing as he followed his best friend down the street and into a dark pub. It was barely three thirty in the afternoon so there weren't very many people there. Remus sat stiffly in a dark corner and Sirius frowned.
"Are you alright, Moony?" He asked worriedly.
"Fine." Remus said shortly. "Full moon tomorrow. Just sore."
Sirius nodded and a grin spread across his face, "I can be with you again."
Remus smiled back. They were interrupted from further conversation by the waitress. Both ordered a beer and she left them. They talked lightly of neutral things until she came back with their drinks. But Sirius wouldn't let the silence stretch on. As soon as the girl was out of ear shot, he turned expectant eyes to his friend.
"Alright, what's really going on here? You told me that the Dursleys are the reason Harry has those breakdowns, but that Dumbledore doesn't believe this is the case. He was going to the Dursley's himself with Harry and to prevent Harry returning there, you had me take off with him and now we're hiding him from everyone. I was okay with all that, but Snape? How can it be better for Harry to be with him than with Dumbledore?"
"Look, Sirius." Remus said earnestly. "The Headmaster put up a powerful blood protection around the Dursley house, linking Harry and his aunt. It will keep Harry safe from Death Eaters and it will only work if he spends a certain amount of time with his family. Dumbledore believes this protection is worth a high price. He isn't sure if Harry was abused by his family yet, but even if he found proof he'd still insist Harry stay with the Dursleys and would send an adult to make sure the abuse wouldn't continue."
"Sounds good to me." Sirius frowned.
"The Headmaster is only trying to do what's best for Harry, but I think he's lost sight of Harry's mind and spirit in his over-concern for his physical wellbeing."
"What do you mean?"
"You saw him, Sirius. That… breakdown as you said… is serious. Harry if very fragile and it would not be healthy to force him to live near his abusers even with a chaperone; to have to see and hear the people that did that to him every day. You can't really believe that is what's best for Harry right now." Remus met Sirius' eyes seriously.
"No." Sirius reluctantly admitted. "No. He shouldn't go anywhere near those Muggles. But Snape? Come on Remus! We can take care of him; me and you. Let's just take him and go."
Remus shook his head with exasperation. "Padfoot, Harry wants to be with Severus. And he trusts him for a reason. He has helped Harry with his problems in a way no one else could. He has seen some pretty horrible stuff, Sirius, and he understands Harry in a way we can't. They need each other. We aren't teenagers anymore. We've grown up. You need to put the past behind you, and I'm not just talking about your grudge against Severus. You were tortured in Azkaban. It isn't something you can just shake off in a few months time."
"You don't need to tell me that." Sirius snarled.
"I know." Remus said sadly. "I'm sorry, Padfoot."
"It wasn't your fault, Moony." Sirius relaxed and offered his friend a smile. "Really, it wasn't." He sighed. "And you're right. I can't take care of Harry right now when I'm barely holding myself together. But I still don't like it. James would be spinning in his grave if he knew how much influence we've allowed Snivellus to have over Harry. And as soon as I'm back on my feet, I'm taking my godson back."
"I think James would be crying with gratitude that his son was finally being treated right." Remus said sternly. "Just promise me you won't force Harry to do something he doesn't want to do. If he wants to stay with Severus, you'll let him."
"We'll see." Sirius frowned, but then broke out in a playful grin. "So where are we going, Moony?"
Remus sighed and let the matter drop. They sat and discussed their options for an hour, but eventually it was decided that the continent was too dangerous at the moment. That left them very few options and eventually Sirius opted for the beach in Greece. He believed the more sun he could soak up, the quicker he would heal. Remus agreed and asked Sirius to stay while he made arrangements and obtained an unregistered portkey.
xXxXxXx
Severus returned to the house just as Omi was serving dinner. He could hear the two boys talking at the table. Harry was saying something about Neville needing to learn an instrument so they could start a band. Neville was denying the possibility, saying he was horrible at music. The conversation stopped immediately when he walked into the room, but it didn't fill with tension as he would have expected it to not even a year ago.
"Severus!" Harry smiled happily. His hair was smoothed more so than normal but was still sticking up in a few places. His eyes were clear and bright and he seemed very comfortable. "Are you having dinner with us?"
"Yes." He answered blankly and took his seat. Surreptitiously, he observed Neville.
The boy had been as tense as a wound spring when he had first arrived at Snape Manor, but over the course of the week had relaxed marginally. Though now it was like seeing a whole different person. The Gryffindor was sitting without fidgeting and his brown eyes were steady. His hands didn't have the slightest shimmer and he smiled with an easy readiness Severus had never seen in him before.
"How long will you be able to stay?" Harry questioned, bringing Severus out of his contemplations.
"As long as I can." He answered evasively and began cutting into the stake that appeared before him. "Have you finished your homework?"
"No." Harry shook his head. "Nev said he'd help me with it tomorrow."
"You can do your own homework." Severus said and turned his black-eyed gaze on the chubby boy. "Neville will work with me."
Harry nodded acceptance to that and swallowed his food before opening his mouth to ask his next question. "He told me you were teaching him how to meditate and find his inner balance. I was wondering why?"
Severus saw that Neville was just as interested in his answer as Harry. "It is a good technique for people with nervous constitutions. As well, it is the first step in understanding and mastering his Elemental ability."
Neville gasped and dropped his fork, sending it crashing to the floor with the bite of mash potatoes it had been holding. He turned bright red and hastily bent to pick it up. In so doing, he knocked his glass of water over and the puddle spread across the table cloth. Omi appeared and began helping the flustered boy. Harry stood to help as well, but Severus gestured for him to sit. Harry obeyed, but his face was still filled with concern at his friend's reaction. Severus ate as if nothing were going on. It was several minutes before a red-faced Neville was able to speak.
"H-h-how did you know about t-t-that, sir?" He asked nervously.
"A Miss Castle came to me and requested me to tutor you so that you would be ready for her more advanced tutelage once school resumes." He answered easily and sipped at his wine. The Gryffindor settled back in his chair, too shocked to speak anymore. Of course, Harry wasn't as constrained.
"You met Rowena?" Harry asked curiously. "Was she like a ghost?"
"Yes and no." Severus answered and ate a few bites before continuing. "Her movement was similar to a ghost, but Hogwarts was able to pour enough energy into the illusion that she looks and feels quite real."
"And she's going to teach Nev how to use his Earth powers?"
"Indeed." Severus smirked. "And I hear she is quite the taskmaster."
Neville groaned, "I have enough trouble in my classes as it is. I don't need anymore."
"I would disagree, Longbottom." Severus set his utensils to the side and stared hard at the boy. "You do poorly because you set yourself up for failure. As much as it pains me to say this, you have the potential to do much better than you are."
"I told you." Harry said with a smile. "You're really smart, you just work yourself up and that kind of stress would make anyone struggle."
"Exactly." Severus agreed.
Neville blushed in pleased embarrassment. Harry and Severus decided to take pity on the boy and turned the conversation to other things. The first thing that came to the Potions Master's mind was to outline what he planned for them. He explained that after breakfast he was going to have a morning therapy session with Harry.
During that time, Neville could work on his homework. If he was done with his homework, he was to start an independent study on a topic that interested him. Harry would be released two hours later to do his own school and Neville would come and take his lesson on meditation with Severus.
They would have lunch together and the boys would have two hours to do as they wished. After that they would meet in the exercise room and spend two hours on physical self-defense and dueling. The hour before dinner was to be spent creatively. In other words, Harry would play the piano and Neville admitted that he did enjoy drawing.
Dinner would be taken together and afterward they would go to the parlor. Severus and Neville would either read quietly together or play chess while Boy was forced Out. Severus explained that the first thing they needed to do for Boy was make him understand human company did not instantly mean pain and punishment. Neville understood and agreed to be present during Boy's therapy. Harry thanked them both and Severus, as usual, waved the gratitude away.
Chapter end.
A/N: Two Votes: Do you think Neville should stick around the house with Harry and Snape for the whole summer, or should he only visit on the weekends? And what should I name Severus' secret house?