Disclaimer: The characters still don't belong to me, just messing around with the plot line.

A/N: I'm still unbelievably shocked and awed at the response everyone is giving me. Thank you all for every single review, story alert, favorite story, etc. They mean so much to me. This chapter went through a major rewrite, hence the extremely late posting. Sorry, but I'm a perfectionist in a way and I just wasn't at all satisfied with the first version. Then I inadvertently made double the work for my beta's too. But that just goes to show you guys how dedicated my betas and I are to this story. :)

Thanks for the extra work Jess and Stacy, and Kat for harassing me to keep writing.

From Before…

Harry smirked a tiny bit from hearing the stern voice he was used to. He gave a nod but was still having a hard time peeling his eyes away from the professor, worried that somehow he had missed some injury. After receiving a pointed glare, he finally turned and made his way towards his own room.

Ch 26 – Learning to be Honest

Harry slept horribly, plagued with countless thoughts and questions about Snape's injuries. He didn't have any outright nightmares, but the tossing and turning had made for a very fitful sleep. Thus, he was extremely surprised to see the time read eight thirty when he finally awoke.

His immediate thought was that something had happened to Snape. The man would never let him oversleep. Harry felt like he was replaying the events from yesterday morning, leaping out of bed and grabbing his night robe to race downstairs.

And just like yesterday, Snape was sitting at the table sipping coffee, his crisp white button-up shirt hiding any evidence of an injury. The only thing that proved that last night wasn't a dream was the fact that his professor was currently using his left hand to hold his coffee mug.

Realizing that he had only mentally prepared for an injured Snape, Harry wasn't quite sure what to do now so he opted to stand awkwardly next to the table trying to diagnose whether Snape had already seen Madame Pomfrey.

"Perhaps you need to poke me to make sure I'm not a figment of your imagination?" Snape asked sarcastically, although it lacked the cutting tone he used to use with Harry.

Harry shook his head quickly. "Have you seen Madame Pomfrey?"

Snape gave the fidgeting boy a pointed glare before redirecting his eyes to the empty chair across from him. It only took a second for Harry to catch on and slide himself into the seat as a plate of eggs appeared before him.

"Poppy commended your work," Snape started to explain as Harry directed a sharp look to his covered arm. "Everything will be fully healed in a day or two. Do not think for a second that will excuse us from our training schedule."

Harry relaxed immediately and let out an amused snort at Snape's feigned strictness. The professor seemed a million times better than last evening and there was no hint the man had ever suffered from the Cruciatus curse.

"Would I be correct to assume you wouldn't be opposed to working in a few lessons on more healing spells?" Snape asked, watching Harry pick at his eggs.

"I think they would be good to know," Harry answered. "As long as you aren't planning on getting injured again and forcing me to do them while you're dying," he exaggerated with a cheeky grin.

"Harry," Snape took a deep breath and set down his coffee mug before continuing. "It was wrong of me to force you into that position. I was angry at my own weakness and took it out on you. It will not happen again."

"No!" Harry protested immediately. "I want to help if you need it. You could have bled to death if I wasn't there and for what, just because you were too stubborn to ask for help?"

Snape narrowed his eyes and Harry shut his mouth abruptly, assuming he had definitely stepped over the line with that last comment. But then, if he were already in trouble, he might as well go all the way.

"I'm sorry, but I just can't believe no one was there to help. How can Dumbledore send you to spy for him and then not even be available if you come back injured? He just expects you to fend for yourself? That's awful. And if I'm staying here for another month it's the least I can do," Harry rattled off in outrage.

Severus was glad Harry didn't stop speaking when he had glared at the boy. Harry had just revealed that he was upset on his behalf. He could have easily misconstrued Harry's first statement if the boy hadn't continued and Merlin knew the two of them needed as few misunderstandings as possible.

"I was trying to find another Anti-Cruciatus potion when you interrupted last night. I would have contacted Hogwarts myself. I assure you, my stubbornness isn't that great," he smirked. "But, I could have handled the wounds the Muggle way until Poppy was available."

Harry's eyes glittered indignantly, not satisfied with that explanation in the least.

"However," Snape continued before Harry could protest again. "I have an emergency portkey if ever I deem the situation dire enough to use it and it would notify Albus immediately."

Harry's face relaxed a little before he furrowed his brow in frustration. "But that still means you don't trust me enough to help you?" he half asked, half stated. "Even after you demand that I trust you."

"I don't demand that you trust me Harry. I only hope that my actions prove now that you can," Snape said.

"And what about my actions, don't they prove anything?" Harry snapped back. He refused to drop Snape's gaze but sat rigidly under his professor's intense stare.

"Yes they do. However, you have enough on your plate for now and as an adult, my job is to minimize any added stress. BUT," Snape snapped, heading off any argument from Harry. "I can endeavor to put a little more trust in you if you can do the same for me."

Harry nodded his head slowly in agreement. "Okay."

"Wait! What would happen if you were unconscious or something?" Harry asked quickly.

Severus sighed internally. For a second he had thought they had escaped this conversation. "The portkey I have will activate on its own if I fall unconscious," he answered, leaving out the fact that most meeting places would have wards not allowing him to escape.

"Oh." Harry looked surprised at Snape's quick response and seemed to be struggling with whether to accept it. "So what happened last night? How did you get injured?" he asked boldly.

"I believe that would clearly fall into one of the categories that are off limits," Snape answered smoothly, pouring himself more coffee.

"I'm not a child!" Harry said angrily. "I know what Voldemort likes to do at his meetings. Hell, I was the guest of honor at one, and if you think I don't see everything in my nightmares anyway then you're wrong."

Severus was momentarily shocked by Harry's last statement and wondered if that meant the boy had more visions than he was aware of, but the surly man covered up the fact that someone might have slipped one by him by responding with his own anger.

"Language, Mr. Potter! And your own arguments just provide me with more reasons why you shouldn't hear about my own meetings."

Harry's cutlery clattered back to the table. "May I be excused?" he gritted out, not meeting Snape's eyes.

"Healing spells in the study in an hour," Snape answered curtly and with that, Harry quickly left the table.

-SS-

As he was throwing his pajamas in the hamper Harry paused to look for the bloody shirt from last night, but gratefully, Marla had already taken it to wash. He knew it would be futile to attempt to ask Snape how he got injured, but he just had to try. The man should realize he already had nightmares about Voldemort torturing people, namely Snape. The truth would probably be better than what his mind had already conjured up.

He pulled one of his older robes on since they would be brewing later. Maybe he could get Snape to do the questions and answers thing again like that other night. If he agreed to be a little more open, maybe the professor would return the favor.

He was still thinking up ideas when he finally made it down stairs to meet the professor, but he slowed his movements as he rounded the stairs. He could hear Snape talking to someone in the study and it only took a second for Harry to recognize the soft voice of the Headmaster.

-SS-

"Severus, please humor an old man and just let me take a look at your arm," Dumbledore said, standing only a few feet from Snape.

"As previously stated, there is no need. Poppy has already checked it over and rewrapped everything," Snape said in an exasperated tone.

Dumbledore gazed at Snape over his half-moon spectacles with concern evident in his eyes. "I apologize for not being there when Harry called. You would have used the portkey, would you not?" he chastised.

Severus rolled his eyes at the elder wizard. "I do know what it's for, Albus," Snape said sarcastically.

"Voldemort was angry about the Grangers I presume?" Dumbledore asked.

Snape gave a small nod.

"Was that the only reason for his anger? It seems to have been directed quite specifically," The elder wizard said as he gazed at Snape's dominant hand.

"The Dark Lord seemed… suspicious," Severus said cryptically.

"We anticipated that he would question you about the Grangers. Did he mention something else?" Dumbledore asked.

"No. His actions were simply a little more unsettling than usual."

"Severus, if there is reason to be concerned, I meant what I said the other day about formulating another plan," Dumbledore said sincerely.

"I'm sure I set his mind at ease," Severus said in dismissal, although he wasn't entirely sure of that himself.

Albus knew better than to argue with the stubborn potion's master at this stage in the game, but if things escalated, he would step in. "How are things with Harry? Have you made any progress?"

"There has been very little chance to speak with him about the abuse. Too many other things have demanded both of our attention," Severus said in frustration. "A month is not much time to work with, especially with all that needs to be accomplished. He's never going to want to tell anyone, let alone Black."

A tiny noise from the hall caught Severus' ear and he realized that he had foolishly allowed this conversation to take place when Harry could walk in at any moment. Of course this would be the one time the brat was early and had conveniently taken the chance to listen at the door.

With a flick of his wrist, the study doors swung open to reveal a stunned Harry Potter standing in the hall. His expression quickly changed though as he squared his jaw, prepared for the argument he obviously knew was going to ensue.

"Why don't you tell him? You obviously had no problem discussing everything with the headmaster," Harry growled, his indignant eyes set firmly on Severus to avoid looking at the headmaster.

"And I see that when I deny you the information you desire, Potter, you take to sneaking around," Snape said with a venomous glare, angry that Harry had overheard the entire conversation about the Dark Lord.

"My apologies for arriving on time and interrupting your session of discussing how to get yourself killed and Harry Potter's mental health!" Harry yelled.

"My boys," Dumbledore cut in warmly, hoping to head off the explosion.

Both younger wizards' eyes snapped to the Headmaster but in an instant Harry spun on his heel and disappeared from the doorway, leaving Snape and Dumbledore staring after him.

"That boy will be the death of me," Severus muttered.

Dumbledore let out a light chuckle. "But he cares about you Severus. Certainly even you can recognize how precious that is?"

There were a lot of things Severus could think of to retort with, but there was no sense in getting into the same arguments with Albus over and over again. He didn't think he would ever be able to accept that he deserved Harry's care or concern, but he was doing a pretty horrible job of showing anything in return. It wasn't even noon and he had managed to lose his temper twice and it certainly didn't escape his attention the way Harry cringed when he was referred to as Potter.

"Well, I will let you return to your training. I'm sure there is much to be done and much to talk about," Dumbledore said with a knowing glint in his eye.

"Yes, run away," Severus sneered.

With another chuckle and a pat to Severus' good arm, Dumbledore took his leave.

-SS-

With a little help from Marla and after already checking Harry's room, Severus found the boy outside sitting under one of the large weeping willow trees in the front yard. His broom was lying next to him and by the flushed face, Severus surmised that he had already taken a couple quick laps around the property.

Harry didn't look up as Severus approached, but it was obvious by the way the boy tensed his shoulders that he was aware of his professor's presence.

"Are you prepared to have a civil conversation?" Snape asked.

"It's not like I have any say in the matter," Harry said bitterly.

"Did you really believe I could not tell the headmaster?" Snape asked, trying to keep the incredulous tone out of his voice.

There was a long pause before Harry answered. He didn't even know why he was really so mad. Snape was right, he did know somewhere in his head that the professor had to tell Dumbledore about the abuse, if no one else. Maybe it was because he was still afraid Dumbledore had known all along and done nothing. That seemed more and more likely to him since Snape had told Dumbledore a month ago and the headmaster still hadn't talked to him about it.

"Well even if I thought you would, I didn't know it would be a casual topic like the weather," he said.

"The weather?" Severus yelled out without thinking and dropped down to crouch in front of the boy. He immediately regretted the sudden movement and sharp tone when Harry flinched and found an interesting patch of grass to pick at on his other side.

The fact that those blasted muggles had made this usually brave, young Gryffindor fearful of adults made his blood boil and then to think 'THE WEATHER?' Harry honestly thought he and Albus didn't take the abuse seriously? He reached out ever so slowly to grab Harry's chin and tilt his head back.

"Number one, have I ever hit you?" he asked. He couldn't erase all the anger from his tone over that idea, but he held Harry's gaze.

"No, sir," Harry answered trying to shake his head free of Snape's grasp. When that wasn't possible, he settled for dropping his eyes downward. "I never said I thought you would."

"No, but you flinched and it is not the first time," Severus responded quickly. "I understand after everything you have been through that that is a valid response, but I want to make it very clear that I will never raise a hand to you. And although I cannot take back the years of verbal attacks I've accosted you with, I hope to avoid that as well in the future," he said sincerely.

When no answer was forthcoming from Harry, Severus continued. "Number two, neither myself nor the headmaster consider the abuse you have been through to be anything as simple as the weather," he said, sneering the last word. "I apologize if you feel I have betrayed your trust, but it was not something I could keep from him. I assure you, I will not tell anyone else but I assumed you understood he of all people would need to know."

"As if he didn't already know," Harry mumbled, finally bringing his own hand up to Snape's wrist to wrestle out of the man's grip and turn his head away.

Severus allowed Harry to turn away but now refused to let go of the boy's hand. "I know we failed you, but the headmaster did not know. The admission letters are sent out magically. The headmaster never sees the actual destinations, just a list of students," Severus explained.

Harry knew he should be relieved at this news and he was, but there was still a part of him that felt conflicted. He knew it was awful to think, but just couldn't help it. If the headmaster had known and never did anything it would let Harry's own conscience off the hook for never telling anyone.

"I want to make sure you also understand that I by no means blame you for not telling anyone. My comment the other night was not intended the way you took it and I'm sorry I wasn't more careful with my words," Snape stated calmly although on the inside it was extremely difficult to let another apology fall from his lips. "It's all right if you never told anyone," Severus lied, knowing Harry had told at least one person.

How does he always know what I'm thinking? Harry wondered closing his eyes.

"I did," Harry said quietly, pulling his bottom lip in between his teeth.

"And you were let down," Snape prodded, purposely enunciating the sentence as a statement rather than a question.

"A teacher in primary school asked once," Harry said indifferently. "It was the first time anyone inquired about a bruise. I was surprised she even thought it was weird so I replied a little too candidly, I guess."

Severus watched Harry's bowed head diligently, hoping the boy would chance a glance up, but he did not.

"She set up an appointment with the school nurse and then I felt uncomfortable explaining anything further because I realized Uncle Vernon would be really angry with me if he found out. I didn't think if I was completely honest there would be a chance I never had to go back to the Dursley's. They spent a lot of time reminding me that if they hadn't taken me in I would be in an awful orphanage. Like any five year old, I was petrified of being sent to an orphanage," Harry said as his head snapped up while he spoke the last comment.

Severus watched Harry's eyes widen in alarm at the realization he just confirmed how young he was when the physical abuse began. Outwardly, the potion's master appeared completely unfazed by the age admission and immediately placated Harry's fears. "That would be a very normal reaction."

Harry dropped his eyes and began fidgeting with some long blades of grass. "Well, Dudley reported to my uncle that I had gone to the nurse. He was furious and…" He wasn't sure if he was ready to admit the next part even if Snape had already seen a very similar situation.

"Locked you in the cupboard," Snape finished matter-of-factly, thinking along the same lines as Harry.

Harry continued on with the story as if Snape's statement had been his own. "The teacher kept questioning me the rest of the week, but I refused to say anything further. Then on Friday there was a social worker type woman at the house when I got home from school, but if looks could kill, I would have been dead on the spot if I dared say anything," he tried to joke.

Severus didn't find the situation funny, but understood Harry's need to make light of the whole situation. He was actually quite amazed Harry had gone into such detail with the story and wondered briefly if last night's incident had anything to do with his honesty.

"Anyway, I learned quickly that it was better not to say anything to anyone," Harry finished, ripping out even more clumps of grass. "I guess I thought if I was good and behaved, following all the rules, things would get better rather than worse. I was an idiot," he berated himself.

"No Harry, you were a child who should not have been in such a situation to begin with," Snape argued instantly. "And no one else bothered to ask later?" he questioned, going back to the original topic.

"Here and there, but I would never admit anything. Vernon was careful not to leave anything too visible unless it was the summer when I could stay out of sight. Dudley helped too," he replied nonchalantly.

"Dudley helped?" Snape questioned.

"Everyone knew Dudley was a bully. Him and his gang's favorite activity was Harry Hunting," he sneered. "It wasn't a stretch to think that's why I had a bruise here or there."

Severus could see right through Harry's attempt to make light of the extent of his injuries, but he was more appalled at the idea that the cousin had a name for his bullying. Although the Marauders never titled it, Severus could now understand even better why Harry was so revolted by their actions.

Harry hoped he hadn't sounded too pathetic and was proud of himself for how steadily he had gotten through that explanation. He was extremely grateful it was over, but now, against his better judgment, he had to ask Snape something else. "You're still going to force me to tell Sirius?" he half asked, half stated.

"Again, I'm not going to force you to talk to anyone. I do hope to convince you eventually that it would help if you spoke with your godfather about everything," Snape said.

"There's not really anything to talk about. I don't understand why you think it's so important," Harry mumbled.

Severus inhaled a deep breath, willing himself not to lose his patience. It wouldn't be fair to take his anger towards the Dursleys out on Harry, but the more he heard the more he wanted to rip the entire family limb from limb. And the casual remarks the boy made coupled with the pain he could clearly see in Harry's eyes only served to stir up memories from Severus' own past.

"Harry, you and I both know there is plenty to talk about. Let's at least admit that much. I'm not going to force you to tell anyone else before you are ready, so put that out of your mind and stop worrying about it unnecessarily. However, be honest with me. Why are you opposed to telling your godfather?" he asked in a much calmer manner than he felt.

Harry tried his best to calm his racing heart by taking a few breaths. Could he just be honest with Snape? What difference did it make since the man promised not to tell anyone else? Just because he admitted this to Snape didn't mean the man would convince him to talk to Sirius. Things could stay the way they were and everything would be okay.

"He thinks I'm so much like my father, but he'll be disappointed when he finds out how weak I am," he admitted.

"Harry," Severus said slowly. "You are not weak. You were an innocent child with no means to defend yourself. And as for your father…" As much as it pained Severus to speak of James Potter in a decent light he knew it had to be done. "He grew up in a loving home. There is no telling how he would have acted faced with the life you grew up with, but I would wager my wand that he would have done just as you have. Although I find it hard to believe anyone could have been as strong as you are."

"But I'm a wizard and he is just a muggle… I should have been able to protect myself or I should have told someone, but I was too scared," Harry answered, still focused on blaming himself.

Severus was getting extremely frustrated with having to repeat himself a million times, but knew it wouldn't help if he wasn't patient with Harry. "You've been conditioned to believe you are to blame, but that needs to stop. Your godfather will not think you were weak."

"It doesn't matter," Harry retorted quickly. "He'll still treat me differently, like he has to tiptoe around me or something."

"Have I treated you differently? Have I tiptoed around you?" Severus asked, hoping Harry would see the shift in their relationship as something different than just pity.

"Yes!" Harry snapped.

"In an unpleasant way?" Severus asked and when Harry didn't immediately answer, he continued on. "Have I acted as though I think you're weak?"

"No," Harry conceded. If anything, the change in his professor was a wonderful thing. He never had someone act like they cared quite as much as Snape seemed to be doing this summer.

"I'm not expecting you to rush off and speak with Black. What I am expecting though, is that you give this a lot of thought. If I of all people do not blame you nor think you are weak, why do you think your godfather would? Just consider it," Severus said.

"All right," Harry whispered, chancing a glance over at the professor. His hand was still firmly covered by Snape's and the pressure had felt surprisingly reassuring throughout the entire conversation.

"Good," Snape said, rising to his feet and pulling Harry with him. "Why don't we squeeze in a few healing spells before lunch?"

Harry grabbed his broom and followed the professor indoors, actually a little more at ease after their discussion.

-SS-

TBC…

Ugh, Sorry it took forever but as a birthday present to me, you could leave me a review. :) -Mara