Primoris Oraculum Duo (First Prophecy Two)

Chapter 36

Knowing that Harry was being carefully watched, Snape returned to the dungeons. For a long while he stood looking down at the seemingly innocent potion. The papaver level in the brew had been staggeringly high when he tested it out. The chances of him withdrawing without slowly lowering his consumption were low. His plan to simply stop taking it and banish it away would have to be altered. Getting out a box of single dose vials, he filled them. Locking them back in the box, he then emptied the cauldron of the remaining potion and cleaned it.

Going back through the floo, he handed Remus the box. "The amount of addictive ingredient is too high for me to stop taking this altogether. I am charging you with allowing me a steadily declining supply until it is gone. I have had one vial today."

With that admission, he whirled away from Remus and went to stand over Harry.

Harry had Prongs right up against his face as he slept, looking peaceful for a change.

Remus unlocked the box of vials and counted them. Pulling out parchment, he drew up a calendar to note the days and then noted how many vials would be allowed on each day. If he allowed four vials today, and decreased the vials by one every two days, there was enough for a week and a half. He presented the schedule to Severus and commented, "That's just enough time for you to be clear of it by the next full moon."

Severus snapped his head up. There was still that consideration. If he had been infected, he would be transforming right along with Remus, unless Wolfsbane worked for him as well. Until the time came, there was no way of determining how being a beithir might have affected that, or if the werewolf curse had been eliminated with the elimination of the beithir. With a nod, he said, "I will make the double supply this month, as you suggested."

Remus took back the schedule and locked the box in his trunk in the other room.

When Harry woke up, he saw that Remus was sitting on the sofa reading. Severus was silently prowling the room. Harry watched from under his lashes for a few minutes. Remus looked up at Severus when there was a low oath heard as he passed by.

"Do you want the next dose now?"

Severus stopped and looked at him intently, jaw muscle twitching. He seemed undecided and then finally ran a hand over his face. "No. It's too early. I'll wait until the proper time has passed. It has to be bourn."

He looked at Harry as Harry pushed himself to a sitting position. "What has to be

bourn?"

Severus sat down next to him and put the back of his hand to Harry's forehead. Satisfied, he answered, "Nothing that need concern you. How are you feeling?"

Harry considered and then said, "I feel like I've gotten some good sleep finally."

Remus got up and pulled the chair over to sit in. "Good; because we all need to talk."

Harry recoiled at that. "I don't want to talk about what happened. I just want to forget it."

"Harry, you need to let out how you feel so you can truly heal. We will not judge you. What happened was beyond your control." Remus had put a hand on the settee, leaning towards Harry.

Harry plucked at imaginary lint on the blanket. "I didn't think that you would."

Severus frowned. "You should know that right now, I am Occluding for you. I had to be

in your mind to do that. I have seen what you are feeling and thinking."

Harry's face burned. "Then there's no need to talk about it, is there." He said it as a statement, and not as a question.

Remus sighed. "But there is a need. You must come to terms with it yourself, and you can only do that by talking it out. You need to get to a place where you can do your own Occluding again."

His voice was almost too low for them to hear, when he finally began to speak minutes later. Remus and Severus had to move closer to hear him. Harry managed to tell them what had happened in the Great Hall; Draco trying to shield him from Lucius, Lucius striking Draco. Furious, Harry had lashed out at Lucius, sending him across the room. When he admitted that he had hoped Lucius was dead by his hand, Remus moved to sit beside him, putting a comforting arm around the stiff shoulders.

Harry swallowed and took some deep breaths before he continued; telling them that the mask Lucius had been wearing was a portkey. When he landed, he found himself in the

Malfoy dungeons, and Uncle Vernon there.

Harry struggled to go on with the telling, his trembling becoming as if he had been immersed in ice water. Remus slid a leg around him and the pulled him back into a strong embrace, his soothing wolf chuffs gradually relaxing the tension in Harry's body somewhat. Harry reached up and put his hand in Remus's hair, a gesture that Remus knew made him feel more secure. With his other hand, he reached out for Severus and Severus took it readily, holding it tightly in both of his.

"Uncle Vernon … he beat me and I couldn't stop him. It seemed like my magic was frozen and I couldn't do anything against him … then … I didn't know anything could hurt like … what he did … not even Crucio hurts like that did … I kept calling in my mind for someone, anyone, to come and help me."

He stopped, breathing hard and leaning into Remus. Remus rested his chin on Harry's shoulder, arms securing him back against his chest. For a few minutes, Harry just sat and let the warmth of Remus against his back and the warmth of Severus's hands try to melt the icy feeling inside him.

"I thought I was dreaming when Professor Dumbledore was suddenly there … maybe I was even dying, I don't know. Then I thought I saw … but my glasses were gone, so it couldn't have been right … I saw a werewolf over Dumbledore's shoulder. I didn't know he was strong enough to pick anybody up, but he was picking me up and carrying me out … and I was hurting, but I was so glad that even if I was dreaming or dying, someone had come and maybe Uncle Vernon wouldn't hurt me anymore …"

Tears were rolling down Harry's face and Severus pulled a hand free to gently wipe some of them away with a thumb, cupping Harry's cheek in his palm. In his ear, Remus whispered, "He can't ever hurt you again, cub. He's dead and he will never touch you again."

Harry leaned into the hand on his face and opened his eyes to look at Severus. Severus nodded that this was true and Harry pulled himself out of Remus's arms to launch himself forward into Severus. Severus caught him and held him tightly as Harry sobbed brokenly.

The three of them sat there, Harry crying, the men looking at each other over his head, hoping that the retelling and the assurances of Dursley's death would be enough to pull the boy back from his determination to be free of his existence.

The retelling exhausted Harry and he went back to sleep, hugging Prongs in place of Severus or Remus. The two men sat sipping tea, trying to find the words they needed. Finally, Severus opened the conversation. "He will need a psychological healer. I will consult with Madame Pomfrey and then go to St. Mungo's."

"I agree. Talking to us is not enough in itself to help him get over this. Make sure it's someone who …" Remus's voice drifted off and he looked uncomfortable.

Severus looked at him sharply. "Someone who what, exactly?"

Remus cleared his throat and said firmly, "Make sure it's not someone who is a potential spy for Voldemort, someone who would not want to exploit tales of Harry for profit, someone who is not absolutely the best at whatever a psychological healer is supposed to do."

"Do you think, for one second, that I will not make very sure of all that and more? I, more than anyone else, know what dangers there are in securing this kind of help for him." He paused then and speared Remus with a fierce scowl. "While I am gone, see if you can't get him to do something, anything, besides pace this room." With that, he stood up and strode from the room with long strides.

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Severus spoke to several healers by the end of the day, none of whom he trusted to take on the task of being Harry's psychological healer. By the time he returned to Harry's rooms, he was mass of trembling nerves, his joints aflame and his temper frayed. Remus saw his perspiring face and immediately went to his trunk, returning with a vial of the Pain Relief Potion. Severus opened it and quickly swallowed the contents.

Harry was sitting at the desk, a quill in his hand, and he watched all this. When Severus sat down and rubbed a hand over his face, he got up and went to him, laying a hand on his arm. Severus jumped in surprise, causing Harry to jerk his hand away. Scowling, Severus turned away, missing the hurt look on Harry's face. Remus stopped him and jerked his head silently towards Harry.

Severus turned back, and saw that Harry had gone over to the settee. He was now holding Prongs, absently stroking the toy. With a sigh, Severus rubbed his tired eyes and went to sit beside him. "I apologize. I am not feeling well."

Harry looked up in concern. "You're sick?"

Severus shook his head. "No, not sick." At Harry's puzzled expression, he continued, "I am trying to withdraw myself from a powerful potion. The result is making me short-tempered and disagreeable."

Harry raised his eyebrows, obviously battling with himself about what to say. Finally, he burst out, "How is that so different for you?"

Severus opened his mouth and then shut it with a snap as Remus laughed out loud. His face darkened and his frown deepened, and Harry thought he had probably overstepped the boundaries. But then Severus relaxed, the potion dose working to ease the tension he had been feeling. If Harry could make a joke at this point, he was willing to be the butt of it.

He smirked at Harry and ruffled his already messy hair. With a mocking voice he said, "I'll have you know that my demeanor of late has been quite a bit more caustic than usual. Many a student has lost house points over the last days."

Harry had caught on that Severus was willing to be a part of the joke and he grinned. "Again, I ask; how is that so different for you?"

Severus gave a growl and pulled Harry into a hug. "Brat. I am very glad to hear you make jokes, even at my expense."

Harry gently pulled himself away, as if not wanting to make Severus angry. Severus sighed and said, "I know you are disinclined to touching right now. I apologize."

Harry shook his head quickly, "No, it's just that you surprised me, that's all." He reached out tentatively and added, "I like it when you hug me. I just have to know it's coming so I can be ready."

Severus nodded. "I understand. I'll attempt to curtail my overwhelming displays of affection." He gave Harry a small smile when he saw the small one on Harry's face.

Remus watched all of this with amusement and some relief that Harry was able to engage in joking talk and behavior.

After a moment, Severus held out his hand to Harry, waiting for him to take it if he chose. Harry looked up at him, and after another moment he took the offered hand. Severus squeezed it and smiled gently. It was a strange expression and Harry couldn't help but stare up at the man who had always worn nothing but menacing expressions since he had known him.

Severus quirked an eyebrow at Harry's intent stare, and then said softly, "I do have a purpose in trying to help you be comfortable, Harry. We need to see if you are able to Occlude on your own. I will have to take a potion to stay awake if you are unable to handle your own shielding."

Harry flushed slightly and lowered his gaze. "I'm sorry I'm such trouble."

Severus gave his hand another squeeze. "You are not. I did not intend to hint that you are. It is a simple matter of letting me see inside your mind and watch as you raise your own shields to Occlude. I am confident that you can do so."

Harry was not at all confident, and the thought that Severus would see that feeling inside his mind again made him queasy. With a jerky indrawn breath he raised his eyes to Severus and allowed him eye contact.

Severus attempted to be as gentle and non-threatening as he could as he entered Harry's thoughts. Through their link, he spoke, 'I am Occluding the Dark Lord for you. You will need to be occluding before I can turn it over to you.'

He waited for Harry to show him that he was raising the subconscious defensive walls. It was some minutes later before there was a sudden shove in his own mind that signaled Harry's success. He slowly backed his efforts away until he was only shielding his own mind. Harry's was closed to him.

They looked at each other and Harry asked, "Am I doing it on my own?"

Severus answered through the link first. 'Yes.' But when Harry didn't hear him, he responded aloud, "Yes, you are Occluding on your own. The link is closed. Do you find it necessary to close it in order to Occlude?"

Harry appeared deep in thought and then shook his head. "I can't feel the difference right now. If I Occlude, I can't speak in my head." He looked worried and asked, "Will I be able to talk to you again in my head? I don't want to lose that!"

Severus squeezed the hands he still held. "I believe that you will progress quickly. You had forgotten how. Now that you are remembering again, it will become easier."

Remus sat down then and Harry turned to look at him. Remus said softly, "Severus saw earlier in your mind that you are afraid that we would abandon you, once we know what happened to you."

Harry frowned and looked away before giving a short nod. "I wouldn't blame you. I'm supposed to be strong enough to defeat Voldemort someday. I couldn't even stop a Muggle. Why would you keep putting hope in me after that?"

Remus leaned toward him as Severus tightened the grip on his hands. "Harry, Lucius Malfoy had such strong wards on his dungeons that even Albus couldn't break them. His wards prevented anyone but him from using magic there."

Harry looked between them both, his eyes hopeful and then narrowing suspiciously. "You're just saying that so I won't worry about how I froze up."

Remus shook his head. "Draco confirmed it. His father had the dungeons spelled so strongly that you wouldn't have been able to use magic in a less difficult situation."

"Then how did it happen? How was I rescued?"

Severus pulled his attention back to him when he spoke in a low measured voice. "I was able to remember from years ago, when Lucius and I were real friends, that he told me about spending almost a half million galleons on goblin security at the Manor. He bragged that the wards on the dungeons were unbreakable, set to fail only at his death."

Harry stared at him for a long time and then asked, "So he's dead, too?"

Severus nodded. "When I remembered … the beithir béimneach took care of him."

Remus added softly, "Draco had got us into the manor. Albus and I were trying everything we knew to disable the wards, so we could get to you. His mother was there, and she and Draco felt the wards go down. As soon as they did, Albus and I got you out."

Harry looked lost in thought for a long time as he processed what they had told him. When he looked up, his eyes were shining and his chin quivered. "You both killed someone … for me …"

Severus didn't wait for Harry to allow it; he just pulled him firmly into an embrace. "We would do it again. Our regret, our only regret, is that it was too late to keep you from the torment you endured." He felt Harry put his arms around his waist. "Nothing will ever cause us to abandon you, Harry. Remember the First Prophecy?" Harry nodded against him. "I will be here; doing whatever it takes to help you get ready to face the Dark Lord."

Remus put a hand on Harry's shoulder. "I am here, too."

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Remus had talked Harry into writing an essay on The Possible Effects of the Lunar Cycle On Magic. He turned over several books he had used for his own research into Harry's magic.

"By doing your own research, you will understand better what it is you have. We will be able to work much better to learn how to get it under better control."

Harry had agreed, not because he was eager to get back to school work, but because he wanted to do anything that kept his mind free of recent events. In spite of the reassurances Severus and Remus had given him, he still felt overwhelmed with just existing. A part of him still wanted to be free of it, and free of the responsibility of his destiny.

In fact, the thought of going back to class, everyone knowing about what had happened, how he had failed to counter a Muggle attack, made him nauseous. He swallowed hard against the bitter taste of bile when the thought of attending regular class crept into his head.

Remus came into the room quickly. He had been poking around in the old books in the old office. He had a stack of them in his hands and was flipping through one of them as he made his way back to his room. Just outside the door, he heard Harry's groan.

"Harry? What is it?"

Harry looked up at Remus with a sickly expression. "I – I was just thinking of how it would be when I have to go back to real class … I can't do it … please say I don't have to …" With that, he turned his head and bent over, vomiting onto the floor.

Remus put the books down and scourgified the floor quickly. He put a hand to Harry's head for a moment and then drew him to stand up and walk over to the settee. He sat him down and gently pushed him to lie down. Harry shivered and closed his eyes, fighting off another wave of nausea.

Going to the shelf of potions, Remus chose a dose of Calming Draught, and another of a kind that relieved upset stomachs. Harry took them without question when Remus pressed the vials to his lips.

Harry reached for Prongs and the blanket draped over the back of the settee. Without further word, he curled himself into a ball and went to sleep.

Remus just stopped himself from brushing his hand over Harry's hair. He recognized that Harry's desire for sleep was a sign of depression and a way of avoiding reality. He was sinking even deeper, even though he had unburdened himself to Severus and Remus. It hadn't been enough, that was clear. He was making himself ill just thinking about continuing with normal, everyday activities.

Remus was sitting in a chair at the side of the settee, eyes fixed on a sleeping Harry, when Severus came through the floo and into the room. He looked from Harry to Remus for a moment before saying, "I came for my dose of potion. I will not be a pleasant person for the rest of my classes unless I have it."

Remus gave him an uplifted eyebrow as an acknowledgment of the small joke Severus had made. Severus was sitting in the chair Remus had vacated to go get the potion when he returned. He was resting his elbows on his knees leaning his head against templed fingers, as he stared at Harry. After a few minutes, he stood.

"He is Occluding well, even in his sleep." He took the dose vial and drained it quickly. Fixing Harry with another long gaze, he said to Remus, "Albus wishes to see all of us in his office tonight. He insists on speaking with Harry himself."

Remus shook his head, "He's not ready."

"I know. Albus will have to weather it, since he won't take no for an answer."

The two men each had their own private words for the Headmaster; ones that neither wished to say aloud. Both hoped that the evening would be kind to Harry.

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A/N:

papaver somniferum-poppy: opiate plant. This is what I can envisionSnape using to increase the potency of a potion he needs for himself.

All the effects related to how a person might react in response to abuse are true to life. This kind of trauma takes a very long time to get over, and while I do not intend to belabor it in this fic, I cannot gloss over it either. Dealing with it will make them all stronger in the end, as they need to be. Please bear with me.

If you know or suspect that a child is being verbally, physically, or emotionally abused or neglected, it is your duty and responsibility to report it to the authorities. Only then can they be rescued from their own private hell. Listen to your heart…save a child. In most places, your report is anonymous. Following an investigation, appropriate actions will be taken to safeguard the victim. Remember that victims of domestic and child abuse are often silent, believing that they are 'stuck' in the situation and/or deserve the treatment they are victims of. Speak up!! You may make the difference in their life!