A Ticklish Torment
Summary: Harry is cursed with a tickling curse as a baby, causing everyone to want to tickle him. Who cursed him and will he ever be free from it?
Inspiration: This story was requested by LivingDeaDGirl244 on Ao3. This is what she requested: Harry Potter is cursed as a baby with a tickling torture spell, the spell makes people want to tickle him a lot because of it because of his innocents and adorableness, first the Dursleys torment him with it, then at Hogwarts, Professor Snape his long lost Godfather, Voldemort who's obsessed with him, how will Harry escape this curse?
AN: This is where my muse took her suggestions, hope you like it. :)
Disclaimer: I own nothing and make no monies from this.
ATT
As Harry sat at the desk, Severus studied him. If he had only known, Harry would not have been stuck with his horrible relatives for a single moment.
Now, now he was in the process of filing charges against Dumbledore, the only living person who knew Severus was the rightful guardian of Harry, as well as making sure Vernon and Petunia Dursley faced the muggle courts for the abuse they bestowed upon his godson.
He had already turned in the paperwork to the goblins for his official adoption of Harry.
No one would ever keep Harry away from him again!
He had been surprised when Lily and James had asked him to be godfather but had accepted the honor with pride.
"Why me?" Severus asked, truly curious to the answer.
"I know we have our history Severus but I cannot think of anyone who I would trust more with Harry's life and wellbeing than you." James told him.
"What about Black? Lupin? Pettigrew? I would have thought they would be higher on the list of caretakers than me." Severus inquired.
"Sev, we both think the world of Sirius and Remus but…well…Sirius is too immature to handle a child and Remus has his own problems. Peter, Peter has become distant with us, not to mention his change in demeanor and hygiene." Lily shivered then continued, "It would mean a lot to us, it would mean a lot to me, if you would take the mantle of being Harry's godfather, someone we both trust implicitly.
"You were my first friend and are my oldest friend, please Sev. It would make me feel so much better if I knew you were looking after Harry if anything happened to us. I know with you he would be taken care of, protected and encouraged to be all he could be and you wouldn't tolerate any stupidity." Lily explained, a soft expression on her face.
Severus stared at the couple gobsmacked.
Yes, he and James had come to an understanding after graduation. It was a hard conversation but because Lily had forgiven him and asked for his forgiveness in return for her childishness, they both decided to bury the hatchet and had become, at least, civil with each other. Severus still didn't get along with Black and only tolerated Lupin and completely despised Pettigrew, but he and James had slowly become friends.
When they both realized they had come from less than stellar homes, it had become easier to let bygones be bygones.
They had both handled the pressure of school and home life poorly. Where James wasn't abused by his parents they had had very high standards and expectations for him; Severus had had the abuse from his father and the neglect of a submissive mother.
Neither boy had known a better way to deal with the emotional backlash so they had targeted each other.
When Lily had chosen James as a partner and turned her back on Severus was when things got amped up. However, when Black had almost gotten Severus killed by Moony, was when James had taken a step back and realized just how wrong all of them were acting.
Much to Severus' surprise, it had been James to approach him after graduation to try to make amends. Lily had had no idea at the time and they kept it that way until they could be civil with each other, not wanting to get her hopes up, just in case it was an impossible task to accomplish.
Before either one realized it, they had become friends and James' relationship with Sirius had become strained. Black had refused to let go of childish grudges and see Severus as anything but a "slimy Slytherin git" and wouldn't stop calling him "Snivellus".
Of course, Severus accepted the honor and hoped he would never have to be more than a constant figure in the child's life. Then that fateful night had happened.
What had really bothered Severus was that he was supposed to be at their home having dinner with them that night but Dumbledore had called him to the school to speak with him about teaching at Hogwarts after he received his mastery.
Severus had almost canceled, feeling the need to be with the Potters instead. Alas, he had given in to the "proper" thing to do instead of listening to his instincts. He would forever regret his decision.
When Dumbledore had excused himself halfway through their meeting and told Severus he was needed elsewhere and they would pick their discussion up later, Severus had felt something was very wrong, what it was he had no clue but it was there. Then, he had heard the horrible news when he had apparated into Hogsmeade; the Potters had been attacked, leaving no one alive.
Severus had fallen to his knees, right there in front of all the customers, and had let out a strangled cry. He hadn't cared who saw him or what they might think. His best friend and her family had just been killed. After a few minutes, Severus left the pub and apparated to Lily and James' home to find it a wreck.
He had found James on the stairs and Lily in the nursery but there was no Harry. Severus frantically looked all over for the toddler but there was no sign of him. Had the Dark Lord taken him? But as Severus calmed a bit and truly looked around, he noticed the scorch marks and the tattered robes of what was left of Voldemort.
When Severus returned to his home, he couldn't shake the feeling that he had missed something, or more like someone. Where had Harry gone to? Why was there no sign of him? Severus spent the next month searching for the young wizard but never thought to check with Petunia. The one person Lily would never allow to have custody of her child.
Then Severus had had to return to his Master to continue his apprenticeship and hadn't had a free moment to spare to look for a missing child that very well could be dead, something he would never forgive himself for allowing to slide.
Within a year, Severus had his mastery in Potions. He had been proud of himself but the day had been dulled by the three missing people that should have been there to help him celebrate his accomplishment; Lily, James and Harry.
Instead, Severus had met up with Dumbledore and had accepted a teaching position. He had, by then, closed himself off from everyone. It wasn't worth the pain to allow anyone in.
He had learned quickly, being the youngest professor ever at Hogwarts, that he would have to rule his class with an iron fist. He would be teaching students who would remember him as a student and that wouldn't do. So, he had become snarky, cold and a total bastard towards those who took his class. His first two years had been absolute hell but slowly his students started to, if not respect then fear him.
Then, a decade later, a boy he never thought to ever see again walked into the Great Hall. Severus' jaw had almost hit the floor while his hands fisted tightly. He turned a hard look to the Headmaster and scowled darkly at him.
After all this time, Harry was alive! How could something so important be kept from him? Then Severus took in the boy and realized something was wrong.
ATT
Harry tried to keep some distance between him and the other students around him. He hated how they would tickle him without regard to whether he wanted to be or not, like they were compelled to do it and couldn't resist the pull. It was such a terrible thing to not want to laugh but he really didn't want to. He was tired of always laughing. His ribs always hurt and he was constantly covered in small, fingertip sized bruises. Of course, his relatives had tickled him without mercy anytime they were around. He had learned, quickly and the hard way, how to laugh and still get the many chores done he was given daily.
He had hoped that going to Hogwarts would give him a break from all the tickling but, unfortunately it seemed, that would not be the case. Everyone who came near him couldn't help but poke and prod him to try to make him laugh. Shortly after he boarded the train, he had quickly found an empty compartment to hide in. He had locked the door and pulled the shade to make sure no one would see the almost empty compartment and ask to sit with him. He had tried to sit with the red headed boy, Ron, whose family had helped him through the barrier but realized his mistake in minutes.
He had to be cursed. Not only did everyone gawk at him when his name was said but they all tried, and most succeeded, to tickle him. He didn't understand why either reaction was happening but had quickly excused himself to find somewhere else to be.
When he had heard a knock on the door, Harry had kept quiet. Then the door rattled, like someone was trying to manually force it open before all went quiet again. When Harry chanced a peek out the window, he saw a bushy haired girl pointing her wand at the lock. Panicking and not thinking, Harry opened the door.
"Oh, hello, sorry to disturb you but have you seen a toad? A boy named Neville has lost his and I'm helping him to look for it. My name's Hermione Granger and you are?" the girl asked.
"Harry, Harry Potter and no, I haven't seen a toad." Harry answered. When she tilted her head, Harry wondered if he had made a mistake in opening the door.
"Are you alone?" Hermione asked him while trying to look into the compartment.
"Yeah, no one else but me in here." Was Harry's reply as he leaned over a bit so she could see for herself.
"I see. Well, if you see a toad, please bring him to Neville or me. Thank you." She had said and then promptly turned and started walking down the train, tapping on another compartment's door, asking the same question.
Harry shook his head and let out the breath he had been holding. Then it hit him as he sat back down, she hadn't tried to tickle him. Hmm, that was interesting and refreshing. He wondered what was so different about the girl, Hermione. Harry had yet to meet anyone who didn't want to tickle him.
Losing himself to his thoughts, Harry started a bit when he heard a knock on the door. As he contemplated ignoring it, the knock became louder, harder. Giving in to curiosity, Harry peeked out the window again. It was her, Hermione Granger, and she looked close to tears. Feeling his heart squeeze, Harry unlocked the door just as she was turning away.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked tentatively.
"Um, could I sit with you?" came her reply in a shaky voice.
"I don't…" Harry started to say before she interrupted him.
"That's okay, I'll just find somewhere else then." Hermione had murmured as she took a step back.
"Hey, no, it's okay, you can sit in here if you want." Harry found himself saying as he opened the door more for her to come in, then closing and locking it quickly.
"Thank you" Hermione said quietly as she pulled a book from her bag and started reading it after sitting down on the opposite seat.
Harry couldn't believe it; someone was close to him and not trying to tickle him! It was a new and strange sensation for him and he quite liked it.
ATT
"Why does your gaze keep returning to me?" Hermione asked after noticing Harry staring at her yet again. She didn't want to seem rude, thankful that he had allowed her in, but her curiosity was getting the better of her. She was also curious to why he was sitting alone when she had seen him surrounded by students before boarding the train.
"Sorry. It's just; you haven't tried to tickle me since we met." Harry answered.
"Why would I do that? Do you want me to tickle you?" Hermione asked, totally confused.
"No!" Harry exclaimed then calmed a bit at her surprised look. "Sorry, I mean, no please don't."
"Okay" Hermione responded, drawing out the word, "Then why did you think I would?" she inquired, truly interested in his answer.
"Well, it seems everyone who comes near me wants to tickle me." Harry told her.
"I see. Well, I have no compunction to do such a thing." She responded, then asked, "Why does everyone want to tickle you?"
"I don't know." Harry answered while he shrugged his shoulders. "It's been that way since I can remember. Everyone wants to tickle me, even strangers." he confided to her.
"That is strange; could be because you're simply adorable." Hermione commented then blushed to her toes. She couldn't believe she had just said that.
Harry blushed and looked away. "Um, thank you?"
"You're welcome." Hermione said quietly.
They sat in silence for the rest of the trip and in the boats. It had surprised Hermione, as she watched, how many would come up to Harry and try to tickle him. He wasn't kidding when he told her that, how strange. She had never known anyone who attracted attention in such a way.
ATT
After Harry moved into Snape's quarters, he finally found some peace. He was so thankful that Severus had no desire to tickle him. However, he was confused as to why the Headmaster tried to forbid Harry from living with his godfather. When Severus had told him who he was, Harry had almost cried then he had gotten upset. If Severus was his godfather and wanted him, then why was he living with his Aunt and Uncle who had never wanted him?
It took a few nights but Severus was able to explain to Harry why he had been missing in his life. Neither Severus nor Harry was happy about the way things had worked out. However, Severus had promised Harry that he would no longer be returning to that horrid household, that Severus was his guardian now and no one could change that. Then they had had a very long talk and by the time Harry had turned in for the night, Severus had been livid.
It had taken Harry those few nights to tell Severus everything he been through living with the Dursleys. What Harry had told him had Severus seeing red and vowing to have Petunia and Vernon Dursley incarcerated and their son put in a military or military like school. How dare they treat Harry in such a manner! No child deserved to be treated so horribly. Severus was still trying to wrap his head around Harry sleeping in the cupboard under the stairs, given only scraps to eat as well as being forced to do the chores he was made to do and from too young of an age too. Then…then they would constantly tickle him while he was trying to do his "work", only to punish physically him when he failed to finish those tasks
The constant tickling was something Severus was trying to figure out as well. Why everyone was continuously trying to tickle his godson? He had no doubt it was a curse but who would put such a curse on the boy? Why? Severus knew he would figure it out but how to protect Harry while he did? When Harry had shown Severus his bruised body (and not all of it from tickling), it had taken every bit of control Severus had to not apparate straight to the Dursleys and use every Unforgivable curse he knew on them, consequences be damned, somehow though, he had barely managed not to. It was only the thought of leaving Harry in Dumbledore's clutches that had stayed his wand.
He had no clue what the old fool had planned and, honestly, didn't want to know but knew he would find out soon enough. Severus wasn't happy that the Headmaster had allowed Harry's abuse. He would never believe that Dumbledore hadn't known, the old coot knew everything. As Severus pondered that train of thought, he remembered one of Albus' arguments was something about blood wards that were "protecting" Harry due to his mother's sacrifice. Severus smelled bullshite with that one because the Headmaster would know that Severus was blood related to Harry. James and Lily had insisted on Severus taking more than a vow to be godfather. They had performed the ritual instead; the one which made Severus blood related to Harry so his guardianship couldn't be disputed due to him being a marked DeathEater. Albus Dumbledore knew this; it was stated in the Potter's will!
This caused Severus to pause; he couldn't remember getting a summons for the reading of their wills. How very peculiar. Now that he was thinking through things, Severus knew the wills had not been read and knew he needed to contact Gringotts to have the matter looked into. He wouldn't put it past Albus to seal the wills away to get his way. But what was that? Why would Dumbledore want the wills sealed? What purpose would it serve? All these questions floated along his mind and it irritated Severus not knowing the answers. Well, he was fairly sure he knew the reasons but would need them confirmed.
Severus knew his work was cut out for him where Harry was concerned but, fortunately, he would now have the time to do so, even if he wasn't the boy's godfather, he would be looking into matters due to Harry having been sorted into Slytherin. He took his role as Head of House very seriously. He would prove to Harry that someone out there cared for him and would put him first. Severus was also pleased to learn that a young witch had befriended his godson. The irony wasn't lost on him either. A Gryffindor witch befriending a Slytherin wizard, Lily would be so proud. Severus couldn't help the small smile that appeared. He knew James would roll his eyes but Lily would be ecstatic, saying it was them all over again.
ATT
Of course, due to the changes that had occurred, not everything was going according to a certain Headmaster's plans. Albus Dumbledore was not a happy wizard. He had planned this out so well, what had gone wrong? He had sealed the Potter's wills after their deaths so no one would know their wishes. He had placed the little whelp with his relatives who despised magic to make sure he would be malleable when he came to Hogwarts. He had obliviated Minerva so she wouldn't make a fuss over her observations of said relatives. With Severus taking over guardianship of young Harry, he wouldn't be able to mold the young man into what he needed him to be, the weapon against Voldemort.
Albus also knew that it would be only a matter of time before Severus would figure out how to protect the Potter brat from being tickled by everyone. Well, everyone but a first year witch. He had noticed the young witch sitting next to Harry as a shield against those of the rest of the table. Albus frowned, that wouldn't do either. He would need to guide the girl away from Harry. The boy needed no more allies than the Potions Master, Harry's legal guardian and godfather.
Dumbledore mentally sneered when he thought over that detail. He hadn't known the Potters had performed the Godfather Ritual instead of just having Severus take the vow, like most wizarding families did, which complicated matters a bit. Now, he was facing possible charges for having the wills sealed and ignoring Severus' right to raise the brat. Who'd have thought the lanky, greasy haired boy would take his responsibility to heart? Albus sure hadn't thought that and now that same "boy" was trying to press charges against him. This just wouldn't do, he'd have to figure a way for Severus to disappear; either temporarily or permanently.
The Headmaster wouldn't consider all his planning and sacrifices going to the wolves. No, he would have to think on this matter and figure out how to correct the hurdles that had sprung up. The young witch would be easy, just give her a mild push to befriend the youngest Weasley boy while he cast Suggestionem Plantabis and she should distance herself from young Potter and cast the same spell on Harry to distrust Severus. He would need to cast these spells when he saw the children in the halls. There would be no way Severus would allow Albus a meeting with Harry without him being there and Ms. Granger would have Minerva questioning him, so it would have to be done in passing.
Now he would need to figure out how to either occupy Severus or dispose of him. That would take some serious thought. Of course, he could always try to enforce his will through the Vow the boy had taken when asking for Dumbledore's help in protecting the Potter family so long ago but Albus wasn't sure if it would work. He would have to think very carefully on his wording or he would make the Vow null and void. The Headmaster was now wishing he had worded the Vow more specific instead of an almost general Unbreakable Vow to follow his orders. Magic would punish him if he outright demanded Severus to relinquish his rights as godfather. This would take kid gloves and a bit of time, meanwhile, he could cast the spell on the two children and it might help him with dealing with Severus.
ATT
It took Severus almost two months to create a pendant for Harry to wear to keep him protected from everyone. It seemed not even the professors were able to help themselves from tickling the young wizard, much to their dismay. Severus had to cast a shield charm on Harry every day before breakfast, lunch and dinner. It wasn't that Severus minded, not at all, and it wasn't a strain on his magic to do this in any way. It was an inconvenience to Harry to have to keep coming to the dungeons to have it cast, though he never complained and his teachers understood if he happened to be late to their class. Severus knew Harry had been "trained" to not complain about anything lest he get beaten or tickled but he was also sure the young man was just glad to get some sort of a reprieve.
It took a week alone to just find the enchantments needed to imbue the pendant then another month and a half to create it. Severus had to layer the pendant and allow the magic to sink into the material before adding anything else, which could take anywhere from a few hours to a week. It was a long process and a bit taxing on his magic but it would be worth it if it gave Harry long term peace as he attended classes and meals until Severus could figure out what curse had been placed on him and the way to reverse it. It wouldn't keep anyone from wanting to tickle him but it would keep them from being able to actually touch him; and Severus might have added a few more, different, protections on top of those.
The other professors were pitching in to help as well. Minerva had transfigured the pendant out of an ancient artifact found by the house elves that was laden with protections of its own. Flitwick would add protective charms to it whenever he could. Septima Vector had done the Arithmancy to see what combination of potions, charms, runes and other spells would truly help protect Harry and would work seamlessly with the amulet's magic. Bathsheda Babbling had drawn intricate runes on the pendant and Pomona had given Severus the herbs to use in his potions that would add to the potency of his concoctions that he would soak the pendant in. All in all, the pendant had more protections on it than even Gringotts had on their most treasured and secured vaults.
When Severus had given the pendant to Harry and he had put it on, something happened that Severus had not counted on. Harry fell to the floor screaming while clutching his head. Without thinking, Severus yanked the pendant off the boy, shoved it into a robe pocket, and cradled him in his arms, rocking him until he settled. Once Harry had calmed down, Severus looked at his head and noticed his lightning bolt scar was red and angry. When his fingers grazed the scar, Severus felt the darkness pulsing from it. He then picked Harry up and carried him to his quarters and laid him on the couch. Fortunately, they were both early risers, which meant Severus would hopefully be able to get this matter sorted before classes began and no one would be any the wiser.
Severus then sent his patronus to Grimtooth, the goblin in charge of Harry's accounts, letting him know of the situation. When his patronus returned, Severus gathered Harry in his arms and floo'd them inside the Bank as he had been instructed. Grimtooth was waiting for them inside a room and immediately sent the healers he had gathered to check over the boy. After casting a few spells, the healers turned to Grimtooth to tell him what they had found, then Grimtooth translated for Severus. The healers had found a Horcrux inside the scar, which he then explained they couldn't let them leave until it had been dealt with.
After Severus gave his permission for the goblin healers to perform a ritual to remove the soul shard from Harry's scar, he had been asked to lay the child on the table and step back. Before Severus stepped back, he explained to Harry what was going on since he had regained consciousness shortly after arriving.
"You'll be here with me, won't you sir?" Harry had asked in a groggy voice.
"I will only be a few steps away, Harry, and when they are done I will return to your side." Severus reassured him.
When Harry reached over and gave Severus a tight hug, Severus returned it then stepped back so the healers could do their job.
The ritual took about two hours and, fortunately, was mostly painless. The very end caused Harry to cry out in pain and duress. However, when the healers were done and had purified the scar, Severus noticed the scar fade to just a faint outline. Grimtooth had told him that it should heal completely within a day or two. As Harry rose to a sitting position, Severus approached him.
"Thank you, sir. My head feels so much lighter and clearer than I can remember it ever being." Harry told him.
"That is good Harry. Shall we attempt the necklace again?" Severus asked, hoping Harry said yes so they could be in the presence of the goblin healers in case something happened like before.
"Yes, please. Anything to help keep everyone from tickling me." Harry responded.
While Severus pulled out the necklace to hand to Harry, he answered Grimtooth's questions about Harry's comment causing Grimtooth to frown. He told them that he would look into this curse and see what he could find. After Harry slipped the necklace over his head and it touched his skin the young wizard glowed a rainbow of colors before the pendant settled on a slight glow of silver. Harry told his godfather that he felt a warmth flow over him as soon as the pendant had touched his skin. Severus placed a sticking charm on it to make sure Harry wouldn't lose it and then a notice-me-not charm as well. Once the goblin healers had given Harry the all clear, Severus floo'd them back to his quarters and both wizards ate a bit of breakfast, feeling lighter than either had in too long. That night, both wizards slept deeply, something both needed.
The next morning, Harry showed up before lunch to let Severus know the necklace was working perfectly and Severus couldn't help the genuine smile that appeared. He hadn't seen Harry so happy before and it was a pleasure to see now. Of course, not having a bloody Horcrux taking up residence in your head probably helped with that as well, something that made Severus even more suspicious of the Headmaster. Either Dumbledore wasn't as powerful as he claimed or he intentionally left something so evil in Harry. There was no way the old coot hadn't known, or at least suspected, something was wrong with the scar.
However, when Harry had shown up with Hermione in tow before dinner, Severus' mood darkened considerably. Harry told Severus that he had felt a tingling feeling as they were entering the castle, then he had felt a pressure in his head before it had all disappeared but not before Harry had an errant feeling of discomfort when he thought of talking with Severus. Harry then nudged Hermione.
"Sir, I don't know what came over me. I was walking with Harry, when all of the sudden, I turned around and was starting to look for Ron Weasley. I'm not sure what would have happened if Harry hadn't grabbed my arm and literally pulled me in the opposite direction." Hermione told him.
"I see. Tell me, Ms. Granger, did you feel anything like Harry experienced?" Severus inquired.
"Actually, now that I think about it, yes I did. It was a warm tingle and then an ever so slight pressure in my mind." Hermione said, looking to Severus with a confused and worried face.
"Hmm. Sounds to me like someone cast a spell on you both. Do you remember who all was around when this happened? Students, teachers, whomever." Severus asked.
"Well, sir, there were a lot of students around us as we had just come from crossing the green. The only teachers I saw were Professors McGonagall and Hooch." Hermione said, concentrating on remembering the faces around them at the time.
"Oh, and the Headmaster had just stepped outside, passing us on his way." Harry interjected, knowing Severus would like as many details as he could get.
"Albus passed by both of you on his way outside as you were coming in?" Severus asked, his voice dropping an octave.
Harry and Hermione shivered at his tone and nodded their heads. Severus tried to reign in his temper so not to frighten the children but it was quite difficult. Albus bloody Dumbledore. He knew, just knew, the old man was behind the spells and Severus was starting to think it was to try to isolate Harry. Influencing Hermione to leave Harry's side and trying to cause a wedge between him and Harry. Severus had to give the old man kudos; he was quite creative in his workings. Severus would have to be on his guard and figure out a way to protect the children. They didn't deserve to be treated this way. They weren't tools to be used as the old manipulator chose.
As Severus thought all this, Harry and Hermione were watching him intently. Neither child knew what was going on but knew Severus would enlighten them if they needed to know. They only hoped he could figure it out and help protect them. When Severus leveled them with his gaze, Hermione and Harry knew he had figured something out and wasn't happy with it.
"What I am about to say goes no further than this room." Severus told them sternly.
"Of course, sir." Both wizard and witch said in unison. They would take whatever he said to their graves if it meant he knew how to keep it from happening again. Neither student appreciated being someone's target.
"Very well. I believe the Headmaster is attempting to isolate you, Harry. For what reason, I am yet unsure of but he is one of the few who could cast such a spell. It is not a commonly known spell or, trust me, more people would use it. I am certain the spell cast was Suggestionem Plantabis." Severus explained.
"Plant a suggestion." Hermione whispered.
"Yes, Ms. Granger, it is used to plant a suggestion in the target's mind. For someone as young as the two of you, it wouldn't need to be very strong for it to work." Severus responded, hating that he could right.
"Sir, could you cast the spell and see if it feels the same? I know each spell has its own feel to it whether anyone realizes it or not." Hermione asked.
"Very good, Ms. Granger, ten points to Gryffindor for your knowledge of such obscure things." Severus said with a smirk at her surprised look before casting the spell.
"It feels exactly the same." Harry told Severus with a grim expression.
"It does." Hermione agreed as her and Harry turned to each other and smiled, unknowingly following Severus' suggestion.
"I see. Well, now we know what was used, the only question remaining is why." Severus commented.
"Sir, if I may?" Hermione asked.
Curious of what her young but incredible mind had come up with, Severus nodded to her.
"If what you say is true and Headmaster Dumbledore is out to isolate Harry, then that would explain why I would suddenly want to leave Harry's side to find Ronald Weasley." Hermione said, pausing when she saw the look of confusion cross her professor's face.
"You see, sir, Ronald Weasley tried to make friends with Harry on the train ride before he was overcome with wanting to tickle poor Harry. Since then, he has tried multiple times to get close to Harry. When Harry rebuffs his offer of friendship, Ronald seems to get unnaturally upset about it." Hermione explained.
When Severus' expression darkened, an idea came to Hermione, "You think the Headmaster is using this spell on him as well?" she asked.
"It would seem so or something along the same lines." Severus replied, his thoughts racing. It would seem he wasn't the only one figuring out the Headmaster's plans. Now he just needed to figure out a way to protect these two from any more of the Headmaster's shenanigans.
Severus grabbed two quills off his desk and transfigured them into bracelets and then set about casting mind protection spells on them. The bracelets wouldn't hold up to multiple attacks or to an attack by a master Legilimens but they should provide the proper protection against what had happened. He also took a moment to teach them both a spell to check their food and drinks for any tampering, be it potion or charm. Severus wouldn't put it past the Headmaster to stoop to such levels to get his way.
He made one more feminine for Hermione and the other a bit more masculine for Harry. After placing sticking and notice-me-not spells on them, Severus felt more secure in their safety. However, he did instruct them to let him know if they should suspect another attack. The bracelet would protect them from the attack but they would still feel the spell hitting the barrier. Harry and Hermione agreed, then Severus called for a house elf to bring them some supper since they had only a few minutes left before it would end in the Great Hall.
ATT
Over the next couple of months, everything seemed to be status quo. Neither student mentioned anything out of the ordinary. Just before the Christmas Hols, Severus received word from Grimtooth that he might have something on Harry's curse. Severus promptly replied that they would meet during the holiday break, when he and Harry would be away from any scrutinizing eyes. When Harry had asked Severus if Hermione could come visit him during the holiday, Severus told him it would be alright if her parents agreed.
Severus had asked Harry if he wanted to ride the Hogwarts Express to escort Hermione to the station or if he would rather stay at the school and apparate with him to Spinner's End. When Harry told him he would like to ride with Hermione so she wouldn't have to be alone and possibly tormented on the train, Severus gave his godson a small smile.
"Very well Harry. I will apparate to the platform after the train arrives to collect you." Severus told him.
Harry beamed at him and left to tell Hermione. She had been a bit down about being alone on the train. Severus just shook his head but was very glad to see Harry venture out into the halls on his own. The pendant seemed to be doing its job very well, which pleased Severus very much. No child deserved having to hide from everyone just to have some peace.
After a few days of being home, Severus received a summons from Grimtooth. He gathered Harry and floo'd them to the goblin's instructed destination. When they arrived, Grimtooth looked grim indeed. Once seated, Grimtooth started by telling Severus about the wills and that they had been sealed away by Albus Dumbledore right after the deaths of the Potters. As the executor of their estate, he had the power to do so. When Severus raised an eyebrow but said nothing, Grimtooth pulled the wills out then led them to another room. This room had a few other people in it.
Remus Lupin, Augusta Longbottom and Amelia Bones were present. After Severus and Harry took their seats, Grimtooth proceeded to read the wills. It was found out that Remus was supposed to get a yearly stipend of 30,000 galleons to help him when employment was unavailable. The wills also revealed that the adults present were supposed to get custody of Harry should one of them not be able to, starting with Severus and ending with Remus. Remus, Augusta and Amelia had been shocked to learn that Severus was the blood Godfather to Harry and that he had been kept away from the child until he had come to Hogwarts.
Amelia, being the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, went immediately into the legal repercussions for Dumbledore. She had been quite upset that such an act had happened and that a child had suffered for it. Yes, Albus was the executor of the Potter estate and could seal the wills but not when the welfare of a child was negatively impacted by such actions. She then turned to Severus and Harry and had explained what their options were. She had told them that she would handle their case herself to make sure the law was followed. Severus then informed her that he would be pressing all available charges he could against Dumbledore; everyone in the room had nodded their heads in agreement.
Augusta Longbottom told Severus that her door was open to him and Harry should they ever have need for her assistance. Severus gave her a nod in acknowledgement, appreciating the witch's offer, knowing she was someone most didn't want to go against, ever. She then turned to Harry and told him that he was welcome to visit Neville at their estate whenever he wanted. Harry had looked at her with wide eyes and smiled before thanking her for her generosity.
When Harry suddenly sat hard in his chair, Severus raised his eyebrow at him, questioning.
"No one here is trying to tickle me, sir." Harry said with disbelief clear in his voice.
"So it would seem." Severus replied, eyeing the other occupants.
"What do you mean 'No one here is trying to tickle you'?" Amelia asked, concern lacing her voice and expression.
"It would seem that Harry has been cursed, possibly since he was a baby." Severus explained while looking each one in the eye. "Which is the main reason we are here today, Grimtooth has been looking into it since I haven't been able to find out anything about it."
"Wait, you mean everyone you come into contact with wants to tickle you, Harry?" Remus asked, clarifying what was being said.
"Yes" Harry said quietly.
"You poor child, how miserable your life must be." Augusta commented, giving Harry a sympathetic look.
"Well, Uncle Severus," at this Harry paused, looking to Severus for approval of what he was calling him. When Severus gave Harry a small smile and slight nod, Harry continued, "He made me a pendant to wear that keeps everyone from being able to touch me. They still feel the…impulse to tickle me but cannot get through the barrier to do so." Harry finished, looking to Severus to make sure he had explained correctly.
"A pendant you say? May we see it?" Amelia asked, curious to what the Potions Master had come up with, thinking it might come in handy for her employees in the field.
Severus cancelled the Notice-Me-Not charm so those gathered could see the pendant Harry was wearing. Everyone gathered inspected the amulet but none as close as Amelia Bones did. She looked to Severus to explain further.
"After Harry's first day of classes, where even the professors couldn't help but attempt to tickle the boy, I started with casting a shielding charm on him. However, it took casting the shield three times a day due to so many "attacks" on it. I then researched, with the help of the other professors, a way to make something Harry could wear to protect him that he could wear at all times. With the help of Professors McGonagall, Babbling, Flitwick, Vector and Sprout we managed to create the amulet you see now. It took almost two months but, as you can see, it was well worth it to give Harry a bit of peace while out around others." Severus told them then went on to explain what all went into the amulet, what it was initially and how long Harry had been wearing it. When he had finished, everyone looked to him with renewed respect.
"Well, it seems this young man is in good hands." Amelia commented, looking at both wizards. "Which is good enough for me but I will have other things I will need to know and document so when we take Headmaster Dumbledore to court, there will be ironclad proof no can dispute that young Harry is well taken care of and provided for."
Severus gave her a nod and told her whenever she needed to meet up to just owl him and she was more than welcome in his home.
Once the conversation settled down, Severus turned to Grimtooth and asked what he had found.
"It would seem, Master Snape, that someone cast Titillationem Aeternam on Harry before leaving the scene so many years ago. Who cast it though is unknown. This spell is not a very well-known spell and, unfortunately, only the caster can reverse it or their death will end it." Grimtooth explained.
"Eternal Tickle" Severus said, scowling at the new information.
"You mean to say that Harry has had this curse since he was a baby?" Remus asked, surprised.
"That would be my guess, yes." Severus answered.
The group talked about who could have cast the spell. If it had been Voldemort then the spell would have ended upon his demise. So who else had been there and would have cast such an insidious spell? No one knew but a few names were thrown around. The one that struck Severus was Bellatrix Lestrange. She would be demented enough to cast such a spell on a toddler, and she was very much alive. Severus wouldn't put past the crazy bint to follow the Dark Lord when he went to kill the Potters.
Bellatrix had always been unnaturally drawn to the despot and if she had thought the child posed a threat to her master then she wouldn't have blinked an eye to cast something so horrible as this curse. Severus was just glad that she hadn't cast anything more hideous or deadly, if she had been the one to cast it in the first place.
"Do you still have the witch's wand?" Grimtooth asked Amelia.
"We should, yes. You're thinking of tracing her wand for her magical signature, to see if it matches the curse's signature?" Amelia asked the goblin. When Grimtooth gave her a smile, Amelia told him she would be right back. When she returned ten minutes later, Amelia had a scowl on her face while holding a wand wrapped in cloth.
"Well, this is Bellatrix's wand but it wasn't where it should have been. Sorry for the delay." She told those gathered.
Grimtooth took the wand and ran a few spells over it and confirmed that Bellatrix Lestrange was indeed the one to cast the curse on Harry. It had been one of the last ten spells cast by the witch before capture.
"Well, as much as I detest the insane witch, there's not much we can do. She should have been given the Kiss instead of being locked away but, unfortunately, many things weren't handled properly then and I was only a lowly Auror." Amelia said.
"Wait," Harry spoke up. He had been sitting quietly while the adults all talked about who might be responsible for his misfortune.
"Yes, Harry." Severus acknowledged him.
"You said she would need to die before the curse would be lifted?" Harry asked, making sure he had heard correctly.
"Harry, we can't kill Bellatrix, that would be murder and against the law." Amelia spoke up before anyone else could.
"No, well yes, it would be but what if you could bring her back? Would that count?" Harry inquired.
"How do you propose we do that young man?" Augusta asked, not unkindly.
"Well, you see, muggles have a way to stop and restart someone's heart. I've seen it on a few of the shows Aunt Petunia would watch during the day." Harry explained.
At the confused looks on everyone's faces, Severus decided to explain what Harry was suggesting, knowing the young man was on to something.
"You're telling me that muggles have a way to stop and restart a heart? Amazing!" Amelia said, eyes alight with excitement at the new information. "You know, that just might work."
"The best part of it would be that she would be killed and saved by muggle means, something that will drive her even more insane." Severus said in a deceptively calm voice, his eyes alight with malicious glee. Everyone couldn't hold in their laughter at that revelation.
Amelia said she would work out the details while Severus told Grimtooth what would be needed. The goblin said he would have the equipment within the week and everyone went their separate ways to enjoy their holidays and if there happened to be an extra spring in their steps, well, no one was telling why.
A few days before school was to resume, Severus received notice from Amelia that they were going to perform the procedure. She wanted Severus to keep an eye on Harry in case unforeseen circumstances came about. When he told Harry, who had explained everything to Hermione what was to happen, they settled in for tea to wait if anything would happen to Harry. After an hour, both Severus and Hermione were surprised when Harry glowed a reddish brown and shivered. Severus questioned Harry on how he was feeling and Harry told him that he felt like he had just had a million feathers run across his body but nothing else.
When Severus ran a few diagnostic spells on Harry, he knew that the procedure had been a success; Harry was free of the curse. Severus sent his patronus off to Amelia to let her know that Harry was now curse free. When his patronus returned, Amelia had told them that Bellatrix hadn't made it. She was truly dead and gone; apparently, it was more than she could handle. No one knew if it was her actual heart that gave out and refused to restart or the fact that she was "touched" with a muggle device by a squib, who was under Amelia's employ, who knew of such contraptions and how they worked.
Even though the curse had been lifted, Severus told Harry to continue to wear the amulet. He still had the Headmaster to deal with and if the Dark Lord ever returned then he would need the protection. When school resumed, everyone, the entire school, was relieved that the compulsion to tickle Harry had ended. Harry also enjoyed being treated normal by his peers due to his scar being long gone. It was a novel experience that Harry enjoyed immensely.
~Fin~