Author's Note: Mentions of abuse and self-harm. Please be safe and make good choices. You are loved.

This is a shorter chapter, but it just fits this way. I hope you still like it!

"I'll do it," Severus said, his voice sounding foreign even to himself.

Everyone raised their eyebrows, surprised.

Snape was surprised himself but definitely did not want to show it. "The boy should not be alone right now, besides, it will seem as though I am against punishing Umbridge for her actions. I should not try to isolate the ministry in my role." He said smoothly, the words tumbling out of his mouth.

"Excellent! Thank you, Severus!" Dumbledore said, clapping his hands together before moving on to the next topic.

That is how Severus Snape found himself watching Harry Potter during the emergency staff meeting this evening. He didn't even know he was volunteering himself to be with Potter until after it had already happened. However, he gave his word. He took a deep breath and knocked on the door of the Marauder Quarters once again.

Harry was in his bedroom, essentially pouting (not that he would admit it) when he heard the knock.

"I got it!" Harry heard Remus say, hearing his feet walk across the door and open it, greeting their guest.

Harry groaned and put a pillow over his head, thinking of the previous day after he woke up from his accidental nap during the meeting.

Harry stumbled into the sitting room, rubbing his face. "'m sorry I fell asleep, what happened?" He asked.

"Well, we set up some things in the ministry to catch the backlash of it. We're having an emergency staff meeting tomorrow night after dinner and we are going to ambush her. Luckily, Dumbledore will be bringing our lawyers and other support to this meeting, as well as Fudge. It's not going to be pretty." Sirius said, smiling.

"Great! Are you both going?" Harry asked.

"Of course! We're staff and your parents. We're there to defend you and get that toad out of here!" Sirius said, pulling his godson towards him.

"Great!" Harry said.

"Uh, Cub, about that," Remus began.

Harry knew that tone. That tone meant immunizations when he was young, rained out events, broken brooms, oh, that tone was no good.

Harry sat up, looking wary at his uncle.

"Spit it out, Uncle Moony." He said.

"While we're at the meeting, Professor Snape will be here." He said, bracing himself for the reaction.

"WHAT? You've got to be kidding me!" Harry cried, jumping up.

"Harry, it's okay. He's not here to hurt you or give you detention or anything. He's just here to watch you." Remus said, standing up with Sirius.

"I'm not four!" Harry shouted.

Remus rubbed his face, realizing how his statement had sounded. "No, Harry you're not. We don't know how long the meeting is going to go and we don't want to leave you alone right now. Besides, Professor Snape needs a cover for why he's not at the meeting. His cover is, of course, detention with you, but you're not in detention!"

"What, he's going to make me write lines?" Harry spat.

Sirius and Remus winced, they weren't prepared for that.

Harry realized how it sounded and deflated a bit. "Sorry, I didn't mean that in, you know, that way." He mumbled sitting down.

Remus and Sirius sat down, too. "It's alright," Remus answered quietly.

"Pup, it's not the best situation, we know that, but it's what has to happen right now," Sirius said.

Harry ran his hand through his hair, thinking before he got an idea. "You wouldn't have stayed with Professor Snape if you were me!" He said to Remus.

Remus sighed and looked at Harry.

Harry shrank in his seat. He knew this look, too. This look always made Harry feel like he was 3 inches tall. It was his 'I'm-not-mad-I'm-disappointed look.

"Harry, first of all, I didn't make that deal with you for you to throw it in my face every single time I ask you to do something you don't want to do. I made that deal so we both can make things easier on us. I'm more relaxed with you and give you more privileges and benefits, but I also get to do more with you and hold you to a higher standard in some aspects."

"Sorry, Uncle Moony," Harry said, thoroughly chastised.

Remus gave him a small nod, acknowledging the apology. "Second of all, Professor Snape wasn't a professor then. He was our age and we were all much younger and more foolish. I can't speak for Sirius, but I'm sure he would have made me stay with my least favorite professor a thousand times over instead of leaving me alone if I was you."

"Remus, you liked most professors, but absolutely. I would've stuck you with Filch rather than leaving you alone if you were Harry." Sirius confirmed.

Remus, even all these years later, paled at the thought. "Sirius! He would've killed me anyway!" He hissed, turning to his husband.

Sirius shrugged and Harry snickered watching their interaction.

This, however, caused them to remember their whole conversation in the first place and both placed their gazes back on Harry, who wiped the smirk off his face.

"Harry, please son, can you please be polite for Professor Snape tomorrow?" Remus asked with pleading eyes.

"Fine." Harry grouched, not really seeing a way out of this. "But you owe me for it." He said.

"Yeah, like what?" Remus said, leaning back and crossing his legs.

Harry quickly thought. He couldn't out-marauder the marauders, but this was Snape we were talking about. He needed something good, but reasonable.

He got it.

"You give me a pass to the restricted section to get a book of my choosing," Harry said, smirking again.

Remus leaned forward and narrowed his eyes. "What's this book about?"

"I don't have to tell you!" Harry said happily.

Remus got a worried look on his face before starting to say, "Harry I'm not sure-"

Harry realized what Remus was thinking. "Oh, no! No, Uncle Moony. I wouldn't get a book to hurt myself! It's nothing like that!" He said hurriedly.

Remus narrowed his eyes again. "You have one in mind, don't you?"

Harry nodded, trying to keep his smile to a minimum.

Now, Sirius and Remus knew that look. It meant mischief, but that, now that they could handle. Gosh, they practically invented mischief. They both felt better knowing that the slip wasn't for anything that could harm him.

"Okay, that's a deal. But, I mean it Harry, if I find out you got a book that causes you to harm it will not go over well."

"Uncle Moony, I promise it's not! I didn't even have that idea until you said it!" Harry whined.

"Okay, fine. I'll do it, but heed my warning." Remus said, his voice going higher at the end.

Harry let out a dramatic groan, falling to the floor in a way that would make his over-the-top, dramatic, exaggerating godfather proud.

Remus threw a pillow at him and Sirius just smiled, knowing exactly where he got that, ahem, flair from.

Harry knew it would be worth it to get the book he wanted, but he was not looking forward to tonight.

"Ah, Severus, you're here, please come in," Remus said after opening the door, seeing their guest.

Severus walked into the cozy quarters, carrying his bag full of essays to grade.

"Thank you so very much for coming. We really appreciate it." Remus said, a bit worried about how tonight was going to unfold but at the meeting and in his quarters.

"I have papers to grade, a role to fulfill, and Potter should not be alone. It all works out." Snape said.

"Yes, well, make yourself at home," Remus said, gesturing towards the couch.

Sirius came out of the bedroom looking quite dashing and went over to Remus, "Oh, you need to finish getting ready!" He fussed.

Remus smiled again at Severus and went back into the bedroom to finish getting ready for the meeting.

"Is there anything I can get you?" Sirius asked, putting things back where they belonged and tidying up.

Severus was amused by the whole situation. They were acting like brand new parents leaving their child alone for the first time as they went on a much overdue date.

"I'm okay right now, I assume you have a kettle so I can make tea later?" He drawled.

"Yes, it's on the stove. Tea is on the counter or in the cupboard. Of course, you can always call a house-elf, too." Sirius said, still picking things up, nervous.

"Merlin, Black, calm yourself," Severus said, not able to hold back any longer.

Remus walked out of the bedroom now, shutting the door.

"You two don't go out much and don't leave Harry alone often, do you?" Snape inquired.

"Not really," Sirius said, rubbing the back of his neck.

"We go out on full moons and the last time we went out before that, I don't know? I think the Weasley family had him over the summer two years ago?" Remus said, wondering aloud.

Snape scoffed and shook his head. "We will fix that soon." He stated.

They looked at him in shock.

"I may not be your best friend, but I appreciate how much you care about each other. Besides, it is good for a couple to be without their child and not at work all the time." Severus stated as if he talked about this all day.

"And I thought you were the therapist, Moony," Sirius said, teasing Remus.

Remus rolled his eyes and lightly slapped his husband.

"Where is Harry, anyway?" Severus asked.

"He's in his bedroom. He's uh, not in a particularly pleasant mood, to warn you. I am sorry." Remus said apologetically.

"It is no matter. I wouldn't be please either if Minerva had to watch me when I was in my fifth year either." Severus said, waving it away.

Sirius and Remus were shocked, they had never seen this side of Snape before. Understanding? Caring?

Snape didn't leave them time to say anything, however. "Now, off with both of you. You're going to be late and I want to see the memory later of the toad's face." He said, trying to shoo them out the door.

"Hold on, we need to say goodbye to Harry first!" Remus said.

The two men walked into Harry's room to say goodbye. They didn't linger in there long and Severus did not want to eavesdrop.

They came out again and thanked Severus before they walked out the door. Severus smiled to himself as they left. He didn't know what had changed, exactly, but something had.

This whole struggle had revealed so much to him. Seeing their home and how Potter was treated showed Severus that Harry was not a pampered prince. Sure, he was indulged at times, but anyone with loving parents is. He has punishments and does not always get his way. Sirius and Remus, he knew, had grown up since their days at Hogwarts' students, but Merlin, they were actually parent-like. The abuse pulled at his heart (yes, he has one) as well. He knows what it is like to come from a less than ideal home and no one deserves that. The boy is now going through so much pain that Severus wouldn't wish on anyone. He spent yesterday and today going through memories with the Potter boy in his pensive. He was rewatching them from a different point of view. Potter was no saint, but he wasn't the cruel, pampered, entitled boy he thought he was. He was a victim in the war, just like he was.

Severus then sighed and decided to sit down and start some grading. He didn't want to push Potter right away and had to get some grading done.

After about 45 minutes, Potter still hadn't come out of his room. Severus did want to talk to the boy, but he also wanted to make sure he was okay. He put the kettle on in the kitchen before knocking on the boy's door.

"Come in." He heard from behind the door.

Severus entered the bedroom and saw Potter sitting on his bed, reading a book.

"Hullo, Professor," Harry said dutifully.

"Hello, Mr. Potter. What are you reading?"

"Arithmancy text," Harry said, holding it up.

"Good. I also took that course." Severus said.

"Oh, cool," Harry said, not knowing what to say. It was already the longest they've talked since Harry started Hogwarts that they haven't insulted each other.

"Mr. Potter, I wish to talk to you about the other day." Severus began.

Harry sighed and looked down. "Yeah, I kinda expected you would."

Snape walked over and sat in his desk chair, facing Harry. "I was rather surprised when I saw you in the potions lab." He commented gently.

Harry's head snapped up at the tone. Snape having a gentle tone? Huh, maybe he really did die.

"I am so sorry that you're in so much pain," Severus said quietly.

"It's okay." Harry shrugged.

"No, it's not. I imagine there are a lot of things that aren't easy right now and I know that the end of last year wasn't." Severus said with conviction.

Harry had totally forgotten that Snape was there when Voldemort came back. Snape saw everything.

"I-I forgot. You were there." Harry whispered, tears coming to his eyes.

"Yes, I was," Severus said sadly.

Harry blinked his tears away and took a deep breath. "I know you probably think I'm just stupid and doing this for attention and I'm spoiled and I'm just a crybaby, but I'm not! I- I'm doing my best." Harry said, his voice cracking. He turned away from Snape, he didn't want him to see him like this.

"Mr. Potter, I do not think that. You've seen me in my Death Eater Robes and I've seen you throw off the Cruciatus Curse from the Dark Lord and duel him. I daresay a few tears is the least of my concerns." Severus said gently, but dryly.

Harry sniffed, the greasy bat did have a point.

"I'm sorry I used your knife for, well, not potions. Sorry I used your lab." Harry apologized, wringing his hands.

"Mr. Potter, you are not the first and you probably won't be the last. I am glad you are alright. I don't, contrary to popular belief, want any harm to come to you."

"Thank you, Sir. That means a lot to me." Harry said, finally looking at him, his green eyes large.

Severus saw the innocence and goodness in those eyes. He saw Lily.

"Now, Mr. Potter, your punishment." He said sternly.

Harry seemed both outraged and resigned at the same time. Both sides seemed to fight inside of him for a minute before he hunched over and said, "Yes, Sir. What is it? Will I be scrubbing the cauldrons for a month or two?"

"Mr. Potter, I would never have a punishment like that for what you did, Merlin no!" Severus said sharply.

Harry gulped. It must be worse than that.

"My punishment to you," He began, softly, "is to give me a parchment with 15 things you can do instead of harming yourself."

Harry looked up sharply again, surprised. "Really?"

Severus bit back a snarky reply and nodded, not trusting his voice right now.

"When is it due?" Harry asked.

"When you can come up with 15 alternatives. I expect this assignment to be done to the best of your ability. I don't care if it takes one day, one week, one month, however long it takes for you to come up with 15 real alternatives. This is not to be taken lightly. If I see that you didn't take this assignment seriously then we will have problems. Understood?"

"Yes, Professor," Harry said nodding.

"Now, honestly. How many do you think you have right off the top of your head. You don't have to tell me what they are, but how many do you have?" Severus asked.

Harry thought for a moment. "Two, but-" Harry cut himself off and sighed.

"But what, Mr. Potter?"

"But they don't seem as appealing," Harry admitted quietly.

Severus nodded, "I understand that. That's something to work on and it doesn't happen overnight. Right now, I just want you to come up with alternatives. I can give you one right now."

Harry looked at him, searching his face, wanting something else.

"You can come to me. Now, I'm not your grandfather, a therapist, or a dog. I'm not even one of your favorite people, but I know what it's like to be in that headspace. I will be there to listen or distract you. You can even brew potions, but not without my supervision." He said, raising his eyebrow.

Harry knew he must've died now. There's no way Snape just offered himself to actually help him.

"Don't look so shocked, Mr. Potter. I may be cold and cruel in the classroom, but I do have to fool some students. I have a role to play." He pointed out.

Harry was one of the few people who were aware that Snape was a spy for the Light, but he still thought he was a greasy git outside of it. Who knew he had a heart?

"Sir, I have one request," Harry said tentatively.

Snape raised an eyebrow, waiting.

"W-when we're alone, especially when you're in my home and talking to me about this. Can you m-maybe call me Harry?" He asked timidly.

"I can work on that, Harry," Snape said, trying out the name.

"It's just that it's so personal and my last name isn't," Harry said, wrinkling his nose. "Besides, I know my dad, James- well any of them actually, weren't exactly nice to you growing up and I feel like my last name is a reminder of him and I'm not him! I'm Harry!"

Snape felt guilty. He had seen Potter as his dads all these years. But there was Lily inside of him too, as he was seeing, And something else, something that was uniquely Harry.

"Do not worry yourself with the past, Harry. It is not on you to take responsibility for it. Lupin, Black, and I have worked it out years ago. Your father apologized to me before his death. It is not your worry to carry. You seem to have too many as it is." Snape pointed out.

Harry looked down, ashamed.

"That reminds me, Harry. I have mediwizard training and my certification. If you injure yourself where you need help and don't feel comfortable going to Madame Pomfrey, please come see me. I would much rather heal you than have you get the floors all bloody." Snape said dryly.

Harry knew that Snape was being nice even with the snarky comment. "Thank you, Sir. Um, I have one more question, if you don't mind."

"Yes?" Severus asked.

"I would really appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about this, like your Slytherins. I don't think I could handle Draco and some of the others knowing." Harry said, looking away.

"I would never, Harry. I may throw things at you in class, but your struggles with harming yourself are nothing I'd make fun of you for. I promise I will never do that," he said sincerely.

"Thank you," Harry said earnestly, feeling a weight off his shoulders.

"Now, I have more essays to grade," Snape said, standing up, "and if I were you, I'd read your potions book now. You could certainly use it." He said snidely, his robes billowing as he walked out the door.

Harry rolled his eyes. Okay, he wasn't dead. This was still Snape.

Alternatives to Harming Yourself:

1. Talking to someone you care about and/or trust

2. Exercising