When Severus Snape returned to his sitting-room, it was to discover his young pupil curled up once again, staring blankly into the fire. Sighing, the man entered the room further and sat down on the floor in front of the boys' chair. "Little snake," he almost whispered, "would you like to hear the story about the abused boy who met his very best friend by telling her she was a witch?" At this, Harry perked up. Slowly he turned his face to look at his teacher.

Noticing he had grabbed the boys attention, he launched into a detailed narrative about his own childhood. He talked about his mum, a witch that loved to support his potion skills. He mentioned his father, who tried to 'beat the magic out of him. 'He spoke about his first time meeting Lilly Evans, and her sister Petunia. Severus remembered how they were instant friends, Lilly was the one who gave him a refuge from his father's beatings. He told the boy about his first train ride to Hogwarts, about James Potter and Sirius Black and how they chose to target him from the moment they laid eyes on him. He spoke of his years at school, the way the tormenting only increased with the years. That his friendship with Lilly had started to deteriorate once they were sorted into different houses. He mentioned in passing the incident that almost led to him either becoming a werewolf or dying. With much regret, he spoke of the day he lost his last strands of friendship with his once best friend.

After Severus finished talking, he looked down, clearly uncertain how Harry would respond. In turn, Harry jumped off his seat into his teachers' lap and wrapped his arms around the mans' middle. "Severus, thank you for trusting me with all of that."

"You don't understand Harry, there is much more I have kept from you. Not because I don't trust you, but because I don't want to overload you all at once... Or have you hate me for my past." "Or anyone else.'

"I could never hate you, Severus, not now, not ever," Harry adamantly replied. Severus wrapped his arms around Harry, so they were embracing each other, placed his chin on the boys' shoulder and let out a shaky breath.

AN: Short chapter, I know. Sorry about that. There is more coming, I promise.