Coming To

Harry opened his eyes, and looked around. He was so tired, but he heard people talking.

"Ol…." Snape jumped up followed by Wood, Snape sat on the bed gently, and stroked Harry's forehead softly.

"You fainted, mate.. I looked up and Angelina was screaming, you plummeted like a balloon." Wood explained, he ran a hand through his hair.

"Harry.. We have to talk, and the whole castle will not find out, but we know; myself, Minerva, and Professor Dumbledore why you fainted." Harry bit his lip looking at Wood for help.

"Mate, I talked to the twins, Ron told them you have barely eaten since last week, and Hermione said she saw you using glam charms as well as toners to make complexion look normal," he looked down, ashamed his teacher and friends now knew.

"Harry, we aren't angry, we are all here for you. Please let us help you, Headmater already knows, and Hagrid, we cannot have a student b in this kind of agony," Harry again looked at Wood. The captain knew he had to give the final blow.

"You're ban from the pitch until I see improvement, I cant have a player this thin, you'll fall off, I will not allow you to put yourself in danger," Harry almost stopped breathing, no Quidditch, WHAT!

"Get out, both of you," there was an ice in the second year's tone that Wood had never heard.

"I can't, mate; you're too important to me, as a friend, we love you that's why we're doing this," Harry reached into his robes for his wand, and it wasn't there.

"Wands are a privilege, Harry Potter," Snape raised an eyebrow. Harry punched the pillow he was laying on, angry tears streaming down his cheeks. Snape took out a vial, and handed it to Wood. The Quidditch star scooped Harry up, under the arms and settled in the rocking chair.

Harry registered the smell of musk, forest, and dragon scales, something he had long ago labeled as OLIVER and clung to him sobbing. He then became aware of how much he hurt; everything. His bones were sore, his tummy felt like bottomless pit, his eyes were tired, his head was swimming in a thick blackness. Wood gently opened his mouth, and poured the vial down his parched throat.

HPHPHPHPHPHPHP

Oliver sat in the rocking chair for hours. He didn't even notice his arm was numb from not moving. He had to go to practice, without his Seeker.

"Here we are," Oliver transferred Harry to Snape's arms, the potions teacher taking the twelve year old under his arms.

"He needs a bath professor," Wood said on his way out the door.

"I know Oliver," Snape as a teacher knew ow to look for abused children. He took Harry to his private chambers, and laid hm on the couch, undressing the Quidditch robes.

"Shhhh, ssshhhhh," Snape gently took the young second year, and put him in a warm bath.

"Professor," Harry whispered, eyes opening. Snape smiled gently, taking a flannel, and gently washing his student/son of his best friend.

"Harry, we all know why this happened. Why didn't you tell professor McGonnagal or for Merlin's sake Mr. Weasley," Harry bit his lip, he honestly had no clue.

"I… I… I'm just used to it professor," Snape stopped cold, pulling Harry close.

"Oh child, that is not what you should be seeing at your age," Snape put his lips to Harry's dark hair.

"Its… I.. I… Oh Merlin, I cant take it anymore!" he sobbed into Snape's robes. Snape held him gently, wthout judgement or anger.

"Harry, I can feel your ribs, child. Have you been eating? Is Oliver right, because Ive known him since second year, and he's never lied to me." He stroked Harry's forehead softly. The boy shook his head slowly.

"It hurts…" he choked out between sobs. Snape rubbed his back gentle as to not hurt the exposed vertebrae sticking out.

"I know, I know, shhhh, ssshhhhhhhh," he gently poured water over Harry's head, then soaped it up, then grabbed a towel and lifted him out of the bath. Thw towel was so warm, like a cacoon.

"Open," Snape whispered, gently holding a vial. Harry did, knowing it was a nutritional potion. Harry's trunk, clothes, and books had all been moved to Snape's office. The teacher gently, minding the bony ribs pulled on his sleeping shirt, and cotton trousers, Harry was so used to getting old stuff he was shocked someone had gone to the trouble.

"Molly Weasley," Harr nodded, then scooped Harry up into his arms holding him close. He went ot put him down, the young wizard was having none of it, and hung on tight to Snape.

"OK… OK, shhhhhh," Snape whispered in his ear, still rubbing his back.

"Where's Oliver,"

"Making your potion for bed,"

"I'mmmmmm not sleepy," came a drosy reply. Snape smiled slightly, just like Lily stubborn as a mule.