An Interlude in the South of France (for Reanne)
Voldemort Dressed himself in the clothes his faithful servant laid out for him. Buttoning the black spider-silk shirt over his withered chest and smoothing it over his snakelike skin he then tucked it into his black fitted trousers. Over his bright red socks he pulled on his snake-skin boots (they had a bit of a heel to make him appear even taller and more imposing.) He then put on his robes, clasping them at the centre of his torso, so they flowed nicely while still leaving his shirt and pant's apparent he glanced around for his cloak. Picking it up he cringed slightly. While it was perfect on the outside, made of a raw black silk the lining made Voldemort cringe. What self respecting Dark Lord wore Leopard skin? Sighing at Lucius's apparent lack of understanding when it came to the cloaks of powerful Dark Lords he put it on over his other clothing, and resolved to use the cruatius curse on Lucius. A wicked smile crossed his face as he walked around his room trying to get it to billow just right. When he was satisfied that it flowed correctly he glanced around the room and picked up the scepter that Lucius had bought him. He opened it and put his wand in, sealing it once more. Satisfied that he looked appropriate for a powerful Dark Lord (aside from the Leopard Skin lining of his cloak, 'I'll just keep it closed, then they will not notice') he decided it was time to meet his faithful servants beginning to make plans for their assignments today.
Striding down the corridors of the Chateaux, cloak billowing successfully, he noted that there was a distinct lack of leopard or other patterns anywhere in the Chateaux and was distinctly happy. Narcissa must have done the decorations. He decided he would send her flowers. Such a lovely servant, gorgeous, tasteful, discrete… not at all like his inner circle. She even had the idea to set Voldemort up in one of the Malfoy estates. Yes she should get a reward… perhaps he can buy her a puppy to kill or kidnap a muggle or two for a revel in her honor. Lost in his musings he came upon the throne room much quicker than he Intended. Taking a deep breath he stilled himself then opened the doors with a bang, walking directly up to the throne and settling himself in the gilded seat. He noticed with pleasure that his servant's had cringed with his entrance and smiled inwardly. Pondering how long he should leave them cowering on the floor he looked around the room. Satisfied that it was long enough he made the signal for them to rise.
"My Faithful Followers, today I called you before me to report the destruction, mayhem, and furtheranccsse of darknesssss that you have created in my abssenccsssse." Voldemort said, pleased with his first line. He glanced around the room. "Avery you may begin."
While Avery came up with some blundering excuse for not doing anything while Voldemort was incorporeal Voldemort was tuning out his whining he looked into the extravagant full leingth mirror he had installed across from the throne to take in his appearance and ensure his intimidating presence was at its best. But when he looked into the mirror he was not expecting what he saw. Instead of his intimidating dark presence sitting elegantly in the gilded throne he a stage with bright lights shining. Intrigued and far more interested than in what his pathetic followers were saying he continued to watch as a likeness of himself gracefully leapt out of the curtains and began dancing on the stage with fine elegant movements. He inwardly smiled; yes a Dark Lord should be graceful. As he watched he noticed his clothing and was slightly embarrassed to see that he was wearing pink. A pink leotard with black accents and black tights with a large tulle skirt tied in the back with a pink bow. Or was that a tutu? The Dark Lord decided he didn't know enough about dancing costumes. However, he continued to watch as he gracefully twirled about the stage. When another man entered the room. It was Lucius, however he was not in the same dancing costume that the dark lord was. Instead he had silver, tight, shimmering jazz pants and a tight black tank top. He lifted the Dark Lord at the waist and twirled around with him, aiding in the dance. He put the Dark Lord down and they began to dance together. At the end of the song Lucius bowed to him and took his hand leading him off stage. Yes this vision was much better than yesterdays when he was transformed into some sort of magical creature with a shiny illuminated stomach which showed mayhem and distruction. Then he could only move in a most unbecoming way, and make clicking sounds. His dear Nagani didn't even understand him as he danced around clumsily with other creaturs just like him. The mirror cleared for a minute and Voldemort decided it was best to go back to listening to his followers. It appeared they were nearing the end of their excuses as Zambini was speaking.
He raised his hand and they were silenced. "My darkest children, my trusted circle, you tell me things I already know, things I wish were not true. I believed that I had raised you, my children, enough that you could see. The inner circle is intended to continue should my absence ever become apparent. I trusted you to continue the cause and yet you all have failed me."
"Lucius was I not a good enough leader for you?"
"nnNo my Lord."
"Did I not Teach you well?"
"My Lord you were a most brilliant teacher."
"And yet you could not continue the cause with out me… Why?"
"Your Genius could not be matched by our lowly beings My Lord." Voldemort smirked. He nodded.
"Yes, you could not do without your leader. I am back, and we will begin the cause again. When the meeting is over I wish you all to go and think on what you could have done to further our cause, and then bring your plans to me. I will give you the chance to make it up to me. If any of your plans are worthwhile. If you come up with a good plan for catching the Potter child you will be rewarded. No line up my children I wish to say my goodbyes. Lucius you stay behind." His followers obediently stood in a line. As each approached he cast the cruatius curse on them for a minute and reminded them not to fail. He smirked happily as he cursed them, reminiscing as they shook and screamed. As Severus approached he smiled inwardly "My child, I have seen what you have done for us and I am most impressed, keeping the minds of the youth ready to be harvested. I will be most interested to see your proposition. In addition brew me an Agility potion." He nodded. Voldemort decided not to curse him as thoroughly. The last of his followers left leaving him alone with Lucius.
"Lucius come sit in my lap I wish to show you something." He hesitantly walked up to the throne and sat in Voldemort's Lap uncertainly.
"Look in the mirror my Silver child what do you see?" Lucius looked in the mirror and saw the dance between himself and Voldemort. It took all of his Malfoy training not to laugh at the Dark Lord. Why would Voldemort wish to be seen in a Tutu? Lucius was beginning to think that the Dark Lord was off his knut when e saw the scene before him, but he could not laugh, or even think that in his presence.
"My Lord, I believe we are performing the art of Ballet in the Mirror." Lucius said trying to keep any amusement from his voice.
"Yes. I believe that that type of agility will benefit the cause, therefore I wish you to procure an Instructor of the highest caliber to teach us. When we have mastered it I will have the rest of the circle join in.
"Yes my lord." 'you must be psychotic' he finished as an after thought. Why in the Lord's name were they learning Ballet?
"Now, I have one more question to ask of you." Voldemort said as he looked at the man in his lap. Lucius swallowed. "What made you believe Leopard Skin is an appropriate clothing for a Dark Lord?"
"My Lord you specifically asked for it." Lucius to wonder where this was headed.
"Lucius, I would never ask for such a thing."
"My Lord, what did you mean when you asked for a 'stylish black cloak, lined with fur, preferably leopard, that shows off my wicked side'?" Voldemort looked at Lucius.
"I do not appreciate that tone of voice. Crucio" the writing Lucius in his lap began to pant and Voldemort released the curse after reviling in the feeling for some time. "My child, next time have Narcissa in charge of any decorations and clothing. You are dismissed." Lucius shakily climbed out of Voldemort's lap, happy to get away from the older man and apparated away. When he returned to the Manor he shed his Death Eater robes and got in the nearest shower, scrubbing until his skin was pink. When he emerged the house-elves had already brought his clothing and he dressed himself feeling calmer, though still quite worried for his Lord's sanity.
^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^
Harry audably let out the breath he was holding in his still sore lungs when he realized this was indeed Snape and therefore the Professor was alive. Snape woke when he heard this and looked over worriedly at Harry. Seeing that he was awake a smile broke across his face showing his Lockheart perfect teeth. Harry seeing this wondered if he were actually dreaming, or if Snape really did have a twin. Snape smiling? He thought to himself. Severus saw the boy's forehead wrinkle in surprise and chastised himself for the show of emotion.
"Your… alright" Harry broke the silence painfully. "the bullet didn't…" he continued. Snape realized at that moment that Harry had remembered what happened. At least parts of it, and he lost his smile.
"No.. it didn't… you stopped it." He said. Harry looked over at his shoulder, where the bullet would have gone but despite its soreness there was no indication that he had taken the bullet either, at which point he looked back at Snape expectantly. "You shielded us with magic." 'oh god' thought Harry. 'Now the ministry is going to be even more angry with me.' "powerful magic, the Aurors were impressed" continued Snape. Harry looked terrified 'another thing to draw attention' he thought miserably.
"Am I in trouble with the ministry? Is that why you came? How did you know? Will I be expelled?" he said before he began coughing. Out of instinct Severus thought long forgotten he held Harry's shoulder comfortingly rubbing his back in order to steady him through the fit.
"Don't talk, I'll try and answer your questions" He could feel the boy flinch at his touch, and look up at him questioningly, unsure whether to trust him. Through the thin hospital pyjamas Snape could feel his spine, his ribs, and his shoulder blades. It was a tad disturbing but he didn't stop. "Its alright, really, unless you would like me to fetch someone else. Minerva will be back in a little bit, but I think it would be best if you had a few of your questions answered so you don't worry and you have to eat, as I don't foresee you being hungry after you have a chat with Dumbledore." Harry nodded, confused by his potion master's new attitude, but inexplicably more relaxed. This was the first time anyone had really spent time trying to comfort him when he was sick. It felt good, even if it was… Snape. 'I cant believe what those bastards did to him' thought Severus. 'He flinches when anyone comes near him.' "We are going to break the no talking rule for one minute while you tell me what you like to eat while your sick."
Harry looked at him dumbstruck. 'I…no one ever gives me food when I'm ill.' He managed to reply quietly. Severus nodded understandingly, 'of course those evil muggles wouldn't take care of him.'
"Well, then would you like some suggestions and you can choose?" Harry nodded still quite confused with everything that was going on since he woke up and was almost certain he was delusional, or that this was simply a very very odd dream. "You aren't on to solid foods yet, so I think some broth would be good, perhaps some mashed potatoes, because anything else mashed tastes like baby food, and then some sorbet?" Harry nodded, it did actually sound really good, and his stomach grumbled. Severus nodded. He scribbled something on a parchment sitting on the table next to Harry's bed and a moment later a small house elf entered bearing a tray. Harry went to move his arm to grab the cutlery, but was sadly disappointed when he couldn't move them without pain. "That will be a while. Fawkes did his best, but too many of your bones were shattered for your body to heal immediately. It will take some time." He said with a touch of regret in his voice. Then he lifted the spoon with mashed potatoes. Harry couldn't think of a more humiliating situation than being fed mashed potatoes by Professor Snape, but wasn't sure for whom it was worse. As he continued, and perhaps to alleviate the palpable tension Severus began to answer the questions that were on Harry's mind.
"You are definitely not in trouble with the ministry." Severus said in his most soothing voice. 'The poor boy, he is terrified he has done something wrong, that's probably why he didn't say anything…'he thought "though those bastards of relatives are" he growled under his breath. "Though I do think your Uncle is. He was taken into custody after Albus helped them pry him off the wall." Harry nearly spat out his spoonful of soup. "It took twenty three ministry officials plus Dumbledore to get that charm off." Severus said with a bit of pride, offered Harry a sip of Pumpkin juce which he drank greedily. When he was done Severus put the cup down and forced down some more soup and mashed potatoes. When both were gone he began with the sorbet. Harry was quite full, but the food tasted wonderful. When everything was done Severus set the tray aside. He was tempted to tell Harry about the fluffy grandmother dress, but decided now was not the time. He sighed "I better go get Albus. Remus and Sirius will be here soon to see you as well, and the Weasleys have been awaiting news on your condition. Severus said, mustering his typical Professor Snape-like tone. He stood giving Harry another worried glance, hoping that Harry wouldn't see the concern in his eyes. Harry looked up at him and nodded. He was reluctant to see the professor leave, even if his mind was telling him it was Snape, but the thought of seeing Sirius was reassuring. He smiled and the professor took this as a sign that this was the right course of action, and strode out of the room.
Harry sat for a while. Something inside him was screaming for Severus to come back, to come and sit with him. Harry was trying to figure out why. As he looked back at everything that had happened he started remembering things. Perhaps it was his imagination playing tricks on him, but he thought he remembered hearing Snape talk to him. 'Apoligizing, and telling him stories. Was this possible? Harry shook his head, Professor Snape was probably set to watch him because there was no one else around. That was it. It didn't explain his new appearance, but maybe he got a girlfriend, or the DADA position. He definitely wasn't sitting here while I was passed out telling me stories. That's ridiculous. And I should be sent to St. Mungo's to get my head checked.. No one would honestly believe that he just sat here and fed me and told me everything was alright' Harry convinced himself as the Headmaster entered Severus by his side.
"Ah, Harry how good to finally see you." The Headmaster said. "Unfortunatly Poppy had to go out to get supplies, but I convinced her you would be fine with Severus by your side. I see that I was right." He said with a twinkle in his eyes.
"What happened?" said Harry. "I am not in trouble with the ministry right? Will I have to go back to the Dursley's?" he asked with trepidation, and then began caughing again.
Albus sighed. He went to put a hand on the boy's sholder to comfort him and his body recoiled. Harry looked up at him apologetically. Albus sat on the edge of the boy's bed, 'this boy has dealt with more pain than anyone should in a lifetime' he thought as he tried to sooth Harry. "No, you are definitely not in trouble with the ministry. Even Fudge couldn't figure out how he could possibly muck it up to blame you for anything." He began. "You will definitely not be going back to the Dursleys, ever again. The Aurors that Arabella called were horrified at what has happened and they are in custody."
Upon hearing this Harry's body stiffened. He whispered harshly "it wasn't their fault, I deserved it."
Albus was shocked. This was such a different spirit from the Harry he remembered. Harry had always had a vivacious spark, now he looked like he'd rather not have lived. The Headmaster knew something like this would happen. He looked at the boy and took the letter he had found in the wheelbarrow out of his pocket and placed it on the bedside table and nodded to himself. Yes, this would be much harder than he thought. He didn't tell anyone because he thought he deserved everything. Oh the poor boy, the poor boy. "You have forgotten the wise words of Virginia Weasly?" He asked Harry, who blushed upon hearing the name. "Harry you did not deserve this. No one deserves this. You have done nothing wrong. Voldemort killed Cedric, you did not." He said, in a forceful yet soothing voice trying to reassure Harry. "You did everything you could. Most people wouldn't have been able to do as much as you did for him" he reminded Harry.
"It bloody well wasn't good enough." Harry replied and then looked away from the ageing headmaster.
The headmaster sighed, repeated his statements anad left it as it was. There was far more pain that Harry needed to resolve and barriers that would need breaking down. The stress which would normally have driven a grown man insane was waiting behind the fortifications. He was strong, but no one could hold all the pain and torment in. Albus hoped that his plan would work, and the wounds would slowly heal. But before he could do that he needed Harry to tell him exactly what had happened so he could press charges appropriately.
Albus sighed. "Harry I know you don't want to think about it, but I need you to tell me what happened." At this point Harry broke eye-contact and started stairing at a speck of dust on the floor. "Severus has given me a pretty good clue, but I would like to hear it from you." Harry looked up, and then at Professor Snape. 'how did he know? And how much did he know?' thought Harry. "I think you would know that better than we would" said Dumbledore soothingly. Harry couldn't tell if he was continuing with his first train of thought or answering the unasked question. He knew the sooner he told them the better everything would be, but he couldn't get over the feeling that he deserved what happened. "Do you mind if he comes in? He has changed quite a lot since he found you, and I think he'd like to know what went on." Dumbledore said gesturing to Snape who was still pacing the hallway. Harry's mind was telling him not to let him in, but another voice reminded him that Snape had apparently saved him and then had sat there feeding him soup. Still confused he nodded affirmatively, and wondered if this was all some sick joke of a dream, and he would wake up in the cupboard. But when Severus entered the room Harry immediately felt safer.
"When Uncle Vernon picked me up at the train station he was still angry about last summer" Harry began. , and the Headmaster was slowly urging him to continue. "we didn't talk much the whole car ride, aside from Uncle Vernon telling me the directions for making Dudly's meals. He had lost 47 kilos at school and the nurse had him on a strict diet for the summer as well." Severus began to wonder if Harry had even weighed 40 kilos when he had rescued him. He then remembered the obnoxious boy that answered the door. He was as wide as he was tall. Severus couldn't help stifle a snort as he imagined that boy any larger. Harry and Albus both looked over at him quizzically.
"That boy is probably the largest child to ever waddle the planet, I can't even imagine what he looked like before." Said Severus catching his breath. Harry laughed at this comment. It was the first time he had laughed since the Third Task. It was good for him, and it rang clearly through the hospital wing before he began to caugh again. This time Harry didn't stair at Severus' smile. He was a bit surprised to find he had a sense of humour though. Severus smiled inwardly as well, he had made him laugh, maybe there was hope. Before Harry could continue a large black dog burst through the hospital wing door and bounded over to the bed where Albus sat. He was closely followed by Remus Lupin, who shut the door behind him, looking exhausted he glanced over at Harry with concern. As the dog got closer it changed into a man who then grabbed Harry in a big hug. Severus noticed the boy's body baulk away from the hug, he noticed the tenseness before Harry convinced himself to relax. Severus was overcome with both guilt and anger. 'I should have gone sooner. The Dursleys will pay for this.' he thought. Sirius was too wrapped up in questioning Dumbledore to notice.
"We were so worried" said Sirius. "Are you okay?" and then looking at the headmaster "what happened? Who saved him? I should have been there…"
Harry looked at Sirius and laughed at his mother-hen antics as he was fluttering about. "I'm fine. I really am fine. I was rescued. You didn't know… how should you have been there?" Harry said and then flinched as Sirius pulled him into a hug. " Sirius I need to breath!" and Harry coughed, hiding the pain behind a mask, the only ones to notice was Snape who had used many a similar antic. Remus laughed and pat his best friend on the back.
"Brilliant! He just recovers and you suffocate him. Honestly Padfoot, what would James say!" he teased. Sirius looked a bit hurt but let go of Harry and looked around the room. When he spotted Severus his eyes narrowed and he gave him a cool look.
"What is He doing in here?" he growled. Severus simply returned his gaze
"Leave him alone" said Harry in quietly in a fiery yet cool voice. The two men froze, as if waiting for a command. Albus realized what was happening. The boy had had them all at his command. Almost like the imperius curse, but he had not uttered it, and he didn't have his wand. Albus looked over at Harry who was looking at the others concerned.
"What did I do?" Harry whispered. Albus smiled thoughtfully at Harry. 'You, my child, are going to need many lessons.' He thought to himself. 'When do I tell him? Its too soon, he has to recover'
"Nothing my boy, nothing, they are just surprised. They'll step out of their stupor in a few seconds." Albus said. He then gripped his wand in his sleeve and silently repeated several incantations. Just as he finished Arabella opened the door to the hospital wing and entered. Looking around. As the spell broke Severus mirrored Sirius's look of utter shock. Both men looked at the boy, and then at one another. Harry hadn't realized that he had put power behind his words. He had literally commanded them. Then they both turned to the Headmaster, questioningly.
Arabella broke the awkward moment by asking "sorry… did I come at a bad time… Albus, is it possible I can meet with you four quickly?" It seemed this was enough to get everyone's attention back to the matters at hand. "It will only take a second" she said trying to coax them out. Harry nodded at the men, in reassurance as Dumbledore and Arabella dragged them into the hallway. "Albus I came for two reasons. The Order was scheduled to be meeting in an hour and we will need you Five pests there." She said indicating Albus, Remus, Sirius, Severus and Fawks. "Also. I just came from the Ministry. Before the Dursley case can move forward we need to set up a provisional guardian. They asked me to find out. I wouldn't mind doing it but I dare say I'll be buisy moving house and what not, the Aurors have become more buisy reciently. Whom ever decides to, I will need you to sign the paperwork and I will bring it back to the ministry right away." She finished and looked around "I understand that this might take some time to figure out.."
"I will" said Severus quietly a second before he realized what he had said. 'oh I hope he doesn't hate me for this. Don't let him protest.' Ran through one half of his mind while the other was screaming 'are you crazy. This boy breaks every rule that exists. You have no idea how to get along with children, you'll fail miserably. And who do you think you are that you can raise a child, you couldn't even raise yourself'
What seemed like an eternity for Severus was actually a fraction of a second before his thoughts were inturupted. "I second that decision" said Albus with a sigh of relief. He was happy he didn't have to force Severus. He raised his hand before anyone could protest and said "It is the most logical solution. Sirius surely you aren't going to travel to the ministry, unless you fancy turning yourself in." He said with a twinkle in his eye. "Remus, as much as I know you would be good for the boy, you know the ministry's rules, all be it I don't agree." He said as he turned to Remus who's eyes fell to the floor. "In addition Remus, I need you out in the field," He continued. "I have quite a lot on my plate as it is, and I need someone who could easily stay at Hogwarts, but could also travel to his own place. The most logical person for this, and as he knows the situation, and has volunteered, it seems it seems Severus could easily fill the job. In addition he's a potions master, knows quite a bit about mediwizardry I think it would benefit Harry to have someone with that background looking after him." He said with finality.
Sirius paused mid reply and then, seeing as there was no changing Dumbledore's decision, opened the door and re-entered the infirmary, with Remus close at his heels. Albus turned to the potions master and confided "You do realize that this might have a negative effect in some of your circles?" The headmaster said and Severus nodded knowing exactly what he was referring to. "The ministry has holes, but we will attempt to keep it as secret as possible." Severus nodded. He was already thinking about how this would affect his cover, but if Albus agreed to it… "Aside from the obvious, I believe you two share a connection, as little as either of you would like to admit it, though I will never find out if I don't hear the rest of Harry's story" he finished and then returned his gaze to Arabella"I will lend you my office to do the paper work. We will come to the meeting as soon as is possible. Please feel free to begin in our absence. Severus, we will finish our prior discussion when you return."
Harry looked out the window and watched the men talk. His eyes glanced over the faces, and stopped when he saw Snape. Severus was looking at him, as if waiting for something. He remembered all the times that he had humiliated him in potions class, but as his mind ran through them he could hear Snape's voice talking in soothing tones trying to explain every situation. The same voice he remembered hearing in his sleep. And he remembered all the times Snape had saved him, beginning with the broom back in his first year. He knew that whatever the question it would be difficult, but something told Harry, that without question, saying yes to the unasked question this would be the right decision. He nodded almost in-perceptively to Severus who then said something to the group. Sirus looked as if he had been slapped, and Harry began to regret his decision. Dumbledore began speaking, and it seemed to both enrage and calm Sirius. Remus looked about to protest, but then he too looked disheartened. As Harry shifted his gaze to take in Snape he saw the normally masked countanence betray a look of forboding, fear, and what could only be identified as happiness?
Before Harry could analyze his potions master further Remus and Sirius entered the room. He didn't see Severus blush as Dumbledore told him something, nor did he see Severus leave to follow Arabella. As the men entered the infirmary Sirius let out the breath he had been holding ever since Severus had uttered his offer.
"Harry…" said Sirius at once lost for words.
"Don't worry Sirius. Everything will be okay." Responded Harry, his voice marked with a finality, and a wisedom that made Sirius wonder when this boy had become so old. Then with a grin the boy's expression changed and he asked with a twinkle in his eye "what mischief have you been dabbleing in dearest Padfoot?" this broke the mood and Sirius grinned, Remus laughed, and Professor Dumbledore, who had just entered the room, smiled as his eyes twinkled. Harry had sounded like James at his age and everyone was relieved to hear the carefree tone.
"Dear marauderling, I have no idea what you are talking about, and I dare say you have much more to answer for than I do… that mirror prank, how?" he said in a syrupy voice. Then imitating a society woman he continued "Dahling you absolutely Must tell us your Secrit!" he drawled. Harry couldn't help but laugh, however he was really confused, not knowing what Sirius was talking about.
"I have no idea what you are talking about" said Harry confused. Sirius, believing this was just an act tickled the boy mercilessly.
"Oh really?" he raised an eyebrow. "One to uphold the family name and you know absolutely nothing?" he inquired while tickling the already squirming Harry. "It was genious. I wish we had come up with it, though I suppose we never thought he looked in mirrors much" He continued as Harry squirmed.
"You know more than I do" Harry struggled to say as he was still laughing. At this point Remus joined the interregation.
'Alright Alright, I'll confess" said Harry still uncertain what was going on, but not willing to endure another tickle session.
"The look on ol' Sev's face was priceless. How did you do it? You should have seen him when he looked into the mirror in the headmaster's office. He was whearing Gryffindor quiddich robes, and a Gryffindor scarf and was prancing around singing your praises. It was priceless!" he continued "And apparently this was not the only thing that had happened. He said that he was seen dressed as a farmer, ballerina, and a grannie… amoung other things." Sirius started to laugh. The colour drained out of Harry's face as he began to remember conjuring these images to escape the beatings.
Severus and Arabella had finished and were walking back toward the Hospital wing when they heard Sirius's loud infectious laugh. Arabella chuckled. "it's a good thing the dementors didn't take that away" she said. Severus was still lost in his own thoughts but nodded politely. As they opened the door and looked in Severus caught a glimpse of Harry's worried features before they resolved into a feigned innocent look 'hmm' he thought to himself. He stopped Arabella from entering because he wanted to see how the scene played out, so they watched from the doorway.
Harry didn't want to worry Sirius who was attempting to cheer him up, so he turned to Dumbledore and asked innocently "I knew you were putting the Mirror of Erised somewhere out of my normal wanderings, but in your office? Honestly headmaster, you should remember how frequently I seem to find myself there…" Harry heard a noise in the doorway and looked up to see a slightly amused expression flicker quickly across Severus's face. 'So he does have a sense of humor?' All the new sides of Professor Snape… boy will this take some getting used to. He had witnessed him laugh, but not at another's expense, an actual smile, not the one that Malfoy got, but genuine, and now evidence that Snape could take a joke... This was turning into the strangest time at Hogwarts yet.
Dumbledore started laughing. Sirius looked confused before Remus held back a laugh and whispered to him what the mirror was, at which point he too joined in. At the height of their laughter Severus strode into the room with Arabella, deciding that it was the perfect timing to enter the room and ask. "what did I miss?" asked Severus said as he looked around at all the amused and guilty faces with his typical stern expresson, only when he got to Harry he winked. 'Did he just wink?' thought Harry, but decided that he should get his head checked at St. Mungo's and then scolded himself for thinking about going to the hospital when he was already stuck in the hospital wing. Snape had folded his arms and was looking at everyone inquisitively. "Why do I get the feeling that it was something said about me?" He continued looking everyone in the eye.
"Because you are as paranoid as ol' moody?" Sirius offered, Remus elbowed him in the stomach to keep him quiet and Severus politely chuckled. Harry bit his lip to stifle a giggle and looked torn between laughing at the image of Snape with a magical eye, and being a bit nervous as he didn't want to see Sirius and Severus fight. "Now Harry, as tempting as it is, my deepest desire is not to run around in your quiddich robes and sing" he growled in his usual Snape voice, and then added as an afterthought "although I do think it would be amusing to see you dressed up as a Slytherin singing about Draco." At this point he let down the façade he had held for so many years and began to really laugh. The worried look on Harry's face disappeared as he realized Snape wasn't angry with him and he had to laugh at the image as well. Even Sirius was laughing at the joke and the tension was broken.
After a while and Dumbledore got everyone's attention once again "Harry do you think you can finish telling us what happened?" he urged, Snape paled, everyone became serious, and Harry began. 'I kept having a dream about the Tri-wizard Tournament. I was in the Graveyard, and everything happened then…" he paused, took a deep breath and continued 'then everything changed, the graveyard disappeared, and Voldemort stood there. He asked me how I liked my dreams, he told me how much he enjoyed having me as a part of him, and… and he tried to place Imperius on me to make me say I would join him….instead I shouted that I would never join him and spat in his face… only it was that moment I woke up to Uncle Vernon shaking me, and saw a wad of spit on his pajama top…He always got angry and threatened me if I woke him in the middle of the night.. but if he wasn't angry with me for waking him before…' he stopped, he didn't want to go into the beating.
"and that's when he hit you, and knocked Hedwig's cage down." led Severus angrily. Harry cringed at Snape's tone, but Snape continued regardless "But Harry, this wasn't the only beating either." Snape nearly spat, furious that any muggle felt he had the right. Harry nodded, almost hopeing that Snape could finish the story, but instead Snape began pacing, and thus Harry took up the story from where Snape had left. He told them about the beatings, but never mentioned the rapes. He told about the broken bones, the verbal slanders, the backbreaking labour in the garden, but like the rapes he was reluctant to tell them that he imagined Voldemort, Professor Snape, and Draco in compromising and embarrassing situations in order to keep his mind away from the beatings, not wanting to create any more reason for his least favourite teacher to dislike him.
However, knowing that he had already seen everything in the mirror he decided it was best to tell, but he didn't know where to start. He hoped there would be some insight as to why Snape had seen his images in the mirror. Harry was secretly hopeing the same thing had happened to Voldemort. He giggled at the thought of the 'Dark Lord' discovering himself dressed in a child's fairy costume, singing a silly song about how stupid he was, or standing infront of a mirror at a Death Eater's meeting while they all stifled giggles with him unaware. At this point all three wizards turned and looked at him as if he should be in St. Mungo's until he explained about Snape, though he did leave out Draco and Voldemort. He continued with his story and ended with the morning of the rescue. And then the vague recollection of the bullet. He didn't know what had stopped the bullet, just that he moved infront of his path. He didn't actually remember much of the rescue, of Vernon Dursley pinned to the wall, or of the strange aura that surrounded him and Severus. Harry only remembered the pain, and he was shaking by the time he finished recounting the tale, but he had gotten the message across. Severus was reminded of the dreams, and then of his own painful childhood. He quickly crossed the space between him and the boy and then stopped abruptly. His instincts told him to hug Harry. To stop the shaking, to cradle him like he had when he rescued the child but another part of him was unable to finish the movement. This was different, he was awake, and Harry hated him. Dumbledore noted the way Severus was acting and smiled to himself. There was hope for the two of them yet.
Sirius did without a second thought what Snape had failed to accomplish. He gathered the boy in a tight bear-hug. Feverently wishing that the world had never come to this. He thought about how different life would be if Lily and James were still around. If only he hadn't convinced James… Sirius himself would have died rather than betray the Potters, and cause Harry this pain. Remus put a hand on his shoulder knowing exactly what his friend was thinking and shook his head. All these thoughts were interrupted by a muffled "Padfooot…..need….to….breath" that seemed to be coming from somewhere inside Sirius's robes. Remus chuckled, Sirius let go of Harry while turning away embarrassed. Dumbledore's eyes sparkled and Severus caughed to hide his laugh.
"Professor Snape. Does Voldemort have any mirrors?" Asked Harry as innocently as he could. Snape looked horrified and then began laughing.
"And what, Mr. Potter, moves you to ask?" He said through the chuckle
'Ah, nothing… I was just wondering if he liked the teletubby costume." continued Harry meekly. Severus laughed.
"And I thought the other telletubbies were evil" Sirus added laughing.
"I wish I had a picture of that" he said and Harry laughed as well.
"Alright, we should leave Harry so he can have some peace," said Dumbledore as he smiled and shooed the men out of the room. "I'll catch up, I'd like to have a word with him They were all reluctant to leave, Sirius kept casting backward glances. Remus dragged his feet as he left. Severus wasn't quick to leave either but didn't want the others to see this, so he strode out of the room, his cloak didn't billow irately as it had before, it sort of fluttered behind him. The three wizards walked silently toward the Order room.
"Harry, Severus and I have discussed everything, and we want to make sure you are safe for the rest of the summer. You will definitely not be going back to the Dursleys'. We we would like to send you to the Weasleys, but that is not safe now. So Severus offered to take you into his care. You would be able to spend time here and back at the Snape estate. This is probably the safest arrangement for you for many reasons. No one would expect to find you there, it is unplotable, unfindable, and protected by nearly as many enchantments as Gringotts, and only those that the professor wants to come can even see it. As Snape's family is out of the public eye, there is only very limited knowledge of its existence. Well enough of my old man's banter, I want you to know that this was his idea, though I believe it is a good one, for the two of you could do each other a world of good. However, I leave the decision up to you." He finished with his usual Dumbledore twinkle. "I will be back after the meeting to find out your answer." He said as he stood and walked out, stopping to mention something to Madam Pomphry before heading to the meeting.