Disclaimer: Don't own any of this world...sighs...can only wish...oh well. It all belongs to J.K. Rowling. Dirt Poor...No Money...Don't Sue.

A/N: Hello all. I am soooooooo sorry about the wait. I have had major road blocks on this story. I just got back from vacation and have loads of updates. I hope everyone likes this story and the new story I am posting.
For now, Snape will mostly be referred to as Severus. It will be more intimate and help the developing story lines. Enjoy.

This chapter has not been Beta'd. It will be pulled and Beta'd, by my two wonderful betas, when they have the extra time. Thanks for the understanding of my mistakes. Please do not fix all of them for I know there are many. I am far from perfect and it irkes me when I get no output on my story and just my mistakes. But I thank you all the same should you choose to correct them. My alternative was of seperating scenes, because this comp is stupid, is HP HP HP. Thank you for understanding and not yelling at me for it.

HP HP HP HP HP HP HP HP HP

It was well over twelve hours before either was to awaken. Severus woke to the quiet emptiness of the all too white infirmary. The assault on his eyes had the older wizard confused before the night's events came to the forefront of his mind.

He remembered helping to calm Harry and holding the young man still as the pain from his potion took effect. He also remembered his own personal conflict of how this one man could break every solitary wall he had around himself without ever realizing what was happening. Severus knew he should leave the boy alone, go back to his dungeons, but his heart refused to allow his mind the actions.

Severus' train of thought was barricaded by the squirming in his lap. It was apparent the boy was beginning to wake. He looked down at the man in his arms and sighed. He could only watch impassively as Harry Potter opened his newly fashioned eyes. He felt the boy tense and quickly leaned him to the side. Harry retched and began balling as the mess disappeared.

Slight change in POV

Warm arms wrapped around Harry and allowed him to shamelessly bury his head in the robes and sob. He did not care, at that moment, whom was helping him. Everything about being in those arms felt RIGHT.

Neither the assault of colors nor the sight correction had made Harry sick. It was the joy. He had relived the same twisted memories until he could no longer fashion reality and memory. He could only watch the torture. It was never himself on the receiving end; never his friends. In his mind, they were safe. He could watch them die for days, which he did, and yet his mind could separate it as though it was mere illusions.

The ability to see again gave it all freedom; an escape from hell. He had yet to think about the facts of facing true reality once again or addressing the gravesites of war. Right now, this was his light and the person holding him was his mercy given angel who gave him the greatest gift of all; a solid chance at a new life.

Normal POV

Harry calmed, finally, when Severus began running his fingers thru the black tresses; as he had the night prior. Whether it was the action or his presence that was calming could never be determined; not that anyone particularly cared to know.

When the tremors stopped, it was then that Harry finally looked up at the man who had cared for him in his weakened state; the one and only Severus Snape. A man he damn near loved and who was probably only helping him out of pity for the fallen savior.

Harry forcibly pulled himself from the comforting arms, catching the Potions Master off guard, and curled in the corner where he unwittingly had when his coma had ended the first time. Though an unconscious move drilled into his mind from youth; it was a twisted sense of familiarity.

Snape just stared at the young man who, seconds before, had been in need of comfort. He saw the tears pooling and falling ever slowly as he, himself, tried to figure what had cause the reaction. His questions were answered by one word; 'Sorry.'

He was able to lip read what the boy was repeating over and over while he rocked, giving himself the comfort he had just pushed away.

Severus Snape was furious but it was not directed at the boy, which he was sure that was what the boy was thinking. The boy's responses were reflections of abuse. Not only had he lived it, but he saw it too often with his little snakes who had Death Eater parents. Pride would keep each student from seeking help but it was an early lesson to count one no one but yourself.

Sighing deeply, to collect his thoughts, Severus gracefully slid off the bed. Harry flinched when he knelt in front of the young man; his eyes level. Patiently, he put a hand on either side of the tanned face and brought their eyes to meet.

"It's ok. I promise to help, if you trust me to." He spoke slowly in hopes Harry could read his lips. The younger one found it possible and Severus received his answer as Harry nodded. "Wait." Awaiting acknowledgement, he helped him stand.

He disappeared around the corner, unaware that Harry collapsed again; believing Snape was leaving him alone, for good.

Poppy's Office

The door creaked open and Severus stalked in to find Poppy conversing with Minerva, current Headmistress as Albus fell in battle).

"Poppy, I need to speak with you about Mr. Potter."

"Actually, Severus, I have come to speak with you." It was Minerva who had responded, whether he had wanted her to or not.

"What about? I am a busy man."

"Poppy, here, was just informing me of Harry's developments due to a potion you created and your current involvement in his recovery. She also tells me of how he has seizures when anyone gets near him; everyone, except you. It is looking as if only you will be able to get close enough to administer his potions." She smiled knowingly.

"If this is leading where I believe it to be then I must decline."

"It would be truly appreciated…" She trailed off. They all knew, in the end, he would not decline her 'request.'

'Too long around Albus.' Severus thought, smirking in his head. Though, in all honesty, he did not mind what they were suggesting. He would die before ever admitting that willingly to these conniving witches. "What will this entail?"

"Harry would move into the spare room in your quarters for the remainder of the summer holidays and through the school year until he is healed and self-sufficient enough to care for his own needs without outside assistance." She stated plainly as if it were clear as day.

"Fine." He replied irritable, if just for show. He was still aching and tired from all night in those impossibly small infirmary beds. He figured he may as well get the boy moved. "When will he be released?"

"As soon as I can give him one more check-up to see for any remaining injuries that may threaten his intended progress."

"May we get on with this then? Good day, Minerva." Turning on his heel, he stalked from the room without receiving a response; knowing he would be followed.

Infirmary

Both Severus and Poppy headed back to where Harry was, only to find an alarming sight. Harry was seizing on the stone floor. His body shook in uncontrollable tremors next to the bed. He was laying face up, his eyes shut in pain.

Uncharacteristically, and uncaring of who saw, Severus moved forward and sat next to the younger man. Pulling him into his lap, he used the same techniques as before; thought he was still relatively new at this caring thing.

He whispered soft enough that it seemed he was merely talking to himself. He mumbled, not that Harry 'heard' anything. He made sure the boy could feel his breathe on the paled neck and the seizures stopped.

Harry felt the warmth as it chased the fears away. The warm hand on his back was moving circularly so he kept his eyes shut; praying it would not end. He buried his head against the strong chest, never looking up, but feeling the vibrations of his voice. He could hear the voice in his head, lulling him to sleep; unaware he was the topic of current conversation.

Severus could hear the evening of Harry's breath as he continued arguing with the nurse. "Poppy, you said he was able to leave without further risk."

"He still can. Honestly, Severus, can you not see what is happening? As much as I want to keep him here as a precaution, nothing will help the poor boy accept bed rest and you."

"What am I supposed to do?"

"Figure it out. This boy respects and trusts you completely. Do not let him down. Simply guide him; help him."

Exhailing deeply, Severus looked down at the young man, mirroring his action from that very morning. The boy was frail, thin, and extremely pale. He easily picked the sleeping Harry up, gave Poppy one final look, and headed down to his chambers; their chambers.

It was now his mission to put life back into the dull emerald orbs and take away the terrors of his past.

It seemed that Severus Snape, the heartless bastard, had finally found his heart; a troubled young man.