+....+ means Phoenixius.( I know it was different before but the program I'm using won't let me do that. *shrugs*)
Disclaimer: Do I? Or do I not own Harry Potter? That is the question. One I think we all know the answer to. NOT!
Remember: Peace, Love, and be a Marauder! I mean, why wouldn't you be? No reason at all.
Warnings:Buckle your seat belts boys and girls, this story's about to take one hell of a twist.
A/N: Ummm....I'm sorry this took so long. Once school starts my posts will regulate themselves. Ummm....one last request....PLEASE DON'T KILL ME!!!
+ Chapter 20- Illusions of Safety, Shattered
Much of the afternoon was spent with them retelling their trip to Diagon Alley. Once the twins had awoken and come to check up on their patients, a spot was made for them on the large bed and they discovered what had happened. The meeting with young Malfoy served to keep them all in hysterics for quite a while before Harry confessed that wasn't the only time it had happened.
"We ran into some of my housemates on our way to the ice cream palor. Neville, unfortunately, was one of them. You should have seen his expression; you would have thought I was Severus, the evil and feared Potions Master, just strolling along like nobody's business." Severus expression became one of long suffering.
"I'm not that mean to my students," he whined playfully.
"Yes you are," Harry and the twins answered in unison. Severus pouted, pretending to be hurt when Albus' arms encircled him.
"Ignore them child, they're all meanie heads anyway," he cooed.
"Hey!" came the indignant reply from the three. Severus grinned and stuck out his tounge at them. Seri groaned at the absurdness of it all.
"I don't believe this. You're acting the same way you did when James slipped a de-aging potion in your drink and turned you into a two-year old." Harry snorted in laughter and buried his face in a pillow, desperately trying to hide his mirth.
"I remember that! Albus volunteered to watch after you till the potion wore off," Kit added. Albus nodded, his upturned whiskers betraying his amusement.
"My rooms and office were never quite the same after that. He was a very smart two-year old," he let out a suffering sigh, making the others double over in laughter.
"Do you have any more stories from when you guys were in school?" Harry asked exictedly. Seri refused to tell anymore, and wouldn't let Kit open her mouth. Only when Severus goaded her about one of the infamous Marauders not wanting to tell about any of there hair-raising (and sometimes that term was literal) adventures did she relent. Though it made Harry curious.
"You were a Marauder? But your name's not on the Marauder's Map." She nodded as he spoke.
"Kit and I were Marauders up to a certain point. The only reason James, Sirius, and the others didn't allow us to put our names to that particular parchment, even though we helped create it, was the fact that we refused to play pranks on the Slytherins." Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Why?" Kit jumped in before her sister could answer.
"Well, Seri happened to like a certain Slytherin boy by the name of...." Seri dashed over and clamped a silencing hand over her sister's mouth. This earned her a annoyed look which she pointedly ignored. Harry eyed them both suspiciously a moment longer before letting the matter drop.
"So what were your nicknames?" he asked instead.
"Tigress," the golden-haired woman answered. She gave her sister a warning glare before removing her hand from her mouth. Kit simply straightened her robe and answered.
"Snowball."
"Snowball?" he repeated incredulously. She looked a bit miffed.
"Of course, what else would you call a snow leopard?" The subject was left at that and they went on to more important matters, namely those advernture tales Seri promised. Once she'd talked herself out they went onto other matters. First thing that was discussed was where Harry would stay. At the twins suggestion and Albus' total agreement, it was decided he would continue to reside with the headmaster. As would Severus, though to do that took work. If he wanted to stay with Harry during the day, he'd stay strictly in the bedroom. When it was safe for him to leave the headmaster would come get him, himself. After everyone had retired for the night, Severus would leave the dungeons under the invisibility cloak and creep back to the headmaster's rooms. He'd stay there at night and then once again leave under cloak in the morning. He'd travel down to the dungeons, take off the cloak and make an appearance for breakfast before once again retreating to the headmaster's tower to eat with Harry. If anyone wanted to see Harry alone they'd just set up a time and place. Severus would also come to lunch but breakfast and dinner would be reserved for the new family. Seri and Kit believed that the more time Severus, Harry and Albus spent together the closer they would become. They wanted the three to become dependent on one another.
They also decided not to inform the staff of Pomfrey's dismissal, or of the twins being hired on. If anyone asked why they were in the castle so often they would reply that they had business with Dumbledore, which equaled to business with the Order. It was a neat little system that covered about everything.
They'd barely scratched the surface of what they were to do when Severus glanced at his watch and saw the time; 4:50.
"Oh shit, guys we have to shut this down. I forgot to mention, Remus is coming in at 5 o'clock." The others looked at the time.
"Nice warning Sev, any closer and he'd be knocking on the door," Harry said sarcastically. This earned him a reproachful tug at his hair from the Potions Master. Harry gave him a sheepish grin in apology and leaned against his shoulder. Severus responded by putting an arm around him. The headmaster sighed and rose from the bed, followed by the twins.
"Since all the teachers come to check in I assume Remus will as well. That means I need to be in there to greet him. Will you two accompany me?" The twins nodded and followed the headmaster back to his office. When they closed the door behind them, Harry sighed and snuggled closer to his father. The man sat back against the headboard and pulled his child closer, all the way into his lap. Harry sighed again and contented himself with listening to the other's slow and steady heartbeat.
"Do you think they'll actually believe that we have become a family? You have to admit, it is rather far-fetched," Severus wondered aloud. Harry merely shrugged, not wishing to disturb the quiet harmony that had fallen over them.
"I'm not sure Sev, but if anyone can pull it off, the five of us can."
They had barely taken their places and settled down when there came a knock at the door.
"Come in," Albus called as he sat back. The door opened to admit the familiar form of Remus Lupin.
"Hi Albus. Oh! I'm sorry," he said when he spotted the twins, "I didn't mean to interrupt anything." The werewolf turned to leave.
"Nonsense Remus, you're not interrupting anything. We were just discussing Order business. Please, have a seat," he waved his hand to the last of the vacant chairs. Remus sank into it gratefully.
"Thanks Albus, it was a long trip back from Madrid. Hi you two," he greeted the twins.
"Hi Moony," they returned in unison.
"I just came up here," Remus continued, turning his attention back to the older man, "to tell you that I'm here and..." he stopped, uncertainty creasing his face. Albus leaned forward, worried that something else had happened.
"And?" he prompted. Remus bit his lip but decided to continue.
"And to ask you why Harry's here," 'Ah, of course,' thought Albus, "Did something happen at the Dursleys?" A sad look passed over the headmaster.
"Yes, I'm afraid something did," his eyes shone with anger, but who he was angry at Remus could not tell, "Though I'm afraid I can not tell you what happened and why he's here, it is not my right." Remus' shoulders slumped in disappointment. He'd seriously been hoping that the headmaster would tell him something.
"Severus said as much," he muttered under his breath.
"Pardon?" Albus asked politely, though he'd heard what the man had said. Remus looked up.
"I said Severus said as much when I was in Diagon Alley. He said he was escorting Harry." The headmaster nodded, smiling slightly.
"Yes I asked him too. I'm afraid neither of them have been out much this summer. They've been cooped up together for far too long." Remus' eyebrows furrowed in confusion.
"Cooped up.....together?" he repeated, not sure if he'd heard right. The headmaster nodded, seeming oblivious to the frightened gleam in the Defense teacher's eyes.
"I could not take care of Harry this summer, I have been far to busy. Since I could not watch him, I left him in Severus' capable hands. He's been staying down in the dungeons with him." It took a moment to register what the man had said, but when it did, it hit like a ton of bricks. Down in the dungeons....together? They'd spent the entire summer in the same small apartment....together? Didn't Albus know what was going on? Snape had free access to Harry twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Anything could have happened; anything. A hand touched his sleeve lightly.
"Remus?" Seri called, her voice laced with concern for her old friend. Remus snapped out of his thoughts.
"Sorry, I just find it hard to believe that those two spent the summer together and actually survived." He tried to make it sound like a joke but he had a feeling it didn't. "Miracles are apart of life Remus," Albus said innocently which caused Remus to do a double take. "Yes, they are," Remus agreed reluctantly.
"To my knowledge, they've gotten along well. Harry spent a great deal of his time up here when I was here though, and I've gotten to know him quite well. A thing I was hoping to be able to do. He seems fine." The last few words did not seem to registure with the man, the contents of the letter flashed through his mind. A sudden anger boiled up into the werewolf's chest for the man across from him. How, how could he have done that to Harry?! How could he leave him to a man that was a known supporter of Voldemort; never mind that he spied for the light side! All of the evidence that something fishy was right under his noise and he was blatantly ignoring it. He drew in a calming breath, stomping his anger down and forcing out a smile. There was nothing more he could do, not until he had more proof. Or a chance to speak with Harry.
"Well, he won't be with Severus much longer," 'Not if I have anything to say about it,' he thought to himself, "Not with school starting in a week." Albus nodded and stood when the other man did. "True, true. They'll be out of one another's hair soon enough. Good night Remus, I'll see you at tomorrow's staff meeting."
"See you then Albus," he said and slipped out the door. When he was gone Albus let out a great sigh of relief and glanced at the two healers.
"Well, that was easy enough. Now I have to come up with a reason for the rest of the staff."
"We know you can do it Albus."
Remus walked slowly down the hall, deep in thought. This couldn't be happening, it just couldn't. Harry Potter, the son of his best friend, was being abused by an old school enemy. And possibly much more. He squelched that thought. It did not do to dwell on suspicions that could be nothing more than fantasy. Things just weren't making sense, they weren't adding up. What could Snape possibly hope to gain by doing what he was doing? Nothing more than his own sick pleasure, that was for sure. Unless, he really was under Voldemort's Imperious Curse. That would explain the pained expression in Diagon Alley; he could have been trying to break free of it. But then, why didn't Harry go to Dumbledore and tell him what was going on?
*He's scared Remus and ashamed, wouldn't you be?* A voice inside his head asked. Remus thought about it longer.
"Yeah, I guess so," he muttered under his breath.
*Then there's your reason.* It was true, Harry would most likely be ashamed that anyone had touched him in such a way. He had been ashamed of being a werewolf in school, thinking that he'd never make any friends because of it. But then he'd met James and Sirius, who never let him feel down or depressed. They'd been his friends to the very end. Remus stopped, saving himself from running into the door of his quarters. Friend, that's what he'd be to Harry. With his mind firmly made, he went in to his rooms. He was determined to see Harry before the week was out.
Monday was pure chaos. Teachers came and went at all times of the day. House-elves scurried here and there, from one job to another. Each and every teacher, once they were settled in, came to see the headmaster and visit with him. When Harry couldn't stand to be stuck in the bedroom any longer, he begged his father and grandfather to let him out. After a brief discussion they had agreed and Harry soon found himself wandering up and down the corridors. He greeted this confused teacher and that startled teacher as he passed them, on his way to where he wasn't sure. Maybe a walk around the castle grounds? Making up his mind he turned in that direction, and ran into the last person he expected to see, Dudley.
"Dudley what are you doing out here?" he asked, curious as to why the other boy would be sitting on the steps. Dudley looked up when Harry hobbled down the steps to sit beside him.
"I just thought I'd rest a minute after running around that pitch," he gestured to the green field. Harry raised an eyebrow.
"You ran around the Quidditch pitch? No wonder you're still looking trim," he complemented. Dudley grinned sheepishly.
"Thanks. What did you call that thing, a Quidditch pitch?" Harry nodded.
"Quidditch is the best sport in the wizarding world, everyone follows Quidditch." Dudley looked impressed.
"Why are the stands so high?" he asked. Harry smiled mischievously.
"That's because Quidditch is played on brooms." Dudley's eyes widened.
"Brooms? As in up in the air brooms?" Harry grinned, an idea forming.
"Yeah, want to give it a go?"
"You mean, you'd teach me to ride a broom?" Harry nodded and stood.
"Come on then, we'll go get my broom and then get you one of the school brooms." He offered his hand to his cousin, who accepted it. Harry hauled him to his feet.
"Follow me." Harry led Dudley through the twisted maze of corridors. It had been over a week and the moving portraits still amazed him. He could have sworn that the doors moved around and even suspected a few doors of not actually being doors. He'd barely caught himself a few times from stepping on a trick step that liked to disappear. He'd been fortunate so far as to not be tricked, but his father wasn't so lucky. He'd been fooled several times by this amazing school and came in every night muttering something about it. He roamed the school during the day, as though he were looking for something. Though what that something was, Dudley wasn't sure. So lost in his thoughts was he that he failed to notice Harry had stopped and ran right into him.
"Sorry." Harry rubbed his shoulder.
"No problem," then he turned to the portrait, "Good day Master Merlin," he bowed slightly to the dark man. Merlin smiled.
"Hello Harry, I assume you want in, password first please." Harry opened his mouth to answer but hesitated. He closed his mouth then turned to Dudley.
"Not to be rude Dudley but could you close your ears? It's nothing personal, I just don't want your father coming down here," he said. Dudley nodded, understanding why the boy would make such a request. He placed his hands over his ears and turned his back on him for good measure. Harry edged closer to the portrait and whispered "Marauder" quietly. Merlin smiled again and swung open. Harry tapped Dudley on the shoulder and led him into the apartment. Both cousins were completely unaware that they had been followed the entire time. The dark shadow shifted and began making it's way back to the upper part of the castle; all the while muttering,"So this is where you've been hiding, so this is where you've been hiding."(A/N: Curious as to who that is? Well, you'll find out soon enough. Though you're not going to like it.)
For the next two hours, Harry proceeded to teach Dudley the finer points of riding a broomstick, or at least try to. After these two hours of nothing but pure struggle, Harry had to admit defeat. There was no way it was going to happen. It was official: Dudley Dursley did not belong on a broomstick! He just did not seem to possess the precise quardnation that was required and that Harry himself had. Though, that's not to say they didn't have fun, quite the opposite really. Dudley did not let the fact that he couldn't really ride deter him one bit. He could get on the broom, kick off, and hover but if he tried to make it go forward he simply lost his balance. So after a while he contented himself with watching in astonishment as Harry simply zoomed gracefully from one end of the pitch to the other. He was rather confused when Harry conjured up a bag of balls and asked him to throw them. He did, however, as hard as he could in every direction. Harry caught every one. After the second hour Dudley waved to the ground, indicating he wanted to land. Harry agreed and they both touched down. As soon as they did, Dudley began bombarding Harry with questions about brooms and Quidditch. Like, why did Harry's broom go faster than his own and why had he asked him to throw those balls. He answered readily and found himself explaining the complicated rules of Quidditch.
"So," Dudley began when Harry finished, "How long have you been flying?" Harry's gaze wandered up to the open blue sky above them.
"Five years now, I'm the seeker for my house team."
"The seeker catches the snitch right?" Harry nodded, "Is it hard to do?" The black haired boy shrugged. He'd never really thought about that before.
"Depends. Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't." They fell silent after this. The blonde boy idly twisted a blade of grass between his fingers, coming to the conclusion that is was time to broach the subject that was really bothering him.
"Why did you save us Harry?" he asked quietly. Harry started at the unexpected question and turned to him in confusion.
"What do you mean?" The other boy sighed and threw the grass away. It caught on the wind and sailed away from them.
"Harry don't be thick, you know what I mean. Why, and how could you rescue us after all that my family and I have done to you?" Harry should have known this would come up eventually.
"Dudley how many times did Voldemort come to see you?" he asked. The other's brow furrowed at the change in subject but answered anyway.
"The one with the red eyes? Just the one time," he shuddered, "I doubt I'll ever forget that."
"Me either," Harry whispered in agreement.
"What do you mean by that?" his cousin asked curiously.
"I was there," Harry answered simply. Now Dudley was thoroughly confused. Harry couldn't have been there, he would have seen him if he had been.
"What do you mean, 'I was there.'?" The mage removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes, wishing he did not have to re-live this particular memory.
"Voldemort and I are connected through my scar. Sometimes I dream about the things he does, like I'm actually there," Harry stopped and rubbed the heel of his hand over his eyes again, "It's never a pretty sight, almost always someone gets tortured or killed. About a month or so ago I fell asleep while waiting up for Sev and guess who I dreamed about," he grimaced, "None other than the dark lord himself. I followed him and found you all," Harry gave the other a meaningful look, "I was shocked, I thought you guys were still safe and sound back at Privet Drive. It never occurred to me Voldemort would want you guys. It should have but it didn't," he continued bitterly, berating himself for not thinking such a thing, "When I saw you all there I knew I had to get you all out, no matter what," he sighed, "It took me a month to find you all but I finally did. No one, not even you and your family, deserves to be in that creature's clutches. I know what he can do, hell I've even been through some of it, and no one deserves that." Silence once again fell between them after this speech. The wind picked up and blew Harry's messy black hair away from his face. Dudley studied that face and discovered something that startled him. Wisdom, maturity, and power, all bottled up in this teenager that he used to use as his personal punching bag. Harry had seen more of life, been through situations no normal teen should have had to and had come out as the person before him. This realization cast him in a totally different light.
"I think then," he said, breaking the silence, "that I owe you two things. One, an apology for all the things I and my family have done to you. Two, a thank you. Most people would have just left us there to rot, but you didn't. Thank you." Harry, not knowing what to say after this, glanced down and at his watch.
"Crap, is that the time? Sorry Dudley, I promised my father I would eat lunch with him. Maybe we can talk later." With a hurried goodbye, Harry hopped on his Firebolt and was off in a flash. Dudley just shrugged and shouldered the broom, beginning the trek back to the castle. His heart was light though, he was glad he'd made amends with his cousin. He really was an interesting person once you got to know him. Once he dropped off his broom in the shed, he headed up to his rooms. When he went in he was greeted by his smiling father. This immediately made Dudley suspicious. His father had hardly smiled at all since they'd been at the school.
"Hi dad, what's up?" he asked casually, hoping to find out what had made the man so happy.
"Nothing, nothing at all Dudley," he answered a little too fast, and chuckled to cover it up. Dudley let the matter go and turned away, heading toward the quarters' bathroom.
"What ever you say," he said, though he intended to mention it to Harry later, "I'm going to take a shower, I got a little sweaty."
"Okay son."
Severus paced the length of the living room. He was worried, Harry hadn't come to lunch yet. He was already fifteen minutes late. He hoped nothing had happened to him. At that thought he shook his head at his own absurdness. They were at Hogwarts, they were safe, nothing could go wrong here. (A/N: Yeah right.) A sudden knock at the window startled him out of his thoughts. He crossed the room and pushed back the curtain. Seeing who it was, he threw open the window and stepped aside. Harry flew in and set down lightly on the floor. Severus closed the window behind him.
"Sorry I'm late I...." He found himself being swept up into a tight hug.
"Sev what is it?" he asked, alarmed by the man's behavior. Severus held him a moment longer before releasing him.
"It's nothing, I was just worried when you came in late, usually you're very punctual." Harry smiled sheepishly as he put his Firebolt in his room.
"I was giving Dudley a flying lesson, that's why," he called as he cleaned up. Severus pulled the bell pull and placed an order with Winky.
"Really? It certainly seems like you two are getting along better," Severus commented as Harry sat down across from him. The fire mage shrugged.
"It's very hard to talk to some one who has despised you all his life," he said, picking up his fork as the food popped on the table, "but I think we're making ground. Quidditch is a wonderful teacher, in more ways than one. He's learning a little of my life as a wizard."
"Did he ask why you saved him?" Severus inquired as he sipped his tea. Harry nodded.
"Yes and I explained to him why,"he answered. Severus raised an eyebrow.
"Everything?"
"Everything."
"Good. I think he has the right to know. Oh, you missed it. I passed Remus in the hall and he was talking to Flitwick. You should have seen the look he gave me, you would have thought I was Voldemort just strolling along," he let out a suffering sigh, making it seem as if this happened every day. Harry snickered.
"I haven't seen him, though I'm sure he's going to want to see me eventually. Most likely he'll want to talk. Did Flitwick say anything about the look Remus gave you?" Severus nodded, stabbing a bit of potatoes.
"I think so. When I went around the corner I stopped to listen and I think he asked something somewhere along the lines of, 'Remus what is it? You look like you just saw a Dementor.'," he imitated the other teacher's squeaky voice making Harry snicker even harder.
"I can not wait until school starts," the teenager proclaimed.
"Oh? And why is that?" Severus asked curiously, feigning ignorance. Harry rolled his eyes.
"You know very well why and if you don't by now I'm certainly not going to tell you." The conversation went on for another half an hour before Harry stood up.
"Pardon me," he excused himself from the table and headed toward the bathroom.
Remus marched down the hall to Snape's dungeon quarters. He hadn't seen Harry sense the day before and he was beginning to worry. The only place he had any clue where he might be was the dungeons, so that was where he was going. He halted before the dark portrait.
"Is anyone inside?" he asked gruffly. The portrait seemed ruffled by his abrupt manner.
"Yes," he answered somewhat reluctantly. Remus reached out and rapped sharply on the frame.
Severus looked up from his plate as a tapping reached his ears. He stood and walked over to the entrance, curious as to who it was. Albus wouldn't knock and neither would the twins, that meant it had to be someone else. He opened the portrait and was surprised to see Remus standing on the other side. He pulled his surprise under control and schooled his features.
"Yes?" he bit out in annoyance. He'd rather not be disturbed at the moment and fully intended to show that fact. Remus wouldn't let himself be put off and crossed his arms over his chest.
"Is it alright if I come in?" he asked with strained politeness. Severus ran through a list of excuses over in his mind but could find none that would apply here. With a suffering sigh he stepped aside to allow the man entry. Remus hurried in and did a quick survey of the room. Not much had changed in the two years since the last time he'd been here. It had only been once but enough to leave an imprint. He rounded on the other professor when he heard the door close behind him.
"So....have you seen Harry lately? I want to talk to him." Severus merely sneered in reply and resumed his seat at the dining table.
"What that boy does on his own time is none of my concern and it certainly shouldn't be your's," he replied, his tone simply brimming with disdain. Remus managed to keep his temper in check.
"And what, may I ask, are you doing?" he questioned. Severus leaned forward over the table and came nose to nose with the other man.
"No you may not ask but sense you already have I'll answer. It should be obvious to any half-wit that I'm eating lunch." Remus broke the staring contest by leaning back.
"Do you normally eat lunch with two plates?" he asked innocently and smirked when the other blinked in surprise. He opened his mouth only to close it again with out emitting a sound. There was a sudden whoosh of rushing water and the opening and closing of a door.
"Severus I....oh hello Remus. I didn't know you had come in," a decidedly female voice said.
Once Harry had finished his business he'd washed his hands. As he was grabbing a towel to dry them off, voices from the room beyond caught his attention. He pressed his ear against the crack of the door in the hopes of catching at least part of the conversation. He could not but he did recognize the voices: Severus and Remus. By the sound of it they were arguing over something. He, most likely, being that something. He'd have to wait until the man left and if Severus' snarly attitude was in full swing it wouldn't be that long. Then he and Severus could get back to lunch. He slapped his forehead. Lunch; there were two plates out there and he bet anything Remus would be rather curious as to who the Potions Master was dining with in his personal quarters. He ran a mental checklist of who would do such a thing. The headmaster and.....well the headmaster. But disguising himself as Albus wouldn't work. Everyone knew he was eating with the staff that had arrived. One of the twins maybe? They were gone to their clinic in Hogsmeade to arrange it's final closure. Out of those two, Seri would be the best choice. Turning to the mirror, he closed his eyes and blanked his mind except for an image of the healer. After a second he spoke a soft incantation and felt his power weave the false identity over him. When the feeling stopped he opened his eyes and was astounded by the results. Where his reflection had been was now Serenity Winter in perfect detail. So his appearance was taken care of now what about his smell. Remus was a werewolf and therefore had a werewolf's sense of smell, which was as good, if not better, than a dog's. His eyes roamed around the room for anything, anything that would make him smell less like...well less like himself. He spotted a small bottle of a swirling purple liquid and grinned, snatching it up. The potion Severus had been using in his hair to keep it calm instead of that horrible hair grease. And the main ingredient, he thought happily as he uncorked the top and took a whiff: Night-blooming jasmine. Night-blooming jasmine happened to be a favorite fragrance of Seri's as well as lavender and water lily. He coated his fingers in it and dabbed it over his skin before re-corking the bottle and replacing it. He washed his hands once more and flushed the toilet. Pushing back his now long and golden hair, he took one last look in the mirror. Green, though darker than his own, eyes stared back at him.
'Well, here goes nothing.' He took a deep breath and pushed open the door.
"Severus I....oh hello Remus, I didn't know you had come in." He wasn't sure what he should be more amused by: a female voice issuing from his own mouth; Remus' stunned expression, apparently this was not who he was expecting; or Severus' shocked expression. Severus knew who had been in the bathroom and who stepped out was of it was definitely not that person. Harry had to exercise a great deal of self control to keep from bursting out laughing and blowing his whole charade to pieces right then and there. Boy did he wish he had a camera, this was priceless. He put on a sweet smile for them both and sauntered up to the table, reclaiming his place at it.
"Remus? Is something the matter?" The Defense teacher jumped a little at the sound of the healer's voice.
"No...no...nothing. Nothing's wrong, I was just asking Severus if he knew where Harry was."
"I met him on my way here. He was just wandering around the castle. He could be anywhere by now." Remus nodded, slightly dazed.
"Thanks Seri, I'll try looking around a bit more. Sorry to interrupt your lunch." Harry smiled charmingly and led the man to the portrait-hole.
"No problem. I hope you find Harry." He pushed Merlin open and the man stepped through. "I hope so too. See you later."
"Bye Remus," he waved merrily at the retreating form before shutting the portrait and slumping against it.
"Oh boy that was too close," he whispered, putting his head in his hands. Someone from above cleared their throat and he looked up into the bemused face of the Potions Master.
"Would 'Seri' mind terribly is 'she' turned back into my son Harry?" he inquired politely, earning him a gentle kick in the shins, which he promptly returned.
"No, 'she' would not," he answered back. After a second the healer's image flickered and then melted away all together, leaving only Harry behind.
"Much better." He pulled Harry to his feet and they went back to the table.
"That," Severus proclaimed, "was inspired. How did you cover up you scent?" he asked curiously. Harry held out his hand to the other.
"Take a whiff," he commanded. Severus' nostrils flared slightly as he inhaled. He raised an eyebrow.
"Night-blooming jasmine, brilliant. You are a Slytherin at heart. I think I'll talk to Albus about having you transferred." Harry growled while Severus grinned at him cheekily. He got a napkin in the face.
"Oh shut up."
The rest of the afternoon was spent studying quietly in the dungeons while the rest of the school fairly buzzed with activity. At one point, during a break from the books, Harry remembered something. "Oh good grief, Remus. I told him I was wandering around the castle."
"You mean Seri told him you were wandering around the school," Severus amended with a grin. Harry shot him an annoyed glare.
"The point is if he doesn't find me soon he's liable to come back down here." Severus sobered and nodded, glancing at the grandfather clock.
"It's fifteen minutes till the staff meeting any how, so we'll stop for now. Why don't you go 'find' him and let him take you." Harry nodded in agreement and called his cane and the Marauder's Map to him. Both came zooming into the room but there was someone wrapped around his cane.
#Hello sleepy head,# Harry greeted his albino friend. The snake lifted it's diamond shaped head and yawned, slithering from the cane to encircle Harry's neck. He could only watch in amusement.
#Comfortable?# he asked innocently. The joke was lost on the snake for he simply hissed,
#Quite young master.# Harry rolled his eyes and tapped the map.
"I solemnly swear I am up to no good." Lines crawled over the ancient parchment to complete a map of Hogwarts. Severus leaned over his shoulder for a look.
"It seems different than the last time I saw it," he commented.
"I've tweaked it a bit, added a few things here and there that the Marauders didn't find. I've gotten to know this castle pretty well." Severus rested his chin on Harry's shoulder.
"As well as Albus and I, I'll bet." The teenager gave him a sly grin.
"With you two as teachers, how could I not?" He scanned the map for the dot he was looking for.
"Ah ha, there he is; heading in the general direction of the headmaster's office," he wiped the map and stood up, "I better go, see you at the staff meeting." Severus gave him a quick kiss on the forehead then shoved him playfully towards the door.
"Go on, you don't want to be late." Harry stared at him for a moment, touched his forehead, then grinned and ran out the door. Severus just shook his head and began to clean up.
Harry raced down the hall, going a little faster than was absolutely necessary or safe. He careened around corners, scrambled behind paintings and plowed through tapestries. In next to no time he was standing outside the stone gargoyle, huffing and puffing. He'd barely made it, he realized, when Remus rounded the corner a few minutes later. The man visibly brightened at the sight of him.
"Harry, there you are, I've been looking for you everywhere." The student smiled at him shyly.
"I've just been wandering around Remus. Any particular reason you wanted to see me?" Remus found Harry's shy attitude a bit disturbing but decided to press on.
"Just to talk a bit but we can't now, I have to go to a staff meeting." Harry pulled out a silver pocket watch lined with rubies and emeralds, a birthday present from the twins, from the inside of his robes.
"You're right, it is almost time. I'll walk with you, I have to be there anyway." He smiled again at the man's bewildered expression and set out in the direction of the staff room, leaving the Defense teacher to catch up.
"Why are you going to be at the meeting?" Remus inquired as they walked.
"The headmaster asked me to be," Harry answered with out looking up at him. Before the other could ask another question they arrived at their destination. Harry pushed open the wooden door. Inside was every teacher in Hogwarts, sitting around a long table and chatting happily. Few paid the two new occupants any heed as Remus took his normal seat and Harry headed to the head of the table. The DADA teacher was surprised when Harry took the chair next to the headmaster's and began conversing with him quietly. That's strange, he thought to himself, that's Severus' place normally. Speaking of the Potions Master, that's who came through the door next. A cold air filled the room at his entrance, catching everyone's attention. They stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at him. He scowled at them all in turn, making absolute sure he nailed each one with his ice attitude. Severus held his gaze a moment longer before abruptly turning away and taking a place at the middle of the table across from Remus. Once he was seated Albus stood.
"Welcome back everyone, I hope your trip was safe and your summer relaxing. Before we begin discussing events for this coming year I would like to answer a question some of you are likely wanting to ask. Harry here," he laid a hand on the boy's shoulder, "has stayed the summer at Hogwarts and will continue to do so from now on. His aunt, uncle, and cousin are here as well. If you are wondering why they are here I'm afraid all I can say is that it was no longer safe for them on Privet Drive." Silence fell over them after this and the teachers stared at Harry varying degrees of curiosity. Harry returned their curiosity with a calm and collected gaze, not at all perturbed by the attention he was receiving. The snake from around his neck hissed and turned away.
"Now," the headmaster clapped his hands together to draw their focus back to him, "I was thinking that for Halloween this year...."
The meeting went on for over an hour where various ideas were presented, discussed, and either accepted or discounted. The Heads of Houses had to spend the rest of the week drawing up the schedules for the members of their houses. That's why, Severus had told him, that those four particular teachers spent time making up their yearly plans before coming to Hogwarts. Harry would be assisting Severus in his schedule planning as he had with the lesson plans. As he stood to leave with everyone else, he felt a tight grip close around his upper arm. The mental hum that came with it was undoubtably Severus.
"Come with me Potter. We have some business to take care of," the Potions Master hissed in his ear. Harry nodded, allowing himself to be led out.
"Wait a moment Severus," the commanding voice of the headmaster stopped the man in his tracks. Another, more gentle, hand gripped his other arm.
"I was wondering if you could spare Harry for the rest of the evening. He and I have a few things to discuss." Harry turned to look at Severus. A multitude of emotions played over his pale face but he finally nodded, releasing Harry from his grasp.
"Very well sir, just send him down to the dungeons when you're through." he said stiffly. He wanted Harry to come back down stairs with him but the other teachers had not been told about the arrangement, which more than likely prompted the headmaster to do this.
"Why don't you join us Severus? You know I always enjoy your company," Albus suggested hopefully. Severus has working hard and desperately needed a break, the man knew that. Severus frowned and shook his head.
"Another time maybe headmaster." The older mage knew what it was like to draw up schedules, it had to be done right away. Albus nodded, resigning to the fact it would be much later before they saw the other mage again. The Potions Master turned on his heel and stalked down the hall in the direction of his dungeons. Albus slid his arm around Harry's shoulders and gently guided him towards his tower. Remus, who, consequently, had witnessed the entire confrontation, stepped out from the doorway and caught up to them.
"Do you mind if I join you two? I need to talk to Harry as well," he asked hopefully but the headmaster shook his head.
"Not tonight Remus, maybe another time." Remus frowned his disappointment but could only nod. Why couldn't he come and Snape could?
"Maybe Wednesday? How does that sound Remus?" Harry called as they went further away from the man.
"That's fine Harry, I'll see you then," he managed to get out before the two disappeared around a corner.
The grandfather clock struck eleven as Severus grabbed Harry's invisibility cloak. Perfect; time for him to make his way upstairs, now that he'd finished his work, or at least most of it. He pulled the cloak over his shoulders and slipped out the door silently. He turned to the dark portrait.
"Merlin if anyone asks about me, whether they be human or house-elf, tell them I'm extremely busy and I'm not to be disturbed by anyone or anything. Understood?" The portrait nodded and Severus turned away, satisfied.
The halls of Hogwarts can be especially creepy and sinister at night. Severus ought to know since he'd been up and down them plenty of times during the wee hours of the morning for one reason or another. The main reason usually being Voldemort. Thank God he didn't have to do that anymore. He moved swiftly and silently, down one hall and then another, careful not to attract the attention of any portraits still up or a wandering suit of armor. Finally he arrived in front of the gargoyle for which he breathed a sigh of relief. Extending out his cane, he tapped both eyes and the gargoyle leapt aside. Making his way up the stairs he opened the door to the headmaster's office to find the headmaster himself and Harry having a staring contest. He shrugged off the cloak and threw it over the back of his chair as he deposited himself in it. He looked at first the headmaster, then at Harry, then back again.
"Might I ask what you two are doing?" Albus held up his hand to silence him and reached down to move a black knight across the chess board Severus had failed to notice before.
"Check," he smirked and sat back, confidant that Harry could not find a way out of the corner he'd boxed him in. Harry broke his gaze away from the headmaster's blue eyes and glanced at the board. He reached out and made his last move.
"Check...and I believe mate headmaster." It was Harry's turn to smirk at the man's dumbfounded expression as he studied the board. He groaned and covered his eyes while Severus laughed.
"Father what were you thinking? Harry's number two in the Order. The stratigist," the dark haired man reminded. Albus nodded and rubbed his eyes, yawning.
"Yes I remember quite well....now. I'm going to bed, it's been a long day. You two may stay up longer if you wish but I wouldn't suggest it." He kissed each one on the top of their heads before heading to his bedroom; A "Night father," and "Sleep well Albus," following him out.
"So...discussing important things are we?" Severus teased when the man was gone. Harry shrugged.
"Beats staring at one another the entire time." The other raised an eyebrow.
"I thought that was what you were doing." Harry shook his head.
"We were testing the power of our link. You know, see if we can block one another off or which emotions come through the strongest, and how well we can control it." Severus nodded, impressed. He smiled when Harry imitated his grandfather and yawned.
"Tired are we?" Harry nodded, his eyes suddenly dropping closed and leaning forward, making Severus dash to catch him from doing a header right into the table. The Potions Master sighed. Apparently Harry had exerted himself too much, exactly what they had told him not to do. This was the end result. He swept the teenager up into his arms and went into the bedroom. Looked as though it was bed time for all of them.
(A/N: Okay this is the part you're going to hate me for and say that I'm the most evil person on the planet for doing. Don't say I didn't warn you.)
Tuesday was slightly more settled. Harry greeted McGonagall on his way to his rooms in the dungeons. They chatted for a moment and the Transfiguration teacher discreetly asked about the reason he and the Dursleys were at Hogwarts. Harry evaded her question with ease. He pleaded that he had to change for lunch, he'd been exercising (Fencing. Seri was taking the lessons up once more though slowly) outside and he'd rather not come to the high table smelling like a pig. With that excuse he made his escape. He gave the password to Merlin who tried to tell him something but he ignored the painting.
"Later Merlin, I have to go get cleaned up. I'm already late for lunch as it is."
"But Harry! There's something you really need to know....!" The portrait tried again but to no avail as Harry went through the portrait-hole. A set of sharp eyes watched the form of Harry as he entered the living quarters. He wouldn't strike now, oh no, not when the boy had on all of that padding. He must have patience and wait calmly for his prey. He didn't have to wait long as Harry re- entered the living room in a loose white tee and shorts. Only when the boy's back was to him did he make his move.
"Hello Harry." The voice sent icy shivers down Harry's spine. He knew that voice; all too well. Slowly, he turned to face the shadowy figure of his uncle. In the short time that he'd been at Hogwarts, Vernon had regained weight and was once again the, if somewhat less beefy, torturer that Harry was accustomed to.
"Un-Uncle Vernon. How did you get down here?" Stupid question to ask at a time like this but he couldn't think of anything else to say. Vernon sneered at him and took a step forward, causing Harry to take an involuntary step back.
"Silly boy; I followed you when you brought Dudley here. Did you think I wouldn't find you?" Harry backed against a bookcase, frozen with fear. He was so terrified he couldn't use his magic. He couldn't even call out, verbally or mentally. It was like being back on Privet Drive all over again. No where to run, and no where to hide. Vernon's towering figure loomed over him as he cowered away, almost crouching. The man grabbed him by the throat.
"Well," he whispered, his rancid breath hot on Harry's cheek, "did you think I wouldn't little one?" Harry felt a surge of anger at the man's slaughtering of his father's and grandfather's endearment for him. As the man squeezed his throat however, his fear overrode his anger and forced him to nod. What was wrong with him? Even Voldemort didn't get this kind of reaction out of him. Fear yes, but not the mind-numbing fear that possessed him now. Vernon's harsh laughter was like nails on a chalkboard; it grated on his ears. The man's weight pressing against him suddenly disappeared and Harry found himself being pushed against the couch. He looked up, his eyes wide with terror as Vernon's figure once again loomed over him. The man's face twisted into a sadistic grin as he pulled a long leather whip from his pocket. He uncoiled it and cracked a few times experimentally in the air. He stopped and stroked it lovingly.
"Remember this boy?" Oh yes, he remember all to well what that was. Though not the same, it was almost identical to the one he'd used on Harry on his first day back to Privet Drive. Two long hours of him begging the man to stop and pleading for his life. Vernon hadn't cared. It was one thing he'd never told Severus and Albus. The wounds had healed by the time the Potions Master had arrived to save him. It was now something he regretted not sharing. Vernon aimed at a vase on the coffee table. It shattered at the whip's touch. Harry's heart hammered painfully in his chest and he gulped. 'Oh God this is going to hurt.' As quickly as he could he closed off his link with Severus and Albus, hoping to spare them what was about to happen. Vernon returned his attention to his 'toy'.
"Now little one, time for some obedience training and I'm the instructor." His last coherent thought as the whip bared down on him was of his family. He hoped they knew he loved him. Cracks soon filled the air as well as pain filled screams.
Severus sat calmly eating, feigning disinterest to what Remus was saying. The man could ramble if he wanted to but that didn't mean that he, Severus, had to pay attention. It was lunch, the only meal he didn't spend with his new son. It still amazed him how much Harry had affected his life. He was almost a completely different person. Or maybe this part of him was hiding in the shadows to avoid the storm that had been his life. Now that the sun had come out this part of him had emerged to bask in the warm rays. Though he could still me the sarcastic, sharp-tongued, evil git when he felt like it. He just hadn't felt like it lately. He loved being around Harry and hated being away from him. He supposed it was that paternal instinct at work. You want them around always so you can protect them. But it was more than that; Harry radiated joy and love. Around him the world seemed just a bit brighter and he loved that feeling.
"Severus? Severus are you listening?" Remus' annoyed voice cut through his thoughts. Severus' eyes snapped back into focus.
"What did you say Lupin, I wasn't listening."
"That's obvious. You could at least try and pay attention when someone's talking to you." Severus turned his own annoyed glare on the teacher.
"I'm sorry Lupin, I have other things on my mind." Remus raised an eyebrow.
"Oh really? And what would that be, pray tell?" Severus sneered at him but opened his mouth to answer, though never got the chance. All at once he was consumed by raging emotions. Pain, fear, and shame sent him face first into the table. He barely had the presence of mind to catch himself from breaking his nose. He had only a second to catch his breath before a new searing pain flared through his chest. What breath he had was knocked from him as something hard hit him in the gut. He choked and sputtered; spraying out bits of food, as well as a bit of blood. Beside him, he could feel Remus shaking his shoulder and calling to him.
"Severus? Severus what's wrong? Oh God, Minerva hold onto Albus, see if you can't get through to him." This triggered a part of Severus' brain that was still functional. Albus. He reached out with his mind to his father and received a message back. What ever was going on Albus was suffering just as he was though he was not the source. They joined together and reached out to the third member of their family. This time all they received was another bombardment of the emotions from before, only now they were intensified ten-fold. They pulled away and to the surface with a gasp. Both jumped to their feet, knocking their chairs to the floor and startling the teachers. Severus was first as he sprang down the hall, only dimly aware that Albus instructed the other teachers to remain behind. His mind was totally focused on one thing: Harry. Stone walls became blurs as he ran faster than he ever had in his entire life. What was happening? Who was doing this? How could they do this? Question after question invaded his mind and an answer for even one he could not find. Though one thing was absolutely clear: who ever was doing this to his child was going to pay.
Similar thoughts were running through Albus' mind as they ran. How could anything have harmed Harry? Why hadn't they known about it sooner? Would they make it there in time? The answers to these, he did not know but he did know this: who ever was hurting his grandchild was going to regret it, royally.
Just as they rounded another corner, pain arched through their left ankles, as though someone had pressed a hot poker to them, causing both of them to stumble and sent Severus to the floor. Albus maintained his balance and hauled the other man to his feet.
"This is taking to long, we have to get to him now!" his voice cracked under the strain of the pressing emotions which seemed to grow stronger as they grew closer.
"If only..." A tingling sensation spread over Severus' hand and he looked down. It glowed silver. The silver drew into a tight ball in his palm then lengthened and became one of his phoenix feathers. Without a second thought he threw it at the next archway.
"To Harry," he commanded. The feather flew to the center of the archway and hung in mid-air. Silver tendrils stretched out from it and anchored themselves in the stone wall. The feather flashed, blinding them for a moment. When their eyes cleared they saw that the archway was now a black swirling vortex. Without any hesitation both plunged through and it dissolved as they did.
Only to come out through the portrait-hole of Severus' quarters. Just in time to see the whip come down once more on an already bloody body.
"You dirty, stinking, rotten whelp! I told you time and time again that I didn't want my family mixed up with you freaks. You're nothing but a parentless little bastard who...." Severus and Albus saw red. They acted as one and bellowed together.
"GET AWAY FROM MY CHILD!!!!!"
"GET AWAY FROM MY GRANDCHILD!!!!!" The two balls, one an angry silver and the other a hot white, slammed into Vernon, sending him sailing across the room and through the window.
Silence immediately fell over the room. When the man was gone, the red haze clouding Severus' vision dissipated and with it the consuming rage. In three great strides, he crossed the room and sat down on the ruined couch. What he saw in front of him almost drove him to tears. Once the beating had stopped Harry had curled up into a fetal position. He was a sight to see. At one point he must have been wearing a t-shirt and shorts. Only remnants remained, the once white shirt stained red. Red welts covered his back, arms and legs. Slash marks cris-crossed one another and oozed blood. Bruises were springing up everywhere. Severus hesitated a moment then extended out his hand.
"Little one," he breathed, mustering every bit of warmth and love he could. He reached out not only physically but mentally as well, hoping to get any response. He did, thought not the one he wished for. Harry, at the sound of a voice, flinched away, curling further into a ball and pressing into the couch. Severus looked over him helplessly to Albus who had sat down at the boy's back.
"Try again Severus," he whispered. The Potions Master drew in another breath and reached again, this time actually touching Harry's arm.
"Child, it's me, Severus." He sent his love through their connection, knowing Albus was doing the same. He hoped something would break Harry out of that emotional blockade he'd walled himself up in. And it did. Slowly, he stopped shivering and raised his head enough to see through the veil of his bangs.
"Father?" the voice quivered with hope. Severus opened his arms.
"Yes child, it's your father." Harry uncurled himself and fairly leapt in the man's arms, sobbing hysterically.
"I couldn't stop him, I was so scared. He just kept coming again and again with that whip and his fists. I wanted to call you but I couldn't and I didn't want you to suffer so I cut you off and...and..." he choked, unable to continue. Severus held him, ignoring the tears streaming down his own face and stroked his hair. Albus pressed against his grandchild's back, careful of his injures, and offered his support as well.
"Shhh....it's all over now....it's okay my child, we've got you and we promise not to let any one hurt you again," Severus whispered.
"Ever," Albus promised, wiping his own tears away.
"I love you two," Harry said as he held tight to Severus' robe. Both men smiled and hugged him. They stayed that way for a while, till Harry began to drift off to sleep despite the obvious pain he was suffering and Severus seemed to zone out, only stroking Harry's hair. Neither man reacted until groans from outside caught their attention. Albus' eyes hardened.
"I'll take care of him," he growled, standing up. Severus caught his arm.
"Don't kill him Albus." This earned him a weak smile.
"I don't intend to though it is extremely tempting."
"Good, because I intend to as soon as I can think straight."
"If I can't kill him neither can you," Albus said sternly.
"I know, it's just that I want to...." Severus squeezed his fist, anger covering his face. Harry began to whimper pitifully as the anger transmitted itself through their link. He immediately stopped scowling and began stoking the messy hair once more. Harry soon quieted down but now his grasp on Severus' robes was even tighter. Albus walked to the window and hauled himself through it. Severus twisted around to see what the man would do. More groans came from outside and he could see Vernon lying prostrate since the window sill was ground level. Albus stood over him, glaring at the man with un-diluted hatred. You would have thought you'd seen just how mad he could get from their encounter with Fudge but that was nothing to the anger that radiated from him now. As Vernon began to move more, Albus raised his hand over the body and whispered the Body-binding spell. Vernon's movements ceased abruptly as his body locked up. Albus then did something that Severus had never seen him do before. He gave the man a swift kick in the ribs and spat in his face.
"Bastard," he cursed before turning away and climbing back into the apartment, making his way to the two on the couch.
"We need to get him out of here and up to my room. He needs to be cleaned up and be treated. We'll need to contact the twins. They're out at the clinic correct?" Severus nodded.
"Their last day of packing, they'll have all of their supplies moved into the school by tomorrow. You'll have to send Rowena or Hedwig. From what Harry's told me, you should be able to talk to them." Albus nodded and was about to go out the door to find them when a feeble sqwuak issued from the corner. Severus turned and Albus went over to investigate. Under an over turned table he found Hedwig, Rowena, and Octavian. Both the owl's and falcon's wing was clearly broken and the snake had a slash mark down it's back. He levitated them out and sat them down carefully on an overstuffed chair.
+What happened to you three?+ the headmaster demanded. Rowena lifted her head a bit.
+We tried to stop him, he was hurting our master,+ she answered weakly. Albus held up his hand to stop her.
+I'll take you to Hagrid, he'll be able to help you,+ he promised. The bird nodded and closed her eyes. Albus stood.
"I'd send Hagrid down here to get them but I don't want him to see this mess." He held out his hand and the bell pull appeared. He gave it a tug. Dobby, Winky and Daylen popped in.
"Can we help...." the words died on their lips as they got their first good look at the state of the room.
"Dobby," the elf snapped back into attention, "take Mr. Dursley to a room beside his own and post a guard. I want at least one elf there at all times. Understood?" The elf nodded solemnly then hesitated.
"Is Mr. Dursley who do this to Professor Snape's room?" he dared to ask. The headmaster nodded grimly.
"As well as to Harry," he nodded to the boy on the couch. The elves turned and saw first hand what carnage the man had wrought. Dobby bared his teeth.
"Will do so right away sir. Put bad man away that hurt Harry Potter sir," the elf marched to the window.
"Oh and Dobby," the house-elf turned back to the headmaster, "tell no one of what you have seen and what has occurred." The elf nodded and went through the window. Albus turned to Winky.
"Take Hedwig, Rowena and Tave to Hagrid for treatment. If he asks who they belong to, tell him though I'm sure he knows Hedwig. Do not, however, tell him how they were actually hurt. If he does ask tell him it was a potions accident." The female elf nodded and levitated the animals out of the room. The last elf was waiting patiently for the headmaster's instructions.
"Daylen, go to the healers clinic in Hogsmeade and bring both Dr. Winters back here. Tell them what has happened but only them. When you return, clean this room and salvage as much as you can." The elf nodded and popped away. Finding nothing else to do he went to the couch and tugged at the Potions Master's sleeve.
"We need to go Severus." Severus stood, cradling the sleeping child to his chest. They stopped before the portrait.
"You know, it would be much faster if we could travel like we did before." Albus looked at Severus. The man shifted Harry's weight a bit.
"You try. Just concentrate on your feathers." Albus sighed and did so. He was rather surprised when one formed in his hand.
"Throw it and call where you want to go," the darker man instructed. He threw it at the portrait-hole. "My bedroom," Albus commanded. As before, the feather anchored itself in the stone before forming the black vortex. They stepped through......
.......and came out in Albus' bedroom. Tugging at the other's sleeve once more, Albus pulled the two into the bathroom. Being as careful as possible, Severus removed what remained of Harry's clothes while Albus filled the tub, making sure the water was the correct temperature. When it was ready, Severus gently set him down in the warm bath. Harry breathed in sharply and his eyes snapped open. Seeing the panicked look, Albus spoke to him softly.
"You need to be cleaned up a bit Harry, you're a little dirty." Harry didn't respond but did not try to break away when Albus lathered a cloth and began to gently wipe his body, being specific around cuts. Seeing the other man's success, Severus reached for the shampoo bottle.
"How about I wash that hair of your's childing; would that be okay?" At the boy's tentative nod, he wet down Harry's hair, poured a handful of strawberry scented shampoo into his hand and began to work it in. They worked in silence for the most part, except for the occasional murmurings of reassurances to the battered child. After a while, Harry began to relax and drift off once more. Folding a towel, Severus placed it behind Harry's head as a pillow. Just as they were lifting him out of the marble tub, a door slammed. The twins came through the door of the bathroom a second later. Both stared at the floating boy in horror.
"Dear sweet Merlin," was all Seri could say and her sister nodded in agreement. Seri shook herself out of her shock and motioned for them to move Harry into the bedroom. They lowered him down on the bed, Severus supporting his head in his lap. Seri began her scan while Kit rifled through her bag, handing bottles to the headmaster to hold. Seri probed gently, lingering over his face and stomach were the bruising was the worst. When she pulled away, Kit took her place. Taking one of the bottles from the headmaster, Kit poured some into a wooden bowl. She dipped what resembled a paint brush into it, coating the soft bristles thoroughly. She then painted the potion over the open wounds. They bubbled and hissed but seemed to cause Harry no discomfort. Once they stopped hissing she went over them with another potion. Only a few seconds after application the wounds began to close and seal over. Seri completed the healing process by passing a hand over each of the new white scars, sending her natural healing energy until the scars disappeared completely. They moved expertly around one another, never in the other's way and knowing what to do before it was asked. When Seri and Kit finished, they drew away, motioning for the men to follow them. Severus eased Harry's head out of his lap and put a pillow in it's place. He slid off the bed and pulled the covers up to the boy's chin. He smoothed a lock of hair from his eyes and kissed his forehead.
"Sleep well my child," he whispered before slipping out to join the others. He took a chair beside the headmaster's desk.
"So? How bad is it?" he demanded. Seri looked over her shoulder and cast a sealing charm over the door leading into the office, making sure no one entered.
"Multiple lacerations to the chest, arms, legs and back. Severe bruising of the face and torso. Possibly a bruised rib or two, I'd have to scan deeper to make absolutely sure. Severe tearing of the muscles in the left ankle. It looks as though it was almost cut, probably with a stick of wood or a knife. And that's only the physical part of it." Seri ticked off on her fingers. Kit drew her knees up to her chest.
"Who would do that to such a sweet boy?" she wondered aloud.
"Vernon Dursley." Severus and Albus both answered grimly.
"Why would someone hurt the person that saved them?" she cried.
"He hates magic, if what Harry said is true. Even if Harry did save his life and the lives of his family, he's brought him to a blatantly magical place and there's nothing Vernon can do about it. He's frustrated, angry, so he takes it out on Harry," Seri stated.
"But how did he get past Merlin? The only way is with the password," Albus wanted to know. Seri shrugged.
"That we'd have to ask the man himself, though the two of you won't be doing it, at least not right now." Severus finally spoke up again.
"Is Harry going to be alright? I mean, really alright," Seri turned to him.
"He's not going to want to be around many people right away. I suggest just the four of us for the rest of today and tomorrow. The emotional trauma of this he's going to need help through. His only haven and sanctuary, Hogwarts, has been compromised. We need to re-build the belief that he's safe here."
"Will he be able to start school with everyone else or do you want him to wait?" Kit shook her head.
"He should be ready for that when it comes. He's a strong kid. He's endured this for years with no support before and bounced back. With us around he will twice as fast." Albus groaned, catching the others' attention.
"I just remembered; Harry promised to meet Remus tomorrow." Seri jumped in.
"Oh, I don't know. He may not be ready. I think we should just cancel."
"Maybe we should let Harry decide," Severus suggested, "Tomorrow, if he feels like seeing him, he can." Seri bit her lip but nodded in reluctant agreement.
"What are we going to tell the other professors?" Kit asked.
"Why should we tell them anything, it's none of their business. If Harry want's to tell them that's his right," Severus said fierely. The others nodded.
"We won't tell about the adoptions, I'm saving the opening feast," Albus said. Kit stood.
"I'm going to give Harry a shot that will keep him asleep for four hours. He should wake just in time for dinner." The other three stood as well and followed her back into the bedroom. It was deathly quiet in the room. Kit filled her syringe and swabbed the crook of his elbow. As his chest fell, she stuck the needle in the protruding vein and injecting the sleeping potion. She pulled the needle out and quickly placed a smiley-faced band-aid over the area.
"There, he'll sleep like a baby for a good while." She disposed of the needle and gathered her bag together.
"I want you two to clean up and rest with him. Even if he is sleeping, he'll sense your familiar presences. Go on," Seri made shooing motions with her hands, "it'll do you as much good as it does him. We'll check on you at dinner." With those final instructions, they swept out. When the door was closed behind them Seri let loose a blue bolt at the window, shattering the glass. Luckily, Kit had foreseen this act and sound-proofed the room.
"How about a few rounds of kick-boxing?" Kit suggested, "To blow off some of that excess anger." Seri nodded dully.
"I have the strangest feeling that you need those fights as much as I do." Kit's eyes gleamed dangerously.
"Believe me sister, the only thing that's keeping me from going down there and throttling that man is the thought of kicking your butt." Seri chuckled.
"Oh really? We'll see who kicks who's butt sister dear."
When the twins had left, Severus and Albus had taken their first real look at themselves.
"No wonder she wanted us to clean up," the Potions Master muttered. The front of his robes were smeared with Harry's blood. Albus was in a similar state though he had blood speckled over his beard.
"Do you want to go first or shall I?" Albus asked. Severus waved his hand to the bathroom door.
"Be my guest, I kind of want to stay with Harry for a bit." The older man nodded in understanding and, after acquiring sleeping wear, left them alone. Severus sat down on the bed and stared at Harry. He watched his chest rise and fall, the only indication of life he was showing.
"Oh my child," he whispered, running a hand over Harry's face, "I can't even keep you safe at Hogwarts, I'm not fit to be your father." He spoke no more, only sat stoking Harry's face. When Albus came from the bathroom, Severus stood, gathered his clothes and went to take a shower himself. When he returned, he found Albus fast asleep, curled around Harry's body, acting instinctively as a shield. He slipped in on the boy's other side, snuggling down beside him.
"No one will ever hurt you again," he whispered in the deaf ear, "I promise." Sleep claimed him seconds later. If he'd stayed awake a moment longer he might have witnessed what came next. Harry's hands twitched and moved, seeking out something. He found first Albus' hand then Severus', and clutched them tight in his own. Perhaps those ears weren't so deaf after all.
A/N: Don't kill me please!!!! *hides behind her friends* I don't know where that came from honestly. The idea, just popped into my head and my friends think I'm evil. I'm sure you do to. Please don't hurt me. *ducks flying objects* I know I had said that school would start in this chapter but well.....I'll start it in the next chapter absolutely. Promise.
A/N: (now the readers travel through the forest of Salazar's Realm. As they walk they can hear the crackling of fire. They soon come out on into a familiar clearing and find their favorite author poking a swinging Vernon.) Hello everyone. I raided Filch's office and borrowed his manacles. I thought it would be appropriate.
*shakes collection tin* Please Review! Note that all flames will be used to toast Vernon.
Thanks to all my readers! I love my reviews and will answer as many as I can in the next chapter, I don't have time today, not if I want to get this up!