35 - P B & J
Severus struggled with his one unharmed arm to lift Harry up over his shoulder. Once he finally managed to balance his son and lift him, he headed out to the forest. Just as he stepped into the heavily wooded area he felt the barrier from the estate cease to have a hold on his magic. He quickly apparated himself with his unconscious son back to an alley at Hogsmeade. The apparition took more out of him than he had to give. The bite from the vicious beast was blazing with pain and fogged his conscious thoughts. He struggled to keep Harry from falling off his shoulder.
Severus pulled a brick from the side of the building, revealing a stick. He held it up,pointing it at the school way up on the hill and shot out a red bolt of light. He waited for the signal from Albus that the wards had been lowered and he could apparate himself and his son into the school. Albus had devised this emergency apparition signal last year when Severus had come back from Death Eater meetings barely able to walk. Usually he would apparate straight into the infirmary but knowing how his son felt about that place made him come to the conclusion that he would apparate into his dungeon quarters.
He saw the yellow light shoot up from the school and knew it was safe to apparate into his quarters. It took all that was left of his energy but he found himself sprawled out on the floor with his son by his side in the dungeon quarters. Standing up and making his way over to his black bag, he pulled out a potion that would stop the poison from spreading from the horrendous bite on Harry's hand. He knelt down next to Harry and tilted his head back. Once the potion was down Harry's throat, Severus took another of the same potion out for himself. He swallowed the potion knowing that it would be a day or two for the poison to run its course.
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Harry woke up in a fog. He saw the fire in the grate and felt the comfortable bed he was in. He knew he wasn't in the cell any longer. It sounded as if someone was in the room with him but he couldn't hear them through the fog. Someone put a glass of something to his mouth and forced him to drink. It could have just been water but Harry didn't stay awake long enough to figure that out.
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Voices could be heard as if through a tunnel. When Harry cracked his eyes open he saw two figures standing by his bed. They were talking about him in a way that made him think he might be worse off than he thought. He heard Lupin's voice raised and angry, then he thought he heard his father's deep voice, but he couldn't be sure. The fog wouldn't lift and his throat felt like it was on fire. Someone came to his side and the argument stopped suddenly. He felt his head being lifted and a glass pressed to his lips. Harry tried to refuse the drink but whoever it was wouldn't take no for an answer. He finally swallowed the minty tasting water and fell back into another deep sleep.
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Harry woke up in a warm bed with a roaring fire in the grate. Memories of his time spent with Vespa came flooding back and he squeezed his eyes closed for a moment. The memory of the Cruciatus being cast on him, the memory of the poison, the memory of Severus being attacked by the dog/vulture thing, all those terrifying memories flooded his thoughts. It took a few minutes to sort through everything and realize that the ordeal was over.
"Harry are you in pain?" Severus had left a moment ago to walk the Headmaster out. When he walked back into Harry's bedroom he saw the boy looking as if he were having a panic attack, breathing hard and closing his eyes.
Harry opened his eyes and ran his hand through his hair. He saw a heavy bandage and sling on his father's arm. He started to ask if Severus was okay but the sound that came from his throat sounded more like a croak. He cleared his throat and tried again, "How's your shoulder?"
Severus stepped closer to the bed, trying to decipher what his son had just asked and handed him a glass of water. He watched as his Harry took small sips.
Harry saw the look of confusion on his father's face and asked again, "How's your shoulder?"
This time Severus understood but was concerned over the way Harry's voice was still so raw, even after all the potions.
"I'm fine. The shoulder is almost finished healing. The more important question is how do you feel without that poison running through your system? " Severus sat on the edge of his son's bed, reaching for his hand to see how the bite from the beast was healing.
"I actually feel pretty good. But what do you mean by the poison being gone now? When Vespa gave me that potion, was it to get rid of the poison?"
Severus raised en eyebrow, "I assume so. You may rest assured that you are indeed free of poison. I required it from her before agreeing to the exchange."
Harry felt relief over hearing that. He watched Severus unwrap his hand. The wound looked ugly but it hardly hurt at all. "How long have I been sleeping?"
Severus applied healing cream then rewrapped the wounded hand with fresh gauze as he answered, "You have actually been asleep for three days." He watched as his son had a look of surprise at that. "It seems that the beast that bit you and I had a venomous bite. It took me a full day to recover from the after effects. The only reason it took you a bit longer is because you are also recovering from so many other injuries as well. Perhaps you might be able to explain that bald patch on your head?"
Harry raised his hand to feel the bald spot on the front of his head, "I don't know why she did that. She told me to kneel in front her then just ripped my hair out." Harry watched his father's look of concern turn to one of anger.
"Vespa will be dealt with," Severus said sternly then abruptly stood up and excused himself.
Severus paced out in the living room trying to get his anger under control. He found himself doing that every time he thought of Vespa harming his son. She would pay dearly for all the pain she had caused Harry. Now that Harry was free of the poison there was no reason why he couldn't find her and kill her. In fact he knew it had to be done if Harry was to stay safe. After a few moments he heard Harry calling for him in that unsettling scratchy voice and he went back into his son's bedroom.
"What's wrong Severus?" Harry asked as he started getting out of bed to take a much needed shower.
"Nothing is wrong," Severus stated in a harsher tone than intended. "Where are you going?"
"I smell like lavender and I can't remember the last time I took a shower."
"I would have to agree with you on that. I have cast several cleaning charms on you while you were recovering but the scent of lavender has not ceased as of yet. Perhaps a hot bath is in order?" Severus helped his trembling son into the bathroom.
Harry was bothered by the sudden bouts of shaking that continued, even though he was feeling so much stronger. "Severus, why am I shaking like this?"
Severus settled his son on the edge of the bathtub and began to fill the tub with water. "You are suffering from the after effects of the Cruciatus Curse. How long do you believe Vespa held it on you?" He knew that the after effects of that curse usually vanished after a day at most, especially with all the potions Harry was taking.
"I don't know but it felt like a lot longer than when Voldemort held it on me. At least the first time it felt longer, the second time wasn't so bad though."
Severus remembered the strangled screams coming from his son's mouth when the second Cruciatus had been cast. The thought that Vespa had tortured him longer than Voldemort had only added to his fury at the woman. He tried to control his emotions while he was in Harry's presence, though it was hard.
Harry watched the look of fury flit across his father's face and thought maybe he shouldn't talk about Vespa anymore. The last thing he wanted was for Severus to go after that bitch and get stuck in Azkaban.
Severus stood up, straightening his robes before saying in all seriousness, "Harry, from this point forward you will begin to have the experiences of a normal sixteen year old."
"Sounds good to me." Harry said as he stood up and begun removing his pajamas, trying not to think of the prophecy that would prevent that.
Severus sat down on the edge of the tub and helped his son get in the bath. The boy almost slipped as he stepped over the edge of the tub.
Harry sunk into the warm soapy water, feeling the smell of Vespa wash away.
"You know something? My uncontrolled magic came back," Harry said with a grin.
"I should say so! That is what saved us from those horrid beasts. It was actually quite spectacular to witness. I do not believe I have seen anything like that before. Why do you suppose it came back at that point?" Severus asked and handed Harry a fresh bar of soap and wash rag.
"That wasn't the first time. The first time was when Vespa tied me up and was going to beat me with this whip that …"
Harry was startled as Severus unexpectedly stood up and faced him with a fierce look on his face. Harry clamped his mouth shut and sunk further into the bubbles. Severus excused himself and left the bathroom abruptly. Yeah, maybe he shouldn't talk about Vespa anymore.
Harry stuck his toe in the water faucet as he thought about Charlet. Charlet had actually stopped Vespa from holding the Cruciatus on him longer than he knew she would have. It made him feel a little guilty over having to trick her with the portkey. The thought of being poison free felt good though, good enough to justify tricking Charlet. It felt so nice to be free from having to take the antidote and suffer through the stomach pains.
After the hot bath Harry felt invigorated. He dressed in a pair of jeans and soft blue sweater before going out to find his father.
Severus was still pacing in the living room when Harry walked in and looked at him with apprehension. He stopped pacing as he looked his son over. The boy looked to be better than he had been in a long time. Other than the occasional shivers and the wrapped hand he seemed to be alright. Although he did look quite thin. Severus remembered that the boy had nothing but supplemental nutrients in the past three days and probably nothing the day before that.
"You need to eat," Severus said in a stern voice.
Harry was feeling a bit famished, he couldn't even remember the last meal he had eaten. "Yeah I am a bit hungry. Do you think Dobby could bring me a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?"
Severus looked as if Harry had just asked for the moon. Harry explained what the sandwich was and called Dobby up. Dobby seemed to know all about pb&j and popped back with the sandwich and a glass of milk, leaving it on the coffee table. They both sat down on the sofa with Severus looking at the sandwich as if it was an unknown potion. Harry handed Severus a piece of his sandwich, which put a sneer on the Potion Master's face.
"Just try it Dad," Harry prompted with a mischievous grin.
The part where Harry said 'Dad' pushed Severus into actually trying the ghastly piece of food. He popped the piece of sandwich into his mouth and thought it tasted rather horrid. "You actually enjoy eating this?"
"Yup, it's good," Harry said as he finished the first half. "So any signs of Vespa yet?"
Severus was unsettled over the sudden change in conversation, "No, we have not seen any sign of her. This brings me to a topic I must discuss with you."
Harry put his milk down and looked at his father's serious expression.
"Albus and I have met with the Order members to fill them in on the entire events you have suffered. I felt it best that more people know what happened in case you need their help at some point. It will also help with capturing Vespa to stand trial for all that she has done to you."
Harry was glad that everyone now knew what had happened to him because that meant he could talk to his friends about it. "Can I tell my friends now?"
"Yes, I feel that they should know. I want them to be on their guard where you are concerned," Severus said as he handed the other half of the sandwich to his son.
"Can I ask them to come over?" Harry asked as he ate.
"Yes, you may ask them down for a visit," corrected Severus. "I will be down in the laboratory trying to catch up on all the potions I am behind on. I'll come up to check on you in a bit." Severus gave his son one last assessing look before heading down to the laboratory.
Harry called Dobby back and asked him to get Ginny, Ron and Hermione and bring them down for a visit. Within ten minutes he heard a knock on the door.
"Hi guys, come on in," Harry opened the door then stepped back to let them in. They all gave him a hug as they passed by, even Ron much to Harry's shock.
They walked in somewhat tentatively, looking around for the professor.
"Severus is in the lab," Harry said to put them at ease. "Pumpkin juice?" Harry offered the pitcher to Hermione and held up his bandaged hand to show that he wasn't able to pour. She poured everyone a glass full and handed them out before Harry spoke up.
"Um well, it's good to see you guys," Harry started. He saw the looks of concern over his scratchy voice.
Ron cut him off before he could begin his story, "Harry what's wrong with your hand and why did Professor Snape keep us from visiting you? We tried sneaking in but he caught us and sent us to detention with Filch for a week!"
Harry raised his eyebrows over that, "Oh sorry. I'll talk to him about that. He's just being a little over protective right now."
Ron jumped in again, "He's doesn't have to protect you from us! Bloody hell Harry, who does he think has been watching out for you these past five years!"
A cold silky voice cut in, "I am well aware of your dedication to each other Mr. Weasley. However, I will not put up with students sneaking in through the floo without express permission."
Ron nearly jumped out of his skin at hearing that voice from behind him. "Oh hi Sir. Yeah, sorry bout that."
Severus nodded at the Gryffindor and walked over to Harry, handing him a vial of something blue. Harry drank without question and handed the vial back. "But did you have to send them to Filch for detention?"
"As I have warned you previously Harry, whatever punishment I see fit to give is not of your concern," Snape said in a warning tone.
"Yeah, but Filch? Jeez Severus, you should have just given them lines or something," Harry said accusingly.
"It's alright Harry," Hermione said under her breath. Ron shook his head trying to make Harry shut up.
"Lines?" Snape said and looked over at his son's friends as they to looked away.
Harry suddenly thought he might have made a mistake suggesting that. "Or maybe not lines. Maybe just forget they even did it. They were just trying to make sure I was okay." Harry was overcome with a shiver as the after effects of the Cruciatus still were not letting up. He wrapped his arms around his chest hoping to hide the shudder as it passed.
Severus breathed deeply, pushing his anger at Vespa down at the sight of Harry still suffering because of her. "I hope they realize that I only have your best interest at heart and wish you no harm."
Severus watched Harry's friends squirm, then addressed them directly. "Nevertheless, two nights with Mr. Filch may suffice as a punishment. I will inform Mr. Filch that you have served your detention adequately as long as I have your word that you will not attempt that particular exploit again?"
Both Ron and Hermione said, "Yes sir."
"Have you had a chance to explain yet?" Severus asked his son. Harry shook his head, hoping to be able to do it without his father's presence. He wasn't sure how Ron was going to react over hearing about how Snape's aunt had poisoned him.
"Very well, I will leave you to your narrative." He walked out with one last stern look at Weasley.
As soon as the laboratory door closed Ron spoke up, "Bloody hell Harry, you have more power than I thought! Snape actually listened to you!"
"I think he's just feeling bad about what happened, is all. I'm not sure I can get us out of anymore detentions in the future."
"Alright already, what the bloody hell did happen!" Ginny asked, tired of waiting to hear.
"Um, alright then," Harry couldn't believe how nervous he was over telling his friends about everything. He wasn't sure if he was nervous over the reaction to Vespa or most likely their reaction to his father. He didn't want them to be mad at Severus for something that wasn't his fault.
He cleared his throat before starting again, "Okay, let me just tell you everything before you ask any questions. Snape's aunt poisoned me over the summer. She didn't want Severus to adopt me because she wanted to keep all the inheritance to herself and Charlet. Severus tried to give her the inheritance she wanted in exchange for the antidote to the poison but she said it wouldn't work. Then she stopped sending the antidote and I would have died if Severus hadn't of come up with another antidote but it wasn't strong enough and I needed the real one. So, Severus kidnapped Charlet in exchange for the antidote. That was the only reason I went to the dance with her." He stopped here to look at Ginny's reaction. He noticed all three friends looking at him with their mouths hanging open so he continued.
"So anyway Vespa had this guy summon Dumbledore and Severus to the ministry and then she came here and kidnapped me. Anyway, Vespa tricked Severus during the exchange and he had to come save me at her estate. We escaped out of the dungeon and we were attacked by this vulture dog thingy's and that's how I got this." Harry raised his bandaged hand. "So now the Order has to try and find Vespa before she comes after me again."
Ginny spoke up first, "What does going to the dance have to do with kidnapping Charlet?"
"I had to give her a portkey necklace that would take effect the next day. It was the only way to get her off school grounds without causing suspicion. I didn't want to go with her and …" He was going to say he didn't want to kiss her but was embarrassed to say it in front of his other friends.
"So then, all that kissing wasn't real?" Ginny asked hopefully.
Harry looked her in the eyes when he answered truthfully, "I hated every minute of it."
Ginny blushed as she smiled.
Ron was having trouble understanding the story but finally asked, "What's with this inheritance stuff. I mean how big is this estate that she wants? How rich is Snape?"
Harry rolled his eyes, "It's pretty big but that's not the point, I don't even want it Ron."
Hermione seemed to have grasped the story a little better than the Weasley's and asked a more significant question, "So, all that time that you weren't eating was caused by this poison Vespa gave you?"
"Yeah, it was awful. But I'm totally free from any poison now."
"And the way you are shaking every now and then is caused by what?" Ginny asked.
Harry looked down in embarrassment. He had actually thought he was hiding those tremors pretty well but realized that he must not have been. "Vespa cast a couple of Cruciatus at me. Severus doesn't know why I still have the after effects though. I guess he'll figure that out."
"What did she do to your hair?" Ron asked and pointed to the bald patch.
"I don't know why, but she yanked it out."
All three Gryffindor made a face of dismay over hearing that. Harry shrugged as he ran his fingers over the bald spot. It shouldn't be that big a deal but for some reason he was more embarrassed by that than any other injury. He thought about wearing a hat for awhile and tried to move other hair to hide the spot.
"Maybe your dad has something that will fix that," Ron offered.
Harry continued answering questions for another hour before Severus came back up. He watched his father walk into the room and gave him a smile.
When the other Gryffindors noticed Snape they stood up to leave.
Hermione asked, "Harry are you coming to classes tomorrow?"
Harry looked to Severus, not really sure if he would allow him to go yet.
Severus answered for him, "Actually I haven't had a chance to talk with Harry about this yet but we will be leaving for Snape Manor as soon as possible." Severus saw the look of surprise on his son's face and explained further, "I feel that you need a little time to recuperate before resuming your studies. Although I would like you to bring your books and try to catch up on some reading. Don't bother bringing your Potions books; I'll let you slide on that until you are caught up on your other subjects. We will return Sunday night and you may resume classes on Monday."
Harry missed the looks of incredulity his friends gave one another over 'letting potions slide'.
Harry was wishing he had more time to visit with his friends before he left. He thought he would take the chance and ask, "Severus, do you think it would be okay if my friends came for a visit?"
Severus raised an eyebrow, "Perhaps you did not hear correctly … I said recuperate. Not cause more mischief," Snape watched as Harry's shoulders slumped. The blasted boy looked sad. "Very well, if they can procure permission from their parents then they may join us after classes' tomorrow evening."
All four Gryffindors smiled and Ron and Harry gave each other high fives.
Before they left Hermione asked, "Professor, do you have anything to fix Harry's bald spot? I think he feels a little self conscious about it."
Severus looked towards Harry and noted the blush that had crept up his cheeks. He grabbed Harry's chin and lowered it so he could see the spot better. The Potion Master raised his wand and said a spell that Hermione tried to remember. They all watched as the hair on Harry's head began to grow just in the bald spot.
Harry touched the spot and was surprised that there was actually hair on the spot now. "Thanks Dad," he said without thinking. He looked up and saw Ron's eyebrows go up, the girls smiled at him.
Severus acted as if it was nothing to hear his son call him 'dad' in front of his friends but was actually quite satisfied.
Hermione gave Harry a hug goodbye followed by Ginny. When Ginny had him in a firm embrace she whispered in his ear, "I think you sound rather sexy with your scratchy voice."
Harry blushed right down to his roots and ducked his head so no one would see his grin.
When the Gryffindors walked out into the hallway Severus shut the door and turned towards Harry. He rolled his eyes over what he had just agreed to. This may very well be a very long weekend.
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Within the next hour Severus and Harry were seated in the formal dining room at Snape manor with a feast of food before them.
"You know, I can't eat all this, right?" Harry asked and pointed to his heaping plate of food.
Severus raised an eyebrow, "You are too thin. Eat as much as you are capable of but make a good effort."
"Severus, do you think you could stop monitoring my food once Ginny gets here? I mean I am sixteen and now that the poison is gone my appetite is starting to come back." Harry asked hopefully.
"Harry," Severus was going to give him a lecture but decided against it, "very well, I will desist from commenting on your eating habits in front of your friends. However, if I feel that you are not taking adequate nutrition then I will speak with you in private."
"And try not to lecture me about safety and stuff in front of her either," Harry added.
Severus raised an eyebrow, "That I will not agree to. Perhaps if you were not so prone to dangerous escapades I would consider agreeing to that request. As it is, I hardly think your past experiences give me confidence that you will not do something in which you shouldn't."
Harry thought that through and was loath to have to agree with his father. "Yeah, but don't make a big deal about how late we stay up, okay?"
Snape looked at his son with as much patience as he could muster, "Mr. Potter, you should have thought of these requests before you invited your friends. However, I will try to refrain from treating you as if you were five years old. That is, unless you begin to act like a child and do something dim-witted."
"I guess I can live with that. Does it bother you that I invited my friends over?"
Harry watched the professor place his fork on his plate and think about that before answering, "My feelings on this subject do not apply. This is your home and you should feel free to invite your friends over. As it stands, I feel you deserve to have a pleasurable weekend. With your friends in residence it seems more likely to happen."
"Yeah, it will be fun. But, I would have a good weekend with just you too." Harry said truthfully.
Severus didn't respond to that but was pleased to hear Harry say it.
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Once Harry was in bed he hoped that Severus would come see him before going to bed himself. He waited for close to an hour before he heard Severus go into his own room. Maybe he shouldn't have said all that stuff. Severus probably thought he didn't want him to come say goodnight now? Harry lay awake as long as he could just in case his father decided to come in.
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Hours after Severus went to sleep he woke up to screams coming from Harry's bedroom. He grabbed his wand off his night stand and rushed into his son's room. Harry was thrashing about in his bed, still in the throes of a nightmare. At first he was unsure how to wake him up without pushing him further into his nightmare.
Severus sat on the edge of Harry's bed and gently squeezed his son's arm, "Harry, you're safe. Wake up son, you're home now."
Harry sat up realizing where he was in a rush of memories. He saw his dad sitting on his bed and turned his head in embarrassment. Bloody hell, why did this keep happening?
"Sorry," Harry rubbed his face with his good hand wishing he could disappear. "I probably should have put a silencing spell on my bed."
Severus shook his head and grabbed Harry's bandaged hand, "No, I think I already asked you not to do that. Do you wish to talk about it?"
"Well, you know … it was about Vespa and those dogs, I think. It's not really a big deal, I know I'm safe," Harry sunk back into his pillows, trying not to show how frightened the dream actually made him.
Severus furrowed his brow and wondered if Harry was telling the truth. The nightmare must have been much worse than Harry was leading on to have caused that sort of reaction. This poor boy had really been through too much at such a young age.
"I wish I could give you the dreamless sleep potion but you are taking too many other potions for it to be safe. Do you wish me to stay with you while you sleep for a while?" Severus asked.
"No, that's okay. You probably haven't slept much yourself. Anyway, I have to find a way to get through this on my own."
"Are you certain? You may sleep on the sofa in my rooms if that would help," Severus suggested, not wanting to leave Harry alone.
"It's okay."
"Alright then, occlude your mind of any thoughts of Vespa and try and get some sleep," Severus walked out the door, spelling the lights off before leaving.
Harry sat in the dark room wishing he hadn't just said that. He really didn't have any idea how to deal with this on his own. How was he ever going to hide these nightmares when his friends were in the next rooms? He sat up trying to stay awake so the nightmares wouldn't invade his dreams again. The thought of having one of those nightmares with Ginny witnessing made him cringe. It was bad enough she had witnessed the last time Voldemort attacked him. Well, the silencing barrier around his bed was most certainly going to have to be up once his friends came. But how was he going to get any sleep knowing that either Vespa or Voldemort was just waiting for him once he closed his eyes. He got out of bed and began pacing in front of the fireplace, anything to keep him from sleeping.
Severus went back to his room feeling uneasy about leaving Harry alone to deal with this. He had wanted to stay but was wondering if Harry was needing more space. After his son's statements on not embarrassing him in front of his friends, he thought maybe he was being a little too 'hands on'. The books he read mentioned that this would be happening. But, Harry was not like other sixteen year old teens. He had been raised with more horrors than most grown men had ever faced. And he had more horrors to come with the prophecy still looming ahead. Maybe giving the boy a little more leeway to work out his problems was the best approach.
Harry paced for a half hour before slumping down in a chair in exhaustion. He really didn't realize how tired he was. He must have only been asleep for a short time before sitting up with a jerk. The vision of Vespa pulling his hair out had flashed in a nightmare, sending a shiver down his spine. He stood up quickly and begun to pace again.
Bloody hell! The feeling of fear was really starting to get to him. Before he could change his mind he grabbed the Gryffindor quilt and a pillow off his bed and headed into Severus' room. He quietly opened the door and soundlessly made his way to the sofa before the roaring fire. The Potion Master was fast asleep and Harry was glad that he hadn't waked him. Sleep came easily without any nightmares to wake him up.
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Severus awoke and was surprised to see Harry sleeping peacefully on the sofa. Getting up quietly he made his way into the bathroom to shower and change. When he came back he was disappointed to see that Harry was already gone. He was hoping to talk with Harry regarding his nightmares before the other Gryffindor arrived. With that thought in mind he went down to the library and began to look for books on dreams and nightmares.
After showering and changing for the day Harry went looking for Severus. He found him in the library with a stack of books before him.
"Good morning Sir," Harry greeted as he walked into the room and sat down in the chair next to his father.
"Good morning. How did you sleep?" Severus noticed how the boy seemed uncomfortable with that question.
"Better. Sorry bout sneaking into your room last night."
Severus leaned towards Harry resting his hand on his son's shoulder, "Harry, you may feel free to sleep on the sofa anytime you desire. I was just going through a few books to see if we can't find a solution to these nightmares that are plaguing you."
"Thanks but I'm sure they'll go away on their own. Anyway I'm used to living with some sort of nightmare interrupting my dreams."
Severus shook his head, not sure what to say to that comment, "Nevertheless, I am not going to let you go through this alone. I intend to help as much as I am capable of."
Harry gave his father a small smile, "Thanks, you're a really good dad."
"Thank you."
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Harry was roaming the estate after the big lunch his father forced him to eat. The place was even bigger than he had thought it was. There were secret rooms hidden everywhere. He had already found three and was working on trying to open a door behind a shelf of books in the study by the time Severus found him.
"What are you trying to accomplish?" Severus asked at the sight of Harry waving his wand around the shelf and reciting different unlocking spells.
"I'm pretty sure there's a secret room behind this shelf. Or … maybe I shouldn't be doing this?" Harry realized he had never asked permission to go exploring for these secret rooms.
"The rooms that you are not allowed in will remain locked, even with your unlocking spells. Perhaps you should tell me what it is you are looking for in these rooms."
"Nothing, I'm not looking for anything. I was just exploring is all, but if you don't want me to then I won't," Harry had the feeling he was doing something he shouldn't be doing.
Severus thought of the few rooms which held dangerous objects and the temptation hiding behind the secret room before them. "The room behind that shelf should remain locked as it leads to a place I would rather you did not go into. The secret room behind the fireplace in my study is also off limits. The other rooms are open to your explorations. Just be careful as some of the items in the rooms may be dangerous."
"What's in the room behind this shelf?"
"That is not of your concern but suffice it to say, it will only lead to trouble," Severus grabbed Harry's shoulder and steered him out of the room. "Now, come along and begin your readings. I am quite certain that you could put your efforts into more useful activities such as reading your long forgotten school books."
"Yes Sir, but will you at least tell me what's behind the shelf?"
Severus rolled his eyes at the persistent boy before him, "No, it will not be to your benefit to have that information. Now, get to your reading."
Before Harry realized what he was doing he looked Severus in the eyes and forced himself into his thoughts, into his memories, unfolding the mystery of what was behind the shelf.
A long tunnel+ A portal leading to a store in Knockturn Alley + A cabinet with odd figures carved in the sides+A dark cave filled with Death Eaters+
!Crack! Harry suddenly became conscious of the fact that he had just been slapped. He had been slapped with such force that he was actually knocked to the ground. He promptly stood up placing his hand on the stinging spot on his face and looked at his father with fear.
Seething with anger Severus glared down at his son, "Don't you ever do that again! How dare you even think of entering my thoughts without permission?" He grabbed the front of his son's shirt and forced him into a chair with a push.
Harry continued staring at his father with his hand placed over the heated red mark on his face. He couldn't believe Severus had just hit him.
"You have absolutely no right to invade my thoughts in that manner!" Severus was livid. He didn't care that Harry was looking at him as if he was a Death Eater or that the boy had a deep red bruise forming on his face. It served the boy right to be punished over the incident he had brought on himself. Blasted boy just couldn't control his own curiosity! "Get up to your room."
When Harry didn't move from the chair, Severus pulled him up by the front of his shirt and yelled, "Move!"
Harry made his way into his room, not looking back at his father. He just couldn't believe what had happened. Too many thoughts crowded his mind to decipher.
Severus stayed in the main hall, pacing back and forth, trying to calm down a bit. The boy saw his memories. Harry now knew the door led to a portal leading to Knockturn Alley which led to a cabinet that led to Voldemort! That information alone was enough to justify the slap he had given his son. He had tried to occlude his mind, had tried to push Harry out. But when the boy would not budge he had been forced to hit him otherwise Harry would witness true horrors.
How could he possibly keep Harry safe in this house with the knowledge that his son now knew how to get to Voldemort? The boy was nowhere near ready to fight him, nowhere near emotionally strong enough to face the Dark Lord. Knowing how compulsive his son was at times, how the boy had an impulse to save people made the portal an even bigger threat.
Blasted boy just didn't know when to leave well enough alone. Severus walked back to the study and began spelling more wards around the shelf. He conjured up a ward that would alert him if anyone was to even step foot in the room. Now a bit calmer he decided to go give Harry a piece of his mind over what the boy had done.
Harry paced around his room for awhile before sitting down in front of the fire. How could Severus have just done that? He had promised not to hurt him, promised! How could he ever believe a word his father told him after being lied to like that. He dropped his head to his hands and just let the injustice of the situation take over him.
Severus threw the door opened and stalked inside. Harry jumped up to face his father.
"Get over here and take a seat," Severus hissed as he pointed to a chair.
Harry gave his father a resentful look but did as he was told, sitting and looking down at his hands.
"What the bloody hell is wrong with you? Did it ever occur to you that there might be dangers in this house that could cause your demise? Did it ever occur to you that I am doing the best I can to protect you? Look at me when I am speaking!" Severus grabbed Harry's chin harshly forcing the boy to look up at him.
"You hit me," Harry stated in an accusing tone and tried to pull away from the grip his father had on him.
Severus held tighter to his son's face and lowered his own so they were just inches apart, "And I will do it again if you ever try to break into my memories."
"Let go!" Harry grabbed Severus' hand and tried to pull it away from his chin. Severus held tighter and jerked his son's face up towards him.
"Stop acting as if you didn't deserve what you got. You are not the least bit regretful, are you? So, what do you plan to do with your new knowledge? Go after Voldemort perhaps?"
Harry flinched at the tone of voice Severus was using. "I'm sorry, alright. I didn't even know I was going to do that, it just happened."
Severus was disappointed that Harry didn't seem to take his actions seriously. It seemed as if the boy was feeling as if he were the victim in this case.
"I feel it best that you take some time out to show at least a modicum of regret over what you did." Severus let go of Harry and called out, "Kinsey!"
The house elf popped into the room, and took in the scene before her. She looked at Severus with fright over seeing the boy with a fresh red bruise on his cheek. "Yes Master?"
"Inform Minerva that the Gryffindor students will not be joining us this weekend."
Harry stood up to protest, "You can't do that! They …" He was cut off by a sharp push to his chest, forcing him to sit down once more.
"Close-your-mouth Mr. Potter," Snape warned in a cold tone that made Harry obey.
Kinsey looked sorrowfully at Harry before disappearing.
"You are to remain in that chair until you begin to grasp the gravity of your transgression. If you so much as stand to stretch you will regret ever getting out of bed this morning!" Severus strode from the room, slamming the door on his way out.
Harry couldn't believe how mad the professor was. He wanted to get up and pace but decided against it, not wanting to chance getting caught.
After a good hour long of feeling like the injured party in this situation, Harry finally let himself see the events from a new perspective. Maybe Severus was just trying to protect him from Voldemort. The portal looked as if it would take him to a shop in Knockturn Alley. The cabinet was still fresh in his mind when Snape's anger began to make sense. Maybe the professor thought that he would use that cabinet to go after Voldemort? Yeah, but that was crazy, even he wasn't that brave.
After another two hours had passed the door opened and Severus walked in with a potion and a cream. He set those down on the side table and walked over to the sofa motioning for Harry to join him. He turned towards his son and gently cupped the boy's cheek with his hand. Harry flinched slightly but didn't pull away.
"Harry, you have no idea what you mean to me, do you? The thought of you getting caught up in danger is the nightmare that I live with every night. I have this overwhelming desire to protect you from ever suffering again. I-I love you as if you were my own son." Severus felt himself choke up but swallowed it down to continue getting this important message across to his son.
Harry couldn't believe that Severus was saying all this to him. It was a message straight to the heart and made him feel a lump in his throat. It made him feel even guiltier than he already was feeling. His father had actually said that he loved him.
"I know that in the past you never really had a parent care about your well being. I also know that you act out of bravery thinking that no one would care if you were harmed, and to a certain extent no adult took precautions against it. But you must understand, I am here now. I will watch out for you and act as a parent should. You must trust that I will pass on my knowledge to you as I see fit. What you did today was to undermine my entire authority. You felt that you should have the same knowledge that I have. You took that knowledge, stole it in a sense, without my permission. It hurt me deeply that you could do such a thing."
Harry felt himself begin to lose his composure over hearing the pain in his father's voice. "I'm sorry, I really am. I don't know why I did that, it just sort of happened and I know that's a stupid excuse but … I'm really sorry." The thought that he had hurt the man who he had grown to love, made tears spring to his eyes.
Severus grabbed hold of his son's shoulders and pulled him close. He held him, knowing that the boy was justly repentant. Harry pushed his face into his father's chest, now truly feeling remorseful over his actions. He never thought of Legilimens in the way that Severus described but now he could see the man's point quite clearly.
"You must promise me something," Severus waited for Harry to look him in the eye before continuing, "You must promise that you will never step foot in that room again."
Harry nodded his head in agreement, "Yes Sir, I promise."
"Very well then, we will put this issue to rest," Severus held his hand out and called, "Accio Harry's potion and cream." The items landed smoothly in his hand. "The potion is for the after effects the Cruciatus is still causing. Although I notice that it has almost run its course."
Harry drank the potion glad to be rid of the embarrassing trembling. Severus gently guided his son's face to him and rubbed the cream over the angry red bruise on his cheek. He was regretful that he had left such a deep mark.
Harry looked his father in the eyes and said very clearly, "Don't hit me anymore, alright?"
Severus heard authority in his son's voice that made it clear he was not asking. The boy was telling him that it wasn't acceptable.
"Alright," Severus said with deep respect for his son standing up to him and more importantly, standing up for himself.
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