It felt like a mistake to leave Harry. But once he place him back in the play pen, Severus was sure he wouldn't be missed for a little while. Strutting out the the room and into the hall, he got a glance of Lupin swiftly walking back in the direction his office. A sneer and a few paces later, Snape found himself just around the corning from several hushed voices.
" I understand your concerns Lucius, but why is it now that you have decided to take Draco?" The headmaster said, voice quiet but deep enough to hear.
" I was off on business," Severus held back a snort," This blasted school is dangerous, I'm afraid next time he won't be de-aged but killed," The man said with a dangerous and threatening tone.
" I assure you that won't happen,"
" You seem so sure,"
" It was a misunderstanding, and I am sorry for the inconvenience. The children are this way." Dumbledore sighed.
" Thank you,"
Once he realized they were coming his way he smoothly continued his stride and passed close by.
" Ah, Severus, how are you?" Lucius said suddenly much more pleasure filled. It was so fake and strained.
" I'm well, and you Lucius?" Severus said, not wanting to act he he overheard anything.
" I'm well. I must get to my son, I'll see you soon," And the white haired man turned away with the uncomfortable headmaster.
Severus didn't want to believe he would see that man again soon. Although he care for the family, they were corrupt. Their entire family has been in an alliance, or more like working for the Dark Lord. Everyone knew it, there was no way the Ministry didn't know. They would never admit it though. They didn't want the news to get out that someone who worked for them was a double agent.
The entire government was corrupt. A sinking feeling in his gut dropped when he realized Harry was in that room too. A true death eater would be within feet of Harry, and that very though was enough to leave goosebumps up and down his spine.
BREAKBREAKBREAK
He hadn't missed it. The talking, chatting, kissing, gossiping. He could hardly stand it. Snape barged in with a deadly glare and collected the half-assed essays the students turned in. All of them were worth not even half a 100. Glancing up he could see flying cranes, no doubt the doing of the Weasley twins. Deciding not to interfere, Severus decided to listen instead.
" How is your brother Fred?" Asked one of the prettier girls in their grade. She had dark brown hair and had the hots for the twins. But looks weren't everything, she defiantly wasn't the smartest kid in her class.
" I'm George,"
" Oh sorry," She blushed.
The actual Fred responded," Our mum reckoned she could pick him out from the others."
" Oh but she couldn't," George finished and they took turns telling the tale.
" She couldn't tell which red-head was hers,"
" In fact she got so confused they had to check bums of the two she had narrowed down for his birth mark,"
" Turns out neither of them were Ron,"
" Never seen her so distraught,"
Severus couldn't help but feel amused at the image in his head. Molly Weasley was the most over bearing mother he had ever met. She always thought she was right when it came to her kids, everyone else's too. She was kind, sweet, but oh could she be stubborn. He could imagine her face becoming as red as her hair, fist clenching. The joke was gone and he focused not on his imagination.
Several other non sensible conversations ran their course, none of which he was interested in. Grading essays was what he spent the rest of his time on. Anxious students looked his way, afraid to hear what he had to say. His worsening glare and shaking head didn't help their nerves.
He was able to gather the insight that most of the other professors were having a rough time teaching a class in these circumstances. It was chaotic. Each house had a part of play in it. The Gryffindors were being much too condescending. They had a tendency to think they were right and try to solve the situation with force. On the other hand the Ravenclaws were quiet but had the most reasonable ideas to make this easier on everyone. There were only three ways people would respond to them. 1, take them seriously because they are right nearly all the time, 2, get annoyed because they are know it alls, or 3, outright ignore them. The Hufflepuffs made the most of their time and chatted with one another. Not all of them were very social, but they had the light heart and courageous mind to get themselves through it. Then, his snakes were glaring at everything, hating how close they had to be to the other houses. Slytherins didn't always have a bad personality, they just had trauma.
Much time passed and dinner was served early. Good thing too, if he heard another child complain about being hungry there was going to be a murder.
Most of the professors that didn't watch the babes came pouring in. At this time, it was safe for him to return to Harry and get their meal prepared.
Step after step, his speed unconsciously grew longer and faster. Something was not right. He couldn't tell what it was but it made all the difference when he was away from Harry. Not seconds later when the doors came into view did the loud and wretched scream erupted from them. Snape stopped dead in his tracks and took off in a sprint. He recognized that voice. Not paying attention to the anxiety, burning lungs, and panic, Severus scanned the room and started toward the child. Several adults surrounded him, not knowing what to do. One second he was fine and the next he was screaming on the top of his lungs like a mad man.
" Move... MOVE!" Yelled the potions master and he forcefully pushed back the hovering adults.
There lay Harry covered in tears and sweat. He sobbed so heart wrenchingly it hurt physically to hear. The top of his head was red, and slowly a zig-zagging bloody scar carved it's way onto his skin. It had to hurt, no doubt. Severus made a quick move to pick up the thrashing baby and hold him close.
" Mamamammm," Harry sobbed, close to hyperventilating. If it as even possible the room got even quieter and everyone started to realize what was happening. The boy just went through what easily could have been the most traumatizing event of his life. Forgetting everyone was there and concerned, Severus up and let with the child in the midst of the fit. No one denied him that, and no one followed him.
Running into his chambers the man sunk to the ground before his living room. The fire's heat warmed his back but he was still so cold. On his knees he rocked Harry, and finally let himself break down.