"He is all right Albus. The injuries are short term mostly except a few scars. There are definite signs of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. He has never weighed more than 6 stone in his entire life. However the boy is not suffering any mental conditions such as depression or anxiety. I must ask him why he jumped when Poppy was trying to examine him. According to this he is happy beyond belief and remains emotionally healthy knowing he did not deserve such poor treatment."

Albus simply nodded making no signs to Severus that he had been actually listening however before Severus could question him there was a scream from inside the hospital wing. Rushing to Harry he sat the small fragile boy up and wrapped his arms around him, wondering what the dream had been about he guessed that some scars were left inside even though he didn't blame himself. Laying the boy back down he brushed the hair out of his eyes and smiled when he noticed Harry calm down. Severus noticed that Albus and Poppy had just entered and sat down in the armchair next to Harry's bed, deciding now was the time to start the well-needed talk.

"Harry there are a few things we all need to discuss. Firstly I want to ask you a question do you know that the Dursley's were wrong in what they done?"

"Yes I know that I'm not stupid. Yes it was wrong, yes it hurt me but I knew that I could be happy. I spent my time there waiting to come back home to Hogwart's that's what kept me going."

"Good because it was wrong. Harry have you ever used concealment charms to hide the signs of injuries? If yes promise me to stop using them they can harm you Harry"

"Yes admittedly I did and I know the risks. I used them to hide my weight and hide any bruising on the face but that's all. Well I won't have a reason to use them anyway; I don't want to hide anymore. I don't want people to know but I'm sure the bruising will disappear as will most scars."

"I'm sorry Harry its just better to get these questions out of the way. How did you heal some of your injuries especially the shot wounds?"

"Well… I… once met a lady, a part time babysitter when I was younger. She taught me all she knew about muggle healing. As a back up plan I also brewed healing potions regularly during the school year for the summer holidays."

"Harry do you know if you made one tiny mistake the healing potion could have killed you? I am amazed at your muggle healing abilities a fantastic tutor the lady must have been."

"Yes Severus she was it was a real shame when she died. Vernon was not happy that she taught me how to heal my wounds. Severus listen I know it could have killed me but it didn't, it was the only thing that kept me alive."

Pausing for a moment in their conversation Severus thought over Harry's answers to his questions. Taking a quick glance at Poppy and Albus he noticed they were leaving him to the important questions. Fine I will have this conversation with him you old fools. How I wish I could tell him I love him. What else do I need to cover? I know he doesn't blame himself, I know he is ok. I now know why his wounds did not kill him or healed incorrectly. Looking over at Harry, Severus smiled at the beautiful body sprawled out over the bed, 12 years between them yet as many knew Harry wasn't exactly only a 15 year old. Both Poppy and Albus noticed this moment between them and decided to take their leave, quietly creeping through the door they left Harry and Severus alone together.

"Harry listen I know I have treated you poorly over the past few years but I do care Harry I do. Just so many years I have worked spying on Voldemort, I've seen so much pushed away so many people. I'm not the person you think I am. Yes I'm sarcastic but I don't mean that in a nasty way. Plus I can give Gryffindor many points those bloody Slytherin's need to be taught a lesson."

"Severus listen I know I have always known that I'm not stupid. Don't apologise you are the only person who treated me like Harry. Well once you realised I'm not my father I hate him for the way he treated people I really do. Thank you by the way thank you for saving me from those people. You seemed shocked to see me chuckle earlier, I know its not my fault what happened they were just jealous that I can do magic that is all. Yes they hurt me Severus but I know you will help me get through that, you will help me forget because I know you want to help me. In case you were wondering I chuckled earlier because the only reason I was flinching away from Poppy was because I wanted to have your arms around me again."

"You cheeky shit. Well I guess now you have answered all my questions I may have to hold you again"

Seeing Harry smile made Severus the happiest person alive and at that moment when he looked into the cute boy's eyes he knew he was going to take up Albus' offer. He wanted the whole school, the world even to know that he really was a decent man, who could love, who could show affection. The question now was just when he was going to spill his secrets to the entire wizardring community. Not yet. Harry gets to know first and that's that.

Harry woke first the next morning and rolled over curling as close around Severus as he possibly could. Unfortunately this woke the older man up smiling gently down at Harry he laughed. Harry thought to himself about how last night had gone he hadn't once had a nightmare, he felt warm, he felt safe and secure he realised he was in love with this older man and he had a feeling the older man was in love with him to.

"Severus I need you to know something. I think I am in love with you. I know you may not feel the same but please Severus don't ever leave me"

"Never Harry I promise I will never leave unless you want me too but you must tell me when you want me to leave ok" Harry nodded. "Harry of course I love you and I don't want to hurt you I will never leave you if I ever hurt you or do anything you don't like please tell me"

"I promise Severus but I know that will never happen, I know you will never hurt me its just not possible I can tell you love me more than I ever imagined you would"

Harry and Severus stayed in bed hugging all day long, telling the unfortunate and happy tales of their lives. Harry spoke of all the happenings with the Dursley's admitting that he felt much better after speaking of his traumatic memories, as well as all the times he faced Voldemort and how he managed to escape, lastly he spoke of the happy times the times he felt his love for Severus grow. Severus in return told Harry all what he himself had gone through including what had happened since joining Voldemorts ranks. He admitted to how much of an act he had played for so long even admitting that although people thought of him as being older than 40 he was in fact only 31 in the coming November, this made Harry smile. By the time night came there wasn't a single question the other could ask that they didn't already know the answer to, it had taken just one day to cover all the vital questions the rest was just something to learn about. After agreeing that they would start a relationship but that they both wanted to take it slow they snuggled up together for another peaceful nights sleep.