A/N: Still do not own. AU and non-canon complaint! Italics are usually thoughts and x's are major scene breaks. Alexis plans, Harry shops, and relationships start in evolve. A bit of Alexis past is revealed, toward the end. So just...read it. And let me know what you think. Much of a filler chapter but it has its purpose.

~Case

-x-

The young healer sighed, pacing the length of her quarters. She tended to do that often of late. It was slightly calming but it also helped her to process her thoughts better. She had finally, finally, finished sorting through all of the student records, including the current detention files. After firing the caretaker. A man who hated children so much should not be allowed to work with them, not at all. Sometimes she wondered precisely what Dumbledore had been thinking, for there were clearly situations in which he hadn't been thinking, at all! If he wasn't dead...but he was. And the last time she had hexed his portrait, early this morning actually, the damn fool had threatened to tell Tim. Like her old mentor would have any control over her. As he was currently sitting in the chair that he now claimed, sorting through the pile of files she had handed him, perhaps he did have a little bit of influence.

"We will need someone to check on each of these children, if not all of the known cases. I can assign a member of my team to each house and have them split the larger pile with the current staff in residence. It would help if the child knew the person checking on them, but if that is not possible, there are other ways of going about this. These ten are critical, as well as having someone check on each muggleborn and raised on this list." The older, brown-haired healer remarked finally. Tim held the piece of parchment out to the younger healer, moving the files around a bit. They were separated into piles, depending on the severity of each known case. The very worst cases, fifteen files in total, were marked with a green dot and moved to her side of the table. Ten students who should not be residing in their homes and five who possibly needed to be removed. That, of course, did not count the students Albus had already remove, they were a separate pile, one that also needed checking up on.

"If possible, all of these children need a visit, to make sure that they are safe." Alexis sighed, scanning the list quickly. Visiting nearly eighty children was not the problem, not really. It was more of what to do with those children if they did need to be removed from their homes. There was no way to find good foster families for all of those children. All raising first year muggleborn and raised children would be getting a visit soon, with their letters and explanations. The teachers who did those visits would be asked to discreetly check each child for signs of abuse. The younger muggleborns, the ones not quite old enough for Hogwarts, would also need a visit soon. It might help their families to know now, instead of later, that the child was magical. It would also help screen for abuse. But what to do with the children? Summer school, although good for first years, would not make many of the older students happy unless they wanted to learn more and get ahead, or desperately needed the added lessons. The children could stay at Hogwarts but idle hands caused much trouble and mischief. As well as not having quite enough staff to watch them if they were everywhere, all at once. Perhaps..."Summer camp." She remarked suddenly, gray eyes sparking at the thought.

"Summer camp?" Tim raised an eyebrow, glancing up from the file he was reading over again.

"What do we do with children who have been abused and neglected? We cannot let them run free nor do the staff particularly want to give up their own summer break. But what child does not enjoy a holiday camp? And how many abused children would get to go to one? We can turn Hogwarts into a camp. It's perfect!" She exclaimed, smirking at the older healer.

Tim merely chuckled, shaking his head. "You will have to run the idea by the staff as well as finding counselors to help with them, although I can help with that. Housing them will not be hard, I'd imagine that Hogwarts has a cluster of unused rooms that the house elves will gladly clean and will be perfect for bunking children by age. The older ones might not like the idea too much, but I'm sure there could be something there for them." He replied quietly, thinking it over quickly. It was a good idea, a solid idea. And it could work well.

-x-

The child was finally awake and dressed in his school robes. They would have to buy him clothes today. Severus watched Harry for several moments, as the boy pushed around his food. Clearly the child was not used to regular meals, even after two years at Hogwarts. They were still in the hospital wing, Poppy had promised to release the boy as soon as he had eaten. "Eat, Mr. Potter." He growled finally, ignoring Remus' pointed look.

Harry groaned, taking another small bite of the food. He wasn't really hungry, he was never hungry. He didn't see why he had to eat, it wasn't like he could eat at the Dursleys. He finally pushed his plate away, green eyes pleading. He couldn't eat anymore, he'd be sick if he did.

Remus sighed, glancing at the half eaten meal. The child's stomach was shrunken, he would have to start eating a little more at each meal. Although it didn't help that neither of his guardians ate very much. That would change now. He did not have a choice, in the past, over whether he could eat or not. But now that he was here, with constant meals and surrounded by Severus, he would be healthy once more. As would his partner, if he had anything to say about it. "Alright Harry, it's alright. We understand that you cannot stomach much food right now. With time and good nutrition, you should be able to eat more. But it will take time." He replied calmly, vanishing the plate. " And now, I believe, the three of us can head to London."

-x-

London. They were in London. And determined to buy him a new wardrobes. As well as toys. Toys! He was nearly thirteen! He didn't need toys. Well...the quidditch action figures were quite cool and many of the boys in his dorm had them...but surely twelve was too old for toys! He had never had toys, no reason to start now. Harry sighed, running his fingers through his, now much shorter, hair. Professor Snape had dragged him to a muggle barber and demanded that his hair was made less wild. The barber had worked magic, his hair actually laid flat! Although he doubted that would last for very long. But now they were in yet another muggle clothes store. The last one had been for shoes. He didn't quite understand why he needed three pairs of trainers and two pairs of dress shoes. He was used to wearing the same pair of trainers all the time, no reason to change that now.

Severus bit back a growl, surveying the preteen. The boy was driving him insane, completely insane. And not just his put out over not being allowed to buy his own clothes. He was twelve for Merlin's sake! What twelve-year-old worried about the price of new trainers? But no, they could not have a normal child. They had to get the one who only wanted to buy the cheapest, poorly made clothing and shoes. "You may choose any ten shirts, as long as they are not vulgar. " He barked finally, meeting green eyes with his own dark orbs. The child did seem to relax a bit, rummaging through the racks of t-shirts. Thankfully, Remus had already chosen the boy's trousers, pants, and socks. As well as some nice button downs, but they wanted the child to have clothes to play in and get dirty in. He was a boy, after all. He was bound to get dirty just by going outside. When the boy finally picked out the required number of shirts, Severus gave a relieved sigh. It took the child long enough and they still had to go to Diagon to get new school clothes and formal robes, as well as some playthings and books for the child. Oh, how he hated shopping!

The trip to get new robes took longer than he had hoped. Of course, Alexis had glared at him this morning and thrust a pouch into Severus' hand with the instructions to get Remus new robes, for teaching and everyday wear. He had tried to argue that but the young woman had merely raised an eyebrow and snarled something about kindness repaid. He chuckled at that thought, shifting through the collection of swatches and colours. Black teaching robes were a must but Severus had demanded that he get something colourful for a 'night on the town'. He finally settled on two colours, pointing them out to the salesman. Madam Malkins was great for school robes but not so much for grown wizards. And since Severus frequented this robes store, the owner knew him well. Which meant they were treated well. Thankfully, the younger man had decided to take Harry to the nearby bookstore, so he could buy clothing in private. There was no need for the child to know that his wizarding robes were threadbare and falling to pieces. His muggle clothing was in much better shape, but he had lived in the muggle world until a few weeks prior.

Severus growled, stalking down the clustered aisles of the bookstore. He could not find that blasted child! He had told him to find a few books and meet him at the counter in twenty minutes. That was nearly an hour ago! Granted, he had also gotten distracted by some new potions research but still! He billowed around a corner and stopped short. The child was sitting on the floor in a small corner, nearly invisible because of the pile of books surrounding him. "Those books had all better not be about Quidditch, Mr. Potter." He drawled suddenly, causing the child to jump. He bit back a smirk, surveying the pile of books.

Harry grimaced, looking up. He had completely lost track of time and he knew he was in trouble. But the professor didn't seem that angry at all. He looked at the floor, or well the bit he could see, instead of meeting the professor's eyes. The books weren't all on Quidditch. He had found quite a few adventure books as well as some interesting books on defense and healing. There was also, of course, a 'Marvin the Mad Muggle' comic tossed in there. Not that he actually liked those comics, but the other boys swore by them. "They're not, Professor." He muttered, pulling himself off the floor. He picked up two of the books, no way was he going to be allowed to get all of them!, and turned to go.

"Harry, you may get as many books as you like." Severus stated quietly, carefully resting a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder. To the child's credit, he barely flinched, but then he had seen him move. It would take time to gain the child's trust but he had hope that it could be done. When the boy merely shrugged he sighed, summoning the pile of books. He sorted through them quickly, pulling out a horrid comic, before holding the books out to the boy. He summoned another comic book and added it to the pile, raising an eyebrow at the child who still refused to look at him. "You may have all of these, Mr. Potter. Now kindly take them before my arm falls off." He drawled.

Harry glanced up, biting back a giggle. His professor was quite funny sometimes. He took the pile of books, shifting the stack of books until it felt secure and comfortable. His eyes, however, were automatically drawn to the comic on top. "Professor?" He asked quietly, meeting the man's eyes with confused green orbs. He had not picked up this comic, nor had he seen it before. It did look much more interesting that 'Marvin' though.

Severus smirked at the boy, holding up the Marvin the Mad Muggle comic. The comic was complete rubbish, usually only read by those raised in the Wizarding world. Muggleborns, and many halfbloods, found it quite...offensive. "I will not have you reading this nonsense. However, 'Carlo and the Dragon' is much more appropriate."

Harry grinned, clutching the pile of books to his chest. "Thank you, Professor!"

"Very well, Harry. Now, shall I pay for this lot so that we can go meet Remus?" He gave a small smile, not bothering to correct the boy just yet. In time, he knew, Harry would become more comfortable with calling him by his name. But it was not pressing at the moment.

-x-

Two more hours of shopping, including convincing the young teenager that he was not too old for toys, and they were finally back home. Or well, back at the castle. It was time to show the child their humble joint quarters. Remus smiled fondly at the boy, stopping outside a door in the dungeons. Their quarters had a quick passageway up to Gryffindor tower now, thanks to the Headmistress, as well as a room suitable for a teenage boy. They were also now larger, because instead of just Severus living here, the three of them would now share these quarters.

Wide green eyes took in the living quarters. The main room was wide and comfortable, with well-worn sofas and armchairs set near a fireplace. There were no portraits on the walls, but rather they were covered with bookshelves. There was one painting over the fireplace, a swirl of colours and contrast. But it was not loud or attention drawing, rather subtle. The room was warm, in shades of browns and blues. Beautiful. Who knew that his Potions Professor had such tastes! There was a small kitchen set off to one side, as well as a hallway. The Professor was surveying him, standing in said hallway.

"Come, Harry." Severus ordered, motioning the boy away from his scrutinizing of his, no their, living quarters. "This door leads to my private lab, which you are not allowed in without my express promise and never alone. These two doors lead to the Slytherin and Gryffindor common rooms, which are not to be used this summer as they are both undergoing much transformation. This is Remus' and my room. That is the main bathroom and this is your room." Severus stated briskly, pointing to each room in turn. The two passageways were warded against wondering boys, but it was best to let the child know also. The boy was merely staring at him, mouth gaping. "You'll catch flies, Mr. Potter." He drawled, raising an eyebrow.

Harry gawped at the Professor, confused and delighted. It was a lot of information to be sure. But it was real! He had a room! So they must want to keep him, especially with all that money they spent on him! He would have to pay them back of course and he knew he would have to earn his keep, but damn! He had a home. A real one.

"Harry? Why don't you check out your room." Remus suggested quietly, watching a variety of emotions flash through the child's eyes.

Harry hesitated for a moment but slowly pushed the door open. He gasped suddenly, eyes wide. The room was muted browns and blues, like the rest of the quarters, but it also had moving stars on the ceiling and a charmed window. There was a window seat and plenty of bookshelves, as well as a desk and wardrobe. But best of all was the bed. It had a deep royal blue comforter and blue sheets. It was a bit on the high side, but it was beautiful and it was so soft! He knew that, of course, because he had instantly thrown himself upon it, before looking sleepily up at his two guardians. Remus had merely grinned and the professor had his own half smile...he was so lucky! "Thank you thank you thank you!"

"Not at all, child. It is our pleasure to give you this room."Remus replied softly, meeting the boy's eyes. He was surprised when Harry suddenly hugged him before the boy let go just as quickly.

Severus sighed, watching Harry blush and look down. "No need to be embarrassed, Harry. We all get excited sometimes." He remarked quietly. The child merely nodded, turning back to survey his room. No child should be ashamed of wanting physical contact. He mused silently, exchanging glances with Remus.

"Well, Harry. We'll let you get unpacked and settled in. We will be in the main room if you need us." Remus stated quietly, enlarging the packages they had bought. He set the bags on the floor, giving the boy a quiet smile. His only answer was a small, timid nod. With a sigh he took Severus hand and they both slipped from the room, allowing the child some much-needed alone time.

-x-

Alexis sighed, turning to the three older man who sat in her quarters. This was beginning to become quite a familiar routine. "I take it Harry's reactions were quite...shocking." She stated dryly, taking in the two tumblers of a light brandy.

"Not many twelve-year-olds insist buying their own clothes, nor that they are too old for models and figurines. I am aware that the Gryffindor common room does not have any toys and few games, but many of my fifth and sixth years still have those models and games! It took a calming draft to get the child to relax enough to sleep in his bed. " Severus growled, scowling into his brandy.

"Harry is not... a typical child. He needs much more than we can give him; he needs you, Tim. Without a mind healer, I'm afraid we will lose him." Remus added quietly, swirling his brandy around its tumbler.

"I will meet him tomorrow afternoon. Alexis has a few plans that need to be put in place before noon. Harry does not just need a healer, he needs a family and you both will give him the love and care he craves. Don't doubt yourselves." Tim replied calmly, watching both of the younger men with barely concealed concern. His palm itched with calming magic, but he knew that was not what they needed now. They, too, would need to heal, but it could not be forced on his part.

"Plans?" Severus asked sharply, raising an eyebrow at the younger woman.

"Yes plans. Tim is going to acquire some good counselors for Hogwarts summer camp and I have to speak with the teaching staff in residence as well as the house elves." Alexis shrugged, dropping easily into her armchair. She propped her feet up on the table, ignoring the looks of disapproval, and started to rapidly drum her fingers. It was a nervous habit, hard to break.

"Professor Headmistress miss be needing somethings?" The house-elf that appeared frowned at the young woman, glancing briefly toward her feet.

"No thank you, Minzi. We are set." Alexis replied with ease. It had taken awhile but she had quickly learned how to work with the house-elves, especially the one who seemed assigned to her specifically.

Minzi tilted her head to the side briefly before wagging her finger at the Headmistress. "Yous be needing some eats, miss. You have not eaten today." She argued, snapping her fingers. A tray popped into the room, hovering near the table.

Alexis growled, glaring at the little elf. It didn't matter if she had been too busy to eat or sleep lately. She had a school to safe. That could come later! She didn't need food now. "Thank you, Minzi." She snarled through gritted teeth.

"If you woulds kindly remove your feet miss, they be not belonging on the furnishings!" Minzi scowled. The Headmistress had the decency to blush, dropping her feet off the table and onto a footstool that popped into view. Minzi grinned and bowed, popping away just as quickly as she had appeared.

"Meddling elf." She hissed, glaring at the platter of food.

"I agree with the elf, Alexis. You need to eat." Tim scolded gently, leaning forward and fixing a plate of food from the tray. He held the plate out to the young woman, it wasn't that much, really, and raised an eyebrow. Alexis huffed but took the plate, glaring at it as if the plate had personally insulted her.

"Hogwarts holiday camp, Alexis? For this summer? That's a bit of a rush." Remus remarked finally, causing the young woman to look over at him. He was quite glad, at that moment, that he did not have Tim's job. He had to act as parent, teacher, and mind-healer to Harry and the Gryffindors but he never would have been as unfazed as Tim when faced with someone like Alexis. He had been a counselor before, and was quite willing to be one once more, so he knew the disease that both Alexis and Severus fought. But he also remembered Severus' words, nearly two years ago now. It was Alexis' first summer at Hogwarts, after her first year of teaching. And Severus had said "Albus hired her for a reason. Several, actually. Her fiery protectiveness for one. Her stubbornness and willpower. Even beaten, raped, and tortured she was still fighting with every ounce of life that she had." The woman in front of him, the one who would die for her students, would probably fight any healer who tried to work with her. Except for Tim. He didn't pity the man though, not at all.

"Yes, it is. But it is necessary. I will not allow my students to remain in unfit homes and dangerous situations for a moment longer. Once everything is in place I hope to have current teaching staff and Tim's team visiting every single child that is suspected of being abused. The camp should not be too hard to put together. With sanctioned activities and clear rules, it should work well. If nothing else, we will know what not to do next year." Alexis sighed, finally picking up the blasted fork and taking a small bite of her potatoes. It was only the thought of her students, and teachers, who needed her at her strongest that she finally felt hunger. True hunger.

Severus glanced at Remus, meeting the man's eyes for a moment. The sandy-haired man gave a small nod and he sighed. "If it is possible, we will help as needed. Our first priority is to the hurting child in our quarters. But Remus and I would like to help." He stated quietly, watching the headmistress sharply. She merely nodded, gray eyes meeting his.

"Hogwarts could use all the help that She can get." Alexis replied finally, steel eyes traveling to each of the men in turn. "So could I."