Disclaimer: Don't own it, unfortunately…..

Mak rocks, plain and simple.

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Chapter Eleven

Help & Humble Pie

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Severus floo'd to the headmaster's office hoping he wouldn't get yelled at too much. He found the headmaster seated at his desk. He wasn't alone, which was obvious because Minerva was talking animatedly about something. Severus could tell by the look on Albus's face they were talking about Alex. He looked concerned and the usual twinkle in his eyes was gone.

Looking for a momentary distraction Albus greeted Severus and asked him to sit down. Severus obliged and plopped down into the chair beside Minerva. He soon found out exactly what they were discussing. Minerva practically continued where she left off, "As I was saying, someone needs to find out what is wrong with him. It's not normal for a child to be completely happy one day and then seemingly broken the next. We need to know what happened.

Albus considered her words for a moment and nodded. He looked at Severus and asked, "Does this have anything to do with last Wednesday, Severus?"

Swallowing slowly he thought for a second about how to answer the question. Over the years it really became difficult for him to lie to Albus. "Not really. Well, it might be part of the reason."

"And the other part?" Minerva snapped impatiently.

He shifted uncomfortably in his chair before continuing. "I think I may have made matters worse the next day when he tried to apologize." He told them everything; every little detail, every single thing that happened in class to every word that was said afterwards. He watched them as they listened to the story. Astonishment, anger, and disbelief passed over their faces. Minerva was clearly angry while Albus held his anger in check.

"Severus Sebastian Snape!" Minerva ground out, trying not to hex him, "How could you! I have seen and heard you do some horrible things but this tops them all!" She suddenly stood and walked over to him. She swiftly smacked him in the face and said, "Aurora would be greatly disappointed in you!"

Severus sat in shock, holding his cheek, that he had gotten smacked like a teenage boy. As if he hadn't already started to feel bad about what he had done, bringing Aurora into it was like pouring salt on an open wound.

It was now the headmaster's turn to admonish him. "Severus, I am almost shocked beyond words. Did you not listen to a single word I said that night! Apparently not! The boy looked up to you. Of course he is distraught, it is absolutely clear now."

"I-i…"

"You're sorry! We aren't the ones you should be apologizing to. Severus you fix this! I will not allow you to get away with it this time. You went too far. You will find him and make things right."

Steeling his nerves and his emotions he nodded, "Yes, headmaster," and with that he stood up and left the office.

XXX

Alex was walking around in a daze Friday after classes. He was tired of being hassled by his friends and Hermione. All he wanted was a place to lie down and stop being bugged. Pacing along a corridor, he noticed a door he had never seen before.

Pushing the door open his eyes widened. The room was huge. There was a king sized bed on the right wall. A couch was placed in front of a roaring fire opposite the bed, with tons of books along the walls. It was just what he needed.

Sighing in relief he plopped face down onto the bed. He slept through dinner and still felt exhausted. Feeling his stomach rumbling he decided to find the kitchens to hopefully knick some food from the house elves. Before he could get half way down the hall he saw a shadow. Walking silently to where he last saw the shadow he turned the corner.

The figure was stumbling and finally leaned on the wall taking in deep ragged breaths. Alex approached silently when the figure started to slide down the wall. He caught the figure under the arms. As he tried to steady himself the man's head rolled back and he realized who it was. It was Professor Snape and he looked like he had gotten trampled by a hippogriff over and over. He was clearly passed out from exhaustion and Alex tried to drag him to the infirmary but Alex had neither the strength of stamina for the job. Since he was too heavy Alex decided to take him back to the room he was just in.

When they entered he was surprised to see first aid supplies near the bed and food on the table near the couch. Gently laying his professor onto the bed Alex stood and watched as his professor took shallow breaths. For a moment he wondered why he even helped him. It's not like Professor Snape had been kind to him when he tried to apologize.

He was exhausted, but, he knew he needed to help his professor. Grabbing a piece of cloth and some hot water he stated to clean away the blood that was all over Professor Snape's face. He removed his cloak and shirt with a flick of his wand and continued to remove the blood. There was a huge gash on his chest, which he cleaned and dressed as best he could.

His mother had made him take first aid classes when he was younger and he found it was helping tremendously. Alex cleaned the rest of the wounds as best he could. There were no wounds or broken bones on his legs, just bruises, much to Alex's relief. He didn't think his professor would be too happy if he found out a student had seen him dressed in only his boxers. Once he was satisfied his professor was breathing better he collapsed into a chair beside the bed. Curling up, he fell into an uncomfortable sleep.

XXX

Severus woke up slowly trying to remember what happened before he passed out. The last thing he remembered was stumbling down the corridor trying to get to the headmaster's office. He passed out while leaning against the wall hoping a student would not find him. He was slightly surprised to be lying in a bed. This wasn't the hospital wing because this bed was actually comfortable and there were no annoying students voicing their demands for whatever petty thing they needed. Looking around he saw a very homey room with soft tones. Finally, his eyes rested on the figure curled up in the chair beside him.

Needless to say he was shocked to see his assistant lying there. Looking closely he could see how thin he had gotten through his white shirt. Furrowing his brow he looked at the boy's face. He had bags under his eyes and he looked rather pale.

Severus finally realized he was lying shirtless. He looked his body over and found that all of his cuts and bruises were well taken care of. Looking back to the boy in the chair he didn't know whether to be angry or thankful. Sitting up gently he transfigured a cleaned shirt and put it on. Alex shifted uncomfortably in the chair, grimacing in his sleep. Severus lifted him from chair and put him on the bed. Alex turned over and grabbed the pillow, snuggling up to it, relaxing his features slightly.

Severus knew he should leave but something kept him there, watching the sleeping boy. He slowly lowered himself into the chair, all the while eyeing Alex. This was a very tricky situation for Severus. He did feel bad for driving him into such a state, but it wasn't like him to apologize, especially to a student. Of course, now he almost owed him for taking care of him when he was at his weakest. But, he also had problems thanking people.

Severus could not come up with a sound decision so he got up and left the sleeping boy alone. As soon as he stepped out of the door he realized he had been in the Room of Requirement. Storing that nugget of information in his head he walked to the headmaster's office.

He entered the office to find Albus seated behind his desk reading the Daily Prophet. "Ah, Severus, I was expecting you last night," he said, not taking his eyes off the paper.

Sitting down, trying not to put too much pressure on his bruises, he replied, "Yes, well I'm afraid I was not in the best of shape to reach you last night."

"Oh?" the headmaster enquired.

"Last night the Dark Lord was not very happy and decided to take his frustrations out on us, well, mainly me."

Setting the paper down Albus looked Severus over. "You seem alright now though. You didn't heal yourself or go to the hospital, Poppy would have informed me."

"Hmm, yes, well, I was aided last night upon my return." At Albus's questioning look he continued. "It seems Mr. Barneo was out last night and came across me in my weaken state."

"He seems to have patched you up pretty good," he said with a twinkle in his eye.

"Yes Albus I'm well aware of my condition," Severus said hotly.

Albus chuckled slightly. "Severus, there is no need to get angry, I was only commenting."

"I know exactly what you are commenting on." Severus was starting to get frustrated with the headmaster but he kept his mask of indifference securely in place.

"Oh and what was I implying?" Albus knew Severus well enough to know when he was getting to him. But, this was too much fun to let go of.

"I must apologize and thank the boy. Two things you know I hate to do!"

"It is a good idea. You aren't head of Slytherin for nothing, I'm sure you will come up with some way to sneak those into a conversation."

Pinching the bridge of his nose he stood. "Voldemort is planning more attacks but he didn't specify. As soon as I hear something I will let you know."

"Very well. Rest up Severus, relax, it is Saturday."

Severus was interrupted from replying when three students burst into the office panting. "Sir, we can't find Alex, he's been missing since classes yesterday," Michael said clutching his sides. Draco and Hermione were beside him shaking their heads in agreement.

Albus looked to Severus who nodded and walked out the door. "We will find him, do not fret. Now, would either of you three care for a lemon drop?"

XXX

Severus walked quickly back to the Room of Requirement hoping Alex was still there. Opening the door as silently as he could he found Alex still asleep. He was sleeping in the exact position he had been left in. Severus sat down and thought more about the sleeping boy in front of him. He needed to wake him up and talk to him but he looked so peaceful and he knew Alex needed the sleep.

Placing a hand on Alex's shoulder he shook him gently, trying to wake him up. Alex's eyes slowly opened, wondering why he was being woken up. Once his eyes focused on his professor he jumped out of arms reach, breathing heavy, and his eyes wide with fear. "Professor, I-"

He was stopped from speaking when Severus held a hand up to silence him. Severus was slightly put off at the look of terror on the young man's face, but, he didn't blame him, not after the way he had been treated.

"Mr. Barneo, there is no reason to be frightened. Your friends are worried about you and I was sent to fetch you since I know where you were."

"Oh," was Alex's weak reply.

"I also would like to speak with you before you are taken out of seclusion."

Worried about what Professor Snape would want to discuss with him he simply replied, "Okay."

Severus knew the boy wasn't going to help him out by enquiring about what he wanted to talk about, so he swallowed his pride, with much difficulty, and began. "Looking back on that day after class I realize I acted inappropriately and I should not have said those things to you. I realize how demeaning they were. I would also like to thank you for your help last night. I do appreciate it and I must ask that you keep that to yourself."

"Of course, sir."

"With that said, I am in your debt for your help so let me know if there is any way I can repay you." Severus hoped that the boy would not ask for anything too farfetched. He didn't want to shoot the boy down right now.

Alex smiled slyly as he gazed at Professor Snape. "Well I did want to go home for Christmas break, but, Headmaster Dumbledore said I needed a chaperone." He let that statement hang in the air while his professor let the words sink in.

Severus was stuck and he knew it. He had gotten caught in an act worthy of a Slytherin. If Alex was ever sorted Severus knew where he would go, straight into his own house. Inside he was mulling over his student's request. Of course he wanted to say no as soon as he could, but, he did have a sense of honor, and if he had to repay his student by taking him home for the break, he would have to do it. "Very well Mr. Barneo. I will accompany you home for the break. But of course you will—"

"Tell no one," he interrupted, "I would also like to continue brewing with you."

Resigning to his fate he agreed again. He would never admit it but he had missed working with the boy. He had been a tremendous help and he was falling slightly behind with his potions making. "I will ask one thing from you in return." At Alex's quizzical look he continued, "You will take better care of yourself. None of this moping around business and you will eat correctly. If you do not comply, all agreements are off."

Smiling brilliantly, for the first time in over a week, he replied, "Yes, sir."

"Good," was his simple reply. Then he said loudly, "Dobby!"

The small house elf appeared with a loud crack, startling Alex who wasn't prepared for it. "Yes Professor Snape, what can Dobby do for you?" he asked slightly trembling.

"Would you get Mr. Barneo some chicken broth?" he asked gruffly.

"Of course sir!" he said squeaking before he disappeared with another crack.

"Eat the whole bowl Mr. Barneo. You should eat light the next few days so your body will get used to eating again. I will return with the headmaster and most likely with your friends in tow."

"Yes, sir."

XXX

Severus met Albus on the way to the headmaster's office. He simply turned around and led the way to the Room of Requirement. As they walked into the room Alex was finishing his bowl of soup, titling the bowl into his mouth, slurping the rest. Taking the bowl away from his mouth he noticed the two men walking towards him. "Hello, Headmaster."

"Good afternoon Mr. Barneo. You gave your friends quite a scare."

Looking down at his lap and scratching his head he answered, "I just wanted to be alone for a while. I didn't mean to worry anyone."

"Whether you meant to or not you did. Now, would you like to tell us what has been going on with you this past week?" Albus sat on the chair beside the bed and leaned back waiting to hear Alex's explanation.

Alex panicked when the headmaster asked for an explanation. Gazing nervously at his professor he tried to beg silently for an out. Getting no help from Professor Snape he leaned back resignedly and chewed his lip, trying to come up with something. "I guess it just finally caught up to me."

"What caught up with you?" Albus asked curiously.

Alex took a deep breath before he answered. "Being here, dealing with my mother's death, trying to trust these people I've never seen before in my life, being told I'm worthless and that I should go back to America." He said the last part raising his voice and glaring at Professor Snape. "It just became too much…" he trailed off.

"So you're saying you're simply homesick?" Severus said surprised.

"That was part of it, but you yelling at me when I was trying to apologize didn't help much either!" Alex crossed his arms and looked away from the two older men.

"Well this hardly makes me want to accompany you to America," Severus said agitatedly.

Looking at Professor Snape, Alex glared, "You already promised you would take me! Don't tell me you are going back on your word," he grit out through clenched teeth.

Rolling his eyes Severus replied. "Of course I won't go back on my word, but you are acting rather childish. Homesickness is something Hogwart's students go through as well."

"Yes, but they wanted to come here! I'm here because my school was attack and I had no choice! They aren't half the world away from their homes!"

"That is true. I'm sorry we didn't consider it sooner." Albus was enjoying the interaction between the two young men in his presence. Patting Alex's leg, he stood up. "Your friends are in the Great Hall worried about you. Go and see them and ease their worries."

"Yes, sir." Alex got up and quickly left. He really didn't want to stay around and continue to be questioned.

Albus chuckled as he watched the boy rush out of the room.

"Just what is so funny Albus?" Severus asked.

"You got out Slytherined by a boy who isn't even in your house." Albus answered with a happy glint in his eyes.

"I realize that Albus, don't add more salt to the wound." Severus was now walking to the couch in front of the fire.

"I am surprised you agreed." Albus sat down beside Severus gazing thoughtfully into the fire.

"As am I," he grumbled.

"He is a very likeable young man, Severus. He reminds me a bit of you."

Severus snorted at that ridiculous statement. "I was never likeable Albus," he said disdainfully.

"You were likeable enough for Aurora."

"Look where it got her." Severus really didn't want to talk about his late wife right now. Even after fifteen years it was still painful. "I failed her."

"No you did not. She loved you even if she was upset about your decision to spy. I probably shouldn't have asked you to do that. I should have known it would have caused a rift between the two of you." They always ended up at this point when they were talking about her.

"If I had not joined him she wouldn't have been so upset or put in such a vulnerable position!"

Sighing Albus knew this argument like the back of his hand and decided to try a different route. "Maybe, Severus, this young man is a way to make it up to her; if you feel you need to."

"What?" Severus was in disbelief that Albus would suggest such a thing.

"He has no parents and no one to take him in. You know he needs a guardian." Albus let that settle in the young man's head as he got up and left, patting a shocked Severus on the shoulder as he exited.

Severus sat for over an hour gazing into the fire. The headmaster's words replayed over and over in his mind. Aurora was the one person in his life that had loved him unconditionally. She made him want to be a better man, and for the time she was with him, he was. Only in his dreams did their time together extend. Those dreams brought him both happiness and despair. In those dreams he was happy, but once he woke up it hit him like a ton of bricks. He would never be that happy again.

When Aurora was pregnant he was constantly worried about the type of father he would be. He hoped he would be nothing like his own father, who hated him the day he was born and never let him forget it. She calmed his fears telling him there was no way he would ever be like that to their child, she simply wouldn't let him. Severus knew he would love their child like he should, he had the moment he found out she was pregnant. But, that never stopped him from worrying.

The years without her had turned him into the man he was today. He sank back into himself and gave everything he had to the Order. In the end it wasn't enough. Voldemort was only momentarily defeated and was now back in power. The years when Voldemort was gone didn't help either. He honestly didn't care about his life or his appearance, earning him the greasy git title.

Now, after all those years, Albus was asking him to be the guardian of a fifteen year old boy. He didn't know if he could do it, hell, he didn't know if he really wanted to. The boy was intelligent, he would give him that much. He was somewhat comfortable around the boy. This led Severus to wonder if Alex would even want him as a guardian. The only thing that helped him was knowing that even after he drove the boy into such a state he wanted to continue with their sessions. He would just have to think more on it before he made any decisions on the matter. Christmas break would be an excellent opportunity for Severus to see if it was something he wanted to pursue.