Chapter Three: Haley?
"Dissociative identity disorder?" Amelia asked. "What's that? I've heard of it but only in passing."
"It is a reaction to trauma as a means to avoid certain memories or experiences," Poppy said. "It is characterized by the presence of two or more distinctive, individual identities, commonly referred to as alters, each with their own memories, experiences, likes, dislikes, and personality. When these alters switch, there is often amnesic blackouts between them."
"So, Haley has other people in her head?" Amelia asked. "And they helped her deal with everything she's been through? That would suggest ongoing trauma then."
Poppy nodded. "I will still need to perform a full exam, but yes, it does."
"Why do we call it something different than the Muggles?" Amelia asked.
"Our understanding of DID is separate identities, not personalities. We also have observed the presence of severe dissociation when alters switched. The Muggles fail to see that. It is getting changed from MPD to DID, but there is no telling when that will happen. Personally, I like DID better."
"Why?"
"People often think MPD is when the person acts differently," Albus said. "How someone can be different at work then at home. Most don't understand that the alters are separate, individual people, not one person acting differently."
"My wife, Anna, works with children as a trauma recovery specialist," Robert said. "She has mentioned this disorder a few times."
"It might be a good idea to have her speak with Haley," Poppy said.
"I will speak with her," Robert said.
"So, what do we do about this?" Minerva asked. "Do we inform the other teachers?"
"Yes," Poppy said. "They need to know that if her behavior changes, it is nothing to worry about. Then again, DID is very covert, so they may not notice a behavioral change."
"Then how is it that we will know who we are speaking to?" Minerva asked.
Poppy shrugged. "You may not know," she said. "As I said, DID is very covert. Alters will mimic, masking as the individual in front of others, no matter how different from them they are. This keeps them safe, as the goal of DID is to protect the child from trauma."
"If these alters are distinctive people, it stands to reason each will have their own magical signature," Severus said.
"That is an excellent observation, Severus," Poppy said. She waved her wand and summoned a small stack of books from one of the top shelves of her bookcase.
Amelia leaned forward to study the title of the book. Dissociative Identity Disorder: Fact Vs. Fiction.
"Take a copy if you'd like one," Poppy said. She picked up a book and thrust it into Severus' arms "You, read this and learn. You are Haley's Head of House, and you are now responsible for helping her through this mess."
Severus nodded, flipping the book open to examine the Table of Contents.
"Might I have one, Poppy?" Albus asked. "I would like to learn more about this. It might be beneficial to offer the teachers a copy of this as well. I shall order copies for them."
Amelia leaned forward and picked up one of the books. Turning to Robert, she said, "Do you think Anna will be able to help Haley? Has she seen this before, or has she only heard of it like me?"
"She has seen this a few times, yes," Robert said. "Many think this disorder is rare, but it isn't. About three percent of the world's population have DID. That's the same percentage of people who have red hair."
"Merlin's beard," Amelia said. "So, there is hope for Haley?"
"Plenty." Robert said.
"Are there any more questions?" Poppy asked. "I must speak with Professor Babbling before tomorrow. Merlin only knows if the runes have done permanent damage. The sooner we know, the better."
"Absolutely," Robert said, getting to his feet. "Amelia and I will go. A social worker from the Department of Child Services will be stopping by some time tomorrow."
"Tell them not to expect to stay long," Poppy said. "Tomorrow will be very trying for Haley, as I still need to perform a full exam, not to mention, hopefully have the Muggle medicines I need to treat her."
Robert nodded and left with Amelia.
"Well, that's my cue to leave," Minerva said briskly, standing. "Albus, shall I inform the other professors of Haley's situation?"
"I will inform them there will be a staff meeting after classes tomorrow," Albus said. "No need to bother them tonight. You get some rest, Minerva."
"You as well, Albus," Minerva said, exiting and closing the door softly behind her.
Poppy stepped over to the fireplace and threw in a pinch of powder from a pot beside the mantle. The flames turned a bright green and rose high. Poppy sank to her knees and stuck her head into the flames, calling out, "Bathsheda Babbling's quarters."
Once her head had stopped spinning, Poppy opened her eyes and stared out into a small room in Bathsheda's quarters. She spotted a table on which sat a few neat piles of parchment before Bathsheda herself came rushing in.
"Poppy," she greeted. "To what do I owe the pleasure of seeing your head in my fireplace?"
"I have a student I need you to look at."
"A student? Why?"
"Come through and I will explain," Poppy said.
"Now?"
"Yes, it is rather urgent."
"Very well. Step aside."
Poppy withdrew her head and stood, crossing to her desk as Bathsheda came through.
"What is going on?" Bathsheda asked, spotting Albus and Severus' grim expressions.
"Severus, if you will," Poppy said, rummaging through the stack of parchments she now held.
Severus looked up from his copy of the book on DID, marking his place with a thumb. "Earlier this evening I noticed a student was not in attendance at the start-of-term feast," he began. "Miss Haley Kent, the blind first-year we were informed about. Upon realizing she was not with the other first-years, I Apparated to her place of residence, only to discover her lying in her own blood, surrounded by two wizards, a witch, and her relatives, all of whom were harming her. I removed her and brought her here. As Poppy and I were working to stabilize her, we noticed some runes carved into her skin."
"Carved?" Bathsheda covered her mouth in horror.
"Carved," Severus said. "One near the base of her neck, one on her chest, and an unfinished one connecting the two. It is our belief these runes are meant to serve a darker purpose, but neither Poppy nor I know what they mean. Haley is unable to ingest potions, which Poppy and I both recognize as having seen before, but we don't know if this relates to the runes in any way."
"Merlin's beard," Bathsheda said, sinking into an empty chair. "Who could do such a thing to a child. Runes. Carved into their skin. The poor girl."
Poppy handed Bathsheda a few photos. "I took these once Haley had been stabilized. Can you tell us anything about these?"
Bathsheda looked down at the pictures, her eyes welling with tears. Sighing softly, she stood, placing the pictures on the desk. "I need a book," she said before disappearing through the green flames.
"She's right, you know," Poppy said quietly. "It's bad enough these people felt the need to abuse this child, but to carve runes into her—runes that will no doubt scar— is twisted. I hope the people who did this are confined to Azkaban for the rest of their miserable lives."
Severus couldn't have agreed more. He knew better than anyone how much abused children affected Poppy. The Healer was firm but held a kindness for the ones she cared for that rivaled the kindest Hufflepuff, especially when it came to abused children. He ought to know.
Bathsheda returned through the fireplace, clutching a thick book in her hand. Without saying a word, she set it on the table and flipped it open, scanning the various pages of runes, glancing at the pictures beside her to check them against the book. Her face was set in a determined scowl as she worked, taking notes with the quill and parchment Poppy handed her.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" Poppy asked.
Bathsheda shook her head. "This will take some time," she said. "I think I understand what has been done, but I need to verify some things."
"Very well," Poppy said, pulling out a sheet of parchment and grabbing another quill. She scrawled out something, then rolled the parchment up and sealed it. Once all was done, she called, "Nelly."
With a small pop, another elf appeared, this one with much longer hair than Roddy's.
"Nelly, I need you to take this to the Owlery and give it to one of the owls. They will know where to go."
Nelly nodded and took the paper disappearing with a soft pop.
"Now that is done, I will check on the children," Poppy said.
"Children?" Bathsheda asked, glancing up from the book.
"She is not the only child that has been brought to the hospital wing tonight," Poppy said simply, striding out of her office and heading over to the beds.
Harry was just closing a book and looked up as Poppy approached. "Sorry, Madam Pomfrey," he said, voice low. "I couldn't sleep and found a book to read from the shelf. I hope that's okay?"
"That's all right," Poppy said. "It is never a bad thing to want to read. You are more than welcome to peruse the bookshelves and read whatever you fancy. Did the book do the trick? Are you tired now? I can take the book for you. You may continue it in the morning."
Harry nodded and handed the book over, pulling the blankets up to his chin and settling back. "Madam Pomfrey?"
"Yes, Mr. Potter?"
"What if I can't sleep?"
"What do you mean?"
"Sometimes I remember things. Things that… happened to me. I don't want to."
Poppy smiled gently. "Mr. Potter, if you find yourself unable to sleep, come and fetch me, and I will give you a sleeping potion."
"Thanks," Harry said softly and closed his eyes.
"Any time, Mr. Potter," Poppy said, as she placed the book back onto the shelf. "It's about time you are cared for like the child you are. Anything you need, you let me know."
Dudley was fast asleep, snoring softly, one arm hanging out from under the covers. Poppy gently covered the offending arm, pausing at the brave child, before continuing to the final child in her care.
Haley was seated on the bed, fists clenched, jaw tight. She looked up as Poppy brushed through the curtains that still hung around the bed and spoke.
"Are you all right, dear?"
Haley nodded.
"Can't sleep?"
Haley shook her head.
"Is there anything I can do to help? You seem tense."
"I'm okay," Haley said. "Just trying to relax."
"All right," Poppy said. "If you're sure."
Haley nodded and looked up as Severus entered the enclosed area.
"Professor Babbling needs to speak with you," he said, glancing to Haley. "It may be wise to bring Miss Kent in as well, as this does concern her."
Poppy nodded. "Give us a few," she said. "I need to immobilize Miss Kent's leg first."
"Very well," Severus said and retreated, glancing at Haley as he went.
"Is everything okay?" Haley asked.
"Everything is fine," Poppy said. "Professor Babbling is the Ancient Runes professor here. She is going to help us help you. Nothing to worry about, I promise. Now, I need to put a cast on your leg. Do you have a preferred color?"
Haley shrugged. "What are the colors for Slytherin?"
"Green and silver."
"Can I have that?"
"Certainly. A lovely choice if I do say so myself. Now, how is your pain?"
"It's starting to come back," Haley admitted.
"Right," Poppy said, waving her wand over Haley's leg. "It does need a refresher every few hours. We will get you Muggle pain remedies, as I explained earlier. I have sent in for an order, and it should be here tomorrow. Until then, I will refresh the Numbing Charm as often as needed. Please don't hesitate to tell me if it wears off early."
Haley nodded.
"Your cast is set. I will show you how to use crutches once your leg is on the mend, but for now…" Poppy conjured a wheelchair and patted the seat. "I will wheel you into my office. Would you like some help?"
Haley shook her head, carefully scooting into the chair as Poppy held it steady. Once she was situated with a blanket on her lap, Poppy wheeled her out of the curtained area and into her office.
"Ah, Haley," Albus greeted, upon seeing the small child. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay," Haley said.
"Not in any pain, I hope?"
Haley shook her head, smiling a little at Poppy, who gave the child a gentle smile in return.
"Excellent," Albus said. "That is excellent. Haley, this is Professor Babbling, our runes expert. Professor, this is Miss Haley Kent."
"Hello there, dear," Bathsheda greeted. "It is a pleasure to meet you. I only wish it were under different circumstances."
"What do you mean?" Haley asked. "What circumstances?"
"Haley." Poppy knelt in front of the wheelchair and placed a hand over Haley's. "The cuts on your neck and chest. They're runes. And they have a purpose. A dark one, unfortunately. We needed to bring in Professor Babbling to help us figure out what they mean and if, and how, we can best help you."
Haley looked away for a second and closed her eyes. After a few moments, she looked towards Bathsheda. "What do they mean?" she asked quietly.
"Well, there are three runes. One is at the base of your neck and is called Ansuz. It looks like an F… Sorry. I forgot. Madam Pomfrey if you wouldn't mind showing Haley what I am describing?"
Poppy nodded and flipped Haley's hand over to draw with her finger as Bathsheda continued.
"The side lines on an F are normally straight, however, on this rune, the lines slant down. The next is a few inches down, near your heart. This is called Uruz and looks like two lines side by side. The second one is shorter, and there is a third line running from the top of the first to the top of the second, also at a slant. The third rune, now, that was tricky at first. I believe it to be Tiwaz, which looks like an arrow pointing upwards. It is a good thing it wasn't completed. A very good thing indeed."
"Why?" Poppy asked.
"Had this rune been completed, it would have drained Haley of her magic completely. As it is, it is draining her magic now, albeit slower than it would, had it been finished. Haley, I have made you a charm that will temporarily stop the effects of the runes. However, keep in mind, this is temporary. The charm you need will need to be specially crafted. For now, this will do. You may need to restrict your use of magic, but I'm sure that can be worked out."
Poppy nodded.
"This rune is called Mannaz, and, as you will feel in a moment, it has two lines side by side with an X connecting the two at the top." Bathsheda held up a chain and handed it to Poppy, who took it and stood.
"Haley, may I help you put on the necklace?"
Haley nodded and moved her hair out of the way as Poppy fastened the necklace, the charm resting over the third rune carved into her skin.
"I apologize for the weight," Bathsheda said. "The charm needs to stay in place, so that it can do its work."
"It's okay," Haley said. "I like it."
"Thank you very much, Professor," Albus said, giving Bathsheda a warm smile. "I believe that is all we need from you for now, unless Haley has any questions?"
Haley shook her head.
"Right then," Bathsheda said. "I will send an owl to Gringotts and see if we can't get work started on that charm. You take care, Haley. Should you have any questions about the runes, you are more than welcome to stop by my office any time."
"Thank you," Haley said, fingering the charm around her neck.
Silence fell in the room, each occupant lost in their own thoughts. Poppy straightened the papers on her desk, gathering the photos and placing them into a file she knew would grow, and fast, especially after the exam she would need to conduct tomorrow.
"Will I have to go back?" Haley asked, breaking the silence.
"Back where?" Poppy asked, looking up from her work.
"Back there," Haley said. "To my aunt and uncle."
"No, of course not, dear," Poppy said. "Why would you think that?"
"I can't do magic," Haley said.
"No, my dear girl," Albus said. "You will be able to do magic, it meerely needs to be monitored. You will never be going back there. Ever. We will make sure of that."
"Agreed," Poppy said. "You are safe now. Safe here. We will figure out a schedule for you that will allow you to benefit from a magical education without draining you. Everything will work out, don't you worry."
Haley nodded slightly.
"Now that we are on the subject of your classes," Albus said, "there is something we would like to discuss with you, if we may?"
Haley nodded.
"When you were being Sorted, do you remember what the hat said?"
Haley shook her head.
"It said you had multiple people in your head."
"That's not possible," Haley said.
"Oh, but it is," Albus said gently. "It is called dissociative identity disorder. It is a condition where a child's mind cannot cope with the trauma that is occurring, so creates different identities, or alters, who would be better equipped to help the child deal with the trauma. This usually means there is amnesia in the child's mind, where they cannot remember portions of their life, be that hours, days, or longer. This is because that part of their life may well have been traumatic, and another alter was out, keeping that child safe from experiencing whatever was happening at that time."
"Interesting," Haley said.
"Have you experienced lapses in your memory?"
Haley shook her head.
"Then why do you think the hat spoke of multiple people?"
Haley shrugged. "The hat doesn't know what it was talking about. It's a hat."
"A very intelligent hat," Albus said. "It has heard and seen a lot. It can see inside your mind. I assure you, it knows what it is talking about."
Haley shook her head again.
"Haley, it's true," Poppy said softly. "We aren't saying this to try to frighten or upset you. We want to help you."
"There aren't any other people in—"
Haley was interrupted as a small package came flying towards her. She snatched it out of midair and turned to glare fiercely at Severus, who had been standing against the wall but now stood a few feet away, wand outstretched in his hand, looking both apologetic and curious.
"Severus Snape, what on Earth were you thinking!" Poppy cried.
Severus didn't respond. He held Haley's glare, approaching slowly, hands outstretched, eyed suspiciously by the child. Slowly and deliberately, he knelt in front of her and lightly touched her hand.
"Child, listen to me. We know you have DID. We are not trying to upset you."
"You threw this," Haley said, holding up the package. "Why? What is this anyway?"
"Herbs," Severus said simply. "I apologize for upsetting you. I knew, however, that if I did nothing, you would continue denying what we already know to be true. It wasn't my intention to frighten you. As you saw, my wand was in my hand. That package would not have hit you. I would have made sure of it. It would have landed on the desk, had you not grabbed it. You can see. Haley can't. Who am I speaking with?"
Haley stared at Severus, unmoving. Poppy and Albus exchanged curious glances but quickly returned their attention to Haley.
"Trust me," Severus said, voice quiet. "I am your Head of House. I have no reason to harm you. Yes, it was quite foolish to throw something your way, and again, I do apologize for that. I want to help you. WE want to help you. We are not here to judge, harm, or otherwise upset you or anyone in your… system, as I believe it is called, if that book is anything to go by."
Poppy nodded. "You read it?"
"I skimmed it," Severus said. "Enough to know that it is often the primary protector who will front when feeling threatened. I suspected when I came to collect you and "Haley", given what she has been through, but had no idea this alter could see, until I caught them glancing at your portrait. I understand you have now been thrown into a situation where you may very well wish to remain silent. That is your choice. However, I would rather not call you Haley if that is not your name."
Haley sat back for a few moments, clearly debating what to do. The others waited patiently, knowing it was her choice, and hers alone, whether she disclosed who she was. When she finally did speak, her voice was much lower in pitch, and rather than Haley's lilting Irish brogue, it was a smooth, male, English voice that spoke.
"My name is Leo. It's my job to keep Haley safe. What you did was stupid, and I don't like it, no matter how many times James tells me you're right. Yes, I would have kept denying what you call DID. You were right there, and I don't like that. However, James seems to trust you, though if only slightly. I trust his judge of character. I would be stupid not to. I am not, however, without manners, despite what you might think. Diagon Alley being one example." Leo extended his hand. "Hello, Professor Snape."
