A/N: Hey guys, I really hope you enjoy this chapter. I had a lot of fun writing it, especially the setting for the first bit. If you do like this, please leave a review.
Chapter Six: Inner Worries
Leo jerked awake to the sound of the alarm, his eyes immediately drawn to one of the monitors on his desk. It was a simple one that monitored the body's vital signs. Right now, it showed the body was in distress. Glancing to the monitor that showed what the body was doing, he could see Olivia running around, clearly panicking, the screen darker and blurrier than normal, signifying she was dreaming. He watched for a moment to get a sense for what was going on before quickly getting to his feet.
Striding out the open door to his right, Leo crossed the deck that led out to the Out Rock, where everyone would go to front. As he approached, he could hear and see what Olivia was experiencing in her dream.
"Leo? Leo!" Olivia could be seen running in a dark forest, tripping over roots, tears streaming down her face.
"Cara, I need you on the beach," Leo called towards the water, as he slid onto the rock beside Olivia, instantly being transported into her dream.
"Olivia," Leo called softly as Olivia tripped again. "Olivia, sweetheart, I'm here. You're all right, darling. I'm here. Come here."
Olivia turned towards Leo, tears still streaming down her face. "Leo?" she asked.
Leo nodded. "I'm here," he said. "I'm right here. Come here, sweet girl."
Olivia took a few hesitant steps forward, her hands outstretched. Leo took them and pulled her towards him, while simultaneously standing up from the rock and carrying Olivia off the deck and into his office.
"You're all right," Leo soothed, as Olivia clutched at his shirt. "Shh. It's all right. You're safe. I'm here. I won't leave you. I promise. Shh, Liv. Shh."
As he soothed her, Leo crossed over to another door in his office, this one to the left of his desk. As he opened it and stepped out onto the sandy beach of the island, he was met by an athletically built woman with chestnut brown-hair, sea green eyes, and kind features.
"Leo," she greeted. "What's going on? Is everything okay?"
Leo nodded. "Everything's fine," Leo said. "Liv here just had a nightmare in the body and could do with a distraction."
"Oh, mo leanbh. What happened in your dream?"
Olivia pointed to Leo and shook her head.
"From what I could gather, she was searching for me," Leo said.
Olivia nodded. She pointed to her eyes then covered them with her hands. She then mimed feeling around for something and shook her head again.
"You were trying to find him but couldn't?" Cara guessed.
Olivia nodded.
"Oh, sweet child," Leo said, hugging Olivia close. "I won't leave you. I'm here. I will never leave. I'm always nearby. You know where to find me."
"Only because he's too stubborn to ever truly leave his office," Cara said, making Olivia smile slightly.
Leo shrugged. "James," he called. "I need you to front and wake up the body please. I'll switch with you before classes start."
"Copy that," James could be heard from Leo's office. "Does that mean I can eat bacon?"
"Eat whatever you would like, just don't get the body sick. That is the last thing we need right now."
"Got it."
"I can stay with you for a little while, how does that sound?" Leo asked Olivia.
Olivia nodded.
"James won't take the class?" Cara asked.
Leo shrugged. "It's best that I do it, seeing as how we will be in Potions, and numerous disasters can occur there."
Cara nodded. "How are you feeling about the whole thing? About the classes? The students? Everything?"
Leo shrugged. "It's a welcome change, but a change, nevertheless. I cannot say I'm entirely thrilled the staff know about us, but we have been treated with nothing but respect from them, particularly by the Head of Slytherin. He has taken it upon himself to educate himself on DID and will often share his findings with me."
"That is good," Cara said. "Remember, Leo, not everyone is going to be as harsh as you are used to."
"I know," Leo said. "That still doesn't stop me from worrying. We've all been through a lot on Haley's behalf. We don't need anything else."
"Maybe this is just what you all need—a fresh start," Cara said.
"Maybe," Leo said. "Now, let's spend some time with our dear Liv before I need to attend Potions."
Cara nodded. "How about some hot chocolate, mo storín?"
Olivia nodded.
"Where would you like to sit?"
Olivia pointed towards the water.
"Near the water?"
Olivia nodded.
"Excellent choice. Leo, bring Olivia down and I will get her and me some hot chocolate. Would you like your usual tea?"
Leo shrugged. "I could go for a cuppa."
Cara giggled as she danced away up the sandy beach and into the house.
"I don't know why she's laughing," Leo said, as he carried Olivia down by the water's edge and placed her onto the large, padded chair and sat next to her, his arm around her shoulders. Leaning back, he brought Olivia with him and rested her head on his chest, gently stroking her hair. "Are you feeling any better, darling?"
Olivia nodded slightly and held up her hands, fingers close together.
"A little?"
Olivia nodded.
"Good," Leo said. "You know I will never leave you, right? Ever."
Olivia nodded and snuggled up against Leo's side.
"Good," Leo said. "That must have been one scary dream though, eh?"
Olivia nodded.
"I'm sorry. Is me being here helping you at all?"
Olivia nodded again.
"Good. Here comes Cara," Leo said, sitting up as Cara returned with a tray of food and drinks.
"Time for yummy hot chocolate," she announced, setting the tray on a nearby small table.
"Doesn't that look good, Liv?" Leo asked Olivia, handing her a cup of hot chocolate.
Olivia nodded and took the cup, carefully drinking the warm liquid.
Leo reached over and grabbed his tea. "Cara. Where did you put your pelt?"
"The same place I always do, why?"
"I just want to make sure Chase doesn't try to take it again."
Cara shook her head. "Chase knows I can't return to the water unless I have my pelt. If he takes it again, that tells me he is in need of some one-on-one attention."
"All right," Leo said. "If you're not worried about it…"
"I'm not,' Cara said.
Leo nodded, turning towards the water as he heard splashing and spotted a familiar form swimming towards them.
The creature was a stunning female with athletic build, beach-wavy hair, sea green eyes, and tanned skin. Two pairs of golden hoop earrings sat in each ear, and a clam shell necklace hung around her neck. Her tail flicked back and forth through the water as she swam, her scales both blue and green. She was smiling as she swam, something clutched tightly in her hand.
"Over here, Jess," Cara called. "Would you like to come on land?"
"Who's all on shore?" Jess asked, her voice musical with an American accent.
"Me, Leo, and Liv," Cara called back.
Jess bobbed her head up and down, emerging from the water and onto the sand. As she did so, her scales and tail faded, replaced by thin legs. The water around her swirled rapidly, forming a bikini—the water darkening until it was no longer see-through.
"I know I've said this before, but I love watching you do that, Jess," Cara said.
Jess smiled. "I could go naked and be fine with it, but I know you can see me."
Cara laughed.
"There's a chair in front of you," Leo said.
Jess hobbled over to the chair on unsteady legs before sinking into it and leaning back.
"Care for a drink?" Cara asked. "We have hot chocolate and tea out here, but I'd be happy to bring you something else from the house."
Jess shook her head. "Any of those hard cookie things?"
"Biscuits," Leo said with a laugh.
"I'm American. They're hard ass cookies."
Leo cleared his throat. "Little ears, Jessica."
Jess scowled. "You know I hate being called Jessica."
"And you know I hate you swearing in front of the children."
Jess scowled again. "Sorry, Liv."
Olivia giggled.
"To answer your question, yes, there are some hard… cookie things."
"Just call them cookies," Jess said, accepting a biscuit from Cara.
"Cookies are softer and chewier," Leo said.
"Cookies are sweet. So are your damned biscuits, you damn Britt."
"Jessica," Leo warned.
"Do I need to teach you how to watch your language around children?" Cara asked.
Jess shrugged. "It wouldn't hurt. I'm sorry, Leo. You know I don't hang around the children that often."
Leo' nodded.
"Anyway," Jess said. "You need better names for your hard cookies. What were the ones you ate that one time? Digestive Biscuits?"
"They were good," Leo said.
"Sure," Jess said. "Well, if the body ever has trouble shi— going to the bathroom"—Jess glanced furtively at Olivia as Leo cleared his throat warningly—"then we know you can always count on Digestive Biscuits."
"Quit taking the Mick out on those," Leo said, rolling his eyes.
"If they didn't want the Mick taken out of them, they should be named something else."
Leo shook his head. "Enough of biscuits, what did you bring?"
"Oh," Jess handed Leo a large shell. "Liv, I brought you a conch shell. If you put it up to your ear, you can hear the ocean."
Leo handed the shell to Olivia. She took it and held it up to her ear, smiling.
"What do you say, Liv?" Cara asked.
Olivia put her hands together and smiled at Jess, nodding a few times.
"She says thank you," Cara said.
"You're welcome," Jess said, giving Olivia a soft smile.
Leo leaned back in the chair and closed his eyes.
"Tired?" Cara asked.
Leo shook his head. "Mentally preparing for class. How are you doing, James?"
"Doin' good, doin' good," James said. "Almost forgot the body couldn't walk though, so that was fun."
Leo groaned.
"What did he say?" Jess asked.
"He almost forgot the body couldn't walk," Leo said.
"Oh, James," Cara said with a laugh.
"Stupid James," Jess said, though she was grinning broadly. "POOR, stupid James."
Leo turned as he heard soft footsteps approaching on the sand. A little boy with blonde hair and blue eyes padded over, looking down, his eyes red and puffy.
"Hey, Chase," Cara greeted. "You still not feeling good from yesterday?"
Chase shook his head.
"Awww, poor little man," Cara said. "Would you like to come sit with us? It's Leo, Olivia, Jess, and me."
Chase shrugged.
"Would you like a hug?" Cara asked.
Chase hesitated.
"It's up to you," Cara said.
Chase nodded slightly and stepped forward.
"Can I pick you up?" Cara asked.
Chase nodded.
Cara picked up the boy and brought him close, rubbing his back.
"Leo, class is startin' soon," James called.
Leo rose from his seat and turned to Olivia. "I need to go, sweetheart. I'm sorry."
Olivia frowned but nodded.
"Chase, buddy." Leo walked over and very lightly touched Chase's shoulder to get his attention. "I know I told you this yesterday, but I'm sorry you were triggered out at dinner. You did very well with Professor Snape, and I'm proud of you."
Chase nodded slightly, acknowledging Leo's words.
"Go, Leo," Cara said. "I can take care of the children."
"I'll help," Jess said.
"Not if you keep swearing like a sailor," Leo said with a laugh.
"I'll behave," Jess said, crossing her fingers behind her back.
"I'll make sure she behaves," Cara said. "I saw that, Jessica."
Jess pouted. "Fine," she said. "If I must."
"You better," Leo said, waggling a finger at her before heading up to his office and through it to the Out Rock. As he stepped onto the deck, James stood from the rock, gesturing Leo forward. Just before he took James' place, James pulled him into a hug and clapped him on the back.
"You've got this," he said. "Don't worry."
James let go of Leo and moved to stand on the edge of the deck to watch.
"You can sit in my office to watch," Leo said.
James shook his head. "I'm goin' to be as near as I can," he said.
Leo nodded and sat on the rock, now fronting in the body.
They were seated at a desk in a large dungeon, the walls lined with glass jars of pickled animals. In one corner sat a basin with a gargoyle as a faucet. In the other corner sat a large supply closet. Severus stood in front of a large chalkboard, watching as other students filed in.
"Choose a table and pair up," he called.
"Want to be partners?" Ashley asked Leo.
Leo smiled. "Sure," he said, masking as Haley as usual.
Ashley nodded, setting her cauldron up.
"Silence," Severus called, as the chatter grew. "Welcome to Potions. You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making. As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect many of you will ever truly appreciate the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes. Nor do I expect you to understand the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind and ensnaring the senses. I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even put a stopper in death. That is, of course, if you would pay attention and stop talking!"
Severus stalked towards a red-headed first-year and glowered down at him. "Mr. Weasley. Care to share with the class what was clearly more important than my lesson?"
"No, sir," the boy said.
"Really?" Severus said silkily. He turned to the bushy-haired girl sitting next to the red-head. "You. Name."
"Hermione, sir. Hermione Granger."
"Miss Granger. What was being said that was so important?"
Hermione fidgeted in her seat. "I… Ron was…"
"Spit it out," Severus said. "Mr. Weasley felt the need to interrupt my class. Why?"
Hermione pointed to Leo. "He said she shouldn't be here, sir."
Severus briefly glanced at Leo before returning his attention to the girl. "And why might that be, Mr. Weasly?" His voice was soft yet carried a dangerous note to it.
"Well, Hermione said—"
"I did not. You were the one pointing at her."
"Because she's blind!"
"So?"
"So, how is she to do magic? Or Potions? Or anything?"
"She's not an invalid, Ronald!"
"Might as well be!"
"Silence," Severus snapped. He stalked up to the front of the class and glared out at the sea of students.
"Miss Kent is blind, not stupid," he said. "It may have escaped your notice, but she is, in fact, a witch. I was there when she was Sorted."
"Yeah, into Slytherin," Ron sneered.
"Yeah, and you were Sorted into Gryffindor, so what's that say about you, weasel," Draco said.
"Oh, shut up, Malfoy," Ron said.
"Enough," Severus snapped. "Miss Kent is a witch, and that is that. Does anyone else object to her presence in this school? If so, leave this classroom. Now."
No one moved. No one said a word.
"Mr. Weasley, you have bought yourself a weeks-worth of detention as well as lost your house twenty points."
"Twenty!" Ron cried. "Sir, that's not fair!"
"Life's not fair," Severus said. "Care to make it fifty?"
The Gryffindors shot Ron with furious glares. Ron, wisely, shook his head.
"Wise decision, Mr. Weasley," Severus said. "Now, if you all are done being insufferable brats, we have potions to brew."
That afternoon, after lunch, Leo sat with Harry and Dudley by the lake, out of earshot of other students. He was leaning back in the chair, his arms resting comfortably at his sides.
"You look exhausted," Dudley commented.
"I feel bloody drained," Leo said.
"That Potions class was—"
"Irritating," Leo finished.
Harry and Dudley nodded.
Leo groaned. "Would it be all right with you if Jess came out for a bit? She loves the water."
"Sure," the boys chorused.
"Can she see too?" Dudley asked.
Leo shook his head. "She's got a mouth on her," he warned.
"Bloody brilliant," Harry said with a laugh.
Leo laughed and stepped back, allowing Jess to front.
"Hi," Jess said. "I'm Jess."
"Hi," Dudley said. "You're American."
Jess snorted. "Thank you, Captain Obvious. Wait," she lowered her voice. "Who's around?"
"No one's near, you're okay," Harry said.
"Good, because I don't like masking as Haley. I'm not good at it."
"Some are better than others?" Dudley asked.
Jess nodded.
"Did you hear about Potions today?" Harry asked.
Jess nodded. "James told us."
"What do you think?"
Jess sighed. "Just because we're blind, doesn't mean we can't do… stuff."
"Were you about to swear?" Harry asked.
"Maybe," Jess admitted. "I'm trying to behave."
"It's not working," Dudley said.
"Dudley," Harry chided.
"It's okay," Jess said with a laugh. "I know it's not working. I have Leo right here, keeping an eye on me so I don't swear."
"Shouldn't he be resting?" Harry asked.
"Him? Rest? Cute."
"He doesn't?" Dudley asked.
"He takes his job way too seriously," Jess said. "He works so hard, and we love him for it, but he needs to give himself breaks more often. He can't yet. Not until he knows we're safe."
"Who knows?"
Harry and Dudley looked up to see Ashley walking towards them.
"Oh, no one," Harry said. "Haley's just talking about one of her friends."
"In an American accent?" Ashley asked.
"I like doing accents," Leo said, now fronting and masking.
Ashley smiled. "Accents are fun," she said, "but why were you saying we? I didn't catch all of what you were saying, and I wasn't eavesdropping, I just heard you say we."
Leo shrugged. "Sometimes I do that," he said.
Ashley nodded. "I have a cousin that does that too," she said. "They have this thing called OSDD, which means they have different people sharing the same body, and they all have different names, and some have different voices."
"OSDD?" Leo asked, confused.
"Other specified dissociative disorder," a voice said, making them all jump. Turning, they saw Severus standing there.
"What's that?" Dudley asked.
"It is similar to DID but with different criteria and sub types," Severus said.
"Yeah," Ashley said. "They have different alters but they don't have full amnesia."
"So, you know what DID is then?" Leo asked.
Ashley nodded. "My mum's a trauma specialist. She's worked with a few people with different disorders, including DID and OSDD."
Leo nodded. "And your thoughts on the disorders?"
"People with DID and OSDD are just as real and valid as anyone without them," Ashley said. "I wouldn't judge someone differently because of it. Actually, I would encourage them to be themselves. People hide it because they're afraid of being judged, but if they're in a safe place, I don't see why they shouldn't be themselves. Embrace it."
Leo smiled slightly. "Ashley?"
"Yes?"
"We have DID," Leo said quietly.
"Neat," Ashley said. "So, am I speaking with Haley, or…"
"I'm Leo," Leo said quietly, using his own voice.
"Nice to meet you, Leo," Ashley said.
"You as well, Ashley," Leo said.
"Can I ask a question?"
Leo nodded.
"Who was speaking earlier when I was coming over?"
"That was Jess," Leo said.
"And she's… American? I'm sorry if I'm asking too many questions, I've just never met anyone with DID. My cousin doesn't come around often, as they're in America."
Leo nodded. "Questions are all right," he said. "Yes, Jess is American. I am obviously British James is Southern. The rest of us are Irish."
"Neat," Ashley said. "Really neat."
"Professor, did you need something?" Dudley asked.
"Potions," Severus said simply, knowing Leo would catch the meaning of the simple word.
"We're all right, sir," Leo said. "A bit tired and frustrated but all right. We're used to people thinking we can't do anything. It would be worse if they knew about us as a system."
"If anyone talks bad about you guys, they'll have to go through me," Ashley said.
"And me," Dudley said.
"And me," Harry said.
"And the staff," Severus said.
Leo smiled slightly. "Thank you," he said quietly.
"Give it time," Severus said.
Leo nodded.
The next morning, after a somewhat restless night of rest, and a light breakfast, Leo was brought into Severus' office to meet with the new social worker.
Mary was a plump older woman with kind eyes and a gentle smile. She immediately introduced herself and addressed Leo by his name once she learned he was the one she was speaking too.
"Forgive me if I come across as aloof," Leo said. "Our last experience with a social worker from the Ministry was less than ideal."
"I heard," Mary said. "I'm sorry you had to deal with that."
"Me too."
"I heard she upset one of the children?" Mary asked.
Leo nodded. "Please don't ask to speak with them."
Mary shook her head. "I won't. I don't need to. I have Madam Pomphrey's exam. That's all the proof I need. Now, if this does end up going to trial, you may need to testify, but let's not worry about that right now, eh? This meeting is just to introduce myself and explain what's going to happen."
"What do you mean?"
"While a child is attending Hogwarts, their parents or guardians hold guardianship, as one would expect. However, during emergencies, their Head of House may step in and act as guardian on their caregiver's behalf. In situations where the child's guardians are either unable or unwilling to care for them, their Head of House is granted full guardianship during the year. During the holidays, the child may visit whomever they wish, but it must be approved by their Head of House and the Headmaster. This will continue until a place is found for the child, whether that be at Hogwarts during the winter holidays, or with friends, extended family, or an orphanage. So, you will be placed under the guardianship of Professor Snape. Around April or May, we will start looking for where you will be staying over the summer holiday, giving you time to focus on your schooling. A lot of this will happen behind the scenes. You will be informed every step of the way, but you don't need to worry about anything. Just focus on your studies and getting better, both physically and mentally. Do you think you can do that?"
Leo nodded. "What if there isn't anywhere for us to stay?" he asked. "People might not take too kindly to a child with DID."
"I will personally make sure you are placed into a good home," Mary said. "Like I said, you can stay with friends, if they allow it."
"You mentioned an orphanage."
"That is the absolute last resort, dear. Let me take care of things on your behalf, okay?"
Leo gave Mary a quizzical look.
"I'm told you are the one who helps keep the others safe?"
Leo nodded.
"Leo. You are safe now. You will never be hurt ever again. None of you. I swear on Merlin that no further harm will come to you. You have my word. I know you have no reason to trust me, and I understand that. I understand it will take time for you to fully relax, but allow me to ease your fears, even if slightly. You will never be hurt again. Let others handle things for a change. Do you think you can try that?"
"I make no promises."
Mary laughed softly. "Does that mean you will try?"
Leo nodded. "I suppose."
"Thank you," Mary said, standing. "I appreciate that. Now, I believe you have a meeting with a trauma specialist soon?"
Leo nodded.
"Right, I will have your friends come in and keep you company until she arrives. Or would you rather sit and have a chance to think?"
"You can send them in."
Mary nodded and exited. A few moments later, Harry, Dudley, and Ashley came into the office, grinning at Leo.
"How did it go?" Harry asked.
Leo shrugged. "Mary seems nice," he said.
"She is," Dudley said. "We have her too. She told us we weren't going back to the Dursley's."
"That's good," Leo said. "What do you suppose you will do for the holidays?"
"No idea," Dudley said, "but we'll figure it out. If we have somewhere, you can come stay with us if you want."
"Thank you," Leo said.
"You'll have somewhere," Ashley said. "If none of you have anywhere to stay by summer, my parents would gladly take you in. We can expand our home."
"Thank you, Ashley," Leo said, touched by the girl's sincerity.
Ashley nodded. "My mum should be here soon," she said.
"Will it be awkward for you, knowing we are seeing your mum for therapy?" Leo asked.
Ashley shook her head. "It's what she does. So what if you see her for therapy. I know not to ask her what you talk about."
"She knows that would violate client confidentiality."
"Mum!"
Ashley turned and ran over to her mother, giving the woman a hug. It was clear the two were mother and daughter, as Ashley was the spitting image of her mother, except where her mother's eyes were blue, Ashley's were brown.
"Introduce me to your friends, Ash," the woman said.
"Guys, this is my mum, Anna. Mum, this is Harry, his cousin, Dudley, and…" She trailed off, looking uncertainly at Leo.
"She knows about us, it's all right," Leo said.
"We've spoken by owl a few times," Anna said. "They know I know they have DID. Very good for being considerate of their privacy, though. Now, try that last introduction again."
Ashley smiled. "Mum, this is Leo," she said.
Anna smiled at Leo and the children. "Nice to meet you three," she said. "Now, as much as I would like to sit and have a chat with all of you, I can see Leo is ready to get started."
Leo nodded slightly.
"Come on," Ashley told Harry and Dudley. "We can play Exploding Snap in the common room."
"Wait in the Potions classroom," Severus said, stepping into view. "We may need you. Do not steal or break anything, or you will have more to worry about than losing house points."
The three nodded and scampered off, giving Leo encouraging looks as they left.
"Now then," Anna said, taking the chair in front of Leo, as Severus closed and locked the door before sitting nearby. "You know why we're here."
Leo nodded.
"Are you prepared for this?"
Leo shrugged.
"Nervous?"
"Worried."
"About Haley?"
Leo nodded. "I'm worried she won't take the news well."
"It's very common for the host to deny the DID at first," Anna said. "We'll take things slowly. Ease her into it."
Leo nodded. "Thank you. It's just... She already gets quite anxious as it is, I don't want to make things worse for her."
"You will be nearby, won't you?"
"I wouldn't leave her."
"We will do everything we can to keep her as calm as possible. If you truly feel she cannot handle it, front. However, I will ask you to wait it out and only front if it's absolutely necessary. She needs to feel and experience whatever happens."
Leo nodded. "Professor, she will recognize your voice. She was out when you came to bring us to Diagon Alley."
Severus nodded and switched seats with Anna. "How much will she remember?"
"Not much," Leo said. "I switched in when you two were leaving, and James took over to get the wand."
Severus nodded.
"Whenever you're ready, Leo," Anna said gently. "Take your time."
Leo sighed, closing his eyes and lowering his head. Inwardly, he turned on the Out Rock and called towards the house.
"Haley, I need you to front. Now."
