Chapter Eight: Adjusting

"Thank you, Cara," Haley said, as she finished the last of her banana bread.

"Of course, mo storín," Cara said. "How are you adjusting to everything?"

Haley shrugged. "I'm okay."

"What do you think of the house?"

"I love it. It's so magical."

Cara laughed. "It is. James does such a great job designing things."

Haley nodded.

"One second, Jess," Leo said. "Haley, Jess would like to ask you something."

"How?" Haley asked.

"You will hear her in your mind," Leo said. "Once someone speaks your name, it opens up a line of communication between them and that person. Once they say what they want to say, they will need a reply in order to stop hearing what's going on in here."

"So, can Jess hear us now?" Haley asked.

"No, because I answered her. I essentially hung up the phone by replying."

"What did she want to ask me?" Haley asked.

"Ask her yourself."

"Just talk?"

"Yes."

"I feel stupid. She's not in here."

"No, but she will still here you. Give it a go."

"What did you want to ask me, Jess?"

"Say her name first," Leo said. "It gets her attention and opens up the line for communication. Though now, she can hear us."

"Whoops," Haley said. "Sorry, Jess."

"It's okay."

Haley jumped. The voice was in her head! And yet, it sounded as if she was right next to her, but she knew Jess was currently fronting.

"So, what did you want to ask?" Haley asked.

"The boys and Ashley are heading down to Hagrid's and want to know if you feel up to joining them. They say if not, that's okay."

"Your voice is so pretty," Haley blurted out. "I'm sorry, but it is."

Jess laughed. "Thank you."

"Wait, so you were the one my friend from school was talking to when she thought I was mimicking her?"

"Yeah. I'm not the best at masking as you."

"What's that mean?"

"Well, no one knew about us, so we masked as you. We pretended to be you. And because I'm American, I downright failed. I didn't front much there, and I don't really front much now, so my masking skills are less than stellar."

Haley giggled.

"So, what do you say?" Jess prompted gently. "Do you feel up to going?"

"Who's Hagrid?"

"Oh, right. Hagrid's the Groundskeeper of Hogwarts. He's a really big man, but I hear he's like a giant teddy bear."

"Does he know about me having DID?"

"Since he's staff, yes."

"And he's okay with it?"

"Everyone's okay with us, Haley. From what Leo and James tell me, the staff are very understanding and try to educate themselves, so they know how to best help out."

"Oh," Haley said, surprised. "Oh, okay. Um. Leo, if I want to come back here, can I? Even if I'm visiting Hagrid?"

"Of course!" Leo said. "Haley, any time you feel uncomfortable, let one of us know and we will do what we can to help you, whether that be sitting with you while you're fronting, or bringing you back here."

Haley smiled. "Okay. Sure, I'll go to Hagrid's with everyone."

"Awesome!" Jess said. "They said they will leave once you're out and situated in the body. It might be a little disorienting, since you haven't fronted for a while, but you'll be fine."

"Thanks, Jess," Haley said, before turning to Leo.

"Ready to go?" Leo asked.

Haley nodded.

"Good luck, Haley," Cara said, smiling warmly at the child as she took Leo's arm and walked out of the room, through the house, the hallway, and into his office.

"All right," Leo said, leaning over and turning on the sound to his monitors. "Have a seat and take a moment to listen to what is going on."

Haley took a seat as she heard Harry's voice.

"What do you think, Jess?"

"I don't know. I prefer the water. Other magical creatures sounds interesting, but that sounds like something the others might like better."

Haley shook her head in disbelief. That was her voice, only it wasn't. It was her voice, she knew that, but when Jess was speaking her voice came almost musical, dropped slightly in pitch, and lost its Irish accent, being replace with an American one.

"Are you all right?" Leo asked.

Haley nodded. "That's me," she said. "That's my voice, just…"

"Different?" Leo supplied.

Haley nodded.

"We obviously have our own voices here, but when we're out there, we need to make the most of what we have and use your voice. It's a good thing you like singing. Your range isn't bad, which makes it easier for us."

"So, does everyone have a different voice?"

"Mostly," Leo said, "Though some of us simply change the pitch of the voice and keep the Irish accent."

"Interesting," Haley said.

"Are you prepared to front?" Leo asked. "It may be disorienting at first, as you can walk in here, but not out there. This will also be the first time you have fronted, under calm circumstances, after six days. Are you prepared for that?"

"I think so."

"You can do this," Leo encouraged. "You know how to communicate with me if you are struggling. Would you like me to sit with you?"

Haley nodded.

"Right, let's go."

Haley and Leo made their way out onto the deck, pausing as they approached the rock.

"Jess, I've got Haley here with me. Are you ready to switch?"

"Hang on," Jess said. "I've got Leo and Haley up here with me. I think Haley's going to switch in now."

"Take your time," Ashley said, her voice sounding clearer now.

"Thanks," Jess said, as Leo saw her turning to face them, still sitting on the rock.

"Jess, this is Haley," Leo said. "Haley, this is Jess."

"Hi," Haley said.

"Hey there, squirt," Jess said, her voice sounding in both Leo's and Haley's heads. "Ready to switch with me?"

Haley nodded.

"She can't see you nod," Leo said with a laugh.

Haley blushed.

"It's okay," Jess said. "Okay, so I'm standing from the rock now. Come forward, sit, and you'll be in the body."

"Where will you go?" Haley asked.

"I'm going back in the water, thank you very much," Jess said, and with that, dove into the sea. "Go on, Haley," she called, treading the water near the rock.

"Did she just throw herself into the ocean?" Haley asked.

"She's a siren," Leo said.

"A real siren?" Haley asked.

"Damn right I am," Jess called, as she splashed about.

Haley smiled slightly, moving forward, and taking a seat on the rock. She shifted, finding herself sitting in the wheelchair, the cast on her leg making her leg feel particularly heavy.

"Haley?" Ashley asked, her voice now right in front of her.

Haley nodded. "Where are we?" she asked, "and who's all here?"

"We're in the Potions classroom. You, me, Harry, Dudley, and Nelly."

"Who's Nelly?"

"Nelly's a house-elf." At Haley's confused expression, Ashley added, "A house-elf is, well, an elf. They work for witches and wizards, helping them with things like cleaning or taking care of people. Nelly's here to help move the wheelchair, since there's stairs in this castle. Nelly, this is Haley."

"Hello, Miss Haley," Nell said, beaming at the girl. "Nelly is delighted to finally meet you. Nell has heard a lot of good things from Leo. He is very fond of you; did you know that?"

Haley shook her head.

"Ah, Nelly, you're not supposed to reveal my secrets," Leo said with a laugh.

Haley smiled. "Nelly, Leo says you're not supposed to reveal his secrets, but he was laughing, so I think you're okay."

Nelly giggled.

"Where's Anna and Professor Snape?" Haley asked.

"They left," Harry said. "Snape knows we're heading down to Hagrid's, so no worries there."

"Professor Snape," Ashley and Leo said in unison.

Haley giggled.

"Oh, come off it, Ashley," Dudley said. "He's not here. You don't need to call him Professor Snape."

"I know," Ashley said. "Force of habit, I guess."

"What were you doing while I was with Leo?" Haley asked.

"We were trying to teach Jess how to play Exploding Snap," Dudley said. "It's a card game where the cards explode at random times. We probably should have taught her something else. She nearly got her hand singed."

Haley laughed. "I should get a deck and put braille on the cards."

"You should," Harry said excitedly. "That would be wicked, but maybe just a regular set of cards. I don't think Jess liked the cards exploding."

Haley shrugged.

"Can we go to Hagrid's now?" Dudley asked.

"Yes," Harry said. "Ready, Nelly?"

Nelly nodded.

Harry led the way out of the Potions classroom, up the dungeon steps, through the Entrance Hall, and out onto the Hogwarts grounds.

"Where does Hagrid live?" Haley asked.

"In a very, very large cabin near the Forbidden Forest," Ashley said. "Here we are."

"Hagrid," Harry called, knocking on the door.

The door opened a few seconds later and Hagrid peered out, grinning out at everyone he saw.

"Oh, Hello, Harry," he greeted. "Dudley. Ashley. Nelly. And…"

"Haley," Ashley said.

"Oh, so yer Haley?" Hagrid asked.

Haley nodded.

"Er, don' take this the wrong way, but yeh're the one with DID I was told 'bout?"

Haley nodded. "I just found out today."

"Oh, tha' must've bin rough, eh?"

Haley nodded.

"Well, no matter, yer here. I recon 's time for some tea. Come inside, all o' yeh."

Hagrid opened the door and stepped back, ushering everyone inside his large cabin.

"How 'bout some tea?" he asked, setting a large kettle of boiling water onto the table. "An' some rock cakes wouldn' be a bad idea either. Though, I'm not the best cook, so apologies in advance."

"Tea and cakes sound lovely," Ashley said, as Nelly wheeled Haley up to the table.

Harry, Dudley, and Ashley sat down and poured themselves some tea, accepting some rock cakes from Hagrid.

"Would you like some tea, Haley?" Harry asked.

"Sure," Haley said. "Have you got sugar, Hagrid?"

"I do," Hagrid said, placing it onto the table. "By yer left hand. Spoon's inside the bowl."

"Thank you. Harry, how did you meet Hagrid?"

"Dudley and I met him when we were out with Professor McGonagall," Harry said. "McGonagall was telling us about my parents when Hagrid showed up."

"Your parents?" Haley asked, confused.

"Yeh don' know Harry's story?" Hagrid asked.

Haley shook her head. "My aunt and uncle are Squibs," she said.

"Ah," Hagrid said. "Still, they never told yeh about Harry Potter? That's the most well-known story out there, that is."

Haley shook her head.

"All righ'. Yeh okay with me tellin' Haley, Harry?"

Harry nodded.

"Okay," Hagrid said. "So, there used ter be this dark wizard who used ter go by the name…" Hagrid trailed off. "Well, can't write it. Yeh can't see it. All righ', I'll say his name, but don' 'xpect me ter say it again." He gulped. "His name… was… Lord Voldemort, but I'm callin' him You-Know-Who. Everyone does.

"You-Know-Who was bad—as bad as yeh could get, and then some. 'Bout twenty years ago, he started gainin' followers. Some wanted some o' his power, others were afraid o' him. He grew stronger and stronger because o' them, slowly takin' over. Dark days, Haley. Those were very dark days.

"There was a prophecy, tha' spoke 'bout a child bein' born who would defeat You-Know-Who. Born ter parents t that' had defeated him three times before, or somethin' like tha'. There was some other specifics, but thas' no' important. Point is, You-Know-Who targeted Lilly and James Potter an' killed 'em. Then, he tried to kill Harry, who was jus' a baby at the time, and he died instead. Body was found nearby, in pieces. No one knows how Harry survived, but he did, and now he's famous because of it."

Leo let out a low whistle. "Tell Harry I'm sorry," he said.

"Wow'" Haley said, turning to Harry. "I'm sorry, Harry. So is Leo. Who do you live with now?"

"Dudley and I used to live with the Dursleys,—my aunt and uncle, his parents—but we don't anymore. They weren't the best people."

"What do you mean?"

"My dad would get really drunk and would hit Harry," Dudley said. "He'd do it even when he wasn't drunk too. He wasn't always like that. My mum died when I was seven. After that, my dad became really violent towards Harry. He never hit me, but if I upset him, he would take it out on Dudley. He tried to make me join in hurting him, but I wouldn't. That's not all of it, of course, but… We weren't close at first, Harry and me, but we are now."

"Blimey," Hagrid breathed. "An' Professor Dumbledore knows 'bout all tha, right?"

Harry and Dudley nodded.

"That was why I was in the hospital wing," Harry told Haley. "I had some injuries from Uncle Vernon's last departing beating, and hadn't eaten for a while, so I passed out while waiting to be Sorted."

"Oh, Harry," Haley said. "Dudley. I'm so sorry that happened to you. What happens now? Where will you go?"

"We're not sure," Dudley said, "but Snape's our guardian now, just like with you, Haley."

Haley shook her head. "Professor Snape's not my guardian," she said.

"Sure, he is," Dudley said.

"Leo?" Haley asked. "What's he talking about?"

"Everything's all right," Leo said. "Some things took place that resulted in Professor Snape becoming our guardian for the time being."

"Are my aunt and uncle okay?"

"They're fine. It's nothing to worry about, Haley. I promise. Everything's been taken care of."

"So…" Haley said, turning to the boys. "So, if Snape's our guardian now, does that mean you're my brothers?"

"Yeah, it does, in a way," Harry said. "I didn't think about that."

"I always wanted a sister," Dudley said.

"I always wanted a brother," Haley said. "Now I have two."

Ashley giggled.

"What's so funny?" Harry asked.

"You three," Ashley said. "I know I told you this before, but if you ever need anywhere to stay, let me know, and my parents will house you."

"That's nice of them," Haley said.

Ashley shrugged. "Common courtesy to help someone when they're in need."

"Not as common as it should be," Hagrid said. "Not as common as it should be."

Half an hour later, Haley, Harry, Dudley, Ashley, and Nelly made their way back to the castle for dinner, chatting excitedly to one another.

"It's a shame first-years can't play Quidditch," Dudley was saying. "It sounds like such a fun game! I wonder if I can convince Dumbledore to lift that rule."

"Good luck with that," Ashley said. "I'll just sit and watch, thank you."

"I'll just sit," Haley said. "The game sounds quite boring, honestly."

"It's not for everyone," Ashley said, as they entered the Great Hall and headed towards their table. "Some like it, some can't be bothered with it."

"Haley."

Haley turned at the sound of a voice, Nelly pausing as the student rushed forward.

"Hey, Haley. You might not remember me, but I'm Hermione. Hermione Granger. I want to apologize for Ron's behavior yesterday."

"It's okay," Haley said automatically, not having any idea who Ron was and why he needed apologizing for.

"It wasn't right of him to say what he did," Hermione said.

"Uh, it's fine," Haley said.

"No, it's not," Hermione insisted.

"Hermione, please," Ashley said. "We're hungry."

But it was too late. As soon as Hermione had rushed forward, others quickly followed, crowding Haley and Nelly, pushing Ashley and the others back in their hurry to move in.

"Haley, what happened to your leg?" someone asked.

"I got hurt," Haley said.

"Why are you in a wheelchair?" someone else asked.

"Is that a Muggle cast?"

"Why are you wearing a scarf inside? It's not cold."

"Is that a house-elf? How'd you get her to work for you?"

"Why weren't you at the Sorting?"

"Why'd the hat put you in Slytherin?"

"How did you even get magic when you're blind?"

"I bet you can't do any spells," Ron said. "How would you?"

"Ronald!" Hermione cried. "Stop! Everyone, stop!"

"No!" Ron cried. "Don't get me wrong, Granger, I'm not saying people can't do things, but she's blind! That's not exactly smart, is it? Why have her here? At school? With a wand? She's a danger to everyone."

"Guys, I think Haley just wants to eat," a boy said quietly.

"Shut it, Longbottom," another student said. "Nobody asked you. Hey, Haley, are you related to Rowan and Miranda Davis? They're in the paper, you know. Said they got arrested."

"Leo?" Haley thought, panic fully setting in now. "Leo, what's going on?"

"I don't know," Leo said. "I'm right here. Would you like me to switch with you?"

Haley was about to answer when a new voice spoke up.

"Back up. Give Haley some room. Come on, scram! Why you decided to crowd her is beyond me. Move along. Go back to your meals, all of you."

"Who's that?" Haley asked Leo.

"That is Professor Lupin," Leo said.

"Haley," Remus said, kneeling in front of her. Lowering his voice so only she could hear, he added, "Haley, right?"

Haley nodded slightly.

"Okay," Remus said. "I'm Professor Lupin. I'm the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher here. I'm going to have Nelly bring you to my office, okay? You seem a bit overwhelmed."

Haley nodded again, twisting her fingers together.

"Nelly, if you wouldn't mind," Remus said quietly.

"Sir," Ashley said. "Can we…"

Remus shook his head. "I need to speak with Haley right now. I will send for you three once she's eaten and calmed down a bit."

The trio nodded.

Once Nelly had brought Haley to Remus' office and set her up by his desk, Remus turned to her and smiled gratefully.

"Thank you, Nelly," he said. "I need you to wait outside, please."

"Can Nelly get Miss something to eat?" Nelly asked.

Remus nodded. "Any preference, Haley?"

"Try the steak," Leo said. "It's good."

"Steak?" Haley asked.

Nelly giggled. "Did Leo suggest that?"

Haley nodded.

"Steak it is," Nelly said and disappeared with a pop.

"Here," Remus said, rummaging in a drawer. "You could do with some chocolate."

Haley accepted the chocolate, eating it and fidgeting with the wrapper. "Thank you," she said quietly.

"Of course," Remus said. "Is there anything I can do to help your nerves settle?"

Haley shrugged. "I don't know," she said quietly. "I'm just confused."

"About what?"

"They all want to know stuff… stuff I don't even know."

"I imagine that is difficult," Remus said. "Not knowing what's happened. While I don't have DID, I can empathize in a way. How much do you know about werewolves?"

"They're wolves that turn at the full moon," Haley said.

"Yes," Remus said. "There is a potion that one suffering from lycanthropy can drink, that will allow them to keep their mental faculties in order while in their wolf form. However, when that potion is not available, the person has no recollection of what happened whilst in their wolf form. Does that make sense?"

Haley nodded.

"Why do you suppose I am telling you this?" Remus asked.

"Are you a werewolf, Professor?" Haley asked.

"I am. Are you okay with that?"

"I've never met a werewolf, so I don't know. I don't see why I wouldn't be okay with it. You're human too."

"Precisely how I feel about you with your DID," Remus said with a chuckle. "You're human. And even if you or any of your alters weren't, so what?"

"Good, because some of them aren't," Leo said.

Haley smiled. "One of them is a selkie and another's a siren."

"Fascinating," Remus said. "Have you told Hagrid? I bet he would find that interesting."

"Not yet," Haley said. "I saw him today but didn't think to tell him."

"Hagrid loves creatures of all kinds," Remus said. "I bet he's even met a selkie or siren."

"Really?"

"Definitely."

"So, they're real?"

"Very much so, yes."

"Wow!"

Remus laughed.

"Haley, darling, I know you're having a nice chat with Professor Lupin, but I need to speak with him. Would it be all right if I switched with you?"

"Okay," Haley said.

"You need to warn Professor Lupin that I'm going to front," Leo said.

"Okay, but why?"

"He's talking to you right now. It would be rude to suddenly stop that and he's now talking to me, don't you think?"

"Oh, right. Yeah." Out loud, she said, "Professor, Leo says he needs to speak with you."

"Okay," Remus said.

"Hang on," Haley said. "I still don't know how to do this."

"Take your time," Remus said, smiling gently.

"Close your eyes," Leo instructed. "Now focus until you feel the rock."

Haley concentrated and was surprised when she felt the rock beneath her. Now inside the inner world, she stood up and turned to Leo.

"James," Leo called. "Come here, please. I need you to take Haley back so she can rest."

After a few minutes, James stepped out onto the deck and approached. "Ready to go, Haley?"

Haley nodded. "Where are we going?"

"Anywhere you'd like," James said, offering an elbow.

Leo nodded to himself, moving to the spot on the rock Haley had previously occupied, opening the body's eyes as he did so.

"Hello, Professor," he said. "My name is Leo."

"Hello, Leo," Remus said. "Haley said you wanted to have a chat with me?"

Leo nodded. "I was up front with Haley when students started verbally harassing her with questions. One mentioned Haley's aunt and uncle and said they had been mentioned in the paper. What is this paper?"

"Oh," Remus said. "The Daily Prophet. I'd just gotten the evening edition but haven't read it yet. Give me a moment, and I'll see if I can find the article."

"Thank you," Leo said, as Nelly reappeared, carrying a large plate of food. "Hello, Nelly. It's Leo."

"Hello, Leo," Nell said, handing over the plate. "Is Haley okay?"

"She's all right," Leo said. "She's resting, but she's all right. She'll be bummed she didn't get to try this, but I'll make it up to her. Right now, I need to sort out the Daily Prophet apparently mentioning Haley's relative's by name."

"That's not good," Nelly said.

"No, no it is not."

"Nelly will be outside if Professor Lupin or Leo needs me."

"Thank you, Nelly," Remus said, flipping through the pages of the paper. "Ahh, Leo, here it is."

Leo looked up from his food. "Go on then."

"Last Sunday, Aurors were called to the home of two Squibs, Rowan and Miranda Davis, when a teacher arrived to check on the whereabouts of a student when they were not seen at the start-of-term feast at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, presumably missing The Hogwarts Express. A spokesperson for the Auror office states that the Davises were not alone but have not identified the witch and two wizards found with them. They did, however, state that all are being held in Azkaban on charges of neglect and severe child abuse. How these charges were brought against them, as well as if, and when, there will be a trial, is unknown. The whereabouts of the child, as well as their identity have not been released, though it is believed they are a first-year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The Headmaster of Hogwarts was unavailable for comment. Updates to this story will, of course, be brought to you as soon as they are available."

Leo shook his head and groaned. "I don't like this," he said. "I don't like this at all. People know who we are now. That student will tell their friends, and it will spread."

Remus nodded, frowning. "Unfortunately, there isn't anything I can do about that. The only thing I can do is offer you a safe space to get away from the students. Can I ask, how much does Haley know?"

"Nothing," Leo said. "We protected her from all of this. She thinks her relatives are a tad strict, but not terrible people. Oh, how wrong she is. This is going to hurt her. A lot."

Remus nodded. "I will speak with Professor Snape and inform him of what's happened. Why don't you head back to the common room and rest? I imagine you're tired."

"The body is, yes," Leo said. "Is there a warming charm that can be placed on this plate?"

"Sure, why?"

"Once we're comfortable and resting, I will have Haley come out and finish this. She likes trying new things."

"She's never had steak?"

Leo shook his head.

Remus shook his head in disbelief, took out his wand, and cast the appropriate charm. "There you go," he said. "It will remain warm and fresh for you. Nelly!"

"Leo is ready to go, sir?" Nelly asked, popping back into the room, and bowing low.

"I am," Leo said with a nod.

"I'm surprised Nelly isn't calling you Master," Remus said. "Madam Pomphrey told me she reassigned Nelly to you."

"Nelly doesn't call Leo Master, because Leo says when Nelly calls him Master, it makes him feel old," Nelly said.

"Technically, I said it makes me feel ancient," Leo told Remus, smiling.

"That is the same thing, Sir Leo," Nelly said. "Ancient and old. One just sounds more formal, and British."

Leo burst out laughing. "Sir Leo? Am I a knight now, darling?"

Nelly tilted her head. "Yes," she said. "You is a knight now."

Leo laughed. "Let's go, silly elf."

Nelly giggled.

Once Leo had been situated into their bed in their room with Nelly's assistance, he called Haley forward and switched with her.

"Do let me know if Professor Snape shows up," he told her. "I need to have a chat with James."

"Is everything okay, Leo?" Haley asked, as she took control of the body and shifted in the bed. "Wait, why am I in bed?"

"Rest," Leo said simply. "There is a plate of steak, potatoes corn, and buttered bread for you to eat. It is sitting on the bedside table."

"But what about my aunt and uncle?" Haley asked. "were they really arrested?"

"Professor Snape will explain everything to you," Leo said. "Everything's all right. Rest, Haley. You know how to reach me."

"Leo."

But Leo didn't answer.

Haley sighed. She had no idea what was going on, but she could tell it wasn't good. Though she barely knew Leo, it was obvious that he knew way more than he was letting on. It didn't really bother her though. There must be a reason for his evasiveness, right?

Then again… If her aunt and uncle had really been arrested, why? Had they done something wrong? Was it all one big misunderstanding? Were they being framed for something they didn't do? Surely that was the case. They weren't bad people.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, interrupting Haley's thoughts.

"Who is it?" she called.

"Professor Snape."