A/N: I am so sorry for the long wait. I've had some things going on, but hopefully this long chapter will make up for the delay. Enjoy. As always, reviews are appreciated.
Chapter Nine: Shattered Illusions
Professor Snape? Why was he here? What did he want? Did he need to talk to Leo?
Leo, oh, right. Leo wanted to know when Professor Snape had arrived. Had he known he was coming? Why hadn't he said anything? What was going on?
"Leo," Haley called inside her mind. "Leo, Professor Snape's here."
"Haley?" came Professor Snape's voice said from outside the room door.
"Sorry," Haley called, forgetting that she hadn't even invited the man in. That was rude of her! "You can come in, Professor."
The door opened and Severus entered, closing the door, and stepping into the room. "Am I speaking to Haley?" he asked.
Haley nodded.
"I'm here," Leo said.
"Why weren't you answering me?" Haley asked him.
"I needed to speak with James. I'm sorry."
"But I don't know what's going on. My aunt and uncle. Were they really arrested? Why? What aren't you telling me?"
"It would be best for Professor Snape to explain things," Leo said.
"But why? You're the one in my head. You know what happened. I know you do. Why won't you just tell me."
"It is my job to keep you safe from the details of what occurred."
"What does that even mean?"
"Suffice it to say, some things took place that were less than pleasant.""
"What do you mean?"
"I cannot say."
"Leo!"
"I'm sorry."
"You know what happened."
"I do."
"So, just tell me then."
"I can't."
"Why?"
"Haley, my job is to keep you safe and unaware of what took place. If I tell you, you become aware."
"But I want to know. Everyone thinks they've been arrested and that they hurt me. They didn't. They're good people, Leo."
"Haley, are you all right?"
Haley blinked. She had been so lost in the mental conversation between herself and Leo, she hadn't noticed Professor Snape trying to talk to her.
"Sorry, Professor," she said. "Leo's nearby and I'm just… What's going on? What happened with my aunt and uncle? Why were they arrested? Is it true? Why do people know about it? What happened in the hospital wing? Why was I there for four days? I don't like not knowing. It's scary, and no one's answering anything, not even Leo."
"Haley," Severus said, voice firm but gentle. "Stop. Look at me. Breathe. You're going to work yourself up into a panic attack, and you have already had quite the long day. I will explain things momentarily, but right now, breathe. Eat. You have food next to you that you have clearly not touched."
"I'm not hungry."
Severus rolled his eyes. "Regardless, you need to eat."
"I can't."
"Try."
Haley sighed and pulled herself up into a sitting position with great difficulty before reaching out, grabbing the plate of food, then leaned against the headboard, plate on her lap. Picking up the fork, she speared a piece of steak and brought it to her mouth. It was good, there was no denying that, but she could barely taste it. She was too distracted by the possibility that her aunt and uncle were in jail, likely for something they didn't do.
Severus crossed the room and pulled out Haley's desk chair, watching the small child eat. He knew this was not going to be easy on her. He couldn't imagine believing one thing about your family, only to find it was false. He had known his family was bad. She didn't.
"Haley," he said, pulling the chair up to the side of the bed. "I need to discuss some things with you. Is Leo still nearby?"
Haley nodded. "Why?"
"As an extra measure of security," Severus said.
"I don't understand."
Severus sighed. "Professor Lupin informed me of what had happened earlier in the Great Hall with the students. He informed me that the students had been hurling questions at you, and one mentioned your relatives."
Haley nodded. "They said they were arrested."
"Yes," Severus said. "They were."
"For what? They couldn't have done anything. They're good people. They aren't bad. There's no way they could be bad. They're so nice! The best people ever! They would never do anything bad. They've never hurt me. I wasn't neglected. I wasn't abused. My aunt and uncle love me and care about me very much. We went on trips, and on holiday, and out to dinners, and everything. They even got me music lessons. They raised me. They took care of me. They love me. The people that arrested them are wrong. Wrong!"
"Haley," Severus said, voice again firm but gentle. "Listen to me. You are working yourself up into a panic. Take some deep breaths. I will explain things the best I can shortly, but you need to breathe."
Haley shook her head. "They aren't bad, Professor. Please. You have to believe me. They aren't bad. They've never hurt me. I would remember that. Wait, would I? Would I remember that? I don't remember a lot. So maybe they were bad? But no, that can't be. They would never hurt me. They love me. They told me all the time that they did. But then why can't I remember parts of when I was younger?"
"Haley," Severus said again.
"There's no way they could have hurt me, is there? Is there? I don't know what to think any more. I'm so confused. And scared."
Leaning forward, Severus gently pried the fork from Haley's grip and set the food back onto the table. Keeping his distance, he took both of Haley's hands into his own and squeezed.
Haley shifted slightly, not pulling away but not drawing nearer either. She shook her head, calling out to Leo as she did so, "Leo? This isn't true."
"Shh," Leo soothed. "Haley, shh."
"Tell me it's not true."
"I can't."
"Why?"
"Because it's true, Haley, but please, take a moment and breathe. Slowly."
Haley shook her head again, eyes wide with panic.
"Breathe," Severus said. "One. Two. Three. Four. Slow your breathing, Haley. Look at me. Look up. One. Two. Three. Four."
"But I don't understand," Haley said, fidgeting, her breathing picking up. "They seemed so good. They were so nice. But they aren't? They weren't? I don't understand."
"Stop trying to talk," Severus said. "Focus. Focus on my voice. Breathe. Again. One. Two. Three. Four."
As Severus counted out loud, Leo echoed his words, doing his best to help Haley calm down internally, sending her waves of calm, as they sat on the rock.
"What did they do to me?" Haley asked quietly, once she had calmed somewhat. "Why don't I remember? Is it because of the DID? The others?"
"Yes," Severus said simply. "They protected you from everything you went through. As for what was done to you, I will not go into detail. One, I do not know who could be triggered forward by doing so. Two, that will come in time, with therapy."
"But they aren't bad people," Haley said helplessly.
"Haley, I cannot say what they were like when you were growing up but based off of what I saw when I visited, as well as what I read in Madam Pomphrey's notes of your exam, they were not kind."
"I don't understand," Haley said quietly. "They're being framed. I think that's the word."
"No. Haley, I saw what they had done to you first-hand, as I was the one to remove you from the home. You were injured, and badly, but that is all I will say on that."
Haley pulled one of her hands out of Severus' to touch the cast on her leg.
"They did this?" she asked, voice soft.
"They or one of the others with them," Severus said with a nod.
Haley shook her head. "Why?"
"I don't know, but they have been arrested."
"They weren't alone when you came to get me?"
"No."
"Who were the others?"
"I don't know."
Haley sighed. "I…" She shook her head again.
Severus leaned over and gently took Haley's hand into his own once more, not saying anything further, giving her time to process things.
Haley closed her eyes and lowered her head. It was true, then. Her aunt and uncle—people she loved dearly, people who had been nothing but kind to her, people who had raised her since she was six—had hurt her. They'd laid their hands on her. They had harmed her to the point that she needed to wear a cast and a magical necklace to recover. The people that had fed her, clothed her, and taken her places, were not as nice as she had thought.
"Leo, I want to go back," Haley said, as she fought back tears.
"All right," Leo said gently. "Do you need me to switch you out, or can you do it yourself?"
"I can't focus."
"All right."
Leo stood from the rock, bringing Haley with him, calling out to James as he did so.
"James, I need you on the deck, please."
"I'm here," James said, seconds later, as he exited Leo's office. "I was watchin'. Come here, Haley."
Leo passed off a now crying Haley to James, kissed the top of her head, then took the front, opening the body's eyes and lifting the head.
"It's Leo," he said quietly. "Haley's having trouble processing everything."
Severus nodded, releasing the hands he had been holding. "I presumed you or one of the others would front at some, point," he said.
Leo nodded. Spotting the plate of food out of the corner of his eye, he picked it up and set it on his lap.
"Eat," Severus said.
"You don't need to tell me twice," Leo said. "The body is absolutely exhausted and could do with some protein. I don't know when Haley will want to front next, but I would not be surprised if she remained subdued when she does."
Severus nodded.
"She should not have had to find out the way that she did," Leo said. "Abruptly. The same day she found out about us. Finding out because students couldn't be bothered to keep their mouths shut and instead, decided to bombard a child with questions until she nearly broke down."
"Unfortunately, there is nothing that can be done for incompetent students except avoid them," Severus said. "Professor Lupin has already offered you a safe place, should you need to escape the monotony of students. I shall do the same, though add that I would like to meet weekly with you."
Leo looked up, confused. "Why? We already have a therapist."
Severus shook his head. "I am your guardian now, and despite what you are all used to, I take that very seriously. I cannot say I am one for cuddles and physical affection, nor am I known for my kind disposition, however, when a child has been placed into my care as my ward, I do look after them and offer what aid I can. You need a safe space where you can be you. Where Jess can be Jess, within reason."
Leo snorted.
"Your littles need a safe place where they can be themselves without fear of judgement."
"Littles?" Leo asked.
"The term of a child alter, typically under the age of ten."
"Then what the bloody hell is Chase."
"What do you mean?"
"Chase can go from a child, around five or six, to a teen, around fifteen."
"An age-slider," Severus said.
Leo nodded.
"You need a break," Severus said abruptly.
"Pardon?"
"You need a break," Severus repeated. "You look exhausted, and I can see that it has nothing to do with the body's exhaustion."
"I am quite tired," Leo said. "It's been a long day."
"It's not just today that's tired you," Severus said.
"No, I suppose not," Leo said. "Keeping Haley safe. Witnessing everything that was done to her—to this body—sometimes first-hand… It drains you. Too much has happened to us, most of which has left no visible scaring."
"The deepest wounds are the ones that cannot be seen."
"You sound like you have experience."
Severus' lips twitched. "Perhaps."
"There's a story," Leo said.
"Perhaps," Severus said again, standing. "Eat. Rest. Sleep. We will set up a time to meet later."
Leo nodded and tucked into his food.
Severus exited the room and headed out to the common room, approaching Ashley, Harry, and Dudley.
"Is she okay?" Ashley asked.
Severus shrugged, cast a privacy charm so they could not be overheard by others, and said, "Leo is out. Haley is recovering inside."
"How did she take the news?" Dudley asked.
"How do you think?" Severus asked exasperatedly. "She just found out the people she loved and cared for had hurt her bad enough to warrant a cast and four days in the hospital wing."
Dudley nodded. "Poor Haley," he said.
"Yeah," Ashley and Harry said.
"Can I go in?" Ashley asked. "I can bring Oscar. Leo likes cats."
Severus nodded, removed the privacy charm, turned, and walked out of the common room, through the castle, and up to the Owlery.
He wished things were just a little easier for Haley and her system. He knew the next few days were going to be trying on all of them. He expected Haley to not front for a while, but for how long, he didn't know. For now, the best course of action was to send a letter to Anna and informer her of what had happened.
Reaching the Owlery, Severus grabbed a roll of parchment, ink, and a quill from the table near the door and began to write the letter.
Anna,
Due to recent events, it may be advisable to schedule an earlier time to meet with Haley and her system. If you have not seen the evening's edition of the Daily Prophet, I advise you to get a copy and have a look. They have written an article mentioning Haley's relatives by name, and state they are being held on charges of neglect and severe child abuse.
When Haley had entered the Great Hall this evening, students crowded her, demanding answers, one of which was to the question: Are you related to the Davises?
I spoke with her about this and broke the unfortunate news that her relatives were indeed arrested, and that they were not the wonderful people she believed them to be. It is clear to me, in speaking with her, she thought very highly of them before this occurrence. As expected, she did not take the news well, and is currently in the inner world, processing everything, according to Leo.
I will keep an eye on her, as will the rest of the staff, but we are not versed in aiding her in processing such shattering illusions and the severe emotions that come with them.
I have asked Leo to visit with me weekly, so that I may get to know everyone in the system, as well as establishing a safe space for them to be themselves. Should anything occur in these meetings that is worrisome or in any way unusual, I will, of course, inform you.
Do let me know if there is an earlier time you can meet with Haley's system, or if there is anything that needs to be done in the meantime.
S. Snape
Severus rolled up the scroll of parchment and handed it to a nearby owl, before departing the Owlery and heading down to his office to grade essays. As he sat, scowling down at a fifth-year's work, his mind drifted back to the little girl he had been assigned guardianship over.
He realized he didn't know why Haley had been living with her relatives. Had she had loving parents that could no longer take care of her? Were her parents worse than her relatives? Perhaps her parents were even part of the group that had been hurting her when he had arrived to check on her? Were her parents even alive?
Regardless of why she was living with her relatives, how did Haley become blind? Leo could see, as could James, though not as well. In order for that to happen, the eyes could not be damaged. The brain, however, could. Meaning Haley may be blind, but it was more than likely psychological or neurological. But then that raised the questions: Which was it, and why?
Sighing heavily, Severus laid down his quill, frowning at the empty bottle of red ink beside him, and stood. Crossing to one of his cupboards, he pulled out a new bottle of ink. As he grabbed it, he noted the bottle of Olden's Old Firewhiskey nestled in the back of the cupboard and made a mental note to ask Leo if there was any trauma associated with alcohol, so that he was aware whether or not he needed to get rid of it.
Not that he, personally, drank. In truth, the Firewhiskey was kept for emergencies. Like when Remus had come to his office—before Severus had gotten ahold of the recipe for the Wolfsbane Potion—upset to find blood on his clothes after a transformation, and had been worried he had harmed someone, only to discover he had hurt himself. Again.
Severus had brewed him a strong cup of tea and had poured in some Firewhiskey to give him the courage he needed to face the rest of that day, as it was only morning when Remus had come to him, and he had been in one hell of a low mood. It had worked, and ever since, Severus had kept a bottle of Firewhiskey in his stores, should anything like that happen again.
Severus peered around his office as he made his way back to his desk. It was not exactly the most inviting place to hold weekly meetings, let alone with possible children younger than Hogwarts age. He would need to get things for everyone—books, stuffed animals, snacks—anything that might make Haley and her alters feel welcome.
If anyone had told him he would be given guardianship over a child that had DID, Severus would have scoffed, claiming that the disorder was too rare for that to happen. In his research, however, he had learned that DID was not as rare as people liked to believe. It was more hidden because people were afraid of being judged. Well, if he had anything to say about it, Haley and her alters were free to be themselves in his presence, so long as they felt comfortable enough to do so.
The next morning, Severus entered the Great Hall to see Haley, (or whoever was out), sitting in the wheelchair at the Slytherin table. Striding over, he brushed past the other students and lightly drummed the table with his fingernails to get the fronting alter's attention.
"Meet with me in my office after you have finished eating," he told them.
As Severus left the Slytherin table and headed towards the staff table, he paused by one of his snakes and lightly smacked them on the back of the head with the copy of yesterday's evening edition of the Daily Prophet he held.
"What was that for?" the boy asked.
"Stop staring," Severus snapped, as he had caught the boy staring at Haley only moments before.
"But sir, have you seen yesterday's paper?"
"The Prophet is known to publish lies," Severus said, "especially when it concerns people and their lives. Don't believe everything you read, lest you become unemployed and on the streets."
And with that, Severus marched up to the staff table and sat down between Albus and Remus.
"Well, you look positively miffed," Remus said.
"Have you not seen yesterday's evening edition of the paper, Albus?" Severus asked, ignoring Remus' comment. "Page twelve."
Albus shook his head. "I tend to glance at the front page and leave it at that."
Severus opened the paper to the appropriate page and handed it to Albus before poured himself a glass of orange juice.
"Oh," Albus said, shaking his head, folding up the paper, and setting it down beside his plate. "That is not good. I assume you spoke with Haley about this?"
"I did."
"How did it go?" Remus asked. "By your expression, I would guess she didn't take the news well."
"Would you?"
Remus shook his head.
"Leo is uncertain as to how long Haley will remain inside, but he warned us she may well be reserved and distant when she next fronts."
"As would be expected," Albus said.
Severus nodded. "I have arranged a meeting with the system after breakfast, which will become a weekly occurrence, so that I may get to know those that wish to be known."
"A wise decision," Albus said.
Severus rolled his eyes. As if he would do anything else. What did the old man take him for, a fool?
"Is there anything we can do to help Haley?" Remus asked.
"Give her space if she needs it," Severus said simply. "Allow her to talk if she wishes to, but don't force her. I have already sent an owl to her specialist, and she has set a time to meet for Tuesday, rather than Thursday, as was previously planned."
"You're taking this very seriously," Albus commented.
"Of course, I take this very seriously," Severus snapped. "Haley and her system have no one. Mr. Potter and Mr. Dursley will soon have Remus and Sirius if they don't already."
"I was meaning to speak with them about that today," Remus said. "Do you think it would be too soon?"
Severus shook his head. "They could do with some good news," he said simply. "Albus, what do you know of Haley's parents?"
"Miss Kent," Albus corrected.
"Pardon?"
"You keep calling her by her first name."
"And? Is that a crime now?"
"No. I merely wish to point out that—"
"Her alters have first names. Haley is considered an alter. It would be rude to call her by her surname, and subject the others to that same surname, if they do not wish to go by it, therefore, I will call her Haley, unless I am in the company of other students."
Albus nodded. "In regard to Haley's parents, I don't know anything, why?"
"I am trying to understand why she was placed with her aunt and uncle to begin with."
"Why not just ask Leo?" Pomona Sprout said, leaning over to join the conversation.
"Because I would rather not ask questions that may trigger trauma memories," Severus said.
"Ah," Pomona said. "I didn't know that simply talking about it could release memories."
"Sometimes, yes."
"Interesting."
"Do you think you will properly introduce the boys to Sirius today?" Albus asked Remus.
"Possibly," Remus said. "I will at least explain things to them."
Severus tuned out the rest of the conversation, focusing on his meal. Once he had finished, he rose, and retired to his office, waiting for Haley—or whoever was out—to arrive.
"Enter," Severus called, as a knock sounded at his door half an hour later.
Nelly entered, maneuvering Haley's wheelchair into the office and up to Severus' desk.
"It's James, sir," came the answer before Severus could ask. "Leo's busy with Haley."
"How is she doing?" Severus asked, laying down his quill, giving his full attention to James.
James shrugged.
"Your meeting with Anna has been rescheduled for Tuesday," Severus said.
James nodded.
"Nelly will be helping Madam Pomphrey if anybody is needing her," Nelly said before disappearing with the familiar pop.
"She's one hell of an elf," James said. "We all adore her."
"Good," Severus said. "To my knowledge, she feels the same about you."
James nodded. "Leo and I were talkin' last night. We decided it would be a good idea to introduce you to everyone, if you want to meet them, of course."
Severus nodded. "I am willing to meet anyone that wishes to be met," he said.
"Perfect," James said. "I've got Olivia up here. She would like to meet you, but be warned, she is, as you might have guessed, one of our trauma holders."
Severus nodded. After a few moments, James' calm expression was placed by a hesitant smile.
"Olivia?" Severus asked.
Olivia nodded.
Severus rose from his desk and crouched in front of the child, so as to be at her eye level. "Do you remember who I am?" he asked.
Olivia nodded.
"How old are you?"
Olivia held up four fingers.
"Four?"
Olivia nodded.
"Can you see?"
Olivia shook her head.
"Do you have a favorite color?"
Olivia shook her head again.
"What do you like to do for fun?"
Olivia tilted her head. She shifted in her seat and moved her hands, looking frustrated.
"Can you speak?" Severus asked.
Olivia shook her head.
"Do you like to play?"
Olivia nodded.
"What kinds of things do you like to play with? Do you have toys in the inner world?"
A nod.
"Dolls?"
Another nod.
"Stuffed animals?"
Another nod.
"Is there anything you would like to own, so that you can feel most comfortable when fronting?"
Olivia shrugged.
"Try this. Feel around for textures you find comforting, and when you find them, nod. Can you do that?"
Olivia nodded. She felt around until she accidentally touched Severus' hair. She quickly pulled her hand back and looked away.
"You're fine," Severus said. "It was an accident. You're okay, Olivia. I'm not angry."
Olivia looked at him, surprised, then nodded.
"What is the nod for?" Severus asked.
Olivia reached out hesitantly and touched Severus hair again, then her own.
"You like hair?" Severus asked.
Olivia nodded, then touched her clothes, partially removing her sweater before putting it on again.
"Hair and clothes," Severus said. "Would you like a doll or a sweater?"
Olivia nodded.
Severus nodded and grabbed quill and parchment from his desk to make a notation. He had no idea how many alters Haley had, but he knew he needed to remember as much as possible about each and every one of them.
"Is there anything else you would like?" Severus asked.
Olivia shook her head then looked away.
"Olivia?" Severus asked. "Are you okay?"
"It's James," came the reply, looking back at Severus. "Olivia wanted to go back. Did you have any more questions for her?"
Severus shook his head. "If I think of anything, I will ask you, or one of the others."
James nodded. "I'm goin' to have Chase front now. Don't let him have anythin' sharp."
"Why?" Severus asked.
"Because, I apparently can't be trusted with sharp objects," came the reply. The voice was higher than James' but with an Irish accent.
"And why is that?" Severus asked. "Do you harm yourself with sharp objects?"
"Maybe I do, maybe I don't," Chase said. "What makes you think I would tell you?"
"I need to know this," Severus said.
Chase shook his head. "Too bad. I'm not telling you shit. You can figure that out for yourself."
Severus sighed. "Very well. Tell me about yourself. Leo mentioned you are an age-slider."
"What the hell is that?"
"An alter who slides between certain ages. How old are you currently?"
"Fifteen," Chase said, "but not by choice."
Severus nodded. "Can you see?"
"If I could, I wouldn't be staying in this damn chair, now would I?"
Severus shrugged. "Do you have a favorite color?"
"I couldn't give two fucks about color. Why should I?"
Severus rolled his eyes. "What do you like to do for fun?"
"Fun? Professor, I only front to deal with the anxiety little Miss Haley can't handle. The only reason I am the age I am now is because she can't handle the news that her relatives were assholes. Big deal! She needs to grow the fuck up. We all knew they were assholes long before her."
"She is eleven," Severus said.
"So? She's a stupid eleven-year-old then."
Severus sighed. "Do you do anything in the inner world?"
Chase snorted. "When I'm this age, people better leave me the hell alone."
"And when you're a child?"
"I stay away from people."
Severus nodded. "Would you like to own anything to wear?"
"Do whatever the hell you want. I don't care."
Severus nodded.
"I'm done," Chase said. "Bye."
Severus rolled his eyes again and jotted on his parchment: Has attitude worse than a Gryffindor that has lost their House ten points.
"I am so sorry about him," James said. "He can be a bit much when he's a teen."
"I've noticed," Severus said sarcastically.
James laughed. "Sunny is next. Be prepared. She is hyper."
Severus nodded. He didn't do well with hyper children, but he supposed now was as good a time as any to start learning how to handle them.
"Hi. I'm Sunny and I'm eight years old."
Sunny was smiling as she spoke, her voice higher than Haley's, but like Chase, still held Haley's Irish accent.
"Hello, Sunny."
"Hi," Sunny said. "I'm eight. Did you know that?"
"You mentioned that, yes."
"Good," Sunny said, bouncing in her seat. "Oh, hey, look, the wheelchair! Can I move it?"
"No," Severus said.
"Why not?"
"You need to remain here," Severus said.
"But I want to explore," Sunny said.
"Explore where?"
"I dunno. I like exploring. I love the forest. And the trees. And the pool. And everything! I love Victor, but I don't think he likes me much."
"Who's Victor?"
"A vampire. He says I talk too much. That's okay though. I still like him, even if he doesn't like me. Oh, James says you have questions. I like James. He's funny. And he has a funny voice. So does Leo. I love Leo's voice."
Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and took in a few deep breaths. "Can you see?"
"Nope. I'm blinder than the bats."
"Blind as a bat," Severus corrected.
"Ooh! Bats!"
"Do you have a favorite color?"
"I don't know. I don't understand colors. Something pretty and bright. I dunno what colors that would be though."
"What else do you like to do for fun? Other than exploring?"
"I like to talk."
"I've noticed."
Sunny giggled. "I like making friends. And cooking with Cara. Oh, hey, can we cook?"
"I don't like to cook."
"Why? You should! It's fun!"
"Cooking is not for me," Severus said. "Nelly may enjoy cooking with you."
"Nelly's the elf?"
"Yes."
Sunny clapped her hands. "Oh! I love her already! She cooks?"
"She can."
"Oh, good! We can cook! And bake! And play!"
Severus closed his eyes and counted to ten. "Do you like to play games?"
"Yeah! I love games! Games are fun!"
"What kinds of games do you like to play?"
"Lots! I love everything! I like to play with Olivia when she's not sad. We play in our playroom. And we go out to the pool. Or we play on the playground. Or Cara takes us down in the water to play. I like playing!"
"Clearly," Severus said. "What kinds of toys do you like?"
"Anything," Sunny said. "I like dolls. And building. And anything."
"What about Olivia?" Severus said. "What do you suppose she would like?"
Sunny considered this. "She cries a lot, so something soft."
"Thank you," Severus said.
Sunny nodded.
"Would you like any clothing to own?"
Sunny paused in her bouncing to think. "I don't know. Maybe a dress? Or a pair of nice shoes? I'm going back inside. Cara's next."
Severus nodded in order to hide his relief. Sunny was going to be as big of a handful as Chase, though for completely different reasons.
"Hello."
Severus looked up to see a smile on the body, the smile gentle with a note of shyness.
"Hello," Severus greeted. "Cara?"
Cara nodded. "I haven't fronted before, so I'm a bit nervous," she said, her soft-spoken voice almost musical in its Irish accent.
"That's all right," Severus said. "Take your time."
"I'm okay," Cara said. "I just… Don't take me anywhere."
"I won't."
"Thank you. Anyway, I'm Cara. I take care of the littles, even Chase when he's a teen, and make sure everyone is doing okay on the inside. I enjoy cooking, and I'm told I cook well. Oh, James says you have questions."
"I do. Do you feel comfortable telling me your age?"
"Oh," Cara said. "I'm thirty."
"Can you see?"
"I can, yes," Cara said. "I think that's surprised James and will likely surprise Leo as well. No one knew I would be able to see. I'm glad I can. I can help everyone better if they need me to front. I'll need to get more familiar with the outside world."
Severus nodded. "I will help with that as best I can."
"Thank you," Cara said.
Severus nodded. "Do you have a favorite color?"
"I do, yes. I enjoy blues and greens. I'm a selkie, so I love anything that reminds me of the sea."
Severus nodded. "What do you like to do for fun?"
"Other than tending to the littles, I enjoy diving in the ocean in my seal form. In the inner world, I have friends—merpeople, sirens, regular seals, selkies—but none are alters. They don't front."
"NPC's," Severus explained. "Non-playable characters. Many systems have people in their inner world that are not alters but are there for the alters to interact with in some way, shape, or form."
"Fascinating," Cara said. "You studied this."
Severus nodded. "It is my job to help Haley, and the best way to do that is learn about her DID."
Cara nodded approvingly.
"Is there any clothing item you would like to own?"
"I'm okay for now," Cara said. "Perhaps a lovely scarf, but I'm not picky."
Severus nodded.
"Do you have any more questions?"
Severus shook his head.
"Okay. Can I go back now? I'll be taking the littles away from the front for a while so that the others can introduce themselves."
Severus nodded.
"Jess is going to front now," Cara said. "Goodbye, Professor. Dank you for being so kind to all of us."
Severus nodded and waited.
"Hey, Professor, It's Jess."
"Hello again, Jess," Severus said.
"You have questions?"
Severus nodded. "Yes. Do you feel comfortable telling me your age?"
"Sixteen. But I, unlike Chase, have manners."
Severus' lips twitched. "If I remember correctly, you cannot see?"
"Not anymore, but I used to be able to."
"Do you know why that is?"
"Ask Leo about that one," Jess said. "I have no idea why I lost my sight, but it is what it is. I couldn't see for long, so I'm more used to being blind than I am sighted. Olivia used to be able to see, too, but she doesn't remember that."
Severus nodded. "Do you have a favorite color?"
Jess nodded. "I love blue, purple, and black."
"What do you like to do for fun?"
"Swim," Jess said simply. "I am a siren after all."
Severus nodded. "Anything else?"
"Sometimes I help with the children, but I'm not great at that. So, I tend to just stay in the water with my friends."
"Would you like anything to own? An item of clothing?"
"Why do you keep asking us that question?"
"If alters have things that they call their own, it makes them feel most comfortable when fronting in the body."
"That's smart," Jess said. "I don't know what I'd like. A sweater, I suppose. Honestly, we aren't used to receiving things as a whole. Haley was given the bare minimum. Her fucking relatives couldn't be bothered to get her new clothes unless it was absolutely necessary."
"Language," Severus said. "Remember, you are in a child's body, and you attend school with young children."
Jess nodded. "Sorry. That is exactly why I don't typically stay around the littles. I am getting better, but when I'm riled up…" She shrugged.
Severus nodded, lips twitching slightly. "That is all the questions I have for you."
"Okay," Jess said. "James is going to front to tell you about our animals. One sec."
Severus nodded and looked down to write his notes.
"It's James. Goin' to try to get the body to relax while I'm out. When Sunny fronts, even if for a short time, the body gets tired."
Severus nodded. "Take your time."
"I'm fine. I'm not the best at calmin, down the body, but I can manage. Anyways, the animals. We have two animal alters. A cat, Leah, and a wolf, Olcan.
"Leah is a trauma holder. She enjoys soft things. In the inner world, she's about as big as Oscar, Ashley's cat. She is easily frightened and would rather curl up and hide. When she fronts, she can't talk. Neither can Olcan, that's why I'm out, tellin' you about them.
"Olcan is a male alpha wolf. He is not a trauma holder. In the inner world, he has his own pack. He helps us out with activities that require teamwork, self-discipline, or structure, because he is great at keeping us organized. Any questions?"
Severus shook his head. "I may have questions later."
"We'll answer anything we can," James said. "Leo knows more about the system than I do, but I know enough to help with introductions. I'm trying to keep things as low-key as possible. I imagine this is a lot to take in at once. It's a good thing you're taking notes."
Severus nodded.
"Are you ready for one more? After him, I'll front to give our body time to rest from all of the switching. I'm co-con with everyone to prevent us from switching between each other too quickly, but it does tire the body out nevertheless."
Severus nodded.
"Good morning. I am Victor."
Severus looked up. The voice was as low as Leo's, though the accent was almost a mixture of American and Romanian. How odd!
"Good morning, Victor. I am Professor Snape."
"I know. The Potions professor. The Head of Slytherin House."
"Yes."
"I hear you have questions."
"I do. Firstly, do you feel comfortable telling me your age?"
"I'm old, let's leave it at that."
Severus nodded. "Can you see?"
"No. Which is odd, because inside, I can, but no matter. I don't need to see."
"Oh? And why is that?"
"My senses are stronger, much like you would expect from someone who can't see."
"Do you know if any of your senses are stronger because of you being a vampire?"
"My sense of smell, I suppose, but not terribly."
"Can you explain?"
"From what I understand, the senses of people with visual impairment are stronger, but it's not always hearing. Sometimes, it's their sense of smell. Sometimes, taste. It's usually hearing, but not always. For Haley, her hearing is strongest. For me, when I'm out, I've noticed it's both the sense of smell as well as hearing. Does that make sense?"
"It does, thank you."
Victor nodded.
"Do you have a favorite color?"
"I prefer dark colors. The darker the better."
Severus nodded, making a note on his parchment. "What do you like to do for fun?"
Victor snorted. "Professor, my idea of fun is stalking deer in the woods just for the hell of it and staying clear of the children. Especially the hyper one."
"Sunny?"
"Yes, her. There's nothing wrong with her, but god damn she is hyper! I can't handle her for long. The other one, the quiet one who likes to be different ages—Chase, I think—he I can tolerate. He's sat with me when he was older and that was fine."
"What about Olivia?"
Victor shrugged. "I'm not good at helping her if she's scared, but sometimes I will sit with her, or take her to the forest to tee the unicorns."
"You have unicorns in the inner world?"
"What did you expect? There are children. We also have plain old horses. Bit boring, honestly, but the kids like them."
Severus nodded. "Last question. Is there anything you would like to own that would make you feel most comfortable when fronting?"
"If I said fangs, you would laugh at me."
"I would not."
"Seriously?"
"If that's what will help you feel most like yourself, then so be it."
"Oh. Then fangs."
"I will see what I can find. That is all of the questions I have for you."
"Wonderful," Victor said. "I don't front often, but just as a warning for the future, I don't take bullshit. If someone's being stupid, I will call them out. I don't sugar coat."
Severus smirked. "Neither do I."
"Then we will get along just fine. Goodbye, Professor."
Severus nodded. "It was a pleasure meeting you."
"You as well, dare I say. James is going to front now."
Severus nodded and waited.
"And that's everyone," James said. "Oh, for Leo. He doesn't discuss his age, you obviously know he can see, and he likes dark blue, white, grey, and sometimes, light gold. In the inner world, he looks very professional. Where he would wear a tie and look ultra-formal, I couldn't care less and prefer baggier clothes. Leo doesn't get much of a break, mostly because he's stubborn and takes his job very seriously, but he does enjoy Irish music, which I love to tease him about, seeing as how he's British."
"What do you think he would like to have of his own?"
"A sweater."
"And you? I know you can see some, but that is all."
"Ah, sorry. Well, I'm twenty-six. I can see some when I'm out. In the inner world, I can see fine, so it's a bit annoyin' when I front sometimes, because my eyes need to adjust. I am a druid, so I prefer Earthy colors. I enjoy helpin' out with everyone, plantin' in the gardens, roamin' around the inner world, and wood carving. And as for what I would like… Can I have glasses? I would like to see further."
"We can certainly arrange for you to visit an optometrist," Severus said.
James sighed in relief. "Other than that, I don't care. I would just like to see better."
"I understand."
"Thank you. We're all still in shock at how kind you are to us. I know, I know, you're Haley's guardian, but you have to understand, Haley's previous guardians were obviously horrible, so it's takin' us time to get used to your kindness, especially Leo. He's still a bit wary."
"As I figured he would be," Severus said. "Given how he knows what everyone has been through, his wariness is completely understandable and expected. How are you feeling?"
"A bit tired, honestly," James said. "Can we end our visit with you? I would like to sit by the lake or go to the library."
"Of course."
"Thank you," James said with a nod. "Nelly!"
"You is needing Nelly?" Nelly asked as she appeared with a pop.
"It's James. Could you bring me to the library please?"
"Certainly, Master James."
James snorted. "Why that bothers Leo is beyond me. I think it's funny."
"Leo is a very serious one, isn't he?" Nelly asked.
"Very," James said, grinning.
As Nelly left with James, Severus finished writing his notes, then rolled up the parchment and placed it into a drawer in his desk. He knew there would be more to write, but for now, this would do. The alter introductions had been both informative and helpful.
He had not expected Haley to have as many alters as she did. There was ten alters in total, counting Haley. He knew systems could range in size, so he supposed ten was a good number. She could have had a hundred alters, or even more.
