Chapter Ten: Necessary Interventions

Tuesday afternoon, after lunch, Severus met with Anna before she met with Haley and her system.

"Have you seen Haley since you broke the news about her relatives?" Anna asked.

Severus shook his head. "I know James had fronted yesterday for the morning classes—because I spoke with Jess later in the evening—but I'm not sure who was out for today's classes. Right now, I know Leo is out, as I asked them to wait in the common room while I spoke with you."

Anna nodded. "Did either James or Jess say anything about Haley?"

Severus shook his head.

"How did Sunday's visit go?" Anna asked.

"It went well," Severus said. "I met each of Haley's alters and would like to obtain things for them to make them more comfortable when fronting."

"That is an excellent idea!" Anna exclaimed. "How many alters does Haley have."

"Nine, not including her, but if you don't mind, I would rather not go into detail about each one of them, as they have trusted me enough to introduce themselves to me. I don't want to break that trust."

"Absolutely," Anna said. "You asked to meet with me before I met with Haley. Did something come up during Sunday's meeting?"

"Yes. James had let Chase out and told me not to allow him any sharp objects. When I asked why, Chase was very brash and would not give me a straight answer. He has quite the attitude and seems rather bitter. I'm unsure of how to handle him, as well as how to handle a very hyper little, Sunny."

Anna laughed softly. "Sunny is easily handled," she said. "Treat her like any child."

"Anna, I am not known for my kind disposition, nor am I known for tolerating hyperactive children."

"Well, Severus, it's time that you become known for that, don't you think?"

Severus shrugged, looking uncomfortable. "Must I?" he asked, only half serious.

"Yes," Anna said, giving an encouraging smile. "As for Chase… He may be a bit more difficult to handle. Tell me everything you can about him."

"When I asked him what age he was currently—knowing he was an age-slider from speaking with Leo—he said he was currently fifteen, but not by choice. When I asked him to explain, he told me the only reason he was his current age was because, as he put it, little Miss Haley couldn't handle the news that her relatives had been assholes. When I reminded him she was only eleven, he told me she needed to grow up, though he used far more colorful language than that."

Anna nodded.

"I tried to establish rapport with him, but that seemed to be the last thing he wanted to do. Due to James warning me not to trust Chase with anything sharp, I fear Chase may try to harm the body when he fronts."

Anna nodded. "A valid fear," she said. "Well, I will speak with Leo or James about this to get some things straight, but it sounds to me like Chase may be a persecutor. You know what those are?"

Severus nodded. "Alters that either go after one specific alter or harm the body directly—be that internally or externally as a way to try to help the system—though they don't realize that is what they are doing."

Anna nodded. "Persecutors aren't bad. They are traumatized parts that deserve just as much love and respect as everyone else. Whether they harm the body physically, or influence others in unhealthy ways, they are trying to help but don't understand that what they are doing is harmful. Just as with any non-system that has problems with self-harm, eating, or whatever have you, these things will take time. For now, show him that he can be trusted with sharp objects. If he self-harms, let him know that everything is okay, and that you are there for him."

Severus nodded.

"Treat Chase as you would any other student that has self-harmed. There is a reason James told you not to trust Chase with sharp objects, whether that be because he has self-harmed in the past, or because he has come close to it. I will have a chat with the system and get back to you."

"Thank you," Severus said.

Anna nodded. "Anything else?"

Severus shook his head.

"Okay then," Anna said. "You go off to your class. I will meet with the system."

Severus nodded. He exited his office and approached Leo in the common room.

"Anna is ready for you," he said. "Would you like an escort to my office?"

Leo nodded as Nelly pushed the wheelchair.

"Are you all right?" Severus asked quietly, as they paused outside his office.

Leo shook his head.

"Haley?" Severus asked.

Leo nodded and shrugged. "That, and other things," he said. "It's fine. I'll get it sorted out."

Severus nodded. "You know where to find me if you need anything."

Leo nodded. "Thank you," he said simply, before nodding to Nelly to push him into the room.

"Hello," Anna greeted warmly. "Who's currently out?"

"Leo," Leo said shortly, smiling slightly at Nelly, who bowed and exited.

"Hi, Leo," Anna said. "How are you today?"

"Fine," Leo said.

Anna raised an eyebrow. "Really? Are you okay?"

Leo shrugged.

"Are you sure?" Anna asked.

Leo nodded tersely.

"You seem guarded."

"Well, what did you expect? Pardon the harshness, but first, I allowed Haley to front for far too long, then she is forced to discover her relatives were not as they had seemed, and now, she doesn't want to front because of everything."

"Is she nearby?" Anna asked.

Leo nodded, lips pursed.

"You did just fine with her on Saturday," Anna said.

"I let her front too long because YOU wanted to keep her out."

"Leo, you know she needed to hear everything."

"I know that," Leo said, "but you didn't see her afterwards. We managed to distract her with the tour of the inner world, but everything hit her, hard, especially after those idiotic students decided to hound her with questions, forcing Professor Snape to explain everything to her. She's been withdrawn and not talking to anyone for the past two days. The most she's done is sit with me while in the inner world."

Anna nodded. "Can I talk to her?"

Leo hesitated.

"Leo, please. You can pull her back if you feel she's had enough, but I need to help her process everything."

Leo sighed. "I know," he said quietly. "She's been hurt enough as it is. It's my job to protect her from all of this. I know, I know, I need to let her deal with these things, and I will, I just…"

"It's hard, I know," Anna said. "You've done so well to protect her thus far, but you are no longer alone in this. I'm here to help you, and sometimes, that means having to handle difficult situations. I will push all of you, but no more than I feel is necessary. If, at any point, you feel I'm pushing too hard, let me know, and we can talk about it. It's going to take time for us to get to know each other to know when enough is enough, so I need you to come through and let me know when I push too far. Does that work for you?"

Leo nodded. "Haley still doesn't want to front," he said. "Give me a minute to speak with her."

Anna nodded.

"Come on, Haley," Leo said, turning to look at the child, sitting in a chair on the deck. "Please? You need to talk these feelings out."

Haley shook her head.

Leo turned back to the front. "I'm stepping away for a few moments," he informed Anna. "I won't be long. I'm still near the front, just won't be fronting."

Anna nodded. "Take your time."

Leo stood up from the rock and crossed over to Haley, kneeling in front of her. "Haley, I know you're scared," he said. "Last time you fronted in front of Anna, you found out about us, then became overwhelmed, but just as with then, you can come back at any time. You don't need to stay. You let me know when you wish to come back. I will bring you back and away from the front, but you need to communicate that with me. I won't force you to come back. You need to tell me when you're ready."

Haley hesitated.

"Darling, you need to speak with Anna. These feelings. You can't keep them buried like this. They will end up hurting you, and I don't want to see that. I will be nearby to help you, I promise."

Haley sighed. "I'm still confused," she said, voice soft.

"I know, darling, I know," Leo said. "Come on. Please? Give it a go."

Haley sighed and stood, extending a hand to Leo, who took it and led her to the rock. Once she was seated and fronting, he sat next to her to be co-con.

"Haley?" Anna asked.

Haley nodded slightly.

"Hi, Haley," Anna said. "How are you feeling today?"

Haley shrugged.

"I heard you had a rough couple of days. Do you want to talk about it?"

"Not really."

"It might help to at least try," Anna said.

Haley sighed. "I really don't want to," she said. "I don't even want to really be fronting right now either."

"I understand," Anna said. "Would it be all right if I walk you through some things to help you try to talk about what you're feeling?"

"Yeah, I guess."

"Let's start with after you went back inside after our last session. Leo tells me you were a bit overwhelmed."

Haley nodded.

"How did you like the tour of the inner world? Did it help to ease your anxiety?"

Haley shrugged. "A little."

"What was it like?"

"We're on an island. Leo and James showed me around the house and said I could see the rest of everything later."

"And have you?"

"I haven't really wanted to do much."

"Ah, I understand. Let's go back to the house. What was your favorite thing about the house?"

"It was big," Haley said.

"Tell me about it."

Haley sighed. "It has two levels. Or, at least, that's what I saw. There's a playroom, a kitchen, a music room, and James has a greenhouse. Everyone has their own room. James created a lot of stuff there."

"That sounds like a very nice place to be," Anna said. "Did you meet anyone new?"

Haley nodded. "James, Cara, and Jess."

"What are they like?"

"James is Southern and kind of funny. Cara is really nice and sweet. I only spoke with Jess for a minute or two. She seems nice."

"What about afterwards? What did you do after your tour of the house? If I remember correctly, Harry was wondering if you would come with them to Hagrid's. Did you?"

Haley nodded. "Hagrid's was nice. He's nice. He's not a good cook though."

Anna laughed softly. "After Hagrid's, what did you do?"

"We went to the Great Hall for dinner, but as we were coming in, people started crowding us and asking questions. One girl was apologizing for the way someone else acted. I didn't know what she was going on about, but I acted like I did."

"Tell me about the types of questions they were asking," Anna said.

"Everything," Haley said. "They asked if I was related to my aunt and uncle and said they were arrested. And then Professor Lupin came and took me to his office. Leo had a chat with him, but I don't know what they talked about."

"I asked him to tell me where the students had gotten the information about your relatives," Leo said.

"Leo said they were talking about where students had heard about my aunt and uncle."

"From the Daily Prophet?" Ann asked.

"Yes," Leo said.

Haley nodded.

"I read the article. I would like to talk to you about that and how that made you feel. Do you feel up for that? For can say no, I want you to know that. I won't push you to talk."

Haley shrugged. "I dunno," she said. "I guess. I just… I don't understand. How could they hurt me? Hurt Leo and the others? Did they hurt Leo and the others?"

"Yes," Anna said. "Yes, Haley, they hurt Leo and the others. That is why you can't remember what happened. They protected you from that to keep you safe."

"But why?" Haley asked. "They didn't have to do that."

"They did it to protect you," Anna said. "So that you didn't have to go through what they did."

Haley shook her head, frowning. "But I didn't ask for them to go through things for me," she said.

"You didn't, but your brain did. That's why everyone exists. To help you. To protect you. To keep you safe."

Haley sighed. "So, they went through everything for me to keep me safe?"

"Yes."

"But I don't even know them."

"You may not know them, but they know you," Anna said. "They may well have watched you grow up. Some of them may know more about you then you do yourself."

"So, can you ask them why my aunt and uncle hurt us?" Haley asked. She blinked. "I just said 'us'," she muttered.

Anna smiled gently. "Yes, you did," she said. "You're starting to accept them."

Haley shrugged. "But why didn't they tell someone if something was going on? If they were being hurt?"

"Well, Haley, I don't have the answer to that question. Maybe they did try to tell someone. I don't know."

"We tried, but no one listened," Leo said. "Sadly. That's all I'm saying on that."

"Wait, what do you mean?" Haley asked out loud.

"Sorry?" Anna asked. "Are you speaking to me or Leo?"

"Leo," Haley muttered, then spoke to Leo in her mind. "What do you mean?"

"Never you mind," Leo said. "That is not important right now."

"But you said—"

"I know what I said, Haley, but please, leave that topic alone for right now. You have other pressing things to discuss."

"But Leo."

"No buts," Leo said. "Haley, please, leave it alone."

"There's something you're not telling me, isn't there?"

"There's plenty of things I'm not telling you," Leo said. "I will tell you when you are ready."

"But I'm ready now."

"Hardly, darling. Not right now. Later, perhaps, but not right now."

Haley sighed in frustration.

"What's wrong?" Anna asked.

"Leo won't tell me things."

"Well, maybe he has a reason."

"He said he'd tell me when I'm ready. I'm ready now."

"Are you sure about that?" Anna asked.

"What do you mean?"

"How are you feeling right now? Genuinely feeling about everything?"

Haley paused. "I dunno. Confused, I guess."

"And do you think that confusion will fade if you are told more things? More… serious things?"

"I…" Haley trailed off. "I don't know. Maybe not."

Anna shook her head. "Having more things to think about on top of what you are already going through would overwhelm you."

Haley sighed, then nodded. "Maybe, but I want to know."

"Which is completely understandable," Anna said, "but knowing will come in time. For now, get to know everyone in your system. Can you try doing that for me?"

"How do I do that?"

"Talk to them. Talk to them like you would any new person. Talk to Leo to start with. You can already communicate with him, which, by the way, is huge, so you should be proud."

"But why?"

"Haley. Learning to communicate with your alters isn't always easy. How do you feel about Leo?"

"What do you mean?"

"Do you feel as if you have known him for a while?"

Haley nodded. "And I feel better when he's around."

"See? You have a connection with him already. Did you two talk when you were in the inner world?"

Haley shrugged. "Kind of. Sometimes we talked, sometimes, we just sat."

"And was it comfortable, even when no one was talking?"

Haley nodded.

"Haley, that is excellent!" Anna said, beaming. "Now, I know you would rather not, but I would like to bring your attention to why you were in the inner world. Your relatives."

Haley shifted uneasily in her seat. "What about them?"

"Well, the article said they had been arrested. I know Professor Snape already spoke to you about everything, but I would like to explain to you what happened."

Haley nodded and waited.

"Professor Snape had noticed you weren't with the other first-years at the Welcome Feast. He visited your home to find out where you were and why you had missed the train, only to hear distressing noises from inside the home. Upon entering, he saw you being harmed by your aunt, uncle, and three others. He removed you from the home and brought you to Hogwarts to recover in the hospital wing. During this time was when Madam Pomphrey met a few of your alters."

"So, the necklace and cast on my leg…" Haley trailed off. "That was because of my aunt and uncle? And others?"

"Yes," Anna said gently. "Because of what they'd done, your injuries could not be healed by magical means, so Muggle methods must be applied for now. Hence the cast."

Haley sighed. "But why would they do that? Why would they hurt me?"

"I don't know, Haley," Anna said. "I really don't know. I'm so sorry that you had to find out the way that you did. I wish you had found out in a less jarring way, but unfortunately, that was not the case."

Haley nodded slightly. "So, I don't remember that, but someone else was out then who does?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Who?"

"I don't know," Anna said.

"I was," Leo said.

"Leo was out," Haley said. "Is it okay to feel bad because he had to deal with what happened to me?"

"Of course," Anna said. "What do you mean by feeling bad? Are you feeling guilty?"

Haley shook her head. "I feel bad because everything probably hurt, which means he was in pain… Pain for me. But why? Why not just let me handle it?"

"Because I love you," Leo said simply. "I was protecting you. You're strong, Haley, but this? Darling, you did not need to go through what was done."

"Did it hurt like I'm thinking?" Haley asked internally.

"Yes," Leo said simply.

"I'm sorry," Haley said.

"For what, darling? You did nothing wrong."

"I'm sorry you got hurt just to protect me."

"If it means keeping you safe, I would do it again, and again, and again, because I care. I've watched you grow up. I've been here for most of your life. The others and I have kept you safe, and we will always continue to do so, simply because we all love and care about you. I know you've discovered your relatives were rubbish, but know that we are all here for you, and will do our very best to be the family you deserve. Any time you need any of us, even if for a simple chat or company while you're doing something, one of us will sit co-con with you if we can. I promise, Haley, that we are, and always will be, here for you."

Haley didn't respond. How could she? She had no idea what to say to all of that. She'd never had anyone be that nice to her.

Leo chuckled softly at the lack of response. "I know, you're not used to that," he said. "Well, I'm not used to saying things like that either, so now we're both awkward."

Haley giggled.

"What's so funny?" Anna asked.

"Leo."

"Ah," Anna said. "Speaking of Leo, would it be all right if I had a quick chat with him? I need to speak with him about something."

Haley nodded. She turned her attention inward and stood up from the rock. "Should I stay by?" she asked Leo.

"That's up to you," Leo said.

"Can I go play piano?"

"By all means, go ahead."

"James," Haley called. "I need help finding the piano! I don't see it!"

Leo chortled to himself as he scooted over to take the front. Haley really was adorable.

"Leo?" Anna asked.

Leo nodded. "You wished to speak with me?"

Anna nodded. "I wanted to talk to you about Chase. When he was introduced to Professor Snape, James told him to not trust him with sharp objects. Has Chase ever harmed the body?"

Leo nodded. "We were able to explain it away to those that asked, but it wasn't easy. Chase had done quite a number on the body. After the last time, he was no longer allowed to front without me being nearby, as we had no idea how to help him."

"Well, what do you think about him fronting now?"

Leo hesitated.

"There are ways to help him, but he needs to front in order to be helped."

"And if he harms the body?"

"Then there will be people around to help him."

"How do you suppose people can help him?"

"Well, people have reasons for harming themselves. Have you spoken to him about why he self-harms?"

Leo shook his head. "Chase doesn't exactly open up to me."

"Would you like me to speak with him?"

Leo shrugged. "By all means. Give me a moment. I'll get him."

Leo turned his attention inward and looked to the house. "Chase!" he called. "Front and center on the deck."

"What do you want?" Chase asked, as he stalked out of Leo's office and up to him.

"Anna needs to speak with you."

"I'm not talking to the damn shrink," Chase snapped.

"You need to."

"Fuck that. Why do I need to talk to her?"

"Because we're trying to keep you safe," Leo said. "Trying to help you."

Chase snorted and turned to walk away. "Ask again when I actually give a damn," he said. "Which will never happen."

"Chase," Leo said, a warning note in his voice.

"Leo," Chase said, starting to walk away.

"Enough," Leo said, standing from the rock. "Chase. Front. Now."

Unable to resist the order, Chase found himself on the rock, fronting in the body.

"Fuck you, Leo," he muttered.

"Well, hello Chase," Anna said.

Chase grunted. "What do you want?"

"I wanted to talk to you about your previous behaviors of self-harm. Can you tell me what it is you think or feel when you have the urge to hurt yourself?"

Chase scowled. "I don't fucking know, nor do I care. What's it to you anyway? I hurt myself. Big deal? I'm sure I'm not the only one you've dealt with who's done it?"

"No, you are not," Anna said. "It's very common for both systems and non-systems to struggle with various forms of self-harm."

"Then why I am I still out?"

"There's a reason why you hurt yourself," Anna said. "I want to help you, but I need you to listen to me. I'm not going to force you to talk. I'm not going to drag out your emotions. I want you to know that I'm here for you, just like I am here for everyone else in the system. If you ever need to vent, I'm here. I do need to ask you something very personal, however. I need to know if you are at all in danger of ending your life."

"If I wanted to kill myself, I would have tried that long time ago," Chase mumbled. "Don't think I'm going to open up to you that easily."

"I wouldn't expect you to," Anna said. "All in good time. Just know that I am here for you, okay?"

Chase scoffed. "Whatever. I'm going back."

Anna nodded slightly. "Remember," she said. "I'm here for you too."

Chase didn't respond. He turned inward and stood from the rock, glaring at Leo as he stormed through his office, towards the house.

Leo sighed, frowning as he watched Chase storm off. Shaking his head, he took the front once more, saying as he did so, "It's Leo. Did you get what you wanted by speaking with Chase?"

"I did, yes," Anna said. "I only wished to let him know that I am here for him. What do you think about allowing him to front without supervision? It would build the relationship between you two. You said it yourself. He doesn't open up to you. Allowing Chase to front—even if there are sharp objects around—will show Chase that you trust him, which will help him to open up to you eventually. As I said earlier, we will help him. What do you say?"

"It's worth a shot," Leo said. "I can't say I'm too thrilled about the idea, but I understand your reasoning for suggesting it."

Anna nodded. "I understand this is not an easy step to take, but I believe in you."

Leo shrugged awkwardly.

"Not used to the kind words?"

Leo shook his head. "None of us."

"Well," Anna said, standing. "Get used to it."

"Working on it," Leo muttered, his lips quirking slightly.