Chapter 6- Charlet

Harry didn't say anything to Remus on their way home from the hospital. He couldn't fathom what Remus was thinking after witnessing Sirius in such a state of confusion.

Remus continued to speak enthusiastically about Sirius' release set later for that day. When they arrived back at Snape Manor, Remus grabbed Harry's arm and forced the teen to look at him. The chill in the air completely disregarded at this point.

"Harry, we must be patient with Sirius. He's been through so much. We owe it to him… you owe it to him," Remus could tell that he had struck a nerve.

All the way home from the hospital Harry had been irritated over Remus' refusal to see that Sirius was not mentally stable enough to leave the hospital yet. He couldn't understand why Remus was trying to ignore the fact that Sirius needed more help. "Remus, do you really think it's to his benefit to leave the hospital before he's ready?"

"Harry, I had hoped you would understand?" Remus said with disappointment. "Sirius needs to be released for his own sanity. Harry, think about it; first Sirius was unfairly locked up for twelve years in Azkaban, then he was confined to his parent's home and then Merlin knows where he was when he fell through that veil? The last thing the man needs is to be locked up in a mental hospital! Merlin Harry, I would have thought you of all people would understand why he needs to get out of there to heal properly?"

Harry let that sink in before begrudgingly agreeing with Remus. Of course Sirius should be allowed out. So what if his father's best friend referred to him as James or lost control of his anger every now and then? He was tough enough to take a few harsh words while the man recovered.

"Yeah, you're right. I do owe it to him. He just seems so unstable at times," Harry admitted.

Remus placed a hand on the anxious teens shoulder, "Harry, he needs us. We're all he has left. I know he says unkind words and acts out but once he has time to heal, everything will change. You understand, don't you?"

"Yes, I understand," And for the first time Harry really did see why Remus was so eager to get Sirius out of the hospital, "I'll help any way I can. But … I won't let him interfere with Severus and me. I'm not going to live with Sirius."

"Harry, I know how much you have grown to rely on Severus, but Sirius is here for you now."

Anger flared through Harry as swiftly as a match set to oil. He closed his eyes and tried to occlude his mind to calm his emotions. "Remus, I'll do whatever it takes to help Sirius to heal but I will not leave my father."

"Well, I doubt the ministry would decide in Sirius' favor anyway. It seems that Severus has grown quite popular with Fudge these days."

"It doesn't matter what Fudge wants, I won't let it happen. I hope you to understand that?"

Remus patted his shoulder firmly, "I just want you both to be happy. I owe it your father… James that is, to make sure you are happy."

Harry almost scoffed at that. Where the hell was Remus for the past fifteen years? "Yeah, well you can rest easy on my account because I've never been happier in my life."

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That day was spent catching up on all the homework he had neglected for the past week,. Severus had hinted heavily that it should be completed soon. He purposely stayed in his room to avoid seeing Severus until it was time for supper. He wasn't ready to talk about Sirius yet to anyone, especially his father. Severus wasn't exactly compassionate as far as Sirius was concerned.

When he entered the dining room his father was preoccupied with a stack of papers.

"How was your visit with Black?" Severus asked as he pushed the papers he was working on to the side.

"Fine," Harry answered and bent his head to focus on the plate before him.

Severus studied him for a moment before picking the papers back up. If Harry needed more time to sort this out then he wanted to give him his space. He knew Harry was struggling with balancing Black with him so he didn't want to increase any added pressure for the boy.

They didn't say anything else to each other before Harry finished eating and stood up.

"Good night."

"Good night Harry. I'll be in my office should you wish to talk," Severus stated.

Harry nodded then limped back to his room. He was glad his father was giving him a little space where Sirius was concerned. He just needed to think things out on his own.

Before he fell asleep Severus knocked quietly on his door. Harry pretended to be asleep to avoid any conversation. He felt his father's eyes on him but kept his own eyes closed. After a brief moment Severus left. A small tinge of guilt enveloped him.

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Much to Harry's annoyance, Remus unexpectedly flooed in to take him to Grimmauld Place, right after lunch on Sunday. He wasn't ready to face Sirius again with all this dark magic running through him. His father had been very clear about remaining calm until Dumbledore was ready to perform the counter curse. Luckily Severus was down in the laboratory, sparing him the need to explain his refusal to go visit his Godfather. Remus left in a huff but didn't push him to go.

After Remus left, Harry sat down on the leather chair next to the fire. He stared into the red flames. lost in thought, hoping that Sirius would forget about trying to take him away from Severus. He knew he would be able to influence the ministry of his own desires in this situation but he hated the thought of officially going against Sirius. Every time his Godfather berated him for not acting like a Marauder he felt as if he was failing James in some way. He needed Sirius more than the man knew but he also loved Severus and knew he was supposed to live with him. He would never let Sirius take him away, never.

The red flames jumped a little, startling Harry out of his revelry. In a flash the flames turned from red to green and a form appeared before his eyes. With a cough and a snarl someone stepped out of the flames and into the living room of Snape Manor.

Charlet dusted off her long gray fur coat with her well manicured hand. She looked at the teen before her and quickly opened her arms up for an embrace.

Harry was momentarily shocked but quickly recovered, "Charlet, erm, welcome." He gave her an awkward hug before helping the house elf pull her large trunk from the fire.

They stood looking at each other before Harry finally spoke, " I'm sorry about the portkey and … all that stuff that happened at the dance." Memories of those false kisses flashed in his head and his face heated up with embarrassment.

Charlet stood a little straighter and primped at her hair before speaking, "Yes, as you should be. However, I was unaware of the lengths my Aunt would take to get rid of you. So, let's just leave the past in the past. If this arrangement is to work out for both of us then we need to do our best to get along."

Harry was surprised at Charlet's forgiveness offered so easily, "Right. I'm glad you feel that way."

A deep voice spoke out from the hallway, "I am glad you are both acting so mature. It will make life much more bearable during the holidays. Welcome Charlet." Severus took the girl's outstretched hand and bent over it briefly before inviting her to sit. "May I offer you a beverage?"

"No thank you Severus. I hope I won't be an inconvenience whilst I am here. I'm feeling quite embarrassed about the whole incident with Aunt Vespa."

Severus stood up straighter and assessed the young woman before him. He would need to perform Legilimens on her before leaving her alone with Harry again. He didn't think she was a threat but he was not about to take any undue risks. He looked over at Harry, "Harry why don't you escort Charlet's house elf up to her room."

"Yes sir."

Severus waited until Harry was upstairs before looking back at Charlet. "I know Vespa had plans for my son that you were not privy to. However, I should point out that Harry's safety is my number one concern at this time. I must insist that I be allowed to perform Legilimens on you at any time I deem necessary whilst you are at the manor."

Charlet took in a sharp breath before composing herself once more, "Of course Severus, I understand. On the other hand, am I to be treated as if I am a common criminal whilst I am here?"

"No, you will not be. Suffice it to say, I will still need to verify your claims."

"I don't want to harm Harry! How could you even suggest such a thing!" Charlet exclaimed with vehemence.

Severus observed the girl's sudden reaction and took this opportunity to cast the spell, "Legilimens!"

He sifted through the last thoughts she had and rifled through her memories:

Charlet yelling at the house elf to pack+ Crying when she found out Vespa had disappeared + Shock over being told she was an orphan+ Tears of frustration when she was told she would be living with Harry and Severus+

As far as Severus saw, the girl was telling the truth. He pulled out of her thoughts and found the girl with her hands covering her face and weeping. He stood back feeling quite unsettled over what he should do at this point. He knew how he would have comforted his son but… comforting this girl was quite a different matter all together.

"Perhaps I should summon your house elf?" Severus offered and took a step back.

Charlet looked up at him with a tearful expression, "No, I just need to rest a bit."

"Yes, I will escort you to your rooms after I have explained the house rules."

"House rules?" Charlet repeated with a hint of incredulity.

"Yes, we have strict house rules that I expect you to abide by. The first is that you are not to enter Harry's room without being invited. I have placed wards on his door to prevent such an occurrence from happening. Do you understand this?"

"Fine, I didn't intend to sneak into his room, as if I'm some love struck admirer anyway!" Charlet retorted sharply. Her mask of humility quickly fading.

"Secondly, you will watch your tone of voice while speaking to me. I will not stand for you to speak disrespectfully towards me while under my roof. In addition I will not tolerate disobedience of any sort. When I provide a rule I expect you to abide by it or suffer the consequences. Is that understood?"

"Yes," Charlet spat out sharply.

Severus breathed in deeply, not at all pleased with the girl's sudden attitude change. "You are to be on time for all meals or go without. You must ask permission before using the floo and never leave the premises without permission."

"Fine, is that all?" Charlet hissed as she flipped her long black hair back with petulance.

Severus narrowed his eyes at the tone of voice Charlet was using, "You do understand that my refusal to become your guardian would place you in quite a precarious position, correct?" In truth, Severus knew he would never place the girl in an orphanage. It was just not done in pure blood families, other than an occasional Squibb, but even that was frowned upon.

Charlet wiped the look of petulance from her face, "Y-yes."

Severus was pleased with her sudden look of chagrin, "Mind all the rules and we will not have a problem."

Charlet couldn't imagine being placed in an orphanage, the humiliation was too great to endure. Those thoughts alone brought tears to her eyes once again. She covered her face with her hands and waited to be comforted by the stern professor. When no comfort was offered she realized she must change her tactics if she was to gain the upper hand.

"I'm so scared Severus. I hate to be a burden!" Charlet cried dropping her face into her hands again. She let out a wail, not even trying to hold back her tears.

Severus was completely out of his element, "Calm down child. You have nothing to fear." Perhaps he had gone too far?

Charlet cried all the more harder. Severus stood back wishing Molly were here to attend to the girl. He wanted her to stop but was at a loss as to how to make her cease this incessant noise. The female population of Slytherin never acted so dramatically while in his presence!

"You hate me, don't you?" Charlet accused through teary eyes.

The stoic Potion Master blinked several times before replying, "I do not have those feelings towards you."

Just then the floo turned green and out stepped Draco and Narcissa. Severus felt most relieved to see Narcissa at this time.

Narcissa immediately went to Charlet and gathered her in an embrace while cooing out words of comfort. Draco looked at Severus with anger.

"What's going on Severus?" Draco asked with a hint of anger he could not hide. His feelings towards Charlet had always been strong. She was so beautiful and a pure blood as well.

"I will let Charlet explain her current state of mind to you both. Please excuse me while I check on my son," The Potion Master made a hasty retreat without looking back at the emotionally spent girl.

For Merlin's sake, what did he get himself into! Severus went straight into Harry's room and found the boy working hard on his detention homework.

"Put that away, I must speak to you," Severus commanded briskly.

"I have to finish this before…" Harry was cut off by his father.

Severus waved his wand and the parchment disappeared, "Forget about that. I must speak with you."

Harry smiled at the thought of not having to finish, since he had just started, "What's up Dad?"

"It seems that I am ill equipped to handle the odious job of parenting a teenage girl," Severus said with uncharacteristic panic in his voice.

Harry's smile widened, "Calm down, Dad. Geez, it can't be much harder than being my parent."

"Wipe that smile from your face. This is not humorous in the least!"

Harry couldn't hold back a snicker, "You're in a complete panic. What the hell did Charlet say to you?"

Severus narrowed his eyes at the presumptuous teen, "Nothing. It was not what she said but her response to what I said."

With a huff Severus explained, "She began to cry. I hardly said two words to her before she began crying in earnest."

"Oh. I don't think I'll be able to help you out. I'm not very good with that sort of stuff either."

"Brilliant!" Severus said sarcastically, adopting the term his son was so fond of using.

Harry laughed over hearing his dad say that … until his dad glared back at him. "Calm down. Where's Charlet right now?"

"Thankfully Narcissa showed up and attended to the girl's needs. I can not be expected to offer such solace," Severus stated firmly.

"Why not? You're good at helping me when I'm upset," Harry offered.

"It has taken quite a lot of time to get to that point in our relationship. Moreover, your circumstances are usually quite extreme." Severus folded his long arms then traced his lips with his finger while deep in thought. "Perhaps I should ask Narcissa to stay with us during the holidays?"

"No!" Harry blurted out, thinking of the last conversation he had with that snobbish woman. When Severus looked at him for an explanation he simply said, "Don't jump into anything yet. Maybe Charlet will snap out of that sort of behavior."

"I highly doubt that. However, I will not extend that invitation quite yet. Let us see how this situation unfolds."

"Yeah, good idea."

Both Severus and Harry avoided spending any time with the girl until they were finally forced to see her at the dinner table. Harry was surprised at the fancy clothes both Charlet and Narcissa wore to dinner. He pressed a hand down the front of his shirt, wondering if he should have dressed up as well.

When Severus asked Charlet how she liked her room the spoiled girl had the audacity to complain. She had a whole list of grievances from the bedding to the drapes. Harry shook his head and rolled his eyes when Charlet began to complain about the color of the bathroom. He saw Draco pretending to be totally enthralled with the conversation.

"I just can not be expected to live in such a horrible environment," Charlet whined.

Harry saw his father pinch the bridge of his nose and knew that Severus was suffering from a headache. He knew how much the man loathed hearing people whine.

"Severus, teenage girls should be allowed the liberty of decorating their own personal space. It facilitates a greater sense of style," Narcissa said in an admonishing tone of voice.

Severus looked to be at his breaking point, "Fine, I shall sign a letter of credit. You may decorate the room to your liking."

Both Charlet and Narcissa squealed with joy then began talking about the new colors and material they would purchase tomorrow.

The conversation suddenly turned towards Harry when Severus brought up the plethora of gifts that had been owled, thanking The-Boy-who-Lived for his extermination of Voldemort. "The ministry had to assign a team of Aurors to go through your mail. It seems that a few items were cursed but they were easily spotted."

"What have you gotten so far Harry," Draco asked.

"I don't know. I haven't even had a chance to see any of the gifts yet."

"Harry, I think it's lovely that so many Wizards are taking the time to send you gifts. You do understand that you must send thank you notes to everyone who sent you something?" Narcissa said in a very condescending voice.

Actually Harry didn't know he was supposed to send thank you notes but he pretended like he did, "Oh yeah, I'll have to get those out soon."

"Proper Wizards always return letters of gratitude within three days," Narcissa advised.

Harry shot a look to his father. He caught the small smile his dad gave Narcissa and inwardly groaned. It had never occurred to him that his father might actually fancy the snobby woman. Maybe that was why Severus wanted to ask her to stay at the manor during the holidays?

After supper they all went into the spacious living room to decorate the tree. The tree almost touched the cathedral ceiling. They all took their wands out and directed the baubles and lights to different spots on the tree. Draco and Harry began to compete to see who could hang the most glass balls the fastest. Harry's ornaments were spread evenly throughout the tree while Draco's were all bunched together in the middle.

When the last ornament was hung, Severus carefully unwrapped a sparkling silver star and placed it in front of Harry. Harry had always seen Dudley get the honor of hanging the star so this meant a lot more to him than anyone would have guessed. He carefully levitated the star to the top of the tree and stood back to admire its beauty.

He couldn't hide his emotions and gave his Dad a smile but didn't think he could bring himself to say anything out loud. He never thought he would be in his own home decorating a tree with his own father.

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Once the Malfoy's left and Charlet went up to her room, Severus called Harry into his office. Harry took a seat across from his father at the long mahogany desk.

"Harry, I have received notice that Albus is ready to extract the magic from your leg. He will be arriving shortly. How has your leg felt today? I noticed you seem to be keeping your emotions under control."

"Yeah, after the other night I didn't want to take the chance of anything like that happening again. How long will it take to get the dark magic out?"

"Albus believes it will only be several minutes at most.".

Just then Albus walked into the room holding a small black box, "Good evening Harry, Severus. I trust Harry has heard about the extraction?"

"I was just going to explain what I knew of the counter spell, "Severus informed the Headmaster as he offered a seat and tea.

"Harry, this counter curse is not only dangerous but also very painful. I have looked into other options but they leave much to be desired. Do you feel you are ready for this?" Dumbledore asked grimly.

Harry nodded, "I don't care how much it hurts, I just want this blasted 'thing' out of my leg. Do you know what's causing the cold?"

Dumbledore studied the teen intently before saying, "I think it best that we discuss that at a later time."

That answer alarmed Harry more than if Dumbledore had just come out and told him what the curse was. He masked his fear and looked at his father, "Severus, do you know what it is?"

Severus averted his eyes, "I have a suspicion but also feel it best if we discuss the matter at another time."

Okay, that scared Harry enough to get him into action, "Well, then let's get this out of me!"

"Very wise my boy," Albus said quietly. "Harry, I want you to lie down on the sofa." He pointed to the long brown leather sofa before the roaring fire.

Harry pushed his nervousness away and obeyed without further questions.

"Is there anything I can assist with?" Severus asked as he followed his son to the sofa.

"Yes, you must keep Harry's leg as still as possible. Once I begin the chant I will not be able to stop until we are through. No matter how much Harry asks, you must not move his leg," Albus warned ominously.

Harry tensed up at the thought of being forced to remain in one place. He willed himself not to think of Vernon and the leather straps. He closed his eyes and tried to occlude all thoughts away. He knew he was failing miserably but relaxed when he felt his father place a hand on his shoulder.

Albus pulled a chair next to the sofa and conjured up a small stone table to place the black box on, "Severus, once the magic is drawn out of Harry I will direct it to this box. You must seal the box when the last vestiges of the curse enter it. This is very important."

"I understand," Severus said as he waved his wand at the study door, casting a silencing spell in case the boy screamed. He looked down and caught Harry's look of anxiety. "It is just a precautionary measure. No need to worry," the Potion Master offered evenly.

Harry nodded but didn't feel any calmer at the thought of needing a silencing spell. He heard an odd humming and looked up and saw that Dumbledore had already begun to chant. His father sat on the edge of the sofa and held his leg in place with hands of steel. It was several minutes before Harry felt the first sign of cold seeping into the room.

The window panes frosted first, followed by a crackle in the air. The cold covered him like an icy blanket. He began to shiver uncontrollably and his teeth chattered against each other. Dumbledore's chanting rose in pitch before Harry felt a severe stab of pain starting at his foot and radiate up his leg. He moaned out and twisted as the pain intensified. The air turned bitter cold before Harry heard shrieks or maybe someone yelling.

The pain was relentless growing stronger by the second until he just couldn't take it anymore.

"Please Dad, let go! Make him stop!" He kicked at his father when the man refused to let him go.

Severus dodged the foot and held tighter to the cursed leg.

"Let me go!" Harry screamed in agony, twisting and grabbing for the back of the sofa. He felt his father's grip tighten and heard Severus speaking but his brain wasn't able to register the words. He was so lost in the torture that he finally could hold back no longer and began to scream.

Severus had never seen Harry so enthralled in pain before. He knew this was the worst the boy had ever suffered. His heart ached but he forced himself to ignore his son's pleas and remain unyielding in his grip.

Harry thrashed on the sofa trying in vein to push his father's hands away. His mind was on the verge of snapping when Dumbledore's chanting stopped.

Albus almost passed out from the intense fight the curse was putting up. He had never encountered anything so powerful or dark in all his days. He felt the curse give way and began the arduous job of directing it into the box. The room felt as if a hundred dementors had descended on it, causing the Headmaster to relive his worst memories.

Harry found it hard to breathe as he felt all the dark memories of his life pulled to the forefront. He could hear his Mum screaming out for him. He was crushed under the heavy darkness that surrounded him.

Severus could see his son slipping away. His own mind was reeling with dark thoughts of years past. The cold was almost unbearable. He watched as a dark vapor began to rise out of Harry's leg. The stream of evil was directed towards the box and seemed to fight not to go in. As soon as the last vestiges of darkness went into the box, he quickly released his hold on his son and began to seal the box shut.

He noticed Harry scramble away from him in the far corner of the sofa. He couldn't do anything about that now, there would be time for comfort when this was finished.

Harry covered his face with hands, trying to grasp onto something tangible. Severus sealed the box with great effort before attending to the Headmaster. Albus had slumped to the floor and was struggling to regain his own thoughts.

Severus helped him into a chair, "Albus, are you alright?"

"Yes, yes, go to your son," Albus answered wearily.

Severus turned towards his son, gently placing a hand on the teen's slumped shoulder. Harry scrambled off the sofa, panting heavily as he fought the bleakness that tried to overtake him. He pushed his father harshly away as the man kept trying to talk to him. Finally, unable to stand being in this room any longer, he stumbled out of the room and up to his bedroom. He could hear his father calling to him but ignored the man completely.

Once he made it into his bedroom he spelled the door shut and locked it. He ignored his father's pleas to open the door and went to the window. He wasn't sure how to end this dark feeling, it ate at his very soul. The desolation was so strong, he wanted to die. He eyed the window, knowing it was high enough off the ground. His mind was pulled from those thoughts when his door burst open with a loud blast.

Severus rushed to him, "Harry, look at me! Harry you are safe now!"

Harry shook his head, not wanting to be talked out of the only way he knew to end this hate and misery coursing through him.

Severus called down to Dumbledore through the floo. It took a moment but the Headmaster made his way into Harry's room.

Severus held onto Harry's arm, forcing the boy to stay by his side.

Harry tried to twist his arm free, "Let me go! I hate you Snape! Just mind your own bloody business and leave me the hell alone!"

Albus looked at the boy with alarm, he knew exactly what was happening to the him. He asked the house elf to bring a cup of hot chocolate. Kinzi popped back in the room within seconds with the steaming cup. Severus had to force Harry into drinking it.

Harry finally relented and took a sip of the chocolate. He immediately felt the cold begin to leave his body. His mind was able to think without feeling desolation and darkness. He grabbed the cup away from his father and gulped the rest down greedily. The warmth returned to his hands and legs.

He stumbled to the bed, leaning heavily on the edge. It took a moment before he comprehended the words he had spoken to his father. He looked up and saw both Dumbledore and Severus studying him.

"I'm better. Thanks," Harry quickly assured them. "Was it dementors inside me?"

Severus nodded, "I did not feel it wise to inform you of that while you still had the curse."

"Voldemort was in control of the dementors before his demise. I believe he sent that faction of control into you. He knew you would not be able to muster enough anger and hate to control the dreaded beasts," Albus stated as he sunk into a chair."Which would also account for the way the dementors turned against the death eaters at the end. Without Voldemort stopping them, they filled their desires."

Severus ordered more chocolate for them all, feeling the last vestiges of darkness leave him.

"So, while I had that curse … I was in control of the dementors?" Harry asked in disbelief.

"I am afraid so, my boy," Albus said as he sipped at the hot liquid. He relaxed into the chair, letting the warmth seep into his weary bones.

Harry shook his head, "How did Voldemort live with that darkness inside him? I could hardly stand to let myself feel any emotions at all with that curse inside, yet Voldemort lived like that every day."

"Voldemort had no love or feelings of peace left inside him. By the time he died he was filled with nothing but hate and wickedness. The dementors had nothing to take from him, no happy feelings to garner," Severus explained.

Harry leaned up against his bed, realizing for the first time that his leg no longer hurt. He walked around the room, smiling over the lack of pain. It felt good to be so free from evil. For the first time he could truly appreciate the feeling of freedom from Voldemort.

"He's gone. I'm free," Harry whispered to himself.

Severus stood by the hearth, smiling at the sight he had been waiting to see. His son was finally able to reap the rewards of his accomplishment. "How does your leg feel?"

"Brilliant!" Harry answered and looked up at his father. Those awful words he had spoken after the curse was released came to mind. "Dad, I didn't mean it …"

"I understand," Severus stated and put his hand up to stop Harry from apologizing further. "Let's put all this behind us and look towards the future."

Harry nodded, "I'm free. I can't believe I'm actually free!" All those years of Voldemort influencing his life were behind him now. He no longer had to fear for his safety or that of the people he loved. He was free!

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