Discovering the Truth

Neville and Harry followed after Severus and into the town. It was much busier than last Saturday with Remus. Neville looked at Harry worriedly, but the green-eyed teen smiled easily. Not a hundred percent convinced, he promised himself he'd keep an eye on his friend. Severus led them through the crowds to a café. It wasn't the one they ate at last time and when Harry mentioned this, Severus assured him that this one was the better choice.

"What do you plan on doing?" The Potion's Master asked with a sneer.

"I don't know." Harry shrugged, sipping his tea. "I don't think we need to shop, do we, Neville?"

"Not unless Professor Snape needs anything." The Gryffindor assured. He reached for the last cookie, but made sure the others had time to stop him if they wanted it. No one did.

"I wouldn't shop here had I needed anything." Their professor glared at the happy, ignorant muggles passing them on the street.

"We could go to the park." Harry said, smiling up at his mentor. He was shielding, but still picked up on both of his companions' emotions every few minutes. Severus wasn't nearly as disdainful as he appeared. In fact, he was rather content.

"Alright." Neville agreed.

"Follow me." Severus sighed and led the boys down the street.

There were a lot of people at the park. A group of boys in particular were playing around with a ball and caught Harry's attention. "May we go play?" He asked hopefully. "I've always wanted to."

"You may." Severus inclined his head.

"Let's go, Nev!" Harry dragged his blushing friend off and asked to join. They were allowed into the group and soon they were laughing and fighting to score points.

Severus watched them from a bench. A woman with a newspaper was sitting next to him and she looked at him with cool blue eyes. Without a word, she offered a section of the paper and Severus accepted it politely. Half an hour later, they traded portions and continued reading. The boys played on.

xXxXxXx

Neville had been shocked when Harry pulled him over to the other teens and asked to join. He hadn't wanted to say anything since Harry had said he'd always wanted to play, but he knew he wasn't good at sports and that he'd only get in the way. He reluctantly listened to the rules (which seemed a bit random to him) and took up a position next to Harry.

The black-haired boy was very happy and ran about trying to score. Neville watched for a while, just relaxing. No one was demanding he be more active. No one was sneering or laughing because they thought it ridiculous that he was even trying. Mostly, everyone ignored him in favor of the game. He had almost completely relaxed with relief when Harry called his name and threw the ball to him. He caught it only because he was surprised. If he had time to think about what was happening, he would have fumbled it.

Everyone was turned toward him and a few were charging in his direction. He was in so much trouble! Then something really amazing happened. His feet began to run without him ordering them to. He dodged and jumped and miraculously scored a goal for his team. Harry jumped on him, laughing joyfully, and the others patted him on the back with a cheer.

Neville looked around at all the faces looking back at him with smiles and felt something burn in his chest. He'd never felt so accepted before! And look what he did! He had scored! Shouting excitedly, Neville threw himself into the game. He scored a handful more times and assisted on even more goals. He felt powerful and competent and happy.

He was surprised that he wasn't getting tired and realized that the hours of physical training were really paying off. In fact, he wasn't near as chubby as he used to be. Why hadn't he noticed it before? With sudden realization, he understood what Remus and Harry had been trying to get him to understand. He had more potential than he ever let himself believe. He was stronger than he thought. He wasn't the clumsy and worthless boy he always thought he was. Remus and Harry weren't mistaken about him! They were right!

xXxXxXx

They had been playing for a good three hours when Harry peeled away from the group. Severus had been watching him, having long ago finished the paper. He noticed immediately that something was wrong. Had Harry run around too much and gotten tired? Was that why he was clutching his chest?

Severus stood and walked quickly over to his charge. It was something more than just being out of breath. Harry's eyes were dilated and he was hyperventilating. Grabbing the boy's thin wrists, Severus could feel the boy's heart pounding hard and fast. Harry whimpered, his fingers flexing into claws, and collapsed to his knees.

Severus hissed in a breath as he suddenly understood and snapped up his strongest Occlumency shields. Harry immediately relaxed and began to pant. Lifting the smaller teen, he carried him back to the bench and sat him down. He wrapped an arm around the boy's shoulders and carefully brushed against the boy's mind.

Harry's shields had collapsed and the boy had been overwhelmed by all the excitement and competitive aggression of the playing teens. Neville's adrenaline rush of freedom had been powerful as well. Severus gently calmed the pain of overexposure and helped build Harry's barriers again. The teen sagged against him, tears streaking down his face. Neville had just realized Harry was no longer with him and looked around frantically. Severus caught his attention and waved him back to the game. The Gryffindor hesitated, but did as he was told.

"Harry? Are you alright?" He asked softly.

"Yes. Thank you, Severus." He answered weekly. "I… The barriers fell without warning and… I got so lost in it… It hurt really bad and I couldn't tell where I was…"

"It's alright. They're up again now." Severus promised. "Do you wish to return home?"

Harry smiled a bit at that. He was again trapped in his own skin and knew the rush of happiness at the word home was all his. He didn't think he'd ever get over his joy at finally having one. "Neville's still playing. He's having a good time." He managed to say.

"He's worried about you. I think his fun is over." Severus countered and helped the teen to stand. "Longbottom! We're leaving!"

Neville waved a hurried goodbye and ran over. Harry apologized for ruining the game, but the Gryffindor was quick to put him at ease. Instead he questioned Harry closely; making sure the smaller boy was alright. Harry endured the fussing with a sweet smile as they followed their teacher home.

xXxXxXx

Severus was worried. He couldn't understand what happened today. Why hadn't one of Harry's alters come Out when the boy began getting overwhelmed? It had been so bad that Harry had collapsed, and he couldn't imagine Gabriel or Silas letting Harry's condition deteriorate so far without intervening.

"Dinner is ready, Master." Omi popped into his study to tell him.

"Fetch the boys."

"Yes, sir."

Severus leaned back in his chair and put his hand over his eyes. What was he missing? Something was nagging at the back of his mind. He knew he was missing something and that irritated him to no end. But what was it… Relaxing, he let images and memories surface in his mind on their own.

He saw again Gabriel's violent defense of Silas when he had forced a confrontation with the Slytherin teen. The Gryffindor alter had come Out twice to protect the Slytherin.

The complete control and dominance Silas seemed to have over the others. He could force an alter Out or hold one back. His decisions seemed to be worth more than Gabriel's.

Severus remembered asking Silas if it bothered him that he was going to be reabsorbed by Harry and the alter had responded with a noncommittal 'yes and no'.

Silas taking the memories and psychological damage of Kitten. How long ago had that even happened? How could Silas do such a thing when it was Harry who reabsorbed her? If anyone was going to sacrifice themselves to save Harry from damage, Gabriel seemed the likelier candidate.

Harry seemed rather obedient to his Slytherin alter. He looked to Silas for answers, followed his advice. Severus knew Harry had wanted to tell him much sooner about hearing his alters in his mind, but that Silas had stopped him. He also knew that Harry had wanted to forgive him sooner, but that Silas hadn't let him. And that was odd, wasn't it? Silas should have to cave to Harry's desires, not the other way around…

That's it! Severus sat bolt upright, his eyes wide. Dread began to grow in his stomach and he knew what had been bothering him. Silas… Silas had more power than a normal alter should… The other alters revolved around him more than they should; Harry especially… But if his suspicions were correct… Grimly, he stood and made his way to dinner. He'd get his answers before the night was through.

xXxXxXx

"You look great, Nev." Harry smiled happily at his friend.

Neville looked down at one of his new outfits and smiled back, this time without the blush compliments usually gave him. "Thank you. I feel good."

"Can I ask?" Harry's eyes sparkled with happiness as he took his seat across from his friend at the dinner table.

"It's hard to explain." Neville shook his head and sat. "I just realized a few things."

"Well, whatever happened, I'm really glad it did." Harry announced. Neville laughed.

Severus entered the room and gave his customary sneer before he took his seat. Omi appeared and dinner was served.

"Thank you for taking us to town. We had a lot of fun." Harry told his teacher.

"Yes, thank you." Neville agreed.

"You are welcome." Severus inclined his head.

"Do you think I'll ever get good enough at Occlumency to not have fits like those?" Harry asked, toying with his peas.

"You will. You've only been practicing for twenty-four days." Severus stared hard at the teen. "Give yourself time."

"I've been studying meditation for much longer than that and I still don't get it right every time I try." Neville smiled crookedly.

Harry smiled back, sitting straighter. He chatted happily about the game they played at the park and wondered if they might be able to get others to play with them once they returned to school. Neville thought they might if there was nothing else to do, but it would be hard to get them to want to play when most everyone would be thinking about Quidditch. Severus listened to them talk absently, his attention on plans for the therapy session he'd demand once dinner was over.

xXxXxXx

"Severus? Is everything okay?" Harry asked as he followed his teacher to the parlor. Neville had been dismissed back to his room, but their teacher had demanded Harry follow him.

"I have a few questions for Silas." He entered the room and gestured the boy to his customary place.

Harry sat, but his eyes were still wide with worry. "Why? What's going on?"

"I merely have a few questions. That is all." Severus answered evenly as he shut the doors and took his seat across from the teen. It didn't bode well that the boy was being protective as well. "Why? Is there something you wish to tell me?"

Harry's eyes got wider and then he looked quickly to his lap, his hands folded and tense in his lap.

Severus' eyes narrowed minutely with suspicion, but he kept it from his voice. "Harry. You do know that I am here to help you. You shouldn't be afraid to tell me anything. I thought we had an understanding between us."

"Is Silas in trouble, sir?"

"Why do you ask?"

Harry's face went blank for a split second before his eyebrows came down and his mouth flattened in an unhappy line. "What are you up to, Snape?" Gabriel demanded. "What do you want?"

Severus wasn't quite sure what to say. He just stared at the teen and wondered what was going on. He didn't enjoy being lied to, but he absolutely loathed being manipulated and that's exactly what he feared had happened since Silas had sent him that note almost a year ago.

"Well, thanks for the sparkling conversation. We'll have to do this again sometime…" Gabriel stood, but Severus stopped him before he could even turn around.

"Running away, Gabriel. That is very surprising. I'm beginning to wonder just what is going on."

"I'm not running away, Snape." The Gryffindor glared. "And it's me who's wondering what's up with you. Do you need something or not?"

"Why didn't you come Out this afternoon when Harry became overwhelmed? Did it not concern you that he had collapsed in the middle of a muggle park?" Severus frowned in disdain, but his eyes were wide and watchful.

"You were there. He was safe enough. Besides, you told us not to interfere when you were teaching or giving therapy to Harry. I figured this was more of the same. I would have helped if it got out of control." Gabriel defended himself, but his posture told Severus that he was worried about something. He was protecting some secret.

"I see." He smiled a small, chilling smile. "I'm pleased to know you have such faith in my ability to protect Harry. I'll keep that in mind for the future."

"It has nothing to do with protecting him." Gabriel snapped. "I figured you were the best to deal with the shields since that is what you are teaching him."

"Where is Silas?" He asked softly.

"Where do you think?" Gabriel said with a curled lip of disgust. "You're losing it, Snape."

Severus stared at the teen silently. The teen had taken a half-step backward at his question. This was territory the Gryffindor would not willingly venture into. If Snape pushed, Gabriel would push back twice as hard. He'd have to try a different track. "I told Silas that he was to have therapy with me twice a week. It's been ten days since our first session. I've been tolerant. I won't wait any longer for him to come to me."

"This could be done tomorrow." Gabriel rolled his eyes. "Harry's had a big day. We should get some sleep."

"The door won't unlock until I allow it." He said as he stood. Gabriel turned slowly, his face flat and unyielding. "I don't want to fight with you. You trust me to protect Harry, you've already said as much. You agreed with me that Silas can't hide and run from his trauma. So why are you fighting this?"

Gabriel crossed his arms over his chest and waited, his feet braced and bent slightly. He was ready to fight. Suddenly, his face registered surprise and then he shrugged, uncrossing his arms. "Don't push him, Snape. I mean it." He said evenly, his eyes hard as a warrior's and filled with promise.

Severus inclined his head, half an inch in acknowledgement, and then the teen's face went blank and Silas rose to the surface. "The last I remember telling you is to fuck off." Silas smiled. "I can hardly imagine how that led you to believe I'd be back for more sessions."

Silas stood in a typical languid pose, but Severus noticed that the teen's shoulders drooped just a bit and his green eyes were darker, duller. Snape thought he looked tired, of all things, and that made his worry climb another level. "I wasn't under the impression that the sessions were a choice." He answered smoothly and gestured to the couch.

Silas looked at it for a long minute. He was clearly deciding what the best move would be. Eventually, he decided to sit. Standing would only make it seem like he was defensive, which in turn would signify he had something to hide. It was beside the point that he did have things to hide. The point was to make the damn Head of Slytherin think he held no more secrets. Obviously, something had his knickers in a twist, but Silas was confident he could field any accusations or suspicions. If only his head would clear…

He blinked and focused on the man sitting across from him. Their teacher had his fingers up and laced before his mouth. His eyes were especially guarded and penetrating. His hair was brushed back away from his face and his legs were crossed. It looked like the man would never be moved from his position, but after only five minutes of silence (which Silas was grateful for, as they allowed him time to come fully alert), the Potions Master lowered his hands to his lap and started whatever this was.

"Why did you allow Harry to come to the point of collapse today?" He asked neutrally.

Silas blinked slowly and stalled. "He was not injured."

It was about ten minutes after you collapsed yourself. Gabriel supplied grimly. I think the abrupt loss of your awareness undermined Harry's Occlumency shields. They began to crumble, but Harry was too distracted to notice. By the time he did, it was too late and he was swamped by the crowd's emotions. He managed to get halfway to Snape before his legs gave out and the Professor was able to help rebuild and steady his shields. No harm done.

And you didn't act because…? Silas questioned coldly.

I didn't realize what was happening till it was too late too. Gabriel admitted. I was busy taking you to your room and when I came back to the sitting room, Harry was already overwhelmed. I tried going Out then, but couldn't. His mind was too chaotic. And then there was no point because Snape had fixed his shields.

"That is beside the point." Severus drawled. "You are usually more vigilant than this."

I hardly need you to tuck me into bed! Silas snapped angrily.

Don't blame this on me! Gabriel yelled back, twice as infuriated. I told you that you needed to rest! You hadn't slept for days! What did you think was going to happen, Sy? I thought you could trust me? Why won't you let me help you with whatever in the hell has you so worked up that you won't allow yourself to sleep for even a few hours?

Not now, Gabe. Silas responded tiredly and then stiffened. That was the first time he had called the Gryffindor by his nickname, let alone called him anything without derision. Gabriel was just as shocked, he knew. Nothing else could shut the insufferable alter up when he was on a righteous tirade.

"I also don't act without reason." Silas replied out loud, just before the silence went on too long. "Interference was not needed. I am surprised that you are so bothered by our lack of involvement, Snape. I thought that was what you wanted to encourage: Harry's independence."

"I want to encourage healing." Snape shook his head once. "And if there is an… internal problem, then that must be addressed."

"Of course there is an internal problem." Silas sneered viciously. "That's the reason we are here."

"Enough beating around the bush." Severus decided. "I was hesitant to speak my suspicions, but now I am certain I am correct." Silas watched him through tense guarded eyes. Severus relaxed his posture, trying to become as unthreatening as he could. "You are the true Core personality. Not Harry."

Silas did not flinch. He shook his head and answered, "Harry is our Host."

"I didn't say he wasn't." Severus leaned back and sighed. "I don't know why you did it, but you relinquished the responsibility and control of being the Host to your own alter. That doesn't change the fact that, you are the Core mind."

Silas looked away, saying nothing. His face was absolutely blank; his eyes were completely closed off. Gabriel knew that was as good as a written agreement from the Slytherin. What? He breathed, shocked. What is he talking about? What does that mean?

"Did nothing I say last time affect you, Silas? I'm asking you to let me help you."

Sy? Gabriel prodded. He wasn't going to subside this time until he had answers.

"Alright." Silas said grimly, his teeth gritted. He looked back to their teacher and met the mildly concerned gaze. "Yes. It's true. But I hardly see how it matters."

"I hardly see how it does not." Severus countered softly. "I'm not even sure… of all the consequences of doing what you've done… Can you tell me? Why did you do it?"

Silas sighed. He was just so tired. And he honestly didn't see how it mattered. Gabriel, of course, didn't agree and was clambering for an explanation. Abruptly he didn't care that he was in front of Severus. He leaned forward, braced his elbows on his knees, and put his head in his hands.

"I'm only going to explain this once. Forgive me if I repeat anything you already know, but the moronic Gryffindor is a little slow."

Severus said nothing. The broken posture of the teen across from him worried him more than ever and, to be honest, he could do with a more thorough explanation himself. He wasn't quite sure what he was dealing with now.

"Growing up with the Dursleys hardly provides an environment for a child to cultivate their sweetness or naiveté. I believed I was severely neglected and starved, living in a cupboard, getting beat up at school, being forced to do all of my cousin's work, and listening to him get praised and loved when he was everything I was being wrongly punished for.

"Sure, I had secret hopes and fantasies. I had no trouble imagining the Dursleys were liars, so I imagined my parents were delayed for any number of reasons, but would eventually come rescue me, tie the Dursleys to chairs, blow the house up with them still in it, and take me off into the sunset showering me with love and praises. But that was a deep, hidden away part of me that I hardly indulged, let alone showed to anyone else.

"Mostly, I was bitter and cynical and cunning. I had to survive and those were the tools that would get me through. I would have been angry and murderous as well if it weren't for Demon siphoning off the more powerful anger and hate. In a way, that kept me sane. But in another, it only made me colder since anger can sometimes purify you."

I still don't understand. Gabriel said weakly.

"Let me describe how I got my letter and my creating of the new Host, Harry. Maybe that will clear up the confusion." Silas laughed bitterly and sat straight. Severus was staring, still silent. "I was in my cupboard, no surprise there. I could hear Aunt Petunia doing the dishes in the kitchen and Dudley watching TV in the living room. I was always waiting for chances to open the cupboard and let in a little light and knew the coast was clear. I cracked the door open just enough to see and brought out my mostly broken army men…"

Silas projected his memory of the fantasy game he played to both Severus and Gabriel… He looked over the hilly terrain and back down at the report one of his scouts had given him. The enemy's number was seven and they were spread out in a semicircle facing his troops. It would be difficult, but he knew he could get his men to the other side. Ordering two off to play as decoy, he led his squad through the gap and then stood and had his team shoot them in the back. Harry grinned and threw up his arms triumphantly. Victory! …

"Very Slytherin, wasn't it?" He questioned his two listeners. "A stealth attack geared toward victory…" He shook his head with a bemused smile. "But to continue… Aunt Petunia heard the mail being delivered. I quickly shut the door, so as not to be punished. I heard her screech that Dudley's summer report card had come through. He got C's and she was very happy and promised to get him stuff.

"You see, I did Dudley's homework. I didn't mind since I was allowed out of the cupboard as long as I was doing homework or chores (remember I didn't know about Boy or Rose yet) and it was at least a little bit more difficult than my own class work. My teachers had wanted to skip me a grade, but since then I purposely did poorly. I didn't want to be in the same class as Dudley, he hurt me enough as it was on the playground or walking to or from school. I didn't want to give him more chances at me. That, and I was sure if I began doing exceptionally better than Dudley, I would be punished severely for it at home. So I decided it was best to play stupid and stay where I was. Cunning, no?

"Anyway, the next day was Sunday and mail doesn't come on Sunday, but I found my Hogwart's letter. Uncle Vernon was bellowing for me to bring him whatever had come through the mail slot, but I lied and threw it in my cupboard. I knew he wouldn't let me have it and I wanted to see who had written to me. I had never gotten mail before.

"The next thing I know, I'm in my cupboard. I assume Rose or Boy came Out. I don't know. I started opening the letter, but Dudley came in and saw. We fought over it. I don't remember much what happened after that. Day after day, more letters came and I supposedly spent that time in my cupboard sulking and plotting. Once, I remember creeping out of the cupboard to see if there were pieces of the letter in the trash, but there weren't. Aunt Petunia probably burnt them.

"Uncle Vernon got crazed and there were too many letters to fight against, so he took us far away to a rickety cabin on a tiny island. Hagrid came and told me it was my birthday. I knew I had one, of course, but I had never been told which day specifically it was. More importantly than that, he told me the truth about my past and about the wizarding world.

"He took me to Diagon Alley and I did my best to stay to the shadows and learn as much as I could, since no one seemed inclined to sit me down and explain the how's and why's of everything. It was like having to learn a whole new language. I asked questions and listened. But it was hard because as soon as someone figured out who I was they'd freak and stare dumbly at my scar. I realized then that things were serious. I had to be careful.

"Next, I learned about the Houses. I learned that Voldemort was Slytherin and had murdered my parents and that all Slytherins were evil. But when Ron described the qualities of the Houses, I knew I was more like that of Slytherin than any other and I began to worry. I had been bullied and belittled all my life, and I wasn't pleased I'd most likely go to the House that was full of evil children. I didn't want to be evil, either. Sure, I wanted to be safe and protect myself from people like the Dursleys, but actively hurting others wasn't an interest of mine. Mostly, I wanted to be left alone.

"But I was The-Boy-Who-Lived and even though I wasn't a hundred percent sure what that entailed, I knew it was important and that everyone was expecting things from me. I was about willing to do anything to prevent being hated and treated poorly as I was at the Dursleys. I liked the way Ron was talking to me as if I were his friend already and didn't want that to change. More importantly, if I disappointed everyone, could I be kicked out of Hogwarts and sent back to my relative's house?

"So I began plotting how I could get myself assigned to Gryffindor. I started to mimic Ron and I insulted Draco, a sure Slytherin. But I knew as soon as the Hat hit my head that there was no way to bluff my way clear. It was about to put me in Slytherin and I admit it, I was scared. I ran away and left behind only the most innocent and brave aspects of myself.

"Doing that, I became aware my other personalities and what they stood for. I had gone so deep that there was no hiding the information. I just knew that a new personality was being created out of the raw attributes and personality aspects that I had abandoned to confront the Hat, but that I was still… I don't know… central or dominant. I knew that wouldn't work, so I shoved the new alter, Harry, to the front, forced him ahead of the rest of us and he became… I don't know, like a mask.

"If you've ever seen the manifestations of our mind, it seems like a sitting room that is shared by all with personalized bedrooms branching off of it. But in reality, the sitting room is Harry's bed room. That's why it is easier to look out of Harry's eyes when we are in it. The other bedrooms branch off of it because I forced it to and Harry became Host.

"That's why his room doesn't look like a bedroom like the rest of us. He was made to accommodate all of us. He is neutral and pure and innocent and not self-centered. The rest of us are self-centered and so we have rooms that reflect only ourselves. Harry's room is open to all of us because he is there for all of us. He exists to keep us safe and favored in the wizarding world."

My god… Gabriel couldn't believe it. But then why am I driven to protect Harry?

"Gabriel wants to know why he protects Harry so passionately and I'm sure you wonder why I do as well…" Silas rubbed his hands on his face. "It's complicated. Harry isn't fake or an actor. He really is a part of me. He was the deeply hidden part of me, my innocence. I… of course want to protect that. Everyone is protective of their hearts and I had risked mine because it was necessary, but that doesn't mean I'm anymore inclined to let Harry be damaged. Harry is my most vulnerable self, and it is only instinct and reflex to guard him as best as I could.

"As for Gabriel… He was born from Harry even though it was I who initiated the split. He was breaking and suffering… I couldn't allow that, so I… separated the parts in conflict. I tried to draw the rejected parts back into myself, but… I had underestimated Harry's… or I guess my own… desperation to protect others. It wouldn't be drawn in and managed to become an alter of its own. And thus, Gabriel was born."

"And Gabriel is quick to defend you as well." Severus pointed out.

"True." Silas said with a faint smile. "That was unsurprising."

Humph. Gabriel sulked.

"How is it that Harry can absorb the other alters?"

"He is Host. In essence, he is my equal. He has all the same abilities I do, but I guess, as the Core personality, I have the final say. He is able to create alters, Gabriel and Kit, and he can merge with them, Kit and Rose. So when I say it doesn't matter, I really meant it. It doesn't matter who's Host or Core. It's all the same to us. We're all essentially the same person, anyway."

"True, but it could make a huge difference in your treatment." Severus argued; face dark with a forbidding frown. "You should have made me aware of this immediately."

Here, here. Gabriel grumbled his agreement.

"It doesn't change Harry's therapy." Silas argued. "You agreed that it was best I deal with Kit. And it is best that Boy is dealt with by himself. This is all more of the same. Harry needs to deal with what he's been given. I'm dealing with mine. Nothing's changed."

"Except for the fact that you have no inclination to be united with the rest of your mind. That is a huge impediment to healing, wouldn't you agree?" Severus sneered.

"Look. I'm aware that it is better for me to be whole, but at the moment, that isn't possible or even advisable." Silas stood and paced away from his glaring teacher. He put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the wall, not too obviously close to the door. "If I merged back with Boy, I'd be insane. It would take years and still the possibility of rehabilitation is questionable. Neither can I merge with Harry. Our position in Hogwarts and the wizarding world is still unstable. It wouldn't be wise to change my behavior and attitude. As for Gabriel… well, Harry and I both have our hands full. I don't recommend trying to merge with him yet either."

"Has it even occurred to you that separation from your… innocence, as you call it… has made you that much more into what I was warning you against. You need to be reunited with Harry!"

Silas had had enough. His eyes were no longer tired, but cold and hard. "I don't care, Snape. I don't know how much clearer I can make this. I don't care what you think is best for me. You are merely my teacher and though I recognize all the help you have given Harry, Gabriel, and me, your role can only go so far. Ultimately, it is my decision what is best for us and I've made it. Continue on with Harry and Boy, but I will not accept therapy from you. I will not discuss this ever again. If you can't accept this, than we are finished here."

Severus knew instantly that he had pushed the Slytherin in a corner, and he had been lucky Silas hadn't lashed out more violently or viciously than he had. He needed to back off and think about things. He needed to consider all the pieces with the new understanding he had won. In actuality, he had gained a whole lot more than he had expected.

If Silas hadn't been as tired (the source of that still remained a mystery and a worry), he most likely would have had to maneuver for every little scrap of the story he had been told. Gabriel's demands had probably helped as well. The point was, he had gotten cooperation and couldn't afford to destroy the shaky trust that had been offered him due to impatience. So he inclined his head in agreement and unlocked the door. Silas left without a word.

xXxXxXx

Silas went immediately up to their room and shut the door. He didn't want Neville or Omi disturbing him. He honestly regretted telling Snape so much, but had seen no other course of action. Snape would have worried at his suspicions and he really couldn't afford Snape being distracted right now or annoying him when he had other things to worry about.

And Gabriel would have pestered him for answers as well, so he figured it was best to tell them both at once so he wouldn't have to repeat himself. That decision was probably made due to fatigue and he probably would have chosen to lie to Snape, but tell Gabriel the truth later had he been more rested. He stripped and lay out on the bed, sighing with frustration. He just knew he'd be pissed at himself tomorrow for the slips he had made.

His natural inclination was to lie to Gabriel as well as Snape, but he had understood the moral of Snape's story and was making an effort to trust the stupid Gryffindor. He honestly did understand the potential threat he posed to himself and others as long as his kinder inclinations were stripped from him. That was another reason Harry was in the Host position and, even when Silas disagreed or was irritated, he usually followed Harry's lead.

He let Harry have his friends did he not? He was even letting Harry stay with the people he loved, even though that REALLY bothered him. He was logical and intelligent and he was doing the best he could to check his own weaknesses as well as the weaknesses of the other alters. And he felt he was doing an adequate job. There was no reason to change the way things were being handled.

He closed his eyes and dropped back In, gently manipulating Harry's awareness into sleep as he sank. Gabriel was waiting for him in the sitting room. His arms were crossed over his chest and his auburn hair fell over into his face as he glared up at him with his head mulishly down.

Silas glared right back. "What, Gabriel? What would you have me do?"

Gabriel looked up at the Slytherin and didn't know whether to shrug and admit he couldn't see how this changed anything, or be pissed because the Slytherin had been lying to him. In the end, the dark circles he saw under the other teen's blue-gray eyes made him sigh and relax his aggressive posture. But he maintained his glare.

"I may be accepting all this Core and Host crap, but it's only 'cause I don't really give a damn. Either way, I'm going to be here to help all of us. But this refusing to sleep until you fall over has got to stop."

"Yes, mother." Silas sneered.

"I'm serious, Sy. Tell me what's going on." Gabriel warned.

Silas didn't answer immediately and just when Gabriel thought he'd have to fight for the answers, Silas sat at the other end of the couch with a sigh. "Don't you think I've spilled my guts enough for one night?"

Gabriel shrugged, "Are you planning on going to sleep?"

"Not particularly."

"Then you have time to spill." Gabriel grinned wolfishly. "You don't have anything else to do."

"Are you blackmailing me?" Silas lifted a thin eye-brow.

"I'm not above using any weapon at my disposal for a good cause." Gabriel laughed.

"Maybe you can be taught." Silas smiled tiredly.

"So? What's been keeping you up?" Gabriel grew serious. Like any good fighter, it was difficult to distract him from his goal.

"I will only discuss this if you swear to me on your honor that you will never talk about this with anyone else." Silas demanded, eyes boring into Gabriel's.

"I swear." He promised sincerely.

Silas thought carefully about how he was going to present his worries. One thing was true, he was only willing to trust the Gryffindor with so much, and his letters to and from Draco were not on that list. "I am worried about what I saw in my vision. That has made me sleep less and then the other day I read a newspaper and found an article that reported a Bertha Jorkins was missing. She worked in the Department of Foreign Affairs and had been acting oddly. She was given a vacation and just disappeared. They fear she is dead. And I have a feeling that she is the woman I saw killed in my vision."

"Is that why you get the visions? You're the Core?" Gabriel asked.

"Yes." Silas snapped. "Do you want to hear this or not?"

"I do, I do." Gabriel put up his hands in a soothing gesture. "I won't interrupt again."

Silas sniffed doubtfully, but continued. "I'm worried Voldemort is about to make a move. We know he's coming back to England and Wormtail is helping him. He may already be back by now. But what could a Foreign Affairs agent know that would give a broken Dark Lord enough courage to come back to where he had been repeatedly defeated? And why was she released to begin with? It almost sounds like the symptoms of an Obliviate. But Voldemort now has whatever she was forced to forget. And who is most likely to Obliviate someone, but a Death Eater or Dark supporter."

"That's not good." Gabriel frowned. "But we can't do anything about it. Worrying will only weaken you. You should rest and conserve your strength so that when an opportunity comes for us to do something about it, we can."

"Reacting is all well and good." Silas sneered. "But I prefer to have a plan of action before shit hits the fan."

"Silas," Gabriel said earnestly. "As soon as we know more, we'll think of something. But you can't run yourself into the ground like this. You need sleep. In fact, Snape woke you up too soon with all his bloody questions. Why don't you go back to bed?"

Silas hesitated, but the Gryffindor looked very stubborn. So he gave in and retired to his bedroom. He couldn't sleep, however. He had only told Gabriel some of the pieces he knew. In fact, he knew for sure that Bertha was Obliviated because she had stumbled on a Death Eater plot. And he knew she then was kidnapped by Wormtail and brought before Voldemort, who raped her mind and was very pleased by two things he found.

The first thing, Silas knew to be the mystery Death Eater plot, which Silas also suspected related back to the information Draco had given him weeks ago about a second escapee from Azkaban. The second piece of information Voldemort had acquired had to have been from Bertha herself, which would relate back to Foreign affairs, which in turn related back to either the World Cup or the Tri-Wizard Tournament. The question was what was he going to do about it and how was he going to find out more. And the answer was Draco.

He subtly sent Gabriel to sleep. Harry was already sleeping. He slipped Out and looked at a clock. He had several hours before midnight and Draco's bird would be back for his response to the letter he had received the day before. Sitting cross-legged, he began working on Occlumency. It was difficult to clear his mind, but he managed.

xXxXxXx

The week and a half leading up to the boys' birthday was uneventful. Severus didn't press the Silas issue and the alter was subdued, not only from worry and plotting, but also because of fatigue. Gabriel kept his eye on the Slytherin and did his best to force him to rest, but it was a constant battle. Thankfully, battles were his thing and he never gave it up.

Harry and Neville worked hard and in ignorance of what Severus had found out. Severus knew he'd have to tell Harry eventually, but he saw no harm in waiting until he had decided on a plan of action to deal with the reticent Slytherin alter. The boys were happy and it was a shame to encroach on that, especially since they both were making excellent progress in all three areas of study.

They were getting closer to being able to accomplish the Animagus Transformation. First, they must understand the magical theory of the spell and the biological/psychological changes it induces. Second, they would need to correctly make the very complicated Animagus Revealing Potion because you couldn't buy it. The person going to use it has to make it themselves or it won't work. Third, they must research the personality type attributed to their animal and have a full comprehension of that animal's biology. Last, they would then have to cast the spell correctly on the first try. If the first transformation is incorrect in anyway, the witch or wizard would never get a second chance and the Animagus Transformation would be denied them forever.

It was no easy task and usually took years to perform, but the boys were already in the middle of the second step. Soon they'd be ready to brew the potion. Severus had been certain this step would slow them down, considering the two wizards involved, but Neville's ability improved greatly outside the classroom and due to his rising self-confidence and Harry's ability increased due to his newly discovered experience with cooking and love for plants.

In their other studies, Neville was able to reach a deep meditative state on his own and Harry finally mastered a complete Occluding shield. As they practiced, they'd be able to maintain these states of mind for longer periods. Their physical training was going well. Remus was enjoying teaching Neville and the boy was learning twice as fast under the gentle tutelage. Gabriel, on the other hand, actually preferred Severus' aggressive teaching style and was getting steadily better. Severus thought it would only be a couple of months before the teen was his equal and Severus was skilled in hand-to-hand combat. He was considering introducing the Gryffindor to weapons once they reached Hogwarts.

Remus came by whenever he could. Everyday for Neville's physical training and at least twice a week he'd stay for dinner and do things with them at night. He brought news that Sirius was doing much better and it had been decided that he'd be allowed to come to the house for good the day before Harry and Neville's birthday. Since Neville was going back home the morning of their birthday and Severus would have to leave on August seventh for Hogwarts, Sirius and Remus would be the only ones to look after Harry until the first of September.

Aware that they'd soon be separated for a month, the boys used every spare minute of free time they had on having as much fun as they could. They played in the game room, worked on their music and art, had pillow fights, and even roped Omi into helping them make a treasure hunt and talked Remus into playing with them. They also talked.

"I can't believe you leave in two days." Harry sighed. He lay on his stomach on his bed. Neville sat on the floor with his back against the mattress, allowing Harry to look over his shoulder as he flipped through his sketch book. Harry had already picked two he really liked and Neville promised to get them framed for him.

"I know. Time went really fast." Neville shut the book and climbed up into bed next to his best friend. Harry curled up against his side and he smiled as he wrapped an arm around Harry's back. "It might be nice going home for a bit, though. My head hurts from all the stuff I've crammed into it and I have pulled muscles and bruises from day after day of training."

"I know what you mean." Harry laughed. "But it's definitely worth it."

"Yeah. It definitely is." Neville agreed with a happy sigh. "It hasn't been easy, but I don't think I'd change a thing."

"You haven't cut in a long time." Harry said softly, carefully monitoring the other's emotions to know if he should stop. Neville tensed, but there was a grim pride there as well.

"Haven't felt the need to." Neville admitted, tilting his head to the side to look his friend in the eye. "I think… I might not need to ever again. Sometimes I do think about it and almost miss it, but I don't need it anymore. I've learned that I can be strong. I finally understand what Remus meant when he said from now on it would be a choice. I don't have my excuse anymore, so cutting again would be like choosing to be that person I hated."

"I'm so glad." Harry smiled, pressing his face into Neville's shoulder. "It always hurt so much to know how much you didn't like yourself and kept selling yourself short. Though I am glad about the cutting part, too."

"Thanks, Harry."

"Wanna sleep here tonight?" He offered shyly.

"Sure." Neville shrugged and they sat up to face the right way and get under the covers.

"Goodnight, Nev."

"Night."

xXxXxXx

Silas sat up and went to the window. Neville was snoring softly in the bed, but he wouldn't wake. He had made sure of that with a subtle spell. Draco's bird flew in and landed on the back of his desk chair. It cocked its head and looked toward the bed. When he turned his head to face the green-eyed teen, it had a look of sly derision.

"Perverted bird." Silas muttered and checked for any spells. Again, there were none. He took the letter and with a laughing hoot, the eagle-owl flew away. Silas shut the glass with a sneer. Though, he shouldn't be surprised. It was Draco's bird after all and adopted his master's idiocy.

Dearest Shadow,

On the run with an innocent ex-convict? My, you do have a dangerous streak. I can't imagine why you were so worried over that over-sized chicken, though. And I can't believe your damnable luck. Some god must love you to send a magic storm just to save your ass from dementors. I don't know how you survive, Shadow, I really don't. You should be dead at least two dozen times by now, I'm sure. Maybe there is truth to the whole nine lives thing; being in the feline House may just have its benefits after all.

I have picked up on an interesting story that I thought you'd like to hear in exchange for your fabulous recounting of last year. It starts in the same place your godfather most probably has night-terrors about. Do you remember the story I told you about the second escapee? Well, my father sent subtle inquires among the human staff at the abysmal place and word finally returned. Barty Crouch Jr. was the last prisoner to die and that was a while ago, and is therefore the only person who could have escaped via faking his own death.

Now, Jr. has an interesting story. His father is a Light wizard of some power and esteem. He is in fact head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation. When they were questioning Death Eaters after the first war, Jr. was revealed as a member. His father didn't believe it at first and Jr. denied it, but evidence kept pilling up until he had no choice but to face the fact his son was a willing Death Eater. Once his fate was determined and he was sentenced to Azkaban, Jr. boasted and swore his Master would have vengeance on them all.

His father visited him at first; still trying to find out why his son had turned evil. The visits from his father slowly came to a stop and he finally gave up his son for lost. This was all years ago, you realize. It still isn't public knowledge that Jr. has escaped. And not even the very few who do know he has, have no idea who helped him or where he is now.

Fascinating, isn't it? Maybe your godfather will know more since this all happened while he was still in Azkaban. He could have been next door neighbors with Jr. and heard all kinds of things. Maybe he was even able to escape by listening to their plan. If he does know anything, I'd be interested to learn more about this tale. I do hate loose ends. I'm sure you sympathize.

Yours,

Serpentine

Silas put down the letter with a heavy frown. So Jr. was a fanatic Death Eater and Bertha had somehow found out he had escaped. Voldemort heard he had a loyal follower free and decided to go to him? That didn't make sense, did it? Why wouldn't Voldemort call Jr. to him instead? Unless he wanted to come back to England anyway… Maybe for the second plot? The one involving Foreign Affairs. Jr. could help him with that plan as well. That still left him to try and figure out whether the attack would come at the World Cup or during the tournament. Either way, Silas was sure the point would be their death.

Suddenly tired, he decided to go to sleep. He needed to think about his response to Draco, anyway. He'd run out of history to bribe him with. Now he'd have to think of something else to entertain the blonde and keep the inside information coming without revealing anything of importance.

Chapter End

A/N: Wow… this was an intense chapter to write. I'm still not sure I got it right or explained the whole Core and Host thing so that everyone would understand… I've been holding this secret about Harry's condition for a long time and was about to burst with it. Please feel free to ask questions, so that if you need clarification I know where to begin. Also, feel free to tell me whether you hate or like this new development. I can promise all of you who don't like Silas that once he merges with Harry the Slytherin will change and become less cold and bitter. I mean, no matter what, Harry will always have his love for his new family (Nev, Remus, Severus, and Sirius) and his friends. Those kinds of things would change Silas for the better.

Anyway, please review! I promise that their birthday will be in the next chapter. I thought I could get to it in this chapter, but it got too long to include here.