Hey everyone! I cannot tell you how sorry I am! I have like two other chapters done, seriously but I never can get on a computer. I started Driver's Ed (which is the most BORING class) a week ago and get home about the time that the library closes.

Anyway, sorry again.

ALSO PLEASE READ! I'm sure many of you have read the wonderful story 'A Year Like No Other'. Anyway, disabled the story because of to low of a rating and if you could, please take the time to send an e-mail to about that. Thanks!

Chapter fifteen- Recovery

"I just don't know why he would want to do something like that," Ron said for the fifth time as he paced in front of the roaring fire. Hermione sat curled up on the couch, clutching a pillow. She stared into the fire as if hypnotized and the flames reflected off her brown eyes, making them look slightly glazed in thought. They were both in the Room of Requirement; they seemed to be taken to it since they had found out about Darian's attempt.

Hermione said nothing as she continued to stare into the fire.

"I mean he has everything!" Ron burst out. "He has friends, wealth, fame….what more could he want?"

This time Hermione spoke up, "Maybe a family that loves him?" She glared at the redhead. "Could you even imagine what it must have been like for him at the Dursley's? Do you remember how bad they treat him? And then we just found out this year that he has been abused! How can you even say something like that?"

Ron paled slightly and scoffed his feet absently. "I…er….forgot…?" He muttered lamely. Hermione huffed and rolled her eyes. "Neither you or I know what it would be like to be abused. He has just recently found out that he has a father whom hates him-" she broke off, her eyes suddenly going very wide in realization. "Oh Merlin, why didn't I see it before?" she slumped down into the couch dejectedly. "I could have prevented it! I could have helped him! I mean, it was obvious that he'd try something like this! It always seems to happen to him. Why him? Why is it always him?" she glanced up at Ron to see if he was following her.

The redhead sat down beside her. "Hey, you didn't know for sure, I mean, no one could have predicted that he would try to…." He trailed off. "But I should have known!" Hermione burst out. "I'm the one that always spots the most obvious things, I should have known…… Especially after the full moon…he must have been absolutely shocked by the pain and I told him that we would be there when he woke up but we weren't and that probably made it worse or he probably thought that we had forgotten about him or-" She didn't realize that she was babbling.

"Hermione!" Ron shook her by the shoulders a bit. "Calm down, you're going to have a seizure."

She nodded absently before drawing her knees up to her chest and staring into the fire pensively once again. Ron also sat back before blinking in confusion at what Hermione had just said.

"What are you talking about?"

Hermione blinked out of her daze and stared at Ron. "What do you mean?"

"You said something about the full moon and Darian being in a lot of pain. Why was he in the Hospital Wing? You're hiding something aren't you?" he narrowed his eyes accusingly. Hermione mentally smacked herself. For someone who was very intelligent, she sure was pretty stupid at times.

"Um….Well," Hermione began, her brain worked in full gear as she tried to think of a legible excuse. "There….there was an accident."

Ron blinked. "What kind of accident? Where?"

"Well," Hermione struggled. "He was…serving detention with..with….Proffesor Snape and they were making a potion and…it exploded…?" She prayed that Ron would believe her, at least until she could talk with Darian again.

Ron's brows furrowed before he nodded slowly. "Oh," was all he said before he let the subject drop.

Hermione mentally sighed in relief as she returned to staring at the fire again. It's a good thing that Ron is so dense at times, she mused to herself before returning into her dazed state again.

&&&&&&&&&&&

The next morning dawned bright and cheery in contrast to Darian's mood. Since it was Sunday, all the students were out of classes for the day when he was released from the Hospital Wing. Some students were outside, trying to enjoy their last days of warmth while others, namely the Ravenclaws, chose to stay inside and brush up on their studying, and finally some students were merely wandering aimlessly through the castle, or playing a game of Wizard Chess in their common room.

Darian was to be with another person at all times; he was never to be alone. He found the new rule for him annoying not only because he felt as if people were treading on thin ice around him again, but he felt closed in and trapped under the watchful eyes of another. He left the Hospital Wing with Hermione, who had gotten up early to see him for the first time since his attempt. She had practically been in tears and was constantly asking the same plaguing question that not only her, but the staff as well as Ron was wondering: Why? Darian really couldn't answer that question; he knew she wouldn't understand. He tried to tell her that he was okay now, that he wasn't going to try something as stupid as that again. She, like everyone else, didn't believe him and insisted on staying with him. Darian really couldn't blame her; if her or Ron had tried to kill themselves then Darian would want to stay by their side continuously also. But what he said was the truth. He never wanted to see the disappointment on Dumbledore's face again, never wanted to see the uncertainty in Snape's eyes again. But most of all, he never wanted to cause his mother and James such distress nor did he want to see the absolute pity and sorrow in Hermione's eyes as she cried because of him when she shouldn't be; he wasn't worth it. Though he kept saying to himself that he would never try to take his own life again, he couldn't guarantee it. It wasn't as if he suddenly felt okay and felt as if everything was good in the world, no. He still hated his life but he started to realize the good things in his life to. Like Ron and Hermione. And the fact that Sirius is alive and well. And the fact that he's normal, that he is looked upon as a normal boy instead of the Boy Who Lived, and even though Darian knew that Dumbledore was disappointed in him, he could see in the headmaster's wizened eyes that the older wizard had known that a valuable lesson had been learned despite the sacrifice it took to be taught. Darian knew that he would never take anything, such as Ron or Hermione, or Sirius being alive, for granted.

Darian was grateful that he didn't have blabbermouths for friends. He limped into the Hall, still trying to get used to the cane he now had to walk with, as normal looking as one could be and sat down at the Ravenclaw table. Only about two people glanced up, obviously curious about why he was walking with a cane, but they lost interest quickly, after all, he wasn't anyone special. No one even knew of what he had attempted. There were no pointing or whispering or pitying looks from the hundreds of students and for that, Darian was grateful.

Hermione sat down beside him and a moment later, Ron did too. Only a couple Ravenclaws glanced up at the two Gryffindors or gave them a strange look before returning to their studies. At least the Ravenclaws and the Gryffindors were on good terms. The Ravenclaws seemed to be on good terms with all the houses, actually. The Slytherins really didn't mind them; they thought of the house as the only house worthy enough for their presences, most likely because of their brains. Darian felt a smirk tugging at his lips as he spotted Draco Malfoy's horrified look when none of the Ravenclaws protested to Ron or Hermione's presence.

"Werf 'u been, 'Arian?" Lisa asked through a mouthful of mashed potato from across the table. Ron grinned in approval before stuffing his face also. Hermione and Darian exchanged amused looks.

"Hospital Wing," he answered quietly, shifting uncomfortably. He suddenly felt as if he wasn't welcome; his eyes darted around the four house tables staring at the laughing and chattering students. His eyes scanned the teacher's table and he noticed that Dumbledore as well as Remus (who had been told before Darian had been released) were watching him out of the corner of their eyes. He shifted under their watchful gazes. He glanced back at the students and suddenly felt separated from them, as if he didn't belong with them anymore. It was a familiar feeling; he had felt this way ever since the end of his second year but the feeling had stopped when he had been announced as Snape's son. He had felt like he belonged, like nothing unusual had happened to him and he was starting off on a clean slate as a normal child. But now he felt separated once again.

"Darian," Hermione's voice startled him out of his thoughts and he turned to see Hermione staring at him curiously. "Are you alright?"

Darian nodded as he lifted his gaze from her face to the teacher's table once again. Dumbledore and Remus were now engaged in a cheerful conversation, completely focused on the subject that they were talking about. Darian smiled slightly as he remembered the mindset bond that he and Remus shared.

He sighed gratefully and turned back to the conversation that had switched to Quidditch; the feeling was gone.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Snape glanced at Darian out of the corner of his eye. The boy was talking to Granger and Weasley along with Miss Turpin. What they were talking about, Severus did not know; he wasn't even sure if he wanted to. The boy looked happy…..kind of, at least more happier then he had been in days.

Severus watched as Weasley said something, spitting some potato on Turpin. She squealed and jumped up, taking out of her wand and aiming it at him. Severus smirked as he watched Weasley reach up to touch his hair, which had turned a hot pink color.

"Find something amusing, Severus?" a voice said at his ear. He jumped and turned to see McGonagall smiling at him. He stared at her in surprise; she had never looked so happy. "I'm glad that your son is helping you open up a bit," she continued to smile and cut him off as he opened his mouth to protest harshly. "That was probably the first time I've seen you smile in about seventeen years."

Severus arched an eyebrow at her before realizing that not only was she smiling at him but also were Dumbledore, Lupin, Flitwick, Sprout, and Hagrid. A note of amusement came from the black dog at Remus's feet. Severus scowled at them all, his face growing a little warm. "It is nice to know that I happen to be the object of your entertainment this evening," he remarked dryly. Dumbledore chuckled heartily. "Come now Severus," he said warmly. "It is about time that you finally open up after all these years. Isn't it getting a little cold inside that shell of yours?" The other teachers chuckled and Severus continued to glare icily at them.

A small commotion had broken out at the Ravenclaw table, Severus realized as he looked back down at Darian's group. He glanced down to see Malfoy, on the floor, sporting a bloody nose while Darian scowled furiously at him, absently rubbing his fist on his robes as if trying to get something off from it. Turpin was holding a red-faced Weasley back and Granger was frowning disapprovingly at Darian, though she made no attempt to chastise him.

"I think you'd better handle this one, Severus," Lupin suggested pleasantly. Severus rolled his eyes, glad to have an excuse to get away from the amused looks that he was getting from his co-workers. He approached the students and folded his arms, looming over them purposefully. It always made them feel small.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&

"Nice shot, Darian," Lisa commented breezily, staring at the form of Draco Malfoy as he held his bloody nose. Darian nodded, rubbing his aching fist against his robes while he struggled to keep himself standing by holding onto his cane with the other hand. Hermione looked as if she were going to tell Darian off, but decided otherwise and instead turned to Ron.

"Calm down will you?" she said to her short-tempered friend. "Darian got him, there's no need to beat him into a bloody pulp." Ron didn't cease his struggles. "Just….once…." he muttered through clenched teeth. "I…want…to….knock…that….git…" his face continued to turn steadily redder until he finally stopped struggling.

"Calm now?" Lisa asked, still holding onto the back of his sleeves. He glared at her. "Okay, okay," she let go of him and backed away, almost cautiously.

Draco Malfoy, still trying to regain his composure, fumbled with his wand and pointed it at Darian. "Cr-" he began but a voice stopped him. "That will do, Mr. Malfoy," Snape commanded as he strode up to them. His arms were folded as he loomed over them.

"Puhfessor, dey attacked be," Malfoy moaned through his bloody nose. Snape narrowed his eyes at the young blonde before turning to the others, speaking curtly.

"Is that so?"

"He called Hermione and Lisa mudbloods," Darian explained quickly stumbling slightly as he tightened his grip on his cane. Snape paused for a moment and glanced briefly at his son before returning to glare at Ron.

"And you felt the need to punch him, Mr. Weasley?" his tone was cold.

"I didn't…"

"Fifteen points from Gryffindor for lying to a teacher!" Snape growled.

"But-"

"And that will fifty points from Gryffindor for fighting…"

"WHAT!!!" Ron exclaimed.

"…each," Snape finished, feeling satisfied.

"B-but.." the redhead stammered. Hermione groaned. Here we go again she thought to herself.

"Fifty points from Ravenclaw, Miss Turpin," Snape continued as he turned to the other blonde. She opened her mouth furiously to protest but Ron beat her to it.

"She didn't even do anything!" Ron snapped, glaring at his least favorite teacher.

"Ten more points from Gryffindor for disrespect to a teacher." Ron opened his mouth again but Hermione hissed, "Hush!"

Snape turned to Darian, who took an involuntary step back. Snape narrowed his eyes at the boy and muttered quietly, "Be at my office at seven for your detention," before turning around and walking away at a brisk pace.

"Man, what a git!" Ron snapped as he folded his arms. He glanced at Darian. "I would've at least thought that he would be a bit more…..oh never mind! This is Snape we're talking about after all!" Ron muttered in resignation.

Malfoy looked absolutely livid and he, used to being the favorite, yelled furiously after Snape's retreating back, "But he was the one that attacked me! All you're giving him is detention! My father will-"

Snape stopped and turned slowly to look at Malfoy, his expression slightly bored. "Oh yes, my apologies, Mr. Malfoy, I seemed to have forgotten," he paused. "Fifty points from Slytherin also," he said in a bored voice before continuing to walk back to the teacher's table.

Malfoy sputtered furiously before he stood up and snapped to Darian, "Wait till my father finds out about this! You'll be lucky enough to be licking the dirt off my boots when he's finished with you and your father, Snape!"

Darian arched an eyebrow in a scary resemblance of Snape. "Is that so?"

Malfoy smirked, "Just keep acting confident, Snape," he said so quietly that only Darian could hear him. "It will only be more satisfying when I get to personally kill you." With that, he turned around and headed back to the Slytherin table with as much dignity as he could muster. Darian sighed, knowing that Malfoy's threats were futile, at least…….he hoped they were.

"Maybe I was wrong," Ron said conversationally from Darian's side. "I mean, Snape is still a git, but you have to admit, seeing Malfoy's face turn completely red was pretty wicked."

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

Darian shuffled his feet absently, as he stared at the door to Snape's office. He glanced at his watch, which read 6:56. He had to get in there soon, no more dallying or Snape would punish him for being late. An unconscious shiver trailed down Darian's spine at that thought. He shuddered and took a deep breath before slowly reaching up a hand to rap soundly on the door.

"Enter," came the familiar, steely voice.

Darian closed his eyes briefly and took another breath before carefully opening the door, as if he would be punished for opening it wrong. Snape was at his desk, as usual, grading what looked like third year essays. Darian limped to the man's desk and let his eyes scan over the essay Snape was grading. It looked slightly familiar but he didn't know where he had seen it before.

He cleared his throat quietly. "I-I'm here for my detention……..sir," he added the last word quickly. Snape nodded, not looking up from the essay he was grading. Silence fell and the only sound that was heard was the sound of Snape's quill scratching against the essay. Snape finished and put the essay into the 'done' pile. He reached a hand up to rub his eyes tiredly and said without looking at Darian, "You are to reorganize my potion's store alphabetically, then clean out the cauldrons."

Darian blinked; the detention seemed so simple, so easy. That's all he had to do? He wasn't going to be yelled at? Or hit? A year ago, Darian would never have thought that Snape could possibly an abusive parent but after the pensive incident, the thought didn't seem so crazy. Would Snape actually hit him? Would Snape take his anger out on him just like Uncle Vernon had? Darian paled at the thought and suddenly felt very closed in.

An annoyed huff brought him back to the present. Snape was staring at him with an impatient look on his pale face. "Now, Mr. Snape unless you wish to come back here for the rest of the week?" he said curtly.

Darian hurriedly shook his head, muttering a faint, "yes sir.." before heading over to the cabinet that kept the potions. He didn't notice the odd look Snape was shooting him.

&&&&&&&&&

Severus watched as the boy began to take out each vial, careful not to break anything. He had never seen the boy so articulate, so wary; he didn't really like to see Darian like this, it made the boy seem like a porcelain figure whenever he was around Severus, and Severus was suddenly afraid of breaking him, of saying something that could cause the boy to do something drastic as he had done before.

Severus felt his heart burn slightly as he recalled the memory of Darian, lying on the floor of the bathroom, his green eyes lifeless, completely empty…..

Severus had a bad habit of staring at things whenever he was thinking, and this time, he just happened to be staring at the potion's cabinet that Darian was working at. The boy shifted uncomfortably, obviously thinking that his professor was staring at him.

"Um…..sir?" The voice snapped Severus out of his thoughts and he blinked, giving a quick "What?!" in surprise. Darian jumped at his professor's out-of-character response. "Are you alright?" his voice was cautious. "You looked as if you were somewhere else."

Severus shook his head and picked up another third year essay. "It's…..nothing," he spoke in the most civil voice he had ever used with the boy and hadn't even realized it.

Darian started at the almost friendly word, feeling a bit less tense. He nodded to his professor respectively before continuing on sorting the potions beginning with 'P.'

Maybe he had been wrong, maybe Snape was changing. He was almost friendly Darian thought to himself as he put the Polyjuice Potion with the P's, not even comprehending exactly what potion it was. But he seemed to be in a daze; maybe he didn't realize that he was civil to you.

Darian glanced back at the Potion's Master, who was now deeply engrossed in grading another essay. And as Darian thought of how much he had hated the man, how many students despised Snape and didn't even try to hide it, added with the man's horrible childhood; Darian couldn't help but find himself relating to the man.

Maybe we are more alike then I thought.

Darian didn't realize that he had voiced that thought. Snape glanced up at him in confusion before it slowly melted away, showing something akin to tolerance. A small smile made its way onto the man's face and he nodded to the boy, as if silently agreeing with him, knowing that Darian saw him, but not really caring at all.

&&&&&&&&&

"So how was your detention with Snape?" Hermione asked the next morning at breakfast. Darian shrugged. "It was okay."

Ron stared at him, "Okay? You mean 'okay' as in he didn't talk to you or 'okay' because you're not dead?" Hermione elbowed him sharply in the ribs. "What'd I do?!"

Darian ignored his two friends as he absently picked at his eggs. He noticed that they had stopped bickering already and Hermione was now eyeing him like a hawk. "Eat something will you?" she asked softly. Darian glared at her before shoving a spoonful of eggs in his mouth, nearly choking in the process. Hermione sighed but returned to her book.

The first bell rang, signaling that they had about ten minutes to get to their next class, which was Defense Against the Dark Arts. Ron and Hermione helped Darian get up before they all picked up their bags and made their way out of the Great Hall.

"Mr. Snape," a smooth, yet slightly hesitant voice from behind spoke. The three froze, as if a deer caught in headlights of a car, after all, any time they had heard that voice they had been in trouble before.

Snape stood behind them, his arms folded and a look on his face that definitely proved that he didn't want to be where he was. Hermione nodded politely, "Professor. Is something wrong?" Snape regarded the girl for a moment, looking as if he'd like nothing more then to snap at her. He held his tongue though and said quietly, "No, Miss Granger but this does not concern you or Mr. Weasley so I suggest that you get to your class before you are tardy."

Hermione and Ron glanced at each other and immediately made up their mind; they were staying. "We'll just wait for Darian, Professor," Hermione said, her tone still annoyingly polite. Snape sneered, "Very well, it will only be my pleasure when you get ten points taken from Gryffindor for being late." Ron opened his mouth but Hermione elbowed him.

"I wish you'd stop doing that!" he growled to her. "Well you need to learn to control your temper!" she retorted. "We've already lost over a hundred points because you couldn't keep your mouth shut!"

"It's okay guys, I'll meet you later," Darian interrupted them, obviously not wanting for his old house to loose another fifty points. Hermione nodded and pulled Ron down the hall towards Professor Lupin's classroom.

Darian slowly looked back up at Snape, who sneered again. "Must you always keep a leash on those two?" he asked mockingly. Now usually, Darian would have taken offense of that little remark but now, he thought it was kind of funny and found himself hiding a snort from behind his hand. "Always," he responded in a matter-of-fact voice.

Snape's lips twitched slightly before he regained his composure and said curtly, "Professor Lupin has excused you from his class for today."

"Why?"

Snape shifted slightly, "They are studying dementors today and he wishes for you to keep memories of in check." Darian looked down at the floor. "I hate being weak," he muttered quietly, intending to keep that comment to himself. Snape arched an eyebrow at it. "Why, Mr. Snape, do you believe yourself to be weak because of an accident that wasn't your fault?"

Darian looked slightly surprised at the question and shrugged one shoulder, putting most of his weight on his cane. "Just do," he muttered quietly.

Snape looked at him oddly for a moment before saying, "I have no classes this period and to make up for your absence for Defense Against the Dark Arts, you are going to be working with me to refill Poppy's stock of the Pepper-Up Potion. Darian flinched and closed his eyes briefly. "Believe me, Mr. Snape, I am not anymore pleased with this arrangement then you are," Snape told him coolly. Darian nodded, "Right..." He shifted his weight to his left foot and limped to keep up with Snape as they made their way down to the dungeons; his back screamed in protest as they walked down the stairs.

Snape stopped and closed his eyes as if praying for patience before turning to see Darian limping slowly down the stairs. "By the time we get down to the dungeons, your class will be over," he told the boy curtly. Darian clenched teeth in silent torment as he tried to speed up.

&&&&&&&&&&&&

When Dumbledore entered he thought the scene was almost sweet, though he knew it wasn't supposed to look that way.

Darian had obviously fallen since he was down on the floor, his robes soaked with Pepper-Up potion and a broken vial in front of him but that wasn't what Dumbledore thought was sweet. It was instead that of Severus Snape, who was currently on his knees, trying to help the pained boy up. Severus had one hand on Darian's left wrist, trying to pull him up while the other rested on the small of the boy's back, obviously trying to prevent any more pain from coming to his precious burden.

"Am I interrupting anything?" Dumbledore asked in an amused voice intending for Severus to merely scowl and continue helping the boy up but instead, Severus stood up quickly, causing Darian to drop heavily back down on the floor with a yell of pain. Snape didn't pay any attention as he slowly backed up from the boy, eyeing Darian as if he were a poisonous substance to be wary of.

Dumbledore stared at Severus in shock before hurrying over to the boy, where Darian was breathing profoundly to stop his eyes from tearing up because of the pain. He gently helped Darian up, causing him to groan in agony. Dumbledore glared at Severus, who remained where he was, staring at the two, his face showing no emotion.

"Don't just stand there, Severus. Call Poppy," Dumbledore commanded. Honestly, Severus could be so stubborn sometimes.

Severus didn't nod but turned to floo the nurse. When Poppy caught sight of Darian, she immediately began to scold Dumbledore about keeping a closer watch on him and shouted at Severus for overstraining the poor boy telling the two men that he would have to stay in the Hospital Wing for a couple hours today and miss the rest of his classes.

After she left with Darian, Dumbledore turned to the other wizard accusingly. "I see now, Severus," he said quietly, his voice not at all cheerful. "You are afraid to get close to someone again and don't play dumb, I know you care for him no matter how hard you try to hide it!"

Severus stared at the headmaster in confusion. "But…"

"But what?" Dumbledore interrupted, his blue eyes holding no twinkle. "All the professors have noticed it, Severus. It radiates off you like energy. Every time you look at him, I can see how much you care for him in your eyes. Yes, Severus, I have noticed how almost every meal you spend watching him, making sure that nothing happens to him and you try so hard to hide it!"

Severus was surprised at the headmaster. The man had almost never yelled at him and now here he was, roaring at him as if he were deaf.

"Why are you so afraid to care for someone again?" Dumbledore whispered softly to him. "Is it because of what happened to Lily?"

Dumbledore looked at Severus expectantly. Finally, Severus closed his eyes briefly and said, almost dejectedly, "I always get hurt when I get close to someone," he looked up to meet Dumbledore's eyes. "They always die in the end." Dumbledore stared at him for a moment. "But I'm still here," he told the man. Severus looked up.

"You're an exception."

"And how is that?"

"You are the most powerful wizard alive."

"I am not."

"Who is more powerful then you, then? No one is."

"Darian is."

Severus stared at Dumbledore with a raised eyebrow. "Right…"

Dumbledore frowned. "He is. He can control magic energy, something that no other wizard has been able to do yet besides he."

Severus said nothing.

"That's another thing, Severus," Dumbledore continued. "I need you to train Darian, train him to be able to control his power…"

"No."

"Severus…"

"I said, no!"

"Severus please…"

"What don't you understand about 'no' headmaster?!"

Dumbledore sighed. "You are just afraid that you'll end up loving him."

Severus growled. "I am not! I just don't want to train him! He's your chess piece, you train him!"

"He needs someone who is family to him, Severus. He needs someone who can relate to him. You match that perfectly."

"Then get Lupin to do it."

"He needs his father, Severus. Someone who will be there for him and who he can talk to so he won't try to kill himself again!"

Severus stared at the man again. He swallowed the rising lump in his throat as the image of Darian's lifeless body flashed through his mind.

"Fine," he said in a raspy voice. "Tell the boy to be down here at seven tomorrow evening."

Dumbledore smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Severus."

"And kindly go away, Albus."

"Thank you, Severus."

"Now, please," Severus repeated in an annoyed voice as he held the door open. Dumbledore smiled and strode out, looking as if he had just won a thousand galleons.

Severus slammed the door shut after the old man had left and looked around at the broken vial on the floor to the ruined Pepper-Up potion that was still in the cauldron.

"What have I gotten myself into?"