Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. This is purely written for enjoyment.

Summery: Severus is summoned to a Death Eater meeting and makes a terrible discovery. Voldemort has Harry Potter! How will this change the course of events? AU. Sirius is alive.

Harry Snape

Chapter XX: Visiting and Secrets

It was rare, indeed, to find Harry bored in his own home. Normally when he was home, he had Evan, Sydney and Dale to keep things interesting. But they weren't here at the moment. He was thankful that Dale was coming home tomorrow, and Evan and Sydney, a few days later.

Standing up from the floor, where he had been finishing getting the Christmas tree straightened out, he looked the tree over. Currently it was bare, the decorations still packed in boxes a few feet away. He and his Dad had brought them down earlier in the day. When Evan, Sydney and Dale were home, they were planning on decorating the tree together.

Sighing and turning away from the bare tree, he went down the hallway to the door that led to the basement. He knew his Dad was down there making a potion. Maybe he could help with the preparations.

When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he waited there and watched his Dad add some green substance to the potion, causing the potion to bubble a little more. He didn't have to wait long for Severus to look up and motion him over.

"Hi," Severus said, before turning away and going to the cabinet.

"Hey."

Severus returned to the table and placed a knife, bowl and crusher in front of Harry. He knew what his son had come down for. Harry mumbled his thanks before asking what they were making.

"Wolfsbane potion. The full moon is coming soon." Harry nodded. He'd forgotten how close it was and winced in sympathy. He'd never seen one of Remus' transformations, but he'd heard enough about them to know they were very, very painful. He was glad his Dad made the potions for Remus free of charge. The potion had been originally created by Severus' father, who was also a potion's master, and Severus had later tweaked it a bit making it slightly more effective. Sadly, they hadn't gotten as far as they wanted. They intended to someday make the potion effective enough to one day hopefully fully stop the effects of the transformations. "Can you prepare the wormwood bark, snake eyes and goppy sap?" Harry nodded and set to work.

He found making potions relaxing but he often didn't have the patience for it. Sydney was the one who really loved potions.

An hour later, they'd finished with adding ingredients, and now needed to wait for the potion to simmer and then bottle it up for use. It wasn't a potion that could be reused. It needed to be used shortly after being made or it would spoil.

Harry yawned, causing Severus to smirk. "Get to bed," he said lightly with a small laugh. Harry nodded and mumbled a goodnight before heading back upstairs and to his room. He could shower in the morning.

Harry woke the next morning when his alarm clock went off and he quickly gathered his clothes and headed to the hallway bathroom. There were some perks to not having his siblings there; like having the bathroom to himself. No mad-dashes and fights over who got the bathroom first, which Sydney usually won.

After showering, he quickly dressed and headed downstairs where he noticed his Mum standing next to the fire place.

He noticed his Mum was dressed similarly to himself. She wore dark blue jeans, a green turtleneck shirt (he could see the neck of the shirt) a black leather jacket, and brown boots.

He wore medium blue jeans, black boots, a black long-sleeve shirt and a black with green tread hoody-sweatshirt.

"Ready?" His Mum asked as he came to stand next to her. Harry nodded. "Maybe you should put your hair up." She handed him a pony tail. His grandmother in particular didn't like long hair on boys. She didn't mind it so much if it were tied back. He quickly tied his hair at the nape of his neck with the tie he kept on his wrist.

Moments later, Severus walked into the room. Harry couldn't help but smirk a little. Severus was wearing black jeans, black shoes and a deep red long-sleeve shirt. He too, had his hair tied back, something he rarely did because he hated his hair being up. Harry wouldn't think that anyone at school would recognize his Dad because he looked so different from how he liked to dress at Hogwarts.

"Ready?" Severus asked casting a glance at his eldest son and wife. Both nodded and he motioned for them to floo through first. Lily was the first to go through, and Harry went second.

Harry stumbled a few steps after he was pushed from the fire place having reached his destination. After regaining his balance, he almost lost it again because after a cry of "Harry!" something propelled into him, almost knocking him over. He heard several chuckles.

"Hey, Dale!" Harry said bending down and hugging the youngest Snape child. Harry absently noticed that his father had arrived through the green flames of the fire place.

"Don't we get hugs too?" Lily asked with a laugh. Harry noticed her identical emerald green eyes were sparkling in amusement. Dale nodded letting go of Harry and going to his mother, hugging her and getting a kiss, before going to his father and hugging him.

Harry stood there and fidgeted with his sleeve. He didn't know what to do next. Should he initiate a hug with his grandparents? Or should he wait and see what would happen? Even though he could better deal with being touched, it was still uncomfortable and he still fought not to pull away or flinch at times.

He was also unsure about how to feel about them or their relationship. They were Severus' parents. They'd never acted weird in the past with him and had never treated him differently from Sydney, Evan or Dale. But he still found these thoughts running through his head. He hated that he was so unsure of things. It was irrational to think his knowledge of being adopted by Severus, and not biologically fathered by him just seemed to set him off balance, not just with his parents, but with everyone else as well. And he hated it but he didn't know what to do about it.

His grandmother made the decision for him when she stepped in front of him and pulled him into a hug. She held him for several moments and Harry was glad when she finally released him. She held his arms and took a good look at him. "You look well, Harry."

"Thanks," Harry answered with a smile. He knew she had to be lying. He still hadn't fully recovered from his kidnapping. He knew he had dark bags under his eyes from the sleep he was unable to get because of nightmares and that he still had some weight to gain back. But thankfully the bruising and his hands had healed up.

Finally she let him go and his grandfather stepped up also pulling him to a hug. He too, took a good look at him before patting him on the back and whispering in his ear that they were glad he was okay before pulling back. Dale asked if they were excused and after receiving a nod from their mother he grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him from the room while talking about his time with their grandparents.

Rose Marie Snape wiped her hands on her apron as she watched her grandchildren leave the room. She was a short woman, who reached just over five feet in height and had long dark grey hair which was currently pulled into a bun. She had been eager to see her eldest grandchild, Harry, since she'd learned of his recovery; but on her sons request has stayed away giving Severus and Lily time alone with Harry.

When Severus had flooed to their home, his childhood home, and told them of Harry's recovery, she had been relieved. She had wanted to march right to Hogwarts and see him personally but Severus had managed to convince her not to. Then when he'd come home she'd immediately requested they come over to dinner, or even she and Severus' father, Edward Samuel Snape, go over to their sons home. Again, Severus deterred them from this saying Harry needed time at home with them to adjust and heal some. He had promised to fire-call them to tell them how Harry was coping and he did every two days.

Finally, just two nights earlier Severus had fire-called asking if they could come over to retrieve Dale, who had been staying with them since Harry's rescue, and she had asked if they could all come over for lunch and possibly even dinner. He'd agreed that maybe it was time for Harry to see them.

Turning to Lily she smiled. "I'm helping Belle with lunch at the moment, would you like to help?" Lily nodded eagerly.

Belle was the Snape's house elf. She looked like most house elves, except that she was very happy. Most house elves were not treated kindly, but to the Snape's, she was just like a member of the family. Rose would often help her with the cooking. She enjoyed just spending time with Belle and talking about everything and anything. Lily, who liked to help when she visited, liked helping for much the same reason. To them, Belle was a good friend and they always had a good time with her. Rose knew Belle was looking forward to seeing Harry too.

She'd had a large part in raising Harry, Evan, Sydney and Dale and took anything concerning them to heart. Rose remembered when she'd broken the news to Belle of Harry's kidnapping. Belle's reaction had been very similar to theirs; she was devastated and worried sick about him. Rose hadn't seen Belle happy until they'd been able to tell her the great news that Harry had been found, and Belle's bright blue eyes had radiated happiness. Belle, much like herself and her husband, had been very eager to see Harry.

Lily nodded and followed Marie from the living room into the spacious kitchen and took the offered apron.

Severus followed his father into the potion's room. Earlier, when he had fire-called them, his father had asked if they could discuss the Wolfsbane potion. Severus knew that wouldn't be all they would discuss though. And he was right; after almost half an hour of discussing the potion and its ingredients, Edward had changed the topic, asking about his eldest grandson.

Severus sighed and ran a hand through his hair. 'How is Harry doing?' His father had asked. Swallowing, he answered. "Physically he's almost recovered. All of his bruising and marring have healed; but I suppose you noticed that he is undoubtedly tired and still underweight." It wasn't a question and Edward nodded before speaking.

"Yes, I had noticed. Is he eating? How has he been sleeping?" Edward's eyes showed nothing but concern and worry.

Severus perched himself at a nearby bench across from his almost identical looking father, though noticeably older, who sat in an identical bench. For wood, they were quite comfortable. But they definitely weren't for potions that took a long time to make. For that, Severus knew his father had chairs stored in a nearby closet. Both were leaning against hard wood work tables made for potions. His father had had the tables ever since he was a child, and they showed the years of use through the marks they bore. But they were nonetheless very good tables. Nothing but the best for the art of potion making, his father always said.

"He eats; though not nearly enough for a teen-age boy. He doesn't rest enough. He constantly has nightmares."

"Nightmares?" Edward repeated. "About his captivity?" Severus had told him of the details they knew about Harry's abduction and subsequent captivity, but he doubted they knew of all of it. He also knew the boy had yet to discuss more of it then was necessary.

"I believe so, yes." Severus answered tiredly. He was frustrated that Harry wouldn't tell him or Lily about them. But he didn't want to force the boy to talk. Harry had been so distant this year and he didn't want to risk further distancing Harry from them.

"Have you tried getting help for him?" Edward asked. "I know you have said he refuses to speak with you. It may help."

Severus shook his head. "I asked him during a discussion after he learned he was adopted, but he got really upset and refused the idea all together. He said he doesn't want to speak to some stranger about everything."

"He needs to tell somebody."

"I know." Severus answered closing his eyes tiredly. He'd thought about this so many times, he'd lost count.

"If he doesn't discuss what's going on with him it could escalate into something more serious," Edward stated again, closely watching his son. Severus nodded again, beginning to feel like one of those dogs that bobbed their heads at motion, that Lily loved so much.

"I know. Believe me, I know." And he did. Being a teacher, and a Slytherin teacher at that, he had come across his fare share of students with problems. He knew the possible consequences of not getting your feelings and emotions out in some way. And it absolutely terrified him that his son may eventually be driven to some self-destructive method of dealing.

"Where do you think they've gone?" Lily asked after almost an hour of working with her mother-in-law and good friend, Belle.

Marie didn't even have to ask who she was asking about. "Likely to the garden's. Allen has been building a tree house for Dale and he's been very excited to show it off."

Lily smiled. Allen was the elder Snape's grounds keeper and had worked for them for years. He was always doing projects around the house and had been trying to get herself and Severus to agree to him building a tree house or fort around their home, but they'd said they were quite happy with how things were. Allen was probably ecstatic to have been able to build the tree house at the elder Snape's.

"I noticed Harry seemed somewhat skittish," Marie said as she put a bowl in the ice box to cool.

Lily sighed and turned from the window to face her mother-in-law. "After he was found, he could barely even handle Severus or I touching him. He would pull away or flinch. He's gotten better at it though. He still flinches but not nearly as often as he was. He will mostly flinch if it's an unexpected touch."

Marie nodded in acknowledgment. She hated that her family was going through this. She knew her son and daughter-in-law were very worried for their eldest son. She knew Harry was dealing with a lot. And she knew Evan, Sydney and Dale were confused about what was going on. She just hoped and prayed things would work out. At least, Harry had returned home alive to them.

Harry followed Dale through the thick gardens surrounding the Snape manor. They were headed toward the small forest near Snape Manor and would have already been there had Dale not needed to show him everything he found interesting on the way. Harry didn't mind though. He was enjoying himself.

"Har! Look!" Dale called, pointing to a calico cat that was busy cleaning itself under a berry bush. Harry smiled. It was Allen's cat. The cat had originally been their grandparents but had fallen in love with Allen and would follow the man as he worked around the manor. If he remembered correctly, the cat's name was Sammy. After Dale finished petting the cat, they continued on their way toward the forest. Finally reaching it after another five minutes, Harry followed Dale toward the tree house.

"There!" Dale again pointed to where the tree house was. Sure enough, a wooden structure stood on the thick branches of the large trees. Harry knew the tree house and the surrounding and supporting trees were spelled to be stronger then most trees and the tree house was magically stuck to the trees. Their grandparents, nor Allen would take any chances of something going wrong and someone getting hurt around the tree house. Dale led Harry to the ladder and they climbed up to the top and into the tree house.

Harry was surprised by how nice it actually was. It was apparently spelled to be larger then what it looked like from the outside, much like the tent he had stayed in when he went with the Weasley's to the Quidditch match before fourth year. The tree house had carpeting, two windows, one of which allowed them to see the manor, there was a small book collection in a small book case, lots of art supplies scattered around and a few pieces of artwork decorated the walls, and there was a cabinet that undoubtedly contained snacks.

"This is very nice," Harry said, sitting down in one of the bean bag chairs. Dale beamed proudly.

"Allen helped me get things ready in here, and Sarah has been up most of the week too," Dale informed him as he sat down across from Harry. Sarah was the neighbor's five year young daughter, who Dale would often spend time with when he came to their grandparents.

When Harry and Dale finally headed back to the manor, lunch was ready so they all went out to the back and had a nice lunch at a nearby pond. The day was sunny, though not really warm, but comfortable enough so long as they wore a jacket or sweater. Lunch was pleasant and they all had a good time.

The rest of the afternoon was spent just being with each other. The adults took rounds at chess and discussing the upcoming Christmas holiday and new year. Harry and Dale played exploding snap and then they played with a coloring book.

Dinner was spent in the dining room where they had a wide variety of food. Harry knew his grandparents and parents were not pleased that he didn't eat more then half a plate of food, but he was thankful that nothing was said.

That evening again found them all sitting around in the den. Harry knew they would be going home soon because it was almost Dale's bed time.

"Harry?" The said boy looked up to see that his grandfather wanted to see him. Edward stood and motioned for Harry to follow him. As Harry left the room, he could sense everyone else's eyes on him and he knew they were also wondering what his grandfather wanted to discuss.

Edward led Harry into his office before motioning for him to sit. Immediately Harry was on edge. Obviously, his grandfather was serious about whatever he wanted to talk about and it was likely about recent events, and he did not want to talk about it.

"So, Harry," Edward began as he sat across from Harry and placed his hands in his lap. "How are you really doing?" Harry would have snorted because of his grandfather's bluntness, but he knew where this was leading.

"I told you, I'm fine," Harry answered guardedly. He loved his grandfather. He really did. And he knew he was just trying to help. But why couldn't he leave him alone and let things be?

Edward didn't seem at all surprised by his answer and just sighed. "Harry, you and I both know that's not true." He put up a hand to stop Harry from interrupted when he opened his mouth to do just that. "You are not fine. I know it. I know you know that I know it. And I know that you know your parents know it. We are all concerned about you."

"I know," Harry answered quietly. "But I'm okay."

"No, Harry, you are not." Edward repeated. "You are nowhere near fine." Again Edward stopped Harry from interrupting and he could see the younger boy's annoyance, but he ignored it for now. "You aren't resting enough. You are not eating enough. I am aware that you are dealing with a lot at the moment, but something needs to be done."

"No, it…" Harry began but his grandfather interrupted.

"Yes. Yes it does." Edward sighed before continuing. He hated doing this. But he knew something had to be done. He didn't want to see Harry hurt any more then he was. "Your father has told me that you refuse to seek help, either from your parents or another adult. I know you aren't keen on the idea, but I would like to offer. I know a good psychologist…" He stopped when Harry abruptly stood.

"No!" Harry almost yelled. "I do not want to go to some stranger to talk. I do not want to talk about anything." He hissed before turning on his heel and heading out of the room. Edward also stood and followed.

"Harry!" He called, trying to get his grandson to stop but Harry ignored him and continued out the door and down the hall. Edward reached the den room just as Harry flooed home. He could see the green flames go back to their normal color, telling him Harry had left. Marie, Lily, Severus and Dale looked at him in wonderment and curiousness.

So he answered their unasked questions. "I tried to get him to talk."

"I'm guessing he didn't," Severus said quietly.

Edward shook his head. "No. I offered the option of contacting a doctor for him to speak to, but he angrily left. He didn't even want to hear me out after that." Both Lily and Severus nodded, already aware of their son's feelings on that.

"I'm sorry," Edward apologized. He felt guilty now. He hoped he didn't make things worse; he most surely hadn't wanted to get Harry angry at him.

Severus nodded and patted him on the back reassuringly. "That's alright. Thank you for trying," Lily continued.

"We'll talk to him when we get home." Turning to Dale, she asked him to gather his things.

Ten minutes later, they flooed home and Severus set out to find Harry while Lily got Dale and his belongings to his room. Severus wasn't angry at his father for attempting to get their son help. He appreciated it. And he wished Harry would at least consider the option and give it a try. But for some reason, he was adamant.

"Harry?" Severus asked, looking in his son's room. He had already checked most of the house without finding his son. Crossing to the bathroom he knocked.

"Just a sec!" Severus sighed in relief at hearing Harry's voice. Moments later, the door opened and Harry looked at him. Severus' brow creased in concern. Something was odd, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Harry didn't look different per-say. He didn't look angry as expected but there was something in his expression that caught Severus.

"Are you okay?" Severus asked after staring into his son's face for several moments trying to discern what was going on, with no luck.

Harry nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine," though Severus still had his doubts. There was something not right. He could feel it, but he didn't know what it was.

"Come on. Why don't we go downstairs?" Severus suggested.

"Why? Can't I just go to my room?" Severus immediately knew what Harry was trying. He wanted to be left alone and avoid what ever his Dad wanted, but Severus had no intention of allowing that.

"You can after we've talked."

"Talked about what? If it's about why I left like that…I'm sorry. I just had to get out."

"Well, I would like to know what happened with you and your grandfather," Severus lied. He hated to lie, but he wanted to speak with Harry.

"Didn't he tell you after I left?" Severus shook his head. By now, they had reached the living room and both were sitting on the couch. "Well," Harry began, though Severus could see him fidgeting with his sleeve. "Nothing really happened. He wanted to call some therapist and I told him I don't want to talk to one. That's it."

Severus sighed, desperately hoping his son wouldn't blow up at him suggesting this; though he knew the possibility of that was slim to none. "Maybe it would be a good idea."

"What?! No!" Harry hissed, looking almost panicked. He didn't want to talk to anyone. Why couldn't they understand that?

"Harry," Severus said quietly. "You could just try it. Just give it a few months and if you don't want to after that, we won't force you." He cast a prayer to anyone who might be listening that Harry might agree. But from the look on his son's face, he knew that it was a 'no.'

"No, Dad! I do NOT want to go to some doctor!" Harry stood and attempted to flee up the stairs, but Severus grabbed his wrist preventing him from getting far. He was surprised when Harry let out a hiss, as if in pain. He hadn't grabbed the boy hard enough to hurt him.

"Harry?"

Harry looked panicked. His emerald eyes, identical to his mothers, shown fear. But fear of what? Why did it hurt him when he grabbed his wrist? What was wrong.

"It – It's nothing." Harry stammered out, turning around and running up the stairs. Severus closed his eyes in thought and opened them again when he heard a door slam shut upstairs.

"Is everything okay?" Lily asked from the bottom of the stairs. Severus shook his head.

"I don't believe so." He made his way toward the stairs. "I'm going to talk with him. Can you keep Dale busy?" At her nod he continued up the stairs behind her and split up going towards Harry's room.

Raising his hand he knocked lightly on the door. Waiting a few moments and receiving no answer he turned the knob and opened the door and stepped inside. Harry's bedroom was a typical teenagers bedroom. Posters of favorite movies and music bands lined the walls, a desk stacked with books and papers was by the right wall, the bed was placed at the back wall, and the room was definitely not neat and tidy.

Severus located Harry sitting at the desk, doing his best to ignore his father's presences in the room.

"Harry?"

"What?" Harry sounded annoyed.

"Is your arm hurt?" Severus asked carefully.

"No."

"Please turn around and face me." Severus asked, though there was an edge to it that meant he was serious. Harry slowly pushed his chair away from the desk and turned the chair so he was facing his father. He seemed resigned.

"Is your arm hurt?" Repeated Severus. He hoped Harry wouldn't make this any more difficult then it had to be.

"No," Harry repeated. He really hoped his Dad wouldn't push this. This was his business. His secret. He didn't want anyone else knowing.

"May I see your arm?" Severus asked gently, eyes pleading to Harry to allow him. He sighed as Harry shook his head. If this was what he thought, then he knew it would be difficult to get the boy to show him. But he needed to know and he wouldn't leave the room until he found out.

"I'm fine!" Harry insisted. He could see that his Dad was desperate to see his arm. But He didn't want him to. Things were already so crazy and this was the way he dealt with it. If his secret was discovered, then they would force him to stop and he didn't know what he would do then. He needed this. He also knew they would keep a closer eye on him if they knew his secret. They would probably think he wanted to kill himself too, but he didn't.

"No, Harry you're not."

"Why does everyone keep saying that?! I'm fine. I am!" Harry hissed, green eyes shining with anger. He was fine. Sure he was confused, but after everything that had been happening, he had a right to be confused. But how could he get everyone to understand that?

"Harry, you are not 'fine.'" Severus said determindly. "You may think you are, but you're not. Your mother, myself, your grandparents, even your teachers can see that you're struggling to deal with everything. And that is not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed of. None of us think any less of you because if it." Severus paused. Here came the hard part. "But I believe you are finding a way to cope that isn't healthy."

It took everything Harry had to keep his expression neutral. He knows! His mind screamed, and he was terrified. He didn't want him to know. He didn't want anyone to know.

"Harry, please let me see your arm," Severus was pleading.

"You'll make me stop." Harry said, shaking his head and pulling his arms tighter to himself. That was all the confirmation Severus needed to know that his suspicions were true. Looking at Harry and the obvious fear his son was feeling, he almost wanted to leave it be and let his son have this small bit of control. But he knew he couldn't do that. He had no idea how far his son had injured himself, and he needed to know. He couldn't let it get worse. But he also knew there was no quick fix to it.

"Harry, please." He held out an arm to Harry silently, asking him to allow him access to his arm. After several moments of staring at his father's outstretched arm, Harry reluctantly held out his arm and held his breath as his father grasped it gently and pulled up his sleeve.

Severus couldn't help but gasp as he saw the cuts on Harry's arm. He pushed the sleeve further up and sat they went almost to the elbow. Grasping the boys other arm he pushed the sleeve up and saw similar marks marring the skin. Thankfully they weren't very deep, but some looked fresh. Thinking back, he realized Harry had to have done them in the bathroom when he'd come home from Snape Manor. That would explain how he'd felt something was odd. How long had Harry been using this to cope? Had it ever gone further? Was this the only place the cuts existed? Many questions ran through his head. Glancing up at Harry, he saw the boy staring intently down at his legs. He was very tense.

"I'll be right back," he said quietly letting go of Harry's arms and leaving the room. Going into the bathroom he began to gather a few potions.

"Is he okay?" Lily asked from the doorway. Looking at her, Severus could see the concern and a little fear there. Sighing, he shook his head.

"He's hurting himself, Lils," Severus answered quietly. Her eyes opened in surprise and he saw that her eyes were shining with unshed tears. She followed him into Harry's room and stood at the foot of the bed while he sat down on the bed across from Harry. Harry had pulled his arms back to himself.

"Harry?" Severus asked, holding his hand out again for his son's arm.

"I don't want them healed," Harry's voice was chocked and he seemed ready to cry but was holding it back.

Severus nodded. "Okay, I won't heal them. But I do need to clean them." He wished he could heal them, but many of the children he had dealt with didn't want their injuries healed. And many of those whose injuries were healed, would injure themselves as soon as they got the chance. In his experience, it was best to not heal them and deal with the situation as best they could.

After several moments of consideration, Harry finally held out an arm. Severus saw a quick motion to the right and saw that Lily had covered her mouth with her hand. Making eye contact, he could see that she was horrified at what she was seeing. Quickly, he averted his eyes back to Harry's arms and got one of the potion vials out.

After disinfecting the wounds, also checking how deep they were as he did this, he gently massaged light healing salve into the cuts. It wouldn't quickly heal them, but it would allow them to heal slightly quicker then they would heal on their own. He then wrapped both arms in gauze. Everyone stayed silent throughout the process. Finally, when Severus had finished with Harry's arms, Lily asked if Harry was hungry or thirsty. Severus knew she has only asked so that she could have something to do. "No, thanks," Harry said quietly.

"Are you tired?" She asked kneeling down so she could see his down turned face. After a moment, he nodded. After gathering his pajamas, he went to the bathroom to change. "Is there anything I can do?" Lily asked her husband.

"Can you please get a Dreamless Sleep drought?" She quickly left the room. Severus looked up as Harry reentered the room. He dropped his clothes in the dirty clothes pile and went toward the bed. Severus pulled the covers down and waited until Harry had laid down before pulling them back up over him.

"What's going to happen now?" He asked. Severus sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

"Let's talk about it after you've rested some, okay?" At Harry's reluctant nod, he unconsciously reached up and ran a hand through his son's long wavy hair. He gave a small smile of reassurance to Harry when he gave a small flinch. He hated that Harry was dealing with all of this. No one should have to deal with everything his son had dealt with, and was still dealing with.

Lily reentered the room with a vial in hand and handed it to Severus, who uncorked it before handing it to Harry. "Dreamless Sleep, huh?" Harry asked quietly before downing it in one gulp. Severus took the now empty vial and placed it on the desk. After several moments Harry could no longer keep his eyes open. Lily reached up and began running her fingers through his hair.

When Harry was little and was upset about something they would often run their fingers through his hair. It always seemed to calm him; at least it did before his kidnapping.

After several moments his breathing evened out and they knew he was asleep.

A/N: Hello again everyone!! I hope you all had wonderful Christmas' and whatever holiday you celebrate!! I hope you also had a wonderful New Year!! My New Year's night was spent at home watching the ball drop in New York. But I love that! It's a lot of fun to watch!! Very pretty too, with all of the colors. And can you believe all the people that go to see it personally?! Wow!

January 10,2007

Note: Hello everyone. I don't know when my next update will be. A family member was recently hospitalized and is not expected to make it. I'm hoping otherwise, but things are crazy and really, writing is my last priority. I have no idea when I will be able to update, but I may be able to give small updates, either on my family member's health, possible update times, or anything of that nature on the forum. They will be scarce, but I will try and keep you informed. You must be a member to see the full forum. The URL can be found on my profile page.

Okay, a few notes on this story:

The Tree House: Who wouldn't want a tree house like that when you were a kid? I think Dale and his friends will have lots of fun in it!

Grandfather Edwards 'talk' with Harry: Okay, first off let me clear this up. He's not trying to be mean or anything. He just wants to help Harry. It hurts him to see what Harry is going through and he thinks Harry needs help very soon. He didn't want to hurt Harry or anyone. He just doesn't want to see his family, the people he cares about, hurt.

Harry's Secret: Well, it is finally out! And it isn't over yet.

Taking so long to update: I'm sorry about that! Really I am! I had half the chapter written at one point, but my computer somehow deleted the file. I tried many times to rewrite the chapter, but was never in the mood. I hate having to retype things. So I went and typed Nightmares Come True. I will try and get the next chapter of Harry Snape out sooner. I hope this chapter is long enough for now.

And since my story recommendation was so popular last time and most of you seemed to like it, I figured I would continue to post recommendations.

Title: The Slytherin Aid (same author that wrote Harry's Saviour, which is another great story.) I would check the authors name, but is taking forever to load!