Disclaimer: I do not own the creation of Harry Potter or anything to do with it. It all belongs to J.K. Rowling.

I wrote this chapter whilst listening to "Obliviate" from the Deathly Hallows Part One soundtrack. I strongly recommend if you haven't heard in a while!

Chapter Six: Dumbledore's Revelation

...

Severus entered Dumbledore's office, as soon as Dumbledore allowed his access through.

"Headmaster, forgive me for my late intrusion however, I would not be here unless it was strictly necessary," said the Potions Master, urgency and bitterness apparent in his voice. Dumbledore stood up immediately from his plump comfy armchair, and walked over to him.

"Of course Severus, I understand; is there an issue? An update from Voldemort you wish to inform me about or a new task he has set aside for you?" asked Dumbledore, his face already calculating and scheming, "Please come sit down, I have my box of lemon drops somewhere…"

"No Headmaster there isn't any time to sit down and suck on lemon drops and no, nothing of the sort. I have a semi-distraught Potter in my Dungeons, and I would like him to be dealt with instantly. It appears his muggle relatives were not all we suspected them to be, and he is adamant of you not finding out further. I am simply doing my duty by passing him onto you. Care to join me for this happy greeting, I dare say he will be most welcoming to your presence," finished Snape sarcastically before stepping aside to allow Dumbledore to silently take some of his own floo powder and travel to Snape's dungeons, not a twinkle in his eye to be sighted.

Harry stood up and shook his robes on angrily; whilst he understood Snape's actions for telling Dumbledore, what reasoning did he have for healing him himself then? If his intention was to go to Dumbledore all along, why didn't Madame Pomfrey just heal him in the first place? The Gryffindor straightened his shoulders as he saw the Headmaster and the Potions git enter through the Kitchen fireplace a mere two minutes later. Well that was fast, Harry thought to himself, as he watched the two teachers approach him. A frequent familiar questioning fear swept through him that suddenly materialised to become very real: which situation was worse, the Headmaster being aware all this time what was going on behind the doors of Privet Drive and the Dursleys treatment towards him, or a circumstance where Dumbledore truly hadn't known about the abuse and was disappointed and hurt that Harry had not confided in Hogwarts school.

"Harry… my dear boy, what I have been informed on this nightfall… It seems my lack of awareness is larger than I cared to see. I am so sorry Harry; I will do the most I can to ensure by next summer you do not have to go back there," said Dumbledore sadly, his arms raised as he pulled Harry into an embrace. Harry complied uncertainly, anger dissipating, but pulled quickly back.

"It's nothing Professor, I need to go back to protect-" But Dumbledore raised his hand to stop him.

"But we want you happy and healthy as well Harry, and if your blood relatives cannot offer you the shelter you need, then you need not go back there." Harry looked at the Headmaster, shocked, not daring to believe his ears. Had Dumbledore really not known all along what was going on? If Harry had spoken up earlier, surely he would have been able to leave earlier. Could he truly have been so stupid?

"So… You didn't know?" stated Harry numbly then coloured immediately at what he had just indicated out loud. "Sorry Sir, I didn't mean…" Harry stuttered but Dumbledore placed one hand on Harry's shoulder, and sighed sadly.

"Harry, I am an old man, who still makes mistakes, and too many seem to have caused you to suffer. I put too much faith in blood relationships, having not respected my own in the past. Whilst I was aware that you did not see eye to eye with your family, and there was an element of neglect and often cruelty at their hands due to their unyielding fear in magic, never did I suspect anything more than this. Please believe me."

And Harry did. He looked down, nodding gently, ashamed at ever suspecting the forlorn Headmaster, whilst Snape watched this scene with narrowed judgemental eyes.

"Harry, I'd like you to just stay here for tonight, it seems like Professor Snape has applied a lot of medication on you judging by the strong smell of treatments, and I'm not sure of the impact of leaving you to go back to Gryffindor Tower on your own all drugged up," said Dumbledore, smiling warmly. "And perhaps a sleeping potion for our young man here?"

Snape ruffled at his quarters being offered against his consent, but silently retrieved the sleeping potion in a dark flask as well as another vial. Dumbledore switched Harry's school robes to pyjamas with a swish of a wand, causing Harry to yelp at the sudden change of fabrics. Reluctantly, Harry lay down on the couch and Dumbledore conjured a blanket. Harry noticed a dark look Snape flashed at Dumbledore and the acknowledgement they shared. Perplexed on what it meant, he was immediately curious to find out.

"Potter I am going to give you a derivative of Skele-Gro for that rib as it is for mending, not reappearing, followed by a sleeping potion to help efface the pain from it," said Snape brusquely, handing both items over. Harry silently took the two potions, a blank look on his face as he drank down the disgusting Skele-Gro. After a moment of consideration, Harry took the dark flask and pressed it to his lips, pretending to take a huge gulp before laying back and silently turning to face the couch. He was in deep pain with the Skele-Gro immediately taking its effects, but Harry wanted to know what that look was about and was willing to go through the pain to do so. Well, he didn't have much of a choice now anyway. He began to listen to the two teacher's conversation, sweat beads trickling down his forehead and a horrible after-taste in his mouth.

...

"Severus, would you like to accompany me back to my office, I can see you have some questions?" said Dumbledore gently, turning towards to fireplace.

"Really Headmaster, I would much rather just remain in my accommodation now; just linger here for a small chat then you may return to your comfy chairs and sickly sweets," said Snape bluntly, moving to the mahogany table. Dumbledore shuffled over and joined the younger man, looking rather put out.

"Very well Severus, and please, as I have requested many, many times, do call me Albus. What was increasingly bothering you throughout my talk with Harry?"

Snape cleared his throat before speaking. What he was about to say was merely a perception he received of a few moments passed, and it was one he barely dared to believe himself. "Albus, whatever I said to you in your office, I merely claimed the muggles had acted out of place, how did you know that Potter was not happy nor healthy nor safe in that place?"

"Are you certain Harry is asleep Severus?" Snape rolled his eyes exasperatedly.

"Albus we saw him guzzle the Sleeping Potion ourselves, yes, he is asleep." Dumbledore nodded.

"Because I was fairly aware that not all was right Severus," said Dumbledore hesitantly, all emotion stripping from his face.

"Potter claimed in one of his self-righteous tantrums that there was a chance you already knew… the extent… of these issues," said Snape carefully.

"I'm afraid Harry was correct, my dear boy, and this is something that can never be disclosed to him. After Sirius Black's death, our relationship is already on the edge, it is important he stays loyal to me and Hogwarts," said Dumbledore simply, a frown appearing on his face, "But I disagree with the safety matter, he is most certainly safer there than he is anywhere else, no matter what goes on within those walls."

"So you're lying to him about your pre-knowledge on this matter?" said Snape bluntly.

"Of course; he will never trust me if he knew all along that I had placed him there, despite knowing over the years that Harry was mistreated by them," said Dumbledore, as though stating the obvious.

"You have claimed to him you will do the most you can to ensure he does not return there next summer? Why is there no certainty in this decision? Surely it is a given he will not return there!" said Snape sharply, eyes hardening slightly. Dumbledore recognised the sudden change in Snape's expression.

"Because he must return there Severus; whether we like it or not, he hasn't got a choice," Severus opened his mouth to protest, but Dumbledore raised a hand to stop him, his voice becoming cold, "No. Let me finish."

Snape nodded obediently and leaned back to show he was listening, "Harry isn't like the first year Slytherin or occasional Hufflepuff pupils you discover reports of abuse with every other year Severus, Harry has a lot more prominence in the world to be able look at and consider the small details in his life. I understand you are very protective of those in abused households, given your… experiences and I am aware you empathise through your Godson too, but it is essential you must understand that Harry is different. If there was any other way, by all means I would take it, but is essential Harry should return there for many more reasons than just blood wards. A little mistreatment on the side, is not nearly as detrimental to Harry or this world, compared to if Harry stops taking orders from me, or even potentially the light side altogether. I feel more remorse than you can ever imagine for what I have put Harry through, a young man with a heart of gold, but I must keep reminding myself, he wouldn't be the person we need him to be today without his experiences."

"This is more than a little mistreatment on the side, Headmaster," said Snape quietly, absently staring at the back of Potter's head suspiciously; that wasn't movement, was it?

"Well if anything, at least tonight has shown you that Harry truly isn't anything like his father in the senses you perceive him to be. In fact, I'd say he is more similar to you," a small twinkle arriving in Dumbledore's eyes again.

Snape looked back at Dumbledore incredulously. Of all things to come out with on a night like this! "I think I am more than aware that Potter does not resemble his father, as much as he I believed he did before, but that does not change anything!" he spluttered indignantly, "I believe on that note it is best you head to sleep Albus and allow me the comfort of my own bed." He quickly glanced back at Potter's head again, dismayed, almost certain now of his previous suspicions.

"Very well, I shall take your leave now. I trust you will not be uttering a single word to anyone regarding our conversations this evening Severus; I'm sure you understand the importance of keeping this situation discreet?" said Dumbledore lightly, but there was an element of order about his sentence.

"Obviously Headmaster; now, must I direct you to the fireplace, or are you able to leave yourself?" said Snape cuttingly, glancing at the kitchen fireplace in view. Dumbledore chuckled softly as he walked over to the door instead of the fireplace.

"I think I shall not waste anymore floo powder, and I could do with a walk to clear my thoughts. You may not believe me Severus, but I do feel regret for what I have had to do to Harry," said Dumbledore sadly, as he walked out the door. Snape stood still in place for a good few moments for Dumbledore to walk well away from the Dungeons before walking towards the couch. Snape picked up the Sleeping Potion from the floor, and saw with a grimace that it was indeed, still full.

"Mr Potter," said Snape simply, not being able to imagine what emotions the boy in front of him was going through. Harry jerked his head, sitting up with tear stains across his face. He felt ridiculous for showing weakness in front of Snape of all people, but he couldn't bring himself to care enough at the moment.

"You heard-" Snape began but Harry cut him off, voice stony.

"Yes I heard. I heard everything, every single word. Every single lie. Please, just give me the sleeping potion and let me sleep now. I need to get away from this, I need to sleep." Harry was once again fingering the scar on his left arm, Snape noticed idly.

Snape looked searchingly into Potter's eyes, an essence of pity approaching him after a very long time. Wordlessly, Snape picked up the potion, and Harry gingerly took it from him, inclining his head in gratitude.

...

Harry had become gradually more and more thunderstruck as he heard the conversation progress between the two Professors. Such betrayal, and such lies. Snape hadn't told Dumbledore anything, so he had technically kept his word, yet Dumbledore had already known everything.

What had been the point? What had been the point of the endless tiresome glamours, that came alongside with the hiding, they lying and the pain? When all along, Harry could have confided in someone at least, like his friends, and shared the pain and received support. Harry had unnecessarily burdened himself with pressure of hiding the abuse. What made him feel most angry was when he heard Dumbledore mention the fact that he would not be who he is today without his past. And suddenly it all made sense.

It all clicked together, perfectly, a little too perfectly.

Harry now no longer believed the headmaster was as innocent and twinkle-eyed everyone trusted him to be. Harry now saw Albus Dumbledore as a very manipulative old man who treated life like a chess board.

Everyone, depending on their importance was a certain chess piece. Harry had been treated one of the roughest and was still facing the consequences. Being brought up by the Dursleys, so he can become strong, neutral, and unaware of the depths of his true identity? Not checking up on him once… or had he? Harry now knew Dumbledore was aware of most of what was going on behind the doors of Number Four Privet Drive. But what the Headmaster didn't realise that instead of strengthening Harry, he was breaking him.

Harry began to think even further, past being dumped at the Dursleys. What about not helping Sirius receive a trial when he vouched for so many others, like Snape? It was because he had too many attachments to the boy-who-lived, his main chess piece. Dumbledore wouldn't want his game plan corrupted by a Godfather that could easily take custody of his precious object.

And suddenly, it did not escape Harry's notice now that it was he that ended up fighting for the Philosophers Stone and it was he who fought in the Chamber of Secrets. Harry also, soon after the Tri-Wizard tournament, had realised that Dumbledore could have put a stop to him taking part, being the powerful wizard he is. But he didn't. It seemed as though the Headmaster wanted to push and test Harry Potter further and further until he had become the ultimate weapon. It all made sense.

But Harry also realised in this time that Dumbledore had a huge task at hand, and thinking of the greater good, was indeed quite important. As well as this, he noted that Albus Dumbledore was a very powerful man who had a lot of blind control over many people. It was important to not get on his wrong side, and more important to pretend to be under the Headmasters control until he was prepared enough to go his own way. It was Dumbledore's last words before leaving the door that had caused the final heartbreak for Harry, and triggered the unshed tears to finally fall, burning as they did.

So Harry drank down the whole of the sleeping potion, curling back into his previous position, his last emotion being gratitude to the Potions master for not berating him for not taking it in the first place.

...

Severus walked back to his office a hollow pit in his stomach. He glanced at the clock on the mantelpiece and saw that it was now just past half one in the morning. He sighed softly and headed to his desk. He opened his draw and grabbed a piece of parchment, settling it slowly on the surface of his table. He then grabbed a quill and dipped the nib into black ink. This was a tough decision to make, but Severus felt certain from within that it was simply necessary to stop Potter from having to return there. And thus he began to write:

Dear Poppy,

I trust you are well from your recent trip to France. Thank you once again for checking up on my other household, it saved me the expense greatly in these economic times, for as you know I am still waiting for private floo locks to be confirmed.

However, my reason for writing at this hour isn't for a mere exchange of pleasantries; I am afraid a Child Protection Conference will need to be arranged with no delay, and at the most discretion we can possibly manage. There will be no need for said child's guardians to be present, for there is a strong chance their presence is going to disruption. I would recommend Minerva be informed as well but only once we have set a date.

Apologies for starting this school year on such a negative note but I stress it is imperative to make preparations as soon as possible.

Severus

Severus rolled the parchment and called for one of the Hogwarts house elves; he appeared by his side looking dishevelled and confused for being called at this hour.

"Head over to the Hospital Wing's private quarters, and ensure Madame Pomfrey receives and reads this immediately," ordered Snape, handing over the message. The elf nodded tiredly and popped out of sight. Severus leant back on his chair and looked at the clock once again; ten minutes to two. It had been an extraordinary night with more revelations than Snape could ever remember having all at once. Though it was the callous attitude of the Headmaster that he could not fathom; imagine if that had been one of his Slytherin's that was being treated that way – he wouldn't stand for it.

But this was Potter, James Potter's son, a bully who made his life at Hogwarts a living hell. Harry Potter was not in his House nor had he ever cared for the boy before. So what was changing now? Learning of the boy's abuse shouldn't make it difference to how he feels, surely?

But it has. Severus thought back to his own Godson, who despite has not been terribly physically abused like Potter, has had a huge experience in neglect and disregard for his needs. But Draco had Severus, who did this wayward boy truly have now his Godfather was dead? Even so, that stupid mutt had hardly appeared a father figure.

Shaking his head, the Potions master stretched, finally getting up and locking the Office; no matter whose son he was, no matter how much he still disliked Mr Potter, Severus could not condone the Headmaster's decision regarding Potter. It was a mistake, a simply very wrong mistake.

Severus paused over the sleeping boy on the couch as he headed to his bedroom.

"You aren't going to go back there Potter, I can promise you that," he muttered to himself before continuing into his bedroom and shutting the door soundly.

...

Chapter End

Hope that was an enjoyable chapter for you all. Thanks to LM Ryder the Batty Bat, angelazzarello94, Murgy31, Allie Danger, Caraline Fisher, Guest, Chameleon lover and StraightEdgeCmPunksGirl for your reviews.

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