Never Too Late 27
Author's note: JKR owns all
Thanks as usual, to my beta excessivelyperky. Thanks also to Raven Dancer for the loan of her wonderful healers, Jeffrey and James Barnes.
Chapter 27-The Sound of Silence
For a long time after Jeffrey's departure, Dumbledore sat with Severus cradled in his arms.
"What about something to eat, little one?" he suggested after a while.
He felt a slight nod against his chest. Rising, he went to the table and called for Dobby. He did not even attempt to place Severus in his chair; instead, he held him in his lap and gave him sandwiches and juice. The little boy ate a modest amount with some coaxing.
Harry and Minerva returned an hour later. Severus was now sitting at Dumbledore's feet looking at a book. Upon hearing them enter, he dropped the book in fright and stood up, burying his face in Dumbledore's robes. The old wizard could feel him trembling and wasted no time in picking him up and hushing him.
"It's all right, child. It is only Harry and Minerva. There is no need to be afraid".
Severus merely clutched him tightly and refused to look at the others.
" 'Nerva, why is Seberus scared?" Harry asked, confused.
"I think he just had a bad day, Harry," she answered, "He is probably a wee bit tired".
"Well I not tired, 'Nerva," announced the green eyed child.
"Oh, I know that," she laughed, "You never seem to run out of energy, do you?"
"Abus I picked some flowers for you and Seberus," Harry held out the foliage (where there were a couple of flowers present) to Dumbledore.
"Well that was extremely kind of you my dear boy," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled, "Those are lovely flowers. Perhaps you could help Minerva find a nice vase for them, hmm?"
Albus continued to rock Severus gently, humming quietly to keep the toddler calm. Gradually, Severus peeped out from the purple robes. He watched the others as they put the flowers into a vase on Dumbledore's desk. Harry squealed with delight as McGonagall transfigured it from glass to china.
"Magic, 'Nerva" he said happily. Both adults were delighted that Harry was finally beginning to accept magic as normal in his world.
"Yes, my darling. It certainly is," Minerva ruffled his messy dark hair.
"Do you see the flowers, Severus?" asked Albus gently. The child nodded.
"What colours are they?" Severus merely shook his head and did not answer.
"I do not think you are in the mood for talking, are you, my boy?" Dumbledore said softly. Severus shook his head.
"That is all right. You don't have to, pet," said Minerva gently. Albus stroked the child's raven locks.
After a few minutes, Severus climbed out of the headmaster's lap and grabbed his hand. He look agitated and was jumping up and down. Quickly realising the problem, Albus walked him into the bathroom. They were just a little too late. Severus covered his head with his hands as if to shield them from blows. Father always punished him for having accidents. Once again, Albus pushed back his horror at the boy's traumatic childhood and forced himself to remain calm.
"Se ve rus," he called in a singsong voice, "Come here, little one. It is all right. No one is going to hurt you".
Gradually, Severus lowered his hands from his face, which crumpled as he began to cry. Moving with the utmost care, Dumbledore gathered him back into his arms, ignoring the wetness. He would deal with that eventually.
"Shhh, there there, my poor child," he crooned, "Everything will be fine. No one will harm you. It was just a little accident. It is nothing to worry about, my sweet boy".
He continued the soft litanies as Minerva entered the room. She ran the bath, undressed Harry and placed him in the warm water.
" 'Nerva, Seberus is crying again," Harry said.
"I know, love," she answered, "Do not worry. Albus has got him".
Severus gradually stopped crying and relaxed in the Headmaster's embrace.
"Now, my child," said Dumbledore softly, "Let's get you ready for the bath, hmm?"
He carefully removed the wet clothes, including his outer robe and sent them to be washed. Lifting Severus gently, he lowered him into the bath. He spoke quietly to him as he washed his hair.
"That is a nice shampoo, isn't it?" he asked softly. He received a little nod in response.
"It's strawberry, Abus," Harry said. He was splashing happily in the bath since Minerva had just finished washing his hair.
"You are quite right, my boy?" smiled the headmaster, "Do you like it?"
Albus spoke softy to both children as he continued to bathe Severus. Ever the teacher, he continued to expand Harry's vocabulary of fruit and vegetables.
"Seberus, here," Harry pushed the toy boat over to his companion.
Severus smiled in response and took the toy.
"Thank you, Harry," beamed Albus, " That was very kind of you."
Harry did not seem perturbed by the fact that Severus was not talking. He continued his one-sided conversation all through the bath and even when they were dried and dressed for bed. Severus seemed to be listening but he clung to Albus as if expecting the man to leave him at any second. This made the hair drying and dressing a slow process.
Minerva bade both children goodnight and took her leave. She told Albus she would have a chat with him tomorrow. He agreed, knowing that she was as concerned about Severus as he was. He took both boys in his arms and settled them in his lap in the rocking chair, where he read them a story. Harry, who had had quite an energetic day, fell asleep after the second story. By some miracle, Dumbledore managed to put him to bed with Severus still clinging to him.
Dumbledore looked down at the dark eyed child. Madam Pomfrey had given him quite a telling off for letting the children sleep in his bed if they were frightened or upset.
"They have to learn to fall asleep by themselves", she said firmly.
All well and good if the boys had a normal childhood, he thought. His decision made, he carried Severus into his room and tucked him in before readying himself for bed. He noted that the dark eyes did not leave him for an instant. He climbed into bed and let Severus curl up in his arms. The child was still shivering slightly and Albus rubbed his back soothingly.
"I have you, my darling," he whispered, "No need to be afraid. Sleep, my little one. Sleep and have sweet dreams". His kissed the dark head and murmured a sleeping charm, feeling the small body relax into slumber.
"I certainly have a lot of making up to do," Albus thought bitterly, "I am amazed that Severus trusts me as he does. I will prove to him that it is not unfounded".
Severus was quiet for the next couple of days. He had frequent "accidents" and it took a long time for the adults to reassure him that he would not be punished for them. Dumbledore discussed his concerns with the healers. They explained that Severus had simply regressed a little due to his traumatic memories.
"Just keep calm and give him reassurance," Jeffrey advised.
"He has not spoken in two days," Dumbledore didn't even try to keep the worry from his voice.
"He will speak when he is ready," said Jeffrey, "In the meantime we will just encourage him to express his feelings through drawings and other types of play. He will be fine". The headmaster greatly appreciated the young healer's optimism.
By contrast, Harry seemed very happy. He played with Severus and spoke to him constantly, unconcerned with the lack of response.
"It's ok, Seberus," he said one day, "Did your uncle say he would put you in the big dark if you talked?"
Severus nodded slightly and showed Harry the picture he was painting. It was completely black.
Dumbledore found himself unable to control his emotions at this scene. He left Dobby to watch the children while he went to his study and collapsed in a chair, weeping bitterly. Gradually regaining his composure, he berated himself. This was not going to help his children!
Professor McGonagall was growing increasingly worried about Dumbledore as well as the children. She went to Hogsmeade to see James Barnes.
"He clearly feels a lot of guilt because of his hand in the children's situations," she explained as the elder healer handed her a cup of tea.
"Yes, I am sure he does. This has clearly been a very emotional experience for both of you. However, he cannot help the children unless he lets it go. Children are experts on picking up moods and feelings but are too immature to understand to whom they are directed. They may blame themselves."
"I do not know if Albus can let this go," sighed Minerva, "and when we age them again he will have to talk about it."
"Yes he will," agreed James, "But at least then Harry and Severus can respond and will have memories of being loved and cared for. That will help them to cope," he smiled gently at Minerva's frown and patted her hand, "All is not lost. I think that you and Albus would benefit greatly from a night off".
"Well, that is out of the question," said Minerva, "At least, we cannot take a break at the same time".
"Yes you can," said James, "You just leave it to me".
"Gracious me! Invitations to dinner and a concert from the Wendelin Weird Chamber Choir? How did you come by these, James?" asked Dumbledore the next day.
"Oh, I have my sources," smirked James, "I once had to heal one of the sopranos who had unfortunately caught a nasty throat infection two days before a concert. I know you are very fond of them and it would be good for you and Minerva to get out. Do you think that parents never socialise?"
"What about the children?" asked Albus.
"Jeffrey and I will care for them. It will be fine".
"Severus will not even let Minerva care for him at the moment," said Dumbledore, "He seems to feel safe with no one but me which is ironic really, I have put the poor boy in more danger in his life than you can possibly imagine".
"I will come to see Severus a few times this week and next. It will give him a chance to get used to me so I can care for him when you are away. If you are not happy to leave him on the night, you are under no obligation to go. How does that sound?"
Dumbledore sighed and then smiled.
"Thank you James," he said, "I appreciate your help, Jeffrey's too".
James saw the subtle tears in the old wizard's eyes and pulled him into a hug, sending him soothing energy and positive thoughts.
"You are doing very well, Albus," he reassured him," Harry and Severus know you love them. Yes, you have made mistakes but they know you are sorry. Let them love you without feeling guilty about it".
Dumbledore's smile was tremulous but he accepted James's comfort and kind words.
Just then Harry bounded into the room, Minerva racing to keep up with him. He had been outside playing on the Quidditch with his toy broom and his face was flushed with excitement.
"Abus!" he shrieked happily as if he had not seen the old wizard in a week.
"Hello, my dear boy," laughed the headmaster as Harry ran to him. He picked the child up and swung him around, causing Harry to squeal with delight.
"Ah, to have the energy of a three-year-old again," James chuckled, "You had better tire them out before we baby-sit". He mock warned McGonagall.
"If they don't tire us out first, " she said wryly and pulled out a tartan handkerchief to mop her brow.
TBC
Next Chapter: Babysitting
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