Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling; it's not mine.
Damn you Potter, Snape thought. You had to ask for forgiveness and in blood no less. He probably doesn't even realize the significance of a blood letter. Shit! Now I have no choice but to accept his apology. Although, seeing him like this… I should probably apologize to him.
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Remus held onto Sirius' shoulders as he collapsed to the floor. How could we not know what was happening in that house? We didn't even see the signs. Remus glanced at Harry. No wonder he wanted to visit the Weasleys.
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Dumbledore sat, slumped in his chair, as a lone tear slid down his cheek. Oh Harry, he thought, how I've failed you. How is it that you lived like this for all these years and yet I never thought to ask… never thought to check? Dumbledore knelt by the couch and placed his hand on top of Harry's.
Harry whimpered slightly.
"Poppy? How is he?"
"He's got four broken ribs, a broken leg and extensive internal injuries. These should be healed in under a month, if there are no setbacks. He has a multitude of scars that have been infected. I cleaned them up as best I could, but only time will tell if they clear up. To the best of my knowledge, he will be left with major scarring. The one thing I'm most worried about is Harry's psychological and emotional wellbeing."
"How long will he sleep, Poppy?"
"I gave him a sleeping potion, but he should wake up in an hour or two."
Dumbledore nodded and with one last look at Harry, left the room. Madame Pomphrey packed her medicine bag and followed Albus out.
"Black, Lupin," Snape acknowledged, "I know we may not be friends per se, but I would like to stay by Harry's side until he wakes."
Sirius shrugged his shoulders indifferently before curling into a ball on the floor.
"Moony? What did I do wrong? How could I have failed James this badly? How could I fail Harry like this? If I can't even make sure Harry is safe, how can I be expected to raise him under my own roof? Moony?" Sirius sobbed, "I don't even think he knows that today is his birthday."
Remus bent down until he was eye level with Sirius. "Listen to me Sirius and listen good. You could not have known. Nobody knew. You are a great godfather. Harry doesn't need someone to protect him; he can already do that himself. What he needs is someone to be there for him when he breaks down. You are that person, Siri! He needs you to listen to him, not tell him what to do. As for his birthday, I don't think he'll mind if his birthday party is a couple of days late."
"The werewolf is right, Black. The boy doesn't need anyone to protect him. He's proven that time and time again. Don't worry about his birthday either. I heard him say once that he had never celebrated his birthday before, so he won't be expecting a party, a cake or presents. All he'll want is for you to tell him that if he needs to talk to you, you will be there to listen."
Sirius and Remus stared at Snape until he grimaced.
"I know how he feels. I went through a tough childhood too; nowhere near as bad as his, but close enough."
Sirius nodded his head then turned to Harry as he heard a yawn followed by a muffled yelp.
"Harry, how are you, foal?"
"S…Sirius? Whose there with you?"
"Remus and Professor Snape. How are you feeling? Do you hurt anywhere?"
"I'm fine Siri. Can I see Snape?"
"Potter!" Snape snarled. "You are awake at last. Just couldn't die could you? Had to stay alive in spite of the rest of the world wanting you dead?"
Sirius jumped up to hit Snape, but Remus held him back.
Harry laughed. "Glad to know you missed me professor."
Snape did the one thing Sirius had never thought possible. He smiled. At least, Sirius thought it was a smile.
"You had a lot of people worried, Harry. We didn't think you would be able to do your potions homework. Now, Minerva may let you skive off her homework but I will not. Death is not an excuse for unfinished homework and I would have had to fail you. I am glad I will have one more essay to tear apart. Happy birthday." Snape nodded to Sirius and Remus before stalking from the room.
Thanks for all of you reviewers who made up my first 51! I like Snape like this. Still his snarky self but with a softer side. I know he's OC, but eventually everything will work out. I've been busy lately with my school yearbook and emptying my room, because I've been without a ceiling and lights for a month and my uncle has finally got around to putting one up. Yay!
Review if you feel like it or don't, it's up to you. :P Lots of love, Steff