I don't really know what I'm doing with this story or where it's going if it's going anywhere; so if you like what you're reading, keep on keeping on. If not, that's okay too. Thanks all who read this, favorite it, follow it, and/or review it.

I don't own anything Potter related.

Gaining Back Senses

Severus wondered if it was grief or if he truly lost his mind. His moods changed faster than he could control them and he began to worry if he would soon lose control of them entirely. He woke up calm, ate breakfast somber, and left the flat angry.

Education filled his mind. Severus would begin teaching soon and he knew he should focus on anything but the rotten pieces of his hairy heart. What started as light musings of his first classes during his morning ritual darkened when he realized if adults could not stand him, what made him think children would find him any more pleasant? As he ate, he thought about the horrid educational system that was years 0-11 homeschooling. The Muggles he could (partially) forgive for their idiocy, but the wizards he could not.

Severus' abhorrence of the educational neglect wizard children suffered for so long led him to disapparate to an increasingly familiar suburb in furious rush.

Petunia had no trouble falling in love with Lia. She couldn't even be bothered by the fact that this beautiful cat was probably her closest friend, besides her husband.

Petunia, of course, did not let Lia know about this rapid affection. She made sure to shoo her off the furniture, refuse her unhealthy desserts, and smother a smile for her whenever possible. This would not last long, as Petunia was sure Lia knew.

The children had no qualms with showing their friend love. Surprisingly, they were both very gentle with the cat. Petunia smiled every time she remembered the look on Harry's face when reunited with his kitty.

It was while Harry and Dudley were playing with Lia that Petunia heard a demanding knock at the door. With a frown, Petunia made her way to it. As she opened the door, her frown deepened into a scowl.

"What are you doing here?" she demanded.

Feeling the anger rapidly seep from him but too prideful to change his tone, Severus barked, "I'm here to ensure the boy does not suffer a dismal education due to insufficient teachers."

Petunia stared at the tall man. "You're insane," she stated, bemused.

Sevens sighed, deflating. He nodded. "Hopefully not debilitatingly so."

Petunia took in the sight of the disturbed man. He looked tired. And incredibly alone. That look was uncomfortably familiar. So much so that Petunia felt the need to step aside, widen the door, and wordlessly invite him in. He took the silent offer.

"I have tea in the kitchen."

Severus nodded again and followed her in, checking the rest of the house on the way. He saw the children playing with a furry little animal and frowned for a moment, wondering when the Dursleys acquired a cat. Harry gave Severus his customary wave and smile. The other boy trailed his companion's gaze and followed suit. Severus grimaced in return, quickly looking away.

Petunia poured cups for them both and led Severus to the table where she could still keep an eye on the boys.

After a moment, she spoke up. "I need you to not do this anymore."

Severus raised a brow, waiting.

"Coming to my house," Petunia continued, "unannounced, angry—possibly drunk." She sighed, looking him over again. "I never liked you."

Severus remained impassive.

"I'm sure the antipathy was equally met." Petunia paused. "Honestly, I still don't like you. But…if the past few weeks have taught me anything, it's that nobody gives a shit what I like or what I don't like. I've also learned that life is a lot easier if I stop disliking so many things."

Severus met Petunia's gaze.

She sighed. "I figure the war's already over. Why continue as if there are two sides? We've both lost so much. I think everyone left…needs a lot of help picking up the pieces. If not for our sake, then…." Petunia looked over at her two boys playing with their new best friend and returned her attention to Severus.

Petunia waited.

Severus stared at the woman in front of him. He never thought he would come to admire this person, yet…she was strong where he was so weak. She healed her wounds instead of sniveling about them. And yet, there was something so rewarding about self-pity.

"It was my fault."

"What?"

Severus held the woman's gaze. "There was a prophesy. I should not have listened to it, yet I did. I should not have retold it, but the reward for doing so seemed so sweet."

"What are you going on about?" Petunia started to wonder if the man truly lost his mind.

"I…worked for the dark wizard you mentioned once before." Severus let that sink in a bit before plunging into the rest of his confession. "The prophesy I recounted to him targeted two boys. I did not realize one of them was Lily's son until he…made plans. I…" Severus took in a deep breath, "I begged him to spare Lily—only Lily. Of course, he—"

Petunia slapped Severus across the cheek, hard. Severus stared at her in shock.

He frowned then nodded. "I deserved that."

Petunia prepared to shout abuse but deflated. "Just shut up, Severus." She was tired.

Severus nodded in compliance and returned to drinking his tea. "Thank you," he whispered.

"Shut up."

"Yes ma'am."

Petunia glared; Severus smirked.