AN: I am so sorry for not updating this work in ages I haven't abandoned it I just had to plan what I was doing and now it is all on track. I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer I do not own Harry Potter, I thought this would be obvious by now.
Ever since Harry managed that quick escape from Snape's questioning he noticed more and more how Snape seemed to be watching him, almost observing as if waiting for something to happen. Harry felt unnerved by this but decided to ignore Snape as best as he could.
"Is everything alright mate?" Ron asked when he saw Harry looking worried hoping nothing was wrong.
"Huh? Yeah just thinking of something. Nothing to worry about." Harry responded not realising he spaced out while thinking about Snape's behaviour.
"You looked worried or something. Is it about when Snape held you back the other day?" Ron said. He still didn't know all the details about what happened and regretted leaving Harry alone with Snape.
"It's just have you noticed that Snape has been staring at me? It creeps me out." Harry said shuddering at the end.
Both Hermione and Ron looked at each other then back at Harry.
"Well Harry even if Professor Snape is looking at you I am sure it is nothing to worry about. He is a teacher after all I am sure he has a good reason, maybe you are worried about nothing." Hermione said trying to calm Harry down.
"Yeah you're probably right." Harry agreed hoping that she was right and that is was nothing. "Anyway do you know anything about glamour charms?"
"Yes but only the basics. It is when a wizard or witch uses this spell as almost a disguise; it masks what people want it to like pimples or something. It isn't a permanent solution to anything though. Why do you want to know about it Harry?" said Hermione who was always happy to share her knowledge with others and show how much research she did.
That's helpful but I wonder why it isn't a permanent solution. If I do I have this glamour thing I must have had it for a long time or did I just get it accidently? Mmmm. But why was Snape so angry about it, it's not causing any harm, Harry thought after the information Hermione just gave.
"If you have a particular interest in these sorts of charms you should probably speak with Professor Flitwick he will know way more than I do." Hermione suggested.
Harry nodded thinking that would be the best way to get more information on it, he could seem like he was looking into extra-curricular stuff too. Deciding that seeing Flitwick as soon as possible was a good idea Harry said good bye to his friends and headed to the charms classroom.
Luckily for Harry Professor Flitwick was still in his classroom and he welcomed Harry in after assuring him it was no troubles.
"So Mister Potter what brings you up here today?" Professor Flitwick asked with a kind smile on his face.
"I was looking into some charm books and saw something called a glamour charm and there wasn't a huge amount of information on it but it sounds interesting. I wondered if you could tell me more about it." Harry asked timidly trying not to sound too desperate to know about glamour charms.
"That is certainly an interesting topic!" Flitwick responded excitedly. "You would not be covering this until much later at Hogwarts but I can tell you now. Was there anything in particular you wanted to know?"
Harry thought for a few minutes, I can't just ask him if they are dangerous or illegal straight away that would be strange and might tip him off to something. I should start with something a bit easier and get there so it doesn't seem so strange.
"It said that they aren't permanent. Why is that?" Harry asked.
"That's because glamours are a drain on a person's magic and cannot be sustain for a long time without detrimental effects to a person's health. Most magical cores cannot provide that much energy eventually the glamour will disappear and this will allow the body to recover." Flitwick informed Harry.
"How can they affect a person's health?" Harry asked as all his previous thoughts of how glamours could be dangerous rushed into his head.
"It is more likely to negatively affect a young witch or wizard as their magical core is not fully stable yet. I don't know if you are aware of this but magical beings such as us heal quicker due to our magic. If someone has a glamour on and is hurt the body will heal slower meaning that wounds could get infected or bones set wrong." Professor Flitwick said unaware why Harry was asking about such a thing.
That's it! That must be why I don't feel so good, ever since my Uncle's last punishment my ribs hurt more than ever and the pain won't go away not like before. I can't go to anyone though; maybe I need to remove the glamour Harry thought.
But he quickly dismissed this view as he thought about what everyone would discover, I can deal with a little pain it isn't like I haven't been hurt before. Remember rule 3 no telling anyone what happens at home. I'm just a freak and deserve what happens to me.
Flitwick was unaware on the mental revelations Harry was going through and continued on with more information about glamours.
"Glamours are not dangerous if used rarely or by grown wizards and witches, the threat is to younger wizards and witches like you Harry." Flitwick remarked not realising he was causing Harry to start panicking.
"What?! Why me?" Harry said startled starting to freak out.
"No no not you. Don't worry I mean someone else in your age but in a different situation. The reason is because at Hogwarts you are learning to control your magic and focus it in different ways. As a result your magical core is exerted sometimes and means that the need for magic to complete a challenging spell means that energy in the glamour is viewed as wasteful and is redirected." Flitwick said hoping it would calm Harry down but unbeknown to him Harry was far from calm.
"What would happen when the magic is redirected?" Asked Harry fearing what the answer would be.
"Once the magic is redirected the glamour will appear to flicker as once the magic is not sustaining it the person's true self will show. A person's glamour can also flicker or be distorted when it is a long lasting glamour and the magical core needs a break. Was there anything else you wanted to know?" Flitwick asked still not realising Harry's true cause for wanting to know about glamour charms.
Crap! I didn't know how bad they could be. Why did it have to be dangerous!? I need to find a way to make it last otherwise- Oh no! Snape said about the flickering maybe its weakening. But then everyone will know, Uncle Vernon will be so mad! Harry thought truly worried if the glamour didn't last and if others saw him as he did: a freak.
"No but thank you professor I better leave now Ron and Hermione will be worried." Harry said quickly wanting to leave as he was feeling worse by the minute.
"No problem I am glad someone so young is taking such an interest in my subject. I hope it was helpful." Flitwick said happily as he couldn't wait to inform the other teachers how interested Harry was in charms.
Harry walks away from the charms classroom and heads to Gryffindor Tower knowing Ron and Hermione would be there and he needed something to take his mind off everything.
"Harry! How was your chat with Professor Flitwick? What did he tell you? Was is really interesting? Tell me everything!" Hermione said eagerly, she was curious as to what they were talking about because Harry was gone for a long time.
"Whoa! Hermione calm down, give him a chance to sit down." Ron said shaking head as he pulled Harry down to where they were sitting.
"We were talking about glamours and stuff." Harry said tiredly wishing he just headed to bed as his head started to pound and his body was feeling more and more achy.
"And stuff? That's it?" Hermione said in disbelief.
Harry sighed and recited some of what Professor Flitwick had told him. Once he finished he noticed Ron and Hermione were looking at him strangely.
"What? Why are you staring at me like that?" Harry said scared of what they might say.
"Are you feeling ok? You don't look too good?" Ron asked in a concerned way.
"Yeah Harry you do look ill like you might be coming down with something. Do you need to go to the infirmary?" Hermione added just as concerned as Ron.
"I don't feel amazing but nothing too bad I don't need to go to the infirmary but I think I will go to bed. I will probably feel better in the morning. Night." Harry said yawning. He seemed to almost drag himself as he walked up to bed.
Ron and Hermione promised each other that if Harry still looked ill tomorrow they would drag him to the hospital wing one way or another.
*****Hogwarts Staff Room*****
Severus walked in to the staff room and sighed as he sat down, he felt exhausted and could already feel a headache coming on. I have been a working with potions for all my life! And NEVER was there a single accident or explosion but put some children at the age of eleven in a potion room and all my cauldrons are bloody ruined! Explosions and throwing ingredients in each other's potions, never mind the fact that is incredibly dangerous. Severus inwardly seethed.
Glancing around the room Severus saw McGonagall and Flitwick talking he dismissed it at first but then he heard the name he dreaded Harry Potter. Severus' leaned in carefully to listen, thinking that Harry had gotten in trouble or such. No it definitely had nothing to do with the slight bit of concern he felt since discovering Harry wore a glamour.
What had that blasted boy done now? I haven't seen him do anything all those times I kept an eye on him, damn Dumbledore always for the greater good. I have better things to do in my time than watch the Potter brat. Severus thought trying to mask his worry with anger.
"…Yes Minerva! Mister Potter turned up out of the blue and seemed really interested. You know I think he might just have a future in charms if this is any indication." Flitwick said almost squeaking in excitement towards the end.
Potter having a future in charms? Potter having a future in anything is unlikely, Severus thought snidely.
"Really Filius? What was he inquiring about?" McGonagall asked.
"He must have been spending his time studying and going on what is in the curriculum. He asked about glamour charms and he seemed very interested." Flitwick continued to tell McGonagall.
So now Potter is actually looking up glamours? But I thought his glamour was deliberate? Unless he is pretending and going to act surprise when it's mentioned? Ahhhh! I don't know! That damned Potter, why does he have to cause so many questions and problems. Severus thought annoyed at how the image of Harry in his head was not meeting the impression in real life.
Severus stood and without a look back walked down to the dungeons to his private chambers and tried to clear all his thoughts of Harry before finally falling asleep.
*****The Next Day*****
Harry woke up and groaned, his body ached! With great struggle Harry pulled himself out of bed, looking around he was relieved to see no one was there to see him in such a state. Than realisation kicked in there was no one else there. He was late! Breakfast was going to finish soon, he could have missed the whole day!
Dressing as quickly as he could Harry tried to be carefully with all his pains but it meant this held him up even further. Harry ran out of Gryffindor Tower and towards the transfiguration classroom holding his ribs as he felt a sharp pain with every deep breath he took. Finally Harry thought, I'm here. Why did Ron and Hermione not wake me? There they are!
"Guys why didn't you wake me? I could have missed all my lessons today." Harry said looking towards Hermione at the end knowing she would never let someone miss a lesson.
"You don't seem very well Harry. It seemed best to let you sleep. We would have helped you catch up!" Hermione said quickly.
"Yeah mate you really don't seem well. You should really go to the infirmary; I bet Madame Pomfrey would know what's wrong." Ron said noticing how Harry looked like he was in pain. He was really concerned for his friends health and felt helpless as Harry never said anything was wrong.
"I'm ok it will pass. Anyway staying in bed all day never helps me get better. Let's go in. I don't want McGonagall to have a go at us." Harry said as all three walked in and took their seats.
Staying in bed, Aunt Petunia never let me stay in bed when I was ill. No a freak like me has to just manage and heal themselves no medicine or anything, that was always for Dudley. Rule 1 I am a freak and below people, I don't deserve normal things like medicine that's only for normal people. Harry thought depressingly.
Unfortunately though as Harry was thinking he didn't realise that McGonagall had given them a task to do, he sat there staring ahead seemingly uninterested whereas the truth was far from it.
"Potter! Why are you not doing as I said?" McGonagall asked with a stern look on her face, Gryffindor or not all her students had to pay attention in her classroom, no exceptions.
"Sorry I was just-" Harry said blushing in embarrassment. He cut himself off though as he wasn't sure what his excuse would be.
"You just what? Is everything alright Mister Potter?" Professor McGonagall asked giving Harry another look and noticing he seemed tired.
Before Hermione or Ron could but in Harry quickly said: "Yes everything is fine. I'm just tired is all." Harry said ignoring the dark looks he was getting from his two friends. There was no way he was going to talk to tell McGonagall what was wrong, who knows what might happen.
"That is not a good enough reason Mister Potter. 5 points from Gryffindor. Pay attention!" Professor McGonagall said shaking her head in disbelief.
"Harry!" Hermione whispered at him fiercely.
"What Hermione?" Harry responded, he was already feeling bad but loosing points just added to it.
"You should have told her you weren't well. Then she wouldn't have taken points or anything." Hermione said.
"Hermione leave it. I'm fine it will pass." Harry tried to say convincing as he could. But even as he said it he was feeling worse but still he continued to lie and down play his pain.
As the day went on Harry's lessons followed in this pattern with his lack of concentration and points being taken from Gryffindor, none of which was helping him feel better.
"You know what guys I am feeling quite bad. I think I'm gonna go to bed early see if that helps." Harry said shakily as they walked to the Great Hall for dinner.
Harry felt worse than he had before and thought if he had enough sleep it would pass and he wouldn't raise any suspicions. He was used to not eating anyway so missing a meal meant nothing to him.
"At least you're admitting it but Harry you need something to eat." Ron said seeing how thin and ill Harry was looking.
"Ron's right Harry you can't miss a meal it's not good for your health." Hermione said, glad he would go and have a rest but she didn't want him to miss a meal either.
Not good for my health, Uncle Vernon isn't good for my health Harry thought despairing.
"I'll get something later if I feel hungry but right now I want to sleep. See you later." Harry said turning away from Ron and Hermione and walking away before they could say anything or try to get him to eat something.
Harry started walking to Gryffindor Tower when the world began to spin. Pausing Harry took a deep breath to try and settle the spinning as well as his churning stomach. Walking the next few steps felt like pure agony for Harry, his wounds were causing him more pain than before and he felt drained as if there was nothing left inside him.
Come on. I'm nearly there it's just a few stairs and then I'll be in bed. Harry thought as he pulled himself up with a groan and began walking steadily towards Gryffindor Tower.
Then all of a sudden the world seemed to spin to fast and become blurry, Harry gasped and stumbled over to the alcove to steady him. His vision began to blur and darkness consumed Harry as his collapsed into the shadows seemingly disappearing from site.
*****In The Great Hall*****
As always The Great Hall was bustling with noise from the students and staff talking and eating however one professor was sat quietly observing the room but unable to find who he was looking for. Severus was scanning the Gryffindor table but could not see Harry anywhere, he saw Ron and Hermione though which slightly caused him to panic as those three were always together.
Why is it now of all times does the golden trio have to be one short! I'm sure there is a good reason Potter is probably being held up by a fan group or something else completely ridiculous. Severus thought nastily. I'll ask Minerva I'm sure she will know where the golden boy is, if I know where he is I could catch him up to no good and give him a detention. Not to mention the points I could take from Gryffindor.
"Minerva do you know where Potter is?" Severus asked interrupting the conversation she was having with another professor.
"If he is not at the table than I haven't a clue. Maybe he is catching up from today, Merlin knows that boy needs to concentrate. Coming to lessons tired is useless and not an excuse." McGonagall responded shaking her head in exasperation towards the end.
"Pardon? What is this about tiredness?" Severus enquired trying not to sound that interested.
"He barely paid attention in class today and seemed so drained that I was concerned but all he said to defend himself was that he was tired! That is not an excuse and I heard he was acting the same in other lessons, he lost a great deal of points too." McGonagall responded feeling annoyed with Harry as she had no inclination of the true cause of his lack of concentration.
Whilst I am loathed to admit it Potter never seemed to be like that, all the other professors never shut up at what a delight it was to teach the boy who lived especially Filius since the other day. I just thought something nice about a Potter someone obliviate me. Severus thought wondering if the glamour Harry wore was having an effect on him.
I better check that book I have about glamour charms before jumping to conclusions, Potter is probably just showing his true colours of how he thinks he superior to everyone else. It's just an anecdote he can use when confronted about him using a glamour. Severus thought ignoring what the rational part of his brain was telling him that Potter could be in danger or hurt and allowing his hatred of the Potters consume his train of thought.
"Well he had better sort himself before potions as you know I will not tolerate such a thing. Good bye Minerva I think I will retire for the night." Severus said as he stood up and left the Great Hall with his cloak billowing behind him.
However as Severus walked past one part of the corridor something didn't feel right to him. After all his years of being a spy he knew to trust his instincts, something was amiss here and Severus knew he wouldn't leave until he knew what was wrong.
Severus slowly makes his way over to the alcove and gasps in shock at what he saw. Harry was unconscious on the floor shallowly breathing and looking like death warmed up, pain was written all over his face.
"Potter?!" Severus said in shock at the scene before him before his brain kicked into gear.
Severus bend down and carefully as he could with more tenderness than most people believed he had Severus picked Harry up flinching at the moan of pain even when unconscious. Once Harry was secure in his arms Severus began a quick pace to the infirmary trying not to show his concern, this was nothing he had expected.
Once in the infirmary Severus laid Harry down on the nearest bed.
"Poppy! Come out here at once it's an emergency!" Severus said loudly glancing at Harry as his body started to flicker more and more.
Dear Merlin what is wrong with the boy? There was no one around him to put him into such as state but yet here we are, what could he possibly have wrong with him? Severus thought worried.
"Yes Severus what- Is that Potter?! What happened?" Poppy asked going straight into Healer mode.
Severus explained quickly how he found Harry and knew it would be best to bring him straight to her.
"I can't see anything glaringly obvious which could be causing his condition." Poppy said frustrated that she couldn't heal a patient that obviously needed help.
"I believe that he is wearing a glamour. I am sure you have noticed the flickering and it isn't your eye sight, I think Mister Potter is hiding something he doesn't want us to know about." Severus said hoping this would answer the questions that were constantly in his head.
"Well whether he wants to hide something or not glamours can cause health problems. I will need to remove it now." Poppy said quickly hoping to begin finally making some headway into healing Harry.
She pointed her wand at Harry and said a spell that removed all glamours that Harry had on. With one finally flicker the glamour Harry had unknowingly placed on himself for such a long time disappeared. Neither Poppy nor Severus was prepared for what came next.
Where once a tired looking but still healthy looking boy who lived lay now was a smaller and beaten looking boy.
Severus stared in shock then cursed and looked away, all his thoughts and assumption of a spoiled brat were being torn down at an unsettling rate. While Severus froze Poppy flew into healer mode and quickly set about casting a deep diagnosis spell that covered all of Harry's injuries from most recent to old.
Normally that spell only took a minute or two to finish but Harry's continued on for nearly ten minutes which caused serious concern begin to build in both Poppy and Severus. They dealt with all the abused children at Hogwarts but Harry's medical report was longer than them all put together.
"What does it say Poppy. I am not stupid, I have seen a lot of medical reports but Potter's seems to be longer than a bloody auror who has retired!" Severus said snapping Poppy out of her thoughts.
"As you can see he has a black eye, that bruising alone is extensive and continuous. He has four broken ribs that have healed incorrectly due to accidental magic. He has many cuts some of which have become infected putting him at risk of septicaemia, these cuts seem to be from belt buckles that cross his entire body." Poppy said in shocked at what she was reading, whishing she could wake up and see it was dream but unfortunately she was not so lucky.
"And that's just the most recent injuries. Severus he has been abused, this is one of the worst cases I have ever seen." Poppy said in disbelief but soon began casting spells and getting potions to stabilise the boy.
"Abused, no that's not right… It's Potter he- he isn't supposed to have lived like this." Severus said not wanting to admit what was right in front of his eyes.
"No one is supposed to live like this Severus. I know of your relation with his father but you have helped so many abused children please don't let this get in the way." Poppy pleaded needing Severus to help her cure and stabilise Harry.
Severus nodded as he moved towards Harry and started to heal him. As more and more cuts and bruises were revealed Severus' anger raised, anger at himself for not noticing the sign like he would for other student and anger at the people who 'cared' for him.
After two hours of constant spell casting and pouring potions down Harry's throat Severus and Poppy managed to stabilise Harry.
"Severus that was one of the worst cases I have ever seen. How could someone do that to Harry let alone a child?"
As Poppy said that Severus' anger came back full force. He stood up from his chair and sent it crashing down to the floor, anger at himself, Harry and others not to mention the guilt he felt for not realising quicker and trying to put a stop to it. But most of all his anger was aimed at Dumbledore, he had to know something was wrong and if he did and nothing happened there will be hell to pay.
"Severus! Where are you going?" Poppy asked concerned as she saw a murderous look come across Severus' face.
"To Dumbledore. If anyone would know about Potter being abused it will be him. But Poppy I am warning you if he knew and allowed it to happen, well he will find out what I learned when I was a death eater." Severus said seething at such a case of child abuse and how it could have gone unchallenged.
With that Severus left the infirmary with a murderous look darkening his glaze and his robes billowing behind him. Dumbledore had no idea what was about to be revealed.
AN: So I hoped you enjoyed it! Please review and tell me what you thought.