Chapter 5 Delusions shattered
AN: Hi! I'm so sorry I haven't written or updated anything in ages it's just I have had a lot of stuff going on in my life recently like I have started University and I have just had so much work to do its been crazy. Also, a lot of family stuff has been happening which has taken up my time. But I am back for now, so I hope you enjoy this chapter, please tell me what you think. Thank you all for being patient with this fic.
Disclaimer: don't own anything.
Severus stormed out of the infirmary with his robes billowing behind him and the murderous look on his face made any student fearful no matter what year they were in and all sought to get out of his way as to not incur his anger.
I am going to kill that old goat! I swear if he knows or has any- even the slightest bit of knowledge about what Potter has endured by the hands of those muggles, Severus thought angrily with his teeth grinding painfully, I'll kill him, I swear to Merlin.
He reached the gargoyle and practically spitted the password at it.
"Acid pops!" The venom in Severus' voice was clear, a password never seemed so appropriate to Severus until now.
The gargoyle leaped out the way and allowed Severus entrance to Dumbledore's office. Severus quickly took the stairs two at a time and within the next second Severus was in Dumbledore's office making the old man jump in shock.
"Severus! What a surprise visit, is everything ok with you?" Dumbledore asked concerned when he saw the look in Severus' eyes and wondered what had got him in such a state.
Severus walked up to Dumbledore's desk and got into his face, Severus' hand where like claws digging into the desk.
"Potter, Dursleys. EXPLAIN NOW!" Snape almost growled he was so angry he couldn't say much more for fear of his magic lashing out.
"Pardon? What do you mean about Harry and his family?" Dumbledore asked leaning back from Snape's glare. He was confused at why Severus was in such a state, it was not uncommon for Severus to come to his office and rant at him, but rarely did he see this much anger from Severus and never was it directed at him before.
That made Severus snap, the tight control on himself was gone with Dumbledore's confused look. How dare he just sit there acting dumb! I will not stand for this, Severus thought furiously.
"Do not act dumb old man! You knew everything about what was going on with Potter and his so called family. You who knows everything must have known about the pain and horrors that were inflicted on that poor child." Severus spat at him.
"What in Merlin are you talking about?" Confusion colouring his voice.
"Oh, you want to play this game then? You did not know that Harry is abused? He was beaten regularly by the family that you put him with, so called protection for him is that not correct Albus? Look how well that turned out. Poppy and I have been healing him in the infirmary for the past two hours! It is sickening what has happened to him, it is one of the most severe cases that has ever entered Hogwarts." Severus said wanting Dumbledore to know the extend and severity of harm Harry had to endure.
For once the twinkle was not present in Dumbledore's eyes. He sagged in his seat from Snape's harsh words, it was like he finally felt the weight of everything he had to carry.
"Severus, I- I was not aware of Harry's circumstances. I knew that they did not treat him the best-" Dumbledore began to defend himself but was cut off by Severus.
"You knew of his treatment?! Not the best?! Seriously Albus 'not the best' is a serious understatement. You are truly despicable." Severus said furious that Dumbledore knew of Harry's mistreatment and didn't look into it.
"I honestly knew nothing of the physical abuse Severus do not accuse me of such a thing. I heard from Mrs Figg that Harry was not talked nicely of by the Dursleys, but she never once mentioned anything of physical abuse, so it was never a concern I thought to pursue." Dumbledore said with irritation in his voice because of the accusation Severus was hurling at him.
"Mrs Figg is the one you have had watch him? For Merlin's sake Albus she would be of no help if the Dark lord or his followers turned up or anyone else for that matter. Honestly, all you left to protect Harry was-" Severus started to rant again annoyed that Harry had been left with little to no protection.
Dumbledore cut him off though as for a rare moment his anger flared up, he had reached the end of his patience with Severus' anger. The harsh words affecting him more than Severus knew.
"Enough Severus. If I had any inclination that Harry was abused as severely as you say I would not have left him there, I am not a monster despite what is going through your head. But Severus your concern surprises me. All I have heard is your complaining of Harry nothing even close to concern, you yourself thought he was treated as a prince so never considered the possibility of abuse. Surely you haven't come to care for him, maybe it's just your guilt and dedication to Lily that is making you like this. We both know you don't get emotional least of all over a Potter." Dumbledore said coldly almost instantly regretting what he said when he saw the pain flash through Severus' eyes.
Severus took a deep breath to calm himself, the pain was nearly too much for him to handle.
"It has nothing to do with that at all." Severus said coolly locking his emotions away. "It is the fact that there has been another case of an abused student which you apparently did not know about and are doing nothing for them."
No longer looking at Dumbledore Severus sighed and shook his head. He decided that he had reached his limit with the headmaster and without waiting to listen to what Dumbledore was going to say next Severus walked out of the office.
Heading down to the dungeons Severus didn't take much notice of his surrounding as he walked away from the headmaster's office, his mind was full of so much he was on the verge of a migraine.
How could he not investigate Potter's wellbeing? All this time he talked of Potter being fine and in loving care of his family, he lied. Severus thought angrily, but soon his side of reason kicked in. Well, he claimed not to know of the physical abuse but again this is not the first time that he has ignored a case of abuse, memories of his childhood surfaced painfully. No, I am done trying to justify for that man, I am capable of showing emotions despite what my students and Dumbledore think.
Making his way into his chambers Severus almost collapsed onto the one of the armchairs, he felt drained with everything that had happened that day.
Damn it. Why do things turn out like this? Dumbledore gets me so riled at times like this, always thinking of the greater good but never seeing the consequences or the effects it has on that individual Severus thought. But then I was not much better concerning Potter, if it was another student I would have picked up on the signs earlier.
Sitting in his chair Severus sighed and realised with a shock that apart from his anger with Dumbledore he was feeling concerned and guilty, something he had not felt for a long time and it was unsettling him.
Speaking of Potter I better head to the infirmary and check in with Poppy, I would if it was any other student Potter is not an exception Severus thought assuming the feeling of concern was similar to when he found other students of his being abused.
With that thought Severus stood and walked out of his chambers and towards the infirmary.
Once he was there he stopped at the entrance watching Poppy write on Harry's record, he suddenly felt awkward like he didn't belong there. I don't really, I mean he is not one of my snakes or any close relation Severus thought but he started to argue with himself mentally. No, I have dealt with abused children from all the houses Gryffindor included, Potter is not an exception to this rule unlike he is to so many others.
"Severus. I'm glad you're back I was worried when you stormed out, I assume the headmaster is still in one piece?" Madam Pomfrey said when she saw Severus.
She unlike many others knew the Severus Snape that was behind the hard exterior Severus portrayed, she knew that after such a revelation like with every unfortunate case of abuse they dealt with that he would be affected by it and get angry over the horrors that were inflicted on the poor child.
Also she knew that Severus could get very emotional at times especially with the childhood he had, Poppy was aware of all this and it was why she was fiercely protective of Severus and together they made a great team as each had experience and trusted with each other which allowed them to better help and prevent further abuse of Hogwarts students.
"Yes Poppy the headmaster remains in one piece but if I had my own way he would not be." Severus responded walking into the infirmary towards Harry's bed.
"And why is that?" Poppy questioned seeing the rage that Severus had in his eyes. "He didn't know of Harry's situation surely?" She questioned not wanting to believe Dumbledore was capable of such a thing.
"To an extent. He said he was aware of some verbal abuse at most and had no knowledge of any of the physical abuse. Speaking of which how is Potter doing?" Severus questioned with concern as he noticed that Harry was still asleep.
"Mister Potter is stabilised and he is no longer in critical condition but he has a long road to recovery and without a lot of care he could relapse. We will need to keep him on a steady regiment of potions I have the list written out here, I was hoping if you could brew them soon so that we don't run low on them." Poppy said checking Harry's notes as she went.
"Of course I will be brew them, it is of no concern." Was all Severus responded as he looked at the potions Poppy had written down.
Noticing that Severus seemed distant Madam Pomfrey decided to leave him to his thoughts and not press the issue, it was not everyday that your illusion and judgement of people were totally destroyed. Severus had a lot to deal with and she was not going to interfere with his process, instead she changed the conversation to the other issue she needed to discuss with Severus.
"With this knowledge of Harry's situation there will need to be a meeting to discuss future arrangements and look into new guardianship for the boy. This could lead to a trial, so we need to get Harry to talk or at the very least admit about being abused however it will not be easy, but it is the only way. I cannot let him return to his so-called family as he is in danger from them." Poppy said thinking about what action needed to be taken.
Oh joy two meetings with Albus today, it must be my lucky day Severus thought sarcastically.
"Yes a meeting will be needed, Minerva will need to be present as Potter is in her house. I can floo call her and the headmaster and arrange a meeting today to discuss all of this." Severus said wanting to get it out of the way.
Poppy nodded in agreement.
"Why don't we call them now? I don't have any other patients to attend to and you are done with your lessons for today correct?" Poppy said wanting to sort everything out and get things in place for Harry to recover and be protected. She was fiercely protective of all her patients and when it came to abused students she was even more protective and would do anything to ensure they would be safe.
Severus nodded in agreement leading to her disappearing to floo call Dumbledore and McGonagall, Severus looked over to the fragile body of the boy who lived and felt a strong protective urge come over him. He shuddered slightly and looked away trying to convince himself that it was how he felt when any of his students were abused.
Fortunately before Severus could sink into this thoughts Madam Pomfrey came back as she had finished with the floo calls.
"The meeting has been arranged with both Albus and Minerva going to arrive within the next five minutes. We can talk in my office." Poppy said.
Both walked into her office and sat in their usual seats and waited for the other two to arrive, they didn't wait long.
Dumbledore and McGonagall walked in both with a concerned look on their faces and took a seat.
"What is going on Poppy? Your floo call said about a student in my house and an abuse situation. What has happened?" McGonagall questioned. She was fiercely loyal to all her students especially to her lions.
"Yes Minerva it is about Harry. It has come to our attention that he has been abused." Poppy responded waiting for her friend's outrage to begin.
"Harry Potter?! But I thought- No this cannot be true." McGonagall began in disbelief but then her mind began making links. Things she ignored previously like Harry's apparent laziness now made more sense and she felt her anger rising. Anger at herself for not noticing sooner and anger for Harry and what he went through.
"Indeed. I found Potter unconscious and brought him to the infirmary where we had to remove a glamour and then was able to treat him injuries. Which were extensive and are having a detrimental effect upon his person." Severus said trying to remain a professional calm but not quite achieving it.
"These injuries go back to when he was just over one years old and have been continuous. Here are the notes from the medical scan I did." Madam Pomfrey said and handed Dumbledore, McGonagall and Severus each a copy of the notes Harry.
All read through Harry's injuries, past ones and present ones. This list was long and took a few minutes to read.
"This is terrible! How could anyone do this to a child let alone an innocent baby." McGonagall said in horror at what Harry had endured at such an early age.
"Who did this to Harry? It was those bloody muggles wasn't it. I warned you about them." McGonagall realised and faced the Headmaster in anger.
Severus and Poppy decided to stay quiet and see how Dumbledore explained himself for this.
"While this is concerning I do appreciate that. But Harry was with his family that provided him with protection." Dumbledore said trying to defend himself but was cut off by McGonagall.
"What protection did they provide Albus? This scan shows how as a toddler Harry had been abused by them and the injuries increased as he got older such as countless broken bones. If anything, Harry needs protection from them." McGonagall responded.
"Yes that is true Minerva. We now need to focus on healing Harry physically as well as mentally, we might need to get a mind healer in. We also need to follow procedures and look into finding new guardians for Harry as I cannot let him return to the Dursleys with the knowledge of his abuse coming to light." Poppy said trying to diffuse the situation as well as progress in what needed to be achieved from this meeting.
"New guardians? But the blood wards at the Dursleys residence provides protection he must remain where he is." Dumbledore said.
"Unacceptable!" Said Poppy.
"Albus!" said McGonagall.
"Headmaster that cannot happen". Said Severus.
All three of them were staring in disbelief at Dumbledore, none of them would allow Harry back to his relative's house knowing how he would be abused.
"Where else is he safe to?" Questioned Dumbledore.
I know he cannot return to the Dursleys, the injuries young Harry has had inflicted on him is unacceptable. But the blood wards protect him from Voldemort and death eaters. Hmm.. I wonder though. Severus would be good as a guardian for Harry, he could protect him, and I have a feeling Harry could do Severus some good too. Dumbledore thought looking over to Severus as his thoughts went on.
Severus saw Dumbledore looking over at him and saw a twinkle in his eye. Oh no, what is he scheming now? This never brings any good to me, Severus thought with trepidation.
"Well Harry needs to go somewhere and to someone where we can assure he will be safe and protected." Dumbledore announced with a pointed look at Severus.
So that is his game. No, I am not becoming a guardian to Potter or anyone for that matter Severus thought. He gave Dumbledore a hard look and shook his head.
"Too far old man." Severus said. Dumbledore sighed and looked away.
Madam Pomfrey decided to draw the meeting to a close and get the next steps in place so she could go back to Harry and check his condition.
"Now the rest of the teaching staff will need to be informed of Mister Potter's condition as will the authorities. I will treat his injuries but as they are extensive he will need time to recover. I would recommend that he takes some time away from school and focus fully on healing." Poppy said getting nods from the other three.
"Yes I agree Poppy. I will ensure a message goes to all of Harry's Professors to excuse him from all lessons for the foreseeable futures." McGonagall said.
"We will need to try and keep this as quiet as we can from the press, or there will be much unwanted attention." Dumbledore said thinking about how the media would have a field day with this information.
The other three nodded in agreement at this and stood up to leave.
"If all of you could do your parts that would be much appreciated. I will continue with Harry's treatment and keep you all informed." Poppy said drawing the meeting to a close and walked out to go to monitor Harry.
Severus nodded goodbye to Dumbledore and McGonagall and walked back to the dungeons.
Once back to his chambers Severus collapsed in his armchair feeing exhausted. Meetings like that are never easy Severus thought. He ran a hand over his face and sighed, finally being able to express some of his emotions he had previously tightly controlled.
I wonder who will be become Potter's new guardian? I do not care what the headmaster says I will not allow Potter to go back to that home. Severus thoughts continued on in this fashion for a little while.
It would need to be someone who will not be in awe of the boy's fame, he is still a child and should be treated as such. Someone with the ability to provide protection, only Merlin knows what kind of trouble that boy could get in being a Potter as well as the boy who lived.
Severus thought about what characteristics Harry's new guardian would need and he found that with increasing horror at his own mind that no one seemed to be suitable. Well himself was an option with him being not in awe of the fame and with no attachments to anyone else he could fully devote his attention to protecting the boy.
I must be going insane, Severus thought shocked. I cannot actually be considering becoming the Potter's guardian. No there is someone suitable I am sure Dumbledore can find someone suitable Severus thought shaking his head.
But then a thought came into his head, suitable guardians. Were the Dursley's suitable guardians? Dumbledore had always said Harry was looked after but that obviously was not the case. Who knows who Dumbledore would pick. No if he is with me at the very least I can keep my promise to protect Lily's son. Severus thought determined now to make himself Harry's guardian, however a small part of his brain suggested that it wasn't just because of Lily but he ignored it.
With his mind made up Severus walked to the Headmaster's office but he took a detour to the infirmary first to check on Harry. When Severus got to the infirmary he waited at the doors and looked over at the boy.
Suddenly Harry woke up and was soon in a full blown panic attack, Severus found himself routed to the floor unable to move. Madam Pomfrey immediately appeared and began trying to calm Harry. The despair and lost look in Harry's eyes made Severus' mind up completely, those eyes should not have that look especially on a child. Severus strode away and went straight to the Headmasters office.
"Ah Severus how can I help you?" Questioned Dumbledore.
Severus sits down in a chair unsure on how to start. Best get it over with, I can only imagine his response to what I am about to say to him.
"I am here to inquire as to whether you have found suitable guardians for Potter yet?" Severus asks trying to sound casual.
Yes I have and he is sitting in front of me Dumbledore thought, I wonder why he is asking? Mmm maybe not all is lost yet.
"No I am afraid not my boy. I think I will have him remain where he is, the wards could be adapted to better suit him." Dumbledore said lying hoping it would make Severus accept to look after Harry.
Remain with the Dursley's?! No. That is unacceptable I will not allow it. Severus thought angrily his teeth grinding.
"That will not happen Headmaster. I will become his guardian, no one else." Severus says with force.
"If you insist. You are definitely a suitable guardian for Harry and I think you will do a world of good for each other." Dumbledore said trying to contain his smile at Severus' already protectiveness.
"I will give you time off from your teaching to look after Harry, like Harry it will be for the foreseeable future. I will set up a replacement teacher for potions in your absence." Dumbledore said his mind whirling thinking of all the things he needed to get done.
Severus nodded sharply and walked out of Dumbledore's office and went back to his chambers.
Dumbledore watched Severus leave and thought I will need to contact the Weasley's and inform them they will not need to have Harry. I am glad Severus agreed to become Harry's guardian he will be most able to help Harry and I also think Harry will help him.
Whatever Severus might believe Dumbledore was not a monster and would not allow abuse to continue especially not to a child, painful thought of Severus at Hogwarts was filling Dumbledore's mind.
I may have failed you as a student Severus, but I will not fail Harry, my mistake will not happen again. Dumbledore thought.
AN: So I was going to have some Dumbledore bashing but in the end I couldn't so this was the result. Hopefully you liked the chapter and it all made sense, please review and tell me what you think of it. Again I am sorry about the wait and thank you for the continual responses, you guys are amazing.