Chapter 6 Plans in action.
AN: Thank you to those who reviewed and followed and favourited, you are all amazing. Here is the next chapter hopefully you like it. This chapter starts when Harry woke up and had a panic attack which Severus saw in the last chapter and then went to see Dumbledore.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
Harry woke and felt disorientated. Then suddenly, he felt his whole body being consumed with pain and he felt empty inside as if a part of him was missing, he felt powerless.
Looking down Harry gasped he saw his whole body covered in bruises and abrasions. No! Uncle Vernon will kill me, I need to hide this I am not allowed to let others know what happens to me. I should be able to heal myself Harry thought worriedly. Taking a deep breath Harry tried to imagine himself all healed as he would at home unknowingly trying to cast a glamour. However, as his magical core had been depleted so much he was unable to cast a glamour.
Once again Harry looked down at himself and to his horror he could still see all the marks. Starting to panic Harry was finding it harder to breathe and his vision was beginning to get blurry. Soon Harry was having a full-blown panic attack. This set off the charms Madam Pomfrey set on Harry and soon she came running over with a calming potion to try and settle him. Harry never noticed Severus in the back ground watching with concern or determination to help Harry.
Eventually Harry calmed down but as he was so exhausted he fell back asleep.
*****The Next Day In The Infirmary*****
Poppy was standing over Harry casting spells to read his vitals and sighed, although there was a slight improvement in Harry's condition there would still be a long road to recovery. Once all spells were cast Poppy started to apply salve to Harry covering his entire body as there were wounds everywhere. As much as she would have liked to cast healing spell after healing spell and give Harry all the potions she could however she was unable to as that much magic would cause Harry more harm. His recovery would be slow but they could not risk Harry's health.
"Good morning Poppy. What is Potter's condition?" Severus said as he came into the infirmary.
"Morning Severus. Shouldn't you be setting up for your first class?" Questioned Poppy, Severus always prepared for all his classes no matter what.
"Not today I'll get to that in a minute." Severus responded not wanting to get into that discussion just yet.
"Ok. Mister Potter's condition is to be as expected, some of the newer bruises have gone due to the salve. However, the older bruises and broken bones will take a little longer but Skele-Gro will definitely help him." Poppy said.
"Physical wounds are always easier to heal. Mental scars are a different question." Severus said darkly all too familiar with this. Poppy nodded in agreement.
"Whoever Albus has in mind as guardians for Mister Potter will need to be prepared and have time for him if they are to fully help Harry recover. I wonder if he is making any progress with guardians." Poppy mused missing the look on Severus' face.
"Guardians, yes indeed Poppy. Do you remember yesterday who Albus suggested as a guardian for Harry?" Severus said uncharacteristically trying to stall saying the actual words that he, voluntarily (if not slightly coerced) agreed to become Harry's guardian.
"Of course I do. He suggested you did he not?" Poppy questioned looking curiously at Severus.
"I went to see the headmaster last night after much contemplation. I agreed to become Potter's guardian." Severus said unsure of how Poppy would respond.
Poppy considered what Severus said and while she was shocked that Severus had agreed she could not imagine someone more suitable to look after Harry. While Severus may act as though he hates his students and would rather be else where that is not the case. He chose to become a teacher to help students like himself and provide support that he never had.
Severus has experience with children especially abused children. Also, Harry and Severus seem to have had very similar upbringings which is horrible but will allow Severus to understand and help Harry in ways I would never imagine. Poppy thought agreeing more and more with Severus becoming Harry's guardian.
"I think that is a wonderful idea. I think you will be just what Harry needs to help him recover." Poppy said firmly knowing that Severus was worried for her reaction and wanted to reassure him.
"Yes well the Headmaster thinks so as well. It will certainly do for the time being." Severus said relieved that Poppy thought this guardianship was a good idea.
"I take it that you agreeing to become his guardian is why you are here and not preparing for your lessons today." Poppy said now understanding why Severus stalled before.
"Like Potter I am being relieved of my duties for the time being." Severus said.
Just as Severus finishes talking McGonagall walks into the infirmary calling for Poppy.
"Good morning Poppy I am here to say that I have talked to all of Harry's Professors and told them he is excused from classes due to health reasons. I did not go into much detail I thought I would leave that for Albus to decide on how much they needed to know." McGonagall said.
She looked at Severus questioning, she wondered why he was here as although Severus was involved with all abuse cases at Hogwarts Harry was not in Slytherin so he had no real reason to be there. At least that is what she thought.
"Severus. Why are you here? Shouldn't you be teaching?" McGonagall asked.
This is going to go down like a lead balloon, Severus thought. I am about to tell Minerva that I am becoming Potter's guardian. Her poor little lion is about to become a ward to me, this might finally do her in. Hopefully she will survive the shock of it.
"I am stopping my teaching for now as other responsibilities have come up." Severus said before taking a deep breath. "I am accepting guardianship of Potter."
McGonagall blinked as she took this is in. Poppy and Severus remained silent waiting for her response.
I may have broken Minerva McGonagall, Severus thought as he waited. Better she's like this then her trying to transfigure me into Merlin knows what in a rage.
"Let me see if I understand this. You Severus Snape head of Slytherin are becoming the guardian to someone in my house, Potter to be exact." McGonagall said looking directly at Severus.
Severus merely nodded in response.
Minerva felt anger at first bristling with indignation that she was somehow incapable of looking after one of her students especially one of her lions. However as she thought this through she realised that while she was a head of house and looked after children it was very different to actually caring and supporting a young child like Harry. She realised that Harry would be in capable hands with Severus and this was about what is best for Harry.
"I suppose I can agree to that. I am sure you will help Mister Potter to the best of your ability however I warn you I will want regular updates and I will pop round to see how Harry is in person." McGonagall said with a warning tone, she may think the guardianship was a good idea but she wasn't going to be seen as a pushover.
I am still in one piece thankfully. Now they both have taken it well I just need to inform the boy, that surely will not go as well Severus thought.
"Good morning all. I see that you have heard the good news about Harry and Severus." Dumbledore said cheerfully as he arrived in the infirmary.
Oh great Albus is here too just like yesterday. This group is becoming too common of late Severus thought sarcastically.
"While we are all here I have some things I wish to run past you first. I am going to call a staff meeting today or tomorrow and inform the other professors of Harry's situation and how Severus has guardianship. I will also need to find a replacement to teach Potions." Dumbledore said explaining the situation.
The others nodded in agreement knowing it was best to inform people sooner rather than later so that rumours would not be believed.
Harry started to wake up, he could hear voices. He listened closer and realised with relief it wasn't his relatives, no it was Professor Dumbledore. I wonder what he is talking about Harry thought drowsily, replacement? What needs replacing? Are they trying to replace me?! Harry thought panicking, Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petuntia was right, I am just an inconvenience.
As Dumbledore was talking only Severus noticed Harry waking up. While Harry tried to seem as though he was still sleeping he looked unsettled now and Severus found he did not like that look he knew something was bothering the boy and he wanted to stop it.
Severus held up a hand to stop the conversation and tilted his head at Harry so they would realise Harry was awake. There was no need to upset Harry with their conversation.
When there was silence Harry opened one eye and glanced around but couldn't see too much without his glasses. He pushed himself up but still couldn't make out who the other three people were. Severus saw Harry squinting and reached over to Harry's bedside and placed the glasses on Harry so he could see.
"Good morning Harry. How are you feeling?" Dumbledore asked with a smile.
Harry ignored the question not sure on how to answer it so he asked a question of his own.
"Are you replacing me? I am sorry if I am such an inconvenience I'll try to be better." Harry said hoping he wouldn't be sent away.
All the professors had shock running through their minds. What on earth was going through that boys mind?
Severus was the first one to realise that Harry had heard the end of their conversation and misunderstood. The idea that Harry viewed himself as an inconvenience, a problem to others caused Severus to be angrier at the boys relatives but he also felt a need to reassure Harry.
"You misunderstand Potter, no one is replacing you and you are not an inconvenience so stop that talk at once. The replacement is to do with another Potions Professor for Hogwarts." Severus said not noticing how he talked in a much calmer and soothing voice.
Snape thinks I'm not an inconvenience? Harry thought shocked that Severus had been nice to him.
Dumbledore decided to cut in and explain what was happening so there would be no more confusion.
"As Severus said Harry you are not being replaced do not alarm yourself. However there has been some changes as now we are aware of your unfortunate home life you have been assigned a new guardian." Dumbledore said pausing to check Harry was keeping up with it all.
Best to tell him about the guardianship and taking time off and see what transpires Dumbledore thought.
"Severus has agreed to being your guardian so both of you will take some time away from Hogwarts to help you with your recovery." Finished Dumbledore wondering how Harry would take the news.
Severus too was waiting for Harry to react to the news, he was expecting screaming or protests of some sort but Harry just remained silent. What is going through that boy's mind? Severus thought, surely he must have some kind of reaction. Although Severus was relieved that there was no protesting to him as a guardian, he still had doubts and if Harry protested he didn't know what he would do.
"What?!" Harry said unable to think of much else to say.
Taking in the news Harry sat still and thought about this new development.
Wow. I guess I don't have to go back to the Dursleys anymore, but what will Uncle Vernon think? Harry thought anxiously, he was worried that his Uncle Vernon would think he told someone and come and hurt him.
Do my aunt and uncle know about this? Come on who am I kidding they probably signed me away the first chance they got, now Professor Snape is stuck with me. He is kind enough to take something like me, a burden which is passed around. Harry thought morosely.
"Yes Mister Potter I am your guardian which means I am responsible for you in all ways, legally, emotionally and such." Severus said. Harry didn't seem too upset by the news, so Severus took this as a good sign.
"Now that it is all settled and we are all on the same page I think it would be prudent if you both get ready for your time off. I'll have the house elves pack both your things and deliver them and all other necessary things to Spinners End within a few hours." Dumbledore said looking at Severus.
"Within a few hours? Surely that is a bit soon." Severus responded shocked that they would start their break now leaving him no time to prepare for all the upheaval.
"It may be rushed but I am sure Poppy will provide you with all the potions you need for a while until you have time to brew them yourself. Also I believe the sooner Harry is removed his recovery can begin without the prying eyes there would be at Hogwarts." Dumbledore said gently as to not alarm Harry.
Severus nodded in agreement. Damn it, Harry will have enough trouble dealing with everything that has happened to him it would be best he could be at home away from everyone else until he is more stable.
"Also Mister Potter will need breakfast first. I will not have him miss anymore meals." Poppy said wanting to get Harry's eating on track as soon as possible.
As soon as she finished talking a small breakfast tray appeared by Harry. There was a slice of toast with jam on as well as a small bowl of porridge with a glass of pumpkin juice. It appeared that the house elves knew not to give Harry a too rich breakfast as his body wouldn't be able to stomach it without being ill.
"I fully agree. Eat as much of that as you can please Potter. This will allow me time to do some organisation and preparation." Severus said.
"I will get all the potions and salves you will be needing for Mister Potter." Poppy said walking off to get everything so Harry and Severus could leave soon.
"Mister Potter, Severus I know you have quite a journey in front of you both, but I believe you both can make the most of it. I hope you will recovery soon Harry, I will be visiting as soon as it is appropriate." Professor McGonagall said.
Visiting? Harry thought slightly confused about why she would come and see him. Maybe a small part of his mind whispered maybe she cares about what happens to me like Professor Snape does. Harry felt as contented as he could within the circumstances and he thought slightly bewildered that this must be what it felt like to have people there for him and caring for him.
"I will make a Portkey so you and Harry can go to Spinner's End and start to settle down shortly." Dumbledore said pulling some spare parchment from his robes and casting the required incantation.
"Now Potter a Portkey will transport us directly to my house and it will feel unusual like there is a tugging sensation behind your navel but you will be fine I assure you. All you need to do is touch the parchment that the headmaster has and he will say the activation word and we will go." Severus said explaining to Harry worried that Harry will be concerned about this.
While Harry was concerned about this after all it seemed since entering the magic world more and more new things seemed to be hitting him with no explanation, people just expected him to know what to do. However this was the first time someone had taken the time to explain things to him.
Harry's admiration of Severus grew as he thought maybe having Snape as a guardian wouldn't be too bad after all. Surprisingly Harry found Severus reassuring in a way he couldn't explain which was just what he needed.
Poppy came back and handed Severus the potions and salves which he shrunk and put in one of his pockets.
"Thank you, Poppy. I will go to my chambers and gather a few things. I will also need to have a word with the house elves with what possessions I'll need as well as the handling of my potions equipment." Severus said walking away.
Harry absently ate a few spoonful's of porridge, he wasn't very hungry but he didn't want to disappoint all his teachers around him or make them mad. He ate half of the porridge and a few bites of toast but couldn't manage more than that, Harry pushed the food away worried about the response.
"If you are all done that is fine you do not need to worry yourself. We have nutrient potions that will help." Poppy said seeing the look on Harry's face.
After Harry had taken the nutrient potion he got changed into some clothes that Dumbledore had transfigured. Thankfully there were nothing like Dumbledore's personal style of clothing.
"I must be leaving I will allow you to relax for a while and I will return shortly so you and Severus can leave and get settled." Dumbledore said walking away needing to arrange things.
Poppy sat with Harry and explained what potions he would be needing as well as some general conversation to ease his mind. After all a lot had happened in a short amount of time and the boy deserved a few moments of normalcy at least.
Within a few hours Severus had finished setting everything up for his departure. As he was leaving his chambers Dumbledore was waiting for him so they could go to the infirmary together and continue with the plans for the day.
Both walked in to Harry and Poppy talking. Severus noticed the boy seemed quite engaged with the conversation and looked more relaxed than he thought he would.
Severus smiled, Poppy was good in situations like Harry's, she was relaxing and easy to talk to allowing people to open up.
When Harry spotted Severus and Dumbledore he became less relaxed, not much but still noticeable to Severus.
Harry was anxious about going to Severus' home. He knew he would probably be fine but it would be a new environment and that was always unsettling. Also while Harry didn't believe Severus would hurt him Severus was still a scary man and one Harry knew shouldn't be messed with.
But so far Severus hadn't given any indication that Harry would not be well off in his care. But he still had some feelings of concern.
"Alright the Portkey is ready for you if you could both touch the parchment please." Dumbledore said.
Severus reached out to touch the parchment, Harry hesitantly followed his lead. Before Dumbledore said the activation phrase Severus wrapped his arm around Harry telling himself it was only because the boy was not fully healed, nothing to do with his protectiveness, no. And if Harry leaned into Severus neither said anything.
"To home." Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling madly at the sight of Harry tucked under Severus' arm.
With that Harry and Severus both disappeared from the infirmary.
AN: Thanks for reading please review and tell what you thought of it. I had to spit this chapter as it was so long otherwise and I think it works better this way.