The office was silent and the expression on his parents face was unreadable, he sat on a chair in-between them and was asked to recall what had led him up to the point in class where he had let his anger get the best of him. All the faces in the office flashed between sadness, anger, worry and concern. Harry refused to see this however as he kept his gaze on his hands or the edge of the desk the entire way through.
At the end of his teary story the headmaster cleared his throat. "For Harry's part in his behaviour he will be on an unofficial suspension for the week, it will not be put on his record but it will be treated as a suspension by the school. As for the bullies they will also be suspended but they will be suspended next week to give Harry a week of peace once he returns from his own suspension. I am expecting Harry to be able to write an apology letter in time for his return to school next Monday, Mrs Farraday was very shaken up by Harry's display of anger. Harry himself though must learn to trust the adults which surround him and control his anger, I understand that the changes in the family are affecting him but it simply can't be tolerated at this school. I ask that you work through this with your son. He is a good but highly stressed young man Mr and Mrs Snape he has struggles which he has being working hard to overcome, I don't think you appreciate how hard it is for him sometimes, neither do I think that anyone else does." Mr Fairfield sighed sadly.
"I'm sorry Harry" the head teacher said for the first time gaining eye contact with the boy. We have all learned a lesson from today and if it wasn't such destructive behaviour you showed today but simply an act or retaliation then I would not have suspended you but in accordance with the school rules I must. You are a fantastic young man Harry; don't let others tell you differently. Mr and Mrs Snape it's a pleasure to meet you today, you have a wonderful son, I will be in touch about what we spoke about earlier." Mr Fairfield shook hands with his parents and with a sad wave from Harry he was led home.
At home the family sat around the table in silence, no one having spoken since they left the headmasters office. "Well today was unexpected" Severus said trying to lighten the mood.
"Severus don't! Harry has been bullied and didn't tell anyone" Cassie said tearily looking towards her baby boy who at four years old was finding life so tough he had wrecked his classroom.
"M sorry, I'm just confused, I can't control myself anymore my memories are still there but I can't think older anymore, I can only think like a four year old" Harry said softly to his parents.
"We know Harry, we're not cross, just worried" Cassie said to soothe the boy who was just as shaken by his own actions as everyone else was.
"You've nothing to be sorry about Harry" Severus told him taking the boy into his arms and holding him tight to his chest and cupping the back of the boys head to rest his own head on top of the boys hair.
"Why is it always you Harry?" Severus asked "I thought that in this world you would get a bit of a break but it seems that someone up there is still trying to test you" Severus stayed hugging his boy for a few more silent moments before pulling back and studying the little face in front of him.
"Let's have some lunch and then we can sort out how this is all going to work." He decided and at Harrys nod and Cassie's exuberant announcement of cheese sandwiches Severus placed Harry back at his seat at the family table.
When lunch was eaten and cleaned away Harry donned his blue hoodie and joined his parents in the lounge, they had put a film on and simply sat on the sofa and cuddled him until Cassie left to go and collect Lily and Charlie from school. Harry had eventually drifted off to sleep on his father who cuddled him closer and covered him in a blanket off the sofa like he used to do when Harry was much younger. Studying the face of his son again he realised that he wasn't like his other children, he wasn't as resilient and confident as they were, they weren't phased when younger siblings were born or when they were picked on, they weren't fazed at being left on their own in a game of hide and seek. Harry was more delicate, Poppy had been right two younger siblings was going to be hard on Harry, they were going to need more help, but who could help them?
Albus Dumbledore had a hand in this mess; they would have to consult the portrait. Severus thought and after a conversation with his wife it was decided that this conversation should happen tonight.
A/N Sorry this one's a short one next chapter is longer and if you give the story a couple more chapters it will be back on track this is just a twist in the story to make the ending stronger.