Word Count - 1559
Chapter 3
Harry sat between Severus and Smalling at the staff table as the students came in. He had groaned when Smalling took the seat beside him, causing Severus to snort quietly, but Harry had been surprised when the History Professor apologised for his behavior at the staff meeting. Harry accepted the apology gracefully, but was slightly annoyed when Smalling took that to mean he could witter on as though they were the best of friends.
He sighed in relief when the doors opened, Minerva leading the new first years into the hall as everyone fell silent. Harry's attention slipped while the sorting hat sang its song, a much happier one than the ones he remembered from his own school days. Snape nudged him when the sorting started, and Harry watched as terrified looking eleven year old's sat on the stool one by one, some taking no time at all, others obviously more of a problem. When the last child was sorted, Gryffindor, the Headmaster stood, and with the simple words of "Tuck In," the tables filled with scrumptious looking food.
Harry helped himself to chicken legs and roast potatoes, watching over the students as the got reacquainted with their friends. It brought back happy memories of easy days, of exciting new experiences, though of course, that lasted about two months into his first year. He listened to the chatter at the staff table, chuckling when he heard Filius and Madam Hooch arguing about the quidditch final last year. It had been a running argument, and Harry had already heard them at it a few times since he arrived. 7
The food disappeared, followed by desert, and eventually, that too was gone. Dumbledore stood to give his usual speech and Harry was so glad the night was almost over. His back, something that had troubled him for years now, was hurting and he wanted a potion.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. For our new students, please remember that the forbidden forest is off limits, and the list of banned items, which is growing everyday, can be found outside our caretaker, Mr Filch's, office. We have a new Defence Professor, please welcome, Professor Potter!"
Harry nodded, his cheeks flushing as the applause deafened him. After what seemed like forever, the applause stopped and Dumbledore ushered the students to bed. Harry left the hall quickly, floating his way to his rooms. Entering his living room, he summoned a potion, downing it as fast as he could. The relief was effective immediately and he sighed in relief. In his hurry to take the potion, he failed to notice that Severus had followed him, and was now standing at the door, watching through narrowed eyes.
Harry spun the chair when Snape cleared his throat, sighing when he saw who was watching. He gestured Severus in, not wanting anyone to hear the answers to the obvious questions he was about to be asked.
"What was that potion?" Severus asked, taking a seat in the living room and accepting the drink Harry offered him.
"A special pain potion," Harry replied with a wince, floating his chair over and levitating himself from the wheelchair to the sofa.
"Special?"
"Yes. It's stronger than the normal ones."
"Why do you need it? You told us you had no more pain in your legs."
"It's not for my legs. I didn't lie, Severus. It's for my back."
Severus shook his head, looking away.
"Why won't you let me help?"
"I don't need help," Harry snapped, ashamed of the tears he could feel building behind his eyes.
"No? Are you sure about that, Harry?"
"Don't call me Harry. Don't make me like you. Please. I think you need to leave."
Severus frowned, putting his glass on the coffee table.
"Harry, I don't know what's going on with you, but before I go, let me say this. I can help you. I can take away your pain, and I can make improvements on the potion you are already using. If you trust me, I can make an attempt to give you your legs back. I can't do anything without your cooperation, nor would I, but the offer is there. I'll leave you in peace."
Harry watched as Severus left, only then letting the tears spill from his eyes.
Why did none of them realise that the hope he would feel, only to be destroyed again, would be more than he could handle.
xxxx
The following morning, Harry took the seat next to Severus again.
"I'm sorry about last night. I was out of order."
Severus nodded in acceptance, and Harry smiled slightly before pouring his morning coffee and opening the Prophet that had just been delivered. He rolled his eyes when he saw a picture of himself on the cover. The story of his 'disability' had broken. He read it, snorting when he finished, flipping through the rest of the paper.
"As accurate as usual then," Severus commented, flipping through his own paper.
"Hmm. I don't know why they bother. I'm old news now, surely."
"I wouldn't say so, what with you having a front page spread and all. Surely you expected this?"
"Of course I did. I'm surprised they waited as long as they did. My poor elves will be run off their feet for the next few days though."
"Elves?"
"You don't think I let my mail come directly to me? I thought you had some faith in my ability to protect myself, Severus," Harry snorted, floating away from the table with a brief wave of his hand. He heard the quiet laughter of the Potions Master behind him and couldn't suppress a grin of his own.
xxxx
A knock on his door that evening made Harry smile. Of course he knew who it was, having watched him walk up the corridor. He waved a hand, letting the door open to reveal Severus. The man looked rather irritated.
"You do know it's your night to patrol, yes?" Severus asked, closing the door behind him as he entered the room.
"Yes. I am patrolling. There are no student's out at the moment."
"How can you be so sure?"
Harry gestured to the parchment that lay on the coffee table in front of him. The Marauders Map would be an invaluable tool for any teacher and Harry was most certainly grateful for it.
Severus chuckled as he looked over the parchment.
"What is to stop me telling all the teachers about this? It would save us all from patrolling."
"If you feel the need to tell them, Severus, then that is your business. Of course, I may be lax about it, and let the Gryffindors off every now and then. Or I could concentrate solely on the Slytherin corridors?"
"That might have worked when you were in school, Harry, but I know you better. You would never do such a thing."
Harry smiled slightly.
"No, I wouldn't. But why do you think I gave an open offer of patrolling. Minerva and Dumbledore both know of the map."
"I'm sure Smalling will be taking you up on the offer soon enough. He hate's missing his beauty sleep," Severus sneered, and Harry laughed.
"I might have to be busy that night. Unless of course you make my map public knowledge..."
"Brat. Now you know I won't."
Harry laughed, gesturing to the small bar he had set up. "Help yourself to a drink," he offered.
Severus poured himself a whiskey, asking Harry what he wanted.
"I'm good," Harry replied, lifting the butterbeer in his hand.
"The potion cannot be mixed with Alcohol?"
Harry rolled his eyes but nodded in affirmative. He had been thinking about the potion all day, wondering if it was possible for Severus to make it stronger. He knew it wasn't a good idea to even think about such a thing, and he also refused to allow the hope that kept attempting to blossom from taking hold.
Changing the subject, he asked Severus about the new teachers, and they spent an hour chatting, checking the map every now and then for any misbehaving students.
At quarter to midnight, Severus stood to leave, and Harry levitated himself back to his chair, so he could see his guest to the door. Opening the door, Severus turned to wish Harry good night, only to find Harry holding two vials and a folder full of parchment.
"What's that?" Severus asked, though he thought he had an idea.
"My Medical record. A vial of my blood, and the pain potion I'm using at the moment. Please," Harry said, holding up a hand to stop Severus from speaking. "Don't tell me what you can do right now. Take them, look them over, but don't give me any hope."
Understanding dawned in Severus' eyes and he took the offered items without another word.
"Goodnight, Harry," he said quietly, to which Harry just nodded. Emotionally wrought, Harry took himself off to bed, still denying the weak light of hope in his chest.
Things would happen as they happened and there was nothing he could do to change it. He had accepted that a long time ago.