.
Severus faltered in his step when he saw that Harry wasn't in the hall with his friends and his eyes quickly scanned the Gryffindor table before flicking over to the Slytherin table to find Blaise sitting there alone. He frowned and then a wave of hot white heat scorched his wrist and he hissed in pain as he neared the head table, just in front of McGonagall and the Headmaster.
Severus acted upon instinct and whirled around to face the school, mainly the Gryffindor table as he searched it again before he heard Dumbledore talking to him and he turned his head.
"Severus, you look like you've seen a ghost are you quite alright?" He asked in a concerned tone.
"Harry." Was all Severus said before he strode over to Harry's friends.
"Where is Mr. Potter?" He sneered the best he could with a throbbing pain on his wrist.
He watched as the Weasley boy glared at him and his bushy haired friend narrow her eyes before she stated that she hadn't seen him all afternoon and then he started to panic. He decided to throw caution to the wind on this one, his Harry was in trouble and as he left the hall he could tell there were some empty spots at his Slytherin table, which caused his worry to increase.
He hadn't quite made it out of the hall before he broke into a run and headed towards the Dungeons. He doubted Harry would have gotten far and he had only spared the boy a few minutes before he himself left and that didn't leave room for much to get past him.
As he ran down the stairs, he held onto his wrist and sent Harry a message, one that he hoped he would get but something told him that he wasn't going to get him a reply.
He stopped when he reached the bottom of the stairs, his breathing ragged but as he listened he could hear laughing and talking and he narrowed his eyes at the familiarity of the one voice he could decipher. Without delay he stalked down the corridor, past his office and his private rooms where there was clearly a no exit and he knew he had whoever it was cornered.
He grabbed his wand and crept up to the corner before peering round and shining a bright lumos charm so he could clearly see the situation in front of him. His eyes didn't immediately go to the three students that were standing, no they were on the bloodied boy that was in the corner, huddled tightly into a ball and shaking. Severus was livid and when he looked up he saw the angry faces of two large boys and the white one of another, the scared and gutless blonde, who much like his father looked like a deer caught in headlights when he was discovered.
"The three of you have some serious explaining to do." Severus snapped at them and he watched as Malfoy backed up and stood behind his two body guards.
Severus sent his Patronus to the Headmaster and quickly went over to Harry who was trying to hold onto his head. He put a hand on the boy's shoulder and heard him whine in pain so he removed his hand and instead waved his wand over Harry's form until he was still.
"Severus, I got your message what seems…" Dumbledore trailed off and McGonagall gasped when Severus moved back and they saw Harry laying on the floor.
"As you can see, these three have beaten, Mr. Potter to the extent that there are broken bones and lascerations." Severus said gruffly and Dumbledore nodded before motioning for Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle to follow him with McGonagall.
Once they rounded the corner out of sight, Severus took the charm off Harry and the teen groaned in pain as he slowly uncurled after noting that the Slytherin's had left.
"Harry? Can you hear me?" Severus said softly and Harry nodded.
"I'm going to pick you up now, okay? I'm going to take you to the Hospital Wing." He continued but all he got was another nod in return.
He was about to pick him up when Harry reached a hand out and following his gaze, Severus looked behind him and saw a wand on the floor. It looked like Harry's so he reached over and pocketed it just as Harry retracted his hand and he went to pick the broken boy up.
It was a slow and painful process for both of them as they made their way up towards the Infirmary, Harry with his physical injuries and Severus with the emotional toll of seeing his boy in so much pain. All the man wanted to do was to fix him and then hold him tight to make sure he was okay but he had to admit that his potions wouldn't be enough to help Harry this time and that their resident Medi-Witch would have to help.
When they finally reached the Infirmary, Madame Pomfrey was already waiting for them and she motioned over to the bed that was closest to put Harry down on to.
Once Severus put him down he moved out of the way and watched as the woman waved her wand and cast diagnostics before charms and healing spells. At one point, she left to get some potion's that Severus had brewed himself for her supplies and this fact warmed him knowing that he at least had potions that would help fix Harry.
It was a tedious half hour and at the end of this time, Madame Pomfrey was exhausted from the exertion of magic and had to take a seat. Severus helped her over to her office where she could rest and found a Pepperup Potion for her to ingest to get her strength back.
When he walked out, he took this time to see Harry and found the teen sleeping peacefully and he pulled up a chair so he could watch him under the pretense that he was monitoring Harry's progress if anyone were to ask him. As he sat there, he looked over Harry's body, the blood and the scarring had disappeared but he could still see some bruises on his neck and face. It saddened him to see such evidence of physical abuse and he thought back to when he had been to London to check on the boy, a teen he once thought of as spoilt and worshipped, only to find that he lived a life of fear and punishment. He had seen such a change in Harry over the few months, he had grown into a confident teen, someone who was studious and outgoing, a boy who was witty and funny even though he could be slightly frustrating in class but overall he had matured. It made him wonder what would happen now, would Harry revert to being cautious and scared? Or would he brush it off and try and get back on with his life? They were good questions but ones that would only be answered once he woke up.
"Severus?" Madame Pomfrey said causing him to flinch at being caught off guard and he stood quickly and addressed her with a curt nod.
"I decided to keep watch, just in case." He knew it was a weak and poor excuse but she simply smiled at him and they both turned to look at Harry who was still sleeping.
"He will be sore in the morning, I can tell you that much and I will give him pain relief, but in the mean time he should be fine." The Medi-Witch said and Severus nodded before taking another look at Harry.
"Ah, very good news indeed then." The voice of Dumbledore could be heard as he walked through the doors and came to stand at the end of the bed.
"Do we know why he was attacked, Albus?" Madame Pomfrey asked and the man shook his head.
"Unfortunately not, Poppy. It seemed that this was just a mere opportunity for long developed rivalry between two houses, there was apparently no underlying desire to hurt young Harry here." The Head master spoke and Severus could feel his blood boiling.
He couldn't understand why this would happen, even when he and James Potter used to bump heads it was because they disagreed on basically everything and Senior Potter was jealous of his varied skills at such a young age. He knew that Harry and Malfoy didn't get on all that well but he didn't know what would push his Slytherin so far as to go out and attack another student, especially being out numbered like it was.
"Oh, Merlin. Harry?" Hermione said as she and Ron came into the Hospital Wing and spied Harry on the bed.
She went over to him and took one of his hands as she looked down at him worriedly, not even caring that there were three adults having a conversation in front of her.
"Miss. Granger, he will be fine but he does need his rest." Madame Pomfrey said coming to stand by her and Hermione nodded before looking up at her Potion's Professor, noting that he had a strange look on his face but pushed it aside as she turned her attention to her friend.
"Let's continue this in my office, Severus." Dumbledore said and Severus turned towards him and nodded before walking out, not wanting to leave Harry but knowing that he couldn't stay there an implicate the two of them.
As he fell into step with the old man, Severus listened carefully but his mind never strayed far from Harry.
"What has happened is inexcusable, Draco Malfoy has put his father into a difficult position being Head of the Board and I fear that this time the students may not be attending Hogwarts for much longer." Dumbledore sounded tired, Severus could tell this and he frowned at the words the man was saying.
"Are you telling me that my three Slytherin's will be expelled?" Severus said trying to feign shock but really he was secretly glad that this option was actually being considered.
"I don't know, Severus. Of course, the Board will have the last say in the matter but… I worry about the school some days. Actions like this shouldn't be happening and as much as I hate to admit it, there is a deep rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Perhaps a reminder of the consequences for such vile behaviour will shock the students into behaving?" Dumbledore left it an open statement and Severus hesitantly agreed, especially if that meant that Harry would be safe.
"Severus." Dumbledore put a hand on Severus's arm to stop him and they turned so they were looking at each other.
"You care about him, I may be old but I can still see clearly what is written all over your face. You are allowed to show that you care about him, he was after all, placed under your care for a reason and I have full confidence in my decision. You don't have to pretend with me." Dumbledore looked at him seriously and sighing, Severus resigned to the fact that the old man could see right through his walls.
"I – " Severus stopped, unsure of what route he should go down and he looked away, lost for words.
"Just let him know that you are there for him. He's going to need some support I fear." And with that the Headmaster walked down the corridor and out of sight.
The old man's words had some meaning behind them and as Severus turned to make his way down to the Dungeons for a stiff drink, he mulled over what had been said. He considered the fact that he always seemed to know more than he was letting on but he doubted that he would be aware of the Professional implications of what Severus was doing with Harry in terms of the sexual nature of their relationship. He was curious, was this Dumbledore's subtle way of saying that he could allow Harry time with him without it looking suspicious to outsiders? He really had no idea and as he sunk into his favourite armchair he thought about ways he could get to see Harry without others interrupting.
It was early the next morning when Severus woke and it was to a tingling feeling on the burnt skin of his wrist. He pulled his arm up from under the covers and read Harry's message.
Morning.
Severus smiled sadly and looking over at the time he saw it was just before six, so he decided that being a Sunday he could safely go up and see Harry without anyone else being there.
He decided not to reply and stood to make his way to the bathroom so he could shower before leaving to see him however it turned out to be a bad mistake because when he stepped into the shower he felt another message and he smiled again when he read what it said.
I miss you.
He shook his head as he washed the shampoo out of his hair and once he turned the water off, dried himself and went to the bedroom to get dressed.
Ten minutes later and he was nearing the Hospital Wing only to hear the voice of Madame Pomfrey and he rolled his eyes at his own belief that he could get anywhere in the castle without bumping into any one. He shook it off however and remembered back to the previous night with the Headmaster and he planned on using this to his advantage.
"Oh, good morning, Severus. You're up and about early today." She said in surprise as Severus met her in the doorway.
"I came to check on, Mr. Potter." He said bluntly and she nodded before taking him into her office.
"He is fine, just a little groggy and he'll remain here for the next few days to let his body recover. That means," she looked at him purposefully, "No strenuous activities for the next week, you hear me?" She scolded and Severus's heart stopped for a couple of seconds in fear that he had been caught out but when she smiled he realized she was referring to classes.
"I cannot promise anything." He sniffed in reply and the Matron shook her head before shooing him out of her office.
When her door closed behind him, he walked into the Infirmary to find Harry trying to sit up and he went over to him and grabbed the chair, pulling it close to the bed side and putting a hand on Harry's shoulder to stop him going any further.
"You need to rest." Severus said and Harry pouted before laying back down and rolling onto his side.
"Morning to you too." Harry said softly and Severus smirked.
"How are you feeling?"
"Terrible, but don't tell Madame Pomfrey that, she won't let me leave otherwise." Harry whispered conspiratorially and Severus had to shake his head in amusement at Harry's actions.
It was clear that Harry was feeling a bit of a buzz and he realized that the teen would have been given some pain relief just as he arrived. It made him smile softly at Harry who was looking at him almost with puppy dog eyes as he lay on his side and Severus couldn't help but take one of Harry's hands in his own and hold it tightly.
"Unfortunately, Harry you won't be leaving for a few days and you need to rest so I don't want you getting up you understand?" Severus said berating him lightly and Harry nodded.
"I know, that's what Madame Pomfrey just told me. I don't want to be here though, I can think of somewhere better to be." Harry smirked and saw Severus roll his eyes.
"Believe me, I'd like nothing more than to have you in my bed, Harry." Severus leaned in to whisper and then gave him a quick peck on the lips.
When he pulled back Harry was pouting and he sighed, he too wanted to continue the kiss but he wasn't going to push his luck and expose what they were doing.
"So what happened between you and Malfoy that made him act out?" Severus asked after leaning back in his chair as he held Harry's hand.
"He was feeling a little sore from the loss of the game and what… you know… me and Ron did to him…" Harry trailed off a little embarrassed.
"Ah, I see. Well I don't think you'll have to worry much longer about him." Severus replied and Harry looked at him curiously.
"What do you mean?"
"There could be expulsion on the cards, especially seeing as Malfoy's father is on the board."
"I don't really know I feel about this." Harry said honestly and this time Severus gave him a curious look.
"I mean, I don't want to be made a target… you know, with the other Slytherin's."
"That won't happen, Harry, trust me. If anything, once they see serious punishment they won't follow in his footsteps. You will be fine." Severus explained and Harry nodded.
"Now, in more positive news," he started and Harry looked up a little happier, "The Headmaster is under the impression you may need a shoulder to cry on over the next few weeks."
"And this is good how?" Harry questioned and Severus smirked.
"It means you can come and see me without it looking suspicious." Severus whispered and Harry understood immediately.
"Although I wouldn't push it." Severus continued and Harry nodded again.
"I understand. What are invisibility cloaks for anyway?" Harry replied cheekily.
Severus snorted and Harry smiled before he looked at their intertwined fingers and with his other hand raised the cuff on his Professor's sleeve.
"Severus, is that from – "
"Do not worry about it," The man interrupted as they both looked at the burn around Severus's wrist from the bangle, "I was able to rescue you, did I not?"
"Yeah." Harry spoke shyly and the man leaned forward for another quick kiss before they heard quiet chatter and footsteps coming towards the Infirmary.
Harry smiled sadly at his friends as they walked around the corner and Severus quickly let go of his hand so they wouldn't be seen.
Severus saw Harry's friends come to stand at the end of the bed and look on anxiously as their snarky Potion's Professor was standing in the same space as them and Severus wanted to roll his eyes. He looked back down at Harry who was looking on at him with almost awe and he narrowed his eyes before leaning down and whispering in Harry's ear.
"Remember what I said. Rest."
"Yes, sir." Harry replied.
Severus then nodded and turned to stalk from the room with Ron looking on in disgust and Hermione in curiosity; once their Professor was gone, Hermione started the questions.
"How are you, Harry? You gave us quite a scare." She said coming to sit in the chair her Professor had just vacated and she was a little surprised to find it warm.
"Been better. Madame Pomfrey gave me some pain relief just before so I'm not as sore as I was."
"I'm glad to hear it." She smiled and was about to continue when Ron butted in.
"What the hell was he doing here?" He said disgusted and Harry looked down at his lap.
He had to be careful of what he said next because he didn't want them getting the wrong idea and running off to tell everyone.
"He was the one that found me." Harry settled with and they both looked at him as if he was crazy.
Hermione then sat there thinking about what had happened that night and reached over to take Harry's hand but pulled it closer and thumbed the bangle which moved and she could see a faint red mark on his wrist.
"Professor Snape has the other one doesn't he?" She said and looked him in the eye.
Harry couldn't help it and his face burned as he blushed, which was all she needed to know and she nodded at his reaction.
"Why? Are you seeing him, Harry?"
"What? Are you serious?" Harry rushed out, his voice going several octaves higher than it should have and Hermione narrowed her eyes again, "How could you say that? He's a teacher."
"Then how come he has another one identical?" She probed again and Harry took his arm back.
"I thought you were here to check on how I was, not accuse me of outrageous speculation." Harry snapped and then wriggled further under the blankets.
"'Mione, give the guy a break. There's no way he'd be friendly with that git." Ron chipped in but Hermione wasn't convinced.
"Well something is going on," She said and went to stand, "I hope you feel better soon." And with that she walked out of the Hospital Wing with Ron gaping after her and Harry looking down at the sheets.
"She's barking, mate." Ron said and Harry tried to huff humorously but failed and he looked at Ron.
"I don't know what she's going on about. Se-Ssssnape saved me last night, I would have thought she'd be a little more grateful. I could have died." Harry sulked and Ron came closer and patted him gently on the shoulder.
"I'll go talk to her. Rest up, mate." Ron said before he left as well and Harry was by himself again.
After breakfast, Blaise came to visit Harry and the Slytherin smiled when they made eye contact.
"Hey." He said and Harry smiled back at him.
"Hey." Harry echoed and Blaise took a seat.
"So, the whole of Slytherin is feeling a little tense right now." He said and Harry looked at him in interest.
"How so?"
"Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle have been suspended." He said and Harry's eyes went wide.
"Are you serious?"
"Sure am. They are going before the Board apparently and Malfoy's father has had to step down so they could make an unbiased decision. Everyone is feeling threatened right now." Blaise explained and secretly Harry was happy about this.
They talked for another ten minutes and then Harry said that he was sleepy so Blaise left him to it as Harry drifted off into a peaceful sleep. He slept for most of the day and by five in the evening he woke up with his stomach rumbling loudly, which made him call out to Madame Pomfrey and she came rushing in.
"Yes, dear?"
"I'm hungry. Any chance I could have some… is it dinner or lunch?" He said suddenly confused and she smiled saying she'd fix something up for him.
Once he was sated and filled with more potions, he lay back down in the bed and pulled the sheets up to his chin. He felt lonely and wanted someone to talk to, so gripping his wrist he sent Severus a message. He received one about a minute later and smiled.
You should be sleeping, Harry.
He thought the man was being a little bit of a fusspot so he told him so and rolled his eyes when he got the reply.
And you're being a brat. Go to sleep otherwise I won't come and visit you in the morning.
Sighing and rolling onto his side, he closed his eyes. He wasn't exactly that tired considering he had slept for most of the day but never the less he shut his mind off, which was difficult given recent events and tried to find his way into dreamland.
He was successful after about twenty minutes but it wasn't dreamland he found, instead he landed in a nightmare, one that consisted of Uncle Vernon and his belt.