Chapter Eighteen – The Monsters In The Shadows
"Sirius! Please!" Harry shouted in his dreams. His godfather was falling into the veil. And Harry was fighting so hard to get to him. Somehow in Harry's dreamworld, he knew he'd watch this scene a million times, he knew it was a nightmare that kept happening over and over and he wanted it to stop. Harry didn't want to see his godfather dying anymore.
Harry turned around to see who was holding him back. Who was keeping Harry from saving Sirius? And he found red eyes and bared fangs. Loud growling rang in Harry's ears. It was Remus Lupin in his werewolf form. Harry yelled out in fear, fighting away from the sharp claws.
Then the werewolf suddenly disappeared, replaced by Bellatrix Lestrange's sing-song voice.
"I killed Sirius Black!"
And Severus Snape was beside her, his wand trained on Harry.
"Kill him, Severus, kill Harry Potter!" Voldemort hissed, sending terrifying chills into Harry. He didn't know where the dark wizard was, but Harry could feel him all around the room that held the veil.
And Sirius was gone….
I can't save you!
And then suddenly, Harry was awake with a start and covered in sweat. His bedroom was dark with only the sound of Malfoy's heavy breathing.
Harry laid in his bed, staring up at the ceiling and trying to calm down his fast pumping heart from the overwhelming fear of his nightmare. Since he'd stopped practicing Occlumency with Snape, the nightmares were becoming worse. Harry couldn't close off his mind. He needed Snape's help, but Harry refused to ask, choosing to just suffer alone.
At least summer was halfway over. One more month of living here and then it would all be over. And Harry and Snape would never have to speak about this again. And that realization made Harry's heart hurt just a bit, but his anger for Snape prevented him from acknowledging it.
Once Harry began to feel a bit calmer, he turned over to see the time on his clock. It was just after midnight. And Harry realized that today was his sixteenth birthday. He wondered if Snape knew... The professor hadn't once brought up the subject or even asked about his birthday, and Harry didn't know why this was bothering him so much. He never really had a proper birthday before anyways. The Dursleys never paid attention to it. So why would this birthday be any different? It was not like he and Snape were on good terms anyway.
Harry sighed and gingerly felt the raised scars on his arm. It was too dark to see them, but he didn't need to. Harry had spent hours looking at them, regretting what he'd done to himself. Snape had given Harry a balm to eliminate the fresh pink scars. Harry refused to use it, because he didn't want anything from Snape. Snape made Harry believe that he was welcomed here, cared for here, and then only to find out it was all just an act!
It was all just for fucking duty!
And the emotions Harry felt that day which caused him to almost kill himself, began to rise up inside him. The feelings of betrayal and hurt over Snape's words caused him to start shaking. And Harry knew he wanted to cut, but he didn't want to give in, especially since he had lost control last time.
Getting out of bed, Harry wanted to distract himself from his thoughts, from the nightmares, from the emotions, his anger at Snape, everything. He didn't want to think anymore, and so Harry gathered his school books and made his way to the kitchen.
School books, parchment and quills in hand, Harry stopped dead in his tracks at the doorway of the kitchen... Severus Snape was sitting at the table.
"What are you doing out of bed, kid?"
"Don't call me that!" Harry snapped.
"Just because you're angry at me doesn't mean you can be disrespectful towards me!" Snape snapped back, getting out of his chair and standing over Harry. "If you don't want to talk to me like a civilized person, then go back to bed," the professor ordered.
Harry didn't like that Snape was so close to him, that the professor's eyes were dark and searching, snapping with anger. Harry firmly kept his gaze away from him. He couldn't stand eye contact at the moment. And Harry closed himself up as Snape began to lecture him on respect, not saying a word, hiding behind his brick wall.
"Harry, my eyes are up here. Look at me, talk to me!" Snape knelt down, grabbing Harry by both of his upper arms in a tight grasp, forcing Harry's attention back on him.
"You're hurting me, Snape!" Harry shouted, trying to pull away from the professor's tight hold.
"Yeah? And you're hurting me!" Snape shouted back. "Why are you so angry at me? Remember what I've said about us living together? It's not going to work if we keep arguing. You have to talk to me, I'm not letting you go until you do!"
Harry only shook his head, his eyes burning with tears, his throat choking up with anger and hurt. And he couldn't get away this time. A powerful wave of anger suddenly threw Harry off guard, because this time it was directed at Sirius. If his godfather were still here, then Harry wouldn't be stuck here with Snape! He wouldn't be all messed up with his grief and nightmares and feeling responsible for Sirius' death! And unable to deal with that or accept that he was angry at his godfather, Harry misdirected his feelings towards Snape.
Harry slowly brought his gaze to meet Snape's own. "Why do you even care if us living together works or not?!" Harry angrily snapped out. "You don't even care about me! You're supposed to hate me! And me being here, it was all just for duty, wasn't it, Snape? This whole time, the camping trip, the stories you've told me, you were lying!"
Snape looked taken aback. He was silent for a while. Harry could see the gears turning in his mind, then suddenly, he let go of Harry's arms.
"You heard me talking to Draco." It wasn't a question.
Harry only shrugged.
"Harry, I never lied to you about anything. Everything I've told you, about my past, about your mother, and the way I want to help you, it was all the truth. That conversation between Draco and I…."
"No, I heard what you said. You were only baby-sitting me on Dumbledore's orders. It was only to keep your cover for Voldemort! How do I know what side you're on? How can I trust you!" Harry shouted.
"Harry! Stop shouting and listen to me! You're going to wake up Draco!"
"No, why should I listen to you? Why should I give you a chance when everything's all lies. You keep telling me this is my home and for a second, I started to believe you. I thought you wanted me here, that this could be what I've wanted for so long. A home, a guardian I could trust, and I didn't mind having it with you. Then I heard you say it was only just for duty. This isn't home if you are forced to share it with me. That's just how it was with the Dursleys!"
"Harry, please I need you to calm down. I don't want this argument to end in a shouting match like all the others this past week. Let us talk to each other. I'm listening to you, and the hurt and betrayal you've felt at my words. I take full responsibility for what I've said. I shouldn't have said it. I should've spoken to you about my plans with me having to act around Draco. I've failed and it caused this huge mess. Now let me tell you why I've said that, I didn't mean for my words to hurt you or make you believe that everything between us was a lie."
Harry only shook his head, having shouted everything out, he didn't know what to feel anymore. In truth he was tired of being angry. So he made his way to the kitchen table, putting his stuff down and taking a seat, waiting for Snape to explain himself.
Snape took a seat across from Harry and the air was so full of tension, he couldn't look at the professor. Harry rubbed at his forearms under the table, trying to take away the anger and anxiety that was suffocating him.
"Harry, I want you to understand that Draco being here is dangerous. When he'd first arrived, I didn't know his true loyalties. I wasn't sure if he was going to run off to his mother and tell her everything about you being here. So I had to act like my old self to figure him out, only to keep you safe. I didn't mean anything of what you heard. I was lying to Draco, not you. Do you understand that?"
"So you were only acting?" Harry asked.
And suddenly Harry felt extremely stupid... What Severus said made sense, it was dangerous for Malfoy to be here… Severus was only keeping his cover for Dumbledore, not Voldemort. Tears started to run down his cheeks, and Harry wiped them angrily away, feeling so guilty for the hurtful things he had said to the professor, when Severus was only trying to protect him. And what hurt most of all was that the anger inside of Harry was still there, and it was because of Sirius… He was really angry at Sirius for being the one who truly left him… And Harry's heart broke at the thought.
"Yes, I've told you, that what I do for the Order of the Phoenix is very important. A spy for Dumbledore and an acting spy for the Dark Lord. If you ever doubt me like that again, come to me. Don't close yourself off like that again."
"Severus, I'm sorry. I was so stupid! It's just hard to trust… I don't know who to believe sometimes." Harry kept his gaze down on his lap, too embarrassed to even look at Severus. His body was shaking so hard with the emotions inside of him, his anger and grief and fear and mistrust….
"Don't call yourself stupid... And there's no need to apologize. I understand how you were misled, especially when it's hard for you to trust the adults in your life. I'm sorry for not being clear with you enough about my plans with Draco. I want you to understand that I care for you, Harry, enough to sign this, and I hope that this will help you in trusting me again."
Harry watched Severus bring out a rolled-up scroll from the pocket of his robes.
"I've signed it, and your aunt has signed it. All I have to do now is send it out to the department, but I won't do that until you give me your permission. I don't want to force you into this, unless you feel comfortable and happy here."
Severus handed Harry the rolled up scroll. Harry's eyes were glued on the mysterious parchment, and didn't notice how nervous Severus suddenly was.
Harry unrolled the thick parchment, his eyes catching the bold words: Guardian Transfer for Minor Harry James Potter… Harry kept reading it over and over again, not quite believing what he was seeing.
"I don't understand… I thought Remus was going to take care of me?" Harry said.
"Dumbledore needs someone who can legally be your guardian to spare the risk of you falling into the hands of the Ministry. And Lupin being what he is..."
Harry nodded in understanding. "They wouldn't give him full custody, so Dumbledore made you sign it?"
"No, Harry. He'd asked me and I signed it willingly. I want to be your guardian. Even though we've had arguments, I've come to realize what a great kid you are and I've grown to care so much for you. I want to be a parent to you."
Harry's eyes that were still on the document traveled to the professor's face, hardly believing what he was hearing. Severus wanted to take care of him, as a parent?
Harry tried to smile as best as he could. He felt happy at the chance that he was gaining a family, a small one, but a family. And yet, he couldn't be fully happy, because of what he'd just realized.
"I'm angry at Sirius, Sev. I thought I was mad at you this whole time. But I've realized that it was Sirius who I was angry at. He promised he'll take care of me. He said we were going to live together. But he died and left me. He never even knew about the Dursleys punishing me."
"Black didn't mean to hurt you, Harry. Even though I detested your godfather, I know he loved you. You were like a son to him, and that was what made him leave Grimmauld Place. The thought of you in danger, could not keep Black in hiding. He did it for you," Severus said gently.
"I just keep thinking that if he would've stayed, or maybe if I would've known that he was safe…" Harry whispered.
"There is no use thinking about the what-ifs. It's happened and we can't change our mistakes. When your mother died, I blamed myself. I kept thinking what if I've listened to her. Maybe I should've realized that our friendship was way more important than the dark arts or even fitting in with the Slytherins back at school. There are so many things we wish we could go back and change, but we cannot. We must learn to live with our mistakes. We learn, we move on and we live. I don't want you to be angry at Black, Harry. I want you to cherish the time you've spent with him."
Severus' words chased away the anger inside of Harry, but only temporarily... It would take time until Harry could fully forgive Sirius.
"You can send this to the Ministry, Severus. I wouldn't mind being your family… "
Severus' stern frown turned into a smile. He took out his wand and with a small flick, the parchment rolled up and sealed itself. "I'll make sure this document gets to the department," Severus said.
"Sev, do you think…" Harry hesitated, wondering if this theory of his was stupid.
"Go on, Harry. I'm listening"
Harry hesitantly moved his gaze back onto Severus. "I've been having nightmares… That's why I'm up… They've been getting worse since we've stopped practicing Occlumency. Do you think my anger with Sirius is what's causing them?"
"Of course, that makes sense. Your emotions can interfere with your subconscious mind, especially the ones that you refuse to acknowledge. Maybe now that you've talked about your anger with Black, the nightmares will start to cease. Would you like to practice Occlumency, right now? So that you can go back to bed?"
Harry nodded, biting back a yawn. He was tired, but he was afraid to go back to sleep. And so, Harry agreed... Occlumency always promised him a peaceful sleep afterwards with hardly any dreams.
"Come, let's go to my office, that way we have privacy and won't run the chance of waking Draco."
"Now, on the count of three," Severus instructed.
They had just done a few mental warm-up exercises on Harry closing his mind, due to Harry having a bit of trouble shutting his mind off during the first few rounds. They were both exhausted and feeling frustrated. Severus figured it was due to Harry being out of practice or from the way his emotions were running high from the conversation they just had in the kitchen.
"I'm not expecting you to get this right tonight, just try to close your mind and block me out."
"Okay, I'm ready," Harry stated, full of determination, holding his wand up.
"One, two, three, Legilimens!" And Severus was pulled into Harry's mind.
Memories were all around Severus. He stood where he was, watching the memories pass by, like old muggle film reels. He could feel Harry resisting, but his power wasn't strong enough to cast Severus out.
"You have to do better than that, Harry," Severus said as he watched an eleven year old Harry getting sorted into Gryffindor. Severus tried his best to stay patient. Occlumency was a difficult subject to teach, and even harder to learn.
"I'm trying!"
"Come on, block me out! Use what I've taught you!" Severus demanded.
Severus found himself surrounded by memories of Harry's first year. Harry receiving the invisibility cloak for Christmas. Harry's first Quidditch match. Fighting with Draco. Eleven year old Harry meeting Severus' gaze across the Great Hall, the first time they'd laid eyes on each other, and the twinge of pain from his scar.
"Do we need to start over?"
"No! I can do this!"
The memories changed to Harry in third year. Thirteen year old Harry sneaking off to Hogsmeade under his invisibility cloak, laughing with his friends in the snowy village, and later lying to Severus with mud caked onto his hands.
"You little brat! I knew you were lying!"
"Arrghhh!" Harry shouted out in exhaustion and frustration. "Don't yell at me, I'm trying to block you out!"
And the harder Harry tried pushing Severus out, the faster the memories changed, with Harry's emotions swirling around Severus.
Severus watched Harry spending each summer with the Weasleys. He could feel Harry's jealousy of wanting to be part of a family like that. The guilt for not talking to Molly, for flinching every time Harry was touched by her or Arthur, when Severus had left him there to rescue Lupin. Severus could feel the happiness Harry felt, the shyness, the shock, whenever the Weasleys made Harry feel part of their family, whenever they sent Harry Christmas presents or hugged him happy birthday. And Severus could feel how much it meant for Harry to spend his summers at the Burrow, it made him feel like a normal teenager. It made Harry feel like he belonged. Severus could feel the peace Harry felt there, and it was beautiful, the memories were beautiful.
Then the memories changed to Remus Lupin. When Harry found out that his Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor used to be friends with his dad, James Potter. Severus felt the curiosity, the distrust Harry felt at first towards Lupin. But Lupin had managed to win Harry over by teaching him Defense lessons and talking to him about his parents. Severus could feel how much Lupin meant to Harry, and how afraid Harry was for him this summer, when Lupin was missing. Severus felt Harry's anger for Lupin. It was barely there, underneath the good memories and emotions, as if Harry were hiding it from himself.
Harry tried again to push out Severus, this time his effort was a bit stronger than the last. It tore Severus away from memories of Remus Lupin and brought him to Harry's most recent memory. Severus saw himself handing Harry the rolled-up parchment. Through Harry's eyes, Severus read what the parchment contained, and was suddenly overwhelmed with a mixture of fear and happiness.
The push Severus received from Harry, made him realize something about the memories that were being shown to him. Severus realized these memories were mostly all from the last five years. They were all recent memories, but where were the memories of Harry's time with the Dursleys? Where were the older memories of his childhood? And where were the darker memories? Where were the nightmares?
Severus couldn't help himself, this time he started searching through the memories. He was looking for one that had anything negative or at least a sad thought. Anything that had a hint of Harry's childhood, the Dark Lord, the death of Black or Harry's nightmares and visions. Harry couldn't block Severus out, he didn't have that power yet. So there was no way Harry was controlling the images that were being shown to Severus. That meant those darker memories weren't here.
After Severus spent time jumping from one memory and emotion to the next, he suddenly found a memory of an eleven year old Harry hiding his bruises from his dorm mates. Severus held on to that memory, following it, as it led him to another one in Harry's third year. Severus watched Harry running away from Privet Drive, walking down the driveway with his trunk. Severus focused on Harry's emotions, lost, hurt, anger, unsure where to go and fear. Severus spotted a black dog in the shadows.
Black! Severus inwardly thought to himself. He instantly grabbed onto that memory, focusing on the negative energy of it, letting it guide him to the next memory of Black. Severus was now jumping from memory to memory, each one darker than the next, until he was forced to stop at a brick wall.
"Severus! What are you doing!"
Severus didn't answer Harry. He stared at the large brick wall, it went on for miles, and it was so high. There was no way around it. Severus put his hand on the red brick. It felt strong, sturdy.
"What is this? Is this where you're keeping all of your bad memories? Is this why I've been feeling blocked off from you sometimes?"
"Get away from there! That's private," Harry shouted.
Severus stayed as still as possible, ignoring Harry's cries to get away from the wall. He wanted to see if he could hear anything on the other side, if he could feel anything.
And it wasn't long until Severus heard the echoes of bad memories. He closed his eyes, his hands both on the wall. The side of his face pressed against the rough red brick. Trying to focus on the echoes of a young Harry's crying, his screams of pain, and the voices….
"Sirius! Sirius! Get him! Save him!" Harry's screams on the night Sirius Black died. "I killed Sirius Black!" Bellatrix's maniacal laughter. "There's nothing you can do...Harry…nothing… He's gone…" Lupin's broken and grief-filled voice….
"Kill the spare!" "Avada Kedavra!" "We bow to each other, Harry…" It was the voices of the Dark Lord and Wormtail's killing curse. And Severus knew those voices had to be from the Triwizard Tournament, the night of the third task when Harry witnessed the Dark Lord's return and Cedric Diggory's murder.
And Severus could hear the Dark Lord casting the Cruciatus Curse on Harry, whose screams were so loud, Severus could hear the pain and terror.
Severus couldn't see the memories. He couldn't feel the emotions behind them. He could only hear them, and Severus realized the purpose of the wall. It was to keep these bad memories safely locked away, protecting Harry from constantly remembering them and feeling the emotions all of the time.
Severus, a master of Occlumency, knew this wall was a strong mental shield to hold back trauma and bad memories. It was a defense mechanism Harry had put up to protect himself. But yet, it was strange… Severus couldn't help but think of the times Harry closed himself off… The times Severus tried to read his emotions in his eyes, but felt blocked out. Severus thought about Harry sometimes shutting down, refusing to speak, losing focus, not being able to maintain eye contact when speaking or being spoken to… Is Harry using this wall to hide behind when he feels unsafe? When adults he doesn't trust try to get close to him?
Severus remembered Molly telling him how worried she was for Harry. "He flinches when I touch him. He's closed off and barely speaks unless we talk to him…"
So this was where Harry went to protect himself… Severus could imagine Harry sitting behind this wall, surrounded by his bad memories and pain, his fear and his nightmares, his grief for all of the deaths he'd experienced in his life. And the mistrust Harry struggles with when it comes to adults, especially the ones who were supposed to care for him. But why would he do that? Is this a result of Harry's low-self esteem, believing that this is where he belonged? In his own pain?
And Severus finally heard what he was searching for, the echoes of Harry's childhood memories. The voices of the Dursleys and Harry were loud, they were passing through fast, overlapping each other. They began to overwhelm Severus….
"You're not a part of this family," Petunia shouted. "You're a freak! You don't belong here!"
"Get out here now, you nasty little thing! You didn't wash these glasses right! There are spots!"
"You little freak!" Vernon Dursley yelled. "Don't you dare talk back to me, boy! I'll show you! You lazy little shit!"
"Aunt Petunia…help…don't let the monster get me!"
"Get away from my Diddykins! You are not allowed to touch his toys! Toys aren't meant for bad little freaks like you!"
"The monster is coming….he's coming…Aunt Petunia..help me..help me..."
"You freak! Go to your cupboard! You don't deserve bedtime stories!"
"Behave boy! Or no food for a week!"
"Don't show anyone the bruises! Don't tell your nosey teachers or bad things will happen to you!"
"Don't ask questions!"
"We don't care about your nightmares! Go back to bed!"
"If you don't finish this list of chores today, you'll get a punishment that'll leave your ass black and blue!"
"Look at yourself in the mirror! Say you're a freak! Repeat after me! Freaks don't deserve to go to the park, freaks don't deserve to play and have fun, freaks don't deserve to have friends!"
"The monster…the monster…. He's in the shadows!"
"I'm a freak! And I deserve to be punished! I don't deserve to play with Dudley and his friends! Why do I have to do this, Aunt Petunia? What's wrong with me?"
Severus leaned his forehead against the brick wall, his hands still on the rough brick.
The echoes of Harry's voice….
"What's wrong with me?"
And Harry's cries, as a young child… The pain and rejection that Severus could hear.
"Aunt Petunia! Don't let him hurt me! Please, I'll be good, I'll be good!"
It was heartbreaking.
"Severus, please get away from there!" Harry screamed. "Get the fuck out of my head! You slimy bastard! Get out!"
"So this is where you've been hiding? This is where you go when you shut down!"
"Snape!"
And Severus, feeling Harry's anger, hearing the pain in that voice, he finally felt himself get pushed out of Harry's mind. Harry finally managed to block him out through his strong emotions directed towards Severus.
.
.
When Severus came back to consciousness, he found himself laying on his back on the stone floor of his office. He slowly pulled himself up, still in shock from what he'd discovered… That brick wall…and the voices….
Monster in the shadows?
Severus suddenly spotted Harry laying on the floor as well, still unconscious.
"Harry!" Severus shouted, he crawled over to the teen who opened his eyes, looking dazed and green in the face as Severus gently pulled him into a sitting position.
"Severus!" Harry said weakly. "Why did you do that? You weren't supposed to see it!" Suddenly Harry weakly shoved Severus away. Tears started to flow down Harry's cheeks, his green eyes bloodshot and filled with hurt and anger.
"I didn't mean to go that far! I'm sorry, Harry, you have a right to be angry."
At Severus' words, Harry suddenly pushed him away again. "Get away from me! You had no right! That was private! I told you over and over to stop and you didn't listen! Why did you do that?!"
"Harry! Stop!" Severus shouted. "Talk to me if you're upset, don't push me!"
Harry cried out in anger, pushing Severus again and again, until Severus started to block Harry's hands away in self-defense.
"Harry, stop!" Severus shouted.
"You weren't supposed to see it!" Harry shouted, this time trying to hurt Severus by punching him. His fists connected to Severus' chest multiple times. The blows didn't really hurt. Harry's aim was off and there wasn't a lot of strength behind the punches. Severus, having enough of being the boy's punching bag, wrapped his arms around Harry, pulling him close against his chest.
"You need to calm down!" Severus said, holding on tight. Strands of Harry's dark and messy hair were tickling his face.
"Let me go!" Harry struggled, trying to break free.
"I'm not letting you go, kid, you can't hide behind that wall forever. You have to let me in." Severus kept his voice under control. He didn't want to shout, knowing it would turn into an argument. Severus had to remain calm if he wanted Harry to calm himself down. "You have to talk about those memories."
"I can't, Severus, I can't… They hurt too much!" And Harry suddenly bursted out crying, his sobs filled with grief and pain, sounding a lot like the cries Severus heard coming from behind the brick wall.
Severus suddenly felt Harry's body sag against him, as he finally stopped struggling. Harry then hugged Severus back, causing Severus to hold onto his kid tighter.
"Harry, I know you're in so much pain, I know...kid...I know... You aren't alone anymore. I'm right here."
"Professor, I don't want a big thing today," Harry said as they ate breakfast.
Remembering last night, the conversation they had, the roll of parchment stating Severus becoming Harry's new guardian, the disastrous Occlumency lesson and Severus discovering his brick wall, left Harry feeling exhausted and grumpy the next morning.
Harry had woken up intending to be upset about yesterday for the invasion of privacy that Severus had no respect for last night, but then, Harry found his new guardian in the kitchen; making him birthday pancakes. It was a really strange thing to see. Harry wasn't used to his birthday being a big thing. No one's ever made him birthday pancakes before.…
Watching Severus as Harry sat at the table and accepting a birthday hug from the professor, trying not to tense up from the sudden touch, Harry realized he wasn't even angry at the intrusion anymore. Harry remembered how Severus didn't really scold him for losing control, for hitting and pushing him, he just held Harry until he finally stopped and cried… It was kind of freeing that the professor knew about Harry's brick wall. Harry knew Severus was right, his wall would have to come down soon if Harry ever wanted to mentally heal… But as of right now, Harry wasn't ready… Everything still felt so raw inside.
Back to the present, around the breakfast table, Severus had just informed Harry and Malfoy that they were invited to the Burrow for a birthday tea that Mrs. Weasley had planned for Harry.
"Molly went through a lot of trouble planning this for you. The best you can do is at least show up," the professor replied from behind his Daily Prophet.
Harry pushed the leftover pancakes around his plate.
"Why are you complaining? It's a birthday party for you," Severus said, turning a page of his newspaper.
"Yeah, but my birthday isn't special really..."
Severus folded his newspaper before standing up to pour himself some more coffee.
"You may not think it's important, Harry, but to the Weasleys it is. You are coming with us to the Burrow. You're going to enjoy yourself with your friends, you're going to accept the attention and coddling from Molly, and you're going to eat her food!"
Harry rolled his eyes at a sniggering Malfoy and took a small bite of his pancakes.
It was strange to say that he and Malfoy were somewhat okay with each other. They weren't exactly friends. They had just come to a certain point where they were no longer enemies.
It had happened the day before Harry was released from the hospital wing.
.
.
Harry was reading his Quidditch Through the Ages book, trying not to think how much he'd hurt Severus, trying not to feel guilty. He kept convincing himself over and over that he had a right to be angry.
"Hey, Potter," a voice whispered.
Harry looked up to see Draco Malfoy standing at the foot of his bed. He put his book down.
"Just finished visiting your mummy?" Harry asked, deciding to be rude only because he was hurting so much inside.
Malfoy rolled his eyes, "Shut it, Potter... I... Forget it. This was stupid." Malfoy stuffed his hands into his pockets and turned to walk away.
Suddenly, Harry found himself not wanting Malfoy to leave. He wanted to find out what he was going to say. Maybe a conversation would distract him from the pain.
"Wait, Malfoy. Don't go, look, I'm sorry. It's just being stuck here... I'm going mad."
"Huh, I wouldn't know the difference," Malfoy retorted.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Just get on with it, Malfoy!"
Harry waited for an explanation but nothing came. The Slytherin was quiet, red-faced, hands still in his pockets. Harry looked at him and noticed Malfoy's eyes were focused on something. Harry followed the direction and realized his pajama sleeve was up, showing the bandages on his arm. Harry immediately pulled his sleeve down, his face blushing in embarrassment.
"I just wanted to let you know that um... I know I'm a git sometimes, I…well…"
"Are you trying to apologize?"
Malfoy shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah… And well...I know how you ended up here."
Harry only looked at Malfoy in surprise, trying to keep a poker face, but failed. He tried not to rub his bandaged wrist.
"No, you don't, Malfoy."
"I'm not stupid, Potter. Those bandages on your arm, I know what's under them. I had a friend last year. He had the same problem."
"Oh, um… I'm fine, if that's what you're wondering," Harry muttered. The air was getting very awkward. Now, Harry was starting to wish they could just go back to insulting each other.
"Why do you cut yourself?" Malfoy asked.
"It's not like I want to!" Harry scowled.
"I know you can't help it, Potter. It's a tough habit to break. Why did you start doing that to yourself?"
Harry glared at him. "Why do you want to know? It's none of your business."
Malfoy glared at him with grey eyes. "Fine! Don't tell me. Let's just not fight anymore, we don't have to be friends. Not that I'm saying we are… I just... Let's just call it a…."
"A truce?" Harry finished.
Malfoy nodded, his face tinged with pink.
"Okay..." Harry said, holding out his hand.
Malfoy only looked at it, eyebrows raised. "You're offering me your hand? After you denied mine five years ago?"
"Yeah, cus you were being a git that time… And right now, you're apologizing for being one, so yeah… I'm offering to shake your hand, symbolizing our truce. Even though it doesn't signify that we are friends."
Malfoy rolled his eyes. "You really can be a git sometimes, Potter. I can see why Severus is annoyed at you right now."
Harry shrugged. "Are you going to shake my hand or not?"
Malfoy scowled and shook Harry's hand. It lasted only for a second before they pulled away, more awkward than ever.
Malfoy nodded his head towards Harry as he put his hands back in his pockets. "Just take care of yourself, Potter. I still need to beat you at Quidditch before we finish our seventh year, okay?"
"Yeah, okay…" Harry said as Malfoy turned and left the hospital wing, leaving Harry to just stare at him in confusion.
.
.
"Harry, are you listening?" Severus' voice cut through the air, bringing him back to the present.
"Um, yeah?"
Severus scowled at him. "What did I just say?"
"That I better eat Mrs. Weasley's food and have fun or else?" Harry shrugged. It was the last thing he remembered Severus saying before his mind drifted off.
"Don't get smart with me! I was telling you that I want your room cleaned up before we go today! And, I want to take a look at your arm! Have you been applying that balm I gave you?"
"Uh…Yes…" Harry muttered guilty.
"Tell me the truth, Potter!" Severus snapped.
Harry suddenly flinched at his tone, accidentally knocking his plate to the floor. The sound of crashing china exploded. Harry leaped out of his chair and backed away, shaking in fear. He knew what was coming next… Punishment….
"Potter?" Malfoy said, his grey eyes wide in confusion.
"Harry?" a deep voice said.
Harry shook his head, tears coming down his face.
"Harry? Look at me!" Strong hands grabbed his arms, pinning them to his sides.
He couldn't breathe. Harry couldn't take in air. His chest was hurting so bad.…
"I'm sorry!" Harry tried to say. "I'm sorry. I... I..." but he couldn't say it. Uncle Vernon was looming over him. The broken pieces of china were all over the kitchen floor. Aunt Petunia glaring at Harry from where she was standing.
The pain in Harry's chest was excruciating. And terror swept through him.
Uncle Vernon was shouting. He threw Harry onto the glass. Aunt Petunia throwing a broom at him and calling him a freak. Dudley grinning from his seat at the table, enjoying the show.
Harry was still laying on the floor. Glass puncturing his skin. The sound of the whipping belt was scarier than the pain.
A dark cupboard under the stairs, filled with crying and pain and bruises and fear. A small boy curled up on his cot, surrounded by darkness, with monsters creeping down the stairs and he couldn't breathe. He couldn't breathe, and he had to feel the pain burning inside him.
Severus was at first angry at Harry for lying. He didn't mean to snap, but it came out before he could even stop. His father was always hitting him for lying. Then Severus, letting anger get the best of him once more, snapped at Harry, forgetting how delicate he was due to his background of abuse.
Severus berated himself for being such an idiot.
The crashing of a broken plate rang throughout the kitchen. It was silent for a second.
"Potter?" Draco made to get up, but Severus made him sit back down with a shake of his head.
Harry backed away as Severus stood. He could see the boy was having a panic attack. And a bad one, it seemed.
"Harry?" Severus said gently, walking slowly towards him.
The boy shook his head, his body shaking and his face pale.
"Harry, look at me," Severus said, putting his hands to the boy's side, to prevent any future attacks of scratching.
"I'm sorry!" Harry started stuttering. "I'm sorry. I…I..."
Severus could see that Harry couldn't breathe and his eyes were unfocused.
"Harry, I really don't care that the plate broke. I'm not going to punish you."
Harry was gasping for air now, his whole body trembling so hard. He pulled his arms away from Severus. Shaking his head, backing away, Harry started scratching his arm. Severus pulled his arms away before he could hurt himself.
"No, Harry!"
"No! No!" Harry shouted, gasping for air. He fell to his knees. Severus sat down on the floor and wrapped his arms around him.
"No! Don't touch me!" Harry gasped. He started kicking his legs, struggling and fighting, but Severus held on tight to him.
"Come on, Harry, I know you're there. Listen to my voice. Listen to me and follow my breathing."
Tears were pouring down the teen's face. Severus could see that Harry couldn't talk anymore, afraid and in pain. He stopped fighting, only cringed from Severus' touch, shaking and gasping for breath. Severus turned the frightened teen around so he was facing him. He then pressed Harry's hand to his own chest so that Harry could feel Severus' beating heart and the steady movement of his chest.
"Come on now, Harry, it's just me. I'm not going to hurt you, remember? You can trust me. Now, count with me… One: breathe in, breathe out. Two: breathe in, breathe out…"
Severus guided Harry's breathing, helping him to properly inhale and exhale for several long moments...
And when Harry finally took that deep breath, Severus knew Harry was calming down now. Then surprising Severus, Harry buried his tear-streaked face into his robes, wrapping his arms tight around Severus' waist as if his life depended on it.
Severus didn't push Harry away, even though Draco was still sitting at the table, watching the scene with wide eyes. He felt bad for making Draco stay where he was. Severus just didn't want to alert his presence to Harry, making him panic even more.
So Severus held the shaking teenager. Wrapping his arms tightly around him, until Harry stopped crying and was ready to let go.
Severus sat with him for almost twenty minutes, whispering to Harry that he was safe and loved. That he was going to celebrate his birthday with his friends later.
Harry's sobs soon stopped, his body stopped shaking, but he held on to Severus.
"You're safe, Harry," Severus said quietly, gently, to soothe him. "Everything's going to be alright. You are home."
Harry burrowed his face deeper into Severus' robes. "I'm sorry, Severus," he mumbled. "I'm so sorry for being like this."
Severus nodded to Draco, signaling that it was okay for him to go now. Draco nodded in understanding before tiptoeing out of the kitchen.
Harry finally pulled himself away from Severus' arms, wiping his face and putting his glasses back on, looking thoroughly embarrassed.
"Don't be ashamed, kid," Severus said gently. "This can happen to the best of us at times."
"I have to clean up the mess, Severus!" Harry said, shaking his head and not paying attention to what Severus had just said.
Severus pulled out his wand and vanished the scattered pieces of china.
"Don't worry about it now. It's gone," Severus said. "Are you ready to stand up?"
Harry shook his head, leaning his back against the kitchen counter, pulling his knees up to his chest and burying his face.
"What did you remember?" Severus asked, scooting to sit beside him, but not initiating any contact.
Harry didn't answer for a while. He just stayed in the same tense position, and when Severus thought he was going to have to argue it out of him, then Harry finally lifted up his head.
"If I tell you, you have to tell me something about your dad, remember?"
Severus nodded. "Very well. Do you want me to go first?"
Harry shook his head. "No, I'll go, before I lose my Gryffindor courage."
Severus rolled his eyes. "Gryffindors," he muttered.
Harry gave him a small smile, causing Severus to deflate with relief.
"We were eating dinner. I think I was maybe eight or nine. I remember Dudley scarfing down his food as fast as he could. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon were complaining about me. They were saying how expensive I was. And how because of me, they had to cut back on some stuff, and that I was taking food out of Dudley's mouth."
It took all of Severus' willpower to not say anything, letting Harry finish.
"It bothered me so much that night. Usually, I would ignore them and think about my parents or something. But they were being really cruel, and I was hungry. They only allowed me to eat some toast. Then I don't know what happened… My plate just flew out from the table and crashed to the floor."
"Your under-aged magic," Severus said.
Harry nodded. "But I didn't know it back then, it scared me. I didn't understand. And they wouldn't believe me. I got up from my chair, backing away, cus Uncle Vernon was really mad and he was already getting ready to punish me. He pushed me to the floor on top of the broken plate. Aunt Petunia was shouting at me for breaking her good sunday china and threw a broom at me. Dudley was just watching and eating. Uncle Vernon, he pulled his belt out and…and..." Harry started gasping for air again, and Severus could see how hard it was for him to go on.
He laid a hand on Harry's shoulder and squeezed it. "Remember that I'm here. They cannot hurt you anymore."
Shaking in fear, Harry stuttered out the rest of his story, determined now to finish. "He whipped me with his belt. The glass was so sharp under me and cutting me. Then they threw me in my cupboard and it was dark. And it hurt all over and I was afraid!" he gasped, tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Of the monsters?" Severus asked. Remembering the voices from last night… The monster in the shadows….
Harry buried his face in his knees again and nodded.
"Tell me about the monsters, Harry," Severus said. He wanted to know more about this. That phrase about the monsters kept appearing last night behind the wall. And Severus realized it described Harry's artwork. The one of him sleeping in the cupboard and dreaming of green light, surrounded by monsters that looked like his uncle.
Harry lifted his head, glancing up at him. "It was stupid. I used to hear Uncle Vernon's footsteps. I was always so afraid of that sound outside my cupboard. Cus it always meant that he was going to come and punish me. I was little, I couldn't understand. I couldn't understand why he would creep about on the stairs, or suddenly come home late smelling like alcohol, coming to punish me when everyone was sleeping. So I pretended his footsteps were from monsters, and when the door opened, it wasn't him hurting me. Just the monsters who weren't real. And if they weren't real, then I wasn't really getting hurt."
"And this would happen at night when everyone was asleep?" Severus' heart was pounding.
Harry nodded.
"How did he punish you?" Severus snapped, lifting up the boy's chin. Demanding an explanation. Hoping it wasn't what he thought it was. Heart pounding at how suspicious Harry's story sounded. How this explained even more of that drawing of a small Harry surrounded by monsters. And the terror Severus heard in a young Harry's voice behind that brick wall.
Harry's eyes widened, body trembling worse than ever.
"Harry, answer me!"
"No…no... Nothing like that!" Harry stuttered, pulling his chin away from his grasp. "Uncle Vernon would just come and hit me. Around Aunt Petunia he would hold back, but when I really angered him or when he was drunk, Uncle Vernon would come at night and really give me the punishment he thought I deserved. Aunt Petunia never asked where I got the extra injuries the next morning. She knew, but she never did anything. Just pretended that I wasn't there."
Severus still didn't like how that sounded. He was going to have to find a way to get Harry to talk about more of those nights. "You know you deserved none of that."
Harry only shrugged, hugging his knees closer to his chest. "I know…"
"No, you don't know!" Severus snapped, causing Harry to flinch. The boy looked at him with wide green eyes, making Severus feel guilty for snapping.
"Look, I'm sorry, I just wish you can see how much of an extraordinary person you are."
Harry didn't say anything, only blushing in embarrassment.
"The monsters are gone now, kid, there's no reason for you to be afraid anymore. I was wondering if you can tell me more about those nightly punishments?"
Harry shook his head. "Can you just tell me your story now?"
Severus inwardly sighed, giving in to the boy's request just this once. He noticed how Harry wasn't calling him, sir, or Professor Snape anymore. It would probably seem silly to anyone else, but to Severus, it showed how much Harry was starting to feel comfortable around him again and trust him.
So, Severus decided not to push Harry, especially after last night when Severus intruded on Harry's memories to find that wall, despite all of Harry's protests to stop. He was lucky Harry was still talking to him after that. Severus just hoped that in time, Harry would confide in him, and Severus would be there to help him through it.
"My father hated it when I lied to him. Every time I did, he would beat me until he got the truth from me."
"What would you lie to him about?"
"Small things, like where I would be if I wasn't home or where my mother was. If I took something of his. I only lied to get him angry, you see, I was a bit rebellious with him."
Harry looked at him with wide eyes, Severus continued talking.
"Well, one day he'd asked me where my mother went. I had known she went to visit some neighbor down the street. But he wouldn't leave me alone. I didn't want to tell him because then he would hurt my mother. So I'd lied, saying she went to the market. He knew I was lying. He always knew. He'd beaten me until I couldn't stand anymore, he'd beaten me until I was a bloody mess on the floor," Severus choked out, the memories still fresh in his mind. The old buried pain pierced his heart.
"You let him beat you for your mother?"
"Yes, of course I did. I would've done anything for her," Severus said quietly. The teen sitting besides Severus studied him with green eyes that were dark with sorrow and pain. Severus would've given everything to see Harry's eyes bright once more.
"Harry, I know those feelings that come after being abused. After being struck by someone who was supposed to love you. I know how much it hurts inside. I know how much you're hurting."
"I'm sorry for being a git during breakfast. I'm sorry for hitting you last night… I'm so sorry…"
"No, don't apologize. I shouldn't have invaded your privacy last night. It was very wrong of me, Harry. And I'm sorry I snapped at you for lying about the balm, forgive me?"
"Of course I will," Harry said, sitting up. "I'll go clean my room and put that balm on my scars."
"Let me see your arm," Severus frowned. Harry rolled up his arm. The scars were vivid and red against his pale skin. "You haven't even opened the balm, haven't you? Those scars should've been fading by now."
"I was mad at you, remember?"
"Yes, but that's no excuse, Harry. That balm was supposed to help you. If you don't want to use it, that's fine by me. After all, it's your skin, not mine."
"Okay, I know, I'm sorry. I'll go put it on right now." Harry stood up and ran to his bedroom, appearing again with the balm.
Severus stood up, his back protesting from sitting on the floor for so long.
Harry unscrewed the cap and started massaging it into his scars.
"That should about do it," Severus said. "Now, go clean your room. We're already running late. And when we do arrive, you and Draco better not run off to let me bear the scolding from Molly on my own!"
Harry gave him an innocent look before running off to his bedroom to help Draco clean up.
As Severus had predicted, the first thing they heard once stepping out of the fireplace was Mrs. Weasley scolding Severus for being late. She gave each Malfoy and Harry a big motherly hug, telling them that the others were outside playing Quidditch.
Remembering Severus' words of not leaving him to bear a Mrs. Weasley lecture on punctuality, Harry grinned mischievously. Nudging Malfoy, Harry ran off to the small orchard outside completely ignoring the mock glare the professor sent him.
Harry squinted his eyes against the bright afternoon sun. The events of the morning was washed away from the warmth and the excitement for a game of Quidditch. He could see the Weasleys up in the air playing with apples to substitute the quaffle and bludgers.
"Come on, Malfoy! Let's surprise them!" Harry smiled, putting his leg over his broom, about to take off.
Malfoy looked up at the flying Weasleys with hesitation in his eyes. "They won't want me with them. I'm a Slytherin git, remember?"
Harry frowned at Malfoy's words, thinking of what to say to get the Slytherin to be comfortable with the idea of playing Quidditch with the Weasleys.
"Don't worry about them. I remember Ginny being friendly enough with you last time. Mind you, she's the only one who you should worry about."
Malfoy looked up again at the flying Weasleys with a worried frown.
"Come on, Malfoy," Harry said. "I'll tell them you've apologized and you're a changed man now! I'll even tell them that you helped me clean my room this morning!"
"A changed man?" Malfoy scowled. "Really? And besides, I cleaned that room more for myself than for you, Potter. The mess was appalling!"
Harry shrugged. "Come on, Malfoy! Who else is going to kick my ass and fail miserably up there?"
"Me, failing miserably to kick your ass?"
Harry smirked, knowing he got him with that challenge. There was no way Malfoy was going to refuse now. So, he lifted up off the ground, his Firebolt soaring into the air.
"Harry's here!" Ron shouted from the goal post. The twins zoomed around him, tossing him a wrapped package.
"An early birthday present from all of us," they said in twin unison.
Harry, holding on to his broom handle with one hand, unwrapped the small parcel. A snitch, slightly bigger than the real one, not as shiny and golden, flew out, circling the teens.
"It's not as good as the actual snitch," said George.
"But it's great for practice," finished Fred.
"Happy Birthday, Harry." Ginny flew over. A small smile on her lips. Her red hair was flying in the wind.
Feeling dazed, Harry returned her shy smile, remembering the last time they'd spoken. "Thank you, Ginny."
"What's he doing here?!" Ron snapped as he flew next to the twins. The twins looked at where Ron was pointing, noticing for the first time that Harry wasn't alone.
"Malfoy's okay, guys!" Harry said quickly. "We've made a truce, and we've both admitted that we act like gits towards each other."
The twins looked at Malfoy through narrowed eyes before nodding. "If Harry says you're alright, then we don't mind you here."
Ginny flew next to Malfoy, patting his back. "I told you it wouldn't be so bad if you joined us," she laughed.
The only one, Harry noticed, who didn't like Malfoy's presence was Ron, who shook his head and flew back to the goalpost. Harry felt a little hurt that his best friend couldn't trust his judgment, but he didn't let that stop him from having fun. It was his birthday, and something like that was not going to ruin it. Ron would have to get over it somehow.
.
.
The Weasleys, Harry and Malfoy spent several hours playing Quidditch in the orchard.
The teams split up three on three:
Harry, Fred and Ron.
Ginny, Malfoy and George.
At first, Harry was a bit disappointed that he wasn't on the same team as Ginny, but then, he realized it was more fun that way. He couldn't help but notice how cute Ginny was with that determined, competitive look she kept shooting him.
As time went on, more people started arriving.
Lee Jordan, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Seamus Finnegan and Dean Thomas. They all joined the game along with the two eldest Weasley brothers. Luna, Neville and Hermione were all cheering from the ground for their favorite teams. Sometimes the adults would come and have a look and cheer the teams on. Harry even spotted Severus briefly watching as he conversed with some of the Order members.
The game was just as intense as if it were a game at Hogwarts. Harry and Malfoy in the end were neck to neck as they raced for the snitch. All eyes were on the seekers, everyone, even the players, pausing to watch. Their hands were both outstretched until the last moment, Malfoy gained a spurt of speed and closed his long fingers around the flying ball.
A shocked silence was met... That was the first time in history, Malfoy had managed to beat Harry in Quidditch, and fairly too. Harry laughed and nudged Malfoy in a friendly way. Everyone relaxed, cheering for the winning team as they flew to the ground, starving for Mrs. Weasley's delicious home-cooked food.
.
.
The sun was halfway in the sky as everyone gathered around the long tables outside in the yard. Friendly conversations and laughter filled the air.
Harry found himself sitting among his friends, Ginny besides him and Hermione on the other side. Neville, Malfoy and Ron sitting across from them. All talking about the next term and the Quidditch league. He was glad to see Malfoy finally relaxing among Harry's friends, who've all decided to be civil with him for Harry.
This day can't get any better, Harry thought as they all finished dinner. He never felt more at peace than right now, surrounded by friends and for the first time, having an actual home to go back to. The document Severus had shown Harry was still on his mind, and he couldn't help but smile. Severus wanted him. That meant Harry had a family now. The one thing Harry had always wanted since he was a small kid.
Suddenly, everyone started to sing, pulling Harry out of his happy thoughts.
Mrs. Weasley levitated a giant cake in front of him. It had white frosting and was covered with sixteen candles and zooming snitches.
"Make a wish, Harry!" Hermione laughed from beside Harry at the table.
Harry glanced at Severus who stood behind the Weasleys with a butterbeer in his hand. He nodded to Harry in encouragement. His black eyes no longer cold, but full of warmth and pride for his new charge.
Harry grinned, wishing that this moment could never end. That he would always think of this night and how everyone had come together, just to celebrate his birthday. Harry blew out the candles. Everyone started cheering and handing him birthday presents which Harry bashfully thanked them, unused to so many presents and attention, all for him. Something that would've never happened at Privet Drive.
Soon everyone dispersed after they ate their cake. Some heading into the Burrow, some calling it a night, making sure to bid Harry goodnight before heading home.
Harry was sitting on the porch, wishing more than anything that Sirius was here. Wishing that Remus didn't have to miss this. The feeling of peace he had felt was already melting away.
"Harry, can you take a walk with me?" Ginny asked, her brown eyes shining in the twilight. "I have a present for you."
Harry nodded and followed her to the orchard, not noticing the watchful eye of Severus as he talked to Mrs. Longbottom about her grandson's atrocious potion skills.
"I thought the snitch was the present," Harry said, breaking the tension that had somehow risen between them.
Ginny shook her head. "I wanted to give you something special."
Harry nodded as she sat down on the grass. He sat next to her, not knowing what to do with his hands all of a sudden. Harry felt so nervous, his stomach full of butterflies.
The sun had now completely set. Fireflies lit up the darkness around them, the laughter and chatter of their guests was still heard from the Burrow.
"Happy birthday, Harry," Ginny handed him a small package.
Harry smiled shyly at her, and opened the present gently, feeling the warmth of her gaze. His body was shivering, but not from the cool summer air.
Inside was a framed photo of Harry laughing with Ron, Ginny and Hermione outside the Burrow. Judging by how young he looked, he guessed it was during the summer of the Quidditch World Cup. The summer before everything changed. The last time Harry was happy before….
"Wow, Ginny," Harry whispered, studying the photo in awe.
"It's an old photo…I know, but my dad took it when he was playing around with his muggle camera. Do you remember? When he was trying to magically make it work better before mum found out. He'd found it and gave it to me. I thought maybe it's better if you have a photo, so you won't forget about us and remember where we came from and the memories we've shared here. The happiness you've once felt."
"You…you understand?"
"I know you, Harry," Ginny said, her brown eyes full of intensity. "I know that since Diggory died, you were never the same, and then when you lost Sirius… I know you're not happy. I know you're stressed from the war, and I just want you to know that I'm here for you. We are all here for you…."
"Gin... I don't know what to say..." Harry hugged Ginny for a moment, then letting go and looking at the photo again, thinking about what she'd just said.
Did Ginny really understand? Did she really mean what she'd said?
And suddenly Ginny was leaning into him, so close to Harry, that he felt as if he were in a sudden trance, forgetting everything. Even the photo in his hands, and all that existed, except for the very fact that he was with Ginny.
The smell of her shampoo and of the Burrow wafted from her, filling Harry with warmth. He was holding Ginny's hand now, ignoring his inner pleas of Don't get close! Don't or you'll get hurt.
Screw the pleas… And Harry leaned down, their lips barely touching….
"Harry?" Severus called. "Where are you?"
They quickly pulled apart. Harry sighing in frustration at the ruined moment.
"Harry?" Severus gave him a suspicious look, finding the two teenagers alone in the orchard. "Was I interrupting something?"
Harry shook his head, pushing his annoyance away due to the urgency in the professor's voice.
"Come, we must return to the castle! Madam Pomfrey just sent word. It's Lupin!" Severus said, turning around and striding fast towards the Burrow.
Harry stood up, helping Ginny to her feet, exchanging worried glances with her before following his guardian back to the Burrow.
Review Responses!
Cynder2013: I'm driving you crazy with my cliffhangers aren't I? lol, so sorry!
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