Three hours had passed since Severus and Tom had tediously worked to heal Hadrian's bones and Tom had not left his son's side. Severus brought the promised lunch and took the opportunity to sit with his friend for a bit.

"Has Hadrian shown any signs of waking?" Severus asked.

"No, hasn't even stirred once. Should we be worried?" Tom asked nervously.

"No, I'm not surprised he'd sleeping so long. He's been through so much and healing takes a toll on an otherwise healthy person. It's good that he's resting," Severus answered confidently.

The two continued their small talk throughout the meal until Severus took his leave.

Half an hour later, Tom was starting to nod off when Hadrian thrashed a bit. The nervous father was instantly alert and noticed tears that began streaming down his son's face. Before Tom could figure out what to do, Hadrian bolted upright with a scream and the father's instinct took over. Tom gathered the tiny child into his arms firmly but gently and began rocking him back and forth. He whispered calmly to the boy, reminding him where he was and that he was safe. He told the boy of how much he loved him. Severus peeked in looking slightly nervous about the scream, but Tom just nodded in assurance to him, and the potion's master ducked back out.

Slowly, Hadrian became aware of his surroundings. His body relaxed, he clutched his father's robes, his silent sobs intensified but eventually ceased all the while his father rocked him and continually assured him. He was safe. He was home. He was loved.

When Tom felt his son's sobs cease, he spoke. "Hadrian, would you tell me about your nightmare?"

"It was scary," Hadrian murmured into his father's chest.

Tom let out a small chuckle and answered, "Yes, I gathered as much. I think it'll make the memories or nightmares less scary if you talk to someone about them. I'd very much like you to talk to me, son."

Hadrian was silent for a long time before speaking, "I-There was a woman screaming, I think. And there was a-a lot of noise. It was horrible, made my whole body cold. And th-then in the dream I woke up in the cupboard under the stairs. I'd woken up screaming and I could hear his footsteps p-pounding above me. H-He wasn't even there yet, but I could tell he was p-pissed. He dragged me out of the cupboard. There was more screaming, and he st-started hitting me with his belt. I thought he was going to kill me. I hoped he would just let me die. I-I blacked out and dreamed-or kind of watched over, I guess-my four-year-old self. I was trying to make breakfast, but it wasn't working very well. Even standing on a chair I couldn't really see what I was doing all that well. I know it's no excuse, but I swear I really was trying. I didn't try hard enough though. My aunt got mad. Said I ruined everything. More screaming. I really don't like screaming. She held my hand against the stove top. I-It hurt really bad. I didn't like it."

"Oh, child," Tom hummed comfortingly never ceasing his rocking motion. "You should never have been cooking in the first place, that is your excuse. What there is no excuse for is how those inhumane people treated you. I am so sorry my boy, but you are safe now. You're with dad, and I'll never let anyone hurt you again."

"Shouldn't make promises you can't keep," the child sobbed into his father's chest.

"And why do you say that Hadrian?" Tom asked gently.

"Because I'm destined to be hurt. there's something in me that makes people want-need-to hurt me. I don't know why. Why does everybody need to hurt me? Nobody can protect me. Maybe I don't deserve to be protected. Why don't I deserve to be protected? You'll leave like everybody else. Why does everybody leave? I'm just a freak. A freak who will always be hurt and hunted until the day I die."

"Hadrian Velator Marvolo, you are my son and I never want to hear you say such things again. Now listen to me well, you were born to a family who loves you. The only thing you are destined for is love, everything else is up to you. People have hurt you because they are sick and twisted. There was nothing in you or that you did that made them need to hurt you. You are a child; you are my child. Now that I've been reunited with you, I will always do my best to protect you because you deserve the best and that includes protection and love. You are not a freak. You will not always be hurt. You are Hadrian Marvolo and I love you so much my son," Tom said firmly though keeping his voice quiet and gentle.

"Thank you, papa," Hadrian mumbled as he drifted into a restful sleep. Eventually, Tom moved the child back to the bed but found he wasn't ready to leave his son. The father fell asleep in the chair he'd pulled close to his son's bed.