Authors Note- So this is a rather long chapter. I just didn't feel like there was a good place to break it into two. So, I hope you all enjoy. Fanfiction was fighting me hard trying to get it uploaded. Not sure what the deal was but i kept at it for you guys. Love all of your reviews keep it up. They keep me motivated. :)

Author note part 2- Obviously still having issues with saving. As the title didn't save last time.

Chapter 31

The Damage Done

Severus sat and read most of the morning. He just wanted his mind off everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours. It had all been too much. Potter had not come back downstairs. He hoped that he had gone back to sleep for a little. He'd had a rough day and there were likely be more to come.

He mentally slapped himself. He still hadn't fed the poor boy. He was starting to wonder how many meals Potter had actually had since he'd been in the house. It was a concerning thought. He'd been assuming Potter had been eating before he joined him in the kitchen. However, if he was wrong…Then the boy had only eaten two meals this whole week. Severus hoped he was wrong. Surely, he'd eaten. He would make lunch soon and he would make sure Potter ate.

Severus felt like he needed to talk out some of what was on his mind. He'd planned to go to town and talk to Mary. See if she knew who the boy she'd taken under her wing was. He wanted to see if he could learn more about Potter as well.

Severus also wanted to make sure that Mary hadn't been telling the boy about him. He didn't want to be exposed like that.

However, there were things he needed to talk about that he wouldn't be able to discuss with her. The things he had seen yesterday with the boy's magic. How was any of it possible? Surely if any of the teachers knew the amount of magic the boy had it would have been brought up. How had the boy concealed it? Why? He needed to talk to Minerva. He needed to discuss the headmaster with her anyway. Plus, she was one of the few who actually knew where the boy was.

Severus appreciated that Albus hadn't told everyone that he was housing Potter. He had no interest in being questioned by the ever-suspicious Alastor. Or the judging looks of his coworkers. Although, after last night he wondered if they had figured out that he was the one housing the boy.

Severus closed the book in his lap and set it on the side table. With a slight groan he pulled his stiff body from his favorite chair and walked to the fireplace. His knees protested as he kneeled in front of the floo. He tossed in the floo powder.

"Minerva McGonagall's office, Hogwarts." Severus called.

Severus stuck his head into the green flames. Though he never minded traveling by floo, he did not care for floo calls. He much preferred muggle phone calls. The sensation of one's head spinning was nauseating.

When the spinning stopped, he found himself looking into Minerva's office.

"Minerva." Severus called.

A moment later he saw her appear from somewhere else. She must have been in her quarters. After the late night they had all had, he hoped he hadn't woken her. Though it was nearly ten.

"Good morning, Severus." Minerva said softly.

Her eyes were red rimmed, and her cheeks were a little blotchy. She had clearly been crying and Severus' heart clinched. He knew Minerva was close to Charity. She was clearly taking the news hard. Severus second guessed his decision to contact her. Perhaps putting more on her now wasn't the right choice.

"Good morning." Severus replied.

"What can I do for you?" Minerva asked, seeming to pull herself together in front of his eyes.

Severus hesitated.

"I'm fine Severus. I think I just need a distraction. Albus has us doing nothing. I have already completed my summer grading and lesson plans. So, I…I don't have much to do. I've even read most of my summer reading." Minerva said with a sigh.

Severus nodded.

"I was wondering if you would come through. I'd like to discuss Potter with you." Severus said neutrally.

Minerva raised an eyebrow. Severus had never invited anyone to his home. He'd been left with little choice in the matter but to allow Albus here when…Well when Occlumency lessons had gone so poorly. However, now he didn't feel comfortable leaving the boy here alone. If he was in town, he was still close, but flooing to Scotland didn't feel right.

Minerva nodded.

"I'll need to inform Albus that I'm leaving the castle." Minerva said with a slightly annoyed tone. Though it had no real bite. They both knew it was for the best given what had happened.

"Of course. Come through when you're ready. The floo address is Spinner's End."

Minerva nodded.

Severus closed the floo call and pulled himself off his screaming knees.

He did not appreciate how old his body seemed to feel today. He briefly wondered how all his older colleagues managed floo calls.

Severus shook the thought from his mind and made his way to the kitchen to prepare some tea.


Minerva stepped gracefully from the floo. She looked around the room she found herself in. She quirked a half smile. The room was nothing but comfortable seating and book stuffed shelves. Much like Severus quarters at Hogwarts.

She waved her wand to remove the soot from her clothing.

She'd practically had to sneak out of the castle like a child. Albus had wanted to question her about where she was going. She'd put a quick end to the old man's meddling. When she'd returned to her office, there had been a note on her desk from Albus as well as a second emergency portkey. The note had said he wasn't trying to be nosey and that he just didn't want to lose anyone else.

Minerva had grudgingly stuck the portkey in the pocket of her cloak and left.

She knew Albus meant well but his methods left a lot to be desired.

"Severus?" Minerva called.

She didn't want to startle the man, but she also wouldn't go traipsing about his house.

"Take a seat Minerva. I'm just getting some tea." Severus called back.

Minerva wondered where Harry was. They'd all been up rather late. She didn't imagine the boy had been able to go back to sleep after seeing something so horrid.

Severus swept into the sitting room with a tray and set it on a side table. He took a seat and Minerva joined him.

They quietly fixed there tea. Minerva was glad to be out of the castle. She'd spent most of the night crying over Charity. Potter hadn't given them any details and she honestly didn't want them. She had seen the results of what the Death Eaters could do.

Minerva sighed and shook her head.

"What is it you wanted to discuss?" Minerva asked. She was hoping for a distraction. Knowing Severus, it would just be whining about Potter. She was honestly surprised that they'd managed to cohabitate for nearly a week without killing one another.

Severus looked stressed. She watched as he took a deep breath and seemed to steady himself.

She felt something sink in her stomach. Severus had unwelcome news. She'd seen that look before. He'd been wearing it last night at the emergency staff meeting.

"I'm…Unsure how to begin this conversation." Severus said pinching the bridge of his nose and closing his eyes.

Minerva pursed her lips. She didn't like seeing her younger colleague so stressed. He'd had a stressful life, and she would admit that she had added to that stress when he'd been a student. She had always been strict, and she had always tried to be fair in her punishments of students from all the houses. Though in hindsight she could see that she'd made a mistake when it came to the bullying behavior between some of her lions and Severus.

With another weary sigh from the man, he spoke.

"Potter has been abused by his relatives. I suspect it's why he ran off this summer." Severus said bluntly.

Minerva felt like she'd had all the air pulled from her lungs.

Surely that couldn't be true.

"Are you sure?" Minerva whispered.

Severus nodded.

Minerva covered her mouth with her hand and closed her eyes. A million questions raced in her mind. How long had this been going on? How had they not noticed? Had it just been this last summer? What kind of abuse? How had Severus found out? Who else knew?

Then the anger all seemed to hit her at once. Did Albus know? Had he left the poor boy with those muggles for the sake of the wards?

"Yes, I'm sure." Severus replied.

"Tell me what you know." Minerva said resignedly.


Severus explained some about Cokeworth and his friendship with Mary. He told her about the 'Summer boys' and about 'Max.' About the frantic call and checking the hotel room. He'd left out the scars on Potters arms and Maggie's suspicions. He hadn't seen anything to indicate Potter was a risk to himself. Although he would inform Minerva, as Potters head of house, if that changed.

He explained Potters behavior since he had been in his house. The strange cleaning behavior, his seeming lack of self-care, as well as his concerns about Potter's eating habits. Then he explained what he had witnessed in the hospital wing, and about the conversation between Poppy, Lupin, Black and himself.

Minerva looked overwhelmed with the information. She didn't interrupt or ask any questions as Severus worked through the story.

Severus felt the story cementing in his mind as he explained. This was real. This was what had happened. Minerva had given him a harsh look when he'd explained the bruises he'd caused, and he'd explained that he had not meant to harm the child. Minerva had only looked slightly placated, but he knew he deserved her wrath.

When Severus had finished explaining everything he knew, he felt exhausted. Which was not helped by the fact that he'd only gotten a few hours of sleep before Potter's screaming had woken him up.

They sat in silence for a few minutes. Severus hoped he'd made the right choice informing Minerva.

"I don't even know what to think Severus." Minerva whispered.

Severus felt the same way. He was feeling a lot of guilt, and he was sure that Minerva was as well. They had all missed this. There were too many gaps in the system, and they had failed this child.

"When Albus came to me about needing help, he asked if he was missing something. Something to do with Harry. I…I told him that I didn't know my lions as well as I should. I told him that he had me doing too much. He is looking to replace me as head of house. I…I think that might be for the best. I should have known what was going on with my student." Minerva said, shaking her head.

Her eyes were shining, and Severus was sure she was going to cry.

Severus pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to her. She took it with a muttered thank you and dabbed at her eyes.

"I think you are a good head of house, Minerva. Albus has just piled to many responsibilities on you. How are you expected to be deputy and head of house? It shouldn't even be an option. Not to mention teaching, grading, detentions, patrols and whatever insanity he has you doing for the Order" Severus growled.

Minerva nodded.

"Like I said Albus is looking into it. He wants to bring his choice of Defense teacher this year in front of the whole staff. I think he has finally realized that making the choice himself has led to rather disastrous results." Minerva explained.

Severus nodded.

He didn't know of a single person who would willingly take the post. There had been rumors for years that he wanted the job and while he had initially applied for it, he had soon changed his mind. The post was open every year. There were many theories, but Severus passionately believed that the job had been cursed. No one seemed to leave it of their own free will.

"Albus and I also want to speak with you about trying to help the students more. We have missed a lot over the years. This is just another example of an obvious crack in the system. We know you do things significantly differently with your snakes then the other heads of house do. We'd like to adjust the position to be more in line with that. Monthly check ins, medical checkups at the beginning of the year, Albus has even been considering Pomona's suggestion of bringing in a mind healer. If he can find one that we can trust in the school."

"I think that is a wise decision. Potter would not have slipped through the cracks if he'd been in Slytherin. My snakes have medical exams with me or Poppy within the first week of school every year. I'm not trying to blame you Minerva, it isn't part of the job. When I took the job though I…I wanted to be the person I needed when I was a student." Severus said as his voice trailed off.

Minerva nodded her understanding with a tight sad smile.

Though they'd never talked about it much Minerva was aware to some degree what had happened in his youth.

He wondered how things would have looked if the boy had been sorted into Slytherin. Would he have been able to look past James Potters face? Would he have caught the boy's abuse earlier? Would Albus have helped get the boy out? or would he have insisted on him returning to those people?

Severus cleared his throat and looked up.

"I did want to speak with you about Albus as well. Potter made quite an impassioned little speech about the man last night when we returned. He no longer trusts that Albus has his or those he cares abouts best interest in mind. Harry seems to think Albus is too single minded to fully understand the fall out that is happening around him." Severus said.

He had agreed with the boy in the middle of the night. By the light of day, he found that Potters words still rang true.

"He's right." Minerva said with a nod.

"I think we need to start meeting with Albus before the fall term. Even if he isn't ready to share what he knows. I think we need to put our foot down about him making unilateral decisions." Severus said.

Minerva nodded in agreement.

Severus thought for a moment about Potters essays and the power he displayed yesterday.

"May I show you something?" Severus asked.

When Minerva nodded Severus summoned the essays from his office.

He was glad Minerva was on the same page as far as the headmaster was concerned.


Minerva had been reading student essays for most of her adult life. She'd never been handed something like this. Potter's name was at the top and while he was far from her worst student, she just couldn't believe what she was reading. Perhaps Severus thought Potter had cheated and wanted her to confirm. However, there was nothing obvious. Her glasses had charms on them to look for obvious cheating. The papers had been written by Potter. His understanding of transfiguration was outstanding. How was this the same child who had struggled just last year with basic concepts of transfiguration. It made no sense.

When she was done, she set the essays down and just stared at them.

"What do you make of them?" Severus asked.

Minerva's brows pinched together in thought and then she shrugged.

"I don't understand how this is possible. Harry has always been an average student. Not bad, but not a prodigy. This…" Minerva said cutting herself off and gesturing at the essays.

"I can't explain it either. Yesterday we went to the castle as I told you. Albus has assigned me dueling lessons with the boy." Severus said.

Minerva nodded that she was listening as she picked up her teacup.

"When we started, I became frustrated with the boy when he didn't have his wand in his hand. I thought I'd surprise him and send a mild stinging hex. He blocked it wordlessly and wandlessly." Severus said flatly.

Minerva whipped her head up to look Severus in the eye. Surely, he was mistaken.

"We continued like that for an hour. I only landed one hex on the boy. Regrettable in hindsight as I caught him on his wounded side. I had thought the boy was being dramatic when he fell but now…I'm not sure how he had the endurance to do anything. Let alone duel for an hour." Severus said with a sigh, running his fingers through his hair.

Minerva considered all this information. Who the hell was this kid? The reincarnation of Merlin? Even Albus typically used a wand in a duel. They had all picked up a few wandless or wordless spells over the years but how was this child doing this?

"When I went to collect the boy after the order meeting he had set the whole training room on fire. It was alarming, to say the least. The boy seemed to be controlling it. It was like nothing I had ever seen before. The flames were nearly white, and the room was just burning with Potter standing right in the middle of it. When we got his attention, it was like…Like he just turned it off…. I know that doesn't make any sense but that was how it looked. Then he just fixed the room. Things that shouldn't have been fixable just reformed in front of our eyes." Severus said shaking his head.

Minerva snapped her jaw shut when she realized she had been gaping at Severus.

"Who is this kid, Severus?" Minerva asked.

Severus just shook his head.

"Not who we thought he was." Severus whispered as he looked away from her.

There was another long moment of silence.

Minerva wracked her brain trying to come up with an explanation. Then something clicked.

"Harry struggled at the beginning of his first year. In almost all his classes. Not surprising, most of the muggle-born or muggle raised do. Before Christmas break, I always recommend lots of reading to the first years. Nothing specific, even my first-year essays are short and mostly just a review of what we have learned. When they came back from break Potter had made a huge improvement. He was catching up with some of the top students in the class. I thought he'd gotten his studiousness from Lily and some of her and James's talent." Minerva said in thought.

"What changed? I did notice an improvement the first year I suppose. Although it wasn't astronomical." Severus questioned.

"He went home." Minerva said softly.

Severus got a confused look on his face.

"Potter's work stayed on par with Weasley's in nearly every class after that. Almost suspiciously so. Ron and Harry's assignment grades and term grades are nearly identical." Minerva said.

Severus still looked perplexed.

"You think Potter is cheating off of his friends?" Severus asked.

Minerva shook her head.

"I've always attributed it to all the time they spent together. Perhaps they just had similar learning styles and had similar grades. However, with these essays and putting together his early showing of improvement before it seemed to stagnate. I think Harry has been using Mr. Weasley as a gauge for average. The reports I usually send home for both boys at the end of the term usually say something along the lines of 'keeping up with classmates'. There are no poor or glowing comments. 'Nothing to write home about' so to speak. If everything you've told me about Potter is accurate, and he's been abused. I would guess he is trying to just blend into the background. You said you even forgot he was cleaning in your lab. If Potter got a poor reaction from his grades coming home that first year, he may have attempted to keep his grades average to not draw attention to himself." Minerva explained her theory.

"She's right. My uncle broke three of my ribs for coming home with better grades then my cousin." Harry's voice from the door startled them both.

They both turned to look at him. Harry looked terribly upset.

"Sorry for eavesdropping. Your lunch is ready." Harry said a little thickly before he disappeared. The sound of soft footfalls up the stairs punctuated the silence in the sitting room.

Minerva felt sick. She'd not expected Harry to hear them talking.

She turned back to Severus who looked a little pale.

"I can't seem to help but make this situation worse. I'd meant to cast privacy spells." Severus said a little angerly.

The anger was clearly directed at himself.

"How much do you think he heard?" Minerva asked softly. They'd been talking for nearly two hours. Almost all of it had been about Harry.

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed deeply.

"Enough, apparently." Severus said, frustration clear in his voice.

"Do you think he ate?" Minerva asked softly.

She'd been alarmed by Severus concerns about the boy's lack of eating.

"I doubt it." Severus said with a sigh.


Harry had been reading in his room since Snape had sent him to rest. He had drunk the pain potion that he had taken from the Hospital wing and found a comfortable position to read on his bed. He'd been taking notes on his rare magic book. Harry had become alarmed at the number of apparent rare magical abilities he seemed to have. He decided to go downstairs to see if he could maybe ask Snape about it.

The man was intelligent. And despite there years of mutual dislike, the evening before had shown him a different side of Snape. The idea of bringing anything to Snape even a day before would never have crossed his mind. However, if he was going to be trapped in this house all summer with the man then perhaps, he could try and talk to him.

When he got to the bottom of the stairs, he realized that Snape had company. It sounded like Professor McGonagall. He couldn't hear what they were saying but it sounded like something about the headmaster. He knew better then to eavesdrop, so he made his way quickly to the kitchen. He cast a silencing charm around the room so he would not disturb them. He decided he would make them lunch.

Perhaps he could butter them up with a good lunch and they would be willing to help explain what he'd read. He pulled supplies from the fridge and got started.

He made a chicken dish for lunch, and it smelt delicious. He wasn't sure what the rules were here. Snape still hadn't been really clear. He'd been allowed breakfast yesterday but perhaps that was just because Snape had planned for him to work. His relatives always made sure he got something to eat every few days if they were going to have him working. Petunia had screamed herself blue one of the times he'd passed out in the yard. She had screamed about how disgusting his freakishness was. How he'd embarrassed them in front of the whole neighborhood.

However, Snape had said he was expected to rest to let his wounds heal. Which was something he'd never experienced outside of the hospital wing. He was going on the assumption it was like when he was being punished by being locked up. Which meant no food. Thankfully, Snape hadn't actually locked him up. At least not yet.

When the table was set for his professors, he made his way back down the hall. He shuffled his feet a little to alert them to his presence, but they didn't seem to hear him.

"… 'Nothing to write home about' so to speak. If everything you've told me about Potter is accurate, and he's been abused. I would guess he is trying to just blend into the background. You said you even forgot he was cleaning in your lab. If Potter got a poor reaction from his grades coming home that first year, he may have attempted to keep his grades average to not draw attention to himself." Professor McGonagall said.

Harry felt his cheeks flame with embarrassment and tears prick his eyes.

Snape had told McGonagall about the Dursleys. He didn't know why that surprised him. Why wouldn't the man talk about him? Why not spread his secrets to everyone that would listen? Surely the whole Slytherin house would know before the end of the first day back.

Harry wrapped his arms around his stomach in an attempt to comfort himself.

He stepped into the doorway and swallowed hard. He was still stuck at Snapes for now. He couldn't have a big reaction right now. Snape would just be angry. Harry was in the wrong for listening in. Their lunch was getting cold. He should let them know. However, He no longer had any interest in discussing anything with them. He just wanted to return to the guest room.

"She's right. My uncle broke three of my ribs for coming home with better grades then my cousin." Harry said a little coldly.

His professors both spun to look at him. The look of surprise was quickly replaced with pity and guilt on McGonagall's face. Harry wondered if she felt guilty for not seeing it sooner or for talking about him behind his back.

Snape's surprise had been replaced with anger and Harry felt his body start to shake. He was already on restriction. He didn't want to find out what his punishment was going to be for eavesdropping.

"Sorry for eavesdropping. Your lunch is ready." Harry said, trying to keep the fear and tears from his voice.

He turned and walked as quietly as he could back upstairs and softly closed his door.

His emotions felt overwhelming. He wanted to cry and scream and disappear all at the same time. He walked over to the window and stared out of it. He wished he could just leave. He wondered if he even cared about returning to Hogwarts now.

He just wanted to push everyone away. Why go back now? The twins had talked to Bill and everything else was just falling apart. All the Weasley's probably knew now. He felt humiliated and ashamed. He still hadn't been able to bring himself to read there notes. He'd looked at the handwriting. One was from the twins. One was from Ron, probably also Hermione. The last was in Mrs. Weasley's handwriting.

Harry sank down the wall under the window and pulled his legs to his chest. He started to run his nails up and down his arms. He needed something to ground him. He thought about his knife that was sitting in his trunk. He wanted that feeling. It called to him. He just sat and stared at his trunk in contemplation.


Severus and Minerva made their way to the kitchen. Severus was hit by the delicious smells. Potter was an excellent cook.

Severus looked over the table and felt his heart sink. Potter had only set two place settings. He had never planned to join them even before he had overheard them.

"Harry cooked this?" Minerva asked looking to Severus.

He nodded.

"Yes, it appears the boy is a rather skilled cook." Severus sighed.

He rubbed his face and groaned. He was not doing very well making headway with Potter. There were many things that he wished to discuss with the boy, however none of them would happen if he kept making blunders like this.

He didn't regret talking with Minerva. He had needed someone to talk to and she would need to be informed of some things about Potter regardless. However, no one liked to overhear people talking about them and this was rather sensitive information.

"I'm going to go speak with Potter. Would you mind setting another place?" Severus asked softly.

Minerva nodded and made her way into the kitchen. She set the kettle and began looking for plates and silverware.

Severus sighed once again and headed for the stairs.

When he reached Potter's door, he paused for a moment at the sound inside. He wasn't sure what he was expecting. Crying or yelling perhaps but what he heard sounded like Potter was pulling the room apart.

Severus pushed the door open. He didn't want to invade the boy's privacy and he regretted telling Potter he shouldn't expect any, but this situation seemed to necessitate just walking in.

Severus found that the sound was potter digging through his trunk. It was nearly full to bursting with what mostly looked like books and raggedy clothing. The noise had clearly been several books falling out.

"What are you looking for?" Severus asked quietly.

Potter spun around and stared wide eyed at Severus for a moment. The fear and pain in the boys' eyes was heartbreaking. He hadn't meant to startle him.

Potter's wall slammed up quickly. Then the boy took what he was starting to refer to in his head as his 'House elf stance' and just stood there.

"Nothing, Sir." Potter muttered.

Severus raised his eyebrow.

"Sorry about the mess and the noise." Potter hurried to add.

The boy hadn't made a mess. There were two books sitting on the floor. Severus looked around the room. Nothing else was out of place. The bed was even made.

"I'm sorry about what you overheard." Severus said softly.

Potter refused to meet his eyes choosing instead to stare over his shoulder.

"Did you tell her everything?" Potter asked quietly.

Severus nodded.

The boy's face blushed red and his eyes shot to the top of his open trunk.

"I'd like you to join us for lunch, please." Severus requested softly.

The boy gave him a puzzled look and wrapped his arms around his middle.

The boy seemed to be considering and finally nodded.

He collected the books from the floor and placed them back in the trunk. He'd make sure the boy bought a new one before term. This one seemed to be falling apart and clearly wasn't big enough for what Potter seemed to think he needed to carry in it.

Potter made his way out of the room and Severus followed.


Harry didn't want to be around Snape or McGonagall. He didn't even want people looking at him right now. But Snape had told him he could eat. He couldn't turn down food. He hoped it wasn't a trick. He wasn't feeling particularly well and guessed that he just needed to eat. His cousin loved to play that trick. Telling him that he could eat only to snatch the food away from him.

Harry had learned not to show any emotion when it happened, and to be thankful for every meal he was allowed.

When he reached the kitchen McGonagall was sitting in the seat he'd been taking. His only option was to sit between them. The table was squarish and only one person could sit on each side. But with McGonagall sitting opposite Snape, he would have to sit with one of them to each side of him.

He stopped short of the table and hugged his stomach. He wanted food so bad, but he didn't want to feel trapped between them.

Snape entered the room behind him and walked to his normal seat.

Harry swallowed hard.

"Come sit Potter." Snape said neutrally.

Harry slowly made his way to the seat.

"Good afternoon Mr. Potter." McGonagall said softly.

Harry avoided looking at her and reciprocated the greeting.

There was an awkward pause and then Snape and McGonagall both started serving themselves. Harry hadn't made a lot of food. He had only planned on it being enough to feed the two of them.

When they had put food on their plates Harry looked at each of them as he reached for the serving spoon. When neither of them seemed to pay him any mind he served himself a little of each of the dishes he'd made. There was a seasoned chicken dish that Petunia usually had him make when she'd been at her book club and came home drunk. Harry thought she liked it because it was quick, and she wouldn't have to deal with him for very long. He'd also made a garlic and herb mashed potatoes that he liked. He'd learned early that Dudley didn't like them, and he'd usually get more scraps on nights that he made them. The last was a sautéed mixed vegetables that he usually made with the chicken.

Hopefully, his professors would enjoy the simple lunch. He hadn't known what they might like so he had just made something quick.

Harry ate slowly. This food was heavier then what he'd eaten recently. If he ate to quickly, he'd make himself sick.


Minerva kept an eye on Harry as they ate there meal in silence. He seemed to pick at his food. She wondered if he ate like that during term. She'd never noticed. With the Weasley's usually surrounding him, and usually making a spectacle of the meal she'd overlooked him. She felt guilty at the realization. She wondered how many other issues in her house she'd missed.

Her heart nearly stopped when she saw something red peeking out from the top of the bandage on his right hand. It looked like he had words carved into his hand.

"Harry." Minerva said quietly.

Harry's head popped up and his bright green eyes met hers.

"What happened to your hand?" Minerva asked.

Harry looked down at his hand and shrugged.

"Hurt it yesterday while I was training." Harry said quietly, glancing at Snape and then back to his nearly empty plate.

Minerva looked to Severus who just raised a questioning eyebrow.

"What's on the back of your hand?" Minerva asked.

Harry blushed and pulled his sleeve down further before slipping his hands into his lap.

"It's nothing ma'am." Harry muttered.

Minerva looked back to Severus with concern. She knew what she had seen. There was something carved into the back of the boy's hand. She wasn't sure what to do about the situation.

"Let me see your hand, Potter." Severus said, pushing his plate away and holding his hand out.

Harry blushed more. Minerva was alarmed to notice the boy was shaking.

His shoulders hunched and he raised his hand and set it in Severus's.

Minerva watched as Severus gently unwrapped Harry's hand. His knuckles were all bloodied and bruised. It was obvious he'd punched something. Severus pulled up his sleeve and revealed pink scars on the top of Harry's hand.

Severus got a pinched look on his face.

"I must not tell lies?" Severus read quietly.

Minerva noticed Severus was holding Harry's hand a little more firmly. Severus looked a little green.

"Did your relatives do this?" Severus asked quietly, looking at Harry's face, though the boy seemed to be staring into space.

Harry shook his head.

"No, Sir." Harry said quietly.

"Can you tell me where this came from?" Severus said gently running his thumb over the scar.

To Minerva's surprise Harry turned and looked her in the eye.

"I didn't do a very good job of keeping my head down with Madam Umbridge." Harry said shakily.

Minerva's breath caught. Then she felt like she was going to scream. She pushed her anger down.

"That…That woman did this to you?" Minerva hissed.

Harry nodded, breaking eye contact and looking at the table.

They all sat in silence for a while.

"Teachers do not have the authority to physically harm a student. Why didn't you inform anyone?" Severus asked in a low growl.

Harry just shook his head.

Minerva felt tears in her eyes. Harry had come to her. She just hadn't understood. She'd just told him to keep his head down.

"What did she use to make these marks?" Severus asked.

"A quill…It wrote in my blood. I had to write lines and as I wrote the words appeared on my hand."

Minerva felt sick. Potter had had so many detentions with the cow. Had she been torturing Harry every night?

"Was this your detention task?" Minerva asked.

Harry nodded.

Minerva met Severus' eyes. She could see the anger boiling in them. Severus was very passionate about the safety of the students. They had missed something else. Something big. Did they have other students walking around with these wounds on them?

"Did anyone else have to do these detentions?" Severus asked as neutrally as he could.

Harry shrugged.

"She had us all writing with them after the DA was caught. But it was just the once. Everyone else seemed shocked…so I…I don't think so." Harry said quietly.

Minerva noticed he was trying to pull his hand away.

Severus pulled his wand out and pointed it at the boy's hand. Harry flinched a little but then stilled.

"I'm just going to heal your knuckles." Severus murmured softly.

He muttered a healing incantation and waved his wand over the broken skin. Then he released the boy's hand.

Severus sighed and rubbed his face. Minerva felt about the same.

Minerva was surprised when Harry stood abruptly and started clearing the table. He worked nearly silently. He made his way to the sink and Minerva could see how tense the boy's shoulders were.

Minerva met Severus' eyes. Neither said anything.


Harry scrubbed harshly at his hands and then at the dishes. He didn't know why they seemed so shocked by his hand. Hadn't they known? Maybe not. Maybe he should have listened to Hermione and told someone. He'd tried to tell McGonagall, but she hadn't wanted to hear it. She'd sent him away with a biscuit.

Harry had been surprised by how gently Snape had held his hand. His hold had been firm so he couldn't pull away, but the touch had been gentle.

Harry scrubbed harder. He didn't deserve their concern.

When he was done washing the dishes he dried and put them away. He could hear Snape and McGonagall talking quietly behind him. He couldn't make out there voices and there was a slight buzz. Harry guessed they'd put up a silencing spell.

He began scrubbing at the counter around the sink. When he was sure it was clean he hesitated. What should he do now? He was sure he was in trouble for eavesdropping and for making a mess in the guest room. He turned and stood with his hands folded and waited to find out what his next task would be.

He stood there quietly wishing he could just go back to the guest room. Snape had barged in when he was looking for his knife. He supposed it was better that he hadn't found it yet. That would have been infinitely more upsetting. If Snape had found him carving himself up. He felt disgusted with himself. He didn't know why he was like this. Even if this meal had been awkward, he was slightly thankful Snape had come when he had. He'd done good this last year…other than his slip up at the Sundown. He didn't need more things in his life that made him a freak.

"Potter." Snape said a little loudly.

Harry was startled and looked up to his professors who were no longer sitting at the table but were now standing in front of him. He'd got lost in thought again. They'd probably called his name more than once. Vernon hated that. Harry felt his body start to shake. He needed to stay focused.

"Sorry, Sir." Harry whispered, meeting the man's eye like he preferred.

Snape raised an eyebrow.

"We'd like to discuss a few things with you. Will you join us in the sitting room?" Snape said neutrally.

Harry's mind raced. He did not want to talk. Couldn't Snape just tell him his punishment now and let him get on with it? Or was this about the Dursley's? Didn't they know enough?

He sighed quietly and nodded a little.

"Would you like me to make more tea?" Harry asked quietly.

There was silence for a moment and then Snape shook his head.

"No, I'll get it. Just head to the sitting room, please." Snape said.

Harry nodded and walked around the professors. His legs were a little shaky as he made his way to the sitting room. His stomach felt warm from the food, but he also felt a little sick. He hoped he could keep it down. He didn't need to make another mess.

He stood by the couch and waited.

Harry watched as the professors joined him in the room.

"Take a seat Potter." Snape said neutrally.

Harry wasn't sure where to sit. He did know that he didn't want to be trapped between them again. He took the armchair furthest from Snape and was relieved when Snape took his usual spot and McGonagall sat at the end of the couch near Snape.

There were a few moments of tense silence. Snape and McGonagall both had mugs of tea sitting in front of them and McGonagall had levitated one to the other end of the coffee table for him.

He considered picking it up just to have something to do with his hands but decided against it.

His hands twisted in the hem of his shirt.

"Potter, Professor McGonagall and I would like to speak to you about what came to light yesterday." Snape started.

Harry swallowed. Couldn't they just let him be?

"We're sorry that you've had to go through this Harry. Something should have been done sooner." McGonagall said softly.

Harry felt his face heat up and his stomach lurch. He did not want to talk about this.

"We're concerned that you may be hiding other injuries. Poppy wanted to run a full diagnostic yesterday, but we decided it was for the best to wait, when we realized how upset you were. Which was reasonable but it still needs to be addressed." Snape said.

Harry shook his head. His injuries had all been addressed. He was fine.

"I'm fine, Professor." Harry mumbled.

"Still, long-term abuse and neglect can leave you with issues that may need to be addressed." Snape said neutrally.

Harry didn't think he could blush any redder. Snape seemed to be cutting straight through him. He knew what the Dursleys had done was abuse…But he still hated hearing it said so bluntly. It had just been his life. A shitty life but his life, nonetheless. He didn't remember if he'd read what a full diagnostic would show. He didn't want to be exposed any further.

Harry shook his head.

"The headmaster is making changes at the school, Harry. All students will be required to have a medical checkup in the fall." McGonagall said quietly.

Harry swallowed hard. He wasn't going to have a choice. Unless he really didn't go back to school.

"Does he know?" Harry asked shakily.

He was sure Dumbledore knew about the Dursleys. He had to know, right? Maybe he thought Harry deserved it.

"Professor Dumbledore? No, not from us." Snape answered.

Harry looked at Snape skeptically. Why hadn't they just told him?

"As you pointed out last night, Albus seems to have lost prospective." Snape said.

Harry nodded. He wasn't sure the man had ever had any to lose, but he supposed he'd only known the man for five years.

"He is also your magical guardian, and as such may be implicated in the abuse if you choose to press charges." Snape said quietly.

Harry felt a lot of things slide into place. Dumbledore was his magical guardian? He didn't know why he hadn't suspected that before. He supposed it made sense. It was also infuriating. It meant He'd have control over him for another year. Harry should just run away again. He didn't want Dumbledore to have control over him anymore.

"Your godfather is pursuing guardianship and will likely be given it when the charges against him are dropped. For the time being I am technically your guardian. And will likely maintain that roll until Black can take custody. If that does not occur until term begins Professor McGonagall will have default guardianship as your head of house." Snape said a little stiffly.

Harry's head spun a little. That sounded like a lot of bouncing around. He didn't like it at Snapes, but he did like Cokeworth. He didn't know how he felt about living with Sirius. He had a lot of mixed feeling about him and Remus at the moment.

Then a thought occurred to him. Snape hadn't mentioned the Dursleys. Was he confirming what Remus had said? That he wouldn't have to go back. Harry wouldn't let himself have that hope. Surely even if he wasn't forced back this summer, Dumbledore would find a way to send him to them next summer.

"When will I have to go back to the Dursleys?" Harry asked resignedly.

He chanced a look up at Snape and saw rage in the man's face. He dropped his eyes back to his lap and fiddled with his oversized shirt. Maybe he shouldn't have asked. Snape hadn't shown the same distain for Harry asking questions as his relatives. That didn't mean anything though. Adults were always being unpredictable.

Harry heard Snape get up from his seat and walk towards him. His muscles tightened. He could take whatever Snape dished out, he just hoped it was quick. He shouldn't have asked obviously. He closed his eyes, as his body started shaking. Where was his Gryffindor bravery now?

Harry flinched when he felt hands on his.

"Harry, look at me." Snape said softly.

Harry was surprised to hear the man use his first name. He looked up at Snape, who he now realized was kneeling in front of him. Snapes occlumency shields were down, and Harry could see so much worry and concern on the man's face, it was a little alarming.

"That will never happen." Snape said in a slightly choked whisper.

Harry didn't believe him. Just like he hadn't believed Sirius and Remus yesterday. He couldn't believe that he wasn't actually going back.

Snape seemed to understand that just looking at him. He released one of Harry's hands and pulled out his wand, then held it straight up.

"I, Severus Tobias Snape, swear on my magic to do everything in my power to keep Harry James Potter from ever having to reside with the Dursley family again. So mote it be." Snape said, not breaking eye contact with Harry.

Harry felt a wave of magic.

He felt like crying. Why would Snape do that?

Harry felt tears in his eyes and clinched his jaw. He wouldn't cry in front of Snape. Not after his sobbing this morning because of the vision.

He nodded once in thanks to Snape.

Snape nodded back and released Harry's hand with a gentle squeeze before standing up and returning to his seat.


Severus struggled to pull his occlumency shields back in place. He'd been prepared for a lot of things. However, he'd not expected the boy to fold into himself and ask, not if but when, he'd be returned to those people.

It had probably been unnecessary and perhaps a little dramatic to take a wizard's oath. However, since that morning he'd had a tough time seeing the boy as anything other than Lily's son. He still looked like James but those eyes without his glasses had felt like they had looked right into his soul.

He'd noticed when he was knelt in front of the boy that he still wasn't wearing his glasses.

He took a deep breath and looked at Minerva. She gave him a tight smile and a nod.

Severus rolled his eyes. Gryffindors.

"When would I have to do it? The diagnostic." Potter asked, breaking the tense silence of the room.

Severus cleared his mind to answer the question.

"Madam Pomfrey has asked that you return to the hospital wing on Friday, to make sure your road rash has fully healed. We could do it then." Severus suggested.

Potter squirmed a little in his seat.

"I am also qualified to run the tests. We could do it whenever you felt comfortable. If you'd like to get it out of the way. If there are issues that need to be addressed sooner would be better than later. I would not recommend waiting until you return to school." Severus said.

Potter nodded in thought. Then muttered something he couldn't make out.

"What did you say?" Severus asked neutrally. He did not want to chide the boy for not speaking up, but he honestly could not make out the boy's muttering from across the room.

"If I return." Potter said slightly louder.

Severus turned to look at Minerva for explanation. Why would the boy not be returning?

"What do you mean Harry?" Minerva asked, concern creasing her brow.

Potter chewed on his lip for a minute. Then he seemed to steady himself.

"I'm not sure I wish to return." Potter said firmly raising his eyes to meet theirs.

The boy had completed his OWLs. He couldn't be forced to continue. Though he'd struggle to find employment in the wizarding world without his NEWTs.

"Why?" Minerva asked.

The boy shrugged one shoulder and began twisting his hands in his grossly oversized shirt again. Severus made a mental note to establish what the boy's wardrobe consisted of. If it was lacking, they would be going shopping. He'd not allow the boy to continue wearing these rags.

"I don't want to go back if everyone is going to know." Potter whispered barely loud enough for Severus to hear.

Severus' heart sank. He understood. He probably would have left school too if his darkest secrets were at risk of being exposed.

"Potter, look at me." Severus said. He waited for the boy to meet his eyes.

"This information will not be shared." Severus said firmly.

Harry's expression looked skeptical and then he glanced at Minerva.

Severus sighed. He supposed it would be hard to take that statement as fact when he'd literally been caught sharing that information not more than an hour ago.

"Your head of house would have been informed of anything Madam Pomfrey discovered. Heads of house hold the position of guardian during the school year. We are responsible for your well-being as well as discipline." Severus tried to explain.

The boy's shoulder sagged.

"Does that mean Sirius will be told everything?" Potter said defeatedly.

Severus was surprised by the question. Perhaps he'd misinterpreted the closeness of Potter and Black. The answer was technically no. He wouldn't need to share anything with him as Severus currently had guardianship.

"No, at the moment I have guardianship. I wouldn't have to share the findings with Black. However, should the tests show that you have any conditions which will need further monitoring or treatment I will need to inform him of those when he gets custody." Severus explained.

Potter went back to staring at his hands.

"So, Professor McGonagall is going to know everything regardless. You are going to know as long as you're my guardian. Madam Pomfrey will know if she's the one who does it…and if I wait then Sirius and Remus will know too?" Potter asked, still looking at his hands.

Severus nodded then realized the boy couldn't see him.

"Professor McGonagall won't need to see the whole diagnostic. It will be similar to a change in custody. She'll need to know what may still be effecting you, as will Madam Pomfrey as the school medi-witch." Severus said.

Potter nodded.

"Let's just do it then. Seems like I don't really have a choice. I'd rather not have everyone know everything if we can avoid that…" Potter muttered.

"You…You won't tell the Slytherins though, right? Or my other classmates?" Potter whispered.

"No, as a healer it would be completely unethical for me to discuss anything like that. As a teacher it would be improper to discuss a student's home life with other students." Severus said.

He was used to these questions. He'd had them from several of his Slytherins in the past. They all feared what they perceived as weaknesses being exposed.

Potter nodded although he didn't seem to be very sure.

"You're not the first student I have done this for. I can promise that I will be discreet with your information." Severus tried to reassure. He hoped Potter would agree. He felt horrid that they had missed this for so long. He hoped that he could do something to help the boy, more than just promising he wouldn't have to go back.

Potter looked unbelievably sad. Severus wondered where he'd managed to mess up this time.

"Are you alright?" Severus asked softly.

Potter nodded.

"I hadn't thought of other kids at Hogwarts being in this position. I... I'm glad you were able to help them." Potter said softly.

Severus once again saw so much of Lily shining through.

How had he missed it for so long? How could the boy have these traits that he'd never noticed?

A voice in the back of his mind reminded him that he didn't want to see it, so he hadn't.

He sighed.

"Let's do it then. What do I need to do?" Potter asked.

Severus cleared his mind again and tried to think of this like one of his Slytherins. This wasn't the son of his childhood best friend or his schoolyard bully. This was just a child. An abused child that needed to have an assessment done.

"You'll need to lay down. The entire process takes about half an hour. There is a series of scans that need to be done. Once they are done, I will review the results and then we can discuss what medically needs to be addressed. I may need to ask a few clarifying questions. Though you may decline to answer. We do not need to discuss anything about how anything happened, today. Although I do recommend you speak with someone about what you've been through. That can be me or your head of house or your future guardians. We can also put you in touch with a mind healer…Though in your case you may want to vet anyone you speak to." Severus recited the words from memory. This part he was familiar with. He closed off the rest of his mind and focused on the job in front of him.

Potter nodded.

"Would you like Professor McGonagall to stay?" Severus asked neutrally.

He would do what he could to make Potter comfortable during this process.

Potter shook his head a little, then nodded.

"If you don't mind." Potter said softly and looked at Minerva.

"Of course." Minerva said kindly.

She stood from the couch and waved her wand over it transfiguring it into something similar to a hospital bed. Severus would need to make his way around the boy and was thankful for the quick transfiguration. It wasn't his strongest subject.

"come lay down, Harry." Minerva said.

Potter stood and walked to the bed. With a loud sigh he climbed up and sat stiff as a board.

"Go ahead and lay back and will get started." Severus instructed.

Potter looked terribly uncomfortable. This was common as well. Laying still while adults moved around above them always seemed to be the hardest part for his students. Especially because the tests did take time. He would offer Potter breaks in-between like he would do with his snakes. Some had to take them, and others just wanted to get it over as quickly as possible.

Severus raised his wand.

"Alright I'm going to start the first test. Try and hold still. This will take about five minutes and then you can have a break and get up if you like." Severus said.

Potter nodded slightly. Minerva stood next to him and with a sigh he began the incantation.


Severus sat at the kitchen table with the parchments from the exam. It was a lot.

He had excused Potter upstairs to rest while he went over everything. He'd reassured the boy he would only discuss what he needed to with Minerva.

She had picked a book from his shelves and settled herself in the sitting room with a fresh cup of tea. Which allowed Severus privacy to look over everything. He appreciated that she had stayed. Given the length of some of the parchments there were going to be things they needed to discuss.

Severus couldn't believe everything he was looking at.

Even the first page confused the hell out of him. It was basic information. It was used to verify a child's identity and their parents as well as blood type, magic levels, and any specific abilities the child might have.

Potter's information page was a mess.

Name: Harry James Potter-Black

Birthdate- 31 July 1980 (Age 15)

House- Lord Potter, Heir Black, Lord Peverell, Lord Slytherin (By conquest)

Parents-

Mother- Lily Anne Potter (Evans)

Father- James Fleamont Potter

Blood Adopted Father- Sirius Orion Black (Godfather named at birth)

Blood Adopted Father- Remus John Lupin

Additional Guardian information-

Godfather- Franklin Robert Longbottom

Godmother- Alice Marie Longbottom (Fortescue)

Emergency Magical Guardian- Severus Tobias Snape

Emergency Magical Guardian- Minerva Genevieve McGonagall

Blood type- AB

Magical Level-21

Magical Abilities-

Parseltongue (Inherited)

Aura Sight (Inherited)

Metamorphmagus (Inherited)

Natural Occlumens (Inherited)

Natural Legilimens (Inherited)

Natural Elemental (Spontaneous)

Natural Wandless Caster (Spontaneous)

Animagus (Process begun 31 July 1995, Heartbeat detected 31 August 1995, Transformation complete 6 June 1996)

Severus really couldn't believe what he was reading. There were so many surprises Severus wasn't even sure where to start. When had Black and Lupin adopted Potter? Clearly it had been before James and Lily's deaths, since they'd named another godfather. When and why had he been named as a guardian? Did Minerva know she had also been named as a guardian? Did the boy or the mutts know any of this? Surely, they would have brought it up. Lupin could have had guardianship this whole time. Why hadn't he? Severus himself could have had guardianship.

It was so rare for parents to do a blood adoption with their child. Blood wise Harry was genetically related to all four of them.

Most Wixen didn't engage in the ritual because the adoptive parents would have just as much claim as the natural parents. In a world that was dominated by bloodlines and blood status, no one would risk it.

Blood adoption was exclusive to children whose parents had passed away and the new guardian chose to adopt.

Why had they? The risks of mixing a child's blood with werewolf blood was alarming enough. What if they'd infected the boy? What had they been thinking? Not to mention that the Black family had a long history of madness. Was the boy going to just snap one day?

Why hadn't they informed him that they'd named him guardian? It made Severus even more upset with the whole situation. Harry had not needed to suffer the way he had. He'd had other viable options for guardians.

Then there were the bloodlines. Potter and Black were of no surprise. Peverell sounded familiar but he couldn't place it. Probably an extinct line somewhere in the Black or Potter line. However, Harry was by all rights Lord Slytherin. Presumably after the night he'd vanquished the Dark Lord. How had the boy not been sorted into Slytherin? Heirs of founders always went to the founders' house.

Then there was the extensive list of abilities. Severus had never seen so many listed. They were all fairly rare. Some more than others but all were impressive. It also answered the question he'd had yesterday about the fire. It had been Elemental magic. Severus had never seen Elemental Fire magic. Most Elementals became Herbologists. They altered soil and water, sometimes even air currents for best growing conditions. They were interesting but not terribly showy. He'd never really considered the implication of Elemental magic in combat.

Severus was also confused the his Parseltongue was inherited. The running theory with Albus was that Voldemort had transferred some of his power to the boy when he was destroyed. However, this made it clear that the boy was just a natural parseltongue. Severus wondered where the boy had inherited the ability. There were very few known parseltongues. Although, perhaps with the dark connotation it had just forced people to hide the ability to avoid the stigma.

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. He hadn't even started looking at the other tests. The ones that he'd needed to check the boy's health. He just kept looking at this first page in shock.

The boy's magic level was…an error? Most Wixen registered somewhere between one and ten. A one was just above squib and a ten was fairly powerful. Most average Wixen were somewhere between six and eight when they reached there magical majority. Especially Powerful wizards were frequently in the teens. Severus wasn't sure what Albus, or the Dark Lord were at but suspected both were in the upper teens. Severus himself was at a respectable thirteen.

There hadn't been any record of someone having a magical level over nineteen. Merlin himself was rumored to have had a magical level of twenty. There must have been an error in the spell. He would check with Poppy and have her run the test again.

Knowing that Potter had aura sight like Lily made him smile a little. Severus had always admired the way she saw the world. When they'd been young Lily would tell Severus about what she could see. It had always been fascinating as they had moved around Cokeworth and discovered little magical things about the derelict mill town.

Severus sighed, setting the page aside. He couldn't do anything about it other than continue to think in circles.

The next page was a list of ailments the boy had had. Severus felt his face heat in anger. The boy hadn't had a single muggle vaccine. He'd had none of the magical ones either, other than those he'd received as a baby. The boy had had strep throat, tonsillitis, pneumonia, various colds, and flus. He'd had all of them multiple times and had never had them treated properly. All of the treatment lines read untreated or undertreated.

He'd suffered hypothermia and heat stroke multiple times. Bladder, kidney, and ear infections all which had gone untreated and had caused lasting damage. The boy had significant hearing loss in one ear.

He'd had pertussis and chicken pox as well as an unreasonable number of cases of food poisoning.

There was no sign that he'd ever had dental issues, which was surprising. It was a frequent issue with neglect cases. The boy's eyes were a different story. He was unsurprised to see that Potter's magic was correcting his vision.

He had several significant allergies as well as quite severe and uncontrolled asthma. His magic had been working on overdrive to manage both. How the boy had played quidditch and brewed potions for five years without dropping dead of an asthma attack or allergic reaction was baffling.

He had been starved most of his life. His bone density was way too low, he was severely anemic as well as having several vitamin deficiencies. He also suffered frequent bouts of low blood sugar. The notes underneath each showed that his body was feeding off his magic in order to sustain itself.

Alarmingly the final notes at the bottom showed that the boy had nearly died several times both during his time at Hogwarts and before. Anaphylaxis at age two and again at four. At five the boy had ingested bleach. Nearly drowned at six, eight, and fourteen. He had been bitten by a basilisk at twelve. Nearly bled to death at fourteen. And been strangled at eleven and fifteen. Nearly all of them suggested that his magic had been his only lifeline. The blood loss and Basilisk bite were the only ones with a treatment listed. Although the basilisk bite just had 'cured' written under it. Whatever the hell that meant.

Those were just the ones that had left physical marks. Severus knew the boy had faced near death a few other times without incurring any physical injury.

Severus' mind was becoming increasingly confused. How was Potter alive? Bitten by a basilisk? Severus had been informed that it had been a basilisk petrifying students and that it was dead, but he'd never heard anything about it biting Potter.

Severus couldn't think of anything in Potters fourth year that could have led to such severe blood loss. Perhaps it had happened at his relatives. If that was the case, how had he survived? The notes said potions administered but surely if Poppy had been the one to give the potions the staff would have been alerted to such an incident.

As far as the magical side he'd had all three of the unforgivables cast on him. Obviously, the killing curse had been when he'd been a baby, but the Imperius and Cruciatus had both been cast several times when he was fourteen. Alarmingly under the Cruciatus there was no listed treatment. Severus was reminded of the fine tremor in the boy's hand and wondered if it was nerve damage from untreated crucio. Thankfully the other spells the boy had endured were all fairly mild.

Other magical ailments listed were his multiple exposures to Dementors. All but one were listed as treated. The quill that Umbridge had used also seemed to have left traces of dark magic in the boy's hand, though it could be treated with a purging potion.

Severus groaned. Potter was going to need a lot of potions.

Severus flipped to the next page that listed Potters injuries. Early reports were all the expected things. Things like diaper rash and minor abrasions to knees. Things quickly changed in Potters records starting at fifteen months. There were bruises, dislocations, burns, scratches, punctures. The further along Severus read, the sicker he felt. Potter had been severely abused his whole life.

Severus was concerned by the fact that none of the numerous broken bones had been set properly. Almost all the wounds to the skin had been left to heal on their own and without a doubt had scarred. The boy also had damage to organs. Deep bruising and worryingly he'd had a punctured lung that was noted to have been healed with his own magic. The boy's lungs were scarred from the untreated asthma and recurrent lung infections. He'd had several concussions including one this summer.

Severus set the papers down, he needed a moment to collect himself.

He stood and walked to the stove. He set the kettle and stared dazedly at it. He hadn't even finished reading the reports and he was already feeling completely overwhelmed. He'd never seen a report like this. Perhaps because the ones he caught were usually abused or neglected, not usually a combination of both. Not to this degree, certainly. Perhaps it was because they'd mostly been caught as first years and had been addressed quickly.

He didn't know what to think other then he wished he could watch the lights go out in the Dursley's eyes. They had taken the boy in, only to ignore every one of his basic needs and treat him as a punching bag. It was sick.

When his tea was made he returned to his seat and continued to look over the paper work. There was some evidence that the boy had also been sexually abused as well. Although it wasn't conclusive. He wouldn't jump to conclusions just yet. He felt sickened by the implication. Hadn't the boy been through enough?

Severus rubbed his eyes. He didn't want to think about all this child had gone through. He continued to look down the list. Over the last few years there were groupings of lacerations to the boy's forearms. This was possibly a sign that the boy had in fact been hurting himself. Towards the bottom it listed that the boy had incurred two rather deep lacerations, one to each arm. This confirmed Maggie's story about the scars, but not where they had come from. Severus would have to delicately discuss these matters with the boy.

Severus read the bottom of the page that showed the road rash and contusion to the back of his head. Potter was lucky it hadn't been another concussion. Although a week before he'd been hit hard enough in the face to fracture his eye socket. Severus ground his teeth. He was glad Mark had been arrested. He would see to it that the man never returned to Cokeworth.

Severus grimaced at the last few entries.

Bruises (Arms)

Bruises from incarcerous spell.

Contusion on the left side of head.

Grade 2 stinging hex left flank.

Severus set the paper down and picked up the last one. This one was a mental health screening. Only a mind healer could get to the bottom of exactly what was going on in the boy's mind, but this gave some general ideas. Severus felt sick at all the mental and emotional damage those monsters had likely managed. This list gave a pretty clear view of what the boy's life had been like, but it did not paint a complete picture.

Mental Health screening-

Depression

Anxiety

PTSD

Phobia(s) (Unspecified)

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Severus sighed.

He stacked the papers in a pile and considered everything he had just learned. It was a lot to take in. He also understood why Potter had wanted as few people as possible to see this. It was a horror story. One that a little boy had been forced to live through.

Steeling himself, Severus stood and headed for the sitting room. He needed to talk with Minerva. Then he needed to figure out how he was supposed to talk to the boy.