Author note- Hey everyone, just wanted to say thank you for all the kind reviews. Short rant. There is a vampire in this chapter, and it took me so long to name him. Every time I picked a name I thought was good, I'd google and find that name used for a vampire on some show or movie. Ugh. This name is not supposed to be a reference to anything. This is an OC for this story. Lol. Rant over. Enjoy the new chapter.
Chapter 64
Return to Spinner's End
Severus tapped his foot impatiently. Harry should be here any minute. The week had been long. Draco had spent most of his time locked away in his room. Severus knew that he was stressed about Harry's return. He'd tried to talk to Draco, but he kept insisting that Harry needed a safe place to be, and then he'd drop the conversation.
Severus agreed but he was also worried about how things would work out. He had not seen Harry in three weeks. The boy hadn't said anything when he'd been in the hospital wing, and Remus had made it seem like Harry wasn't interested in seeing him.
He sighed. They were clearly running late. He hoped Remus would stay long enough to let him know how Harry was doing. He felt that he'd learned to read Harry fairly effectively, but he didn't want to miss something.
Severus swallowed thickly. He'd clearly missed something when Harry had been here before.
The floo flared and Severus felt his body tense. Harry stumbled out a moment later. Severus was somewhat surprised that Harry was in base form. He shuffled into the room keeping his head down, cradling Edgar to his chest.
Harry looked stressed. This was what he was worried about. He wasn't surprised but he had still hoped things would start better.
The floo flared and Remus stepped out quickly followed by Sirius.
"Good morning, Severus." Remus said with a nod.
"Good morning." Severus replied.
There was a slightly awkward pause.
"Harry, why don't you go get settled in." Remus said softly.
Harry glanced up through his hair before nodding.
He hesitated for a moment like he might say something before walking to the door.
Severus sighed. He hoped they'd already said there goodbyes. He knew that it was one of Remus' main concerns about taking this trip. That Harry would feel abandoned.
"How's he doing this morning?" Severus asked.
Remus ran his hand through his hair and sighed.
"He's been okay. He had a surprisingly good week. I think he's just stressed about us leaving." Remus said.
Sirius stepped up next to Remus and took his hand.
"It's for the best, Remy. He'll be okay." Sirius whispered softly.
Remus nodded.
"Here's his potions and his medication. His doctor has changed them. He need's three of this one a day now and one of these." Remus said setting the bottles on the table.
Severus nodded. He was glad Harry had already been to his checkup. He would have taken him, but it was better that his parents had done it.
"He has his inhaler." Remus said as if ticking off a mental list.
"We've been doing a sip of calming draught with the stomach soothers before each meal. We've discussed some of his food issues. It seems anxiety is the biggest factor when it comes to his hesitation with food." Remus explained.
Severus nodded. It was a good plan. He'd noticed Harry ate better when he was calm.
"How are his other issues?" Severus asked.
Remus sighed and looked to the hall where Harry had disappeared. He raised his wand and cast a silencing charm.
"To be honest I'm not sure. He seems like he's doing better in general. However, he hasn't had access to anything sharp or to alcohol, so I can't speak to those issues. I've been counseling him every day, and while I'm not at liberty to say what we've been talking about, very little has been said about his previous living situation or the events of this summer." Remus explained.
Severus sighed.
"I will say that you should speak to him. He's under the impression you hate him again. He didn't bring it up until earlier this week. I wish I would have pushed more this week, but We were trying to give him a little bit of down time." Remus said.
Severus' heart clenched. He certainly did not hate Harry. Never had. He had disliked him before this summer, but it never raised to the level of hate.
"He's spent most of his time at our house cleaning things that didn't need to be cleaned or studying. I'm not even sure what he's working on." Remus said, shaking his head.
Severus nodded. It sounded like Harry was hiding from them. Severus knew Harry could behave normally and be falling apart.
"We spoke with Molly; both of the boys can go to the Burrow on the thirtieth." Remus said with a nod.
"Very well. Is there anything else?" Severus asked.
Remus and Sirius looked at each other sadly.
"Just keep an eye on him." Sirius said worriedly.
"Of course." Severus said with a nod.
There was a heavy pause.
"We need to go." Sirius said softly.
"Do you want to say goodbye?" Severus asked.
Remus bit his lip and shook his head.
"We said our goodbye before we came." Remus said.
Severus nodded.
"Thank you, Severus." Remus said as he reached for the pot of floo powder.
Severus nodded as they disappeared.
Severus sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Harry was still not doing well. He could see it in Remus' eyes. He hoped this wasn't a mistake. He'd moved all the potions in the house to the lab and warded the door. The knife drawer in the kitchen was warded as well. He refused to lock Harry's access to everything in the house though.
With a sigh he headed out of the sitting room and was surprised to find Harry standing in the hall. His head was still down, and Edgar was still balled up in his arms.
"Why don't you come in the office." Severus said, stepping across the hall and opening the door.
Harry followed a moment later.
Severus sighed as he made his way to his desk and sat down. He knew he needed to talk to Harry but he didn't even know where to start.
Harry stood awkwardly in the middle of the room. Edgar squirmed and climbed out of his arms. Severus smiled slightly as the kitten rounded his desk and dove into his lap.
"Hello." Severus said softly as he raised his hand and pet the cat.
Severus smiled when he noticed the new collar, and the bell he had gifted Harry. He had a few other gifts for Harry that he'd missed when he'd put everything in the box. Nothing big, just some small things he'd thought the boy would like.
Severus swallowed thickly thinking about the night he'd put everything into that box. He'd been crying. They hadn't thought Harry was going to wake up. He'd been gathering things while he waited for Sirius and Remus to come over and go through Harry's trunk.
Severus was surprised when Harry spoke.
"I'm sorry." Harry said softly.
Severus went to say he didn't need to apologize, when Harry stepped closer to his desk and continued to talk.
"I'm sorry I made such a mess of your house. I didn't mean to. I…I should have left. Gone to the park or…I don't know, away from here." Harry mumbled.
Severus felt tears sting at his eyes.
"I didn't mean to make this your problem. I…I'm so thankful for all that you did for me this summer. I didn't mean to throw that in your face. I'm very…" Harry trailed off and shook his head.
"Thank you. For everything. For telling me about my mum and taking me to the cemetery. Thank you for the potions and being someone that I could talk to." Harry said as his voice started to crack.
Severus could see that the boy's whole body was shaking. His breath caught in his throat when Harry raised his head and met Severus' eye. His bright green eyes were full of tears.
"I'm really sorry." Harry said mournfully, as the first tears fell down his cheeks.
Severus stood and walked around his desk.
"It's okay. I'm sorry I wasn't here when you needed someone. I'm sorry we didn't do more to help you." Severus said walking up to stand in front of Harry.
Harry shook his head.
"It's not your fault." Harry choked out.
Severus reached out and set his hand on Harry's shoulder and rubbed soothing circles with his thumb.
He was surprised when Harry stepped forward and wrapped his arms around him. Severus stood stock still as Harry clung to him and sobbed.
"I'm sorry." Harry cried.
Severus felt the tears he was fighting finally fall. He wrapped his arms around the shaking child and held him tight. He never thought he'd see Harry awake again. He'd felt heartbroken when Remus had told him that Harry didn't want to see him. These last few weeks he'd been trying not to worry too much about him, but it was impossible. Harry had wormed his way into Severus' heart, and he knew he would always care about him.
They stood like that for a few minutes before Harry pulled away. Severus quickly wiped his face.
Harry took a few steps back and wrapped himself in his arms.
"Sorry." Harry mumbled.
Severus shook his head.
"You have nothing to apologize for." Severus said earnestly.
Harry bit his lip and looked around the room.
"Why don't you take a seat, and I'll make us some tea." Severus offered.
Harry nodded and Severus headed to the kitchen.
Harry felt horribly embarrassed for the way he'd latched onto Snape. He didn't know what had come over him. The man probably thought he'd lost his mind.
He just couldn't stop thinking about the way's the man had helped him this summer and not wanting to lose him. He knew he'd really messed up and the worse thing Snape could do now wasn't to punish him. It was to walk away.
He needed the calm reassuring presence that Snape offered. He loved all that George did for him but sometimes he wanted an adult to reassure him that he wasn't actually falling apart. Snape had been that for him this summer. Truly the first adult to ever offer that to him.
He loved Remus and Sirius, but he was still so afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing and losing them forever. Snape had already proven that Harry could really mess up and he would still be there for him. He'd been in the middle of another restriction when the matter of his parents' burial place had been brought up. Snape hadn't punished him for burning the food. He hadn't hovered when Harry needed space. He had offered Harry something no one ever really had. Closure for the loss of his family.
Harry took a deep breath and tried to settle his racing thoughts. He was sure Snape was going to have questions. Unlike Sirius and Remus, he wouldn't dance around them. He hoped Snape would bring him calming tea. He hadn't had a cup since he'd left, and it sounded like what he needed right now.
He thought about the amazing gift Snape had given him as well as the potion related questions he had for the man. Perhaps they could talk about that for a little while. Though he wouldn't hold his breath. He didn't want to keep Snape from whatever else he needed to do today.
As much as he had enjoyed his camping trip with Sirius and Remus, he was exhausted. He'd tried to let himself enjoy the time with them. Most of the trip had been wonderful but when his thoughts got overwhelming, he had done everything in his power to keep up the façade that everything was fine. He could tell that they'd been enjoying the trip, and it was nice to see them smile and laugh again. He didn't want to upset them.
The door opened and Snape walked in with two cups of tea. He handed one to Harry before taking his seat behind his desk.
Harry sniffed the tea and smiled when he saw the aura of color's he expected to see in the calming blend.
He took a small sip and smiled shyly at Snape.
"Thank you." Harry said softly.
Snape nodded before also taking a sip of his tea.
They sat quietly in the office drinking their tea. Harry had found the silence peaceful, but the longer it went on the more strained it felt. Harry sighed. He wished Snape would just say what he needed to.
"Questions?" Harry asked softly.
Snape rose a single eyebrow and looked at him in confusion.
"Articulate as ever Potter. Are you asking if I have questions for you, or are you asking to do our little game of questions?" Snape said a little harshly.
Harry swallowed hard. Snape seemed angry and Harry wasn't sure what he'd done. They hadn't said anything since they'd both sat down with their tea.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap. It's been a stressful week." Snape said pinching the bridge of his nose.
Harry nodded in quiet acceptance of the apology.
"I do have questions, if you are up for talking. I would be happy to answer any questions you have as well. However, I do not wish to upset you. If you would rather just sit and relax that would also be acceptable." Snape finally said.
Harry nodded. He did have questions for the man. While he wasn't looking forward to the questions Snape would likely ask, he would try and have this conversation.
"You may start." Snape said, raising his cup again.
Harry bit his lip.
"Is Draco mad at me?" Harry asked quietly.
Severus sighed and looked out the small window in the room that looked out to the street.
"Draco has been struggling with what happened. I will not speak to how he feels about you. I think it would be a good idea to speak to him yourself. I think he is harboring some guilt about what happened….I'd be lying if I didn't say that we all are." Snape said softly.
Harry's heart hurt hearing that. He didn't want them to feel guilty. None of them were at fault. Certainly not Draco. The other boy had been surprisingly kind to him there last few days together. He was more concerned that Draco would hate him for what he'd done at Crup Creek.
"I will talk to him. It's not anyone's fault." Harry said firmly, looking Snape in the eye.
Severus sighed deeply and Harry could tell he didn't believe that but nodded.
"Did our trip to Godric's Hollow contribute to…to your decision?" Snape asked quietly.
Harry could see the guilt swimming in his eyes. Harry swallowed thickly. He'd had a lot of thoughts that night about a lot of things that had happened recently, including their trip to the cemetery. He'd been thankful for Snape but broken.
Harry sighed. It wasn't Snapes fault.
"You're the first person to ever give me proper closure. You gave me the opportunity to actually say goodbye. My parent's have always seemed…I don't know. Almost mythical to me. I built them up in my mind. My aunt tore them down a lot. Everyone that's ever talked about them only speaks well of them. I know you didn't get along with my dad. After I saw that memory, I understood why. I think from then the mythical people started to fade into real flesh and blood. People who were good but didn't always do the right thing. I've struggled a lot with that, but I also didn't know how to let them go." Harry said.
He felt he was rambling a little, but he just felt like he needed to get it all out.
"I'm still not sure how to feel about them. Standing there in front of their graves I wanted to scream about the life they had left me to. That they hadn't done enough. And…I wanted to cry because I just wanted to be with them…" Harry said around the lump in his throat.
Harry shrugged.
"I can't tell you why I did what I did, but it wasn't anyone's fault but my own." Harry finished quietly.
Severus' lips pinched tightly, and he nodded.
"If you ever need someone to talk to Harry, I'm always here. I'm so sorry I wasn't here that night." Snape said brokenly.
Harry shook his head. Snape wouldn't have been able to do anything about the piece of Voldemort living in his head.
They sat quietly for a moment and Harry tried to steady his nerves.
"I know you already answered my last question, but it wasn't really what I was asking about." Harry finally said.
Severus brow creased.
"About Draco?" Snape asked.
Harry bit his lip and looked down at his clasped hands.
"Does…Does he know who I killed?" Harry whispered very softly.
Snape sighed.
"Yes, he does. I don't think…" Snape trailed off and sighed.
Harry looked up to find Snape staring out the window again. He had deep worry lines on his face.
"Never mind." Harry said softly.
He didn't want to stress Snape.
"No…I just can't really explain. I will just say I wouldn't worry about Draco being angry about those deaths." Snape said, looking back at Harry.
Harry wasn't so sure about that, but he trusted that Snape knew Draco better then he did. Perhaps Draco had history with them, or maybe something happened this summer with them all staying in the manor. He knew that the Death Eaters were horrible, but he was sure some were worse than other's. None of this relieved the guilt he felt about their deaths.
Harry swallowed hard and nodded. He wouldn't push. It was clear that was all Snape was going to say on the subject.
"I don't want to upset you, but I'd like to know if you discussed your… your last night here with Lupin?" Snape asked.
Harry shook his head. He didn't know what to say about it. He didn't want to lie to Remus just as he didn't want to lie to Snape. It just wasn't something he could share. They'd want to protect him, and they couldn't. He had to die and there wasn't any getting around that. He wouldn't put his life above all of those that would suffer and die if Voldemort wasn't stopped.
"I can't." Harry said honestly, looking sadly at Snape.
Snape tipped his head a little in confusion.
"What do you mean you can't?" Snape asked.
Harry sighed and ran his hand through his hair before picking up his tea and taking another sip. He didn't want to talk about this. He needed to stay calm, or he would start to panic again, and he didn't want to do that. His mind was still so messed up. The memories that he'd slowly been recovering all summer had started to mix in with everything else and it felt overwhelming. He'd tried to do some work on his shields, but it always resulted in panic or frantic trips to the bathroom to vomit up what little was in his stomach.
Harry took a deep breath. He tried to find the best way to explain to Snape what had happened that night without telling the truth or lying.
"I was having a hard night that night. To be honest, I thought about hurting myself a couple of times, but I talked myself down. I... I didn't do this for the reasons everyone seems to think I did. I won't even say it wasn't a factor, I felt relief knowing that it was all finally over…or I thought it was over…but I can't tell you why I did it." Harry mumbled out.
Snape cleared his throat and just studied Harry for a long moment.
"Have you told anyone?" Snape asked worriedly.
Harry looked down at his hands and nodded softly. Dumbledore and George both knew. He wouldn't tell Snape that though. He didn't want Snape trying to get it out of George and he knew that everyone seemed on edge with Dumbledore right now. He didn't understand what was going on with that, but he suspected Dumbledore had confronted them about his conversation in the office. He supposed he might have told them about the Horcruxes, but he didn't think so.
Dumbledore was keeping that to himself. Harry could tell by the surprise on his face when he'd brought them up.
Snape sighed.
"Very well." Snape said with a sigh.
"Were you able to make your vampire nutrition potion?" Harry asked curiously.
He wanted to move off of the subject of his near death.
Snape smiled softly and nodded.
"Yes, it worked. You really are a genius with potions." Snape said.
Harry blushed darkly and shook his head. He was a dunce at potions. Snape had told him that over and over.
"I'm sorry your talent for the subject wasn't seen sooner. I know now I shouldn't have treated you so poorly. Especially in class." Snape said softly.
Harry looked through his lashes at Snape and shrugged. The man didn't need to apologize.
"Have you been able to evaluate it?" Harry asked.
Snape sighed and shook his head.
"Not as of yet. I've sent a letter to a clan I know. I'm not sure where I stand with them at the moment. They weren't aligned with anyone the last time we spoke but that was quite some time ago." Snape sighed.
Harry bit his lip and nodded.
"Can you…will you tell me why you decided to do this? You said you'd started focusing on it again because of the war." Harry asked softly.
Snape nodded and sat back in his chair. His hands neatly folded on his crossed legs.
Edgar had finished prowling around the room and leaped on to Harry's lap. Harry smiled a little and pet the kitten as he listened to Snape's story.
"When I left Hogwarts, I knew that I wanted to get my mastery in potions. I had unfortunately already been marked. However, I was given leave to complete my mastery, as I was seen to have potential. I thought at the time I was finally being seen for my value. I didn't realize how invaluable a potions master would be to the Dark Lord." Severus began.
He shook his head in disbelief at how naive he had been then. Lucius had talked up the Death Eaters so much. He'd been convinced he would finally find a place he belonged.
"I left Britain and went to France to study under a man I had admired for many years. A potions Master named Felix Beaumont. He was well over a hundred when I first met him. Despite his age, his mind was sharp. I did everything I could to convince him that I was worth taking on as an apprentice. He eventually accepted and he began mentoring me." Snape said.
He smiled slightly at the thought of his old mentor. The man had been unbelievably kind to him, even with his strict nature.
"Felix had an extremely strict schedule for us to follow. We brewed early in the day and stopped at dinner. He refused to brew or have company after he'd had his evening meal. In some apprenticeships the apprentice lives with their mentor. Felix did not want that, which suited my needs better anyway. I knew I may be called away at a moment's notice." Snape said, gently rubbing his arm where the dark mark had once been. He'd worn far more short sleeved shirts these past few weeks then he thought he'd ever worn in his life.
Harry had given him something precious by removing his mark. He was sleeping better, and had been in a better mood in general without the constant pain.
"I rented a small flat that I rarely saw. I tried to use my time in France to explore. I'd never been away from Britain before that summer. Then one night while I was out walking, I stumbled across something I wasn't expecting." Severus said, his voice trailing off slightly as he thought about that night.
Memory-
Severus walked down a narrow road in a dark town. The streets were dead, and the warm summer wind whipped at his long hair.
He'd hoped to find something to do with his evening, but aimless wandering was all this town seemed to have to offer at this hour. He'd apparated near the edge of town hoping that it might have some kind of nightlife.
Night's where he was not summoned to a Death Eater meeting, he chose instead to apparate to various locations in France to explore. He was greatly enjoying his study under Felix, but it consumed much of his life. Returning home to the war was hard but he'd committed to it.
He only hoped that when he finally returned for good that his place would not be at the Dark Lords feet. Bowing to the man and running errands was becoming tiresome. He wanted to be seen for what he could offer. He had more to offer their side of the war then threatening muggles and burning shops.
Severus sighed as he turned yet another dark corner. He was startled when he ran directly into a man.
"Excuse me." Severus mumbled as he attempted to make his way around the other man.
Severus was alarmed when the man reached out and grabbed his arm.
"Unhand me at once." Severus growled, as he attempted to yank his arm from the tight grip.
"I can't, I'm sorry." The man mumbled.
Severus was surprised to hear the man speak English. He had a slight accent, but it didn't sound French.
Severus looked into the man's face and felt his blood run cold. There were black eyes staring back at him. He could see the glint of sharp teeth reflecting the moon light. The man was a vampire, and given his nearly skeletal face, a starving one.
Severus swallowed thickly.
"Please." Severus begged, trying harder to wrench his arm away.
His life was just beginning, and he was staring into a monster's face. One that would no doubt bleed him dry for crossing his path.
"I have to. I haven't fed in so long." The vampire whispered.
Severus could feel his heart pounding as he tried to remember anything about vampires. He'd read plenty of tosh about them in his books from school, but even the texts they'd been assigned over the years contradicted themselves.
Garlic helps. Garlic does nothing.
Stake to the heart will kill a vampire. Staking a vampire will do nothing, they are immortal.
Merlin, he wished he knew what he was supposed to do. Not that he had garlic or a stake in any case.
"Please don't kill me." Severus begged.
The vampire considered him for a long moment. Severus considered himself lucky to still be breathing. The vampire had not lunged for his neck like he had expected.
"Do you wish to be turned?" The vampire asked.
Severus shook his head desperately. He'd lose everything if he became a vampire.
"Please, no." Severus whimpered.
The vampire seemed to consider that.
"I need blood." The vampire said, sorrow in his voice.
Severus could feel his whole body shaking as he prepared to die.
"If you do not fight me and allow me to feed, I will let you live." The vampire said softly.
Severus felt his heart pounding harder in his chest as he nodded. Vampires were strong, and with his wrist caught this way there was no escape. He could agree or he could be killed. Though that was assuming he wouldn't be killed either way.
The vampire nodded and began to pull Severus into an even darker alleyway. Severus forced himself to follow and not fight, though his legs felt like lead.
The vampire walked them halfway down the alley and gently pushed Severus against a brick wall that made up the back of a building.
Severus swallowed thickly as his arm was released. A hand pinned him firmly to the wall. Severus' whole body shook as the vampire leaned in close to his body. The Vampire's other hand came up and gently caressed his cheek. His skin was as smooth as porcelain, and cold as ice. He ran his hand up into Severus' hair and softly tipped his head to the side.
Severus felt cold lips pressed to his neck and then a sharp pain. He tried to breathe through the pain, but his mind was panicking. He pulled on his occlumency shields to remain calm.
Severus could feel the vampire's tongue as he gently sucked at the open wound on his neck. Severus' vision began to blur at the edges and his body felt heavy. If he was not pinned to the wall, he was sure he would fall over.
When Severus awoke, he was in a dusty alley as the sky was just starting to lighten. He blinked slowly in confusion at having woken in such a strange place. Then he remembered the vampire. He raised a shaky hand to his throat and could feel two small, but closed, wounds on his neck. Severus pulled himself to his feet and leaned heavily on the wall. When he felt he could stand properly he looked down the alley to make sure he wouldn't be seen before Apparating back to his flat.
He stumbled to the bathroom and found that he could still see himself in the mirror. He didn't know if that was true either and vowed to himself to learn more about vampires. His knowledge of the creatures was abysmal.
He knew for a fact that they couldn't go into sunlight. They would not die but the sun would burn their skin. Severus had learned that fact in a Death Eater meeting. The Dark Lord had instructed a group of Death Eater's to confront a clan of vampires. If they refused to join him, they were to be taken as prisoners and bound where the sun would reach them. They were to be tortured until they agreed to join.
Severus had never been so thankful that officially he was away for his mastery, and a task like that would take time that the Dark Lord knew he didn't have.
Severus walked shakily to his window and took a deep breath before he shoved his hand past the curtain's. When nothing happened, he pulled them open and blinked into the light pouring into the room.
He sighed when once again nothing happened.
Collapsing on his couch he considered his luck. He should be dead. There was no way around it. The vampire had been starving and had let Severus go without killing him by draining all of his blood. He still felt a bit peaky but not much worse then a cold.
He stood and walked to the bathroom once again. He needed to shower and prepare for the day. He was expected at Felix's house in less than an hour.
Severus began to empty his pockets onto the counter when he came across an unfamiliar scrap of paper. Severus furrowed his brows and unfolded the paper.
I cannot express my gratitude to you for feeding me. This village disappears when the sun goes down. There have been vampires here for many generations. At one time there was a symbiotic relationship between the vampires and the humans. Now fear and prejudice rule. Many have left our home but a few of us wish to stay. We nearly starve between feedings and do not wish to kill if we do not have to.
I was close to succumbing to my starvation last night. Had I not fed, I may have died before the next night rose. I know I gave you very few choices, but I am in your debt. I hope you do not hold it against me or my kind. If you are ever in our village again, I hope I can repay you.
Artemis
Severus shook his head and left the note on the counter before climbing into the shower to hopefully wash away the awful night he'd had.
End Memory-
Harry was staring wide eyed at him, as Severus completed his story of his first meeting with a vampire.
"He let you live? Did you ever see him again? Do you have scars where he bit you? How aren't you a vampire? Are you a vampire?" Harry asked in rapid fire, leaning forward and inadvertently shoving Edgar to the floor.
The cat gave him a reproachful look before stalking off to find somewhere else to sit.
Severus smiled softly at the spark of life in Harry's eyes. He hadn't seen that much this summer.
He was glad to have engaged the boy in conversation.
"Er…Sorry." Harry blushed and shook his head, probably realizing all the questions he'd just asked.
Severus knew Harry was hesitant to ever ask anything. This was a positive change. Perhaps the mutts had helped Harry more then they had realized.
"It's fine. To answer your questions. Yes, he let me live…Obviously." Severus said waving his hand at himself to say 'aren't I sitting right here?'.
Harry blushed a little and nodded.
"I did see him again. Many times over the years. The first time I sought him out was actually for my own research. Felix had sent me to look for a vampire." Severus said, rolling his eyes.
"Vampires are rather common in France, however finding one is considered an arduous task. One of our experiments was meant to look at the healing properties of vampire saliva." Severus explained.
Harry scooted closer to the edge of his chair and nodded eagerly. Severus nearly chuckled. Harry looked like an excited first year. It made Severus happy to see the boy excited about anything. Perhaps he'd see if Harry wanted to brew with him. He'd not planned on doing more brewing this week, but if it excited Harry, he would be happy to do what he could to keep that look on Harry's face.
"I returned and after much wandering found Artemis. He happily obliged to donate the saliva. I think Felix was rather impressed that I was able to return within a day with what he'd asked for." Severus smirked.
Harry smiled back.
"I returned many times over the time of my mastery to learn more about vampires. I also fed him when he needed it." Severus said with a nod.
Harry's eyes got even wider at that admission.
"Really?" Harry asked in disbelief.
"Yes, once I understood the mechanics of how a vampire feeds and what it would take to kill or turn me, I was less afraid of those things happening. He never took as much as he did the first time, which allowed me to leave when he was finished. We became friends." Severus said with a slight smile.
Harry shook his head, but a small smile played on his lips.
"Do you still see him?" Harry asked curiously.
"Not in several years now. Near the end of my mastery, he found a partner and no longer needed to feed from me. We stayed in contact though. The last several years it has just been through letters." Severus explained.
"Is that who you contacted about testing your potion?" Harry asked.
Severus nodded.
"Yes, I sent the letter last week and am hoping I will hear from him soon. It would be nice to know if the potion is successful. During the last war vampires were heavily targeted. They were easy for the Dark Lord to lure with promises of all the blood they could want. They were capturing muggles and Wixen daily. The reports of missing people were mostly those the Death Eater's captured and tortured for information, then left to the vampires to finish off." Severus said in disgust.
Harry's brows furrowed in thought.
"So, this potion is to get vampires to join the Order?" Harry asked a little sadly.
Severus remembered the boy's adamant objection to the werewolf purging potion being used that way.
"Not necessarily. I would like to offer it as an alternative to joining the Dark Lord. Vampires have been shunned from society. You may remember a rather hateful article last year by Ms. Skeeter." Severus said.
A dark look came over Harry's face and he nodded.
"Yes, I do." Harry said with a touch of anger in his voice.
"There are laws in place for now that would protect vampire's from 'being stamped out', but that does not secure much more for them. Like werewolves they struggle in our society. Specifically, to find blood. Attacks become more common when fear limits those willing to feed them. The attacks only lead to more fear. At different points in history villages welcomed vampires. They would feed them and in turn the vampires were something like a night guard to protect the village from more fearsome creatures. Their strength and speed make them ideal for those kinds of jobs. At one point the ministry even employed them as auror's. Although, those days have long since passed." Severus said with a sigh.
Harry had a concentrated look on his face.
"Are you hoping this could help ease tensions? Like the werewolf potion will make them less of a threat." Harry asked.
"Yes, the werewolf purging potion would make werewolves little more than a larger population of Wixen who have an Animagus form." Severus said.
Harry's nose wrinkled.
"Lets not call it that." Harry said in distaste.
Severus raised an eyebrow.
"Purging…it makes it sound like were getting rid of them. They are still werewolves. And they don't need to be gotten rid of like some sort of pest. I think something that speaks to its ability to ease their suffering would be better." Harry stated.
Severus considered and nodded.
"Very well. We can brainstorm later. Though it does purge part of the curse. I was able to visualize the curse in the way the potion interacted with Remus." Severus said.
Harry nodded.
"He had some side effects during the moon." Harry said.
"Oh?" Severus prompted.
"Apparently it made him horribly itchy. Sirius said he practically exhausted himself scratching. Remus said it felt like grains of sand coming out of his skin." Harry explained.
Severus sat back and brought his hand to his mouth as he considered.
"It may have been more of the curse leaving his body." Severus said with a shrug.
Harry also shrugged.
"Perhaps I can look into it on one of his next full moons." Severus said.
Harry nodded and smiled softly.
"Thank you." Harry said.
Severus nodded. He felt invested in seeing how this potion worked. He also had come to consider Remus… well maybe not a friend but certainly no longer an enemy.
"Vampires." Harry muttered under his breath.
Severus looked at Harry and noticed his deep concentration. He smirked and pulled his wand before summoning a book from one of his shelves.
"Here. I have found this book to be the most accurate. I've added corrections where it is wrong according to what Artemis told me." Severus said holding out the book.
Harry stood and walked to the desk. He hesitated slightly before taking the book. When Harry looked up at him, he smiled reassuringly.
Harry smiled back.
"Thanks." Harry said softly.
"Of course. If you find yourself interested in any other reading material I have, please just ask." Severus said.
Harry smiled shyly and nodded.
"Very well, I suggest you go get settled back into your room. I need to make lunch." Severus said standing and stretching his back.
Harry nodded. He looked worried though.
"Are you concerned about returning to your room?" Severus asked.
Harry sighed and shrugged.
Severus considered for a moment. There wasn't much getting around it. That was the room he had available for the boy.
"If you find the room to be upsetting, I would be willing to try and do something different. Perhaps put a second bed in Draco's room or allow you to sleep in the sitting room." Severus offered.
Harry bit his lip and nodded hesitantly.
"Would you like me to make lunch?" Harry asked.
Severus shook his head. He'd like Harry to settle in first before he attempted to take over any chores in the house. The boy worked too hard. Severus would like to see Harry just be a normal kid for a while. If that was even possible.
"Perhaps you and Draco could make dinner." Severus offered.
Harry nodded and headed to the door of the office.
Severus collected their cups and followed. He sighed deeply as he watched Harry walk upstairs. He hoped that they could have a quiet week before they returned to school.
Harry tucked the book from Snape into his bag. He hesitated in front of the closed door to the guest room. He wasn't ready to go in. He looked down the hall and considered Draco's door. He was hesitant about seeing Draco again too, but less so then going back into the guest room. He supposed it would be better to find out where he stood with Draco.
Snape had been a surprise. He'd worried things would be stressed or awkward. Or that Snape would be angry or cold towards him, but that hadn't been the case at all. Snape had been the calm and comforting presence that he'd been missing.
He supposed his luck wouldn't hold with Draco. It was better to know where they stood now, than to be surprised when he started hexing him in the back.
He walked down the hall and sighed before raising his hand and knocking on Draco's door.
Draco lay on his bed staring at the ceiling. He was anxious about Harry's return. He wanted to see the other boy but despite his conversation with Severus he was still feeling a little angry. He knew that there was a lot more going into that feeling but it was hard to dismiss the anger.
He knew Harry must be here by now. He'd tried not to listen for the floo too eagerly. He knew Severus wanted to talk to Harry when he got here. He wondered if Harry would still be in base form. Like he had been that last night, and while he'd been in the hospital.
He wondered if Harry would be happy to see him. Perhaps Draco had done something without realizing it and that had led Harry to what he'd done.
Draco sighed and threw his arm over his face.
A moment later a hesitant knock sounded on his door. Draco glared at the door. It had to be Harry. Severus knocked with authority.
Draco pulled a mask of indifference on. He'd been hurt when Harry had hurt himself instead of talking to him. He'd been right there. Despite his feelings for the other boy he didn't want to be hurt again.
He stood from the bed and walked to the door. He considered it for a moment before pulling it open. He tried to not let the excitement shine through in his face. Harry was really there. Awake and whole and in base form. He wanted to smile and tell him how glad he was to see him. The words died in his throat though.
"Potter." Draco said coolly.
Harry frowned a little.
"Hello Draco." Harry said softly.
Draco's heart did a little flip at hearing Harry say his name. He hadn't spoken to him at all in the hospital wing.
Draco kept his face impassive.
"What can I do for you?" Draco said.
Harry swallowed and looked at the floor.
"I…Er…I just wanted to let you know I was back. I'll let you be." Harry said sadly before turning away and walking back down the hall.
"Sorry." Harry mumbled, turning, and catching Draco's eye.
Draco was reminded of that last smile he'd seen before Harry had disappeared into his room that night.
Draco sighed.
"Well, come on Potter. You might as well come in here." Draco said dully as he turned and walked back into his room.
He didn't want Harry to be alone in his room. Despite his cool welcome he was really worried about him.
Draco sat heavily on his bed and scooted so that his back was against the headboard.
Harry appeared in his doorway and shuffled unsurely.
"Come in. Close the door. I've got cooling charms in here. Severus' old house doesn't seem to have any kind of cooling system and I've been roasting alive here." Draco complained.
The corner of Harry's mouth lifted in what was almost a smile before he nodded and entered the room, closing the door behind him.
Harry seemed to hesitate for a moment before he sat next to the door and leaned against the wall. He looked good. His hair looked glossy and there was a healthy glow to his tan skin. He must have gotten some sun while he'd been away.
"It is nicer in here. I don't think I've ever cast a cooling charm at a space like this." Harry commented softly.
Draco nodded.
"I've always been pretty good at charms." Draco said with a shrug.
They sat quietly for a while. Neither of them knowing what to say. Draco wanted to ask how things had been. What he'd been doing while he was gone but he worried about what the answer might be. Harry seemed to be doing better then he was when he'd left the hospital wing, but that didn't mean much. For all Draco knew Harry was hanging by a thread. He'd promised Severus he wouldn't bring up the suicide attempt.
Draco knew better. His friends all had things that were known but they just didn't talk about unless they brought it up. Theo's father, Pansy's uncle, Blaise's mother.
He hoped Theo and Pansy's summers were going better now. He looked forward to seeing them most. Pansy could be a bitch, but it was a front for her own insecurity. Theo was really sweet and smart, but his shyness kept him in the background.
"Did Severus mention lunch?" Draco asked as his stomach gave a loud growl.
There was a firm knock on the door just then.
Draco rolled his eyes.
"Come in." Draco called.
Severus pushed the door open. Draco caught the alarmed look on his face, before he saw Harry sitting on the floor.
Severus' shoulders relaxed and his face went blank.
"Lunch is ready." Severus said neutrally.
Draco nodded. He wondered if not finding Harry in his room had caused the alarm.
Harry scooted further away from Severus before standing. The slight smile had disappeared. Draco hoped that things would relax. He wondered how the conversation between Severus and Harry had gone.
Harry was getting the dishes done and trying not to focus on the muttered conversation at the table behind him. Draco had seemed very cold when he'd knocked on the door, but he'd still invited him in. He wasn't sure how to feel about things. Their meal had been silent and awkward.
Harry felt a little mixed about knowing he wouldn't be sitting down with Sirius and Remus tonight. They had continued to talk even while they were camping. He felt he knew them better now as people. Some of those things made him feel closer to them. Other things he'd learned had reinforced his feeling that he needed to continue to wear a mask. He thought a new one had come from the time he had spent with them these past few weeks. It was more authentic but still not truly him.
He wondered if Snape would still insist on him and Draco sitting down after dinner. He also wondered if he would talk more with Snape. He'd enjoyed talking to the man earlier. He'd felt more comfortable in that conversation then he had with most of his conversations with Remus.
Harry's stomach twisted in guilt. He loved Sirius and Remus. He wished he could feel more comfortable with them. Maybe things would change over the school year.
He wondered what he should do with the rest of his day. He doubted that Draco or Snape wanted to just hang out with him. He had more studying he could do, but he was still hesitant to go to the guest room.
He bit his lip and wondered if Snape would let him go to town. He'd like to see Mary and thank her for his birthday gift. He hadn't been allowed much freedom these last few weeks. He understood but it felt suffocating.
He finished putting the dishes away and turned to see Draco and Snape watching him. He blushed and looked down. He hated being watched like that. It had been maddening to have Sirius and Remus watching him clean while he was staying with them.
"Um…can I go to town?" Harry asked softly.
There was a pause and Severus cleared his throat.
"I would prefer Draco or I went with you." Severus finally said.
Harry sighed and nodded.
"I just wanted to go to the Book Nook." Harry said softly. He hoped he'd be allowed.
"I'll go with you. I've just about finished the book's I got." Draco pipped up.
Harry studied the blond boy. He was really confusing him. He wasn't sure if Draco was mad at him or actually wanted to spend time with him.
Harry nodded.
"Is that okay?" Harry asked Snape.
Snape looked them both over and finally nodded.
"That should be fine. Please return before dark." Snape said standing from the table.
Harry nodded and Draco stood before they headed to the front door.
When they stepped out Draco turned to him.
"Um…Are you going to change you're eyes?" Draco asked softly.
Harry nodded and shifted them to the blue that were his normal for Cokeworth.
They walked quietly side by side. Harry wanted to ask how things had been, but he didn't want to start a potentially difficult conversation. Snape had said Draco had been struggling. He wanted to apologize to Draco but didn't know the right words.
Harry focused on walking and was a little startled when he felt Draco's hand brush against the back of his. He hadn't realized they were walking so close together.
"Sorry." Harry mumbled as they continued to walk.
Draco said nothing. Nor did he the next time it happened.
Harry took a full step away from Draco as they continued to walk down the road. He didn't want to make Draco uncomfortable. He also didn't want to be touched.
When they reached the door of the Book Nook, Harry stopped and turned to Draco. To his confusion Draco looked a little flushed. His cheeks had a light blush on them.
"Um…Does Mary know?" Harry asked worriedly.
Draco shook his head.
Harry's shoulders relaxed marginally.
"Severus just said that you went to stay with new guardians. He mentioned that to a few people the day he got your gifts. So, I suppose most people won't expect to see you, but just because they think you've left town." Draco answered.
Harry nodded. He'd assumed something like that had been said. A few of the gifts and notes had implied that he wouldn't be seeing them soon.
"Thank you for the terrarium, by the way. I really like it." Harry said softly.
Draco smiled softly, and to Harry's confusion blushed again. He wondered if the heat was getting to him. Draco said he was using cooling charms in his room. Perhaps Draco didn't tolerate the heat well.
Draco cleared his throat and looked at the door of the Book Nook.
"Shall we?" Draco asked.
Harry nodded and Draco held the door open for him. Harry nodded his thanks and walked into the quiet shop.
"Well hello again. Didn't think we'd be seeing you. My mother will be pleased." John said, looking up from the counter.
Harry smiled shyly and walked closer. The man appeared to be doing a crossword.
"Is she here?" Harry asked softly.
John shook his head.
"She just popped next door to talk to Julie." John answered.
He leaned over the counter slightly.
"Between you and me, she's filing for divorce. I think mum is trying to give her a hand with the paperwork." John said conspiratorially.
Harry's brows furrowed before he nodded.
It sounded like Mary was busy. He wouldn't want to get involved in that. He had never filed any kind of official paper work, and was sure he wouldn't be able to help.
"Would you mind if we look around while we wait for her?" Harry asked softly.
He knew it was a shop, but he felt strange just hanging around.
"Of course." John said with a nod.
Harry nodded and walked further into the shop. Draco followed close behind. Harry glanced over at Draco. He wondered if Snape had instructed Draco to watch him. He was frustrated at feeling like he was being babysat.
He pushed the annoyance down and turned fully to Draco.
"What kind of books have you been reading?" Harry asked.
Draco looked away and mumbled something Harry couldn't quite hear.
"What was that?" Harry asked.
Draco sighed.
"Muggle history." Draco admitted.
Harry smiled widely. He never would have suspected the pureblood of investing any time into learning anything muggle. Let alone history.
Harry nodded as he walked down the isle where he knew the history books were. He stopped and let his eyes roam over the shelves until he found one he was familiar with. He plucked it from the shelf and turned to Draco.
"Have you read this one?" Harry said holding out the book.
Draco's brows furrowed as he read the cover.
"Folklore?" Draco asked, looking up to Harry in confusion.
Harry smirked.
"It covers vampires, werewolves, witches, fairies, and all kinds of stuff. It also talks about where the 'myths' come from and how they shaped human history around the world." Harry said.
Draco frowned.
"Those aren't myths though." Draco said.
Harry nodded.
"Obviously. Muggles have an interesting way of explaining things away though. I read this before I came to Hogwarts. So, this was my understanding of these things before I learned they were all real. I bet you'll find it as interesting as I did, learning it the other way around." Harry said softly, giving Draco a small smile.
He really hoped they could keep building their friendship. Draco actually understood what was happening with the war. It wasn't just stories and news clippings to him. Harry didn't think his other friends would understand it quite the same way. Even if they'd been affected by the war.
He had also learned a bit about Draco and found him rather interesting. He could also be quite kind and funny when he chose to be.
Draco smiled before putting the book in the crook of his arm.
Harry frowned when he noticed Draco looked a little flushed again.
"Are you ill?" Harry asked in concern.
Draco raised an eyebrow and shook his head.
Harry shrugged his shoulder. Draco had been acting odd. Perhaps it was just a hard day for him too.
"Nothing." Harry shrugged it off and wandered further down the row of books.
Harry had created an impressive stack of books by the time he heard the bell on the door chime. He wasn't sure if he would get the chance to come back to town this week, and wanted to stock up on things to read while he was back at school. He'd been doing a lot of studying but sometimes he needed the escape of a novel.
Harry could hear talking from the front of the store and knew it was Mary. He considered the pile on the floor next to him. If he was sure no one else was in the shop, he would just levitate it. Knowing that Mary was aware of the magical world actually relaxed him some. He wished he'd known sooner but it hardly mattered now.
He bent down and lifted the towering stack of books then walked back towards the front of the store.
Harry heard Mary chuckle and smiled slightly behind the books. It was good to hear her voice. He'd missed her these past few weeks.
"Are you planning to take my whole shop with you?" Mary asked, happiness high in her voice.
Harry set the pile in front of the counter and smiled.
"Hi." Harry said softly.
"Hello Max." Mary replied with a smile.
"I…Er…Just wanted to stock up before I went back to school." Harry admitted.
Mary nodded.
"I see. And when are you leaving?" Mary asked.
Harry bit his lip and looked over to Draco.
"Friday." Draco answered.
Harry hadn't been sure when they were going to the Burrow, just that they were.
"Friday, I guess." Harry answered.
Mary nodded.
"Hmm…Well I usually have Severus for dinner before he run's away for the year. Would you boy's let him know I'd like you all over on Thursday?" Mary asked.
Harry felt a little hesitant about the invitation but nodded.
"Well then, let's get these rung up. Though I'm not sure how you'll get it all home." Mary laughed as she picked up the first several books from Harry's stack.
Harry smirked and pulled his bag off of his shoulders.
After she rang up each book he placed it in his bag. Mary raised an eyebrow as the last of the books disappeared. He'd put extension and featherlight charms on the bag a while ago, but this was the first time he'd put so much in there at once. He would organize them in his trunk later.
Mary smiled and shook her head before telling Harry his total. Harry paid and then Draco stepped up and put his books on the counter.
Draco dug in his pocket and produced a few crumpled notes. Harry could tell he didn't have enough.
"I've got it." Harry said softly, pulling some money from his pocket and paying for Draco's books.
"Thank you, Mary. And thanks for the book's for my birthday. They're some of my favorites." Harry said shuffling his bag back on to his shoulders.
Mary smiled.
"I thought you might enjoy them." Mary said softly.
"I'll see you boys on Thursday." Mary added.
Harry nodded and headed out the door.
"You didn't need to do that. I can get my own things." Draco growled quietly.
Harry shrugged.
"Maybe I can borrow the books sometime." Harry said.
Draco rolled his eyes and nodded.
Harry headed further down the road into town. He didn't have a destination in mind. He figured he would have at least one more trip to town, now that they'd been invited to Mary's for dinner. He'd get more drawing supplies then.
"Do you want to get a drink from the grocery and just go for a walk?" Draco offered.
Harry considered before nodding.
Harry hesitated outside the door of the guest room. With a deep sigh he pushed open the door. Today had been good for the most part. He and Draco had walked all over town. Harry had even shown Draco the house his mother had grown up in.
When they'd returned, Snape had seemed a little stressed but the longer they were back the more he seemed to relax. Harry had made them dinner and washed up. Afterwards, they had all gone to the sitting room. It almost felt like nothing had changed.
But it had.
A lot had changed, and it sat heavily in Harry's heart.
Remus had floo called near the end of there 'mandatory' hour of conversation.
Severus and Draco had left to give Harry privacy. Harry had raised a silencing spell around the room just in case.
Remus had been in a good mood. They'd had a safe trip and were settled into there hotel for the night. Sirius was excited to explore. Harry was happy they were getting this opportunity. He hadn't discussed his conversation with Snape. He felt a little bad that he had been able to open up more to him then he had Remus.
He'd told them he'd gone to town and that things were going fine.
They'd wrapped up there conversation and now he was standing in the guest room.
He walked shakily to the bed and set his bag on it. He tried not to pay any attention to the spot on the floor where he'd sat down, prepared to die.
He swallowed thickly and pulled his trunk from his bag then enlarged it. He pressed his palm to the top.
"Akela." Harry whispered.
When he'd discovered that someone had broken the wards on his trunk, he'd made them stronger and changed the password he was using.
He understood why they'd done it, but it felt invasive.
Harry flipped open his trunk and furrowed his brow at the items that had appeared.
There were new clothes, and a new bag of toiletries. On top was a letter.
Harry picked up the letter and opened it.
Pup,
We wanted you to have some new things. You deserve them. We hope your stay with Severus and Draco goes well and we can't wait to see you at Hogwarts. We're sorry we have to be apart right now, but we want you to know that will see you soon and we love you. Please keep yourself safe.
Love,
Sirius& Remus
P.S. You're essays are wonderfully done. We can't wait to have you in class.
P.P.S. People can love you without anything in return. Keep the money in here. Get something for yourself.
Harry sniffled and wiped at the tears threatening to fall from his eyes. He dug through the clothing and discovered that they'd bought him almost an entirely new wardrobe. Regulus dueling robes and wand holster were in there, as well as his dad's invisibility cloak.
He pulled the cloak to his chest and choked back a sob. He hadn't thought he'd ever see it again. He didn't see the map but that was okay.
He shuffled further down and found his essays as well as the envelopes of money he'd paid everyone back with.
He didn't understand and he was getting overwhelmed.
With a deep breath he shuffled to the bottom and collected a pair of his old pajamas and his old bag of toiletries. Closing his trunk, he shrunk it before shoving it back in his bag.
He pulled his door open and was relieved that no one was in the hall and the bathroom door was open. With a sigh, he locked the door to the bathroom and quickly undressed before climbing in the shower.
He cast a silencing spell, before sitting in the hot spray of the water and crying. He wasn't even sure why he was so upset.
He supposed it was the shock of not only knowing but seeing proof that he could be loved beyond what he could offer others. That people could care about him, think about him, and worry about him beyond what they absolutely had to do.
It made the contrast of lack of care he'd always experienced feel even sharper. He could have been cared for. He just wasn't.
He pulled his knees to his chest and sobbed harder, while he tried to focus on the stinging heat of the shower.
Harry felt wrung out and shaky when he returned to the guest room. He just wanted to sleep. He knew that tonight would be full of nightmares. He bit his lip and considered asking Snape for a dreamless sleep. Remus had said he could ask for them if he needed them, but he didn't want to disturb the man. He'd already been surprisingly kind to him today.
With a sigh he shoved his shrunken bag into the pockets of his oversized pajamas and shifted to Akela.
He whined when the smell of blood filled his nose. His blood. The room reeked of it. His ears pulled back, and he whimpered. He walked to the door and nosed it open. He froze when he caught sight of Draco at the end of the hall.
Draco froze when he saw him. He looked pale.
"Hey." Draco said, clearing his throat.
Harry whined again and lowered his head.
Draco slowly walked closer.
"Can't sleep in there?" Draco asked softly.
Harry lowered his tail and whined again.
"Yeah…I…I get that." Draco said thickly as he stared at the door to the guest room.
"Um…come on." Draco said and walked back to his room.
Harry followed slowly. Draco held the door open for him and he walked in before Draco closed it.
Harry nosed and scratched at the door.
"Er…Right. You usually sleep with it open." Draco popped the door open a little before getting in bed.
Harry walked over and curled up in the corner of his room. He watched Draco. This room smelt strange but familiar. He supposed in his Animagus form he recognized Draco scent. His scent felt safe. Safe was comforting.
Harry closed his eyes and sighed.
"Good night, Harry." Draco whispered as he flicked his wand and turned out the lights.
Severus sighed as he slouched in his seat in the sitting room. Today had been more stressful then he'd expected. He'd agreed to let Harry go to town with Draco. However, He'd been nearly pulling his hair out with worry by time they had returned.
He'd promised to keep an eye on the boy, but this was a different feeling then it had been when Harry had been here before.
Remus had told him in the hospital wing when Harry's issues had first been discovered that they had no choice but to trust Severus with Harry. He had done what he felt he could. Things had been rough, but Harry had improved until Draco had joined them. Then things had just progressively gotten worse.
Finding Harry nearly unconscious in a puddle of blood would haunt him for the rest of his life. He'd failed Harry.
He was worried something else like that would happen.
They'd had a nice meal. When Harry had started dishes, he'd quietly inquired how the trip to town had gone. Draco had said it had been fine. That they'd gone to the Book Nook and Mary had invited them all to dinner later in the week. Severus always looked forward to his little goodbye with Mary, but it would mean something different this year with the boys.
Harry had his own relationship with Mary. Draco had also become friendly with the old woman.
He sighed again and stood. He wanted to make sure that the boys had gone to bed. He'd heard the shower running a while ago. Given how long it had run, he assumed it must have been Harry.
When he reached the top of the stairs, he noticed that the door to Harry's room was open, and the lights were on.
He walked to the door and pushed it further open. His breath caught when once again he found it empty. He had panicked when Harry hadn't been in there earlier. He looked down the hall and saw the bathroom door open.
He raised an eyebrow when he noticed Draco's door open a crack.
He walked down the hall and pushed the door open.
Draco was in bed, though he was just staring at the ceiling. Severus glanced around and spotted Harry in his Animagus form balled up in the corner of the room.
"Are you okay?" Severus said softly.
Draco's eyes flicked over to him, and he nodded.
"Yeah…I think the room upset him. Found him in the hall like that whining." Draco said gesturing to the corner Harry was in.
Severus nodded.
"Do you mind him being in here?" Severus asked quietly.
He didn't want Draco to be uncomfortable in his own space.
Draco shook his head.
"No, he's fine." Draco whispered back.
Severus nodded.
"Very well. I'll see you in the morning." Severus said.
"Good night Sev." Draco whispered.
"Good night, Draco." Severus said, pulling the door mostly closed.
Severus grumbled as he headed for the bathroom.
He hoped this week could be calm. Perhaps the boys would stay in the house. He didn't want to worry about Harry being away.
He decided he would invite them both to the potions lab tomorrow. Perhaps if they had something to do, they wouldn't have time to find other trouble.
Severus chuckled darkly.
As if. His mind supplied sarcastically.