Chapter 11. Letting Go

Saturday after lunch, the first years left for the training grounds for their first flying lesson. Everyone was boasting about all the flying they had done. Some, you could tell were straight up lies, they were too ludicrous to be true.

Harry could tell that Anissa was nervous. Truthfully, he was too, but he would never show it. He hoped that it was something he did naturally as the books only explained so much. It was really about feeling the broom and one's natural ability. Harry put his hand on Anissa's shoulder and squeezed gently.

"What if I make a fool of myself, Harry?" she whispered.

"Won't happen, you are amazingly good at everything. Besides, I'd hex anyone who made fun of you." joked Harry.

Anissa smiled softly and punched Harry's arm. "My hero."

She was comforted by Harry's belief in her. He was always her biggest supporter. They had read about flying, so they knew the basics of what to do, but that was not the same as actually getting on a broom. Anissa just hoped she did not fall off.

"Anyway," Harry added. "I'll probably fall off since the broom won't be able to carry my big head. No one will be paying any attention to you."

Anissa giggled as Harry had meant her too, unknowingly following her last thoughts. He put his arm around her shoulders as they made their way onto the field. Neither of them noticed the blonde walking a few feet behind them with the malicious smirk on his face.

Madam Hooch, the flying instructor and Quidditch coach, was standing in the center of the rows of brooms lying on the ground. She was a tall witch with short spiky white hair. Her yellow eagle eyes swept over the group.

"Everyone here? Good." Madam Hooch stared at them. "Well, what are you waiting for, step up to the left side of a broom."

Everyone scrambled for a broom. The brooms were well used as twigs stuck out at weird angles and there were scuffs and knicks on the handles. Harry wondered if they could even fly. Anissa stood next to Harry, and he gave her an encouraging smile. Meanwhile, Malfoy had placed himself on Anissa's other side. Harry glared at him, to which Malfoy just smirked.

"Now, place your right hand over your broom and say Up." Madam Hooch instructed.

A chorus of "Up" rang across the grounds. Harry's broom jumped right into his hand and so did Anissa's. Unfortunately, so did Malfoy's. Harry had been hoping Malfoy's broom would just stay still or roll away in disgust. Looking around, Harry could see the others struggling. Neville's broom laid there like Harry had wished Malfoy's would have.

Ron growled at his and it jumped up and smacked him in the face. Harry snickered and got a 'Shut up, Harry' from Ron. Hermione's tumbled around as she desperately shouted. Luna's floated around her like it was a cat, rubbing against her leg, before she reached out and grabbed it.

Madam Hooch then showed them how to mount their brooms without sliding off the end, then walked around correcting grips. Harry and Anissa shared a smirk when Madam Hooch told Malfoy he had been doing it wrong. Anissa's grip needed a slight adjustment, but Harry's was just fine. Madam Hooch returned to the center of the group.

"Hope you don't fall off and make a fool of yourself, King," drawled Draco, making Anissa blush.

"Shove off, Malfoy." said Harry, telling Anissa to ignore him and trading spots with her.

"Everyone pay attention! When I blow my whistle, I want you to kick off from the ground, hard. Keep your brooms steady as you rise a few feet, then come straight back down by leaning forward slightly. Everyone understand? Good, three... two… one…"

At her whistle, Harry kicked off from the ground, and was shocked at how easy it was to control the broom. The broom felt good in his hands, and he could not wait to see what he could do in the open. He looked around to see how the others faired.

Anissa was smiling brightly at him, causing Harry to smile hugely back. He was relieved that she was able to handle the broom well. Draco looked bored as he sneered down at Crabbe and Goyle who were having a hard time getting off the ground.

Luna was lying across her broom and looked… well, dreamy as usual. Ron and Hermione were smiling, hovering just fine if not a bit shakily, while Neville looked like he might faint. He was trembling so hard that the broom looked like it was vibrating.

After a couple seconds of hovering, Madam Hooch ordered everyone to touch back down. Suddenly a cry rang out, and Neville was shooting up into the air, his scared face pleading with them to help, as he went higher and higher. Cries of shock rang out from the students.

"Mr. Longbottom, come back down at once." Madam Hooch demanded.

They could see Neville struggle to descend, but the broom had other plans. It zigzagged and bucked, but Neville held on tightly, someone keeping his seat. But then it flipped over, and Neville dropped like a stone.

Harry watched in horror, thinking that Madam Hooch would cast a spell to catch him, then at the last minute he shot out the cushioning charm he had read about. WHAM! – a thud and a nasty crack and Neville was in a heap on the ground. Harry hoped his spell had been enough to keep Neville alive.

Madam Hooch ran over and lifted him up. At Neville's groan, Harry and Anissa sighed in relief, his spell had worked, their friend was still alive. From the height Neville had fallen from, he was lucky he was not severely hurt or dead. Why did Madam Hooch not do something to save Neville as he was falling?

Madam Hooch tutted. "A broken wrist. Everyone will keep their feet on the ground as I take Mr. Longbottom to the hospital wing. Anyone who disobeys will be out of Hogwarts before they can say Quidditch."

As soon as Madam Hooch led Neville away, Malfoy burst into laughter. The other Slytherins joined in. Harry and Anissa glared at the Slytherins. Of course, Malfoy would find another's suffering funny, the wanker.

"Did you see Lardbottom's face?"

Malfoy then spotted something shiny in the grass where Neville had been lying and walked over and picked up a small clear ball. It was Neville's Remembrall, he had shown them it that morning at breakfast. Malfoy started tossing it up and down in his hand. Anissa could feel Harry shaking next to her.

'Oh crap.' she thought, just as Harry stepped towards Malfoy.

"Malfoy, you git, give me that. It's Neville's and you know it." demanded Harry.

Malfoy just smirked and held up the ball. "This? Finders' keepers, Potter."

Malfoy fisted the ball when Harry stepped up to him. Anissa joined Harry, followed by Ron and the bushy-haired girl named Hermione. Malfoy looked around and realized he was separated from the rest of the Slytherins. Panic momentarily passed over his face.

"You want it, Potter? Go get it!"

Malfoy then shot the ball, enhanced by accidental magic from his anxiety, high into the air. He turned to smirk at Harry only to find Harry's fist in his face. Gasps sounded but Harry was already on a broom and shooting off after the ball.

"Oh God, Harry!" Anissa was scared, they had never flown before. Ron put a hand on her shoulder, and Hermione slipped her hand into hers, as they watched.

Harry soared through the air. This was easy, this was wonderful, it was like he was born to fly. Not as good as being a raven, but still great. His focus shifted as he watched the ball arc down toward the school…and right for Min's window!

Harry knew if he did not catch the ball, it would smash through the window and possibly hurt Min. He would never let that happen. Harry instinctively knew what to do. He leaned forward, almost level with the broom, and shot downward. Eyes on the ball he did not see the castle wall, nor did he hear Anissa scream his name.

Harry screeched to a halt only centimeters from the brickwork by Min's window as he reached out a hand and he flung himself upside-down to snag the ball from the air. He fisted the ball as he pulled himself upright, turned, flew back, and landed near Anissa. She had tears in her angry eyes as she marched towards him and Harry was instantly worried. Did something else happen with Malfoy?

"Ow! Oof!" Anissa had punched him then hugged him. Harry looked at Ron in confusion, Ron's face echoed his, while Hermione rolled her eyes.

"You idiot!" Anissa scolded. "You absolute idiot! What were you thinking? You've never flown before, and you almost hit the wall! You could have died! I could have seen you die." Anissa whispered the last sentence.

"Precisely right, Miss King. Mr. Potter you will follow me."

Harry stiffened when he heard that voice. He apprehensively turned to see a very livid Professor McGonagall standing in front of him. Harry's heart started hammering and his mind filled with images of what punishment he might receive. Harry gulped and followed, Malfoy and his goons laughing behind him.

Minerva had been grading papers in her office when she saw the first years start their flying lesson. She smiled as she remembered her first time flying and the joy she felt every time she flew on her old Silver Arrow.

She watched in concern when the Longbottom boy flew straight up, then stood when he fell. She held her breath until Madam Hooch walked away with him. She had almost turned away when she noticed the altercation between the Malfoy boy and Harry. The next thing she knew Malfoy was on the ground and Harry was in the air… diving towards the castle!

'What does he think he's doing? He's going to crash!' Minerva was terrified.

She saw the glint of the ball seconds before Harry caught it. The move was beautifully done, worthy of praise, if it had not been so dangerous and made her heart pound. She pressed a hand to her chest and angrily left her office to kill her idiotic kitten.

Fleetingly, as she stormed through the corridors, she thought that Harry would make an excellent Seeker. She would have to talk with Filius about it. She knew he needed a new one. Minerva marched onto the field and heard Anissa's last words. She felt for the girl, given the bond the two had.

"Precisely right, Miss King. Mr. Potter you will follow me."

Minerva could see the fear on Harry's face. Although she wanted to assure him that he was not going to be punished the way he was used to, she also knew he needed to sweat for a few minutes. Served him right, pulling a stunt like that. Without another word, she led him straight to Filius's office.

Harry was terrified that he was going to be expelled and sent back to the Dursleys. He could hear McGonagall muttering under her breath as she marched down the corridor. Harry had no idea where they were going until he heard a squeaky voice bid them entry after McGonagall knocked on a door. They were at Professor Flitwick's office. Harry was doomed.

Minerva ushered Harry in and when Filius saw the murderous look on Minerva's face, and the terrified one on Mr. Potter's, he knew something big had happened. Minerva pointed to a chair and Potter quickly sat.

Harry was not terrified anymore, just resigned. He was already planning out how he could keep learning magic and where he would live. Like hell was he going back to the Dursleys when he now had the means to leave them. He would bring Anissa with him as well as he had promised.

"Professor McGonagall, what is going on?" Filius had seen Mr. Potter's face change from resignation to one of determination and he wondered what the boy was thinking.

"I caught Mr. Potter flying after Madam Hooch left to take another student to the hospital wing. I brought Mr. Potter to you so you could decide his punishment." said Minerva.

Filius nodded and asked Harry to tell his story. Harry took a deep breath then told them about Neville's accident, Malfoy's hurtful words and his flight to catch the Remembrall before it broke through the window and hurt Professor McGonagall. Minerva felt a rush of warmth that Harry had been worried for her safety.

"You do realize, Mr. Potter, that if Mr. Malfoy had broken Mr. Longbottom's Remembrall, he would have been made to replace it." Flitwick stated.

"Oh, I didn't think –"

"That much is obvious." Flitwick interrupted. "And as much as I commend you for standing up to a bully, especially for someone from another House, you should have taken this to a teacher. I will inform you later when and where you will serve detention."

Harry nodded, looking at his shoes. He was relieved he was not going to be expelled, but felt horrible for disappointing his Head of House and Min. He jerked when he felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Minerva smiling widely.

"Now that that is taken care of," Minerva turned to Filius with glee. "Filius, do you have a need for a Seeker?"

Harry received Professor Flitwick's note at dinner. He had detention tomorrow at seven in the morning with Hagrid. Harry had no idea what to expect, and Anissa was still upset with him, so he could not talk to her about it.

Ron told him of the many detentions the twins had endured, and they did not sound too bad, but they had never had one with Hagrid. He was an unknown, and the unknown scared Harry. Would the punishment be like what the Dursleys did to him? Anissa finally took pity on Harry since he just sat there staring at his empty plate. He could not afford to miss a meal.

"It will be fine, Harry. You know Hagrid, he wouldn't be mean to you."

Harry nodded, still staring at his plate. Anissa sighed, finished her dinner, and when she stood up so did Harry. He followed her back to the common room, then went straight to bed. It was a restless night for Harry.

Harry was feverishly cleaning up a broken glass that Dudley had thrown at him as Vernon yelled at him for breaking their possessions. He quickly picked up the glass shards but accidentally cut his hand on a large piece as he did so. Blood spattered the floor, enraging Vernon.

"Boy, do not get your worthless blood on our floor!"

But it was too late, the cut was too deep, and the blood poured from his hand onto the spotless floor he had just cleaned. Red faced, Vernon got up from the table and backhanded Harry, causing him to sprawl onto the floor and smear his blood.

Vernon grabbed Harry by the back of his shirt, and using his body, he mopped up the blood, which only smeared it around even more. Harry was then picked up by his hair and thrown into his cupboard. Vernon closed the grill on the door and Harry was left in total darkness.

Harry gasped awake, taking deep breaths as he looked around, trying to remember where he was and calming his racing heart. Was his dream a forewarning of what was to come during his detention? Harry stared at the top of his four poster for the rest of the night.

The next morning, Harry warily met Hagrid in front of his hut, Fang sitting at his feet wagging his tail. He had been too nervous to eat breakfast, and his stomach was now churning with nausea. He thought he might vomit, though there was nothing in his stomach to do so.

"Alrigh' there Harry?" Hagrid did not look mad, so Harry's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Now don't look so relieved, this is a detention after all. We'll be workin' in me garden today."

Harry nodded, this was something he could do, he was good at weeding. Hagrid led him into his garden, and they spent the morning pulling weeds and trimming the plants. Some of Hagrid's pumpkins were ginormous, Harry could probably stand in them, and he asked Hagrid about them.

"These will go inter the Great Hall fer Halloween. Makes a righ' sight. The littler ones will be baked inter pies." explained Hagrid.

"I bet they will look amazing. These are the biggest I've ever seen." Harry praised and Hagrid puffed out his chest. Harry then heard his name being called and looked over to see Anissa coming towards them. She had a soft smile on her face.

"Hello there, Anissa. Wha'er you doin here? This is a detention ya know." asked Hagrid.

"I thought you'd be done by now. It is lunch time and Harry will need to shower before he eats."

Anissa laughed at the look on their faces. Both dirty wizards were surprised, looked at each other, and chuckled. They had been having too much fun together to realize the time. Good friendship will do that.

"Well, off ya get then. Come an visit when it's not fer detention, yeah?" Hagrid waved them away.

After they ate lunch, the duo decided to visit the library. They had a bit of homework left to finish and wanted to get it done before curfew. Not surprisingly, they met Hermione there. She smiled and waved them over.

"Are you two here to study?" asked Hermione.

"We need to finish our Transfiguration essay and the book I need is here. We'd be happy to have your input if you wouldn't mind giving it." replied Anissa.

"Ha, like you two need it, but I'd be happy to help where I can. I don't have any friends, so any conversation is good." Harry and Anissa shared a look and Harry nodded towards Hermione.

"We're your friends, Hermione, but can I make a suggestion? I don't want to seem rude, because I'm not trying to be, I just want to help." Anissa hesitantly asked.

"Of course, Anissa. What did you want to say?" encouraged Hermione. She was happy that these two were her friends.

"You might try toning down your enthusiasm over telling everyone the answers and how they are wrong on assignments. Most people find it obnoxious." Anissa said delicately.

Hermione's jaw dropped. "But they should know they are wrong. How else will they get the answers right?"

Harry nodded. "And they will, when they get their papers back from the professors covered in red ink. Don't take it upon yourself to teach them, you'll only give yourself a headache and push would-be friends away. Worry about your own studies. If others want your help, they will ask you for it. Anissa and I have asked you for help before. We've seen how smart you are, and others have too. Let them come to you. You'll make more friends that way."

Hermione was silent as she thought over their words, then after a minute she finally nodded. Harry and Anissa sighed in relief. They were glad that she was not offended and that they would still have their friend. Harry hoped she would gain many new friends as well.

"Thank you. No one has ever explained that to me before, they just call me a know-it-all. I didn't even realize I was antagonizing people. I just get so exasperated when the answer is right there, and they just don't care. I will try not to do that anymore. Thank you for being my friends." Hermione smiled.

"Our pleasure. It's always good to have smart friends." Anissa said.

Anissa reached over and patted a blushing Hermione's hand. Half an hour later, Ron found them and convinced Harry to play a game of chess with him. Harry was hands at chess, but he liked Ron, so he played.

That night, Harry woke up shaking from his old dream about the green light and high-pitched cackle. He had not had that particular dream in a while and wondered why he had it now. This time, Anissa had been there and was hit by that green light. Harry had held her lifeless body in his arms.

He wondered what it could mean. He now knew that the green light was the curse that had killed his parents. Did this mean something was going to happen to Anissa? Disturbed, Harry reached out through their link and could feel Anissa's calm presence. He rolled over and tried to go back to sleep.

After enduring another horrible Potions class, where Snape was unreasonably horrid to Harry, he and Anissa stayed after and warily approached Snape's desk. Snape looked up as they neared the desk and narrowed his eyes.

'What does the spawn of James Potter want?' he thought.

"You two had better leave, you will be late for your next class, and I will not write you an excuse. Run along." Severus said briskly.

"Sir, we were wondering if there was a way we could practice brewing potions other than in class?" asked Anissa. They figured since Snape hated Harry, that they would get a better response if Anissa asked. Severus raised an eyebrow.

"If you two had been paying attention the first day of class, you would have heard me say that there are reserved times for students to come and practice on Friday evenings at eight." he sneered.

Harry and Anissa shared a look. They would have definitely remembered that, but they did not say anything. That was as close to a yes as they were going to get, and they did not want him to change his mind.

"Thank you, sir." Anissa responded politely.

Snape nodded curtly and Harry and Anissa left the room. That started their weekly Potions study habit, and even though Snape was still mean to them during each class, he was a great teacher during the study time.

Harry massaged his arm and groaned, he felt achy all over. He had been feeling off all week but thought nothing of it. He had been using more magic than he ever had before and thought maybe that was the cause. When the pain had started, he ignored that too.

Harry was used to pain, he could handle quite a bit of it actually, but this felt different. He felt full, tight like he was going to burst from the pressure. He found that every time he used his magic the pain would flare. He did not understand it. It had not done this when he had practiced out in their field at home.

Cricking his neck, Harry tried to focus on Professor McGonagall's lesson, but his attention was quickly grabbed by a shooting pain that went down his spine. Harry was becoming concerned, he had not even used magic that time, he was just sitting there, his wand still in his pocket.

Anissa noticed Harry's inattention and elbowed him. At his grimace she became worried. Harry never showed that he was in pain. She brushed against their bond but did not want to invade Harry's privacy. She gave him a questioning look, but he just shook his head and focused on McGonagall again.

Stumbling, Harry walked with Anissa, Ron, and Hermione to their Charms class. Anissa turned to him in concern.

"Harry, are you okay?"

Anissa reached out to steady him and could feel the heat pouring off him. Panicked, she pulled Harry out of the flow of students, Ron and Hermione quickly followed.

"You don't look so good, mate," said Ron, worried.

"He needs to go to the infirmary," said Hermione.

"I'll take him. Can you tell Professor Flitwick for us?" asked Anissa.

"Of course. Hurry, he looks like he's about to fall over." urged Hermione.

Anissa propped Harry up as they slowly moved down the corridor towards the hospital wing. They did not make it. Harry started to shake hard, and he was getting impossibly hotter. Anissa knew she would not be able to hold Harry up for long and looked around for a place out of the way to put him down and saw an open door.

It looked like an unused classroom, so she steered Harry inside. Harry crumbled to the floor, taking Anissa with him with a yelp. Anissa cradled Harry in her arms, tears falling down her cheeks as she whispered to him. He was way too hot.

"I've got you, Harry. It will be okay, just hold on. Please."

Anissa was frightened, she had never seen or read about anything like this. What should she do? Harry could not move, and she was not about to leave Harry there alone. She needed help. Anissa suddenly started to feel Harry's magic, like she did when they dreamt together, only this time it was really strong. Like really, really, strong and the heat coming from him was intense.

"Harry?"

But Harry was unconscious. Anissa held him closer as his magic grew stronger and stronger. She felt full to bursting, almost painful with it, and she panted at the pressure. It washed through her and moved outward to encompass the room.

The walls started to pulse with the strength of Harry's magic filling the room like it had her. Anissa watched as black twisting smoke started to rise out of Harry's body. She held on tighter as she watched some of the smoke form into a pulsing ball of wispy smoke. Tendrils would reach out, then suck back into the ball. It was beautiful and scary at the same time.

The pressure in the room was so dense it hurt Anissa's ears, but she did not let Harry go. She would not leave him alone, would not abandon him. The ball moved towards her, almost touching her, the heat feeling like it was burning her. Anissa shook hard as she stared at the ball.

"Please don't hurt him," she whispered.

Suddenly, she could feel the ball's presence in her head. It felt like Harry, only this presence was extremely angry. It burned against her mind, causing her to wince and cry out in pain. She did not know what it was looking for, but the ball pulsed a couple times, then floated back a couple of feet. The heat dissipated and Anissa took a breath in relief.

The ball started writhing and pulsing faster and faster, expanding to half the room's size then contracting back into the ball in seconds, and Anissa was suddenly forced flat to the floor by the pressure. She kept her grip on Harry, half covering him with her body. If he was going to die, she was going with him. She promised him he would never be alone again.

The explosion that came was deafening. Anissa could see nothing, as everything went pitch black. Then a tiny light appeared in the darkness. The smoky black ball was still hovering above them, but now had a bright golden center, and it slowly moved back into Harry's body.

Harry shuddered and took a deep breath. Free of the pressure, Anissa quickly sat up and looked at Harry face. His bright Avada green eyes opened and looked up into her tearful purple eyes, and in their depths was a dancing black flame that had a gold center.

Suddenly the door burst open and in rushed Professor Dumbledore, followed by Madam Pomfrey. Anissa was still curled around Harry, staring into his eyes, and petting his hair. She was afraid to look away from him. Afraid that pulsing mass would take Harry away.

Albus looked around in shock. The room was destroyed, anything that had been whole was now in pieces. The walls were bowed and black by Dark magic. It would take months for Hogwarts to heal herself, if she even could. In the middle of the black mess sat Anissa and Harry.

"What?" Madam Pomfrey was speechless.

"Let's get them to the infirmary," said Albus.

When they approached to separate them, a blue fire blocked their path, and nothing they did could quench the flames. Albus studied Anissa, knowing that somehow the fire was coming from her and was quite impressed by her skill. He sighed.

"I suggest we treat Mr. Potter here, Poppy. I will change the room into a temporary infirmary." Madam Pomfrey nodded and quickly left to gather supplies. Albus waved his wand, and one extra-large bed appeared. "Madam Pomfrey will need access to Harry, my dear," said Albus.

"Don't try and separate us. I won't allow it. I can't." whispered Anissa, tightening her hold on Harry.

"I understand. Can you tell me what happened?" asked Albus as the flames slowly disappeared and he stepped forward.

Anissa explained everything to Dumbledore. When she described the hot, black, pulsing smoke that rose out of Harry, he whispered 'Obscurus' and she made a note to look that up immediately.

She would find out what that thing was and if that thing was a danger to Harry. When Madam Pomfrey came back, they were able to get Harry situated onto the bed and she worked around Anissa as Anissa continued to hold onto Harry and talk to Dumbledore.

"I think we should keep this between us for now. I'll let Minerva know. She will be worried." said Albus.

"Thank you, Headmaster. Thank you, Madam Pomfrey." sighed Anissa as she cuddled into Harry's side. She fell asleep next to an already unconscious Harry.

After being released from the hospital wing, Harry and Anissa spent the next day in the library looking up what an Obscurus was. The more they read the more Harry became scared. He could not believe what he had read, though he understood how he had made one.

According to the books, Harry was a ticking timebomb. He could lash out and kill someone without thought. There were no known cases where the host managed to control the Obscurus, and the host always died from the parasite. Magic came easily to Harry, but he could not believe he had something that strong living inside him.

Anissa dismissed the thought of Harry hurting anyone, knowing Harry would rather hurt himself than someone else. He was too kind, and exceptionally strong, but Harry was convinced that he was too powerful and needed to be separated from everyone so he did not accidentally hurt someone. He was a freak even in the wizarding world.

Harry started spending his time alone and only seeing Anissa at meals or in class. Nothing she said would change his mind. His practical schoolwork was toned down a lot, in fear of it bursting out and destroying something or hurting someone.

Both Minerva and Dumbledore had tried talking to him, but he would not let them get near him. A strong shield kept them away. He was so afraid of hurting those he loved that he eventually shut himself in the unused room he had previously destroyed and sealed the door.

When Anissa was the only one to come to the Potions study group on the latest Friday, Severus decided to intervene. The next day he marched to the room Potter was hiding in, finding Anissa sitting in the hall, and sending her on her way. She reluctantly left asking him to "Please help him."

Severus gave her a curt nod then knocked and commanded Potter to let him in this instant. The door swung open, and Snape strode inside, the door closing instantly behind him. Harry could never say no to that dark, demanding voice that pulled at something inside of him.

Severus looked around with a sneer. A disheveled Potter was sitting on the dirty floor staring at his hands. He looked so lost and forlorn; it was pitiful. Severus knew he would have to be mean to be kind. Something had to get the boy out of his head, and that something was Severus Snape.

"So, you're going to stay here for the rest of your life?" Severus sneered. Harry nodded but did not look up. Severus narrowed his eyes at the boy's disrespect. "Look at me when I am speaking to you, and a verbal answer if you please," he demanded, and Harry instantly obeyed that dark, enticing voice.

"I don't want to hurt anyone, sir. I'm too strong. I won't be able to control it. I – I have an Obscurus."

"I know what you are, and I know you are strong enough to control it," stated Severus.

"Doesn't matter. I'm going to die anyway. It's not fair to let anyone get close to me just to lose me, and I don't want anyone to hurt once I'm gone." Harry sighed and gave Severus such a sad look that it tugged at his heart.

"It is a bit late for that. How do you think Miss King will feel when you abandon her?" Harry cringed, his shoulders curling inward. "You have survived the deadliest curse known to wizardkind. You can beat your Obscurus if you so desire."

Harry just shook his head and laid it on his drawn-up knees. Severus sighed at the forlorn figure. He knew he had to get the boy to see he was strong and not a danger to others or himself. Severus smirked at the thoughts filling his mind on what he was going to do. Let's see what the boy does when he's angry. He conjured a chair and sat in front of Harry.

"Well, I guess we should lock you away then," said Severus snidely. Harry curled into himself further. He had been thinking the same thing, but it hurt to hear Snape say it. "We cannot have you going into Professor McGonagall's class and attacking her now, can we?"

"I would never," said Harry, picking up his head to scowl at Severus.

"Or perhaps it will be Hagrid out on the grounds."

"No," growled Harry as tendrils of anger started to spread through his veins at the injustice of Snape's words. Severus ignored Harry's outburst and continued, watching his reactions closely as he sneered at him.

"Or better yet, perhaps you will attack Mr. Malfoy in the corridors. He would deserve that, being a worthless, slimy Slytherin."

Harry's face was turning red in anger and whisps of smoke danced along his skin. How could Snape think he would just go around attacking people. He hated bullies. He might not like Draco, but even he did not deserve to be attacked by a monster.

Severus smirked as he watched Harry's anger burn in his eyes. The smoke rose and twisted around the boy's skin, little tendrils reaching out, but it was not attacking. The boy did have control of it, he just did not realize it yet. Just a little bit more, Severus thought.

"No? Maybe you will just stick to Miss King then, since she is always conveniently near you and pestering you."

Harry scrambled to his feet, fists clenched so tightly his knuckles were white, and fury blazing in his eyes. Severus was impressed by the shiver of apprehension those eyes sent down his spine. The smoke started to roil angrily across Harry's body, the tendrils reaching out further in sharp stabs.

Severus watched with a sneer as Harry's anger grew. His glaring green eyes flashed with black fire. Severus sucked in a sharp breath at the power he saw in those depths, but quickly covered it so that he could prove to the boy that he could control it.

"I'd never hurt her! That is my sister!" Harry declared, glaring daggers at Snape.

Harry was beyond angry at what Snape was saying. How dare he think that he would do anything to hurt her! Anissa was his sister, and he would rather die than hurt her. That is why he was here, alone. Harry was breathing hard, anger coursing through him as he glared at the man who thought he could be so despicable.

He had thought that Snape was starting to like him, with all the time he spent with the man doing extra potions. He should have known that he would never be worth the man's time. That he was merely faking kindness, and that the way he treated him in class was real. What else did he expect?

"Potter," Severus said calmly. He pointedly looked around the room, then met Harry's eyes. "You have not exploded, you have not attacked me, and I can tell you are very angry and hurt. There is no damage to me or to this room beyond what you have already done."

It took a minute for the words to penetrate through the haze of anger and for Harry's mind to comprehend what had just happened. His anger melted away, the smoke sinking back under his skin, but he was still peeved. Underneath it all, he was relieved.

"Very Slytherin, Professor," Harry glared at him.

Severus smirked. "Indeed, but effective. You did not lose control as you had feared. You kept yourself from attacking me, even though you were angry at what I was saying. You are very powerful, Potter, more than any child I have ever known, but you also have amazing control of your magic. Your magic and your Obscurus seem to have accepted each other and exist harmoniously. I think you would have to willingly give up complete control for it to take over you again, now that you know it is there. Or if you were in mortal danger, I think it would protect you. If you learn to coexist with it, I think you will live a very long life."

Severus waited quietly while Harry pondered over what he had just experienced. Harry had never lashed out like he feared the whole time he was with the Dursleys, and he had been furious many times. John would have been killed months ago if Harry did not have control over it.

Maybe Snape was right, and he had a better grasp on his magic than he had realized. Harry did not feel like he was going to hurt or destroy anything. He could feel the Obscurus moving around under his skin in agitation, but he was in total control. He sent calmness to the Dark mass, and it became quiet and waiting, ready for when it was needed again.

Could they really inhabit the same body in peace? Would he be able to live while so many others had died from their Obscurus? Did he only have to accept it and not fight against it. Cautiously, Harry inwardly reached out to the Dark mass and a tendril reached back. He could feel the heat from it, the pain of it, but it did not burn him as they connected.

The tendril wrapped around Harry and moved like a cat rubbing against its master in welcome. Thoughts and feelings became known to Harry, and he knew it was the Obscurus'. It was like a very angry and powerful pet, but also a very loyal one.

Harry stroked his hand across its surprisingly solid body, and it vibrated softly like a purr. Harry smiled and sent back his own feelings to the beast. When he looked at Snape again, there was relief in his eyes.

"Thank you, sir. You took a huge risk, goading me like that," said Harry.

"I knew you would not hurt me, but I also took some precautions."

Severus flicked his wand and a bubble surrounding him shone yellow before he waved it away. He smirked as he stood up and waved his wand to vanish the chair before moving towards the boy. Harry flinched back when he saw Snape quickly coming at him, but when Snape stopped and just stood there waiting for him, he relaxed.

Severus saw that flinch. He knew what that kind of flinch meant, but he did not want to believe it. The boy was supposed to have been spoiled by his family. He could not be that wrong about the boy, could he? He needed to find out. That would change everything he knew about the boy and how he would interact with him.

"Do not worry about your strength. We will test your control, and you will see how far you can be pushed before you start to lose it. I will show you how strong you really are."

"Thank you, Professor. I know you didn't need to come here, or to help me with this further." Harry said in gratitude.

Severus nodded curtly then gestured around the room, making Harry really take a look at the destruction he had caused. He was surprised and ashamed of what he did, even if he was unconscious at the time. Inwardly, he told the Obscurus to never do that again unless it was an emergency.

"Maybe you could use your newfound powers to fix this room? It will take Lady Hogwarts months to fix this, if she can."

Feeling horrible, Harry walked over to the closest wall and laid his hand on it. He could feel his own magic, only it was twisted. But he also felt something else… A weak pulse fluttered against his palm and Harry pushed his magic back against it.

He had heard others talk about Lady Hogwarts, and had also read about her, but this was the first time he really had the chance to 'talk' to her. He apologized for the pain he had caused her and asked her to guide him as he made amends by fixing it.

He felt a stronger pulse, like she was reaching out for him, and a sort of connection clicked into place. Harry felt it throughout his whole body and his Obscurus sat up and watched. He then experienced what felt like the same warm embrace he had felt the first time he had entered her doors.

Harry followed her link as she showed him the internal damage – Harry winced and tsked at his Dark pet – and like he did when he was healing Hedwig, he started fixing up the damage he had caused piece by piece. He could feel her presence getting stronger as he worked, his Obscurus giving Harry its strength as well, and he was glad that she was so forgiving.

Severus watched as Potter stood with his hand on the wall for a couple of minutes. He was about to tell him to stop when he felt the first pulse of magic flood the room. He watched, amazed, as the walls slowly rippled and started to move back to their unbowed shape and the black receded. Just how powerful was Potter?

When the room was back to its original state, Harry staggered, and Severus caught him before he could fall. He was quick to pull away from Severus as a different pain rushed through his body. He was still sore across his shoulders as the word carved into his muscles had not yet fully healed.

"You have done well. I did not think you would actually be able to do it all alone. I am impressed, Potter." Severus looked around and nodded.

Harry blushed at the compliment, then Severus ushered him out of the door and walked him to the Ravenclaw common room entrance. Severus was thinking of Lily and what she would think of his offer to help her son. Would she approve? Harry answered the riddle to get through the door then turned to Severus again.

"Good night, Sir, and thank you again."

Another curt nod and Severus turned on his heel and was gone. Harry entered the common room to find Anissa sitting by the fire waiting for him. She jumped up and watched him warily. She did not want to be pushed away again, so when Harry gathered her into his arms, she burst into tears.

"I'm sorry," Harry whispered into her hair. "After finding out how powerful and unpredictable an Obscurus was, I was scared that I'd hurt you." Anissa hugged him tighter. "I'll be working with Snape to make sure it can never take over me again. It would kill me if I hurt you." he explained.

"You'd never hurt me, Harry, and your Obscurus didn't either, even when we were face to face. I'm here to help you too, so please don't push me away again. I can't lose you like that." Anissa pleaded. Harry's heart ached at those words. He knew he had really hurt her, and he would have to make up for that.

"I'll never leave you again. I can't tell you how sorry I am for causing you the pain I was trying so hard to avoid. I'm so sorry, sis."

They took some time to talk before heading to bed and Harry kissed her forehead with another apology and a promise. With a smile, Anissa went to her room. That night Harry dreamed that he had lost control and attacked Anissa. He woke up in a cold sweat and before he tried to go back to sleep, he vowed to get complete control over his magic and his Obscurus.