Author note- What a week. Hope you enjoy the new chapter.

Song inspiration-Hurt- Johnny Cash

Chapter 16

Old Demons

The tip of his wand ran smoothly over his skin. The spell cut open his flesh and let his blood run freely down his arm.

A choaked sob and a release of the tension in his chest finally had Remus setting down his wand.

Leaning against the bathtub, Remus leaned his head back and appreciated the throb in his arm. It was the middle of the night, and he hadn't even attempted to sleep. His mind had circled around and around about what he had seen in the Pensieve.

Harry's fearful eyes. His screams and moans of pain all the while a man that looked like himself assaulted him. Remus' body shook again as a fresh wave of tears ran down his face. He didn't know what to do. He'd seen the looks on Severus' and Sirius' faces as they'd come out of the memory. Even knowing that it was someone Polyjuiced as him didn't remove the mental image. What they had seen was him hurting Harry.

What Harry had seen was Remus hurting him.

"Fuck" Remus cursed as tears fell down his face.

He didn't want to feel sorry for himself, but he did. When Sirius returned this summer and proposed he had thought that despite the war things were finally going right. That they would finally be the family they always should have been. He thought that they were going to have a life together. Then one thing after another had just piled on top of them, and Remus was falling apart under the weight of it.

Having Harry back in his life felt so heavy. Looking at him was like seeing his friends. Seeing the potential that their life could have been.

He felt like such a hypocrite sitting in the bathroom covered in blood and tears. He'd spent months trying to help Harry and instead he'd managed to relapse instead.

The brief relief was already fading, and he knew that the guilt would soon follow. The relief cutting offered never lasted long. He was thankful this latest incident with Harry hadn't sent Sirius spiraling as well. Especially with Harry in their quarters. He needed at least one adult to be of some use to him. Remus certainly wasn't at the moment.

Taking slow deep breaths, he closed his eyes and tried to calm himself. When the racing thoughts finally slowed, he stood and began cleaning up the mess he'd made. The cuts on his arm were healed and the tears on his face were washed away.

He hesitated for a moment trying to decide what to do now. Sirius was asleep and Harry was warded tight in his room.

He longed to cuddle into Sirius and just cry. Unfortunately, neither of them had gotten much sleep since this had happened and he didn't want to wake him.

Quietly he tip-toed out of the bathroom and down the hall to the kitchen. He pulled a bottle of wine off the shelf and opened it. He wouldn't drink more than a glass, but he needed something to take the edge off his emotions.

Slouching into the closest chair, he brought the glass to his lips and sipped at the dry red wine.

A noise caught his attention. When he looked up, he saw Harry standing in the doorway. Remus swallowed thickly. There was so much he wanted to say to Harry right now. Apologies and questions and all of his worries but he was afraid he'd only make the situation worse.

Harry just stood there studying him. Remus looked down feeling ashamed for everything. But even more for having been caught drinking in the middle of the night in the dark. It reeked of depression and desperation.

Harry moved nearly silently into the kitchen and Remus did not watch him. He just stared at the wine glass in front of him feeling overwhelmed. He should wake Sirius up to talk to Harry. He should excuse himself to anywhere else to give Harry space.

What if Harry had a breakdown now? He didn't think he could help him calm down. He wasn't in the right mind space to help anyone.

Remus startled when something touched his hand.

He blinked and looked up to find Harry standing next to him. Harry set two steaming mugs of tea on the table and picked up the wine glass. To Remus shock Harry brought the glass to his lips and drank down the contents before walking to the sink and washing the glass.

Remus knew he should say something. Harry certainly didn't need to be drinking. He also mentally slapped himself for not having checked on Harry. He could have come back and hurt himself. Could have been sitting in there drinking himself to death or downing a lethal amount of potions.

Remus could feel his body shaking and still he just sat there like he'd had a Petrificus cast on him.

"Remus." Harry called roughly beside him again.

Remus looked up and found Harry holding out a potions vial. In the low light he couldn't tell what it was.

"You're panicking. It's a calming drought. Take it, you'll feel better." Harry whispered from beside him.

Remus nodded and took the vial. He took a sip of the tea afterwards to wash away the bitter taste.

Harry was sitting across from him just holding his cup between his hands.

"Do you want me to get Sirius for you?" Harry asked softly.

Remus let out slightly painful laugh. Shouldn't he be asking Harry that? Wasn't it his fault that he was feeling this way? His fault that Harry had locked himself away all night with hardly a glance at them.

As the calming draught settled into his mind, he felt less overwhelmed.

"Where did you get the potion?" Remus asked quietly as he fingered the vial sitting next to his cup.

"The bathroom. I pulled the wards down." Harry explained quietly.

Remus nodded and his heart pounded painfully in his chest. He hadn't even been keeping Harry safe from himself. The whole reason Harry had been staying with them was because he had been suicidal, and Remus hadn't even managed to ward the potions cupboard properly.

Remus lowered his head into his hands and sighed.

A moment later cool, shaking fingers grasped his left hand and gently pulled. Remus raised his head and watched Harry gently hold his hand and look at the red marks on his arm. He realized he hadn't properly healed them, and a few were still oozing blood.

Remus closed his eyes. He couldn't believe how messed up this whole situation was.

Remus felt a wash of magic over his arm and looked back at the place where Harry was holding his hand. He'd wandlessly healed the wounds.

Harry's hand tightened on his wrist.

"You don't deserve this Remus. You didn't do anything wrong. I know it wasn't you." Harry said with a gentle squeeze of his hand.

Remus swallowed thickly but couldn't find the words to say anything. Harry shouldn't be comforting him. Harry was the one who had been hurt. He was the one who needed support right now.

Another noise drew Remus' attention, and he looked up to find Sirius watching from the door. The sadness in his eyes only made him feel more guilty.

Harry released his arm with one last gentle squeeze before picking up his tea and taking a sip.

"I'm sorry." Remus finally croaked out.

Sirius sighed from the doorway before making his way past Remus.

Remus stared at the cooling tea in front of him.

"Harry, take your drink to your room please." Sirius said softly.

Remus sighed, Harry gave him a sad look before standing and leaving the kitchen. There was a soft click of the door down the hall and Remus felt his shoulders fall.

Sirius settled into the chair Harry had just left.

Remus had no idea what to say to Sirius. This all looked horrible.

"Remy, talk to me." Sirius said quietly.

Remus could hear the desperation in Sirius voice. It was the same tone he'd taken years ago when Remus had been struggling so hard to just make it through another day. He wasn't in that place right now, but he certainly wasn't okay.

"I don't know Siri. I just feel so messed up right now. I don't think I can fix this. What we saw. What happened to Harry." Remus broke off with a choked sob. Images of Harrys assault and his own face twisted in cruel hatred tormented his mind.

Sirius sighed and nodded.

"What happened tonight?" Sirius asked patiently.

Remus shook his head and ran his hands into his hair.

"I messed up." Remus murmured softly as a tear spilled down his face.

"Okay." Sirius said softly and reached out to take Remus' hands.

Remus ruffled hair fell into his eyes and he looked down at the table. He felt ashamed to have fallen apart like this. He was supposed to be helping Harry, helping Sirius. Instead, he was leaning into every poor coping skill he had.

"Come on." Sirius said gently and pulled Remus' hands.

Remus offered no resistance and followed Sirius down the hall to their room. He felt hollowed out and numb.

Sirius' warm rough hands on his skin felt soothing. Sirius carefully undressed him until he was only in pants. Leading him to the bed Sirius gently tucked him in. Remus blinked back tears at the loving way that Sirius cared for him.

"Drink, please." Sirius said holding a cold vial to his lips.

Remus complied and felt Sirius tip a Dreamless sleep into his mouth. The bed suddenly felt incredibly comfortable, and the gentle rock of the potion began to pull him under.

"You're okay love, just rest." Sirius said softly, as he combed his fingers through Remus' hair.

Sirius rubbed his face as he stood in the hall outside his bedroom. He couldn't believe what he'd just seen. Remus hadn't hurt himself in years. At least not that he'd been aware of. He'd heard someone rifling through the bathroom and woken up.

He'd seen Harry take Remus' glass of wine and drink it. Seen him comfort and heal Remus. He knew Remus was hurting but he couldn't lean on Harry. It wasn't his job to care for Remus. He wished he'd stepped in sooner.

Sighing, Sirius walked to Harry's door and knocked softly on it. He didn't want to wake Harry if he'd gone to sleep, though he doubted it.

A moment later the door swung open, and Harry stood there, his mouth pulled into a frown and deep worry lines set between his eyebrows.

"Is Remus, okay?" Harry asked quietly.

Sirius nodded and cleared his throat.

"I gave him a sleeping draught. Hopefully, some rest will help. I don't think he has really slept in a couple of days."

Harry lowered his head and nodded.

"It's not your fault Harry." Sirius tried to reassure.

Harry just shrugged and walked back into his room before sitting on the floor and leaning against his bed. Sirius followed cautiously.

A slight smile pulled at his lips when he saw Harry's guitar leaning against the bed, and the song book on the floor near Harry's cup.

"Were you playing?" Sirius asked casually as he took a seat in the desk chair.

Harry looked up and nodded.

"I um…I slept most of the day. I just wanted a distraction. I played and sketched for a while. My hands are shaking to bad to do anything else tonight." Harry said with a sigh.

Sirius knew that Harry had nerve damage in his hands. Severus had told them that some level of it might never heal.

"Have you been taking your potions?" Sirius asked.

Harry nodded before picking up his tea and taking a sip.

"Good job, pup. I'm proud of you. I know it's annoying to take them every day but I'm glad that your doing that for yourself." Sirius said lightly.

A silence fell between them and Sirius tried to think of something else to say. There were so many things that should be said but he didn't know how to talk about any of them.

"I'm sorry Remus relapsed." Harry said softly.

Sirius sighed. He wasn't sure how Harry knew about Remus history with self-harm. Probably the same way that he knew about the suicide attempt.

"Was it triggering for you?" Sirius asked worriedly.

Harry bit his lip and looked across the room before nodding slightly.

"Yeah, it was. I'm okay though." Harry whispered.

Sirius didn't think any of them were okay.

"When I fed Iris, I felt a lot of guilt about cutting myself up. I know it's kind of stupid, but I thought about how much blood I had wasted. Blood that could have fed her. I…I wont say I'll never hurt myself again, but I think that will probably keep me from it for a while." Harry said.

Sirius gave him a sad smile. Harry had such a big heart.

"It's not stupid. It's a very kind thought, and anything that keeps you safe is a thought worth keeping around." Sirius reassured.

Harry blushed a little and nodded.

"You know when we opened Grimmauld back up I thought I was doing something good. It was a way I could help without risking myself. Albus was pleased to have a secure location." Sirius said with a firm nod as he thought about last summer.

"The first few days everything was so busy I didn't really have a chance to slow down and actually think about what was happening. I left Hogwarts after you had been returned from the tournament and went straight to find Remus. He went and started collecting people. Letting them know what was happening." Sirius said, getting a little lost in the memory.

"When the house finally quieted and I was there alone, I finally realized I had imprisoned myself in my childhood hell. The walls felt like they were smothering me. The first night I had a glass of wine. Just something to take the edge off." Sirius said, looking at Harry who was listening avidly.

"The next night it was a couple of glasses. No one checked in, no one came by, no one let me know what was happening. I felt like I was suffocating. I drank more and more until one night I fell down the stairs and as I was laying there, I realized I couldn't stay in the house alone." Sirius admitted softly.

Harry had that concerned look on his face and Sirius knew he needed to make his point before Harry thought he needed to start helping him the way he had Remus.

"I sent my patronus to Remus and he moved in the next day. I was still drinking, still struggling but I wasn't alone anymore. Some days were better than others but every day I was in that house I could feel the darkness of it seeping into my bones. After you all came at Christmas, I knew that I needed to do something different. I started focusing on the cure for Remus. Studying Wizarding law to get my name cleared. I read parenting books, so I'd know what to do when I got custody." Sirius admitted with a wry smile.

Harry smiled back but the concern was still lingering in his eyes.

"I don't tell you this to make you worry. I'm doing a lot better. Being out of the house has helped, having something to focus on has helped. I want you to see that it starts with just a glass of wine when you're upset, just something to take the edge off, but it wont stay that way. This isn't me trying to be a strict parent. I want you to go out and have fun and party, but when you use alcohol to fix depression, to fix anxiety, it doesn't work." Sirius said with a sigh.

Harry gave him a thoughtful look.

"It'll work for a little, but it's not a cure. Eventually, you find yourself at the bottom of the stairs looking at elf heads hoping your friend will come heal your broken leg." Sirius said somberly.

Harry nodded thoughtfully and looked down at his hands and played with the cuffs of his jumper.

"I never drank before that summer at Grimmauld. I hate the smell. It reminds me of my aunt and uncle. The twins had a bottle, and we ended up playing a game. I'd never been so relaxed before. It was nice." Harry whispered.

Sirius nodded. He knew that Harry never really relaxed, even the quiet days under the sun while they'd been camping Harry seemed tightly wound and ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.

"The twin's sent me a bottle with…um…with my summer supplies." Harry whispered softly.

Sirius brows creased.

"They send me potions and food in the summer." Harry admitted quietly.

Sirius nodded his understanding and felt a pang in his heart that Harry had needed such care packages. It was one thing to send a friend a sweet treat over the summer. It was different when they had been supplying him with most if not all of the food Harry would have gotten for months.

"I had a few sips while I was staying in Cokeworth but never much. I know you're right about it escalating though. I'll keep it in mind. I'm sorry I drank Remus wine. I went out to get some water and he seemed so distressed. I knew it wasn't going to help him. I went and got the calming draught from the bathroom and made him some tea." Harry explained.

Sirius nodded. He'd seen most of the interaction.

"I appreciate your care of Remus. It's not your job though. If something like that happens again, I want you to come get me. Okay?" Sirius said.

A sad look crossed Harry's face and he lowered his head.

"It's all right, Pup. I'm not upset. I just want you to focus on getting better. You've been through a lot and it's not your job to take care of us." Sirius said softly.

Harry shrugged a little and nodded.

"It's easier to focus on someone else." Harry admitted quietly.

Sirius gave Harry a tight smile and nodded his understanding.

"I know. How are you feeling?" Sirius asked.

The memory they had seen in the Pensieve had circled in his mind all day. Sirius heart physically hurt from the warring anger and sadness he'd felt today.

Harry shrugged and pulled on the cuff of his jumper again.

"I don't know. Kind of numb, I guess. I don't want to think about it." Harry admitted.

"Yeah, I understand that. You don't need to think about it right now, but we can't act like it didn't happen." Sirius said softly.

Sirius watched Harry's face closely. He seemed upset but holding it together.

"I think your brother was hurt like I was." Harry whispered out softly.

Sirius felt his heart stutter a little in his chest. The mention of Regulus was painful. How would Harry have any knowledge of what might have happened to him? He wouldn't be surprised if it was true. He'd heard the rumors about how Voldemort treated his followers. He felt tears prick the back of his eyes at the thought of his little brother being hurt like that.

"Why do you say that?" Sirius croaked out.

Harry's face flushed a little and he bit his lip.

"I found his journal when I went to Grimmauld. There were some hard things in there." Harry said softly.

"I'm sorry I kept it. I felt a connection to him that I didn't expect. His journal was how I learned about the horcruxes." Harry whispered.

Sirius couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"He found one. He died trying to retrieve it. He wanted it destroyed." Harry murmured softly.

Regulus hadn't runaway and been killed like everyone had always said. He'd been brave. Died trying to bring down Voldemort. Sirius swallowed thickly at that revelation.

"He loved you." Harry whispered as he pulled a book from his bag.

Harry gently ran his hand over the cover and looked a little sad as he held out the book to Sirius.

"There are some pretty upsetting things in there. I think you should probably give it a little time before you read it, but you should have it." Harry said softly.

Sirius nodded.

He knew that he would likely never read it. He loved his brother, but Harry had given him all the information he needed. He didn't need to read the book and rehash their shared traumatic childhood.

"Thank you, Harry." Sirius said softly setting the journal on the desk.

Harry nodded and they sat in silence for a while.

"Can I ask a question?" Sirius asked quietly.

Harry nodded but didn't look up.

"Why did you come back here tonight?" Sirius asked.

Harry gave him a confused look.

"I…I thought I was staying here…Do...er…do you want me to go back to the tower?" Harry asked, his voice getting tight and the anxiety flashed clearly across his face.

Sirius shook his head quickly.

"It's okay, if you don't want me here. I'm disgusting. I should have known better." Harry muttered.

Sirius stood from his chair when he saw how distressed Harry was getting. He regretted it when Harry flinched and looked up at him.

Sirius knelt down in front of Harry and shook his head.

"Pup, your not disgusting and we do want you here. Remus and Severus talked about you staying with Severus for a while though. We know he helps you a lot and we thought you might be more comfortable there." Sirius quickly explained.

Harry looked unsure.

"I promise you; you are always welcome here Harry. You're our son and we love you. We just want what's best for you. If that means time with Severus, then that's what were going to do. Okay?" Sirius continued.

Harry nodded cautiously.

"Is…Is Snape okay with that?" Harry asked, his voice shaking a little.

Sirius nodded.

"Yes. He loves you too kiddo. Were all going to get you through this." Sirius promised.

The corner of Harry's mouth tipped up in a small smile and a moment later Harry was hugging him.

"Thank you." Harry said softly.

Sirius hugged Harry tight to his chest.

"Anything, Pup." Sirius whispered back.

Harry stood awkwardly in Snapes sitting room. He hadn't seen Remus again this morning, but Sirius had encouraged him to head down to Snapes quarters. He didn't sleep anymore last night. He already felt exhausted.

"Hello." Harry called but there wasn't any sound or movement in the rooms.

With a sigh Harry took a seat on the floor and pulled a book from his bag. He hoped things would go back to normal soon. Despite everything he was looking forward to being back in classes. He liked having the distraction and routine. Though he was admittedly fearful of being back out in the school.

Harry summoned the blanket and wrapped it around his shoulders. His stomach twisted. He didn't know if he wanted to be alone or wished Snape would come back. He pulled his shields up a little to keep himself from spiraling and began reading his book.

Severus walked slowly from the dungeons up to Albus office. He'd checked in on his Slytherin's. They were getting restless. While he didn't want to risk any of their safety, he hoped that something could be resolved today. He hadn't heard from the mutts today and hoped that Harry was doing better, though he doubted it.

As Severus came around the corner to the Headmaster's office, he nearly ran into the man himself.

"Severus." Albus said with a nod, taking a step back.

"Headmaster." Severus greeted.

"I'm on my way to the Hospital wing. Will you join me?" Albus asked.

Severus nodded. He still didn't know who else had been attacked. Though he assumed that Albus would call a meeting tonight to address the matter. He'd become closer with the other members of staff this year and was concerned about who had been hurt.

He had reached out to Tris last night just to check on her. She was fine thankfully.

When they reached the hospital wing, Severus eyes went immediately to the curtained off bed.

"Albus, I'm glad you're here. Amon is awake. He seems disoriented though. I didn't think he'd be awake this soon." Poppy said.

Severus groaned internally. He'd only had a few interactions with Mr. Adder but all of them had been interminably long and pointless. The man was chatty, and chipper and it grated at Severus.

When the curtain was pulled back, Severus winced. Adder was black and blue with deep bruising.

"What caused his injuries?" Severus asked, stepping closer.

"A Bombarda cast very close to his person." Poppy whispered as she took the man's hand.

Severus turned and glared at Albus. Harry had cast a Bombarda at his attacker. Why wasn't Albus doing anything? Calling the Auror's, kicking the man out of the school, Hexing him to hell.

Albus gave Severus a sharp look and shook his head.

Severus didn't understand. This wasn't a separate attack; this was Harry defending himself from a predator.

"Amon." Albus said, walking up to the man.

Adder groaned slightly and rolled his head to the side and looked at Albus through heavily lidded eyes.

"Can you tell me how this happened?" Albus asked.

"Albus he really hasn't said anything." Poppy said softly.

Albus nodded, before looking back at Adder.

"Can you speak?" Albus asked in a softer tone.

Severus could feel rage boiling in his chest. Albus talking to this monster in that caring tone was going to send Severus over the edge. He didn't deserve compassion.

"Yes." Adder whispered out in a hiss.

Severus could tell that there had been damage to his lungs and throat by the wheezing sound he was making. Severus hoped he was in pain.

"Who did this?" Albus asked.

Amon's mouth quivered and a tear leaked out from his eye. It was quite the act for a man in no position to protect himself from Severus.

"I don't know Albus." Amon whispered.

Albus mouth pinched a little and he nodded.

"Where were you when this happened?" Albus asked.

Adder swallowed and it looked painful. Severus wished he could wrap his fingers around the man's throat.

"My quarters." Adder lied.

Severus jaw clenched as he tried to keep himself from saying anything. He didn't know what Albus was playing at but Severus patients with the situation was wearing thin.

"Poppy would like to run more test to check for additional curses and potions. Will you consent to that?" Albus asked.

Severus doubted the fool would allow such a violation. Most Wixen took at least one potion if not more a day and no one would allow their employer to dig into their medical history. He would also still have Polyjuice in his system for at least another day.

To Severus' surprise the man nodded.

"May we check your quarters?" Severus asked, finally breaking his silence.

The man's eyes lazily swiveled to him. He perhaps should have allowed Albus to ask.

"If there was an attacker in your quarters they may still be there." Severus drawled, though he thought this man was the attacker they were looking for.

To Severus' continued surprise the man's eyes widened slightly and he nodded.

"Thank you." Adder whispered, as his eyes slid shut and he seemed to fall unconscious.

Severus quirked an eyebrow. Perhaps the man was concussed.

"I want a full work up of all spells and potions for the last three months." Albus said coldly.

Poppy looked up at him a little sadly.

"Three months? Why so long?" Poppy asked.

Severus sighed. He knew Poppy had befriended Adder.

"I'd like to cover our bases. Make sure that something hasn't been missed." Albus said walking away from the bed.

"Of course. It will take a while. I imagine you'll want to check his quarters. If you find a picture of his daughter, you might bring it. I think he'd find comfort in having it." Poppy said softly, brushing the hair from Adder's face.

Severus rolled his eyes. He didn't know if Poppy was just gullible or if Adder was just that skilled of a liar.

"I'll see what we can find." Albus said firmly, before sweeping out of the Hospital wing, Severus following close behind.

When they reached the corridor outside the hospital, Severus drew his wand and cast privacy wards.

"Albus that man shouldn't be in this school! A Bombarda! He's the man that attacked Harry!" Severus shouted.

He felt very defensive, because Albus had ignored so many obvious issues with Harry in the past. He would not stand by while Albus swept this under the rug.

Albus sighed and continued to walk down the hall.

"I also suspect so. However, I was not going to condemn the man without speaking to him. He barely survived. He has allowed the testing and access to his quarters. I went through his personal file last night. There wasn't anything in it to suggest this type of behavior." Albus said quietly. Severus could hear a rough tone to Albus voice and wondered how much Albus was surpassing his own emotions about this situation.

Severus didn't think a personnel file could tell much about a person. People with Adder's perversions went to great lengths to hide it.

"What are you hoping to find in his quarters?" Albus asked as he led Severus to the man's rooms.

"Evidence that a Bombarda didn't go off in there. Perhaps potions or hair to suggest he's been using Polyjuice. Adder was in a few of Harry's memories but not all of them. He's been using Polyjuice to hide in plain sight to attack Harry. Perhaps we will find something else of interest. Dark Arts books, artifacts, who knows. The students were screened coming into the school, but did you bother testing the staff's luggage as they arrived." Severus snarled.

Albus sighed.

"I did screen the staff, especially the new hires. However, Many of the items I restricted the students from having are allowed for the staff. We all carry Portkey's now. I'm sure plenty of the staff have brought their own alcohol and possibly potions."

Severus growled low in his throat.

"Pumpkin Juice." Albus said, stopping in front of Adder's door on the third floor.

Severus thought about how close this was to the mutts' quarters, Remus office, and The DADA class. He'd had easy access to Harry all along. It sickened him to think about. Several of Harry's memory's had been on the third floor, they should have known.

The door swung open at the master password of the month and Severus followed Albus into the quarters.

Albus stopped abruptly and Severus nearly bumped into him.

Severus stepped around Albus and also froze. The rooms were trashed. It did in fact look like a Bombarda had gone off. A very overpowered one, if Severus assessment of the damage was accurate. The blast had been so severe that the stone walls had been cracked.

"I don't understand." Severus muttered to himself.

Stepping over the debris in the room Severus looked around. The rooms were small and sparsely decorated. There was what Severus thought had been a desk sitting in splinters at one wall. It looked like it was where the spell had been cast.

Severus shook his head. This didn't make any sense.

"Severus." Albus called from the other room.

Severus walked into the bedroom and saw that Adder seemed to be living out of his trunk, even two months into the school year. This room was a little depressing. The bed was made and a picture of a girl with the same wavy brown hair as Adder was sitting on the nightstand. She looked to be about ten.

The trunk stood open, but nothing jumped out. Vibrant robes, a few books, a few personal items. Nothing that screamed that Adder had been spending the year stalking Harry.

Albus pointed to the side table near the photo and Severus saw the empty potion vials.

Taking long strides to the table, he grabbed the vials.

"They're all headache cures." Severus said, his brows furrowing deeply.

They walked around the rooms for a few more minutes but when nothing else became obvious they headed to the door. Albus cast several spells over the rooms to seek anything hidden but this also turned up nothing.

"Perhaps Poppy will have some answers." Albus said quietly.

Severus nodded and felt like there were pieces of this puzzle that were missing, and it was agitating him greatly. Was there a chance that it hadn't been Adder? Could he have been attacked after Harry?

Severus shook his head and followed Albus back to the hospital wing.

Poppy was in her office when they returned and looked sour when they entered.

"Find something?" Severus asked.

Poppy nodded.

"I don't like being kept in the dark Albus. What is going on?" Poppy said holding out the diagnostic.

Severus took the page and looked it over.

Over the last three months Imperio had been cast on him three times. There were multiple Confundus charms and Coligo Charms, as well as a few charms he didn't recognize.

Albus hadn't said anything.

Severus growled.

"Harry blasted his attacker with a Bombarda." Severus snarled.

Poppy's eyes widened comically before narrowing them suspiciously.

"You think Amon attacked Harry?" Poppy asked a little defensively.

Albus sighed deeply.

"That was our suspicion though given the state of his rooms and this list of charms I find it unlikely." Albus said.

"What are these charms?" Severus asked pointing to the two he didn't recognize.

Poppy took the page and looked them over.

"They are mirroring spells. They are used in healing. This…" Poppy said pointing to one line.

"is used to help with physical therapy. The spell is cast on an injured person and the caster can move the body with their own. This way a person who is unconscious can still engage the muscles to avoid atrophy." Poppy explained.

Severus sneered.

"It turns them into a puppet?" Severus asked.

Poppy's head swayed a little in a measuring way.

"In a manner of speaking. It's not frequently used. It's common with patients who they know will recover but their healing coma will last weeks or months." Poppy said.

"And the other?" Severus asked.

Poppy cleared her throat.

"Similarly, it is a type of mirroring spell. This one is usually cast for patients who are erratic. In this way a procedure or delicate spell can be cast on an object and transferred to a patient in need." Poppy explained.

Severus brows furrowed deeper.

"Perhaps whoever attacked Harry had cast this on Adder beforehand. Harry certainly could have done the damage we saw in Adder's quarters. The memory showed his attacker was able to get up after he was thrown. I've seen Harry cast that spell though, no one would have just walked away." Severus suggested.

Albus closed his eyes and nodded.

"That would seem most likely." Albus said.

Severus felt his frustration rise. They didn't have the culprit they just had the man who'd been framed.

"I'm going to call a staff meeting. Poppy, please remain here. I will be casting wards to alert me to any entrance into the wing." Albus informed Poppy briefly before sweeping out of the office.

Severus groaned and followed Albus back out of the hospital not sparing a glance for the unconscious man.

"I would like you to bring revealing potions to the meeting. I need to know that our staff is not further compromised." Albus said briskly as he seemed to storm away.

Severus sighed and nodded before heading to his quarters. He hoped that this could be resolved tonight.

Severus grumbled in his office for a while collecting potions and deciding if there was anything else he should bring with him. Albus Had sent a Patronus that let him know that the meeting was schedule for an hour from now.

He was thankful he would have a little time to himself.

When he pushed open the door to his quarters he sighed. There in front of the couch was Harry balled up in a blanket, sound asleep. He wondered how long the boy had been in his rooms. He'd been gone most of the day.

Walking around the couch, he saw Harry's bag next to him, slightly open at the top. Harry still had his glasses on, which told Severus that he hadn't meant to fall asleep.

Casting a silencing charm over Harry, Severus threw floo powder into the grate and called out for the mutts' rooms. He didn't know if there had been further incidents this morning or if Harry had simply been informed that he was to be staying down here for a while.

Severus stuck his head into the flames and saw Sirius sitting on the couch alone.

"Severus." Sirius said, acknowledging him.

"When did Harry come down?" Severus asked.

Sirius raised both hands and rubbed his face. He looked exhausted.

"A few hours ago. Is he all right?" Sirius asked.

Severus nodded.

"I've had a rather busy day. He's asleep but I hadn't expected him." Severus explained.

Sirius nodded before raising his wand and casting what he suspected were privacy wards.

"He was up pretty late last night. Remus is…" Sirius started but cut off.

"I think it's probably best for both of them to be apart from one another for a few days." Sirius finished in a slight whisper.

Severus understood. He couldn't imagine what Remus was feeling after what they'd seen.

"Albus is calling a staff meeting soon. We might have another piece of the puzzle." Severus said worriedly.

Sirius brows creased and he nodded.

"Alright. I'll let Remus know." Sirius said.

Severus gave a last nod and pulled himself from the flames.

He considered Harry for a moment. He didn't want to wake him, but he didn't want him to wake alone either. He felt bad that he hadn't been here earlier, but he hadn't expected him. When he'd taken off from the house last night and gone back to the mutts, he had at least in part thought that Harry wouldn't be staying here.

Walking into the kitchen he summoned a house elf and requested a plate of dinner for Harry. Finding a calming draught and a stomach soother, Severus returned to the sitting room. He placed the food and potions on the table as well as a cup of tea. He covered the tea and food with stasis charms and left a note before heading out of his quarters to the staff meeting.

Harry nibbled on his lip as he held the last of his cooling tea. Snape should be back soon he thought as he glanced at the note on the coffee table.

Harry,

I've gone to a staff meeting. I should be back by eight. Please eat and take your potions. Make yourself at home, the room at the end of the hall is yours.

S.S.

Harry had eaten, though probably not as much as Snape wanted him too. He had also put his bag in the bedroom and taken a shower. He still felt like his skin was crawling but there wasn't much for it. He had stood in the bedroom considering his razor blade and the bottle of firewhiskey for a while but couldn't get over the interaction he'd had with Remus the night before.

His heart squeezed painfully.

Eventually, he had put his razor blades and the bottle on Snape's kitchen table, then taken the rest of the calming draught. Usually, he just took a sip to get through a meal, but he needed something to keep him from spiraling.

He hoped Snape would be back soon. He needed a distraction. Needed to not be alone right now. Shrugging the blanket off that he'd wrapped himself in again, Harry stood. He needed to find something to do. Sitting here like this was going to drive him mad.

First, he folded the blanket and then he noticed paper's next to Snapes chair and began to straighten them. Everything felt like too much and while Snapes quarters weren't messy by any means, every time he turned around, he found something he could address. He let his worrying thoughts fade, and focused on cleaning the rooms.

Severus threw open the door to his office in frustration. None of the revealing potions had shown anything. Everyone had been willing to take them when Albus explained what had happened with Adder. No one seemed to have any ideas.

A loud squeak had Severus dropping his wand into his hand and glaring at the creature in his office. A house elf in a strange assortment of knitted hats and mismatched socks stood next to his desk.

"What are you doing?" Severus growled. He did not care for anyone in his space. He allowed the house elves in once a week to clean but otherwise asked that they stay out.

"Dobby was waiting for Potions Master, Sir." Dobby said.

Severus looked over the house elf and recalled this was the elf Harry was friends with. This sent a slight jolt of worry through him.

"What is it?" Severus said more neutrally.

"I'm concerned about Harry Potter. He called Dobby and asked for cleaning supplies. I offered to clean whatever it was, even though Potions Master doesn't like elves in his quarters, but Harry Potter refused. I's not sure what is being wrong with young sir, but he seems upset. I was waiting to make sure he was safe. He asked Dobby to leave but…" Dobby cut off and twisted his hands.

Severus sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Harry was alleviating his stress with cleaning. He couldn't imagine what he could possibly be cleaning. The quarters stayed relatively clean all the time.

"Very well. Thank you for informing me." Severus said walking passed the elf and opening the door to his rooms as the elf popped away.

The smell in his rooms was overwhelming. Harsh cleaners had been used to scrub the flagstone, and the rug in the sitting room looked nearly new.

The surfaces were cleared of any dust and items that had been sitting around had all been adjusted to look neater and more organized. He could hear sounds from down the hall and assumed Harry was working on his own room.

Shaking his head Severus walked into the kitchen and stopped abruptly. Sitting on the table was a half empty bottle of firewhiskey and a slightly open package of razor blades. Spinning on his heal he made his way down the hall. Harry was on his knees scrubbing at the wall.

Severus could see the boy's body shaking and the muted sobs.

"Harry." Severus called quietly.

Harry's hand fell away from the wall, and he turned sad green eyes to him. His face was covered in tears.

Severus jaw clenched. He was thankful to not see fear on Harry's face. The look was just heartbroken. The boy's sleeves were pushed up and his glamour was down, allowing Severus to see that Harry hadn't hurt himself. He wished he'd been here earlier. Clearly, Harry was struggling.

Severus knelt next to Harry to keep himself from looming.

"What's wrong?" Severus asked.

Harry's lip quivered slightly before his shoulders shrugged in a defeated sort of way.

"What isn't?" Harry whispered.

Severus swallowed thickly and nodded. Everything was a little overwhelming at the moment.

"Why don't you put these things away and join me for tea." Severus asked.

Harry looked down at his wet hand and the sudsy rag before nodding.

Severus charmed the blanket on the back of the couch with a warming charm and a weight charm he used when putting homesick students back to bed.

Harry had his arms wrapped around him when he came to the sitting room. Severus could see the blush starting to color his cheeks.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here when you woke up." Severus said, trying to take some of the edge off of the situation.

Harry just shrugged as he settled on the couch, automatically taking the blanket and wrapping it over his shoulders. Severus was pleased to see the slight smile that cracked the corner of the boy's mouth as he realized the blanket had been charmed.

They both sat sipping their tea for a while before Harry eventually broke the silence.

"Is Remus, okay?" Harry asked quietly.

Severus sighed. He didn't know what had happened last night, but Sirius had followed Remus around the meeting like they were tied together. Remus had seemed like he was barely holding himself upright.

"I'm not sure." Severus said honestly.

Harry nodded and looked away.

"He's struggling and it's my fault. Again." Harry said softly.

Severus went to deny what Harry had said but was cut off.

"I know it's not really my fault…It just all always feels like my fault…. Or maybe not fault but like I'm the reason bad things always seemed to happen." Harry sighed, pulling the blanket tighter around himself.

Severus considered his words carefully.

"You are certainly not at fault. You are however a celebrity and a target in the current war." Severus said calmly.

Harry sneered at the word celebrity, and Severus knew he hated the designation, but it was accurate. Harry had eyes on him at all times whether he wanted them or not.

"Unfortunately, these things have led to more incidents where you are involved. Those around you choose to stay despite it. We know that might lead to strife but are willing to face it with you." Severus said, giving Harry an encouraging half smile.

Harry shrugged.

"Sirius and Remus have faced enough strife." Harry whispered as he set his cup down and seemed to burrow deeper into the couch.

Severus agreed. Both men had faced more then their share of hard times. However, he knew they would face anything to keep being here for Harry.

"We should call it a night. The students will be allowed to resume normal activities tomorrow. We've asked all the students to stay in groups. You are allowed to go back to classes as well, though I want to make it clear that you do not need to push yourself. If this feels too soon you may remain here while you recover. Your assignments can be delivered." Severus explained. He had not agreed with the headmaster on allowing the students to return to classes tomorrow or any time before they could guarantee their safety. However, with no end in sight, Albus had put safety measures in place and seemed to be hoping for the best.

"Have you found Rick?" Harry asked quietly.

Severus sighed and shook his head. They still weren't even sure it had been Fletcher. He would not doubt Harry to his face, but he also wouldn't put blinders up and assume the only person who could hurt a child that way was Merrick Fletcher.

Harry nodded, but Severus could tell this was upsetting for Harry.

"I saw what was on the kitchen table. Do you wish to speak about it?" Severus asked calmly.

Harry shrugged, then shook his head.

Severus sighed. He was proud of Harry for getting rid of things that could pose him harm, however Severus knew it also meant that he'd been thinking about using them.

"Very well. Would you like a dreamless sleep?" Severus offered.

Harry nodded, before reluctantly peeling off the blanket and folding it.

"Do you intend to rejoin your classmates tomorrow?" Severus asked, as he watched Harry stiff movements.

Harry hesitated for a moment before nodding and then walking away to his room. Severus wanted to say something else but the look on Harry's face said he was overwhelmed and didn't need more tonight.

Before heading to his own room, Severus left a dreamless sleep on Harry's nightstand.

He could only hope that in the days to come things would resolve with this intruder in the castle. Whoever it was needed to be caught and punished. Severus also hoped that he could help Harry. The boy was hanging by a thread and needed safety and reassurance.