Author note- Thanks for the reviews. I know Harry has really been through the ringer. We are headed to lighter content soon. We have a little more darkness to get through though. I finished writing Chapter nineteen today and I think it turned out well. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 17
The Breaking Point
Draco had never looked forward to a Monday as much as this one. He and his housemates had been stuck in the dungeons since they'd returned from the feast on Thursday. They'd played every game they possibly could, finished homework, and chatted but eventually everyone was stir crazy.
Draco walked shoulder to shoulder with Teddy. Pansy and Millie followed close behind. Severus had informed them last night they weren't to go anywhere in groups of less than three. The intensity in which Severus had said that made it clear that there would be punishment for anyone caught not following the rules.
Quietly, Severus had asked that Draco stop by his office on his way to breakfast in the morning.
Stopping in front of Severus door, Draco knocked. There was a moment of waiting before the door opened. Draco felt his heart speed up when he saw Harry standing there. He looked all right but Draco could tell he hadn't slept much. He certainly looked better than he had on Thursday night. The split lip and marks on his face were gone, and Draco wondered if they were fully healed or if Harry was wearing a glamour.
"Hey." Draco said. Inwardly cringing and wishing he had something better to say.
"Hey, Snape said I could walk to breakfast with you." Harry said. His voice sounded clear, but Draco caught the anxious glance over his shoulder at where the other Slytherin's were standing.
Draco nodded and stepped away from the door to let Harry join them. Harry looked hesitant and Draco wanted to growl at whoever had hurt Harry.
"Morning." Teddy greeted quietly.
Harry nodded at him before greeting the girls.
Draco caught the glances between his friends and knew they were going to say something.
"So, what happened on Halloween?" Pansy asked from behind him.
Draco saw Harry's hands clench and relax before he took a deep breath.
"I was attacked." Harry said flatly.
Harry looked at him questioningly.
"I didn't say anything." Draco whispered.
Draco looked apologetically at Harry before looking over his shoulder and shaking his head at Pansy. He didn't want her interrogating Harry in the hall. Harry had been through enough, even if Draco didn't really know anything. He'd seen how roughed up Harry was and it was bad.
"I knew you knew something." Pansy hissed, shooting Draco a sharp look that said they would be talking about this later.
"Another Troll?" Millie said lightly.
Harry snorted and shook his head. The slight smile disappeared from Harry's face a moment later.
"No, Keep your eyes open though. They didn't catch whoever it was." Harry said in hushed tones to the group.
Draco had assumed as much but it angered him to hear it.
When they reached the Great Hall Harry split away from them. He saw Hermione and Weasley jump out of their seats and rush to him. He couldn't hear what was said but he could see Harry's whole body go stiff when Hermione threw her arms around Harry.
Harry collapsed on the floor in his room in Snapes quarters. Kicking his shoes off, he leaned against the bed and stared across the room. He was exhausted. Normally he would be doing Animagus training with McGonagall, but Snape had informed him that his other lessons would be on pause for now while all the teachers took on additional patrols.
Honestly, he was thankful. Hermione and Ron had been at him all day for disappearing. He'd quietly told them the same thing he'd told the Slytherin's. He hadn't gone into any kind of detail, but he didn't want any of his friends to be hurt.
It was strange to think of the Slytherin's as his friends. They were though. Not close friends by any means but he had gotten to know them.
Hermione and Ron had walked him back to Snapes quarters. He told them he had a lesson. He wasn't ready to explain that he was staying down here now. They hadn't asked so he hadn't had to lie.
He'd been hyper vigilant all day, waiting for something to happen. He still had a DA meeting this evening. He didn't want to miss it. Draco and the Slytherin's were going to walk him up after dinner. Harry hadn't asked but Draco had offered when Harry said he was headed back to the dungeons after Defense class.
Defense had been the hardest part of the day. Sirius was chaotic and distracted. He clearly hadn't been sleeping. He had given up on the practical lesson in favor of just having them read from their textbooks.
Harry knew he should have stayed after class to check in to see how he and Remus were doing but he hadn't. He knew it was his fault they were struggling.
Harry sniffled a little and wiped angerly at his face. He had made it through first period before he'd run off to the bathroom to get sick. The memories were overwhelming and despite his best efforts they had never strayed far from his mind. He wasn't sure he'd actually learned anything today.
A soft mew sounded from the hall and Harry looked up in time to see Edgar come running at him. He'd gained quite a bit of size since he'd seen him the first time this summer. He would grow for the next couple of years, but he was now about the size of a standard house cat.
"Hey, who brought you down?" Harry whispered softly as he pet Edgar.
When Edgar Settled in his lap, Harry continued to stare at the wall and let his mind drift. He tried not to focus on anything. Physically he felt too exhausted to clean or work on homework and emotionally he didn't think he could take more today.
Draco knocked on Severus office door for the third time. He was starting to get anxious. Why weren't Harry or Severus answering?
"Perhaps he already went up?" Blaise said with a shrug.
Draco looked over his shoulder and found all of his year mates waiting impatiently. They had started going to the meetings together. Usually, accompanied by several of the younger years, but tonight they left early.
Draco shrugged. Something felt wrong but he nodded and turned to follow the others through the castle.
As they walked, they saw other students walking in groups. Draco recognized some as kids that would also be headed to the DA meeting. They nodded to them. Draco was amazed at how their inclusion in DA had started to change the perception of Slytherin's in the school. Even the younger years hadn't faced as much harassment.
When they arrived at the Room of requirements, Draco led them in. His friends had gotten more comfortable with coming, but after years as being seen as the enemy, they still let Draco take the lead when interacting with the other houses.
Draco scanned the room and didn't see Harry. His stomach twisted a little. Hermione was rounding up the younger years and Ron seemed to be doing his best to keep everyone else's attention.
"Potter isn't here." Pansy said blandly.
Draco nodded.
"He's missed practice before. He seemed pretty out of it today. Maybe he's still recovering from what happened." Teddy offered quietly.
Draco swallowed thickly and nodded. He didn't know what was going on, but he didn't like it.
"Hey guys, I guess Harry's not coming. Draco do you mind helping me lead today. I think we're just going to keep working on those new spells Harry was teaching us last week." Ron said.
Draco looked around again, trying to wish Harry into existence before he nodded.
Harry blinked and started to realize he'd zoned out. Glancing at the clock he was alarmed to realize that it was past dinner time. Scooping the sleeping cat off his lap, he set him gently on the bed. Summoning his bag, he shoved his feet back in his shoes and rushed towards the door.
When he got into Snapes office he hesitated. He knew everyone would already be up in the Room of requirements. He would have to walk up alone. Severus had told him that he wasn't to go anywhere alone. He bit his lip. Concentrating he shifted his appearance. He hadn't done this since Draco had caught him practicing with the sword.
With a deep breath he pushed the door open and stepped into the hall. His ears were immediately assaulted with the sound of someone shouting for help. Harry stomach clenched before he quietly took off towards the sound. It sounded like it was coming from near the Slytherin dorms.
When he came around the corner, he was confused by the scene in front of him. Three of the Seventh year Slytherin's had someone that looked like him backed into a corner.
Harry's brows furrowed.
"You better watch your back, Potter." A boy with short dark hair spat.
"The Dark Lord is going to tear you apart. Once we get you out of here, you're going to wish you'd never returned." A blond girl said viciously.
Harry swallowed. He didn't know who was wearing his face or why, but they were in trouble.
Without saying a word Harry cast at the Slytherin's, without fully exposing himself. He Stupefied the Three students and bound them. The person wearing his face caught sight of him. The panic in his eyes was obvious.
"Mr. Potter." Snape said, coming around another corner at the other end of the hall caught Harry's attention.
Harry held his position. Something about Snapes tone was off. He stepped past the unconscious students on the floor and grabbed the fake Harry's shoulder, before leading him back the way Snape had just come from.
Something was wrong. Snape almost always called him Harry now. Plus, where was he going? His office and quarters were in this direction.
Harry couldn't make out what Snape was saying to the fake Harry. Pulling his invisibility cloak from his pocket he followed them down the hall.
"You were not a very good boy the last time I saw you." Snape whispered.
Harry's stomach twisted. It wasn't Snape, it was Rick, Polyjuiced. Harry got closer and could see that the aura was mixed.
Harry focused on the fake Harry. This aura was familiar as well, but it wasn't mixed like someone Polyjuiced, which confused Harry.
Stopping short of following them around the next corner, Harry raised his hand and cast his patronus.
"Snape, Ricks in the dungeon! I need you right now! Right hand corridor passed the Slytherin common room. Go to Snape." Harry commanded.
Harry hustled around the corner and saw Rick grabbing at Fake Harry.
Harry whipped off his cloak and shifted back to Boy-who-lived form. He wouldn't let someone else get hurt because of him.
"Let him go Rick." Harry bellowed. His hands raised, ready to attack.
Rick wearing Snapes face was somehow more terrifying then he'd thought it would be. Snape was a tall and imposing man. Certainly, taller than Rick normally was. Rick looked between Harry and the Fake Harry in confusion. A sneer crossed his face, and Harry was reminded of years of Snape giving him that exact look.
Swallowing thickly, he looked to the fake Harry. The eyes shifted to a distinctive blue and Harry suddenly knew who the kid was. It was Quinn. Harry didn't know how she had shifted her appearance, but it was certainly her. The way she shifted made Harry think she was a metamorphmagus.
"Let go." Harry growled, casting over Ricks head. He didn't want to accidentally hit Quinn. The spell collided with the ceiling of the dungeon and rained dust down on them.
Rick looked down at Quinn and threw her to the floor. When she hit the floor, she suddenly shifted back to the form Harry recognized. Her curly brown hair fell in her eyes as she looked fearfully up at Harry.
Rick pulled his wand and Harry cast a shield over Quinn, before rushing towards Rick. He wanted to get between them before Rick could hurt her. He hoped Snape would get here soon.
"Little Harry's going to do something about it?" Rick mocked.
Harry could tell the Polyjuice effects were ending as the sneering features of Snape faded. Rick's sneer wasn't nearly as intimidating, but the leer in his eyes sent a shiver up Harry's spine.
Rick looked at his hand with a smirk before looking back at Harry.
The wand was quickly drawn at Harry and spells began to crash around. Harry dodged and began casting back. His heart pounded in his chest as the duel raged around him. Stone cracked and crumbled from the walls as spells went wide. Harry tried to counter and move without exposing Quinn too much. She still had a shield over her but if it fell, he didn't want her getting hurt.
"Come on Harry. We've had such good times, haven't we? You used to love me. Love my hands on you. What happened? Hmm?" Rick taunted.
Harry swallowed and tried to keep the memories away. He could see flashes of himself little, loving getting hugged. Leaning into the gentle touches on his cheek. Then the violence, the touching, scratching, and biting.
Harry's stomach rolled. His vision blurred with tears.
"Did You find someone new to show you your place? Someone else keeping you on your knees?" Rick leered.
"You don't even remember it, do you?" Rick laughed.
Harry's body shook as he fired off another spell, only for it to fly wild and land against the wall.
"Pathetic." Rick sneered.
Rick stepped closer and Harry stepped back. Suddenly he felt his feet go out from under him as he tripped over his own shield protecting Quinn.
Harry looked up fearfully as Rick approached. He knew he was panicking but he couldn't push it down. Rick was going to hurt him again. He wished Snape was here.
Rick waved his wand and whispered a spell. Harry's eyes widened as he felt the large hole in his mind begin to unwind. Forgotten memories flooded his mind. Fear felt like it was swallowing him whole.
He pulled up his mental wall, but it wasn't enough to contain what was happening. Harry whimpered as Rick stepped even closer.
Severus walked shoulder to shoulder with Minerva as they patrolled the corridors. His eyes scanned carefully looking for anything out of the normal. Harry had been jumpy and hesitant about going back to class this morning. He had eventually settled enough after a calming draught for Severus to leave. Severus had seen Harry walk into the Great Hall for Breakfast with Draco and some of the other Sixth years.
Minerva had mentioned at lunch that Harry seemed distracted and quiet, but Severus wasn't surprised. At dinner he'd been worried when Harry hadn't shown up but when Sirius had caught where he was looking, he'd explained what he'd overheard at the end of his class.
Sirius had been keeping an eye on Harry but had avoided approaching him. He had looked overwhelmed. Hermione and Ron had walked him back to the dungeons, and Draco was going to collect him for their training meeting this evening.
Severus would make sure Harry had eaten something when he returned to his rooms. He'd not seen Harry or Draco headed up to the training room, but he'd seen several other students he knew were part of the group.
He was glad to see that everyone had taken to heart the need to travel in groups.
"Harry told people he was attacked." Minerva said quietly as they walked.
Severus brows furrowed as the came around a corner.
"How did you hear that?" Severus asked.
Minerva sighed.
"I've heard it several times. There were a lot of whispers about it today. He has been warning his friends to stay vigilant." Minerva answered.
Severus nodded. That sounded like Harry. Taking care of everyone else. Draco had been very accurate when he'd said, Harry wanted to save the world, and he would destroy himself to do it. He was sure Harry hadn't talked about the attack in any detail, but he knew Harry hated being seen as weak. If he had shared that he'd been attacked at all, Severus knew that it had taken a toll on Harry. He would have bared the pain of it though, in an effort to keep his friends safe.
Severus cast a tempest and saw that it was nearly nine. He'd need to go down in an hour to make sure everyone had made it back to the dorms.
"Evening." Sirius said as he rounded the corner with Remus.
Remus looked like hell. His eyes were distant with dark smudges under them. His hair looked unwashed, and his face needed a shave.
"Evening." Severus responded.
They stood in awkward silence for a moment, clearly no one knew what to say.
Minerva nodded slightly and then made to continue on their path. Suddenly Harry's wolf-Dog patronus came running up to them.
"Harry." Remus whispered before the dog began to speak.
"Snape, Ricks in the dungeon! I need you, right now! Right hand corridor passed the Slytherin common room." Harry's voice called from the dog's mouth. The fearful and desperate tone rang through clearly.
Severus met the other's eyes, before they all turned to race down flights of stairs. Minerva quickly sent off her Patronus to let Albus know what was happening.
Severus cursed the fact that they were on the sixth floor of the school. When they came to the top of the stairs to the dungeon Severus stopped everyone.
"Minerva and I are going to go to the right, I want you two to go to the left. Follow the normal path to the Slytherin Common room and around. We should be able to block any escape route. If he's already to the right of the common room, there isn't any where for him to go but straight at Minerva and I." Severus instructed.
He knew he knew the dungeons better than any of the Gryffindors.
The others nodded as they thundered down the stairs. His heart pounded in his chest as they split apart.
"Stay behind me." Severus called to Minerva.
She nodded to him as they rushed around lowly lit corridors.
"Pathetic." A voice spat from ahead.
Severus slowed and signaled Minerva to hide against the wall.
Peaking around the corner he saw a man standing over Harry. There was another student laying on the floor near Harry. He couldn't see who it was, only that they were small and in Slytherin robes.
"Is the going price for your love still a sandwich? Hmm?" Rick jeered over Harry.
Severus could hear Harry whimpering.
Stepping around the corner with Minerva to his side he called out to Fletcher.
"Drop your wand." Severus growled.
Rick didn't even seem surprised that someone had found him. He turned and smirked over his shoulder.
"Heard he's been staying in your rooms. Didn't want to share him?" Fletcher mocked.
Severus held his wand on Fletcher. He sneered at the man's insinuations. How dare this filth project his crimes onto the relationship that he and Harry had.
"Drop your wand." Severus growled again.
Fletcher laughed. If Severus was sure he wouldn't hit Harry or the other student, he would have started casting.
"No." Fletcher sneered, before reaching down and grabbing Harry by the front of his shirt and hauling him to his feet.
Harry hardly reacted at all. He moved like a ragdoll in Fletcher's arms. His eyes were glazed over, and a sheen of sweat was glistening across his brow.
"I'm taking him with me and if you follow, I'll kill him." Fletcher spat, holding his wand with bruising force to Harry's neck.
Harry whimpered but made no attempt to resist. Severus didn't know what was wrong with Harry. Fletcher took two steps back, when suddenly snarling could be heard from the other end of the hall. Severus felt his stomach twist when he saw Sirius and Remus charge around the corner in their Animagus forms.
Fletcher gasped and tried to move forward but stumbled trying to drag Harry with him. Sirius lunged, biting deeply into the back of Fletcher's thigh.
Fletcher screamed. His grip loosened on Harry as Lupin lunged at his back, knocking him forward.
Fletcher's grip was completely lost as he turned his attention on the animals attacking him. Sirius pulled his teeth loose, spraying blood across the floor, before biting the man again. Lupin wasn't biting, just snarling and lunging at him.
Without Fletcher supporting him, Harry fell forward and landed on his knees. The blank look did not fade from his eyes, and he remained frozen, kneeling in the middle of the corridor.
Fletcher raised his wand to curse Sirius.
"Expelliarmus." Minerva called.
"Sectumsempra." Severus sneered as he waved his wand.
Fletcher's wand flew out of his hand and clattered on the floor as blood began to spill from his throat and chest.
Sirius released the leg trapped in his jaws as the man fell. With a snarl Sirius lunged at Fletcher again knocking him flat on his back. Sirius stood on his chest pinning him down. His teeth bloody and bared in Fletcher's face. Severus wondered if he was going to rip the man's already bleeding throat out. Lupin circled menacingly around them, growling lowly.
"Severus!" Albus called as he ran to join them.
Ignoring Albus, Severus took two long steps towards Harry and dropped to his knees.
"Harry." Severus called.
Harry didn't respond at all. Tears streamed down his face. He gasped and wheezed like he couldn't breathe. Severus summoned Harry's inhaler before forcing it into his mouth.
"Breathe Harry." Severus coaxed softly.
Harry took a breath but didn't come out of the shock he was in.
Albus rushed passed them to the mutts and Fletcher.
Severus looked up to find Minerva helping Ms. Quinn off the floor. She looked scared but unharmed.
"Severus, I need you right now." Albus called.
Severus grit his teeth. He would not save Fletcher.
"It's okay. You're okay. I'll be right back." Severus said, looking Harry right in the eye.
Severus stood and took measured steps to Albus side. Sirius and Remus hadn't shifted back but were now both just standing near the bleeding man.
"I need to know how he got in." Albus said, looking Severus in the eye.
Severus nodded. He would rip the man's mind apart with relish.
Kneeling next to Fletcher, gasping on the floor, Severus grabbed his chin and forced him to look him in the eye.
"Please." Fletcher begged. Blood bubbled from the corner of his mouth.
Severus sneered. How many times had Harry begged for mercy to this man. He would not get it from Severus.
"Legilimens." Severus hissed.
Remus stared down at Harry laying in the hospital bed. Sirius and Severus were talking with Kingsley and Tonks about what had happened, while Albus was in a hushed conversation with Amelia.
Harry lay in a bed, eyes staring up at the ceiling unseeingly. Poppy had run diagnostics on him and healed a few small scrapes where debris from the crumbling dungeon walls had scratched him, but Poppy couldn't find a cause for the catatonic state other than emotional trauma.
Remus' eyes flicked to the next bed where Elizabeth Quinn was asleep. She'd cried as she'd explained trying to go to the DA meeting. As it turned out she was a metamorphmagus, and had used a few of her classmates' appearances to hide when she was scared. She'd picked Harry tonight because she assumed he was already in the training room, and no one ever seemed to bother him.
She'd cried as she'd explained the Seventh years cornering her and someone, likely Harry, stopping them. Remus had only vaguely been listening as she had talked. He was angry that there had been more than one person after his son tonight.
She had said that the man that had attacked them had originally appeared to be Severus. Harry no doubt had seen right through the disguise. Harry knew Severus aura by now and knew to be looking for strange auras.
Harry had defended her and put a shield over her before dueling with Merrick.
Remus sneered at the thought of him. He'd watched the light go out in his eyes as he'd choaked on his own blood, Severus pillaging his mind.
Remus flinched slightly as long arms wrapped around his middle. Sirius buried his face against his back.
They hadn't been doing very well the last few days. Remus hardly slept due to nightmares. Sirius was watching him like he might just fall apart. He felt like he was falling apart.
When he heard Harry's voice come from the patronus all he could think was that they needed to get to him, that he wouldn't let the sick fuck hurt his son again.
As they'd passed the incapacitated Slytherin's, Sirius had shifted into Padfoot and Remus had followed to keep up. He could still feel the cold dungeon stone on his feet and hands as they'd charged down the corridor.
Sirius arms tightened around him. He knew Sirius was hurting too.
Looking away from Harry for a minute, Remus saw Severus nod to Kingsley and Tonks before making his way over to Quinn's bed. He studied her for a moment with a tight expression before looking up and catching Remus' eye.
They said nothing, but the words were communicated loud and clear. How the hell had this happened?
Albus had the good grace not to join them. He disappeared into Poppy's office with her and the three of them were left in a near silent Hospital wing.
On the far side of the wing, Amon Adder lay unconscious on a bed. He was covered in deep bruises and according to Poppy, if he survived it would be a miracle. They wanted to transfer him to St. Mungo's, but he was too unstable. A Heeler from the hospital had been visiting daily to help Poppy manage his care.
Sirius released him and took his hand, guiding him into a chair. They sat quietly staring at their son. Eventually Harry's eyes closed but it was not like sleep. Not truly. He lay perfectly motionless, and Remus was reminded of the long days over the summer after Harry's suicide attempt. Watching and waiting for Harry to wake up.
Remus leaned his head against Sirius' shoulder and let his mental barriers down. Silent tears ran down his face for Harry. He cried for Harry and for Quinn and even for Amon. He cried for Sirius and Severus and himself. He cried for the pain of the war and those who had died in the last one. He felt like he cried a tear for every painful thing that had ever happened and eventually fell asleep on Sirius' wet shoulder.
Harry's eyes were open again, but he still responded to nothing. Severus had taken his hand and softly called to him. There was nothing. Sirius and Remus were both asleep in the stiff chairs next to Harry's bed.
Severus had situated himself between Harry and Quinn.
He thought about what he'd seen in Merrick Fletcher's mind as he was dying. Fletcher tricked Adder into letting him floo into his quarters under the guise of being another teacher. He had struck up a strange friendship with him in Diagon Alley, just before start of term. When they'd made it back, Fletcher had cast charms on Adder to control him. It seemed that Merrick had often disguised himself as Adder since no one really knew him.
He'd collected stray hairs from the staff lounge to use in a highly irregular Polyjuice potion, one that he'd conned a German Potion Master into selling him. The Polyjuice altered the person more than physically. It was likely why no one had noticed him moving amongst the staff. It was why the mutts had never seen him on the map. Why he had infested the school for over two months unnoticed.
Severus felt sick that he'd been here the whole time. That despite everything they had told Harry over and over, he wasn't safe here.
Fletcher had been stalking the boy for years. It appeared that down on his luck he'd gotten the job as a custodian at the muggle school. When Harry had appeared in the kitchen one day, Fletcher had become obsessed. Seeing Harry as the reason for his hardships.
He'd never been a Death Eater, but he thrived on the war. Shady services and stolen goods was his career, one that had vanished after the war. When the Ministry had begun the clean up after the last war Fletcher had been facing Azkaban if he continued, so he'd fled to the muggle world.
The hate he had for Harry was very specific. He didn't want the boy dead like the Dark Lord, who simply wanted him out of the way. Fletcher wanted Harry to suffer in every conceivable way. He'd gotten a thrill finding out Harry was being abused by his relatives. Learning that they didn't care about him at all had opened the door to everything he had done to Harry.
Severus had been revolted to realize that the picture he'd found in Harry's former home wasn't the only one Merrick had sent to Dursley. Fletcher had taken very inappropriate pictures and had been sending them for years in the hopes that Dursley would be 'inspired' by them to further abuse Harry. It was revolting.
Now Harry was lost in his own mind again. Severus couldn't imagine what was happening inside his head. He considered Legilimizing him, but wanted to wait until Remus and Sirius were awake to discuss it. There were some risks going into a mind in this state. Damage to occlumency barriers was only the beginning. However, Legilimens was the treatment that a mind heeler would employ for a patient in this state. If Harry were in a real hospital and not in the school, that would be the treatment.
Severus considered that Remus may want to be the one to make the attempt. Severus didn't think Remus was in any state to help Harry though.
Severus sighed and rubbed his eyes. The beginning of daylight was beginning to shine through the infirmary windows. He had taken an invigoration draught a few hours ago not wanting to fall asleep. He didn't want Harry or Ms. Quinn to wake up without someone here for them. He'd written a letter to Quinns parents and planned to send it off in a few hours. They needed to be informed that there had been an incident. Severus knew the girl's parents were Muggles and hoped that getting a letter by owl wouldn't be upsetting.
It had been surprising to learn of Quinns metamorphmagus abilities. The ability was rare, and nearly impossible in Muggleborns. Severus wondered if there wasn't a Wixen somewhere in her lineage. It wasn't unheard of for families that believed themselves to be muggles to learn later that they were squibs. Purebloods for generations had hidden Squib children in the muggle world out of some kind of perceived shame.
A gasp from across Harry's bed drew Severus' attention. Remus blinked a few times before sitting up. Sirius stirred slightly but did not fully wake.
Remus looked sadly down at Harry before looking across the bed at Severus.
"Anything?" Remus asked.
Severus shook his head.
Remus swallowed thickly before leaning his elbows on his thighs and dropping his head into his hands.
Severus looked away and back to the glow from the windows.
Albus hadn't mentioned what his expectations were for the day. The students had already missed Friday classes, but Severus knew that they would likely be canceled again today.
As if the thought alone had summoned the man, Albus strowed in through the doors of the hospital wing. His robes were blue today and Severus found himself thankful that they were not the ever cheerful and garish robes the man normally wore.
Albus looked exhausted and his brows were drawn as he stopped at the end of Harry's bed.
Severus shook his head before Albus had the chance to ask the same question Remus had just asked. Albus sighed and nodded.
"I've called in a few favors to keep classes open for the day. Alastor will be coming in to cover Defense and Horace will cover your potions classes." Albus said quietly.
Severus raised an eyebrow. The last time he'd heard of Horace he'd gone into hiding after Albus had bartered away a safe house for the information about the Horcruxes.
"He owes me." Albus said flatly, answering Severus' unasked question.
Severus nodded. He was glad that the students wouldn't have to miss another day of learning. Horace was a bit full of himself, but he wasn't a completely incompetent teacher.
"What of my Seventh years?" Severus asked.
That issue had not been resolved last night.
Albus sighed.
"For the time being nothing will be happening. They will be collected this morning after breakfast and brought to my office by Minerva. She and I will spell out clearly that should anything else happen they will be expelled. I do not wish to throw them to the dark if there is any other way. However, I will not tolerate continued threats." Albus said.
Severus felt very divided on the matter. He was thankful that Albus wasn't throwing them away as lost causes, but he feared that they were already lost to the Dark Lord. He worried that allowing them to remain in the school may only be giving them another opportunity to come after their targets.
Remus sighed angerly but said nothing. Severus was sure that he wanted to argue for their expulsion but as Harry had not actually been attacked by them there wasn't really anything to be said. Severus felt a complaint from the Quinns was probably the only thing that might change Albus' decision. However, Muggles were usually uninformed about magical law and practices within Hogwarts.
"I need to see Poppy about what is to be done about Mr. Adder. She was hopefully last night that he may stable enough today to transfer to St. Mungo's today. I'd like to see him recover. He is just as much of a victim in all of this." Albus said.
Severus disagreed. The man had let a child rapist into the castle after knowing him for one afternoon. If nothing else the man was incompetent and a risk for further safety breaches. Not to mention, despite his grandstanding about his experience with defense, the man had been walked all over, defenseless as a muggle for two solid months.
Severus shook his head and looked away from Albus dismissively. He didn't want to listen to Albus talk about Adder being 'just as much a victim' when Merrick Fletcher's actual victims were laying in hospital beds right in front of him.
Albus swept away without further comment, for which Severus was thankful.
"Do you think if you enter his mind, you will have the ability to help him?" Remus asked quietly.
Severus looked into Remus' heartbroken eyes and nodded.
"Yes, I will bring him back to us." Severus promised.
Remus nodded.
Severus hesitated for a moment.
"Do you wish to discuss this with Sirius?" Severus asked.
Remus sighed and shook his head.
"I know the risks. I don't trust myself to do it. Not right now. The other option is to bring in a mind healer from St. Mungo's. I know a few, but I think Harry needs someone he knows. I fear that a stranger will only make whatever is happening worse." Remus whispered.
Severus nodded. He agreed that Harry needed someone he knew.
"I couldn't tell what Fletcher did. He was already fading when I entered his mind. I tried to find out what happened last night, but it was all blurring together." Severus murmured sadly.
He felt no sorrow for the life he had taken the night before. He did feel angry at himself that he hadn't waited to cast something deadly until he'd had a chance to look in the man's head. It wasn't the first mind he'd invaded as the victim died. He'd done that plenty of times on Albus and the Dark Lords orders. They both knew he was a skilled Legilimens and had used that skill to gather information.
Remus rubbed his face and nodded his understanding.
"I'll wait until Poppy has a chance to do her morning rounds. She'll want to check him over and I imagine that I will be in Harry's mind for some time. I've cast eye moistening charms over Harry a few times over night. I'd appreciate it if you could cast those charms on us both should it seem necessary. I'd also ask that you break our eye contact should anything in Hary's physical health change while I work. It's uncommon but if his vitals should drop or become erratic you should break the connection." Severus explained.
"Of course. I'm not leaving while he's here. I can't." Remus rasped.
Severus nodded his understanding.
He stood from his chair and stretched his back.
"I will be back shortly. I need to check on my students. I suspect there are rumors flying by now and I'd like to get ahead of them if I can." Severus said.
"Could you please keep an eye on Ms. Quinn?" Severus asked, looking over at the small girl balled up on the bed next to Harry's.
"That's not a problem. I've had the chance to speak with her a few times. She's very sweet. She reminds me a little of Harry actually." Remus said a sadly.
Severus frowned at that. He'd not spoken with her much, but he wondered if he had missed something about the girl. There had been suspicions the first night. Perhaps he'd let it drop to easily. He'd hold off on the letter home until he had a chance to speak with her.
Severus nodded and strode out of the hospital wing.
Draco was pacing anxiously by the door to the common room waiting for his dormmates to be ready to leave. They'd grumbled a bit at being woken so early but Draco knew something was wrong. Harry had never shown up last night and when Draco had stopped by Severus quarters on their way back from the meeting no one had answered.
Quinn had also been missing from the meeting. When he'd asked her friends about it, they'd said they thought she was walking up with him. She'd never returned to the dorms last night and Draco was starting to feel a little frantic. He'd wanted to leave on his own but didn't want Severus to punish him for disregarding the rules he had given them about leaving in groups.
Draco watched as the common room filled with students getting ready to start the new day. He paced back towards the fireplace where Pansy, Millie, and Daphne were sitting.
"Draco, you're wearing a whole in the rug, sit down." Daphne chastised.
Draco rolled his eyes and continued his pacing. Daphne was a pureblood who'd been raised all over the globe. Her family was neutral but very proper. However, while Daphne acted like everything was beneath her, her sister Astoria was mischievous and clever. Draco had heard plenty of stories about 'Perfect Daphne'.
Draco shook his head and met Pansy's eyes on his lap back towards the fireplace. Pansy seemed to be the only one who actually understood why Draco was so worried. She still didn't like Harry very much, but she had grudgingly started to think more positively about him. Pansy had always been one of Draco's closest friends and She could tell that Draco was upset.
They'd talked for a while last night, but they'd agreed that all they could really do was wait until morning. They'd planned on heading to breakfast early and seeing if they could figure anything out. Draco was inclined to go straight to the hospital wing if he was being honest. Harry seemed to end up there a lot and if something had happened to him again Draco needed to know.
The door to the common room opened Draco felt a small amount a relief flood him when he saw Severus walk in. Draco made a beeline for the man.
"Go gather the rest of the students." Severus said before Draco could even reach him.
Draco shook his head and marched off. He didn't want to sit through another house meeting. He wanted to know what was going on.
When he returned with his dormmates and the other students who hadn't made it to the common room yet, Draco flopped down next to Pansy and sighed.
"Last evening two of your classmates were attacked in the dungeons. The culprit has been delt with and as such the instruction for groups has been disbanded. I would however still advise walking in pairs or groups when you can. There is safety in numbers." Severus said.
Draco's stomach dropped. Two. Harry and Quinn. It had to be.
"One of the students is a Slytherin. Ms. Quinn is currently in the hospital wing. I would ask that you give her space for the time being. She should be well recovered and back in class tomorrow. As for today, several of the staff, myself included, are busy with security matters as well as other business. If you have Defense or Potions today, there will be alternative teachers. I expect you to be respectful. Should I hear of any dunderheaded activity you will be serving detention with Mr. Filch for the foreseeable future. Do I make myself clear?" Severus said sternly.
"Yes." Draco said numbly, chorused by the other students.
"Very well, I expect you are all nearly ready to head to the Great Hall. Please proceed straight there. I'd also ask you to remember the Slytherin code. I should not hear gossip whispered in the common spaces of this school. Handle your matter's here." Severus said.
There was another chorus of agreement before Severus swept out of the common room. Draco sprung up and followed his godfather out the door.
"Sev." Draco called as the door swung shut behind him.
Severus turned and looked at him. Draco could see the exhaustion on his face.
"Is Harry, okay?" Draco asked softly.
Severus lips pinched tightly before he pulled his wand and cast privacy wards around them.
"No, He's not." Severus said bluntly.
Draco's stomach twisted more.
"I couldn't find him last night. I knocked on the office door and he never answered. I thought maybe he'd gone ahead. I should have looked for him." Draco said, as he felt his heart breaking in his chest.
Severus sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"This is not your fault Draco. I am doing what I can for Harry. I need you to be aware that some of the marked students also made threats last night. Do not let your guard down around any of them. Tell your friends the same." Severus said.
Draco did feel like this was his fault. Draco should have been with Harry last night and he wasn't.
"Which students?" Draco asked worriedly.
"Donnelley, Bechtel, and Carter." Severus said.
Draco swallowed thickly. Blaise had been seeing Casey Carter last year before he and Blaise had gotten together. He's the one who had hit Blaise this year when he'd tried to approach them about being neutral. Donnelley and Bechtel were no surprise. Suzie Donnelley was a snob who looked down on everyone, and Jack Bechtel was very much already a Death Eater. He was the one Draco kept catching staring at him.
"Don't let your guard down around any of the Seventh years Draco." Severus warned.
Draco nodded.
"Can I see Harry?" Draco asked numbly.
Severus sighed and shook his head.
"Not right now." Severus said apologetically.
Draco bit his lip but nodded. He could feel tears pricking the back of his eyes. He blinked them away when the door to the commons opened behind him.
"Be careful Draco." Severus said before pulling the privacy wards down and walking away towards his office.
Draco sighed as his friends joined him in the hall.
"Were you right? Potter?" Pansy whispered to Draco.
Draco nodded stiffly before leading his friends into another day at war.
When Severus returned to the hospital wing, Quinn was awake and picking at a tray of breakfast. Sirius was gone and Poppy seemed to be tending to Adder.
Severus walked past Harry's bed and over to Quinn. He knew he needed to talk to her, and imagined that it would be shorter then what he would be doing with Harry.
"Good morning, Ms. Quinn." Severus said neutrally.
The girl looked up through her messy brown curls and nodded.
"Morning." Quinn said softly.
Severus pulled a chair up next to her bed before casting privacy spells around them.
"How are you feeling this morning?" Severus asked softly.
Quinn shrugged.
"Madam Pomfrey put more bruise paste on my knees, and some healing salve on my scrapes. I'll be all right." Quinn answered.
He was glad that the physical impact of the attack had been minimal, but it hadn't really been what he was asking.
"How are you feeling about what happened?" Severus asked.
Quinn shrugged.
"I don't know. Uncertain I suppose. Last year I wasn't part of a world were war was breaking out. Now I'm training twice a week to learn how to protect myself. This summer I was learning to ride a unicycle for fun. Now I'm learning everything I can to protect myself from an enemy I didn't even know I had. I don't want to go home but…I didn't know magic school was going to be like this." Quinn explained.
Severus sighed deeply. He couldn't imagine being a Muggleborn student new to the magical world right now. While her world was at war even if she wasn't aware, this had certainly opened her eyes to exactly what was happening.
"I imagine that is very scary. I would like to tell you that the school is safe, and that the staff here will always be there to protect you, but I think you saw last night that isn't always the case. We are doing what we can to keep the school safe, but I understand your concerns." Severus explained.
Quinn sniffled a little.
"Yeah, I know. The older kids are always talking about how supportive the staff is. One of the third years told me that even with the war this has been one of the best years because of how united the houses are. It's just scary." Quinn said biting at her lip.
Severus nodded. Harry had worked wonders at bringing the houses together for a common goal. Even if that goal was just to save themselves.
"Is Harry going to be, okay?" Quinn asked softly, looking over to Harry's bed sadly.
Severus didn't know how well the girl knew Harry but if nothing else he had been her savior last night.
"I don't know yet." Severus answered honestly.
Quinn sighed.
"He's really nice. He's friends with Draco and they don't mind when I ask them questions. Draco sometimes rolls his eyes if he thinks the question is silly, but Harry always answers. I think I've learned more from Harry then anyone at this school." Quinn said softly.
Severus smiled sadly. Harry was exceedingly kind and patient with a brilliant mind. He would make a wonderful teacher.
"I'm glad you've been able to learn so much here, and that you've made friends. It can be difficult coming to a new place." Severus responded.
Quinn nodded and knotted her fingers together in her lap.
"Standard procedure is to write a letter home after an incident at school. I've written a letter to your parents but wanted to speak to you first before I sent it." Severus said, trying to gauge the girl's reaction to the idea of her parents being contacted.
Her shoulders slumped a little, but she only nodded.
"Have you written to them much since you came to school?" Severus asked.
Quinn shook her head.
"I don't know what to say to them." Quinn admitted.
"You could tell them about what you're learning, about your friends, about how your feeling." Severus suggested softly.
Quinn shrugged.
"Do you have a hard time talking to them at home?" Severus asked.
Again, Quinn just shrugged.
Severus waited, hoping that she would say more.
"Thing's have always been kind of tense, I suppose." Quinn muttered.
Severus brows pinched in concern. He really hoped he hadn't overlooked another abused child.
"When I was really little, they thought something was wrong with me. They took me to all kinds of doctors, but they never got answers. I think the Doctors thought they were just making things up. I hated all the poking and prodding. I had to pee in cups and let them take my blood and even my hair. One doctor seemed really interested in my parents' story and did all kinds of strange tests on me. He would make me sit in the dark and flash lights at me. He would try and scare me. He even grabbed my arm hard enough to bruise. When the strange things didn't happen, he gave up like the other doctors." Quinn explained.
Severus brows furrowed in anger and confusion. It sounded like the doctor had been torturing her to get her to have an accidental bout of magic.
"What was it that your parents were telling the doctors?" Severus asked.
Quinn bit her lip.
"That I wasn't a girl or a boy. That my hair wasn't brown or blonde or red. That I had dimples but then I didn't. They told them that I was Thirteen kilograms one day and twenty the next. They said they didn't know what was wrong with me but that they wanted answers." Quinn whispered like it was a horrible secret.
Severus frowned deeper. This was more than simply being confused by accidental magic. Muggles faced with a child with metamorphmagus abilities must have been frightened . Severus was more concerned about the kind of doctors they had taken her too. At least one sounded like he was doing experiments on the child. Something that hadn't been widely done against Wixen in decades. There were strict rules about such things in the Wixen-muggle relations agreement.
"I don't know what's wrong with me. I just like being myself. Some days I like having dark hair and others I like it light. Sometimes I like being a boy, but my mum says that's wrong, so I stopped doing that. Riding my bike is easier if I make myself taller but I don't want my parents to know so I try not to do that either. I don't want to disappoint them. They just aren't like me though. I thought coming here would make this make more sense, but everyone stays the same." Quinn explained.
Severus sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. These parents needed to be sat down with someone who could explain their child's extraordinary ability before they did any more damage.
"Do you like to read?" Severus asked.
Quinn's face brightened and she smiled over at him.
"I love reading." Quinn said happily.
Severus smiled back.
"Your ability to change your body the way that you do is called Metamorphmagi. It is rare and very impressive in our world. Harry's one too. I have a book that explains all about it, would you like to read it?" Severus asked.
He normally wouldn't have shared something like that about another student, but he knew Harry had a big heart, especially for the younger students. This child was struggling, and he thought that Harry would probably be willing to talk to her.
"That would be great." Quinn answered.
Severus smiled back before standing. He was still going to send the letter to Quinn's parents, but he thought he would add that he'd like to have an in-person meeting as well. It didn't sound like they were afraid or hateful of the magical world, simply confused by it. Hopefully, a conversation could help them to understand and be more accepting.
"I will return shortly with your book. Is there anything else you require?" Severus asked cordially.
"No thank you." Quinn answered.
Severus was able to quickly floo to his quarters and return with the book. Quinn thanked him profusely before settling in to read her new book.
Severus sat in the chair next to Harry once Quinn was settled. Pulling a privacy curtain around them, he looked over to Remus. The man somehow looked more exhausted then he had in the last few days.
"Sirius went to change and get us some coffee." Remus muttered.
Severus nodded. Sirius had blood on his clothing from biting Fletcher. If they were his he'd burn them.
"Shall we begin?" Severus asked.
He was nervous about going into Harry's mind, but he knew the boy needed his help.
Remus nodded and Severus moved his chair closer before reaching out to Harry. He tipped the boy's head to the side until he was looking into the glazed green eyes.
Severus raised his wand and whispered a soft Legilimens.
His spell had been very week as he did not want to cause damage. He was not trying to break into Harry's mind, simply trying to seek him out.
Severus stood in darkness looking at a wall. It wasn't the one he'd seen before. This was something hastily constructed and crumbling. It was dark and jagged. It was a defense against trauma.
Severus walked along the wall, gently tapping it and softly calling out to Harry.
Severus noticed a spot that was more fragile than the rest of the wall. It was heavily cracked and looked like it was ready to fall. Severus laid both hands on the spot and pushed until he felt it give way. Behind this wall he found Harry's usual outer barrier. He was saddened to see it was full of cracks. Harry had thrown it up so harshly and against something so mentally destructive the barrier was failing.
Severus slipped from Harry's mind and rubbed his face before pulling a pain potion from his robes.
"What's wrong?" Remus asked worriedly.
Severus blinked the dryness from his eyes.
"His barriers are damaged. I imagine it is causing quite the headache." Severus said before spelling the pain potion into Harry's stomach.
"Oh, Harry." Remus said softly, taking the boy's hand.
Severus nodded before he slipped back into Harry's mind.
He followed his previous path and then began walking along the next wall. He found a space where part of the wall had shattered. He imagined this was what had caused Harry to make the additional wall. It had been a desperate move.
Stepping through the shattered wall Severus was bombarded with memories whipping around him. None of them made any sense. They were fractured and unorganized. Half spoken words, screams cut off by the next memory, sobs ringing out in terror over the maelstrom.
Severus looked around and watched as the memories physically ripped trees from Harry's mind like a mighty storm.
Severus looked for Harry but saw him nowhere. It wasn't possible to abandon one's own mind, so he must be here somewhere. Severus pressed forward and tried not to pay any attention to the storm overhead.
Severus stopped when he caught sight of Harry's Animagus form deep in the woods. He had never plunged deeper into Harry's mind then this clearing. Pushing forward he tried not to pay attention to the heartbreaking sounds and visions assaulting him.
The further he pushed into the woods the less powerful the storm seemed, but the feeling was cold and distant.
The wolf-dog was laying curled around Harry. Harry did not appear the way he normally did though. He was tiny, in the malnourished body of a small child. He wore grossly oversized, stained clothing. Severus could see stripes of blood seeping through the thin grey shirt. The messy hair was long, greasy, and frizzy like it had never been washed or brushed. Soft whimpers sounded from the boy and Severus stepped closer. The wolf-dog form raised its head and growled.
Severus knew that this mental representation of his Animagus form was something similar to an imaginary friend. Clearly this was Harry's final mental defense.
Severus kneeled down and waited. When the dog lowered its head to rest on the boy's hip Severus spoke.
"Harry." Severus called softly.
The boy shuffled at the sound but made no move to look at him. Severus sighed.
"Harry." Severus called again, leaning forward to reach out.
The dog growled and Severus leaned away. A mental attack while he was inside the boy's mind could cause them both damage.
The boy shuffled a little more and Severus saw the hair fall away from his face. Painful green eyes peered up at him.
"Hi." Severus said softly.
The boy's eyes snapped shut and he curled more in on himself. A slight rocking took over his body.
"Shhh Harry it's okay." Severus tried to soothe.
Harry looked back up and bit his lip.
"Is that my name?" Harry whispered.
Severus swallowed thickly and nodded.
"Yes, your name is Harry James Potter." Severus said softly.
Harry looked away from him as his brows furrowed.
"Why are you here?" Harry asked.
Severus was thankful that Harry was talking but he was concerned at how young the boy seemed. As he'd walked through the clearing, he'd noticed the hole in Harry's mind was gone. Fletcher must have broken the charm and this was the result. Harry was being terrorized by every horrific memory that had been hidden from him.
Harry had regressed in the wake of so much trauma all at once.
"I'm here to help you." Severus said softly.
Harry looked skeptical but sat up. The dog was still wrapped protectively around him.
Severus gave him a small smile. Harry didn't smile back but his shoulders relaxed slightly.
"What's your dog's name?" Severus asked quietly.
Harry looked over his shoulder and laid his small hand on the dog's head that lay next to his thigh.
"Akela." Harry whispered softly.
Severus nodded.
"How long has he been with you?" Severus asked. He kept his voice soft. He hoped that if He could keep Harry calm, he could pull him out of his own mind.
Harry shrugged and pulled at the bottom of his baggy shirt. Severus watched him twist his hands in it anxiously. He'd seen Harry do this. Especially when he had first come to Spinner's end. Clearly it was something he'd done for a long time.
"I think he's always been here." Harry said softly.
"I sometimes dream that I'm laying with him, and I can hear my parents' voices." Harry said with another shrug.
Severus' heart clenched painfully. Harry had created this guardian based on a memory of Sirius from his childhood before the Dursley's. It would explain why there Animagus forms were so similar.
"Are the other's coming?" Harry asked before cringing like he was about to get in trouble.
"It's just us." Severus reassured.
He wasn't sure if Harry meant the people from his dreams. Likely his parents and the mutts or if he meant the yelling voices in the distance. His relatives no doubt.
"They'll be mad." Harry whispered like it was a secret.
Severus shook his head and kept his eyes on Harry.
"No one is going to be mad." Severus said softly.
Harry bit his lip and blushed before looking down at his hands.
"I've been resting. They won't like that." Harry admitted.
Rage flared in Severus chest. He wished that he had been able to save Harry at this age instead of a decade later. He wished Harry had never suffered it at all, but this child was still willing to talk, willing to trust.
"Do you think you can trust me to take you out of here?" Severus asked.
Harry looked warily over Severus' shoulder towards the storm that was destroying his mind.
Harry shook his head.
Severus nodded.
"I won't let anything happen to you." Severus promised.
Harry bit his lip again.
"What's your name?" Harry asked, glancing up through his long lashes.
"My name is Severus Snape." Severus answered.
Harry considered this for a moment while he focused on petting Akela again.
"Okay." Harry said softly, before getting to his feet.
Severus followed and righted his outfit. Harry's appearance was somehow more shocking now that he was standing. He was so small.
Severus held out his hand and Harry flinched a little before reaching out and taking it. Severus smiled sadly down at the boy and gave his hand a gentle squeeze. Harry gave him a tentative smile before looking towards the storm. The boy's shoulders rolled back, and his chin came up defiantly.
Severus saw in that moment exactly what had put the boy in Gryffindor. The boy wasn't just putting on a brave face. This was genuine courage in the face of his own personal horror story.
Slowly they walked to the edge of the woods and the storm lashed harder at them.
The screaming and crying got louder. The fractured taunts and jeers became harsher.
"Sev." Harry cried next to him, clinging desperately to Severus' hand.
Severus turned and scooped the frightened child into his arms and held him close to his chest.
"Shhh Harry you're okay." Severus whispered into his hair as he trudged across the clearing and through the hole in the wall. When they got to the hastily forged outer wall Severus slipped through and stopped. Harry was gripping him like a lifeline.
"You have to let go, Harry. I'll be there when you come out of your mind." Severus promised as he kneeled.
Harry released him immediately and looked anxiously back the way they had come.
"It's okay." Severus said with a nod.
Harry wrapped his arms around his stomach and nodded.
With that Severus slipped from Harry's mind.
Remus waited anxiously. Severus had been in Harry's mind for a long time. Neither of them had blinked and he had periodically moistened their eyes.
Sirius had come back but became too restless in the waiting and had left to speak with Albus. They knew this latest incident wasn't Albus' fault, but they both felt like more could have been done by the staff to have prevented it from happening.
Poppy had walked Quinn back to her dorm an hour ago. Remus hoped that she would be alright.
Harry's vitals had mostly remained stable though his heart rate had elevated a few times. It had never become alarming. Remus knew that Severus would be able to tell from the inside if Harry was panicking.
Harry's heart rate began to climb again, and his breathing was becoming shallow. Remus hoped that this would end soon. It was a strange experience to watch two people stare blankly at one another. Severus body was rigid and unmoving. Harrys seemed limp by comparison.
Harry's right hand flexed and a moment later Severus blinked and sat back with a gasp.
Remus looked to his face and then back to Harry.
Slowly Harry's eye lids fluttered, and he seemed to come out of his catatonic state. Remus could have wept with joy when Harry turned and looked at him.
Harry's mouth moved a little, but no sound came out. Remus looked worriedly to Severus.
"You're okay, Harry. You're safe." Severus said softly.
To Remus alarm Harry spoke but his voice was so childlike Remus almost didn't recognize it as having come from Harry.
"I wanna go back." Harry whispered before pinching his eyes closed.
He rolled over on his side and pulled the blanket tight over him.
Remus looked to Severus in concern. Severus lips pressed into a thin line.
"Rest for now." Severus said softly, before standing and motioning over his shoulder for Remus to follow.
Remus hesitated not wanting to leave Harry alone. He needed to know what Severus had discovered though. Following Severus around the curtain, Remus looked to him for explanation.
Severus cast a muffliato and turned to him with sad eyes.
"His mind is in chaos." Severus said painfully, shaking his head.
Remus heart clenched.
"Fletcher dissolved the last of the memory charms. Harry is drowning in all the memories that have been hidden from him. I had to go deep into his subconscious to even find him. His inner self had reverted to a child I would guess to be four or five. He was terrified and wrapped up in his last protection, a mental representation of his Animagus form. I could not leave him in his mind the way he was." Severus explained.
Remus felt tears prick his eyes as he took in what Severus was explaining.
"He is going to need extensive occlumency to regain control of his mind. I think the regression is in response to the trauma that is happening inside his mind." Severus said thickly.
Remus blinked as he felt the first tear fall down his face.
"I think that we should sit down with Sirius, Poppy, and Albus and decide what our next step is going to be. Harry is in a very fragile state right now." Severus concluded.
Remus nodded and wiped at his face. He felt overwhelmed and lost. He knew the kind of trauma that Severus was talking about. He understood age regression. He had studied it in school. He also knew that his own mind was too overwhelmed to properly help Harry. Especially if he was as bad as Severus was saying.
The hospital wing doors swung open, and Remus turned and rushed into Sirius arms. He couldn't manage this alone.
Sirius arms wrapped tight around him and held him.
"I wish we'd never come back. We should have taken Harry away." Remus sobbed into Sirius' chest.