)O(

Harry spent the next three days working through his study plan and was pleased when he had managed to tick everything off his list. There were only three potions that he wanted to practice and a book on transfiguration that Hermoine had recommended left to cover.

He had agreed to meet the others first thing in the morning to get some flying practice in so wandered up the stairs to his dorm reasonably early. Harry climbed back into bed with a sigh. There were only eight days left of the holiday and for once Harry didn't want the term to start. He had really enjoyed this break; despite being ill and despite Snape finding out about the Dursley's.

Harry was also nervous about the fact that the rest of the teaching staff would be returning in a few days time.

Despite the fact Snape had promised him he didn't have to tell anyone until next summer, Harry knew that he would have to see Madam Pomfrey about his wrist and that would involve questions.

Harry pulled his blankets around him more tightly and watched the snow falling gently outside his window. He really wasn't sure what to do about that. He knew he could invent some excuse and that the mediwitch would probably not ask to many questions but he had never outright lied about his injuries before. He also thought that having this hanging over him all year might be more stressful than just getting it over with before school began again.

Professor Snape had agree to help him with potions again tomorrow afternoon. Maybe he could ask his advice? Harry snorted to himself under the blanket; oh how the world had changed in just a few short weeks! Here he was planning to go to Snape for advice!

He closed his eyes and slowly drifted off to sleep, resolved not to worry to much about anything just now.

)O(

Harry spent an enjoyable few hours flying the next morning and taught Emma loads of new moves whilst practising a few new ones himself. He made her promise not to tell anyone who had taught her in case of retribution from his team.

'Can't have my own house hexing me if you lead your team to victory next term, can I?' he explained.

After showering and changing, he ate lunch with the others and then headed down to the dungeons; still a bit nervous despite he and Snape's slightly thawed relationship. He hadn't been down here since that embarrassing panic attack and was not looking forward to this at all.

Harry knocked on the door to Snape's office quietly, moving in when he heard the professors answering call. Snape was sat near the fire again, a tea tray laid out on the table before him. He waved Harry over to to the armchair opposite his, in which Harry sank gratefully.

'I hope you didn't overdo it this morning?' Snape quietly asked as he poured tea for them both.

Harry accepted the cup and smiled. 'Maybe a little but we were only out there for a few hours. I think I need to start doing some physical training this term.'

' So long as you see Madam Pomfrey first Potter. You are not in any condition to be pushing yourself, in fact it makes me shudder to think you have been on your house team this whole year. If anyone had seen how you truly looked I can guarantee you would not have been allowed to play.'

Harry worried his bottom lip with his teeth. He really hoped they let him keep playing. After the toad had kept his broom all last year, it had been such a relief to be able to fly again. It was probably the only thing that had kept him sane after losing Sirius.

Harry noticed the potion vial sat on the tray and looked up at his professor curiously.

'A calming draught Potter. I thought you might want it before we try and unravel this potions mess.'

Harry nodded and reached for the vial, betraying his anxiety in the unquestioning act of downing it. Severus fought to keep his face neutral whilst he felt his concern growing. He had expected the teenager to refuse.

Harry took a deep swig of tea to get rid of the taste of the potion, and eyed his professor nervously. If he was going to ask then now would probably be best, before they started on the potion and he annoyed the man to distraction again.

'Erm...professor. Can I ask you something?'

Severus nodded to the boy, cradling his tea cup and watching as Harry swallowed nervously.

'You said that I wouldn't have to talk to anyone about the Durlseys yet but I know I will have to have my wrist fixed and I'm not sure how to...'

'I know Madam Pomfrey will not ask too many questions if you are not yet ready?'

Severus reassured, surprised that Harry was voluntarily bringing the subject up.

'It's just that...I wondered if it would be worse to wait...I mean I don't know how bad this is going to be..' Harry trailed off and drew in a shaky breath.

Severus felt his throat grow tight in sympathy. It didn't matter how many students he went through this routine with; every one was heart wrenching. Discovery of abuse was almost as bad as the original insult for a child and he felt his anger growing at the thought that yet another Hogwarts student found themselves in this position.

'Harry,' he said gently, aware of his renewed use of the boys first name. 'I know it's hard to believe it now but things will get better once you have spoken to someone about all this. I'm not saying it will be easy but surely knowing you won't have to go back to that place is worth it?'

Haunted green eyes looked up at him. 'That's just it sir. I have no where else to go. Not without putting people I care about at risk. '

'Maybe this is one time where you can let the adults sort things out?' Severus asked wryly. 'It will only be for one year after all. You come of age next summer.'

Harry sighed. 'I know it's irrational sir, but if I tell and then do get sent back there..'

'That will NEVER happen,' Severus snapped and Harry winced, unconsciously leaning back in his seat. Seeing the reaction, Severus closed his eyes and took a steadying breath. 'Harry, I give you my word that you never have to go back to those people again. I will not allow it.'

Harry slowly relaxed, hearing the frankness of the professors words and for the first time realizing it was true. He never had to go back to the Dursleys; not ever.

The two of them sat in silence for a while and once he had settled himself, Harry asked quietly.

'How does this work?...I mean, who do I need to talk to?'

Severus paused long enough to refill his tea and settle back in the chair. He would have to be completely honest but make sure he also didn't overwhelm the boy.

'Firstly, you should probably tell your head of house which is obviously Professor McGonagall. She would then arrange for you to have a formal medical exam in the hospital wing and a statement would be taken from you.'

He watched Harry carefully but the boy only nodded and did not seem too distressed by the thought of a statement so Severus continued.

'At this point the headmaster would be informed and any legal processes would be started. In your case that would mean dissolving your guardianship with the Dursleys; finding a suitable replacement until you come of age and then deciding whether or not to press legal charges.'

Harry's head shot up in alarm. 'No, I don't want to have to...I mean I'd rather no one else knew.'

Severus raised a hand to calm the boys sudden panic. 'The guardianship can be dissolved without pressing charges. Usually the threat of a criminal case is enough.'

Harry sighed heavily. 'Would it be possible to do this all at once?' he asked and at the questioning frown added, 'I mean...could I tell Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall together.'

'I'm sure I could help you arrange that.'

Harry looked down at his hands nervously, his voice dropping to a whisper.

'...and could you be there?'

Severus sat in stunned silence. Potter wanted him there? For that?

'Would you like me to be?' he asked quietly and the boy bobbed his head.

'I would sir. I think I would feel...safer.'

Severus realised he was gripping his cup so tightly it was shaking in his hand.

Bloody hell, he thought savagely. When did I start to care this much and how could it have happened so quickly?

'If that is what you would prefer, then I will be there. I would advise that we do this before your classmates return if you feel ready for it?'

Harry nodded again, grateful for the man's even tone and the fact he seemed so calm.

'Thank you sir.'

Severus drained his tea in one and quietly placed the cup back down on the table.

'Shall we return to our potions chaos again then Mr Potter and see how many more ounces of my valuable ingredients you can destroy in an afternoon?'

Harry put his cup down and followed the professor into his lab, hiding his smile. He was beginning to recognise the man's sarcasm as an attempt to reduce tension and wondered how often that had been the intention in the classroom as well.

He immediately saw that the ingredients for the same healing draught had been laid out next to a small cauldron and were waiting for him. Harry sat down at the stool and opened his textbook to the right page before looking to Professor Snape for instruction.

'The technique I am going to teach you is very simple. Basically I want you to talk to me as you are brewing. When you are doing the more complex parts of the potions then you can describe to me your actions as if you were teaching it to me. When it is a case of simply stirring, we are going to talk about anything else that comes to mind.'

Harry frowned. 'How does this help?'

'By focusing on your environment, instead of the energies of the potion, then you will hopefully not feel so pressured to stay in attunement with those energies. It's a bit like having the radio on in the background. We are simply turning down the volume to a level where it allows you to think and talk.'

Harry smiled. That made sense to him.

'Erm...professor...'

'Yes Potter,' Snape snapped impatiently.

'This attunement thing. It doesn't mean that I'm destined to be a potions master does it? Because I really don't like that potions that much... I mean..'

Severus raised an eyebrow and snorted in amusement at the boys discomfort.

'Don't panic Potter; No, I do not think you are an undiscovered potions genius. I believe it has something to do with the way your magic works and your general sensitivity to magical energies. That said, you should continue potions as long as you can. There are many careers where you will find this skill helpful and the fact that you can attune could open other doors for you.'

'Really, like what?'

'Well, curse breaking is an obvious one. The energies of brewing are very similar to the vibrations of curses and wards.'

Harry's eyes widened. 'Is that why I can feel the wards of the castle?'

Severus fought hard to keep the sheer amazement off his face, not altogether sure he had succeeded.

'I would suggest that you discuss this in more detail with the headmaster when he returns. He would also be the best person to recommence your occumency lessons with. His magic works in a similar way to yours so he is also unable to use the normal means to shield himself. He has had to learn other techniques.'

Harry nodded as another piece of the puzzle fell into place for him.

'Is that why he didn't teach me himself last year?'

Severus nodded gravely. 'That and the fact that he was unsure how the Dark Lord might react if he sensed the headmasters presence through you.'

Harry reached for the pile of cloves that he needed as the first ingredient and Severus settled himself into a chair beside him.

'Right then,' Harry started. 'First I need to crush a handful of ….'

)O(

Three hours later, Harry was cheerfully filling the last of fifty vials with his completed healing draught.

'Well done Harry.' Severus said, genuinely pleased at the boys achievement.

'These, will be put to good use in the hospital wing; most likely by your house mates when they have their first Quidditch practice.'

'We're not that bad,' Harry said crossly, feeling the need to defend his houses accident prone tendencies.

Severus just raised an eyebrow, and Harry blushed knowing the professors words were probably close to the truth. Hell, he'd probably drink half these potions himself.

'Shall we try one of the new potions for the coming term tomorrow? I believe you had two more on your study list?'

Harry grinned. 'That would be great sir if I'm not taking too much of your time?'

'Not at all.' Severus moved away to begin tidying up the area and putting ingredients away. 'I do have another potion to finish off so if you meet me in lab 5 again, we can work on them both together. I would like to try and practice the technique silently tomorrow. It will prevent you distracting me and also help prepare you for brewing in a busy classroom again.'

Harry headed back to the Gryffindor tower with a relieved smile on his face. He had just mastered a potion that had defeated him for years. He knew he should be worried by the fact it had taken him this long but all he felt was relief.

It all made sense now and the music analogy had really helped. He had been able to tune into the potion for a while and then drown it out when it got too complicated to focus on the practical tasks.

He also felt a little better about the upcoming discussion about the Dursleys. Although still really nervous, the fact that he could arrange it on his terms meant he didn't feel quite so powerless now.

The only bit he was still dreading was the fact that he would have to talk to the headmaster. After smashing up half of the man's office at the end of the last year, Harry had been nervous and embarrassed around Dumbledore.

He couldn't make his mind up what would be worse; Dumbledore knowing about what had happened to him at Privet Drive and leaving him there anyway, or him not knowing and being disappointed in Harry for not confiding in him sooner.

Either way, Harry was hoping to avoid that conversation for as long as possible.

Well, Harry thought. At least I have a few more days before I have to face all that. Plenty of time for more brewing, more flying and more thinking.

Harry realised with surprise; that for once, he didn't feel alone with it all.

)O(