Harry was cooking in the kitchen, like he did every day since his ‘summer’ started. Summer. Funny how the same word can have such a different meaning for two people.

For Ron, summer meant peace. He could sleep until late in the morning and nobody would wake him up because he didn’t have to prepare breakfast. Mrs. Weasley was an extraordinary cook and Ron could eat his delicious breakfast before going to play Quidditch in the backyard with his brothers and sister. His only chore was to de-gnome the garden from time to time. So no one doubts why he never wants to go back to Hogwarts the 1st of September.

But Harry’s ‘summer’ wasn’t like that. He would wake up at 6am when his uncle had to work, and at 6.30 in the weekend or if Vernon had holidays. After that he was very busy with a huge list of chores. He had to cook the meals for the Dursleys, but he liked that. He didn’t mind cooking, and he could steal a little bit of food and some coffee. The coffee was very important, after a night full of nightmares the coffee was the only thing that kept him awake during the day. After making breakfast he used to do the garden, it was better to do it early, that way the sunburns weren’t so bad. Then he had to clean the house, first the kitchen, then the living room and bathrooms and finally the three other bedrooms. He didn’t deserve to have a clean bedroom because freaks deserve nothing, so he didn’t have to clean it.

He normally finished the rest of his chores before cooking dinner. But sometimes, the laundry was too much and he couldn’t use the washing machine; or he had extra chores because of his cousin. Other times he was very tired because his night had been especially dreadful or his muscles were too sore. If something like that happened, he wasn’t finished in time and his uncle didn’t mind to use the belt in his back.

In fact, Harry was sure that sometimes they only gave him more chores because they knew that he wouldn’t finish them before dinner. Harry’s punishments were a great time for his uncle; so even if Harry did everything like they expected his uncle would find a reason to punish him.

The main reason: ‘he was a freak’. But at least Harry was allowed to take a shower after the beatings. If the wounds weren’t clean they became infected and he couldn’t do his chores with a lot of fever. The Dursleys had decided a long time ago that it was better to let him have a cold shower than have him ‘lazing around’ until he recovered.

“Hey you! Freak! What do you think you’re doing?” Vernon’s voice returned Harry to the present. He’d been too much time thinking.

“Sorry Uncle Vernon, I won’t do it again.” Harry said without looking in the eyes of the man. He wasn’t allowed to look up when he talked to the Dursleys, he had to bow his head and look the floor while he was talking, because he was a like servant. “Your breakfast is ready.”

“We are going to visit Marge today and we will return tomorrow. You’ll stay here doing your chores. If I find you’ve done something that you’re not allowed to do, believe me, you’ll regret it.” Vernon said, without seeing the sign of relief in his nephew’s face.

“Yes uncle Vernon, I’ll behave.” Harry said with a little smile.

He was going to have a day and a half of rest. He loved when the Dursleys went to visit aunt Marge because he would stay alone in the house. Before his third summer, aunt Marge used to come to Privet Drive, but after the incident in his second summer after starting Hogwarts, when he blew her up, the Dursleys decided that it was a better idea if they went to visit her, instead of her coming to visit them. That way they could leave Harry in the house. So for Harry, this was, by far, the best accidental magic he had done in all his life.

Today he would only have to water the plants in the garden. Then he would open the lock of the cupboard to take his homework from the trunk, and he would spend the day doing his essays.

He remembered how last year when they went to visit aunt Marge, he spent the day writing letters to his friends, Hagrid and Sirius. But this year…

Flashback

He received the letter after the dinner, a month and a half later after the final task.

Hi Harry,

I hope you’re having a great summer. I received the letter about the final task. I warned you about Snivellus, you know he is a Death Eater. How could you let him ‘protect’ you instead of running away from him when he entered in the classroom? What if Dumbledore and Minerva hadn’t been there? I’m sure he had conspired with Crouch and he was doing like he was protecting you to take you to his master. Don’t do that again Harry, I’m very serious. I know Dumbledore trusts him but I don’t. Don’t stay with Snape alone. NEVER.

By the way, I’m fine, but I won’t be able to send or receive letters this summer. So don’t try to send me letters. Have a good time with your aunt, uncle and cousin.

Love,

Padfoot.

Harry couldn’t believe what he had just read. Apart from the fact that he wasn’t going to be able to communicate with his godfather, he couldn’t believe that Sirius hadn’t asked once about his wellbeing. He hadn’t asked him if he was fine after seeing Cedric’s death. The whole letter was about Snape. He decided to ‘answer’ him, even if he wouldn’t send the letter. At least he would feel better after writing everything he wanted to say.

Hi Padfoot,

Thanks so much for your concern, I’m fine. Excellent in fact. I have nightmares every single night. Yesterday for example it was too much and I started yelling at 1am. My uncle came to my bedroom and punch me in the face, he was too tired to beat me with the belt. After that I couldn’t sleep and today I haven’t been able to finish my chores. Right now I’m writing with my back full of wounds. So yes, I’m having a great time.

Thank you for replying so fast. I mean, I only sent you my letter telling you about all that happened in the final task 47 days ago. So it’s fantastic to know that you’re there for me when I need you.

Don’t worry, at least you have replied because my bloody friends haven’t send a single letter in all the summer. Hell, they don’t even take my letters from Hedwig, she always comes back with them. I don’t blame them, of course, who would want to be friend of a freak? Freaks don’t have friends, freaks don’t deserve anything, only the belt marks in their back.

Oh, and about PROFESSOR Snape, he saved my live, once again. I think that’s all that he’s been doing the last four years, he’s been saving my life. And I can’t promise you that I won’t be alone with him because I’ll earn detention with him the first day of class. Why? Because my bloody books are in my bloody trunk, that is in the bloody locked cupboard under the stairs. MY bloody cupboard because that was my home until I was 11.

Love you too Padfoot, you are the best godfather of the world.

End of the flashback.

The Dursleys left the house at 8am, with Dudley moaning because he wanted to sleep more. Harry went to the garden and contemplate with pride the big plants. Aunt Petunia would win ‘The best garden prize’ again. Great news for him because they would go to celebrate it and he would stay alone in the house. When he was watering the roses, he saw blood in the sidewalk outside the house. Following the track, he found a black cat by a tree. He moved closer and he saw that the cat was unconscious, but he was able to feel a weak heartbeat and he saw that the cat was breathing, but with trouble. It was lying in a pool of blood that came from its leg. Harry was almost sure that it had hit his head and that the leg was broken. He had the marks of a dog’s teeth in it. He picked the cat up and walked to the house and started talking to the black injured cat.

“Hi little one. Merlin, you’re very hot! You must have fever… How much time have you been there? Anyway, don’t worry, I’ll take care of you.”

When he arrived home he put the cat in his bed. He left the black cat in his bed and went to find something to put the cat in. When he came back to the bedroom he had a little box and a little bowl for the water, together with a little syringe to put the water and the potions in the cat’s mouth. He had nicked the potions from the infirmary before the year finished. He was sure he was going to need them in the summer. When he arrived home he keep them in the wardrobe, putting them behind some old Dudley's school robes. Anyway, his uncle never opened the wardrobe.

The poor thing was in a very bad state, so Harry imagined that he wouldn’t be able to drink the potions and the water by his own. He gave the cat some fever reducing potion and pain reliever. He wasn't sure he could use potions with animals but he knew that the cat would die if he didn't do something. Then he cleaned its leg and put a bandage on it while talking to the moaning cat. When he finished healing the cat he put the box in the floor of his wardrobe, with the jumper that Mrs. Weasley sent him last Christmas inside the box. That way it would be more comfortable for the cat. He turned around and he saw two black eyes full of pain looking at him.

“What’s wrong with you?” The Potions Master said with a very disgusted voice. “So you leave Potter in Privet Drive, you tell his best friends that they can’t send him letters because is dangerous, you put wards in Grimmauld Place so Potter’s owl can’t deliver the letters he sends, and now you want ME to go to Potter’s house, to see if he is fine. For what we know he could be dead and nobody would know anything!”

“Now now, Severus, you know that’s not true. Voldemort doesn’t know where Harry lives and the house is under Fidelius Charm. If you haven’t told Voldemort where the house is, and of course, you know that I haven’t, Harry is safe. I only want to know how he is.” Said Dumbledore, looking to Severus’ eyes, that were full of anger.

“Why ME?”

“Because since I can’t go you are the only one who can. And because if I’m not losing my mind, your animagus form is a cat and you can watch him without being seen.” Said the Headmaster smiling.

“Bloody Headmaster with his bloody tasks and his bloody way to make you do everything he wants you to do!” Snape was muttering in his quarters while he was preparing himself before going to Privet Drive.

Not only he was going to start teaching the dunderheads in less than a week, but now he had to go to watch how the bloody Golden Boy was being spoiled by his family.

The Potions Professor apparated near Privet Drive and he transformed himself into a black cat before heading to Potter’s home. When he reached the house he sat in the sidewalk near it, waiting to see The Boy Who Lived To Disturb His Potions Teacher. He waited hours until he could see something. At 5pm he saw a boy who looked like a whale with a bike. When he was near the fence, he started yelling for Potter.

‘Of course, Potter will go with his disgusting friends, most probably to spend the night drinking alcohol while everybody is worried’ Thought Snape while he walked towards the fence to see Potter.

Well, at least his task was going to finish soon. He would see the bloody spoiled brat and he would go back to Hogwarts to inform the Headmaster.

But he couldn’t be more mistaken. When the whale boy yelled Potter’s name, the thin boy went running to the fence and he opened it, bowing his head, and looking the floor. The whale boy pushed him to the ground and he threw the bike to the dark haired boy. Snape flinched.

“Clean it, Potter. If it’s not the way I like it after I finished my dinner you’ll clean it with your tongue.” Said the whale, and he went into the house muttering to himself “Stupid freak, waste of space, I hope you die soon.”

The black cat was so confused with the scene that he didn’t see the huge black dog that was running in his direction until it was very late. He tried to run but the dog was faster. It caught the black cat and bite his leg. When its owner called its name, he threw the cat, who hit his head with the lamp of the street.

He felt horrible. Snape didn’t remember nothing like that in all his life. He was dizzy and the pain in his leg was atrocious. He had to return to Hogwarts or he wouldn’t survive. The black cat tried to go to Mrs. Figg house, but he fell in the middle of his way. He couldn’t walk, and he tried to find a comfortable position, knowing that if no one found him, he was going to die. He felt his temperature raising and he drifted in and out a fitful sleep during the night. The last thing he saw before losing consciousness the next morning was a huge man, even bigger than his whale son, punching Harry in the stomach after he had put the suitcases in the boot of the car. Then the two whales and the skeletal woman took the car and left Privet Drive, and Harry entered the house.

His mouth tasted awful, like fever reducing potion and the pain reliever potion. He couldn’t open his eyes and his leg hurt a lot. Two careful hands were touching it slowly but the pain was still dreadful. He couldn’t help but let a little whimper leave his mouth. Then the person who was touching the leg started talking with a soft voice.

“I’m so sorry little one, but I have to clean your leg. If I don’t do it the infection will be even worse, and you already have fever. Stay still, I’ll finish soon.”

The person who was touching his leg was a boy. He had listened that voice before, but when? He couldn’t remember, his head was also hurting, something completely normal having in mind that he had hit the head with the streetlamp and he must have a concussion. Then the boy stopped touching his leg and he started putting a bandage on it. When he finished the cat sighted in relief. Now that his leg wasn’t hurting so much, the cat could think better.

The boy was saying something about a box in the wardrobe and a jumper. But he wasn’t paying attention, his mouth still had the awful taste of the potions. Wait, what? Potions? And that voice?

‘Potter’ The cat thought, and he opened his eyes.

In that moment the boy turned around and the cat saw two green concerned eyes looking at him.

“Hey, you are awake! Don’t worry, you’ll be fine. Let me give you some water to drink. I’ve taken this syringe from a medicine box that was downstairs, nobody has ever used it but I’ve cleaned it anyway before giving you the potions. I’ve cleaned it again after the potions so the water will taste fine.” Said the boy while he was taking some water with the syringe.

The cat started drinking the water, with Harry’s help. It tasted well, Harry had put something else in the water, something nice but Severus wasn’t able to discover what it was.

“I’ve put some mint and lavender in the water. They will help you a little with your head, and you’ll be able to sleep better with them.” Said the black haired boy, like if he had read the cat’s mind.

When the cat finished drinking he put the bowl with water neat the box in the wardrobe, only in case the cat could eat and drink by his own. Then he went back to the bed to pick the black cat up, and he started talking again.

“Now I’m going to put you in the box. Like I’ve said before, I’ve put a jumper in it so you’ll be comfortable there.”

Severus thought that the hands were comfortable and soft, but he must have fever, he was thinking that about the bloody Potter! No, not Potter, Harry. He stopped being Potter when he saw that Harry was more like himself when he was 15, than like James Potter. He wasn’t the spoiled brat that Severus thought he was, but maybe it wasn’t that bad…

“Okay, now I’m going to put this cold flannel in your head. I know that cats don’t like water, but it will help with your head and your fever. Now, try to sleep. I’m going to go downstairs to take the books from my trunk. My uncle locked them the day I arrived from Hogwarts, and now that they are not home I can unlock the door. Then I’ll come back to do the homework here. Especially the potions essays, if I don’t do them Professor Snape will kill me.” Harry smiled to the cat and then he went. Severus stayed thinking about what Harry had said until he couldn’t stay awake anymore.

The night arrived fast. Harry had woken the cat every four hours to give him the potions and some water. He also tried to feed him, but the cat didn’t want to eat.

The cat wouldn’t stay awake more than 10-15 minutes. Every time the clock rang, the black haired boy did the same routine. He talked softly while petting the cat, and when he was finally awake, the boy picked the cat up slowly and being very especially careful not to hurt the cat’s leg or his head. Then he put the cat in the bed to give him the potions and he held him again talking about the essay he had been doing before the alarm clock had rung warning him that it was time for the potions. He stayed cradling the cat in his arms until he drifted back to sleep.

Severus didn’t know why, but he was more relaxed that way. If he was awake and he wasn’t in the child arms he was scared, even if it only was for a little bit of time before he drifted back into unconsciousness. But if he was awake in Harry’s arms he felt safe listening to Harry’s voice and his heart. He had tried to stay awake more time so the boy wouldn’t put him in the box again, but he was so comfortable that he couldn’t have his eyelids open.

Finally, at 2am, Harry finished all his homework. He woke the cat like the other times and he put him in the bed. Severus looked at him confused. ‘The clock said it was 2am, he had had his potions only one hour and a half before.

“I’m sorry, but I have to clean your leg again. I wanted to finish my homework before doing it, because it will be painful and we’ll need more time.” Said Harry, and Snape thought again that the boy could read his mind. It seemed that Severus wasn’t good with the Occlumency in his cat form.

The cat saw that the old and broken desk, in which Harry had the books and his homework before, was now empty.

“I didn’t have a lot of homework, in fact, if you think about that, it’s very little because we are supposed to have the whole summer to do it. The only problem is that I only have one day to do it, so usually my homework isn’t good enough.” Harry started talking while he was unrolling the bandage of the cat. “Professor Snape always tell me that my homework is rubbish. He thinks I’m a spoiled arrogant boy, like my father. But I’m not. I hope someone could see that I’m not my father.”

The cat whimpered a little, not only because Harry had started cleaning the wound of his broken leg, but also because he had finally realized all that about Harry and he regretted his behaviour towards him in the past.

“I’m sorry, I know it hurts, but if you stay still we’ll finish soon, I promise.” Harry whispered, and he continued talking like that, seeing that the cat looked more calmed when he was talking.

Thirty minutes later they were finished. Harry held the cat until he seemed to be asleep but when tried to put it in the box the cat stiffened and started moaning, so he stopped and he went to lay in his bed with the cat in his chest. Seeing that the cat was still awake, he started talking again.

Severus was looking at Harry while he was cleaning the wound. Harry was very concentrated but he was talking to him in a soft low voice. Severus was grateful, the leg was very painful but he was feeling better with Harry’s voice. He knew that it was late when the boy finished and he was sure the boy would want to sleep, but he didn’t want to stay alone in the wardrobe. He couldn’t, he was scared and feverish, and he knew that he would have nightmares.

He wanted to remain in Harry’s arms. Merlin, he wanted Harry to pet him and talk to him. He needed him. When did that happened? He had been avoiding and hating that boy for four years, he had been punishing him when he hadn’t done anything wrong, and he had been insulting the boy thinking that he was like his father, a spoiled arrogant brat. And now he was moaning because he wanted to sleep in his arms. He would have to apologize, and even with that, most probably the boy wouldn’t forgive him.

His heart clenched painfully. Maybe it was because of the fever, but now that he knew more about Harry, he wanted him to be in his life. He decided to stop worrying in that moment and he listened to what Harry was telling him.

Harry put a sheet when he started shivering and the cat was finally falling asleep, when Harry started talking about his night in the graveyard and how he had nightmares every night since then. When Harry said that everything was his fault, the black cat looked at him and groaned. Harry looked confused but continued.

“So now, Voldemort…” the cat groaned again “…is alive again. Cedric is dead because of me…” another groan “…and Voldemort…” groan “…is killing people again because of me.” Loud groan. Harry finished saying that more and more confused while he saw the cat’s behaviour.

“You are not a cat.” Harry said. The black cat shook his head and looked at him scared. Severus didn’t know why he was saying the truth, but now he had to continue.

“So, you are an animagus.” Harry continued. Severus nodded and started trembling. He was dead. Harry was not as idiot as Snape said in class. He knew it. So of course he would discover him, he will know that the ‘little cat’ that was in his chest with a concussion in his head a broken leg was Snape, the greasy git of the dungeons. And after that he would kill Snape. And the Potions Master wouldn’t blame him, because now he knew that the boy’s summer was a hell, and he had treated the boy like the Dursleys did in the place that Harry thought like home, Hogwarts.

His whole body was shaking badly, his leg and leg hurt and he felt dizzy. He didn’t move, in his state he couldn’t escape and he would only hurt himself more. He only wished the boy could kill him fast, without making him suffer.

“Professor Snape?”

The cat didn’t answer, he only started breathing faster, and Harry tried again. “Come on, aren’t you Professor Snape?” After that the cat fainted in Harry’s chest.

Harry didn’t know what to do, the teacher who hated him and who had insulted him in every single potions class had just had a panic attack in his chest and had passed out. It was crazy! Harry knew the man hated him, but he couldn’t hate his professor. Snape had saved his life too many times.

‘Maybe is because of the fever.’ Harry thought, and leaving the black cat on the bed he went to the bathroom and soaked a towel in cold water. He put it in his professor’s body and he started talking in a soothing voice.

Five minutes later, Severus started regaining consciousness. ‘Am I dead? Wow, that’s been very fast.’ He thought. ‘But why am I in pain?’ Then he heard that voice. Harry was whispering again, and he felt something wet and cold in his body. Severus opened his eyes and when he saw Harry started trembling and breathing fast again, and Harry could see that he was scared.

“Shh professor. Calm down, everything will be fine, you’ll be fine.” Harry, while he continued petting the cat’s head. “Your fever is high, but I can’t give you more fever reducing potion yet.”

Severus relaxed a bit. Wasn’t Harry going to kill him? He was still petting him and he could see concern in his eyes. He was telling him to calm down, so maybe he wasn’t very mad, maybe he wasn’t going to kill him.

“Can you drink some water, please? You’ll feel better if you drink a little bit.” He said still whispering, not wanting to scare more the cat. When the cat nodded he started pouring water in the cat’s mouth and massaging the throat gently, helping him to swallow.

“Better?” The cat nodded and Harry placed his hand near the cat, but he didn’t dare to pet him again. Not now that he was more calmed. Snape wouldn’t want Harry to touch him. But to Harry’s surprise, Severus moved a little bit, placing his neck on Harry’s hand and closed his eyes, exhausted.

Thirty seconds later, Harry moved away his hand and Severus felt his heart clenching painfully. ‘Of course he doesn’t want you to touch him, you idiot! You are worse than his family.’ He felt some tears that were wetting his face even with his eyes closed. He couldn’t even control his damned emotions! Then he heard Harry near him again, and the boy picked him up. He thought that the boy would put him in the box, or even worse, outside the house. But instead of doing that, Harry climbed to the bed, wiped the tears of the cat’s face and he hugged him.

“What’s wrong sir? Are you hurt?” Harry asked and Snape shook his head pressing it against his student chest. ‘What are you doing Severus?’ He asked when he realised what he was doing.

“Fine, I suppose you’re only scared. I would be if I were you, sir. By the way, I find a little strange to be calling a cat ‘professor’ or ‘sir’ so, would you mind if I call you Severus? Only while you are a cat, of course.” Asked Harry, still hugging the black cat. When he felt the weak nod in his chest, he continued. “Good. You know, you’ve saved my live more times than I can remember, so believe me, you’ll recover soon and you’ll be fine Sev, I promise you.” He felt that the cat was still slightly tensed and he said a foolish sentence, trying to make him relax in his arms. “Don’t worry or I’ll take points from Slytherin.” Said Harry smirking and it worked almost immediately. The cat pressed his body even closer against Harry and he fell asleep with a smile in his heart.

“What?! They said they would be back in the after lunch, not in the morning!” Harry started yelling at 7am looking at the car that uncle Vernon was parking in the street. Severus was still in bed, looking at Harry. He had been sleeping since Harry had stopped talking last night, without waking during the night. He had only woken when Harry went to the window and started yelling.

Harry had slept without nightmares, but he had been awake since 6.30am. He had been watching Severus asleep, grateful that he didn’t have a high fever, because there wasn’t much fever potion left.

“Sev, I’m going to put you in the box of the wardrobe, I’m sorry, but the Dursleys are here and I don’t want them to see you if they open the door, alright?” The cat hesitated but nodded. He didn’t want to be alone, but there wasn’t anything Harry could do. “Good, stay still and don’t make any noises or they will kill me. I will leave the wardrobe door open.”

Harry left the room and ran downstairs. He picked a broom and started sweeping the floor before his uncle entered the house. Severus could hear them talking.

“Oh! Hi uncle Vernon.” Said Harry like if he was surprised. “I thought you were going to come back this afternoon.”

“Shut up freak! I have to attend a meeting in my job. Today I’ll sleep here and tomorrow morning I’ll go to pick Petunia and Dudley. Leave that broom and take my suitcase from the car. NOW!” Vernon yelled.

“Yes, uncle Vernon.” Harry said, and after bringing the suitcase from the car he asked “Do you want me to cook anything?”

“No, but go to the grocery store and buy some chicken and something else for dessert. I want the change back. And continue doing your chores or else!” Vernon said, leaving a 10 pounds note on the table, and he slammed the door.

Harry went upstairs and he took the potions and the water. When he picked Severus up he saw that his temperature was raising again. After giving Snape the pain reliever and the last dose of fever reducing potion, he gave him some water and he put him in the box again. He took some money that he had hidden in the wardrobe to buy something for Severus and him while he was buying what his uncle had said, and he promised his professor that he would be back soon.

Severus fell asleep after Harry had left the room. Harry woke him up when he was back from the grocery store to give him some milk that he had bought. Then he fell asleep again and the next time he woke up it was 12.30 am. He heard the whale man yelling Harry for more food. He was feeling slightly better, he was scared of being alone again, he wanted to be in Harry’s arms. He was scared about the boy too, who knew what that filthy muggle could do. He tried to drink some water because he remembered that when he was having the panic attack the night before, he felt better after drinking some water; and he saw a letter. It was the letter that Sirius had sent Harry a month ago. The only letter that Harry had received during the summer. Snape read it becoming angrier and angrier with each word. So Harry couldn’t be with him alone. Black had become even more idiot with his 12 years in Azkaban. But wait, Harry had slept with him, why hadn’t he done what his dogfather wanted? He thought that they were very close, but he must had been mistaken (once again). In that moment he saw another parchment written with a pen. It was a letter that the boy had written but that he hadn’t sent, replying to Black’s letter. He was amused to see that the letter of Harry was full of sarcasm. If someone of the school had seen the letter they would have thought that it was Severus the one who had written it. But he felt bad, realizing that the boy had been suffering a lot because of his horrible uncle’s treatment and he had been very lonely this summer with no letters from his friends. Harry wouldn’t return there after they escaped.

“Hi Sev.” The cat jumped and whimpered after hurting his broken leg. Harry picked him up with concern. “Sorry, I didn’t want to scare you. I have some chicken broth for you. And no, don’t put that face, I know that you are injured and you are not hungry, but you have to eat something or you won’t recover. You barely had milk before so you’ll drink this. My uncle won’t return until late in the evening, we have time. I will bring some chicken for dinner, you can’t have only liquids.”

With a lot of patience, Harry gave all the chicken broth to Severus, cleaning the excess from the corners of the cat’s mouth. He had to go downstairs four times to use the microwave, because the cat was eating so slowly, that the broth was becoming cold all the time. After lunch, Harry held Severus in his arms, talking until he fell asleep. Then he put him inside the bed, knowing that he was more comfortable there. He cleaned the box, and he put the jumper into it again, in case he had to put Severus in the box again; and then he headed downstairs to finish his chores and prepare the dinner.

“Goodnight Uncle Vernon, thanks for letting me eat the leftovers.” Harry said, and run upstairs with a small bowl with chicken for Severus.

“You should be grateful, freak and you don’t deserve to eat!” Vernon replied.

Severus was awake on the bed, waiting for Harry. He woke up when he heard the whale shouting. He flinched when he heard Harry’s words. Letting him eat the leftovers? And what was his uncle saying? Freaks don’t deserve to eat. What was Albus thinking when he left Harry with this monsters? He felt like if someone had kicked him in the stomach. Definitely, the boy wouldn’t come back to this house after this summer. The door opened slowly, taking Severus out from his thoughts.

“Hi Sev, how are you feeling? I have some chicken for you, try to eat it while it’s hot.” Harry said, and started taking tiny pieces of chicken and giving them to Severus, who was doing his best to eat fast because he could see that Harry was tired.

After half an hour, Harry saw that Severus couldn’t eat any more, so he ate the rest of the chicken and drank the milk that he had left in the morning. Then he changed his clothes and Severus realized that he didn’t have any pyjamas when he dressed himself in the same rags that he had used the day before. Harry moved Severus a little and he climbed into bed next to him, petting with his hand the cat’s head until both of them fell asleep.

Severus wake up two hours later due to Harry’s shouts in the middle of the night. He was begging someone (most likely Voldemort) not to kill his friends.

Snape tried to move to wake him up when he heard the whale shouting the boy’s name in the other room. Then Harry stopped, but Snape didn’t know that it was already late.

“Shit!” Harry cursed standing up. He quickly took Severus and put him in the box but in that moment his uncle opened the door and he couldn’t close the wardrobe’s door, so Severus was going to see everything.

“I’m so sorry uncle, please don’t beat me, I won’t fall asleep again this night, please don’t use the belt.” Harry begged, knowing that his uncle will do it anyway, in fact, the man already had the belt in his hand.

“YOU BOY! YOU THINK YOU CAN SHOUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO WAKE ME UP AND GO AGAIN TO SLEEP WITHOUT BEING PUNISHED? TAKE OFF YOUR T-SHIRT!”

Severus saw the man using the belt on Harry, making deep wounds on a back full of scars while he was shouting “YOU LITTLE FREAK, IDIOT, ARROGANT BOY!” with his voice full of hate.

Flashback

End of the flashback.

‘I’m just like his uncle.’ Severus thought. After seeing Harry this night, he realized that the boy had shouted in class because he was exhausted, most likely, because he had had a nightmare during the night. Malfoy had destroyed a perfect potion and after that Severus had called him ‘boy’ with the same voice that his uncle was using now. And not only that, he had also called him idiot and arrogant at the end. The same bloody words. Severus felt sick.

Harry heard Severus throwing up and he started shouting. He knew that his uncle would beat him more, but if his uncle heard Severus, both of them would be dead within a minute.

“No uncle Vernon, please, stop! Please uncle Vernon!” Harry begged, knowing that it wouldn’t work, and he continued saying that until he was sure Severus wasn’t making noise anymore.

“SHUT UP FREAK! YOU KNOW THAT WHEN YOU SHOUT YOU ONLY EARN YOURSELF MORE PUNISHMENT!” Vernon shouted while he continued beating his nephew.

Five minutes later, what seemed like an eternity for Severus, the whale told Harry to take his towel and go to shower. Harry took his towel and the jumper from the box, in which Severus had thrown up. He put his hand softly in the cat’s head and said in a whisper “I’m sorry sir, I’ll be here in five minutes.”

Severus stayed still in the box, with tears sliding down his face. His stomach was twisted. He deserved the pain, actually, he deserved to feel more pain. He was a monster. He had been a monster with Harry. Hell, he had just thrown up in the best jumper that the child had, the jumper which Harry had put there for him to be more comfortable; and that whale had beaten his nephew for more time because the boy had shouted to cover up the noise he was making. And then before going to the shower he had apologized. ‘I don’t deserve to live.’ Severus thought, more disappointed with himself than he had ever been.

Harry came back to the room five minutes later, just like he had said. His uncle locked the door and shouted that he would unlock it next day, when he was back from Marge’s house.

Harry found out that Severus was crying in the corner of the box. He picked him up and held him against his bare chest, while he was taking the stomach soothing potion. He remembered that he had almost decided not to take that potion when he was in the school, and he was grateful he had finally taken it.

He put Severus in the bed and the potion on the table. He took some potion with the syringe and he knelt in the floor, beside the bed to give the potion to Severus. But he didn’t want to open the mouth.

“Come on Severus, I’m sorry you don’t feel well, and I apologize for making you eat chicken in the dinner, but you had to eat something. Please, take the potion and you will feel better.” Harry, started whispering, while he was rubbing Severus back in circles. Severus had just been sick because he had made him eat the chicken, so why didn’t his professor want to take the potion?

Severus was feeling better; well, besides his stomach. Being petted by Harry always had that effect on him. But he couldn’t take the potion, he deserved to suffer, he was a monster. He opened his eyes and he glanced at the box and then the soaked jumper that was in Harry’s chair and the young wizard realised that the man was feeling guilty.

“What happens? I hope you’re not feeling bad for throwing up in the box.” Harry said realising why he didn’t want to take the potion. The cat closed his eyes. Yes, of course he felt bad about that, together with other things. “Look, the jumper is clean I’ve washed it, and I found the box in Dudley’s room, have you seen it? It’s horrible!” Harry said laughing while he was wiping the tears that came from Severus’ eyes. “Please Sev, take the stomach soothing potion, take it for me.” Harry begged, looking right in his professor’s eyes, and with that Severus finally opened his mouth, unable to disobey after seeing those green eyes filled with concern.

Harry poured the potion in his mouth and started massaging the cat’s throat until he was sure he had shallowed all the potion. Then he put the potion in the wardrobe. He decided to drink a pain reliever for his back and he climbed into the bed. He curled, lying in a foetal position, and he moved Severus until the cat was between his chest and his legs.

“Are you feeling better?” Harry asked, and Severus nodded moving even closer to Harry and leaning his head on the boy’s chest. Harry put an arm around the cat hugging him tightly. “Dumbledore sent you here, didn’t he?” Harry asked and the cat nodded. “Good, then he will see that you aren’t coming back and he’ll come to rescue. But if he doesn’t, I will think about something, I promise. So don’t worry.”

‘Or you will take points from Slytherin.’ Severus thought, feeling much better.

“Or I’ll take points from Slytherin.” Harry finished smiling. And looked down to the black cat that was beginning to doze in his chest, breathing slowly and rhythmically.

He watched the sleeping cat for the rest of the night, not wanting to fall asleep and have a nightmare again. He heard his uncle leaving the house early in the morning and taking the car. And when he was thinking if he should wake Severus up to give him the potion and to clean the wounds, the door of the bedroom exploded with a loud “BOOOM!!!”

Harry stood up holding Severus with protectiveness in his arms. The professor’s body tensed in Harry’s arms and he started growling until they saw a woman in a green dress.

“Professor McGonagall? What are you doing here?” Harry asked in shock. He supposed that saying ‘what the hell are you doing blowing my bedroom’s door’ it was a little bit rude considering he was talking to the Head of his House.

“I was looking for someone Mr. Potter, but I have already found him.” Answered the witch pointing the black cat in Harry’s arms. She was sure his lion didn’t know who was in his arms or he wouldn’t be holding him like that. “We are going to Hogwarts, and you’ll come too.” She couldn’t leave the boy there after seeing the six locks in his bedroom. She wanted to know what was going on there.

“Oh, that’s perfect. I was thinking how to escape but I suppose it is not necessary now.” Said Harry bending to pick the t-shirt that his uncle ordered him to take off.

After opening and closing her mouth two or three times, Minerva said in a whisper: “Harry, what happened to your back?”

“Oh, that. It is a long story. Let’s say that my uncle was a little mad with me. I’ll tell you everything when we arrive at Hogwarts.” Harry said picking a blanket and wrapping it carefully around the cat. He had felt the feverish cat trembling in his arms, and since they were going out and the weather was rather cold, he supposed that his potions professor would need a blanket. He put the cat in his bed to put on his t-shirt and he picked him up again. Then he took the Weasley’s jumper that was still wet and Hedwig’s cage. The owl wasn’t there since the end of July, when he had send her to Hogwarts to stay there. He wasn’t going to need her if he couldn’t send or receive letters, and she would be better far away from his uncle. “My trunk is downstairs Professor; we can go now.”

‘No, definitely he doesn’t know the cat is his potions teacher. Or he wouldn’t have wrapped a blanket around him. I have to pick Severus before Harry realizes who he is.’ Thought McGonagall, not knowing if she was more surprised about the fact that Harry had Severus wrapped in a blanket in his arms or about the back covered on wounds and blood.

“Fine Harry, give me the cat first, I can take him.” Said Minerva and moved towards Harry to pick Severus. And then the witch saw the most absurd scene that she could have ever imagined. Severus growled and all his body trembled, and Harry hugged him tight and said smiling “Wow, Sev, don’t do that to Professor McGonagall, she can take points from Slytherin, you know.” The cat leaned on Harry’s chest and he looked at him with pride.

Minerva pointed Harry with her wand and asked “Mr. Potter or whoever you are, why did Ms. Granger come to my office before the feast at the beginning of your third year?”

“Look what you’ve done Sev, you have freaked her out.” Harry said still smiling. “You gave her the time turner so she could attend all her classes. Only the Headmaster and Hermione know about this. So yes, professor, I’m Harry Potter and I know he is Severus Snape, I have known since the first night we spend together. I will tell you and Poppy everything later. Can we go now?”

If the witch thought that she was shocked before, there weren’t words to describe how she was feeling now. If someone had told her in the morning that Harry would be hugging Snape, she would have laughed in their faces.

Harry called her from the stairs when he saw that she wasn’t following them. He took his trunk and broom and McGonagall shrunk them, together with the cage, and put them in her pocket. They apparated outside the castle’s wards. Then Harry changed Severus’ position so he was lying like a baby, with his head leaning in Harry’s chest. Minerva smiled looking at them, and saw that Severus was falling asleep in Harry’s arms while she and her little lion were walking to the path that headed to the castle’s door.

‘Severus Snape and Harry Potter! Even Dumbledore will be surprised.’ She thought while they continued walking.

Severus felt how Harry was pulling him away from his chest and putting him in the cold rough sheets of the infirmary bed. He opened his eyes and whimpered. He was looking at Harry and he didn’t see the strange look in Poppy’s eyes when she saw the scene.

“Everything is fine Sev, Madam Pomfrey will change you and you’ll be Professor Snape again. So stay still, I’ll be waiting outside.” Harry whispered.

The black cat started whimpering again, this time louder. Everything wasn’t fine. He didn’t want to be Professor Snape, he wanted to be Sev, the cat that Harry held in his arms. After becoming the potions professor, Harry would hate him again and that would break his heart. He didn’t know how the things could have happened so fast. Some days ago he hated that child and now he needed Harry. That boy was like him; he was the only person who could understand the thing that Severus had gone through. The potions professor had been all his life alone, except when Lily was his friend, his best friend. And she didn’t forgive him. If his only friend hadn’t been able to forgive him, the child that he had been abusing verbally during four years wasn’t going to forgive him. And those days, even with the injuries and the pain, had been great for him. There was someone that loved him and that look after him.

“Wait Harry, maybe it’s better if you stay with him.” Poppy said looking the whimpering cat, and Severus looked at him hopefully. Harry sat in the chair beside the bed and the medi-witch continued. “The change be very painful Severus, I’ll change you back and you’ll drink some potions to help you with your fever and concussion. I will give you a potion for your concussion, another for your fever and some dreamless sleep, so you can rest a bit. I’ll clean your wound while you sleep. Then, we will heal your bones, which of course, will be painful. Well, are you ready?”

Harry petted his head one last time, thinking that Sev wouldn’t want him there once he was Professor Snape again. He didn’t know why, but that thought hurt him. He nodded at the cat, who look at the medi-witch and nodded too. After a long spell that Harry didn’t understand in another language, the cat disappeared and Severus was lying in the bed.

The man’s eyes were in Harry’s, and the young wizard could see that he was in pain. He looked scared too, and Harry didn’t know why. A little whisper came out from Severus’ mouth “Harry.”

“Here, Severus take the potions.” Said Poppy while he was handing him the first vial. But the professor wasn’t looking at her.

“I’m sorry.” The teacher whispered again.

“Severus, the potions.” Repeated Poppy, but Severus was looking at Harry like if he was the only one with him in the infirmary.

“I’m so sorry Harry, don’t leave me.” Severus said pleading. “Don’t leave me, please.” His voice was hoarser every time he talked, and his breathing was becoming faster. ‘He’s going to have a panic attack.’ thought Poppy, and she accio-ed a calming draught, thinking she will have to force him to take it, before giving him the other potions.

But then, Harry took the fever reducing potion that the medi-witch was still holding in her hand, he sat in the bed and put his free hand on his professor’s hand. “I won’t leave you Sev, now take the potions.” He said, handing him the three potions. He watched him shallowing the fever reducing potion, the one for the concussion and the sleeping draught. “You’ll be fine, now sleep. And don’t worry.”

“Or you will take points from Slytherin.” Severus finished Harry’s sentence with a smile. “You won’t leave me, will you?”

“I’ll be right here the next time you wake up, I won’t move. Sleep well Sev.” Harry reassured him. And with that, Severus slipped into the unconsciousness with a smile in his face, holding tightly Harry’s hand on his own.

The medi-witch was looking at them shocked. “Are you sure the boy is Harry?” Asked Poppy in a low voice so only Minerva could hear her.

“I’m sure Poppy, I verified it in Harry’s house.” Answered Minerva smiling. “Harry was holding Severus so I thought he didn’t know who was the cat. After that he wrapped a blanket around him, and I decided it was time to pick Severus before Harry knew who was in his arms. But when I was going to pick him, Severus growled and Harry called him Sev. I asked him a question to verify he was Harry Potter. And yes, I supposed that my face was like yours.” Said the Head of Gryffindor laughing while she was watching Poppy’s face.

“Mr. Potter, now that Severus is asleep, please take off your t-shirt so Madam Pomfrey can heal your back. Then you can sleep in the bed next to Severus but we want to know the story first.” Minerva told Harry louder while she was taking Harry’s trunk and broom, and Hedwig’s cage, and she changed them to their original size. “By the way, where is your owl?”

“I sent her to Hagrid. My uncle doesn’t like her and nobody was sending me letters this summer, so I thought she would be better here. I sent a note to Hagrid asking him if he could take care of her.” Answered Harry with a grimace when he talked about his friends.

“Yes, your friends couldn’t write you this summer, Albus told me, he put some wards in…… well, I can’t tell you this right now, but remember not to be very angry with them, it was not their fault.” Harry took off his shirt while Minerva was talking and a little shout came out from Poppy’s mouth.

“Harry, what happened with your back?” Asked the medi-witch horrified.

“Well, I think both of you want to know what happened with everything, so if you prefer, I will tell you what happened since I found Severus, the story of my back is inside this one.” Answered Harry lying in his stomach, and Poppy started cleaning his back. He waited until the two witches nodded and he started the story.

“Well, the Dursleys left two days ago to visit my uncle’s sister, Marge. I stayed in the house doing my chores…”

“Wait, you stayed alone? Didn’t you want to go?” Asked Minerva. The more time she spent with his lion, the more shocked she became.

“Ugh no! She’s even more horrible than my uncle, and her dogs bite me! But even if I wanted to go, I don’t deserve it. No, professor, don’t put that face, the Dursleys think freaks don’t deserve anything. And that includes food for example. So well, like I was saying, I stayed in the house. When I went to water the plants in the garden I discovered blood outside the fence. I followed it and I discovered a black cat with a broken and an injured leg and a concussion in his head. I couldn’t let him die so I took it home. He was hot so I supposed that he had been there a lot of time and he would have an infection in the leg. When I arrived home I put him in my bed and I gave him pain reliever and fever reducing potions. I cleaned the wounds in his leg and I bandaged it. Then I put a cold flannel in his head and I gave him some water before I putting him in a box inside my wardrobe. He spent that day slipping in and out consciousness, I gave him potions every 4 hours. When I was going to bed I tried to put him in the box again but I supposed he was in pain because he started moaning. I put him in the bed with me, and it was that moment when I discovered he was having a strange behaviour for a cat. I asked him if he was an animagus and he nodded. And a black cat with those black eyes… well, it was clear that he was Severus. The next day my uncle came, I spent my day doing chores and I didn’t see Severus a lot. When I went to bed I put him with me again. Then I had a nightmare that woke my uncle. He was furious and he beat me. Then you came this morning, professor, so you know the rest.” Harry finished the story looking at his Head of the House. He ignored some details that he didn’t want them to know. By that time, Poppy had finished Harry’s back.

“That’s horrible, Harry. I suppose you are aware that the treatment of that people towards you is not correct.” Minerva said.

“Yes ma’am, I suppose.” Harry answered without looking to her.

“So why didn’t you tell somebody?” Poppy asked.

“What?” Asked Harry frowning. “I’ve been 4 years asking the Headmaster before every summer if I could stay in Hogwarts. I even told him that I would stay with Filch cleaning the castle. It was obvious that if I preferred to stay with Filch…”

“I’M GOING TO KILL ALBUS DUMBLEDORE!” Minerva shouted. Harry jumped and the empty vials that were in Poppy’s hand fell. “Sorry.” She said in a lower voice when she saw she had startled them.

“He is not in the castle Minerva, but he comes back tomorrow, I’ll go with you to welcome him back.” Said Poppy with a smirk. “By the way Harry, why was Severus apologizing?”

“I don’t know. I suppose he has been doing these things because of the high fever he hd. The way he has been acting is like the opposite to professor Snape. He is usually alone and he doesn’t like being with people, I had no idea he liked to be comforted when he is sick.”

“That’s because he doesn’t, I’ve been in this room with Severus more times than I would like to say. He has never let me touch him more than what was necessary. If I had hold his hand like you’ve been doing today I would be dead right now” The medi-witch said laughing a bit.

“And when have you heard Severus Snape apologizing? Mr. Potter, I’ve known Severus since he came in his first year. A few years later he started working as the potions professor, so I know him quite well. You must know that this is the second time I’ve seen him apologizing with someone. So don’t trick yourself, Severus is not doing that because of his situation. Now I’ll go with Poppy to solve some things. Meanwhile you must rest. If you need something call for us.” Said Minerva with a smile.

Poppy transfigured the chair beside Severus’ bed into a cosy sofa, and added with a soft voice “Harry, I know you won’t stay in bed while we are gone, but try to sleep a bit in the couch. Severus will sleep about 4 or 5 more hours, and you will be close enough to hear him when he wakes.”

“Thank you ma’am.” Said Harry. Poppy and Minerva went to Poppy’s office and Harry lay down like Poppy had said, taking Severus’ hand in his own.

Severus woke up feeling rested. He opened his eyes, saw he was in the hospital wing and he remembered everything. He moved his head looking for Harry, but he only found an empty couch. His heart clenched painfully. 'Of course he is not here' he thought 'Why would he want to stay there with the man that made his life in school a hell? I wonder why he didn’t leave before!' He was so concentrated in his thoughts that he didn't hear the steps that were heading to his bed.

"Professor, what's wrong? Are you in pain?" Harry asked concerned.

"Harry? Why are you here?" Severus looked at him with glassy eyes.

"Well, you asked me not to leave you, but if you have changed your mind I'll go." Harry said disappointed.

"NO!" Harry jumped at the shout. "I mean, please don't go." Severus said softly. "I thought... I thought you had left me... That you didn't want to stay here." Severus voice broke and he tried to control the tears from falling. Hell, he was a spy! He had been in that hospital bed thousands of times, alone. What was happening now?

"Oh, no sir, I stayed here until Poppy told me that I had to talk with some Ministry officials. They wanted to know about the Dursleys. I thought you were going to be asleep when I came back." Harry explained.

"Oh, I see. Are you OK? Is your back healed? Has Madam Pomfrey given you potions? Have you slept?" Severus asked without breathing. Idiot! He was so immersed in his thoughts that he had forget about the boy’s wellbeing.

"Wow professor! Calm down, breathe! Yes, I'm fine. Poppy healed my back and yes, she gave me a pain reliever. You know, I usually stay with the back like that about 5 days until the wounds close, so I feel perfect now. I slept until 7pm, then I stayed here until 8pm I think. It was then when Poppy called me because I had to talk with the officials. It's quarter to nine now. Poppy has gone but she has said she'll come soon to check how you are." Harry answered all the questions while Severus was looking at his eyes, verifying that his student was saying the truth.

"Oh Severus, you are awake, great." Poppy entered before Severus could continue the conversation with Harry. "Harry dear, you said Hedwig was here, could you send her to deliver this letter? It's urgent and she is the fastest owl." She asked looking at Harry.

"Oh, yes ma'am. I'm sure she'll be happy to do it." Harry said smiling. Then he turned to Severus, who was frowning. "Will you be fine? Poppy will stay with you and I'll come right after sending the letter."

Severus hesitated but finally nodded and Harry left the infirmary running.

"Why have you sent him with that letter?" Severus asked roughly while he sat in the bed.

"I wanted to talk with you and this will give us some minutes. I also supposed that the boy would want to see his familiar. So tell me Severus, when did you become so attached to the boy?" Poppy asked smiling.

"I'm not..." Severus started saying. 'I'm not attached to the boy' he wanted to say. But the medi-witch was already narrowing her eyes. Both of them knew that it wasn't true. "He will leave me; he hates me."

"Look Severus, Harry arrived cradling you in his arms this morning, and you were wrapped in a blanket, asleep with your head leaning in his chest. You didn't want to stay alone while I was doing the transformation. Harry calmed you when you were having a panic attack. He held your hand until you were asleep. He has fell asleep in this couch, beside your bed, holding your hand all the time. And he has verified three times that you were asleep before leaving to talk with the ministry officials.” Poppy said smiling.

"I'm a monster Poppy, you don't know what I've been doing these four years with the boy. He won't forgive me." Severus whispered looking at his hands.

"I think he has already forgiven you. But you'll do well apologising when he comes back. You’ll realise that the child is very different than you thought." Poppy said. "Now, drink this potion, we have some bones to heal.”

“That’s skele-grow? Yuck!” Severus said after drinking the potion.

“I know, it tastes horrible. It will be painful and your fever will be high. So be patient.” Poppy said.

Harry appeared in that moment. “Now maybe you will do some research to change the flavour. I won’t ever take that potion again if it tastes like that. Maybe it’s better if you lie down sir.” Harry said seeing that his professor was very pale, and he supposed that the potion had started working and the pain was making him dizzy.

“Again?” Severus said in a whisper while Harry helped him. He was feeling awful. Poppy was right, about the pain, and it was only the beginning. The potion would last 8 hours.

When Harry was going to answer a patronus came warning the medi-witch that they needed her help in an emergency.

“Harry dear, could you stay with Severus tonight? There is an emergency and I don’t know what to do.” Poppy asked.

“Yes ma’am, I will stay with him.” Harry answered. He was going to stay with him even if Poppy was there, so there wasn’t a lot of difference.

“Thank you so much. You know he can’t take potions until tomorrow morning, and he will have fever. Send me a patronus if his temperature is higher than 40.5ºC or if there is another problem.”

“I will do it ma’am. You can go.” Harry said giving her a little smile. Poppy took her briefcase and she went.

“You can produce a patronus?” Severus asked frowning.

“Yes, I learnt in my third year. Professor Lupin taught me when…” Harry stopped, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to tell Professor Snape that.

“Yes?” Severus said looking at him interested.

“Well, I hear my mum pleading for my life when the dementors are near me. That’s what happened in the Hogwarts Express. So I asked him if he could teach me.” Harry answered in a low voice.

Severus looked at him with wide eyes and he flushed. Perfect, another thing the boy had had to suffer. He didn’t know what to say.

“It’s a stag, and yours, professor?” Harry asked, seeing that the professor didn’t have any words for that.

“A doe.” Severus answered, and decided to change the topic of the conversation. “So, you have said that you wouldn’t take the skele-grow again. When did you take it?”

“In my second year, sir.” Harry admitted with a grimace. “When Lockhart vanished all the bones of my arm.”

“He was horrible.” Severus said with a little smile.

“Yeah, he was an idiot. Madam Pomfrey said you have to eat something, do you want to do it now or later, professor?” Harry asked.

“Ugh. Later, I’m not hungry.” Severus told the boy.

“I imagined that. Then you should try to sleep, sir, before the pain is worse and your temperature raises.” Harry said. His professor’s eyelids were falling while they were talking, although he was trying to stay awake.

“I’ve slept 5 hours, I’m not sleepy. And stop calling me sir, we are not in class. I prefer if you call me Severus.” He answered grumpily.

‘Sure’ Harry thought ‘But you’ll be asleep in less than five minutes I talk to you.’

“Oh, good. So I will tell you how was my night when I took the skele-grow. It was the night that Colin Creevy was petrified. Before the professor took him to the infirmary Dobby came to visit me.” Harry started the story.

“Dobby?” Snape asked more sleepily.

“Oh yes, the Malfoy’s house elf. He was trying to save my life. You know, he was the one who stole the gillyweed for my second task. He took it from your cupboard.” Harry continued, saying that to see if his teacher was listening.

“Good.” Severus said with his eyes already closed.

“Yes. So you weren’t sleepy. You are already breathing slowly with your eyes closed, so I know you are asleep. Like when you were a cat. The only reason why I’m talking to a sleeping man like an idiot is because I know that you will wake up if I stop.” Harry answered laughing a bit.

The boy covered the man’s chest with the sheets and called Dobby. He asked for some food and the little elf took a huge dinner for the boy with pride. After dinner Harry took a quick shower, not wanting to leave Severus alone for a long time. He was used to take a shower in five minutes, so it was easy for him. Then he went back to the couch and fell asleep listening the rhythmical breathing of his professor.

Harry woke up and he heard his teacher breathing in short panicked gasps. He was sweaty, with his t-shirt soaked, and he was tossing in the bed. Harry decided to take the man’s temperature before waking him, he knew that if he woke up he wouldn’t want to sleep again. He went to pick one from Poppy’s office and when he went back Severus was talking in his sleep.

“No Potter, don’t do that. Black, Potter, please!” Severus was saying panicking.

“Professor?” Harry asked confused. Was he dreaming about his dad and godfather? He moved closer and put his hand in the man’s arm and Severus flinched.

“NOO, NOO PLEASE!! PLEASE STOP!!!” Severus shouted.

Harry started shaking him and saying softly “Shh professor, everything is fine, you are having a nightmare, wake up.”

“DON’T BEAT ME DAD! I’LL BEHAVE, I PROMISE!” The man continued shouting hoarsely. Harry didn’t know what to do and in an impulse he hugged the man and started talking.

“Sev, it’s me, Harry. You are having a nightmare. Please, wake up.” The tensed man relaxed a bit.

“Harry?” He asked in a whisper.

“Yes Severus. It’s me. You were having a nightmare because of the fever. How are you feeling?” Harry said rubbing in circles the man’s back.

“Sore.” The teacher said.

Harry helped Severus to sit in the bed, putting some pillows behind his back. The older wizard stiffened when Harry lose his grip around Severus' body. Harry saw the fear in the man's eyes and talked in a soft voice.

"Don't worry Severus, I'm only going to pick another pyjamas shirt and I'll help you to put it on. You'll feel better."

He picked a glass and cast an aguamenti spell, giving the cold water to his teacher. Severus accepted the glass and started drinking gratefully. He had finished the water by the time Harry came back with the infirmary robes. Harry helped him to change his t-shirt and saw the old scars in the man’s torso and back. They were similar to the ones he had in his body and supposed that his teacher wouldn’t want to talk about it, so he didn’t say a word. Then he put a wet flannel in Severus’ forehead and he climbed into the bed putting his head in Severus’ shoulder, who felt a warm glow in his chest. Harry always had hoped someone could comfort him after a nightmare, so he imagined the teacher would be grateful. He knew that maybe his friends would comfort him, but he couldn’t let them to see how weak he was.

“Harry, I’m sorry.” Severus said, and felt some tears in his face.

“Why?” The young wizard asked confused.

“The way that I treated you during these years was unacceptable.” The teacher said in a very low voice. “I was a monster; I don’t know why you are still here. I can understand if you can’t forgive me and I’ll arrange something if you don’t want to see me again. Maybe Dumbledore can teach you potions.” Severus felt his heart break with his words. Now that he was listening to his own words it seemed more real. He didn’t know what he would do if the child wanted that.

“What? Well, you weren’t perfect in the past, but you were a spy. In fact, if you hadn’t been in my life I would have been dead now. Like I told you two nights ago, you’ve saved my life a lot of times. So yes, I forgive you.” Harry answered and put his hand on his professor’s hand, who took it and squeeze it.

“Thank you child, you don’t know how much it means for me.” Severus said thrilled.

Harry smiled, and stayed in that position some minutes. He knew his professor was crying and that he was going to be embarrassed if Harry looked at him in that moment. He squeezed his professor’s hot hand to let him know that he wasn’t going to leave.

“I’m not going to sleep again.” The man said at the end.

“I know; I didn’t sleep after my first nightmare in my second year. I have to take your temperature.” Harry said picking the thermometer that he had left in the couch and he frowned when he saw that Severus had tensed.

“Sorry, I felt asleep while you were telling me what happened.” Severus muttered.

“Yeah, you did. But don’t apologize. I knew you were going to sleep while I was talking. It always happened when you were a cat.” Harry said laughing.

“I see” Severus answered, not knowing what to say. Why did Harry know him so well after only 3 days with him? And Harry had talked to him to make him sleep. The boy surprised him all the time. “Could you tell me the story now? I won’t sleep this time” He said.

“Yes, of course. Let me look the thermometer first.” Harry said taking it. “39.8ºC; not too bad.” Harry left the thermometer in the couch and he change the flannel from Severus’ face (that was already hot) putting a new one.

Severus closed his eyes relieved when the cold flannel touched his forehead. “What temperature did you have?” He asked curious.

“Between 40.1ºC and 40.5ºC most of the time. It even raised to 40.8ºC during an hour and Madam Pomfrey was very concerned, but finally it went down a bit.” Harry told his professor leaning his head on Severus’ shoulder again.

“I don’t know why she was concerned.” Severus said sarcastically resting his cheek in Harry’s head.

“I fell asleep after that and I had an awful nightmare. I stayed the rest of the night awake after that.” Harry said.

“What was your nightmare about?” Severus asked.

“My uncle was beating me for doing accidental magic. He said I couldn’t come to Hogwarts if he locked me in my room.” Harry told him honestly. He couldn’t lie to Severus; he always knew when he wasn’t saying the truth. And more important, he didn’t want to lie.

“Did that happened in your life?” Severus asked frowning. He would have to do something with that whale.

“Yes, but not in the same time. In the dream my uncle beat me for doing accidental magic to Dudley the summer before my first year. He locked me in my room before my second year. Ron, Fred and George rescued me in the Ford Anglia. He also put bars in my window.” Harry answered. He felt fine talking about this with Snape, he trusted him.

“You won’t go back there, Harry. Never. I promise, I won’t let you. You don’t deserve that.” Severus told him and Harry relaxed. He had already been told that, but it was reassuring to hear it from Severus.

“Was your nightmare about my dad and Sirius, sir?” Harry asked.

“Call me Severus, and yes.” Severus answered reluctantly. The boy had told him everything he wanted to know, but he couldn’t tell Harry about this. The boy would think that he was weak. He would agree with them. “It was also about my father.” Severus finally said.

“I’m sorry Severus.” Harry said and squeezed Severus hand a bit.

“Don’t be, it’s not your fault.” Severus told him.

“No, but they are my father and my godfather. And I suppose they didn’t apologize.” Harry answered with a sad voice. “Anyway, when I woke up from my nightmare Dobby came and I discovered he had enchanted the bludger. Dobby was the Malfoy’s house elf. He kept trying to protect me. I almost got expelled because of him, and then I almost died.” Harry continued smiling, now the story seemed funny.

“You mean when you came to Hogwarts with Weasley flying in a car, I guess.” Severus said.

“Yes, and we finished in the whomping willow.” Harry said.

“I’m sorry for trying to expel you.” Severus whispered.

“Don’t be. I would have done the same if I were you.” Harry said chuckling.

“What happened with Dobby?” Severus asked curious.

“I put a sock in Tom’s diary. I gave it to Lucius Malfoy when he came to the school. He handed the diary to Dobby. He’s a free elf now. Lucius was pretty mad though. He tried to kill me.” Harry finished.

“You are an impossible boy. I don’t know how do you manage to be still alive.” Severus said.

“I have you.” Harry answered looking at him with a smile.

They continued talking until 5.30 am. Severus temperature went down as they were talking. Harry realized that the 8 hours had finished and Severus could have a pain reliever. He helped Severus to walk to the bathroom and he called Dobby.

“What can Dobby do this time for Harry Potter sir this time?” Dobby asked when he appeared in front of Harry.

“Hi Dobby. Can you bring us two mugs of hot chocolate and some biscuits?” Harry said.

“Yes Master Harry, I’ll do it right now.” Dobby said disappearing.

Harry took the potion for Severus and put it in the side table. When he and Severus were back from the bathroom, the hot chocolate appeared with the biscuits.

“You can take a pain reliever now Severus, but you have to take the chocolate first. And some biscuits. I don’t know when was the last time you ate. Then we can sleep a bit.” Harry said handing the chocolate to Severus.

Severus flushed. The last time he ate was the day before Minerva found them, but he had ended throwing up the little chicken he had eaten.

After taking the potion he lied down and looked at Harry, he wanted the boy to stay in his bed, but he was embarrassed of asking him. However, Harry saw the look in Severus’ face, it was like the one he had when he tried to put the black cat in the box that first night. He was surprised about the fact that he was able to understand Severus’ eyes in only three days. Harry lied with his head in Severus shoulder, who put his arm around Harry. The boy started talking in the soft voice that he used when he wanted Severus to sleep. Two minutes later the exhausted teacher was asleep.

“Sleep well Sev.” Harry said, and he closed his eyes.

The two wizards were in the same position when Poppy arrived to the infirmary. They were sleeping peacefully and the medi-witch decided to let them sleep and she went to her office. She worked in her paperwork until she saw that Severus was awake.

“Hello young man, how are you feeling today?” Poppy said smiling and running a scan with her wand.

"I'm fine Poppy, much better. Don't wake Harry up please, he needs to sleep." Severus answered.

Poppy smiled, he had never seen Severus caring for anyone, except for Lily of course.

"I won't wake him up if you tell me how was your night. But you must tell me everything." Poppy said seriously. She wouldn't wake Harry even if Severus didn't agree, she could wait until the young wizard was awake. She only wanted to see Severus reaction.

"Fine, you blasted woman!" Severus snapped grumpily glaring at her. "What do you want to know?"

"Everything Severus, every single thing that happened since I left at 9pm."

"What did he do when you woke up?" Poppy asked curious.

"He comforted me." Snape said flushing.

“You know you can tell me Severus, my mouth is sealed.” Poppy said.

"He was very nice Poppy, he hugged me and he lay with me. He even said he forgave me when I apologized. And then he stayed talking with me and putting cold flannels in my forehead. What if he starts hating me again? Maybe he’s only doing this because I’m injured and he’s a good boy. I don't know what I will do now without him." Severus said in a low voice, pressing Harry closer against him.

"You won't need to know it, he'll stay being a part of your life." Poppy answered calmed. She knew she was the only one who knew Severus feelings. Severus trusted her because of the many times she had healed him. She knew Severus was a good man.

"I hope you're right Poppy." Severus said in a sad voice.

"I am. When did you two fall asleep then?" Poppy asked.

"When the eight hours finished he made me have some hot chocolate with biscuits and he gave me a pain reliever. I fell asleep a few moments later. I'm not sure when he did, though. I only know that he hasn't have enough sleep in the last three days. And I think it wasn't any better during the rest of the summer." Severus finished.

"No, I suppose it wasn't. Anyway, yesterday Minerva and I called two members of the order who work in the Ministry. They talked with Harry and now Minerva has the guardianship until we can find a good family for Harry. Oh, and if you see Albus trying to steal a potion don't let him." Poppy said smiling.

"What have you two done?" Severus asked surprised.

"Oh, not a lot. Maybe Minerva has punched him on the face and I decided he could heal himself… And of course, he can’t have a pain reliever." Poppy said smirking. "Well, try to rest a bit, even if you're not going to sleep. You are still weak. And take the fever reducing potion."

Harry woke up after an hour, when Albus was entering the Hospital Wing. Harry stared at his broken nose shocked, but Severus smirked.

"Hello my boys, how are you doing? Minerva and Poppy told me what happened." Albus said with his eyes twinkling when he saw the two wizards.

"Headmaster? What happened to you?" Harry asked with wide eyes.

"Your Head of the House was not very happy this morning. And she was right. I must apologize with you two. Harry, I'm so sorry I didn't realise what you had to suffer for 15 years. And Severus, I should have verified that you were fine when you didn't come back to Hogwarts that night. I'm so sorry." Albus said.

Severus growled and opened the mouth to answer a rude sentence to the old wizard, but Harry kicked him a bit with the elbow and answered first.

"It's ok Headmaster, you didn't know, you only wanted me to be safe with the blood wards."

"Yes Harry, but I should have paid attention when you asked me to stay here. I must have known you were abused." Albus said, and Harry flushed when he said the word ‘abused’. "Now my boy, can you wait for me in my office? I have to tell you something."

Harry stood up and Severus was going to do the same when Albus talked.

"Not you Severus. I believe you are not released from the Hospital Wing. The password is Lollipop my boy. I'll be there in a few minutes."

"I'll see you later Severus." Harry said before going out of the infirmary.

"What do you want?" Severus asked angrily.

"I see the boy has forgiven you, Severus." Albus said with his eyes twinkling again.

"Indeed." Severus answered, without giving more information.

"He was the one who rescued you and took care of you." Albus said, hoping to hear the story from Severus.

"I'm sure Harry told Minerva and Poppy what happened, so I imagine they have told you what you must know. Yes, he found me and he took care of me. He continued taking care of me when he realised I wasn't really a cat. If he didn't I would have died." Severus said looking the couch where Harry had left the thermometer and the flannels the night before. "What are you going to tell him?"

"I have to tell him why his friends didn't write during the summer. I should go with him now Severus. Get well soon." Albus said, and disappeared before Severus could answer.

Albus had explained Harry that his friends were in Grimmauld Place, Sirius house, with the Order of Phoenix and that they weren't allowed to send letters. After explaining what the order was, he told him that his godfather and Remus were there too. Harry wasn't paying a lot of attention, he wanted to go back to the infirmary and stay with Severus. He realised it would be strange for him to sleep in the Gryffindor tower that night without Severus. Harry knew he was being an idiot. He had only been three days with the man (or the cat during the 2 first days), but he was more relaxed in the man presence. Maybe it was because he had promised Harry that he won’t never have to go back with his relatives. Or maybe because the man seemed to need him, and no one had never needed him. And he needed the man too.

But that night was the Welcome Feast, and even if Severus had apologized, the things would be the same again. Severus will hate him.

Suddenly Harry's scar started hurting.

"No! Severus!" Harry muttered horrified.

"Harry? What happens?" Albus asked confused. But Harry had already gone out of the office running.

He arrived to the infirmary shouting "Please Severus, don't go!"

Poppy appeared with some porridge for Severus after Albus left. Severus wanted to leave the infirmary and he thought it was better to ask Poppy when she was pleased with him. He ate everything before calling her.

"I'll go to my quarters now, Poppy. I've finished my breakfast." Severus said.

"You won't leave now young man. You have wounds that need to heal and you are a little feverish" Poppy said calmly.

"When are you going to release me? After lunch?" Severus asked narrowing his eyes.

"Maybe on Sunday evening if you do what you're told." Poppy said smiling.

"What?! Are you crazy woman? If I stay here all the dunderheads will come to invade my privacy. And, on the other hand I have to go to the Feast tonight and then I have to talk with my new snakes and the older ones.” Severus said furiously.

“I suppose that Sinistra can do that.” She said.

Severus winced when his dark mark started burning and not much later Harry appeared running through the big wooden door or the infirmary.

“Please Severus, don’t go!” Harry shouted panting.

The potions professor saw the concerned look in Harry’s eyes. How did the boy know that the Dark Lord was calling? Severus was about to ask when Harry collapsed in the floor and started shouting scratching his scar. Severus looked terrified. He sat on the floor and took Harry’s hands.

“Poppy, give me the murtlap essence!” Severus yelled looking at the medi-witch. Then he looked at Harry and said in a soothing voice: “Harry, try to relax, listen to my voice. You are in Hogwarts, you are safe.”

Severus put some murtlap essence in the scar and continued saying soothing words until Harry relaxed.

“Don’t go with him sir.” Harry whimpered. “Please, promise me you won’t go. You can’t go!”

Severus glanced at Dumbledore, who had arrived to the infirmary some seconds before.

“It depends on you, my boy, if you want to quit spying we will find another way. I’ve made a lot of mistakes with the both of you, I won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to do. I know you were badly injured after the three times you went to him this summer.” Albus told him.

Harry couldn’t hold his tears anymore and they started sliding down his face. “Please Severus. Don’t go.” He whimpered.

“Hush child. I won’t.” Severus said squeezing Harry’s hands. “Do you think you can walk to the bed?” The teacher asked. After Harry nodded, Poppy helped him.

“What happened?” Albus asked.

“He was furious. He used the cruciatus curse with Malfoy and Goyle. He asked something and they didn’t know the answer. Then he tortured and killed two muggles” Harry answered wheezing.

“What did he ask?” Continued Albus.

“I don’t know!” Harry answered clenching his fists. He didn’t want to talk about it.

“I think it’s enough Headmaster. He is scared.” Snape muttered looking at the Headmaster with a murderous glare.

“Yes, I’m sorry. Try to rest Harry. I have to take care of some things. Poppy, may I have a word with you?” Albus said.

“How are you? Do you need something?” Severus asked and sat in Harry’s bed.

“I’m fine, my head hurts but it will stop eventually.” Harry answered curling in his bed and looked at his hands.

“Maybe you could have a potion for it.” Severus said.

“No, they don’t work. But thank you Severus.” When Severus frowned, Harry elaborated a bit. “The headmaster hasn’t even asked if I was fine. He has only asked about what I had seen. He didn’t even care about the muggles. You were the only one concerned. So thank you for caring.”

“There’s no need to thank me. But you’re welcome Harry. And I must say that Poppy was also concerned.” Severus said.

“Yeah, but it’s her job” Harry answered.

“No, Harry, it’s not only because of that. Poppy cares about you.” Severus said placing his hands in Harry’s arm. “We won’t talk about it because I know you don’t want to. But let me say that it’s not your fault. You-know-who killed Cedric. And the muggles you saw today are dead because of him. Not because of you. Have that in mind.” Severus said looking at the young boy.

Harry looked in the man’s eyes. “Thank you.” He said. He didn’t agree with Severus, but he was grateful. His potions teacher was the only one who had told him that to make him feel better. He realised then that Severus was pale, and he was pressing his left arm against his chest.

“Maybe you should lie down Severus, are you OK?” Harry said.

“It’s my mark.” Severus said truthfully. “He’s angry about my absence. But I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not. He’s hurting you.” Harry said with an angry voice. He moved to the empty side of the bed and he sat. He moved the pillows against the headboard and lied down half-sitting and half reclining and he gestured to Severus to do the same thing. Severus did the same and closed his eyes, he was beginning to feel lightheaded.

“Can I see it Severus? Your mark I mean.” Harry asked. Severus frowned but rolled his left sleeve up. The mark was swelled and the skin was reddened. The snake was moving causing Severus more pain. Snape winced when Harry grabbed his arm. “Sorry” Harry apologized, but he didn’t release Severus arm.

“What have you done?” The professor asked confused, but with an evident sign of relief in his face.

“I told the snake to stop. It can obey the orders of a speaker. Are you feeling better?” Harry said with a smile. He put some murtlap essence, that Severus’ had left in the bedside table, in the swelled arm and he released it.

“Yes. It doesn’t hurt now. Thank you Harry.” Severus said looking at the child.

“You’re welcome sir. Tell me if it starts hurting again, I will tell the snake to stop.” Harry said.

“I will, thank you again child.” Severus said placing his hand in the boy’s leg and wondering why he hadn’t seen before what a wonderful boy Harry was.

Poppy went back to the infirmary to check up on the two wizards. They were talking in Harry’s bed. Both of them seemed to be happy and she heard them talking about a snake. Harry explained what had happened about the Dark Mark.

"That's great Mr. Potter! I was just thinking in my office what I could do about it, but I see that the problem is already solved." Poppy said and checked the temperature of the two wizards with a flick of her wand.

"Mr. Potter 36.5°C. You’re fine. Does your head hurt?” Poppy asked him.

“Yes, ma’am, a little, but it always stops, so don’t worry. The vision today has been short, so I’ll be fine in a couple of hours.” Harry answered.

“Fine, you are released, but I suppose you'll spend the day here anyway. Severus, 38.3°C. I'll give you a fever reducing potion after your lunch." Poppy told them.

"Come on, woman, you know I can't stay here." Severus spat.

"It won't be the end of the world Severus! You know I can't let you stay in your quarters alone! You still have fever and you need to stay in bed. And your wounds aren't healed. You'll be released on Sunday. Until then you’re confined to bed rest." Poppy said.

Severus opened his mouth to complain, but Harry talked impulsively. "What if he's not alone? Would you release him?"

"What do you suggest Mr. Potter?" Poppy asked curious.

"Well, since I stayed here last night with him I can stay in his quarters. I can give him the fever reducer when needed and I’ll be there if he needs me. I can also clean his wounds if you want. I did it when he was a cat anyway, but if you prefer you can also come to do it yourself. I would stay until Sunday and we can say I have detention or something. And I can send you a patronus if something happens." Harry said a little bit embarrassed. Maybe the professor didn’t want him in his quarters.

“An interesting idea. Yes, I suppose I would release him. But if you do that you have to be all the weekend there, without going with your friends. You could only go out to attend the Feast. If you are willing to do that I don’t have any objections.” Poppy said and Harry nodded. “Fine. Severus, do you prefer to stay in your quarters with Mr. Potter?”

“Yes, of course.” Severus said with relief. “And nobody will suspect if Mr. Potter says that he has detention.” He added smirking.

“No, they won’t. But you can’t take points from Gryffindor.” Harry said laughing.

“I’ll release you after lunch, Severus. I want to see that you eat everything.” Poppy said. “I’ll be in my office if you need me, I have to organise the potions for this year.”

“Thank you Harry.” Severus said when Poppy went to her office.

“No need to thank me, sir. I hate staying in the infirmary because everybody comes to see if the Boy-Who-Lived is going to die or not. I suppose it’s the same for you. Everybody would want to see their potions professor in the hospital wing.” Harry said.

“It means a lot for me, you didn’t have to do it. So I want to thank you.” Severus said.

“You’re welcome, Severus.” Harry said smiling.

“Madam Pomfrey? Can I help you? Severus is sleeping and I’m bored.” Harry said when he walked into Poppy’s office.

Harry and Poppy spent the rest of the morning organizing the office, until they heard Severus shouting.

Harry reached the bed before Poppy. “Shh, you’re having a nightmare, Severus.” Harry said squeezing his hand. “Come on, wake up!”

“Harry.” Severus said.

“Drink this.” Poppy said handing him a calming draught.

“Yes, now sleep.” Harry said, and Severus closed his eyes.

“He’s burning up. Can’t you give him a fever reducer?” Harry asked Poppy.

“No, he took one this morning when you were asleep. It’s early for another one. Take a flannel, I will teach you to charm it to stay cold all the time.” Poppy said.

Harry gave her the flannel and Poppy taught him the spell and she also taught him how to take the temperature without a thermometer.

“That will help to lower the fever.” Poppy told Harry.

“But why does he still have fever?” Harry asked concerned.

“His body is still fighting against the infection. We can’t do anything else, we’ll have to wait.” Poppy answered.

“Did I do anything wrong with the wounds?” Harry asked.

“No, you cleaned his leg like I would have done. And we need to continue doing that. And you have just seen why he can’t be alone in his quarters.” Poppy explained. “I’m going to St Mungo’s to ask for some potions that I need. Will you stay with him or do you want me to call Minerva?”

“I will stay; I’ve told him I would.” Harry said.

“Fine, wake him up when the elves bring you the lunch. He has to eat everything. And give him the potion for his fever. Don’t let him leave before I come back. I want to check on him before you go to his quarters.” Poppy said.

At 3pm Poppy released Severus from the hospital wing.

“Severus, your temperature is not very high now, but you have to stay in bed. You mustn’t do magic, you are still recovering, so no magic until Sunday evening. Mr. Potter take his wand from him when you arrive at his quarters. I don’t mind if you clean the wound before or after going to the Feast; or if you want me to do it. You can stay there for one hour, maybe less. And…”

“Poppy, he knows what to do. I will see you after dinner I suppose.” Severus cut her off.

“Of course you will see me young man. And if I find out that you’re not doing what I say you’ll come back to the infirmary.” Poppy said seriously.

“We will be fine Madam Pomfrey.” Harry said looking at Poppy and smiling. Then the two wizards disappeared in the green flames of the fireplace.

Severus showed Harry the place. The living room was painted in green, and Harry thought it was cosy. The fireplace was in front of a little table and a cream-coloured couch. There was a lamp with an armchair beside it, also cream-coloured and two large bookshelves with a lot of books on it. In the other side of the room there was a big table with four chairs, near the kitchen’s door. The kitchen was small but functional. Near the armchair there was a wide corridor with two closed doors in one side and one door in the other side. Behind the first door Harry could see a huge bedroom painted in a relaxing bluish colour. The room was rather empty. It only had a big bed with a bedside table in one of its sides, a wardrobe and a desk with a chair. There was also a door that led into the bathroom. The bedroom that was in front of the other one was white, and it only had a desk, and although it was smaller than the other one, it also had one own bathroom. The other room in that side was a bathroom for the visits, without the bathtub and shower that the other ones had.

After showing Harry the place Severus went to his room to rest. Harry stayed for a bit in the other bedroom, until he was sure Severus would be asleep. Then he shrank his bed and carried it to Severus bedroom. If he was going to take care of Severus, he had to be close to him. After that he went to the living room and he chose a book from the shelves. ‘The Secret Garden.’ Harry opened the book and saw his professor’s name in his own handwriting.

Harry sat on his bed, that was now near Severus’ and started reading. When Severus woke up he had read the half of the book.

“Do you like it?” Severus asked with sleepy eyes. He saw the boy in the bed that was before in the other room, but he didn’t say anything about it.

“Yeah, it’s great! How are you feeling?” Harry stood up and placed his hand in Severus’ forehead.

“I’m fine Harry. That was my favourite book when I was young.” The professor said and closed his eyes, feeling the boy’s cold hand. Nobody had done that for him before Harry. Perhaps Poppy had tried but he hadn’t let her.

“You’re hot, that’s not fine. But I can’t give you the potion yet.” Harry said charming the flannel that he had carried from the infirmary, and he put in in his professor forehead.

“Yes, but I’m better.” Severus said smiling, trying to convince Harry. “Poppy taught you the spell for the flannel I suppose.”

“Yeah. After you woke up from your nightmare.” Harry said.

“Sorry.” Severus said without looking at him.

“It’s not your fault. By the way, where is your wand? Poppy will take you back to the infirmary if I don’t have it.” Harry said. Severus took his wand from behind the pillow and reluctantly gave it to Harry and he put it on his bed.

“Which part of the book were you reading?” Severus asked.

Harry took the book and started reading where he had stopped. “And she was so un-hysterical and natural and childish that she brought him to his senses and he began to laugh at himself and a few minutes afterward she was sitting on her stool again telling him not what she imagined the secret garden to be like but what it really was, and Colin's aches and tiredness were forgotten and he was listening enraptured. ”

Severus drifted into sleep listening as Harry read the book he had read thousands of times when he was little.

“Hi Master Harry, Madam Pomfrey has told Thara to take care of Master Severus while Master Harry is in the Feast. If Master Harry is ready he has to leave now or he will be late.” The house elf that had appeared in the room said.

“Oh, thank you Thara. Could you come to the Great Hall if Severus wakes up and needs something?” Harry asked.

“Master Harry has thanked Thara!” She said with wide eyes. “Thara will do that Master Harry, don’t worry, Thara will send someone to take Master Harry down if Master Severus needs him.”

Harry smiled at here and took a look at his professor before leaving.

He spotted Ron and Hermione going to the Great Hall at the same time that Hermione saw him.

“Harry! Where were you? We were so worried!” Hermione said while hugging him.

“I can’t tell you now Hermione, but I will tell you both everything, I promise.” Harry said.

“I know you must be angry with us. We tried, but we couldn’t send you letters.” Ron said.

“Shh Ron! You know we can’t talk about that, not here where everyone can hear us.” Hermione said.

“We will need to find a place to talk. Only the three of us.” Harry said while they sat.

“Yes, we can do it tomorrow morning, it’s Saturday, so we don’t have classes. I’m so glad to see you Harry.” Hermione said with tears in her eyes.

“Emm, tomorrow morning I’ll be busy.” Harry said flushing.

“Why?” Ron said.

“I have detention.” Harry said uncomfortable.

“You already have detention? Let me guess, the greasy git has given you detention.” Ron said shouting, and the boys near them glared Harry.

“Something like that.” Harry said. “I won’t go to Gryffindor tower until Sunday, don’t tell Ron until you two are alone and no one can hear his shouts.” Harry whispered to Hermione. She looked concerned but nodded.

“What?” Ron asked.

“I’ll tell you later.” Hermione said glaring at him.

“Look! Snape is not with the rest of the professors!” Ron said excited. “Maybe this year he won’t be here!”

“Ron, don’t be stupid! You’ve just said that Harry has detention with him. So of course Professor Snape is here!” Hermione said irritated.

After the first years were sorted, Dumbledore gave his speech and introduced the new DADA teacher. The pink toad gave a long and boring speech and then the Feast started. Before the dessert, a note appeared in Harry’s lap.

You is needed. Dobby will wait outside the Great Hall.

“What’s that?” Hermione asked.

“Nothing.” Harry said putting the note in his pocket. “I must go. I’ll explain you everything, really.”

Dobby was waiting outside like the note said. He told Harry that Thara had asked him to take Harry to Severus’ quarters. They appeared in the living room and Harry could hear Severus calling him. Harry went to the bedroom and Thara left to give them privacy.

“What happens Severus?” Harry asked concerned.

“Harry” Severus said with a hoarse voice.

“Yes, I’m here. What happens?” Harry sat in Severus’ bed and touched Severus’ cheek to feel his temperature. He was burning up, even more than before, but fortunately it was time for the fever reducing potion.

“No.” Severus whimpered when Harry was going to stood up.

“I’m going to take your potion, don’t worry.” Harry said.

“No, don’t go.” Severus pleaded.

“Ok, I won’t.” Harry put his hand in Severus’ face again, and he called Thara. He asked her to bring him the potion, and a calming draught from the infirmary. When Severus had drunk both potions and a glass of water, Harry talked again.

“What happened, Severus?” He asked.

“I had a nightmare.” Severus said flushing. “Thara woke me up. I thought something had happened to you. You were not here, and in my dream you were hurt. I’m sorry you had to come.”

“I’m fine Sev. And don’t worry, Dobby will bring me the dessert here.” Harry said smiling. “Do you want me to clean your wounds and then you eat dinner or you prefer if Poppy does it?” He asked.

“I’d prefer if you did it.” Severus whispered. Harry smiled, he stood up and started unwrapping the bandage. He called Dobby to ask him if he could bring some soup for Severus and pudding for both of them.

“How was the feast?” Severus asked.

“Quite well. The new DADA teacher is horrible though. She works in the Ministry and she looks like a toad.” Harry said disinfecting the wounds. “Sorry.” He apologised when Severus clenched his fists due to the pain. “She gave us a long and boring speech; but we weren’t listening a lot.” He admitted smiling.

When they were finished with cleaning the wounds, Harry transfigured the desk into a side table to put Severus meal on it. Harry waited until Severus finished the soup so they could have dessert together. They talked about the potions that they would be doing in class that year. Then Severus fell asleep and Harry continued reading his book. He was finishing the book when Poppy appeared, just after the Feast was finished.

“Hi Harry, is Severus asleep?” Poppy asked.

“Yes, he fell asleep after dinner. He had soup and some pudding. He ate everything. I gave him the fever reducer before dinner and I also cleaned his wound. He had 37ºC the

last time I checked.” Harry said satisfied.

“Perfect young man; you know, you could be an awesome healer! I saw you leaving in the middle of the Feast, what happened?” She asked curiously.

“Severus had a nightmare, he wanted to see me, he was scared.” Harry said shrugging.

“Interesting.” Poppy said thinking. “Harry, as I said, in the past, specially before you were born, Severus was frequently in the infirmary, due to his job as a spy. Every time he stayed there he had a nightmare, every time I used to wake him, and every single time he used to shout me, telling me to get out. You are the first one who can stay with him and calm him after he has had a nightmare. Not only that, but he has never requested to see someone after having a nightmare or when he was in the hospital wing. In his feverish state he is prone to have more nightmares.” The medi-witch told Harry.

The dark haired boy flushed. “Are you serious?” He asked.

“Of course I am Harry. Now, I see that I’m not needed here, so I’ll go back to the infirmary. Go to sleep soon young man, you can’t take care of someone if you don’t take care of yourself.” Poppy said smiling, and she went to the living room to take the Floo.

“Goodnight Poppy.” Harry said smiling.

Harry stayed thinking in what Poppy said. Who could have thought that he and Snape were so alike? He always put a silencing charm at nights when he was at Hogwarts. He didn’t want anyone noticing that he was having nightmares. In fact, his potions professor was the first one who had seen his nightmares. Well, besides his uncle who was always happy to be there to beat Harry.

The young wizard finished the book before going to sleep. It wasn’t very late when he finished, but Harry was tired and he decided he would go to bed. He took a quick shower first and he climbed into his bed. Severus was sleeping peacefully; his fever was broken due to the potion. Harry knew it would probably come back, because his professor body was still fighting with the infection.

Harry fell asleep quickly, but he woke up 3 hours later. He had always been a light sleeper, so Harry heard the noises immediately when Severus started whimpering in his dreams.

“Severus, wake up, you’re having a dream!” Harry said shaking Severus.

“Harry? I’m sorry, I didn’t want to wake you.” Severus said embarrassed. He had had a nightmare again, and he was bothering Harry again. He wondered why Harry was still with him.

“You don’t have to apologise, sir, it’s not your fault you have nightmares.” Harry said putting the flannel in the professor’s forehead.

“Why are you still here?” Severus asked in a low voice. The boy had forgiven him, yes, but still, nobody wanted to spend his time with the greasy git of the dungeons. He didn’t deserve it.

“What? Sir, I’m going to stay here until Sunday, you agreed with that.” Harry asked frowning. Snape was hot, but not enough for being delirious. Harry sat in his professor bed. Maybe he had changed his mind after all. “I can leave if you don’t want me here, but I would have to call Poppy.”

“You can leave if you want. You don’t have to stay.” Severus said shakily. He didn’t want him to go, but he couldn’t keep the boy there against his will.

“I will if you want me to sir.” Harry said. When Severus didn’t answer, it was clear for Harry that he didn’t want him to leave, but he didn’t know why he was saying that thing. “Severus, why are you saying this if you don’t want me to leave?” Harry asked.

“I’m being selfish. I’m bothering you all the time. You haven’t seen your friends in months, I’m sure you want to be with them now. And I’ll be ok if you go with them.” Severus said looking to the other side of the room. He couldn’t look at those green eyes.

Harry stood up from Severus’ bed and he moved his bed closer to his professor’s. “I offered to stay with you, I want to, and you’re not being selfish. I’m sure my friends are sleeping now, anyway. And we are tired, so let’s sleep. We’ll talk in the morning.” Harry said while he curled in his bed. He wasn’t sure if Severus wanted being comforted in that moment, so he didn’t want to stay in Severus’ bed; but he didn’t want his professor to think that he didn’t want to be there for him so he put his hand near Severus’. “Goodnight sir.”

Severus smiled. It was nice to hear that. It was nice to think that someone cared. He took the boy’s hand and he said “Goodnight child.”

Harry woke up at 7.30 am. He had slept well the rest of the night, Severus hadn’t woken up again, and he was still holding onto the child’s hand. He stood up quietly and he released his hand from the professor’s grip. He took Severus temperature with the spell that Poppy had taught him. 38.2ºC; at least it was time for the fever reducer.

As he was going to the kitchen to prepare the breakfast, he realised that the kitchen would be empty, so he called Dobby.

“Harry Potter sir wanted to see Dobby?” The elf asked smiling.

“Yes Dobby. If I write you a list with some ingredients could you bring them for me?” Harry asked.

“Of course Master Harry!” Dobby answered. “Call me again when you have that list.”

“Thank you Dobby.” Harry said, and he took a piece of parchment to write the ingredients down.

-Flour

-Sugar

-Baking powder

-Milk

-Butter

-Eggs

-Chocolate

Harry called Dobby again and he gave him the parchment. Dobby appeared five minutes later with all the ingredients, and he promised to bring him more ingredients in the afternoon. Harry prepared the pancakes and he went to Severus room with them.

“Wake up sir. Madam Pomfrey will come soon and she will be mad if you haven’t eaten breakfast.” Harry said softly.

Severus opened his eyes moving his head to look at Harry.

“How do you feel?” Harry asked.

“I’m better. My leg doesn’t hurt a lot. It smells good, have you cooked it?” Snape said looking the pancakes with chocolate.

“Yes, how did you know?” Harry asked surprised.

“The house elves don’t usually cook pancakes, and if they do, the pancakes are different.” Severus said.

Harry smiled and helped him to sit in the bed. He put the breakfast in the side table and they started eating.

“Did Poppy come last night?” Severus asked.

“Yes of course, you were asleep. She only stayed a little.” Harry answered.

“Oh. What were you doing?” The older wizard asked.

“I was reading. I finished the book when she left. I loved it.” Harry said.

Severus was going to say something when Thara appeared.

“Thara is sent to tell Masters that Madam Pomfrey is going to come soon if that’s ok.” The little elf said.

“Thank you Thara.” Harry answered, and the elf disappeared.

“Are you going to clean my wounds again before she comes?” Severus asked.

“No sir, yesterday she didn’t see it, I’ll do it when she comes so she can examine it.” Harry asked and Severus growled. “I’ll be the one who cleans the wounds, but she will want to see it, sir.” Harry added laughing.

“Fine, but I won’t go back to the infirmary.” He said.

“Your leg is better; she won’t make you go back. And yesterday you didn’t mind going to the infirmary.” Harry said accio-ing the fever reducing potion and giving it to Severus.

“I didn’t want to go back. I just didn’t want you to stay here if you didn’t want to.” Severus said a little ashamed.

“I wouldn’t have offered in the hospital wing if I weren’t willing to stay here.” Harry answered smiling.

“Good morning Severus, Harry. How was your night?” Poppy said entering the bedroom.

“I’m perfectly fine, Poppy. When can I leave the bed? I must prepare my classes.” Severus answered.

“When your fever breaks, young man. What temperature did you have when you wake up?” Poppy asked.

“38.2ºC ma’am.” Harry answered and Severus glared at him. The boy found the situation amusing and he laughed.

“Detention Mr. Potter.” Severus said.

“Severus!” Poppy reprimand him.

“Don’t worry Madam Pomfrey. I know he doesn’t mean it.” Harry said smiling. “I was going to clean the wounds; do you want to see his leg?”

“Yes, Harry. Did you give him the potion?” Poppy said smiling back.

“Yes, after breakfast, that’s why his fever isn’t so high now.” Harry answered.

“Poppy, I’m here, you can ask me instead of doing like if I’m absent.” Severus grumbled.

“I’m aware of that, but since you weren’t saying the truth I decided to ask him.” Poppy said giving a warning look.

Luckily for Severus, Poppy only stayed there five minutes. Like the night before, she decided that Harry was capable enough of taking care of Severus, and she left to attend the hospital wing. She told Harry that Severus could get up the next day if he stayed without fever during the night.

After losing two games of the wizarding chess, Harry brought him some parchment and the potions books so he could prepare his classes without leaving his bed. Severus gave him the book for that year, and they both stayed in a comfortable silence until lunch time.

When they finished, Harry decided that Severus had to take a nap. The professor didn’t have another option when Harry started talking in that soft voice he used when he wanted him to sleep. The young wizard was going to choose another book from the living room when his Head of the House appeared through the fireplace.

“Hi Harry, what are you doing?” Minerva asked.

“Hi professor. I was going to pick a book to read, since Severus is sleeping.” Harry said.

“Oh, that’s ok, but I was coming to propose you something. Your friends are worried about you, yesterday they came to talk with me. I thought maybe you want to meet them.” Minerva said.

“I can’t meet them; I can’t leave Severus alone.” Harry said.

“Thank you, ma’am. I will come back soon.” Harry said smiling back. “Send Dobby if you need something.”

“Have a good time. I told your friends to wait for you in the potions classroom.” Minerva told him.

“Why has McGonagall told us to wait here?” Ron asked.

“Ron, I’ve already told you I don’t know it!” Hermione answered tiredly.

“Hi guys. I suppose I can tell you why, but we have to find a place to go first.” Harry said.

“Harry! We were very worried! Where have you been?” Hermione said.

“Let’s find a place to talk. A Slytherin can hear us if we stay here.” Harry said.

“Harry Potter, sir. I can show you a place if you want. I was cleaning in the other dungeon when Dobby heard the three of you. Dobby can help.” The house elf said smiling.

Not much later that, Harry, Ron and Hermione where in the seventh floor, in the Room of Requirement. Dobby said that the room only appeared when a person is in great need of it, and since he couldn’t risk someone to overhear the conversation, the room was perfect for it.

The room was pretty big, it had a coach and an armchair, one in front of another, with a table between them. Harry sat on the armchair and his two friends on the couch. Three mugs of tea appeared on the table.

“Wow. This room is fantastic! How comes that we didn’t discover it before?” Ron asked.

“Because we didn’t even know it existed.” Hermione answered.

“Well, guys, Dumbledore told me that you spend your summer in Sirius’ house.” Harry said trying to delay talking about Severus.

“Yeah mate. We weren’t allowed to send you letters, we tried, but Dumbledore had put an anti-owl ward. No owl could get through it.” Ron answered.

“Now Harry, you have to tell us something.” Hermione said.

“Erm, yeah. Well, first you have to promise me that no one will know about this.” Harry said.

“You know that we won’t tell, Harry, but you have my oath that I won’t tell anyone about this.” Hermione said, and elbowed Ron.

“Yeah, you have my oath as well.” Ron said.

“Good.” Harry said nervously. “Try to listen all the story first.”

“Yes, Harry. Tell us what happened now! Where were you?” Hermione said impatiently.

“I was in Snape’s quarters, McGonagall came to tell me that you were worried, and she’s staying with Snape until I go back.” Harry said.

“What the hell?! Why were you with that greasy git?!” Ron said.

“Because he isn’t a greasy git anymore Ron. And now, listen to the rest.” Harry said.

“He came to check on me during the summer. He got injured and he saw my uncle’s treatment. He was very upset, and he apologised for his treatment during these years. McGonagall came to rescue us. Poppy healed my back, but Severus is still recovering. Someone has to stay with him until tomorrow.” Harry summarized, not mentioning that Severus was a cat animagus and another details.

“Have you gone mad? Really Harry, did your uncle hit you in the head?” Ron shouted.

“Ron, you have to trust me. He’s different now. He regrets what he did.” Harry said.

“But Harry, how can you be sure?” Hermione asked.

Before Harry could answer, Thara appeared in the room with a ‘pop’.

“Master Harry, mistress McGonagall has sent Thara to ask if Master Severus can have a fever reducing potion. Mistress McGonagall said that Master Severus is having a slightly high temperature and Mistress Poppy is not in the castle.” Thara said.

“He can’t have another one until dinner time. Is Severus awake?” Harry asked.

“No, Master.” Thara answered.

“How high is his temperature?” Harry asked.

“Mistress said 38” Thara said.

“Fine, I left a flannel in the bathroom, tell her to put it on Severus forehead. If he has a nightmare tell her to send you or Dobby to take me back.” Harry said.

“Thara will do that, Master.” Thara said and disappeared.

When Harry turned around he saw his two friends looking at him with their mouth opened.

“What?” Harry said.

“So yesterday you slept in his quarters, and I suppose you’ll sleep there today too.” Hermione said.

“Yes.” Harry answered. “I’ll go to the tower tomorrow.”

“Harry, do you want us to believe that he has changed?” Ron asked.

“Just trust me Ron. I promise you he has. You didn’t see him when my uncle beat me with the belt.” Harry said.

“Are you ok?” Hermione asked concerned.

“Yes, Poppy healed me. And Severus promised me that I won’t return there.” Harry said smiling.

“You know mate, it’s so weird to hear you calling him Severus. But I’ll give him a chance.” Ron said.

After talking with his friends some more time, Harry decided that it was time to go back to Severus quarters. Ron and Hermione asked a few more times if he was ok, and after reassuring them that he was fine, he called Dobby to take him to Severus quarters.

He found Minerva and Severus talking.

“Hi Harry, did you have a good time?” Minerva asked him.

“I did, ma’am. What about you? How is his temperature?” Harry asked.

“Well, more or less, since your professor tried to kick me out of his quarters. And he’s better now, 37.5 the last time I checked.” Minerva said smiling.

“I did not do such thing. I only told you that I was going to be ok alone.” Severus said grumpily.

“Maybe you could have said it gently, instead of telling me that you could poison my tea if I didn’t leave, because you were perfectly fine Mr. Snape. I think we taught you some manners when you were young.” Minerva said glaring at him.

Harry started laughing and Severus flushed.

“That’s not a very intelligent thing to do, sir, since she can take points from Slytherin.” Harry said still laughing.

“She did it.” Severus muttered and Harry started laughing even more.

“Of course I did, young man. You can’t threat a former teacher.” McGonagall said amused.

Harry couldn’t breathe with the laughing attack; it was just too funny.

“10 points from Gryffindor, Mr. Potter. Stop laughing.” Severus said glaring at him but it had no effect on Harry.

Fifteen minutes later, Minerva left the two of them; but not before she gave the 10 points back to Gryffindor.

“So, did you have a good time child?” Severus said more relaxed.

“Yes, they took the news surprisingly well. They made an oath and I didn’t tell them everything, of course, so don’t worry. They only know that you are different now.” Harry said.

“Good.” Snape said smiling sadly at him.

“Something is wrong?” Harry asked.

“I just wish I could have realised about all this before.” He said.

“The past doesn’t matter now, don’t think about that.” Harry said smiling and putting his hand in the man’s arm. “Did you have a good time with McGonagall besides the incident with the points?”

“Yes, I was just a little angry when I woke up and she was in the room instead of you. But she’s one of the teachers that I can stand, I would never poison her.” Snape said and Harry laughed.

“I know you wouldn’t.” Harry said.

Dumbledore visited them before dinner and he gave Harry a letter his godfather had sent. He only stayed some minutes and then he left. Harry opened the letter and read it.

“What does it say?” Severus asked watching Harry laughing.

“That you disappeared during summer, but unfortunately it seems that you are recovering. Listen ‘Dumbledore told us that the greasy git disappeared during summer and got hurt, but sadly he is recovering. Remember what I told you kiddo, be careful with him. If he gives you a detention go to the Headmaster. I don’t want you alone with that Death Eater.’” Harry read laughing but Severus tensed.

“Are you… What are you going to do?” Snape asked.

“About?” Harry asked confused.

“Well, he has said that he doesn’t want you with me.” Snape told him frowning.

“Yes, he said the same thing in the previous letter and I’m still with you. I don’t care what he says, since he doesn’t really care for me.” Harry said.

“Harry, child, I don’t think…” Severus started saying, but Harry cut him off. He wanted to tell the kid that his godfather cared about him, even if he hated that mutt, he didn’t want Harry to be upset.

“Severus, since my final task I’ve received two letters. In none of them he has asked if I was ok, after all that happened. He’s only being immature.” Harry said.

“Are you going to reply?” He asked, knowing that Harry was right and he wasn’t going to convince him.

“No, he doesn’t ask anything. What could I tell him? ‘Hi Sirius, I’m writing you from Severus’ desk. I’m staying with him until tomorrow, and I’ve been with him for four days.’” Harry said and Severus smiled.

“I suppose you’re right.” Severus said.

“I am. Are you hungry?” Harry asked.

“Yes, a bit. But can you clean the wounds first? I don’t want Poppy here watching everything again.” Severus said.

“Fine, I’ll do it now.” Harry answered and got started in the task. “It looks much better; I suppose that tomorrow morning it will be the last time I have to do it. And your fever is breaking, tomorrow you’ll be perfect.”

“Hmm.” Severus said distracted.

“Aren’t you happy?” Harry asked.

“I guess I am.” Severus said.

“Severus, you’ll be free of the bed rest if you don’t have fever tonight. I thought you wanted that this morning.” Harry said.

“Yes, I did. It’s fine.” Severus said.

“Ok, sir. What’s bothering you?” Harry asked seeing that something wasn’t ok.

“Nothing Harry.” Snape answered.

“It isn’t nothing. Everything was ok until I said you looked much better. I thought that you were going to be glad.” Harry said looking at him.

“It’s nothing.” Severus said looking to the other side of the room.

“Severus, you know you can tell me. Aren’t you feeling ok?” Harry was starting to worry.

“It’s not that. Leave it, Harry.” The older wizard said angrily.

“No. Tell me what’s wrong.” Harry pushed him.

“DO YOU WANT TO KNOW? OK, FINE. IF I’M HEALED IT MEANS THAT YOU CAN LEAVE, AND THEN I’LL BE ALONE AGAIN, WITH NO ONE WHO CARES FOR ME. YOU’LL HATE ME AGAIN AND I’M USED TO YOUR COMPANY NOW, BECAUSE IN LESS THAN A WEEK I’VE BECOME FOND OF YOU!” Snape shouted.

“Thara! Bring a calming draught.” Harry told the house elf, and in less than half a minute the elf was back with the requested potion and gave it to Severus.

“I’m not going to hate you again when you’re recovered.” Severus didn’t seem convinced. “If I was going to do that, do you think I would have told Ron and Hermione about you? I care for you, that’s not going to change because you aren’t injured anymore, I promise. And also, you are the first adult in a lot of time that cares for me. Why would I want to hate you?” Harry said.

“Poppy cares about you, Minerva too. And Albus.” Severus said, more relaxed.

“It’s not the same. They also care about you, don’t they?” Harry told him.

“It’s not the same.” Severus said.

“I know, so you understand my point?” Harry asked.

“Yes.” The professor said but still not very convinced.

“What would convince you that I’m not going to hate you or to stop caring?” The young wizard asked.

“I don’t know. I don’t even know why are you still here.” Severus said ashamed.

“Fine, let’s say that I leave something here before going to the tower. Something that every time I want to have it I’ll have to come here. Then you’ll be sure that I’ll come again.” Harry said.

“I don’t want you to think that I don’t trust you. I really do, you don’t have to leave anything. It’s not you who I don’t trust.” The professor said flushing.

“I know. I’ll leave the photo album in the other room. Hagrid gave it to me, I usually have it under my pillow. I will come every time I want to see it, ok? And now, let’s eat dinner. What do you want?” Harry said smiling.

“I’m not hungry.” Snape said.

“You have to eat something. Maybe some soup?” The young wizard said.

“I’m tired, can’t I just sleep?” Severus asked.

“If you want Poppy to take you to the hospital wing because she thinks that you’re not ok…” Harry said and Severus stiffed.

“Fine, some soup then.” Severus answered.

Severus was falling asleep before finishing the soup, and finally Harry took the mug of soup from his hands and helped him to get inside the covers, and he gave him the fever reducing potion. Poppy came to check on him, and after being assured by Harry that Severus was fine she went to the infirmary to take care of two younger wizards who had injured each other in a duel.

The night was very peaceful. Severus’ fever had already broken, and he slept without nightmares. He woke up early in the morning, and he went to take a shower while Harry was asleep. Nobody had told him that he couldn’t take a shower, but he should do it before Harry was awake. (Nobody had told him that he could take a shower neither, and he was confined to bed until Poppy said he could get up.)

He realised that, like Harry had said, his leg was much better. Poppy will release him with no doubt. At least he could start his classes on time. He was going to take a quick shower; he didn’t want to risk the boy getting mad if he knew that he had taking a shower. But the warm water was very relaxing, and it was relieving his sore muscles.

Harry woke up when he heard the water. He supposed that if Severus had slept all the night without nightmares, he would be feeling much better, so it was ok that he was taking a shower. He went to the kitchen and he realised that Dobby had filled the cabinets and the fridge with food. He decided to make the pancakes he had cooked the day before, knowing that Severus liked them.

Severus entered the bedroom expecting to see Harry still sleeping and he froze when he saw the empty bed. Harry entered the room with the breakfast in that moment.

“Morning Sev.” Harry said.

“Good morning.” Severus answered.

“I’ve prepared the breakfast while you were taking a shower.” Harry said, and he saw Severus petrified.

“What happens?” The young wizard asked.

“Poppy said I could get up if I didn’t have fever during the night.” Severus said.

“Yes, I know, and?” Harry answered frowning.

“I didn’t have fever.” Severus said.

“I’m aware of that, I took your temperature three times and you were fine.” Harry said confused.

“No one said I couldn’t take a shower!” Severus said.

“I know. That’s why you were in the shower.” Harry said. “And all this is about…?” He asked.

“You can’t be mad.” Severus said.

“And what makes you think that I’m mad? The pancakes?” Harry asked laughing.

“Wait, you aren’t mad?” Severus asked.

“Sev, I’ve prepared the pancakes that you like for breakfast knowing that you were taking a shower. Do you think I would have done that if I were mad?” Harry said smiling. “Now come to eat, Poppy will be here soon.”

“Why on the bed?” He asked.

“If Poppy comes and sees you in bed she will release you. It’s easier to get released if she’s happy. And she’ll happy if she thinks that you are still in bed rest.” Harry said.

“That’s very Slytherin. You’ve been too much times in the infirmary.” Severus said sitting in bed. “Since when can you cook?”

“I started cooking when I was 5 years old.” Harry said and Severus choked with the food. “Only easy things. I learned most of the dishes when I was 7.”

“So you had to cook in your relatives’ house.” Severus said.

“Yes. But I didn’t mind. I could steal some food after cooking.” Harry said.

Severus was speechless. He shouldn’t have asked Harry about this. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, it’s not your fault.” Harry said.

“I should have realised.” Severus said.

“No one realised, and I didn’t tell anyone. Really, it’s not your fault. We’ve already talked about this.” Harry said truthfully.

“Fine… So, when are you going to Gryffindor tower?” Severus asked changing the topic.

“I suppose I’ll go this afternoon if everything is fine.” Harry answered.

“And what will you do? I hope you’re not thinking of doing something dangerous.” Severus said.

“You know trouble finds me, it’s not entirely my fault. I want to visit Hagrid if that’s ok with Ron and Mione. Do you think it’s something dangerous?”

“You never know what that man will have in his house. Just be careful, and don’t go alone.”

“Yes dad” Harry said laughing and Severus froze. Why did it feel so good listening the boy calling him ‘dad’? “And what will you do Severus?”

“I’ll finish my lessons’ plans; I will brew some potions and I’ll enjoy of my last free night until Christmas.” He said.

That morning Poppy told them that Severus was fine and he told Harry he was free to go with his friends. Severus helped Harry to pack his things, except the photo album, which was left under the pillow of Harry’s bed, that now was in the other room. After a brief hug, Harry went to Gryffindor tower.

Severus went to his private lab, but after a while he decided to go to the living room to read something because he couldn’t concentrate and the potions he was brewing were rubbish. He couldn’t stop thinking about Harry. When would he see Harry again? Was Harry safe in that moment? What if Hagrid had another of his pets like Fluffy, or that dragon or the acromantula…? Then he had an idea. He would follow Harry in his cat form.

He left his quarters and headed to Hagrid’s hut. The Golden Trio were already there with Hagrid, sitting outside.

“Hey, look at that cat!” Ron said. The other three turned around and when Harry saw him he brought his hands to his face. It couldn’t be Severus, what if Fang hurt him?

“Aww, it’s beautiful. Maybe he’s lost.” Hermione said and she tried to touch the cat, who growled and ran towards Harry. Everybody was looking at him now.

“Do you know him?” Hermione asked frowning at Harry, who was picking up the cat.

“Err, well, McGonagall found him earlier this summer. When I came here some days ago I met him. He’s not very friendly, so don’t try to touch him.” Harry said, hoping no one would found it was a lie. Severus purred while Harry scratched behind the ear.

“Ohh, and what his name?” Hermione asked while Hagrid was saying that he didn’t know that Minerva had a new cat.

“Bat.” Harry said the first name that came up in his mind. “You know, because he’s black and he also loves being awake at night.” And giving detention to people, he added in his mind. Severus looked at him curiously.

“What’s he doing here?” Ron asked.

“I don’t know, but it wasn’t a good idea since there is a dog inside that house and he had had an incident with one dog when he was found.” Harry said glaring at the cat, who froze, realising that he hadn’t thought about it.

“Well, we must return to the common room. Take the cat with you and return it to professor McGonagall, she might be worried about him.” Hermione said.

They said goodbye to Hagrid and headed to Gryffindor tower. They were near the Great Hall when they saw Minerva.

“Good afternoon Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, Ms. Granger. What are you doing?” Minerva greeted them and then she realised about the cat, but before she could say something Harry talked.

“Hi professor. We went to visit Hagrid, and we saw Bat.” Harry said looking at the cat. “We brought it back to the castle, since we thought you would be looking for him. Maybe you could tell him not to go again there, Hagrid has a dog you know. It’s better to be careful.”

Minerva thankfully understood Harry and he took the cat from his arms.

“I will make sure he doesn’t go there again, thank you Mr. Potter.” Minerva said, and the three friends made their way to Gryffindor tower, while Minerva headed to her quarters to have a talk with Severus.

Two weeks later…

Harry was tiredly going back to Gryffindor tower. He had just finished his first detention with Umbridge, and his sleeve was soaked in blood. Someone called his name, he turned around and saw Severus, who was looking at him concerned.

“Harry, are you ok?” The professor asked.

“Yes, I’m fine, I’m just tired.” Harry answered not very convinced.

“Are you sure? Do you want to sleep in our quarters?”

“No, thank you, but I can’t. Hermione and Ron are waiting for me in the tower.”

“What did you do in detention?”

“I had to write some lines.”

“Well, not so bad then.” Severus said surprised.

“No, it was fine. Goodnight sir.” Harry said smiling a little.

“Don’t forget about tomorrow.” Severus called behind him. “Goodnight Harry.”

Next morning, Harry woke up feeling awful. His wrist had swelled and the wound was bleeding. All he wanted to do was stay in bed, but he remembered that Severus had promised to take him to Diagon Alley to buy some clothes. He got dressed and went to the common room, where Hermione and Ron were waiting for him.

“Are you sick?” Hermione asked, worried.

“No, I’m only tired. I haven’t slept well, you know, nightmares…” Harry answered. It was true that he had had nightmares, but it wasn’t the only thing why he was like that.

“Fine, let’s go to eat breakfast. But you should talk to Severus later.”

“Come on, Mione, I’m hungry, he’s said he’s ok!” Ron said.

“I’ll talk to him later, when we are back from Diagon Alley. I think I will stay with him tonight.” Harry said, and Hermione nodded.

It was more difficult to convince Snape, though. He knew that something wasn’t ok, but finally he accepted Harry’s words. Harry told him that he hadn’t slept well because he was nervous about the shopping trip, and Severus finally believed him. They agreed to meet at the Three Broomsticks at 11am so Harry could spend some time with his friends.

Sirius had decided that morning that he would go to talk to Dumbledore. His godson hadn’t replied to his letters and he wanted to speak with him and verify that the idiot of Snivellus wasn’t doing anything to his godson. That bat was always destroying everything, so it wouldn’t be strange if he had decided to threat Harry or something like that.

Dumbledore assured him that his godson was fine, and he told him that he could talk with him in the evening, when he was back from Hogsmeade. He told him to wait with Hagrid in his dog form, but of course, he wasn’t going to wait all the day to talk with Harry when he could go to Hogsmeade and talk to him.

When he was going out, he heard Minerva talking with Snivellus, and he decided to hide and listen to the conversation.

“I must go now, or I’ll be late. I told Harry I would meet him at 11.” Severus said.

“Where are you going to meet him?” Minerva asked.

“In the Three Broomsticks. I’ll see you at dinner.”

“Fine, have a nice day.”

Sirius was furious, how did the greasy git dare to meet his godson? It was perfectly clear what had happened to Harry. That moron had either threatened him or was trying to brainwash him. But that wasn’t going to happen; not if he could avoid it. He followed Snivellus and when he was sure nobody could see him he transformed in his human form and he petrified Severus.

Then, he transformed back in his dog form and went to Hogsmeade. Harry, Ron and Hermione were in the door of the Three Broomsticks.

“Isn’t that Padfoot?” Ron asked.

“Padfoot? What the hell are you doing here?” Harry asked frowning.

Padfoot ran to a hidden place and Harry followed him. He would talk to him and then he would go with Severus; so, he told his friends that they could leave him and that he would see them the next day.

“What are you doing here Siri? It’s dangerous!” Harry said.

“I’m here to take you home for some days Prongslet. I’ve talked to Dumbledore and he agrees with me.” Sirius said.

“Oh. Emm… I had plans for today Sirius.” Harry said biting his lower lip.

“I know, Albus told me. Are you sure he’s going to come?” Sirius said smirking.

“Of course, he will come!” Harry said angrily.

“Really? Because when I left he was telling Minerva that he had to make an important potion today.”

“To brew.” Harry corrected. “You don’t make potions.”

“Whatever, he won’t come, he’s too busy with his potions.” Sirius said angrily.

“Sirius, he was going to take me to Diagon Alley, I need to buy some things. He’ll come.”

“Fine, let’s wait fifteen minutes, but if he doesn’t come, we’ll go home. I can take you to the alley another day.”

The next 15 minutes were very tense. Neither of them spoke. Harry sent a patronus, but received no answer. Harry was disappointed and Sirius was satisfied.

“Come Prongslet, let’s go home. Snivellus is the best letting people down. You can tell me everything later.” Sirius said in a fake soft voice.

“At least let me tell Ron and Hermione.” Harry said defeated.

“Don’t worry, Dumbledore will tell them. Or I’ll send my house elf.”

Sirius and Harry had lunch at 12.30. The food wasn’t very good, Kreacher didn’t know (or at least didn’t seem to know) how to cook. Harry wasn’t hungry, he was feeling even worse, and he was regretting having told to Severus and his friends that he was fine. And now he didn’t know why Severus hasn’t appeared in Hogsmeade.

“Do you want dessert?” Sirius asked.

“No thank you, I ate some sweets with Ron and Mione.” Harry lied.

“Fine, let’s go to talk then.” Sirius said, and he headed to the living room.

“You haven’t been replying to my letters.” Sirius said.

“No, I’ve been busy, and I didn’t have anything to tell you. And it’s not like you asked something in the letters.” Harry said annoyed.

“So, you didn’t have time to reply but you had time to make friends with Snivellus!”

“Don’t call him that Sirius. He’s being nice with me.”

“Nice?! He has been hating you, insulting you and putting you in unjust detentions for 4 years! He hates you, he hates me and he hated your dad! YOUR PARENTS DIED BECAUSE OF HIM!” Sirius shouted angrily.

“They died because Voldemort killed them, and because Pettigrew told him where our house was!” Harry yelled back.

“Yes, but why do you think that Voldemort was chasing your parents? There was a prophecy. Your dear Snivellus told him about the prophecy. And now I’m sure that the git wants to finish what he started. He wants you dead! Can’t you see it?”

“What are you talking about? Snape was a spy, he was doing his job. And he doesn’t want me dead. He likes me!”

“And what was he doing in Privet Drive last month? He was spying for HIM! He was going to kidnap you!” Sirius snapped.

“Dumbledore told him to go. He wanted to know if I was fine. He was protecting me!” Harry shouted.

“Oh really? In his cat form? He didn’t even look if someone else was there.” Sirius said.

“Wait, what have you said? How do you know Snape is an animagus? Only Poppy, Minerva and Dumbledore know it!” Harry said turning pale.

“Harry, kiddo…”

“He was attacked by a dog… Oh Merlin! You were the dog! YOU ALMOST KILLED HIM!”

“I wanted you to be safe I went with Moony, but he didn’t see me.” He said with pride.

“You are mad! You didn’t come in all the summer, you only went there because you know that Snape was going to be there.” Harry said in a whisper.

“Come on Prongslet…”

“No, I want to go back to Hogwarts.” Harry said.

“YOU ARE GOING TO STAY HERE UNTIL I SAY OTHERWISE!” Sirius spat violently. “YOU HAVE TO UNDERSTAND ME!”

Harry flinched, he was scared and feeling dizzy; and he knew he couldn’t escape.

“I think I understand you Siri. I have been a fool. Can you show me my room? I’m tired.” Harry said after two tense minutes.

“Do you believe me?” Sirius asked.

“Yes, Snivellus is a git. I can’t understand why I was trusting him!” Harry said.

“Good, I knew you would understand Prongslet. Come, I’ll show you your room.”