Harry slowly sat up in bed and waited for his father to enter his room. Glancing at the clock on the wall he realized it was just after midnight. Would Severus even come talk to him this late? He wasn’t sure how the man would react to all of this. He was also curious to know what his grounding would entail. He’d never been grounded at the Dursley’s. At least, they’d never used that specific term before. They’d only scream at him to get in his room and stay there, and then they’d lock the door, making it impossible for him to leave his room anyways. What if Severus tried to lock him in his room? Was that normal practice when disciplining your children? Harry didn’t know. He didn’t have much to go by, what with the Dursley’s and all. He didn’t think Severus wouldn’t hit him or anything extreme like that, but he still wondered if he had made his father so angry that he’d deserve it if he did.

He waited for nearly ten minutes, expecting to see the man open his door any moment, but he still hadn’t come. Harry could hear movement somewhere down the hallway, presumably Severus in his bedroom. Perhaps the man was giving himself time to calm down before he spoke to him yet. That would make sense. And Harry would prefer him calmer than anything else. He didn’t think he’d be able to handle an irate Snape at this point, considering he had worked himself into a slight panic with his anxiety. Another ten minutes passed and still no Snape. He began to think the man was just going to wait until morning and he lay down on his bed intending to go back to sleep. However, as soon as his eyes had begun to drift shut, he was startled awake again by a noise coming from the living room. He shot up in bed once more, thinking this was it. Severus was coming to punish him. But, still, no one entered his room.

He briefly wondered if Malfoy was feeling the way he was. Was he sitting up in bed wondering what Severus would do to punish the two of them? Probably not, considering Malfoy didn’t seem like the type to stay up all night dwelling on his punishment. He was probably sound asleep with not a care in the world. But, then Harry remembered Malfoy had been abused as well. It stood to reason the teen was just as worried. Slowly sinking back into the covers, he drifted in and out of sleep. Every time he’d hear a noise, he’d wake up in a near panic. This continued throughout the rest of the night, with Harry hardly getting any sleep at all and leaving him feeling more stressed and worried than he’d been since living with the Dursley’s.

When morning finally arrived Harry didn’t know how to feel. Apparently, Severus was waiting for today to deal with their punishments. Hopefully, the man had calmed down since last night. He still remembered the sound of the door slamming. He’d sounded mad then, if slamming doors were to be taken into any consideration. He stayed in his room for as long as possible, trying to delay the coming encounter for as long as possible. He got up, made his bed, put his dirty clothes in the hamper for the house elves, took a shower and got dressed. Soon, he realized he could no longer stall for more time, as it was time for breakfast. Severus wouldn’t tolerate his tardiness, not for the morning meal. The man lived by it. Feeling more insecure than he would have liked, the small teen made his way out to the living room. He saw his father sitting at the table already eating breakfast. Glancing quickly at his watch, he realized he was late by ten minutes. How had that happened? Way to start the day, Potter!

He took a quick glance at the man and was so surprised to make eye contact, he gasped. “Good morning, Harry.” he said, coolly. “Breakfast was here ten minutes ago.”

Harry nodded and lowered his head, gazing forlornly at his socked feet. “Sorry. I didn’t realize it had gotten so late.”

After a short pause, Harry had almost dared to raise his head when the man spoke. “That’s alright, Harry. You seem tired, did you not sleep well?”

“Just restless, I guess.” He answered. He slowly walked to the table and sat down across from his father. Not feeling hungry at all, he merely took a piece of toast, buttered it, and took a small bite. He took his time eating, hoping once more to prolong the inevitable conversation he and his father were to have. After he’d finished his toast, he was feeling decidedly nauseous, but tried to gulp down a cup of coffee despite the fact. The coffee only seemed to make the feeling worse, and he put the cup down after only a few sips.

“We need to talk about last night, Harry.” Severus began, and Harry felt his entire body tense in anticipation. Anticipation of what, he wasn’t exactly sure. Harry was slightly stunned to realize he was bracing himself to get hit. Was he really that scared? Looking down at his shaking hands currently hidden in his lap, he realized that yes, he was.

“O-okay.” He said quickly and looked back down at his lap.

“What you did last night was completely reckless and dangerous. I know you thought it was something you had to do, but you deliberately disobeyed me. I will not tolerate that, Harry. You will learn to listen and obey me.” he said sternly, and Harry was eerily reminded of his Uncle by his father’s last sentence. His Uncle used to say those exact same words before he’d strike.

“Yes, sir.” he answered automatically. He didn’t realize it, but he was reverting to his old ways from when he lived with his relatives. When he was in deep trouble, he’d always called his Uncle sir to avoid any further punishment. “I’m sorry.” he added, hoping it would help.

“How sorry do you believe you’d be had you gotten yourself or Mr. Weasley hurt, or worse, killed. What were you thinking, pulling such a foolish stunt?” he asked before running a hand through his hair in agitation. “Never mind Harry, I’m well aware of the reasons, I just can’t believe you’d be so dense as to act on your imprudent ideas.”

The harsh words made Harry flinch. “I’m sorry.”

“Yes, I realize that. You’ve said it numerous times already. Do you have anything more to say in your defense?” asked Severus.

There really was noting more to say. He knew what he’d done was wrong, that he had put his friend in harm’s way, and had disobeyed his father. Severus knew exactly why he’d gone to the Jumbling Tower, to save Sirius. What else was he supposed to do when no one else seemed to be listening? But, had he waited just a few minutes longer before heading off like an idiot, he would have heard from his father.

“No.” he finally replied. Neither spoke for what seemed like an eternity. Harry waited with baited breath for his punishment.

“You’re grounded for three weeks.” He said suddenly.

Harry looked up, wondering. “What does that mean, though?” he asked when Severus didn’t say anything more.

His father sighed and looked at him, almost sadly. “When one is grounded, mostly, some of their privileges are revoked. For instance, with your grounding, you will go to classes, but return to my quarters immediately afterwards. You are not to go to the Gryffindor Common Room unless you need something of importance, like schoolbooks or personal items. You will spend the next three weeks in my quarters so that I may watch after you. Your friends are not allowed to visit, you’ll see them enough in classes. No Quidditch practice or games, and no Hogsmeade visits, if any happen to coincide with your grounding. You are not allowed to leave Hogwarts grounds for any reason whatsoever.” Severus paused once more in thought. “I believe I touched on all the basics, if I’ve forgotten anything, I’ll be sure to let you know.”

Harry could only stare at his father. He couldn’t help but feel the man was being too strict but didn’t dare oppose him. He was too afraid of the consequences of such an action.

“Alright.” he said, still keeping his eyes lowered mechanically.

“For now, I want you to go to your room and do your homework.” he said while clearing away the table.

The first thought that entered Harry’s mind was he wouldn’t be leaving his room for his entire grounding except for classes. He felt an odd shuddering sensation, as his heart seemed to sink into his stomach. It was so much like with the Dursley’s that Harry didn’t think he was going to like being grounded too much. He found himself hoping he’d get supper that night, as it seemed to go hand in hand with being punished. The longest the Dursley’s ever deprived him of food had been a week. He didn’t know if he’d last so long with three weeks. He failed to remember Severus had just allowed him to eat breakfast. Would he be able to eat with his friends in the Great Hall for lunch, or would he be expected to come back down to the dungeons during his free time? Unable to pull his thoughts from the disturbing notion of his punishment that he finally asked.

“You’ll eat with your friends during lunch, but you’ll spend your breakfast and dinner hours with me.” he said, still waiting for Harry to go to his room.

“Oh, okay.” He said, thinking that wasn’t so bad.

He looked up to see his father watching him expectantly. He looked at his bedroom with dread for the first time since he’d started living here. Looking once more at his father, wishing the man would realize what being made to stay in his room symbolized for him. He knew he shouldn’t be acting like such a baby, but he was irrationally thinking Severus would lock his door once he was inside. However, when he went in he purposely left the door wide open and waited. He could barely see his father in the living area from his bedroom, and was grateful when the man made no move to come and shut his door. Realizing he was being completely absurd, he sat down at his desk and started on his homework. At least he wouldn’t be plagued with late homework for the next three weeks, which was a plus.

…………………………..

Later that night, Harry was sitting on his bed, bored out of his mind. It was odd not having any chores to do, but he thought he’d better keep that thought to himself before Severus suddenly decided to add to his punishment. Although, he couldn’t see how it could possibly get any worse than what it was. He still couldn’t believe he wasn’t allowed to play Quidditch or go to any Hogsmeade visits. That would possibly be the worst thing, besides being stuck in his room for most of his punishment. When his stomach growled he looked up in surprise. He looked at the clock and realized it was past time for dinner. As he stood there gazing at the clock he felt his heart once more plummet. Was his fear being realized? Why hadn’t Severus come to get him for dinner unless he wasn’t allowed to have it? He walked to the door and looked out into the living area. Severus was just now seating himself at the table. Harry didn’t know why one meal was so important to him, but he suddenly felt as if he’d been betrayed by the one person who he had trusted not to treat him like this. He never thought he’d have to go hungry again, yet it seemed it was happening all over again. Severus was eating his meal completely oblivious to the boy watching him, defeated.

Severus suddenly looked up and caught Harry standing in the doorway. He looked surprised for a moment before quickly getting to his feet. Instinctively, Harry backed into his room. His father entered after him and stood watching his jittery movements.

“Harry?” he asked quietly.

The boy raised wide green eyes to the older man. He began wringing his hands in his school robes. “Sorry.” He mumbled.

“Whatever for?” asked Severus and Harry looked up in surprise.

Harry was suddenly confused and unsure of himself and of the situation. Harry watched his father nervously before shyly speaking. “I wasn’t sure if I was allowed to eat.” he said quietly. He felt stupid trying to explain this to Snape. The man was going to think he’d lost his mind or something. However, when he met his father’s eyes, he noticed they weren’t looking at him as if he’d gone daft, he was watching him with something akin to horror.

“Harry…” he trailed off before coming fully into the room. “I never meant for you to think you weren’t allowed to have meals.” He said, his expression full of concern.

Looking up in surprise, Harry wasn’t sure what to say.

“I will never treat you the way the Dursley’s did, Harry. However, I have the distinct feeling I don’t know the extent of their abuse of you.” He paused here, looking pained. “If I’m doing something that makes you uncomfortable or if there is something about this punishment that is alarming you, please tell me.”

A weight had been suddenly lifted from his shoulders, one he hadn’t realized he’d been carrying by himself. He’d been really concerned for a while there. Knowing Severus wasn’t beginning to think he’d turned into a burden or something, and hadn’t began treating him like the Dursley’s used to, he calmed down and realized he really had been irrational.

“I just wasn’t sure for a moment there.” He said, standing before his father. “Eating is a privilege, and I wasn’t sure if you meant it as well.”

Severus stared at the boy, looking aghast. “Eating is not a privilege, Harry. Sustenance is not something you take away from a person no matter what they’ve done. Eating is a need, not a want. There is a big difference here, child. I don’t know what your relatives did or said to you, but food is never something someone uses to punish their children. I never agreed with sending a child to bed without their dinner. It’s something mainly done with Muggles and frowned upon in our world.” He finished, pulling Harry from the room, into the living area, and gently pushed him into a chair. “Now, eat.”

Harry wordlessly picked up his fork and dug into his meal, finally relaxing.

……………….

The next morning, he was awakened from his light doze when Severus gently shook his shoulder. “Harry, you’ll be late. Get up.” he said, pulling the blankets away from Harry’s head.

“I don’t want to get up.” he grumbled, grabbing the blankets from his father and pulling them back over his head. He lay there in silence when suddenly the blanket was completely ripped from his body and cold air hit his boxer and t-shirt clad form making him shiver. “Dad!’

Severus smiled at his son. “You need to get up. Come on now hurry up. You’ve missed breakfast already.” He told Harry.

Harry grudgingly dragged his tired body out of his formerly warm bed and into the bathroom. “This isn’t fair.” He mumbled. He hadn’t gotten a good night’s sleep the two nights previous, and had been making up for that fact. So much for a good lie in.

Twenty minutes later he was showered, dressed, and waiting patiently outside of Professor Lupin’s classroom. A few Ravenclaws were waiting as well, but none of his friends from Gryffindor had appeared yet. He hadn’t seen Ron since the night of the ‘incident’ and wondered how he had fared with his parents. He hoped he hadn’t gotten another howler, like in second year after they stole his father’s magical car. That was incredibly embarrassing for his friend. Minutes later, he saw a familiar red head rounding a corner, followed closely by a head of bushy brown hair. Ron and Hermione quickly rushed up to Harry when they spotted him amongst their other classmates.

“Harry! Are you okay?” asked Hermione, stopping at his side and looking at him anxiously. “Ron told me what happened. What were you two thinking?” she asked.

Harry grimaced. He didn’t want to put up with another lecture, not from his friends. He’d put up with enough of them from his father, godfather, and Professor Lupin. “That I was helping out someone I care about. That’s what I was thinking.” He replied grouchily.

Hermione had the decency to look chagrined. “I’m sorry, Harry. I know how much Sirius means to you, but what you did was awfully dangerous. You could have both gotten seriously injured!” he exclaimed.

Looking at the floor, the green-eyed boy found himself feeling guilty. “I’m sorry, Hermione, but what else was I supposed to do? Sit at home and wait while my godfather was brutally murdered? And believe me, Severus lectured me enough yesterday to last me for a lifetime. I don’t need you yelling at me too, ‘Mione. You’re supposed to be my friend.” he said, his voice gone dull.

His friends stared at him with growing concern.

“Let’s just go into class.” intervened Ron, pushing his younger friend into the room, followed closely by Hermione.

The three had sat down at one of the front desks and were pulling out their books, parchments, and quills when Professor Lupin walked into the classroom. Harry barely paid any attention to the class as his thoughts were drifting towards how Hermione had reacted and how frustrated he was with the whole situation. Yes, he’d gotten into trouble and had already been yelled at. Why did Hermione have to drag his emotions through the dirt as well? Why couldn’t she just leave well enough alone? He was so caught up in his thoughts that he never noticed Remus asking him a question until the man stood directly in front of him. He looked up, finally realizing the entire classroom had gone quiet and Professor Lupin was looking at him sternly.

Looking around him he saw that the rest of the class were studiously writing on a piece of parchment, some glancing up every now and then to watch what was unfolding with Harry and the Professor. Hermione was writing furiously on her parchment, while Ron seemed to have given up completely and was watching the scene in front of him.

“He’s had a bad morning, Professor.” Ron said quietly, gesturing to Harry. Remus’ stern expression melted away into one of concern.

“Is something wrong, Harry?” he asked quietly so no one near them, besides Ron and Hermione, could hear him.

Harry shrugged. “No.”

Remus didn’t look convinced. “Meet me after class, Mr. Potter.” He said, sounding more like a Professor now. He groaned, not wanting to get into trouble again so soon.

Harry nodded to let Remus know he understood and would stay after. He waited grumpily for the end of class, still not paying much attention to Professor Lupin’s lecture. He was getting a massive headache to top everything off and would have preferred to go back to his father’s quarters, crawl into bed, and sleep for all eternity. It sounded nice at least.

Soon, the end of class arrived and he watched, disheartened, as the rest of his classmates left the room, leaving him behind. He waved weakly to Ron and Hermione from his desk as the two disappeared out the door. Looking towards the front of the room he saw Remus watching him worriedly.

“Is everything alright, Harry? You don’t seem yourself this morning.” He said, getting up from his desk chair and moving over to Harry’s desk.

Harry assumed he was still a little disconcerted from the previous evening’s ordeal with his father but he wasn’t going to tell Lupin that. “I’m just tired, I guess.” He said. “I didn’t sleep very well the night before. I’ve got a headache coming on as well.” He thought to mention when a spike of pain shot through his forehead. He rubbed his forehead, not realizing he was practically scrubbing against his scar. Remus quickly took his hand away.

“Harry, have you been having anymore visions?” he asked quickly after seeing what Harry had just been doing. As if he needed to make sure for himself, he brushed Harry’s scar with his fingertips. “You’re warm.”

The teen looked up at his Professor with glazed eyes. “Am I?” he asked.

“Well, it’s really no wonder, you were out gallivanting around just the other night. You probably caught a cold.” He said, once more feeling Harry’s forehead, this time placing his hand across it. Harry instinctively leaned into the cool hand. Apparently, that was what clinched it for Remus, as Harry soon found himself headed down to the dungeons. They were just reaching Severus’ quarters when the man walked out of the portal.

“Remus?” he asked, then paused upon seeing Harry. “What’s happened?” Harry couldn’t help but notice the man sounded a bit frustrated.

“He’s got a fever.” said Remus, a bit harshly, thought Harry.

Severus demeanor took a complete turn. “What? He was fine this morning.” He remarked, walking up to Harry and placing his hand against the boy’s forehead. Once more, Harry instinctively leaned into an equally cool hand and closed his eyes. He felt a hand cup his cheek and was surprised to find himself leaning against his father’s chest. He must be more tired than he’d thought. “He’s burning up.” he heard Severus say. The next thing he knew he was being half carried into Snape’s quarters and laid upon the couch in the living area. Someone took off his robe and his shoes before a blanket was draped over his shivering body. Harry didn’t know why he suddenly felt so miserable. But, he wished it would just stop. Another shot of pain slashed through his forehead and he gasped, practically arching off the couch.

“Harry, what’s wrong?” a voice asked from beside him. He was in too much pain to answer though. Clasping his hands on his forehead he turned onto his side and curled into a ball. He felt someone forcefully removing his hands from his head and a cool cloth placed over his forehead.

“Calm down, Harry. Ride it out, it’s almost over.” That was his father’s voice, he was certain, and he was right, the pain was subsiding finally.

He moaned and looked up at his father and Remus. “That hurt.” he whispered, unnecessarily.

“We know, kiddo. Does it feel like it’s going to come back?” asked Remus, carefully stroking his hair and running his thumb along his forehead.

Harry had to consider it for a moment before shrugging. “I don’t know, it’s been getting worse all morning. I had a headache earlier and it’s been getting steadily worse.” He said. Harry couldn’t help but be frightened of how painful the next spell of headaches would be. This last one had felt about a level below Cruciatus.

“Do you think it is Voldemort?” Severus asked, watching his son in deep concern.

Shaking his head, Harry turned onto his back again trying to find a more comfortable position. “I don’t know. It’s never been like this before. Usually, if he wants to cause me pain, he doesn’t lead up to it, he just does it.” explained Harry, garnering a disturbed look from both men. “But, it’s so bad it feels almost like I’ve been put under a curse.” He said, and didn’t have to explain which curse he was referring to.

Severus stood up from his kneeled position and paced the room by the fireplace in agitation. “This doesn’t sound like a natural headache, Harry. It’s being subjected upon you. I fear it will only get worse.” He said, looking at his son with fear in his eyes. Harry’s eyes widened at these words and he heard Remus’ breath catch beside him.

He watched as Remus quickly stood up and joined Severus over by the mantle before they both started whispering. Harry lay on the couch trying to hear what the two were saying but could only hear muffled words and incomplete sentences. He wished the two would just let him in on the conversation, considering he was the one they were talking about. It was his pain and suffering they were discussing, and he was scared, damnit. Couldn’t they just let him in on what was going on this one time?

Knowing his frustration and anger would get him nowhere he turned onto his side and faced the back of the couch, turning away from the arguing men. He lay there for a while before pushing his hot forehead against the cool cushions. He wished Severus would give him a fever-reducing potion already. Maybe he’d forgotten? It was a plausible reaction to happen when the man was trying to figure out a way to get rid of his headaches before they grew even worse. He decided rather quickly that was a subject he didn’t want to think on and burrowed further into the coolness of the couch. As he closed his eyes and began to drift off he was hit with a headache that paled in comparison to the previous one. He couldn’t stifle the scream that escaped him as he tried to curl into himself, his fingers clawing at his forehead. His back arched unnaturally as the pain became so horrible he couldn’t even hardly think straight anymore. He felt someone grab his arms and hold them down before his world dissolved into gray. The next thing he knew he stood in a clearing outside of the Burrow. He had no idea what was going on but had the most awful feeling in the pit of his stomach. Something was wrong here. Was this a vision? He could see Mrs. Weasley standing in the kitchen doing dishes through the kitchen window. He didn’t see any sign of Mr. Weasley, but assumed the man to be at work.

He tried to move from his position but discovered his feet were firmly planted on the ground and he was unable to move. He tried several times but still remained stuck. Sighing in defeat, he glanced back up at the window and was surprised to see Mrs. Weasley looking directly at him. She was saying his name, he could tell, but couldn’t hear anything as he was too far away. The next thing he knew the house was exploding, he saw Molly’s look of absolute shock before the kitchen became nothing but a pillar of fire and smoke. Screaming at the top of his lungs, tears streaming down his face, Harry tried once more to move, to help the one person he would consider like a mother to him, but was unable to budge his feet. Suddenly, his scar erupted into a startlingly fierce pain and he could feel a sinister presence behind him. Turning his upper body as best he could without being able to move his feet he saw Voldemort standing behind him. The snake-like figure moved to his side and watched the burning house with glee. Harry felt as if he would vomit at any moment.

“Do you want to see everyone you love die, Harry?” hissed the voice.

Harry looked at Riddle incredulously. “What do you want, Tom?” he asked scathingly.

Voldemort gave him a menacing look before placing his hand directly over his scar, resulting in a piercing scream from Harry. Unable to move, he could only stand prone, as he was tortured from his scar. Finally, the bony hand was removed and he gasped in a desperate breath.

“Never refer to me by that name again, Harry, or you won’t enjoy the consequences.”

Harry only glared defiantly at the black cloaked figure, but knew he wouldn’t speak the name again, at least not while he was unable to fight back.

“As for what I want, I should think you’d figured that out by now.” He stated.

The raven-haired boy stared blankly. “I’m sure I don’t.”

Riddle sighed. “In your dreams, boy, I’ve lead you through a place in the Ministry of Magic. There is something there that I need, but only you can obtain. In order to protect your friends and family I suggest you get it for me.” He spat.

Harry stood silently debating. Harry wasn’t prepared to put any of his friends or his father in danger. He’d do this, but he wouldn’t give the unknown object over without a fight. But, Riddle didn’t need to know that.

“Alright, I’ll do it.” He said, glancing at the burning house but quickly turning away.

“Very good. I expect you can escape from your school without being detained?” he asked. “I expect the prophecy to be in my hands by tomorrow evening. Otherwise, you know the consequences.” He said darkly, and Harry shuddered.

So it was a prophecy that he was stealing. Great. He was going to be in so much trouble after this if he made it out alive, but nothing would stop him from protecting the people he cared about. He was anxious to get out of this dreamscape to ensure that Mrs. Weasley was okay. Riddle had given him specific instructions on where to go and what to do once he had the prophecy in his possession.

“Do not fail me.” He spat. Harry was unprepared for the cold touch at his scar, sending bolts of pain throughout his entire body. He screamed violently. But, as soon as the pain had begun it had ended. He looked up into the concerned eyes of his father and Remus Lupin.

“Harry?” asked Severus.

“Please, go check on Mrs. Weasley.” He gasped as soon as he was able.

The two men looked at him concernedly. “Alright, I’ll go.” Remus offered and hurriedly left the room. Harry hoped Ron’s mum would be okay, or he’d never forgive himself. He couldn’t let them down. Harry knew he couldn’t let anyone know about his vision conversation with Voldemort. They would only try to stop him from doing what needed to be done, and he wouldn’t let them get hurt. He looked into his father’s eyes and sighed. The cool cloth on his forehead had remained cool the entire time and he assumed it had been charmed to do so. It felt good upon his still aching head.

“What did you see?” asked Severus when Harry’s breathing had evened out.

“I saw Ron’s mum in a fire at her house. If it was real, she didn’t make it out alive.” He whispered, his eyes misting over at the thought. Ron would be devastated, along with the twins and Ginny. How would he ever be able to look at them again knowing he stood right there while it happened. Harry refused to believe he couldn’t have done something! He had been there, and it’d seemed so real!

“I’m sure she’ll be fine, Harry. Lupin should be back any moment now with some news.” He said, trying to sound reassuring, but Harry could tell he was distracted by something.

Harry lay there, his head still minutely throbbing. “My head still hurts.” He mentioned.

Severus looked at him with worry. “Like it did before?”

Harry shook his head. “No. Just like an after affect, I guess.” He tried to explain.

“Alright, I’ll get you something for it.”

His father came out of his office a moment later with a green potion. “Here, drink this. It should alleviate the pain and relax your muscles. You’re still tense.” He handed Harry the vial, who drank the entire contents as quickly as he could.

“Those things will never taste good.” He muttered, handing the vial back to his father. He sighed. “Is this what I’ll get to look forward to every time Riddle tries to send me a vision?” he asked, motioning to his head. “Headaches from the depths of Hades?”

“Have you been practicing your Occlumency?” he asked. Severus had given him a book on the basics and instructed him how to clear his mind, but other than that, he hadn’t really been giving it his all.

“At night, I try to clear my mind, like you said. But, we haven’t really practiced it all that much. Won’t that help?” he wondered.

Nodding, Severus replied. “Yes, it would, indeed. I hadn’t wanted to compound any more stress on you, but now that this has happened, I feel it is time to go further.”

Harry nodded. He knew sometimes the others relied on his visions for help, but sometimes they just weren’t true. Like with Sirius. Now, he would begin to practice Occlumency. Practice had been scheduled for every other day down in the dungeons in Severus’ office off his classroom.

“Remus!” as soon as the man walked in Harry knew something had happened.

“There was a fire at the Burrow.” He began.

Harry grew taut with fright. “She’s dead, isn’t she?” Much to his dismay, Harry could feel tears pooling in his eyes and sliding down his cheeks.

“No, Harry. She’s fine. In fact, I think you saved her.” He said, grabbing Harry’s arms and pulling him into a fierce hug.

“W-what?” he asked, confused. “How could I have saved her?”

“Molly said she saw you standing outside while she was doing dishes. She went out of the house to get you and send you back to school. She couldn’t find you and had gone looking for you. When she got to the area where she had seen you from the window, she says the house exploded.” Explained Remus, smiling gently. “She’s fine.”

Harry finally relaxed. “I thought she’d seen me.” he told them.

“When, in the vision?” asked his father. Harry nodded.

“Yeah. She had looked right at me. That’s never happened before,” he wiped the tears from his face and blushed in embarrassment. “Sorry.”

“Don’t worry about it.” said Remus while Severus gave him a sideways hug.

“Where are the Weasley’s going to stay? Was the Burrow completely destroyed?” asked Harry. He hoped it hadn’t been burned so terribly that nothing escaped the destruction. He couldn’t even imagine the number of memories that had been made in that house. The Weasley’s would be devastated.

“They’ll move into Grimmauld Place until the house is rebuilt. It wasn’t completely destroyed in the explosion, thankfully. But, it’s going to take a lot of work to get it back into its original condition.” said Remus.

“Where’s Mrs. Weasley now?” he asked.

“Here. Arthur knew the moment the wards had been breached and that the house was on fire, due to a charm. He insisted Molly get checked over by Madame Pomfrey even if she hadn’t even been near the house when it caught fire.”

Harry nodded.

“She’s wanting to see you.” Remus finished.

Harry looked at his father. He knew he was still grounded, but was fairly certain he’d be allowed this.

“I’ll come with you.” said Severus.

………………………….

The Hospital Wing was quite crowded when they entered and no one even noticed them at first. It seemed that most of the family had been notified of the near disaster at their home. It was like a sea of red. Mrs. Weasley was lying in one of the beds, looking more put out than anything else.

“I’m absolutely fine.” She kept saying, but no one seemed to believe her.

“I’d feel better if you’d let Poppy check you over, Molly.” Mr. Weasley said, holding his wife’s hand.

“Oh, very well. If you insist, but honestly, will you all sit down. You’re making me nervous.” She said.

One of her children laughed, but Harry couldn’t tell which. “Yes, mother.” he said exasperatedly. Harry thought it might be one of the twins.

Harry could see Ron standing by Ginny at his mother’s other side, opposite their father. He was smiling along with the rest of their family. What if Voldemort had waited just a few more seconds before giving him that vision? What if the house had already been in flames when Voldemort had connected with him? Mrs. Weasley would probably be dead. And her family wouldn’t be smiling. His thoughts wandered to his duty that would have to be accomplished sometime tonight. Would he be able to sneak out of the dungeons without his father noticing? He’d definitely have to put his invisibility cloak to work. Otherwise, he’d never have the task completed by tomorrow.

“Harry!” Ron’s voice ripped him from his reverie. Molly shot up and nearly pushed Arthur off of the bed to get a better look.

“Oh, Harry! Are you alright?” she asked, holding her arms out to him. Harry carefully stepped into the hug, even though he knew she wasn’t hurt. She nearly crushed him in her enthusiasm. “What were you doing at the Burrow?” she asked fretfully. “You know how dangerous it is to leave school grounds.”

Harry looked to Severus and when he nodded his consent, he told them about his vision. “I wasn’t at the Burrow.”

At the Weasley’s confused looks, he explained further. Mrs. Weasley was very concerned that he had been physically pulled into a vision and had seen her ‘killed.’ She pulled him into another, albeit more gentle, hug. “That must have been difficult to see.” She said.

“I had a feeling it wasn’t real.” He told her when it looked as if each of the redheaded family were going to hug him to death.

Ron gave him a skeptical look, but the rest of them looked relieved. “I’m just glad you saw me.” he said.

“As am I, dear.” she said, holding his hand. She had refused to release him from her, almost as if she was afraid he would disappear as he’d done when she’d seen him at her home.

Madame Pomfrey had come back after pertaining the results of her tests. “You’re as healthy as the day you were born, I’d say. You’re free to go.” She said, smiling brightly at the woman and her family, Harry included.

The twins gave great whoops as Ginny leaned over to give her mother a hug. Mr. Weasley had somehow managed to get Ron over on his side of Molly’s bed and was giving him a shoulder hug.

“I told you I was fine.” Mrs. Weasley said indignantly. “You should listen to your wife, and to your mother.”

Still clutching Harry’s hand, Molly wrapped the boy into a tight embrace. “Thank you for saving my life.” She whispered so that no one but Harry heard.

Harry smiled. “You’re welcome.” he whispered back.

……………………..

That night, Harry had been given permission to spend the night in Gryffindor tower, though his grounding would resume the following day. Ron had seemed unlike himself and Harry had begged his father to let him stay with his friend. Finally, after much persuasion, Severus had said he could go. Now, Ron was lying on his bed and looking up at the ceiling. Harry was still trying to finish up some last minute homework. He didn’t want to get into even more trouble than he had been. It was almost ten o’clock. As it turned out, being allowed to stay in Gryffindor was a sort of blessing. He would be more able to sneak out of the castle undetected than out of the dungeons. Although, he doubted he’d ever have Severus’ trust after this. That thought wasn’t an easy one to bear.

“Harry, can I ask you something?”

Looking up from his homework assignment he nodded.

“When we were running from Dillard, you said something that made me think.” He said, pausing as he climbed out of his own bed and into Harry’s, sitting at the foot. “You told me I had a family that would miss me, and you tried to get me to go out the window.”

Harry sighed and placed his quill on his nightstand. Ron had said he would yell at him later. At least he wasn’t yelling, yet.

“You have a family too. You know that, right? Professor Snape is your father. He loves you.” He said.

Shocked, Harry stared at his friend. “What?”

“It’s not hard to tell, the man just has this look when he’s around you, especially if you’re hurt or upset. It’s easy to see he cares about you a lot,” he explained.

“Yeah, I know.” Said Harry.

“Then why did you say that? You acted like no one would miss you if you were killed.” Ron’s voice had begun to rise and Harry knew the yelling was about to begin. “Please, tell me you don’t think that!”

Harry shook his head in denial, although sometimes he did wonder. It was hard to think anything else when it had been drilled into his head since he’d been a toddler that no one would ever care about him. No one would ever love him. That no one cared whether he lived or died. How could he just stop feeling that way about himself? He was constantly worried his father would suddenly realize he wasn’t worth the effort; realize how much of a burden he was. There would be only one place to go if that happened, back to the Dursley’s. And, wouldn’t that be a jolly good time? The only one alive now was his Uncle, and Harry knew he’d be dead within an hour of being returned to him. He knew without a doubt that his Uncle blamed him for their deaths. How could he not? No, it was easier not to get his hopes up too high, so he’d be prepared when everything fell apart. But, he’d been really happy with Severus, his father.

When Harry didn’t answer him Ron grew pale. “You do think that, don’t you?” Ron’s face went from pale to an angry red in just seconds. “Those damn Dursleys!” he spat. “You can’t believe a word that comes out of their mouths, Harry. They didn’t know you; they didn’t even try to get to know you. All they saw about you was someone who wasn’t like them, and thereby abnormal. But, that’s not true, Harry. They were the abnormal ones. You are the great one! You can’t let them get to you, not now, not when most of them aren’t even around anymore. Don’t let them spoil the rest of your life!”

Harry was surprised by the amount of emotion conveyed in Ron’s little speech. His best friend was looking at him, almost desperately, begging him with his eyes to believe him. Harry sighed and gazed down at his lap.

“What if he changes his mind?” he asked quietly of his friend.

Ron was quiet for a moment. “Why would he change his mind, Harry?” he asked.

Harry had managed to burrow down underneath his blankets while talking to Ron and was now pulling them protectively up against his chest as he scooted to lean against the headboard. “I don’t know. Maybe…what if he thinks I’m not w-worth it?” he asked, purposefully avoiding looking at Ron’s face. “I think there must be something about me that’s just…unlovable.”

“Harry.” Ron began softly. “He…”

“You are worth it.” the voice came out of nowhere and it took both boys by surprise. “And, considering I love you very much, well, there’s nothing unlovable about you.”

Harry sat there in shock for a whole minute before he was able to make his body move. Completely forgetting Ron was even in the room, he rushed to his father who immediately pulled him into a hug, practically lifting him off his feet in his enthusiasm. “I love you.” he said fiercely. “Don’t ever speak that way about yourself again, understand?”

Harry nodded into his father’s shoulder. Severus did love him, Harry now knew. He wasn’t so foolish as to believe the rest of his dorm mates weren’t awake and seeing this display in all its glory.

“I’ll never give you up.”

Harry clung to his father desperately. I haven’t betrayed your trust yet, father, things might change. he thought. He didn’t doubt his father’s love, but somehow, he doubted his ability to ‘never give him up.’

Pulling away from his father, and feeling just a bit embarrassed, he glanced up at his father questioningly. “What are you doing here, anyways?” he asked. He hadn’t expected the man just to show up like that.

Reaching inside his outer robe, Severus pulled out a bag and held it in front of Harry. “You left your Transfiguration book in your bedroom. I assumed you would need it for tomorrow’s classes.” He said simply and Harry nodded.

“Thanks.” He whispered. Somehow, this seemed to make Severus seem even more like a father to him. If he’d ever forgotten a schoolbook while with the Dursley’s, he wouldn’t have been able to count on them to deliver it to him at school. Dudley was a different matter. They catered to his cousin no matter the circumstances.

“You’re quite welcome.”

Harry waited as the man stood there indecisively, as if he wanted to say something more. “Perhaps you should come back with me, Harry.” he said. Obviously, Harry’s momentary breakdown had concerned Severus more than he would have realized.

“I’d really like to stay up here with Ron, if you don’t mind? This will be the last time I’ll get the chance for another three weeks.” He said, trying to sound convincing. Although, he figured he’d be grounded for a lot longer, if not worse, when he got back from his next escapade. If he came back. “Please? Everything’s fine, I promise.”

Severus sighed but nodded his consent. “Very well. I’d like you to be back before breakfast, however.”

“Okay.” Harry knew he wouldn’t be home by then.

After motioning for Harry to follow him out into the hallway, he closed the door behind them, securing their privacy with a silencing spell. “Are you positive you’re alright to stay?” he asked.

“Yes. I’ll be fine. Please don’t worry about me.”

Severus sighed as if meaning it was hard not to worry about him. “Very well. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

Harry gave his father another hug, holding on a little tighter than normal. He couldn’t help but wonder if he’d ever see him again. Putting one last squeeze into it, he pulled away. “I’ll see you later.” he said.

He waited until Severus was out of sight before re-entering his dormitories. The others were all watching him questioningly.

“You alright, Harry?” asked Seamus Finnigan.

Harry nodded. “Yeah, sorry you had to witness my breakdown.” He said self-consciously. He wished he’d had the foresight to put up a silencing spell, but it was too late now.

“No problem.” He said and the others nodded at him as well.

“I’ll see you in the morning, then.” Harry climbed into bed as Ron did the same.

“Sure you’re okay?” he asked.

“Yeah. I’m going to go ahead and go to bed, okay? I’ve got to get up early for breakfast.” He told his friend before burrowing under the covers and pretending to fall asleep. He waited almost an hour before he figured everyone was sound asleep. After that, he grabbed his bag and left the dormitories.