The soft morning light permeated Harry's room as he prepared for the day ahead. Across the threshold, Severus Snape leaned against the door frame, observing the young boy with a faint smile playing on his lips. Harry was struggling with his tie, the simple Gryffindor pattern twisting and slipping in his inexperienced hands. He huffed in frustration, cheeks dusted pink with embarrassment.
Severus rapped gently on the door frame, drawing the boy's attention. "Seems like you could use a bit of help," he offered, his tone light, "it can be rather challenging to tie that one-handed."
Harry gave a sheepish nod and released the ends of the stubborn tie. He shuffled his feet, a blush spreading across his cheeks as he glanced up at Severus. His expression was open, trusting, a stark contrast to the nervous tension of just moments before.
"Come on, scamp," Severus coaxed, a hint of warmth creeping into his voice, "There's no need for embarrassment. You're still learning. Now, let me show you how it's done."
With measured steps, Harry approached Severus, his gaze flickering between the older man's face and the unruly tie in his hands. As Severus took the ends of the tie, the boy watched him intently, committing every move to memory. With a practiced hand, Severus tied the knot, making sure it was loose enough to be comfortable but secure enough to stay in place.
"There you are," he said, stepping back to admire his handiwork. "Ready for class now, Harry?"
Harry nodded, his gaze momentarily drifting to his school bag resting near the door. "I've got everything," he confirmed, "And Pam... she's coming over after school, right?"
Severus's smile returned at the mention of their friend. "Yes, she will be here about an hour after your classes end. Is that alright with you?"
Another nod from Harry. "And Don... he'll be here after that, won't he?"
Severus confirmed with a smile, "Indeed, he will."
A thoughtful expression crossed Harry's face, his bottom lip trapped between his teeth as if he was mulling over something. Finally, he murmured, "That's good," under his breath.
The quiet statement drew Severus's curiosity, and a touch of concern. He laid a hand on Harry's shoulder, squeezing lightly. "Harry, is there a specific reason you're looking forward to seeing Don?" he prodded, keeping his voice gentle.
Harry simply shrugged, his gaze skittering away. "No... no reason. Just wanted to know."
Sighing softly, Severus nodded, understanding that Harry was not ready to disclose whatever was on his mind. He was certain that Don, as a skilled healer, would be able to coax it out of him later. "Very well, then. Your bag is waiting, and I sense Mr. Weasley's presence beyond the first set of wards. He'll be here shortly. Are you sure you've got everything, Harry?"
With a roll of his eyes, Harry responded, an act that Severus found oddly comforting. It was a welcome sight to see Harry behave like a regular pre-teen.
"Yes, Dad, I have everything," Harry assured him, his tone playfully exasperated.
"And you've brushed your teeth?" Severus queried further.
"Yes."
Severus couldn't resist the opportunity for a small jest. "And have you scrubbed behind your ears?" A sly grin played on his lips as he watched Harry for a reaction, wondering if the boy would discern his gentle ribbing.
To his surprise and delight, Harry offered him a knowing smile. "You're just teasing me now, aren't you?"
"Perhaps," Severus conceded with a shrug. "I'm sure you can discern that for yourself."
A larger grin blossomed on Harry's face as he shook his head and started towards the door. Before leaving the room, however, he paused and turned back to look at Severus. A hint of unease clouded his bright green eyes.
"Will I... see you at lunch?" he asked, his voice a touch hesitant.
At the query, Severus's stern demeanor softened. He stepped closer, placing a gentle hand on Harry's shoulder. "I'll be at the head table as usual. Are you absolutely sure there's nothing on your mind?"
Their conversation was interrupted by a knock at the front door, providing Harry with a perfect opportunity to evade further questioning. Though Harry understood his father's concern, he wasn't ready to share his inner turmoil just yet. Quickly slipping out of the room, he greeted the visitor at the door.
Standing there was a slightly nervous-looking Ron Weasley. "Ready to go, mate?"
Harry nodded, "Yeah, let me just grab my bag. I'll be right back."
As Harry turned to retrieve his bag from the chair, he found Severus already holding it out for him. With a shy, appreciative nod, he accepted the bag, and began to return to Ron. But he was stopped by a soft pat on his shoulder from Severus. The sudden gesture caught him off-guard, and he turned back to his father, confusion etched on his face.
"What about a farewell hug?" Severus suggested, raising his eyebrows in expectation and opening his arms slightly, inviting Harry into a warm embrace.
Harry's cheeks flushed, and his gaze darted to Ron, who was quietly observing the scene. Sensing his friend's discomfort, Ron subtly turned away to grant them a measure of privacy. He had no desire to be the reason his friend refrained from accepting a moment of affection from his newly accepted father. Yet, it was admittedly odd to think of Snape as anything other than the stern, bat-like figure from their shared lore.
Upon seeing Ron avert his gaze, Harry offered his friend a grateful smile. Turning back to Severus, he willingly stepped into his embrace.
"I love you, Daddy," Harry murmured into Severus's shoulder.
"I love you too, son. Now go and absorb some knowledge!" Severus replied, his tone warm yet firm.
Pulling back, Harry smiled at Severus and nodded. "Yes, sir."
Turning on his heel, Harry began his trek towards the door to join Ron. Before closing it behind him, he cast a final glance at Severus and offered him a cheerful smile. "I'll see you in class."
Severus simply nodded in response, his gaze lingering on the door long after it had closed. A sigh escaped his lips as he made his way to the floo. He intended to join the rest of the school for breakfast, but first, he needed to consult Albus about a matter of importance.
With a pinch of floo powder, he called out for Albus's office, relieved when the familiar face of the elderly wizard appeared in the emerald flames.
"Severus, this is quite early for you to call. Is anything amiss? How is Harry faring?" Albus inquired, concern etching lines deeper into his aged face.
Suppressing another sigh, Severus couldn't blame Albus for his worry, given the tumultuous events of the recent days.
"Everything is fine, Albus. Harry has just left for breakfast with young Weasley. I simply wanted to inquire about the progress of the adoption papers. Are there any obstacles?" Severus asked, striving to maintain his usual calm demeanor.
Albus's face softened into a warm smile. "Allow me to step through for a moment, and I will explain the situation."
Severus nodded, stepping back to accommodate Albus's arrival. As the older man emerged from the floo, he gestured for Severus to take a seat on the couch. It was a gesture Severus had grown to dread, as it typically presaged news that would not be to his liking.
With a sense of foreboding, Severus took a seat on the couch, Albus following suit. Albus reached out, taking Severus's hand in his own, a reassuring presence in the midst of uncertainty.
"There have been a few complications," Albus began gently. "I didn't intend to burden you with the details as I plan to handle everything, but since you've asked, I will tell you. Only if you wish to know, of course."
"I want to know everything, Albus," Severus stated firmly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Albus exhaled softly and, with a wave of his wand, conjured a tray of food for the both of them. "In that case, we might as well enjoy breakfast here. Take your potion, Severus, and at least consume some toast before I delve into what's been transpiring."
Although displeased by the prospect of eating, Severus complied. He wasn't particularly fond of the breakfast routine, but if that was the price for the information he sought, he was willing to make the concession.
Having eaten some toast and eggs, Severus cast an impatient glance at Albus. In response, the older wizard set his own tray aside and met Severus's gaze squarely.
"Alright, shall we start from the beginning? As you know, there were no issues with the guardianship papers, as they are temporary and can be revoked at any time. However, adoption papers need to go through the Children's Welfare department before they reach the Minister. It's there we've hit a snag. While society's mindset has evolved since your own childhood, there are still some who believe children should stay with their blood relatives, if possible. It seems Harry has a distant cousin in Scotland. The man has shown no interest in Harry thus far, but certain people within Children's Welfare are attempting to persuade him to take Harry in. The papers are on hold while these discussions are underway."
Severus blinked once, then twice, absorbing the information. "They're not comfortable with the idea of a former Death Eater adopting him. They're doing everything they can to thwart or at least delay the process."
Albus nodded solemnly. "Indeed. Both Madam Bones and I are doing our utmost to prevent this, though her influence is somewhat limited due to her recent appointment."
Lowering his gaze in contemplation, Severus eventually raised his eyes to meet Albus's. "Do I need to worry about losing Harry?"
Albus closed his eyes briefly, reopening them to look into Severus's intense gaze. "I wish I could give you a definitive answer, Severus. I don't believe this cousin is genuinely interested, but I've been proven wrong before. If he does contest the adoption, rest assured we will put up a staunch defense, and I believe we will prevail."
"You can't guarantee that, Albus," Severus murmured, a tinge of desperation creeping into his voice. "What if he wins, and I lose Harry? I can't bear the thought of losing him...I simply can't..."
"...And you won't. I will not stand by and let Harry be taken from you. Don't worry," Albus reassured, the firm resolve in his voice belying the turmoil behind his twinkling eyes.
Severus nodded gravely. "Please refrain from mentioning this to Harry. I don't wish to cause him undue worry. As for my own anxiety... I'll try to manage it, though it might prove challenging. How long can they keep the papers on hold?"
Albus sighed, regretting that he had to answer this question. "They can potentially do so indefinitely."
"Is there anything I can do to hasten the process? Should I appeal to them, or demonstrate in any way that I truly care for Harry?"
Albus shook his head, his expression solemn. "There's nothing you can directly do. However, in a few days, they should send a social worker here to assess Harry's well-being and observe his interactions with you."
"It won't be like last time, will it?" Severus inquired apprehensively.
"No, it will not," Albus reassured him. "That social worker was under Fudge's influence and didn't adhere to the established guidelines."
"I... I suppose I should prepare for my first class then," Severus stated, starting to rise.
Albus placed a hand on Severus's arm, causing him to pause. "Are you alright, Severus?"
Severus nodded, his features hardened. "I'm dazed, but I think I'm managing."
"If you're not, I can contact Don for you," Albus offered, his gaze concerned.
"No, don't inconvenience him. I fear Pam might be rather upset with him if she doesn't get to spend some time with him this week," Severus replied, a hint of humor lacing his words.
"Ah, so she expressed her dissatisfaction about not seeing Don enough to you as well?" Albus asked, raising an eyebrow.
Severus nodded in confirmation. "Just... don't mention it to her. She can be rather formidable when she wishes to be."
Albus, mirth twinkling in his eyes, smiled. "Of course not, my boy. I wouldn't dare put you in such a precarious situation."
"Thank you. I need to leave now. My class begins in ten minutes."
"Very well. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything," Albus stated warmly.
Severus rose from the couch, followed closely by Albus. As Albus vanished into the Floo Network in a flash of green flames, Severus let out a weary sigh. Nothing, it seemed, could ever be simple. But such was life, he mused.
After collecting his thoughts for a few more moments, he headed to his classroom to prepare for the day. There were cauldrons that needed inspecting and ingredients to gather before his students arrived.
Meanwhile upstairs in the Great Hall, Harry was seated amongst his friends, eating breakfast. To most, it seemed like a regular morning meal. But his friends couldn't help but notice Harry's frequent, almost nervous glances towards the Head Table.
After noticing Harry's repeated glances, Ron placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder to draw his attention.
"Hey, what's up, mate?" he asked, his brow furrowed with concern.
"It's just... Snape and Dumbledore aren't here for breakfast," Harry explained, an edge of worry creeping into his voice.
Following Harry's gaze, Ron scrutinized the head table. Preoccupied with his friend's actions, he hadn't noticed their absence.
"They probably had something to take care of," Ron suggested. "Did Snape mention anything to you?"
Shaking his head, Harry replied, "No, and I've never seen Dumbledore absent before."
Hermione, ever the voice of reason, chimed in to comfort her anxious friend. "Ron is right, Harry. They probably have some important matters to attend to. Besides, you said Professor Snape would see you at lunch, right? If he doesn't show up, we'll ask another teacher. Ok?"
With a reluctant nod, Harry redirected his attention to his food. Despite the sumptuous breakfast spread, his appetite was curiously absent. Perhaps it was the tumultuous events of the past few days, or maybe it was the lingering worry about his newly-found father.
As these thoughts swirled through Harry's mind, a small 'pop' sounded in front of him, revealing three small bottles. He recognized two of them - the nutrient and vitamin potions he'd been prescribed. The third, however, was an appetite stimulant he'd seen Snape take before meals.
Following one final glance at the head table, his eyes met those of a smiling Minerva McGonagall. She gave him a small, encouraging nod and a subtle wave of her hand, indicating him to go ahead. With a grateful smile, Harry reached for the potions and swiftly downed all three.
Watching Harry gulp down his potions, Ron's expression morphed into one of bewilderment. "What are those for? And how'd they get here?"
"Ron!" Hermione admonished, elbowing him in the arm. "Don't be rude! That's Harry's business, and it's up to him whether he wants to share it or not."
Ron looked down, visibly chastened. "Sorry, Harry."
"That's alright, Ron," Harry reassured him, offering a small smile. "I have to take these potions every morning. One is for nutrition, and the other for essential vitamins. I think the third one, the appetite stimulant, was added by Professor McGonagall when she noticed I wasn't eating much."
"But why do you need to take those?" Ron asked, his curiosity not quite quelled.
"Ron!" Hermione exclaimed, once again prodding Ron's arm.
Rubbing his sore arm, Ron turned to Harry with an apologetic look. "Sorry."
Harry waved off the apology. "It's alright, and Hermione, please stop elbowing Ron. You don't need to defend me from every little thing. You both know the Dursleys didn't care much for me, and on top of all the other mistreatment... they didn't provide much food, either..." His voice trailed off, his expression somber as he revisited the harsh memories.
Harry shrugged, his voice falling to a quiet murmur. "I suppose it's caught up with me now, so I need these supplements to compensate for what I didn't receive then."
With an understanding nod, Ron placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "I'm sorry, mate..."
Shaking off his friend's sympathy, Harry straightened his shoulders. "Please, don't. What's happened is in the past and there's nothing we can do to change it now. I just want to move forward."
Hermione examined Harry's face, finding nothing but sincerity. "Okay, Harry," she agreed softly, "But remember, if you ever need to talk, our ears are always open. We're your friends. You can share anything with us. We're always here for you."
"Thank you," Harry nodded, a small smile playing on his lips.
Matching his smile, Ron piped up, "Good! Now, can we finish our breakfast?"
Chuckling lightly, Harry picked up his fork, and the three friends resumed their meal. The conversation was sparse for the remainder of breakfast, with Harry busily sating his newfound appetite and his friends wrapped up in their own thoughts. Once done, they gathered their homework and books and headed for their first class.
Upon reaching the classroom, the three friends took their seats at the front. At the suggestion of their professors, and with Harry's reluctant agreement, they had decided it would be beneficial for Harry to sit closer to the front. As Harry had discovered, any arguments against this arrangement would have been futile.
Just as they settled in, Minerva McGonagall strode into the room, her gaze immediately landing on the early-arriving trio. She raised an eyebrow quizzically as she took her place behind her desk.
"May I ask why you three have arrived so early?" she inquired.
Hermione promptly responded, "We wanted to secure good seats, Professor."
Minerva nodded, seemingly satisfied with the explanation. "Would you like to hand in your homework now to avoid the later rush?"
The three friends exchanged glances before rummaging through their bags to retrieve their assignments. It was Harry who collected the papers and approached the professor's desk.
As he laid the assignments down, Minerva offered him a small, appreciative smile. Before he could retreat, she gently caught his hand. "If you ever need anything, Mr. Potter, remember that I am always here for you."
Harry nodded in acknowledgment, and Minerva released his hand. With a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks, he returned to his seat, flanked by his friends.
Curiosity piqued, Ron leaned over, his whisper verging on a shout. "What did she say, mate?"
Hermione promptly reprimanded him with a slight hit on his shoulder. His blatant disregard for discretion was evident in the way Minerva glanced at them.
"Ron!" she chided.
A confused expression crossed Ron's face. "What did I do this time?"
"Honestly, Ron, sometimes you act like such a child," Hermione chided, rolling her eyes in the direction of their professor, who was struggling to contain her amusement.
Harry, observing his friends' interaction, felt a wave of relief. In all the chaos, at least one thing remained normal. Just as Hermione geared up to elbow Ron again, Harry gently grabbed her arm.
"Okay, Hermione, we get it. Ron's a bit clueless," Harry interjected, a playful grin on his face. "But I doubt you'll knock any sense into him that way."
Conceding defeat, Hermione lowered her arm. "You're right, Harry. I'll just have to make him study more. Do you think the library has any books on common sense?"
Harry snickered into his hand while Ron, mouth agape, looked at them both with a bewildered expression. Eventually regaining his composure, Ron managed an indignant, "Hey!"
Their playful banter brought a smile to Professor McGonagall's face. The sight of these two reminded her of another pair of students from many years ago, whose initial animosity had blossomed into an inseparable bond. It was refreshing to witness the camaraderie, and she could envision the potential of a future relationship between Hermione and Ron.
Her nostalgic musings were interrupted by the bell, signaling the start of class. As the remaining students filed in, she collected their assignments with a sigh, her eyes drifting back to the trio and the amiable atmosphere surrounding them. The sight of Neville Longbottom taking a seat next to Ron warmed her heart.
Summoning a stern expression, she commenced the lesson, ensuring that every student settled down and focused.
Harry had a productive day, experiencing only minor difficulties with his work. His homework was flawless, and he was grateful for Pam's tips, especially those regarding quill use. His hand no longer ached as it used to while writing, a relief he couldn't appreciate enough.
As school ended, he walked down to the dungeons, flanked by his friends. After class, Severus had pulled Hermione aside and discreetly requested her to ensure that Harry wasn't left alone. Given the recent episode with his scar, no one wished to risk a repeat. Severus knew Hermione was less likely to probe excessively than Ron, and he was confident his words would prompt her to keep a closer eye on Harry's well-being.
"We'll see you later, Harry. Come up to the Tower if you need help with your homework. If not, we'll see you tomorrow, right? You're having dinner down here?" Hermione asked, giving him a warm hug.
Harry nodded in response, still growing accustomed to the display of physical affection. Somehow, with Hermione, it didn't seem to bother him. Perhaps it was due to their shared youth?
"Yeah, I'm going to stay down here. It's rather pleasant. I'll show you my room sometime, but Pamela will be here shortly," he answered.
Harry still had plenty of time before Pamela's arrival and could have shown his friends his new room. Yet, he felt an urge to retreat, a sensation that had been subtly tugging at him all day. Maybe the recurring dream was having a more significant impact on him than he'd initially realized.
Ron, perceptive as always, gave Harry a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "That's alright, mate, we understand. We'll see you tomorrow, ok?"
Ron had picked up on Harry's offbeat demeanor throughout the day and suspected that something was weighing on his mind. He genuinely hoped his friend would confide in someone tonight.
With a final farewell, Harry entered his living quarters, leaving his friends in the corridor. "Goodnight, guys," he called out with a small wave.
After the door closed behind him, Harry let out a sigh of relief, his facade crumbling as the exhaustion of the day began to take its toll. He'd assumed that once his wounds had healed, the strain would lessen. However, reality proved otherwise.
He considered beginning his homework, hoping to complete some assignments independently and lessen Pamela's workload. A good night's sleep sounded rather appealing, too.
However, his plans were disrupted when he encountered Severus in the corridor.
"Hello, Harry. How about we put away your things, and then we can have some tea?" Severus suggested.
Harry found himself torn between his initial intentions and the allure of a quiet tea with his newfound father. His nervous gaze fell to his feet, his lips pressed into a worried line.
Observing Harry's unease, Severus gently placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "What's wrong, Harry?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Harry responded with a shrug, his gaze still directed at his feet. Seeing his distress, Severus offered a compromise, "Why don't we put away your things, and then you can tell me about your day? How does that sound?"
Reluctantly, Harry agreed, allowing Severus to guide him into his room. After neatly placing his books and assignments on his desk, he turned to face Severus, who had made himself comfortable on the edge of Harry's bed. The man patted the space next to him, inviting Harry to join him. Unable to resist the gentle prompt, Harry walked over and took a seat beside him.
"Now, Harry, did something occur today that unsettled you, or was it something I said earlier?" Severus asked, his eyes full of concern.
Once more, Harry responded with a noncommittal shrug. This caused Severus to close his eyes momentarily, gathering his patience.
"Harry, I understand your reticence, but I can't assist you if you don't communicate with me," he said gently.
"It's... it's nothing," Harry muttered.
"Harry, when you avoid my gaze and fidget like this, it's clearly something. Please, tell me what's troubling you."
Harry exhaled a small sigh, starting to toy with the hem of his jumper. "It's silly. I... I wanted to start my homework, but... but I also wanted to have tea with you... and... and I was worried that if I refused..."
Severus softly sighed. "That I wouldn't invite you again?"
Harry gave a small, miserable nod. Internally, he berated himself for such insecurity. How could he, at twelve years old, fear something so trivial? Yet, he couldn't help it. His heart and emotions often operated differently than his rational mind, leading to constant frustration. The tea wasn't even the main issue. It was more about the significance of the gesture.
"You know, Harry, unless I'm occupied in a meeting, you're always welcome to join me for tea. It's my way of unwinding after a long day at school, and I thought you might enjoy the relaxation too. You're not obligated to join me, but the invitation is always open. You can even bring some of your work, and I can assist you until Pamela arrives."
Harry's eyes widened as he looked up at Severus. "Really?"
Severus wrapped an arm around the boy, giving his shoulders a comforting squeeze. "Yes, really. Now, would you like to join me, or would you rather stay here?"
"Can I have pumpkin juice instead?" Harry asked, his gaze dropping once more before returning to meet Severus'.
"Absolutely, I can arrange that along with a plate of fruit for you to snack on."
"That sounds brilliant, Dad!" Harry exclaimed, his eyes lighting up.
Severus returned the sentiment with a warm smile. "I thought so. Now, gather what you want to work on before Pamela arrives, and I'll prepare our little snack, alright?"
Harry nodded, watching as Severus left the room. He quickly got up, picking a few books and assignments he believed he could work on with his father's assistance. However, he purposely avoided his potions assignment, considering it unfair to leverage Severus' expertise in the subject that he taught.
Once he had gathered his materials, Harry moved to the small kitchen, arriving just in time to see their snacks materialize on the table.
Severus, with a smile on his face, gestured for him to sit. As Harry settled down, he noticed Severus had also brought a book and was studying it intently. However, as soon as Severus detected his gaze, he looked up.
"What is it, Harry?" Severus asked, causing Harry to blush.
"Nothing, sir," Harry said, quickly diverting his gaze to his books and busying himself with finding the right page.
Severus regarded Harry with intense scrutiny. He sensed that something else was bothering his son, but he chose not to press further, fearful of pushing Harry away. He aimed to create an atmosphere of trust, not one of constant interrogation.
"If you need any help or have anything to discuss, please let me know," he offered gently.
Harry nodded, his attention seemingly anchored to his books. Seeing this, Severus couldn't help but sigh. He sincerely hoped that Don, their trusted confidant, would be able to unearth what was truly troubling Harry that evening.
Severus returned his focus to his book, striving to concentrate on his reading. However, every few moments, his gaze drifted back to his son. Luckily, Harry was so engrossed in his work that he remained oblivious to these frequent, concerned glances.
This silent vigil persisted for an hour until the distinctive sound of the floo network heralded Pam's arrival in the kitchen.
Pam exchanged greetings before seating herself next to Harry. "How are you doing tonight, Harry?" she asked, her smile bright and friendly.
"Fine," was Harry's monosyllabic response.
Pamela's smile faltered slightly, and she shot a questioning look at Severus. He merely shrugged in return, mouthing the name 'Don' when Harry wasn't looking. Silently, she nodded in agreement. Don indeed possessed a knack for coaxing secrets out of the tightest of lips—even if those secrets pertained to him! She had to admit that Don was exceptional at what he did, even though he could be incredibly frustrating at times.
"That's good to hear, Harry. Do you want to finish your work here, or would you prefer to move to your room?" she queried.
"Can we go to my room? The rest of my books are there. I only brought these out to work on before you arrived," Harry explained.
"Of course, Harry. Why don't you head on in, and I'll join you in a moment?"
After Harry had packed his things and left the room, Pam turned her attention back to Severus. "Do you have any idea what's troubling him?" she asked.
Severus shook his head in response. "He was perfectly fine last night, but this morning, something seemed off. He didn't experience a nightmare, as far as I know. Perhaps something occurred during school? I haven't been informed of any issues, though."
Pamela nodded, accepting his response. "I'll see if I can coax anything out of him while we're working on his homework. But most likely, we'll need Don to work his 'magic'."
Receiving a nod from Severus, Pamela made her way to Harry's room. Over the next hour, she diligently helped Harry complete the assignments he'd been given that day.
Once they'd finished, Harry looked up at Pam. "Don's coming later, right?"
"Yes, dear, I believe he planned on arriving just before dinner. Is there something bothering you?" she asked gently.
Harry shook his head vehemently, but his restless hand movements betrayed him.
Pam exhaled a sigh, deciding to make one more attempt at encouraging Harry to open up to her. Throughout their study session, she had subtly insinuated that he could confide in her if he wished. Now, however, she thought it was time to be more direct.
"Harry, I can tell something's bothering you. If you'd prefer to discuss it with Don, that's absolutely fine. But remember, I'm here for you as well. I have two ears that are always willing to listen," she reassured him.
Harry's shoulders slumped in defeat as he shared part of his concerns. He felt reluctant to talk about the dream that haunted him, and he was uncertain about confiding in Don either. "I'm just so tired. I don't know what's wrong with me."
Pamela nodded, understanding that Harry's weariness was merely a piece of a larger puzzle. The boy was holding back, but she had to address what he'd divulged. "Harry, there's nothing wrong with you. It's perfectly normal to feel tired, especially given everything you've endured. That's why you take a nap in the middle of the day."
Harry looked up at her, his eyes brimming with frustration. "No! Even after resting, I'm still exhausted. I struggle to stay awake in class! There's definitely something wrong with me. I shouldn't be like this!"
Pamela placed a soothing hand on his shoulder. "Harry, let's step back and consider your recent history. Where did you spend most of yesterday?"
Harry averted his gaze. "In the Hospital Wing."
"And where were you before that?"
"In the Hospital," Harry's voice gradually diminished with each response.
Pamela's voice held a slight edge of reproof. "And even before that, you were in the Chamber of Secrets, draining your magical core."
Harry managed a meek nod in affirmation.
"You expended a significant amount of magic in that Chamber, Harry. Recovery from such an event will take some time. It's normal to feel weak and tired after using so much magic. On top of that, you had surgery, which further exhausted both your magical core and your body."
Harry's voice was barely a whisper now. "...but I slept so much..."
"Yes, you did sleep, but recovery still takes time. You need to take it slow and understand that your limits might be reached sooner than before."
Continuing to stare at his lap, Harry shrugged his shoulders. "Will I ever be normal?"
Pamela draped her arm around Harry's shoulders, offering him a comforting hug. "You are normal, Harry. You're a perfectly normal young man, and I never want you to believe otherwise."
Harry looked up at Pam with hopeful eyes, yet the healer could unmistakably see a shadow of doubt still lingering there. "Are...are you sure?"
"I'm certain, Harry. I can see you're struggling to believe me. Most of your life, you've been told differently, but they were wrong, Harry. They were incredibly wrong, and I hope someday you'll see that."
Harry looked down at his lap and let out a soft sigh. Pamela continued to rub his shoulders comfortingly, but she could tell her reassurances had done little to ease the boy's worries. She hoped that Don's affirmation later that night might prove more effective.
Finally, Pamela stopped rubbing Harry's back and suggested, "Why don't we go see what Severus is up to?"
Harry nodded, and as he looked up, Pamela noticed his eyes shimmering with suppressed tears. Yet, she also saw his determination to put on a brave face in front of her. Deciding to respect his wish to remain strong, she ignored the hint of tears and stood from the bed.
"Come on then, Harry."
Harry rose to his feet and followed Pamela out the door, taking deep, measured breaths to suppress the swell of tears threatening to break free. He yearned to believe Pamela's comforting words, to accept that he was normal and everything he had been told in his younger years was wrong. But his faith faltered, and the familiar ache in his chest surged anew. He recognized it as the pain of swallowed tears, but he was determined not to cry just then. He'd done far too much crying recently, and he didn't want it to become a habit. He felt too vulnerable, too childish.
Entering the living room, they found Severus seated on the couch, engrossed in grading papers and muttering about his 'dunderhead' students. Seeing the familiar scene brought a fleeting smile to Harry's face, momentarily displacing thoughts of tears.
Pamela, on the other hand, was not as amused by Severus's choice of vocabulary for his students. Planting her hands on her hips, she cleared her throat loudly to grab his attention.
Upon hearing Pamela's throat-clearing, Severus looked up to find her standing with crossed arms, a clear signal of disapproval etched on her face. Internally, he braced himself for the inevitable lecture.
Without further delay, Pamela launched into a spirited admonition, chastising Severus for his disrespectful remarks about his students. As she spoke, Severus's gaze kept drifting towards Harry, who seemed to derive amusement from watching his guardian being reprimanded. At least it appeared to be lifting his spirits and distracting him from his earlier distress.
Once satisfied that she had sufficiently admonished Severus, Pamela gestured for Harry to join him on the couch.
"I must take my leave now. I have an appointment to attend," she announced. "But before I go, Severus, I want you to understand what a bright and remarkable boy you have here. You should be proud of him. He's also quite weary and might benefit from retiring early tonight - after some dessert, of course."
Harry blushed, averting his gaze to his lap while Pamela spoke of him. It allowed the adults to exchange knowing glances, communicating their shared concern without words. Harry busied himself with the hem of his t-shirt, apparently wrestling with some inner turmoil.
Ignoring Harry's slight flinch, Severus gently laid a hand on his shoulder. Their praise seemed to have hit a raw nerve.
"Harry, child, what's bothering you?" he asked softly.
Harry continued fiddling with his shirt for another moment before hesitantly meeting Severus's eyes. "A...are you mad?"
"For what, Harry?" Severus asked, puzzled by the question.
Harry just shrugged, incapable of voicing his concerns.
Exhaling a sigh, Severus reached over and gently lifted Harry's chin so that their eyes met. "Harry," he began again, hoping to get to the heart of the matter.
"Why do you believe I'm upset, Harry?" Severus inquired, maintaining the gentle tone.
Once again, Harry simply shrugged. "Every... every time a teacher wanted to talk to Uncle Vernon, he always got mad at me."
Severus's eyebrows arched in surprise, but he quickly shook his head. "No, Harry, I'm not upset. Did you understand what Pamela was conveying to me?"
Harry slowly shook his head in response, prompting Severus to sigh softly.
"Harry, Pamela was commending your progress. And even if you were struggling, I wouldn't be angry because I know you're trying your hardest. If you were not putting in effort, that would be a different matter, and my reaction would not be anger, but disappointment."
Harry nodded slightly, visibly relaxing under Severus's touch. Releasing his chin, Severus asked, "Feeling better now?"
Harry nodded again, offering a small apology. "I'm sorry for being so silly. I...I just can't help it..."
Pamela, who had been silently observing the interaction, now placed a gentle hand on Harry's other shoulder. She wore a tender smile. "You're not being silly, Harry. You're simply expressing your feelings, which is entirely appropriate. Please, don't apologize for doing something right."
Blushing once more, Harry offered another nod. Satisfied, Pamela retracted her hand, bid her farewells, and exited through the Floo Network. She was confident that Severus could handle any lingering issues on his own.
As soon as Pamela was gone, Severus turned his attention back to Harry, an eyebrow arched in inquiry. "We still have some time before Don comes to examine your arm. How about a game of chess?"
Harry's face lit up, his grin wide. "Yes, sir!"
"Excellent," Severus replied, banishing his unfinished work back to his desk with a wave of his wand. Grading papers was a chore he preferred to evade whenever possible. He levitated the chess set from its shelf, positioning it on the table before them.
Midway through their game, the Floo Network roared to life, and to their surprise, Albus Dumbledore stepped out.
Setting down the chess piece he'd been holding, Severus turned to greet the Headmaster with a wary glance. Their earlier conversation still echoed in his mind, and he desperately hoped Albus hadn't arrived with troubling news.
Albus, sensing the man's apprehension, offered a small, comforting smile despite his lack of reassuring news. In fact, he bore quite the contrary.
"Greetings, Severus. Harry," he addressed them both.
Harry, reading the tension between the adults, asked apprehensively, "Wh...what's wrong?"
Criticizing himself internally for not concealing his worry effectively, Severus moved subtly closer to Harry on the couch.
"Nothing's wrong, Harry. Why don't you retreat to your room for a bit while I speak with the Headmaster?"
Harry's gaze darted between the two men, his forehead creasing in anxiety. "No, something is wrong, and I want to know what it is! Is it about the guardianship? Does someone want to take me away?"
Seeking to soothe him, Severus placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. He didn't wish to deceive Harry but was also reluctant to reveal the truth about his distant cousin. He strove to calm the boy as best he could.
"Harry, nobody is going to take you away. Yes, there is a minor complication with the adoption, but it's nothing you need to worry about, okay?"
Regrettably, as Pamela had warned him, Harry was testing boundaries. Typically, he would have consented and allowed Severus to manage everything, but he was determined to understand if Severus would distance himself should Harry fail to adhere to instructions or kick up a fuss over something like this. His emotions were gaining the upper hand, and once they took control, he knew it would take a while to rein them in. Yet, at that moment, he couldn't help it.
"No, it's not okay! I want to know what's going on. What is the glitch?"
Severus attempted to pacify him once more, but he could see it was futile. The boy was displaying all the signs of an impending tantrum, and Severus had felt its approach all day. It was inevitable that something would trigger it, but he'd secretly hoped Harry would have held off until Don's arrival, offering him some backup.
"Harry, I need you to calm your breathing."
However, Harry was beyond reach, too engulfed by his emotions to heed Severus's plea. He stood up abruptly, knocking the chessboard over with a loud crash and causing a few pieces to shatter. His face flushed a deep red, Harry swiftly retreated into his room, slamming the door behind him.
Sighing lightly, Severus rose to his feet, addressing Albus, "Perfect timing, as always, Albus. If you'll excuse me."
Albus returned a small, regretful smile. "I'm sorry, my boy. I didn't mean for this to happen. Can I do anything?"
"I know you didn't. Just sit here and prepare to explain everything to Harry. He's partially right. He may still be a child, but this matter concerns him and his living arrangements."
Acknowledging this, Albus nodded while Severus made his way to the door behind which Harry had vanished. He knocked quietly, hopeful that Harry would respond, but received no answer. Finding the door locked, Severus reluctantly conjured an unlocking charm with his wand.
Upon opening the door, he found Harry standing in the corner, holding up his uninjured hand as if bracing for a blow. The sight of the panic in Harry's eyes and his quick, shallow breathing echoed Severus's failed attempt to calm him only moments earlier.
Sheathing his wand, he approached Harry slowly, his hands in plain sight. When he was close enough, Severus dropped to his knees, reaching out to wrap Harry in a gentle embrace. He disregarded the initial flinch, determined to reassure Harry of his unconditional love and that he would never cause him harm. He hoped his actions would resonate louder than words, as was often the case in delicate situations like this.
After a few tense moments, Harry finally relinquished his rigid stance, succumbing to the comfort offered by Severus's arms. His legs gave way beneath him, but Severus, maintaining his embrace, lowered him gently to the floor.
Severus waited until he felt Harry's breathing even out slightly before drawing back a little, taking in the boy's glassy-eyed look. "Feeling better now?"
Harry closed his eyes in response, so Severus drew him back against his chest. Sinking further onto the floor to accommodate the boy seated on his lap, he began to gently stroke the back of Harry's head, now resting against his chest.
"That was quite the outburst, wasn't it? I suspect there's more to it. You can tell me when you're ready."
Harry's eyes fluttered open a sliver, and a small voice, heavy with desperation, slipped past his lips. "You're sending me away now."
Severus tightened his hold on Harry, hearing in the child's words a plea for reassurance that he wouldn't be cast aside.
"No, Harry. You can't rid yourself of me so easily. As long as I live, you will be my son, and nothing could ever change that."
At this, Harry's moist eyes lifted to meet Severus's, and he found an unexpected warmth reflected in the man's gaze. Comforted, he rested his head back on Severus's chest and let out a small sigh.
A lingering uncertainty, however, gnawed at his heart. "How...how could you want me? I'm nothing but a mess of trouble."
Anticipating a longer conversation, Severus adjusted their positions so that his back rested against the wall.
"I think you're asking the wrong question," he gently corrected. "It should be, 'How could I not want such a sweet, kind-hearted child?' Because that's what you are. And I'll tell you as many times as it takes for you to believe it."
Just as Severus was finishing his soothing words, there came a soft knock on the door, and Don entered gracefully. Seeing the two seated on the floor, he managed a sad smile before joining them in a less elegant manner.
"Couldn't you two have picked a more comfortable spot? Like the bed?"
Severus snorted in response. "Don't blame me."
Harry blushed and buried his face in Severus's robes, prompting a soft sigh from the man.
Placing a calming hand on Harry's back, Don tried to lighten the mood. "Harry, we were just teasing. Can you look at me a moment?"
While he despised doing this, Don had come to understand from Pamela's account that he had little choice. They had all expected an outburst—normal under the circumstances—but not a regression to Harry's earlier fears of abandonment or concealed emotional pain. So, when Harry met his gaze, Don gently touched the boy's cheek and locked eyes with him. Tenderly, he ventured into Harry's mind, searching for the root of his distress.
Despite lacking the magical prowess to sustain a prolonged delve into someone's mind, Don could sift through recent memories swiftly. In truth, he had never wished to develop this skill further, cognizant of the dangers of intruding excessively or lingering too long within someone's psyche. Furthermore, he had witnessed firsthand the damage it could inflict on his patients and saw it as a shortcut, a way of bypassing the trust-building process of therapy. But in this case, he realized that Harry was unlikely to reveal what was troubling him voluntarily, so he reluctantly fell back on this basic skill acquired during his healer training.
After a minute, Don retreated from Harry's mind, now aware of the root of the boy's distress.
"How often have you had that dream?" he asked gently.
Harry shrugged his shoulders, embarrassment coloring his cheeks. He felt somewhat violated that Don had intruded into his mind to unearth the source of his troubles rather than asking him directly. Despite knowing he would probably never confess to the dream without Don's coaxing, he had resolved to make the attempt tonight.
"Ever since the chamber incident," he finally admitted.
Don nodded thoughtfully. "And you've been dreaming this every time you sleep? Even during daytime naps?"
Harry looked down, but Severus subtly shifted his position, preventing the boy from retreating into himself. He wanted to ensure that Harry wouldn't withdraw now, when they were finally getting to the bottom of his troubles.
Spotting Harry's blush, Don arched an eyebrow. "I'll take that as a yes then?"
"I was going to tell you..." Harry murmured.
The healer shook his head sympathetically. "You and I both know that's unlikely. Would you like to share more details about the dream?"
Don cast a sidelong glance at Severus, who was starting to grow curious about the content of this dream. It hadn't provoked the same reaction as the one that had initially brought Harry here, but it had evidently triggered his recent emotional turmoil.
Harry sighed, turning to look up at Severus, his primary source of comfort. Oddly, he was reluctant to disclose the content of his dream to Severus. He couldn't quite pinpoint why—it was more of an inexplicable feeling in his chest.
Observing the hesitant look Harry gave Severus, Don redirected the boy's attention towards him. "Harry, would you prefer to talk with me alone? Would that make you feel more comfortable?"
With a slow, guilty nod, Harry confirmed his preference.
"Alright then, let's move over to the bed. Severus?"
Severus gave a small nod in acknowledgement. While he felt a pang of hurt that Harry didn't wish to share his dream with him, he understood the boy's need for privacy. Even he had not shared every detail of his past with Albus—though the Headmaster knew significant parts of his history, he had reserved certain aspects solely for Don's knowledge.
Without hesitation, Severus rose, gently assisting Harry to his feet. He helped the boy to settle comfortably onto the bed before making his way towards the door. Just before closing it behind him, he cast one last glance at his adoptive son, now clutching a stuffed cat as though his very life depended on it. It was clear they needed to shop for toys again, and soon.
"If you two need anything, don't hesitate to call for me," he said, his voice filled with concern.
Don offered him a reassuring look and nodded. "We will, Severus. Go find out what Albus wanted. We'll talk later."
With that, Severus exited the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
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