Severus paced back and forth in his living room, anxiously awaiting any updates from Albus on Harry's whereabouts and well-being. The waiting was driving him crazy, and he just wanted to ensure that the boy was safe. As he paced, he bit his nails, a bad habit that no one was around to correct.
Finally, the green floo signalled a someone coming through, and Severus felt something collide with his midsection. Looking down, he saw the familiar messy raven hair and quickly wrapped his arms around the boy in a warm embrace. "Oh, Harry," he muttered, feeling relieved.
Severus had been worried sick ever since Harry had left with the Ministry witch. Although he felt slightly better that Don had gone along with him, it didn't ease his fears entirely. If he were truly honest with himself, only Albus had held him back from following them through the floo. Albus had done his best to calm him down before leaving for his office to pester the Minister, but only having Harry back in his arms could truly soothe his nerves.
The healer gazed at his two patients with a mixture of fondness and sadness. He was glad that Severus had found someone to care for so deeply, but the circumstances that brought them together were unfortunate. Both of them would require a lot of support from him.
As he pondered this, Don approached and placed a gentle hand on Severus' shoulder. "I know Harry didn't have breakfast before he left, but did you manage to eat anything, Severus?"
Severus glanced guiltily down at Harry and shook his head. "I was preoccupied."
Don teased him with a smile and a nod. "Yes, I noticed. You've worn a nice hole in the floor from all the pacing. Come on now, let's get some food for both of you. You want to be a good role model for young Harry, don't you?"
Severus rolled his eyes and glared at the healer, but eventually relented and released Harry and helped him to the kitchen table. Once Harry was seated, Severus smiled at him before calling a house elf for some food and giving Don and Harry some privacy.
Don pulled a chair in front of Harry and smiled. "Do you mind if I take a closer look at your ankle, Harry? What I did at the Ministry was just a temporary fix."
The boy shook his head, and watched as the healer deftly removed his sock and shoe, and cast a spell to remove the cast. Don examined the swollen ankle and sighed, looking up into Harry's eyes. "How does it feel, Harry? Is it painful?"
His eyes remained fixed on the ground, and his heart sank with shame. He hated being the center of attention, and the fact that he was injured only added to his discomfort. But Don was not going to let Harry retreat into himself. He gently placed the injured ankle down and lifted Harry's chin with a firm but gentle grip.
"There's no need to be ashamed in being hurt, Harry," Don said reassuringly, "So please, tell me how much pain you're in so I can prescribe the correct potions."
He reluctantly nodded, and Don released his grip on Harry's chin.
"It hurts," Harry said, the words tumbling out of his mouth.
Don sighed, thinking back to the many times he had tried to get Severus to admit to being in pain. These boys could be so stubborn sometimes. "Can you describe the pain for me, Harry? Is it a sharp pain or a dull ache?" Don asked, his voice calm and reassuring.
Harry shifted uncomfortably, trying to find the right words. "It's both," he said, "It throbs constantly, but if I move it a certain way, I feel a sharp pain. It felt better when it was in a cast, but it still throbs."
Don nodded thoughtfully, studying Harry's ankle closely. "Thank you for telling me, Harry," he said.
Just then, Severus entered the room carrying a tray of food. There were three bowls of oatmeal, fruit, and coffee for Severus and Don, as well as a glass of milk for Harry. The food smelled delicious, and Harry was relieved that he didn't have to eat the rich foods that were served in the Great Hall.
Upon seeing Severus, Harry blushed as he remembered how he had practically launched himself into the man's arms when he arrived at Hogwarts. He had just been so relieved to be away from the Ministry that he couldn't help himself. No one commented on Harry's sudden flush, but Don gave him a reassuring pat on the knee before standing up from his seat.
As Severus placed the plates of food on the table, Don nodded to him and gave him a worried look. He didn't like the look of Harry's ankle and murmured to the dour man as he passed by, causing Severus to nod and frown.
But when Don turned back to Harry, he was all smiles again. "I'll be right back. I need to gather some supplies to take care of that ankle."
"Thank you, Sir," Harry said.
"There's no need to be so formal, Harry. You may call me Don. I am your healer and your friend. And to be honest, 'Sir' makes me feel older than I am."
Harry smiled softly at that comment and nodded, looking longingly at the food in front of him. Seeing the distraction, Don left the room to gather what he needed, and Severus sat in the seat next to Harry.
Severus picked up the glass of milk and handed it to Harry, his tone gentle, "Take small sips, Harry. Drinking too much at once might make you ill."
Harry nodded and took a few small sips, but soon he looked down at the table and sighed, causing Severus to worry. "What's the matter, Harry?" he asked, concerned.
Shrugging Harry continued to look down, so Severus took the glass from his hand and set it back on the table. "Please tell me what's wrong."
In a quiet voice, almost too soft to hear, Harry responded, "I've never sat at a table like this before."
"You didn't eat meals with your relatives? Where did you eat, then?" Severus asked gently, placing a reassuring hand on Harry's.
Harry shook his head, his voice barely above a whisper. If Severus hadn't been a spy, he wouldn't have been able to hear him. "Freaks aren't allowed to eat at the table with normal folks. They eat in their cupboard."
Severus gently maneuvered Harry around so he was sitting in his lap being careful of his ankle, wrapping his arms around him. "You are not a freak, Harry. You're a wizard, and a very talented one at that. And I assure you, here with me, you will always be allowed to eat at the table. You are not less than anyone else and deserve to be treated with respect."
Nodding Harry felt grateful for the comfort that Severus offered. At this moment, he didn't care if it seemed childish to some to be held in an adult's lap, it felt nice. He had never experienced this kind of physical affection growing up, so he was going to soak in all the comfort he could get.
Severus could tell Harry wasn't completely convinced that he wasn't a freak. He had noticed the flicker of uncertainty cross his face and knew it would take time for Harry to truly believe it.
As the two talked, Don quietly returned to the room with all the potions, salves, and bandages he would need for Harry's ankle. He placed the supplies on the table between the plates of food and then took a chair and sat in front of the pair. "How's the ankle holding up, kiddo?"
Severus attempted to shift Harry out of his lap to make it easier for Don to tend to his ankle, but the healer stopped him. "It's alright, Severus. It will actually be easier this way," he reassured them both. Don smiled at Harry and said, "I have a pain potion for you, Harry, but I want you to have some more milk and a little oatmeal before I give it to you. Can you manage that?"
Harry nodded and gratefully accepted the glass of milk that Severus handed him. Don expertly applied balms to Harry's ankle, wrapping it carefully and taking care to wrap it higher on his leg than before to avoid further injury. When he was done, he tapped his wand on the bandage and solidified it into a cast.
Throughout the process, Severus had to remind Harry twice to drink the milk more slowly to avoid choking himself. It was difficult for someone who had been deprived of nutrition for so long to pace themselves, and Severus knew it would take time for Harry to readjust. He was surprised that Harry had managed to eat in the Great Hall all of last year without issue, but he remembered Harry's bushy-haired friend who was always scolding him and the Weasley boy to slow down. He made a mental note to thank her later.
After Don finished healing Harry's ankle he put the enlarged sock and shoe over Harry's cast and then patted his knee reassuringly. "All done Harry. Please let either Severus or myself know if the cast starts to cause any discomfort alright?"
Nodding Harry let Severus take the half empty glass out of his hand and place it on the table and then resituate him so he was now in his own chair again and sitting next to him. Severus placed the small bowl of oatmeal in front of Harry while Don took his seat across from the two.
Severus smiled at Harry, "Remember to take it slow and after a few bites I believe Don here wants you to take a potion." He glanced over at Don who nodded slowly.
Harry took his spoon to start to eat trying to be mindful, but it was so good that he started to eat a little too fast. Severus stopped him by placing a hand on Harry's that held the spoon. "Slow down."
Don put his own spoon down and looked at Harry gently, "Harry can you do me a favor?"
The boy nodded so Don continued. "First I want you to take this potion for the pain," he handed the boy the vial which he took and then grimaced at the taste. "and now I really want you to focus on your chewing. I want you chew at least five times every bite. Can you do that for me?"
Harry nodded and Severus removed his hand from Harry's. Harry took great care from then on to really focus on chewing before swallowing and his stomach was grateful for it.
As the three ate in silence Don could not help but notice Severus was having trouble eating his food. He would take a spoonful of his food, play with it a bit in his dish and then reluctantly eat half of it off his spoon and then sigh silently.
Severus's struggles with eating were known to only a select few, including Don who had initially met him because of it. During his fourth year at school, Albus had observed Severus growing increasingly thinner, and his concerns heightened when Lily Evens had to intervene and seek help for him after he collapsed in a hallway and refused treatment. As a result, the Headmaster had sought outside assistance from a clinic, where Don had formed a connection with Severus and became his mentor and Healer. As the boy had grown into a man, the Healer had made a point to meet with him at least once a week to verify he was taking care of himself and had continued to do so even after his Hogwarts days.
Even though Severus would never openly admit it, especially while Don was coaxing him to eat, he was genuinely grateful for the Healer's gentle but persistent encouragement. In fact, Don was one of the few reasons why Severus was able to sit beside Harry at that moment. Without Don's foresight into the impact of Lily's death on Severus, Hogwarts would have had one more ghost haunting it's halls.
When Harry's bowl was more than half empty, he set down his spoon and gazed at it. Severus placed a hand on Harry's and asked with concern, "What's wrong, Harry?"
"I'm sorry I couldn't finish it," replied Harry.
Severus reassured him, "That's alright, Harry. Would you like to try some fruit instead?"
Harry nodded, and Severus handed him a fork to eat a few bites of fruit. Harry savored each piece, but after only a few bites, he looked down at his plate with a sad expression.
Severus comforted him, saying, "Don't worry, Harry. We'll have more fruit later, okay?"
Nodding slightly Harry muttered something only audible to Severus, who was sitting close by. "You are excused, Harry. Let us know if you need any assistance," said Severus.
After Harry left for the restroom, Severus shot Don a look and asked, "Can you explain what happened at the Ministry this morning?"
Don sighed and proceeded to recount the incident with the Minister and Arthur Weasley. Once finished, he paused to let Severus process the new information before revealing what he had been considering since Harry's re-injury.
"I'm thinking it might be beneficial for Harry to spend a few days at the clinic," said Don.
Severus perked up at the suggestion and set down his fork. "Why do you say that?"
"Well, as I mentioned when I examined his ankle at the Ministry, his bones seemed weaker than they should be. And just now, when I re-wrapped his ankle, I want to confirm my suspicion. I'd like to conduct some tests on Harry, specifically a bone density test and a few on his internal organs, just to ensure he's okay," explained Don.
Severus voiced his concern, "Can't you perform those tests here? I don't think we should remove him from an environment he's comfortable in so soon."
Don reassured Severus with a smile and a pat on the hand, "Yes, we could conduct those tests here, but I also believe the environment there would be beneficial for him. He'll see that other people face challenges too, and that he's not weak. I recall it helped you a great deal."
Blushing Severus looked down at his lap. "Should he return here at night, as I did?"
Don nodded with a smile and rose from his seat. "I'll speak with Albus about it and arrange for Harry's schoolwork to be sent to the center to minimize his absence."
Severus rose from his chair, his tall frame casting a shadow over the table as he banished the empty dishes with a flick of his wand. His attention turned to the closed bathroom door, where Harry had been for an unusually long time. With a furrowed brow, he approached the door and knocked, his concern mounting with each passing second of silence.
"Harry, everything okay in there?" he called out, his voice laced with worry.
There was no response. Severus knocked again, this time more urgently. "Harry?"
Still no answer. Without hesitation, Severus pushed open the door, careful not to startle the boy. His eyes scanned the bathroom until they landed on the outline of Harry's figure through the shower curtain. He was huddled in the tub, his knees drawn up to his chest, and his face buried in his arms.
"Harry?" Severus called out softly, taking a few steps towards the tub. When he received no response except for a few muffled whimpers, Severus sat down on the edge of the tub and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Harry, can you please look up at me?" he said, his voice gentle yet firm.
Slowly, Harry lifted his tear-streaked face and met Severus's gaze. Without a word, Severus moved his hand from Harry's shoulder to his cheek, cradling it softly in his palm.
"What's wrong, Harry?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm sorry," Harry choked out, his voice hoarse from crying.
Severus's heart clenched at the sight of Harry's distress. "What for, Harry?" he asked, his thumb tracing a soothing pattern on Harry's cheek.
Harry blushed and a pungent odor filled Severus's nostrils, prompting him to let out a small sigh. He stood up, lifting Harry out of the tub by the armpits, and placed him in front of him. Kneeling down, he gently lifted Harry's chin to make eye contact.
"It's alright, Harry. Accidents happen. Let's get you cleaned up, okay?"
Severus withdrew his hand, and Harry nodded. He then got up and turned on the shower.
"Why don't you hop in the shower while I grab you some clothes? After you're dressed, we need to have a chat."
Harry nodded again as Severus left the room, reminding him to call if he needed anything.
Summoning a house elf, Severus requested fresh robes for Harry, but the elf returned empty-handed.
"Why didn't you bring any of his belongings?" Severus asked, noticing the elf's nervousness.
"I is sorry sir, but I is not finding anything in his trunk except clothes that are way too big," the elf replied, wringing his hands nervously.
Sighing Severus realized the situation was beyond the elf's control and the poor elf probably thought he would be punished. "It's alright, Dibble. You can go back to the kitchen now."
After the elf disappeared, Severus retrieved a set of clothes from his room, all black in color, and shrunk them down to fit Harry. He knocked on the bathroom door and entered to find a shadowy figure behind the curtain. "I'll leave the robes on the sink, okay Harry?" he said, to which Harry replied with a simple "Yes, sir."
He left the clothing and exited the bathroom, making his way towards the floo. He tossed some floo powder into the fireplace and contacted the Headmaster's office, where Albus Dumbledore's concerned face appeared. "Is everything alright, Severus?" he asked.
Severus replied, "Mostly, Albus. Could you please ask Don if it's okay for us to purchase some clothing before we go to the clinic tomorrow? Harry only has one set of robes, and he's in need of new undergarments."
Nodding Albus turned around to consult with Don. After receiving a small nod from Albus, Severus noticed a sad smile on his lips as he turned back around. "You have my permission to buy clothing, and why don't you take a few days off to go to the clinic as well? At least until the end of the week? I'll cover your classes." suggested Albus.
Severus' face twisted into a scowl as he stared down the Headmaster. His sharp features were etched with displeasure, and he held his ground with an air of defiance. "I see no reason to make a trip to the clinic, Albus, unless it's to be by Harry's side," he declared firmly.
Albus met his gaze with a gentle expression, his eyes crinkling at the corners with a knowing twinkle. "Severus, my dear boy," he said in his gentle voice, "I am aware that you have not been taking care of yourself lately."
Snorting Severus averted his gaze, feeling a twinge of embarrassment at the Headmaster's words. "I am perfectly fine," he muttered under his breath, but he knew that Dumbledore could see right through him. He always could.
"I know that you are a strong and capable wizard, Severus," Dumbledore replied, his voice unwavering, "but even the strongest among us can use a little help from time to time. Please, humor an old man and accompany Harry to the clinic."
With a resigned sigh, Severus relented. "Very well," he muttered, "I will go with Harry."
Albus flashed a smile at Severus, and he saw a twinkle in the Headmaster's eyes. Severus sighed and removed his head from the fireplace, then sat down on the couch. A few minutes later, a freshly showered Harry emerged from the bathroom and stood shyly in the doorway.
Severus saw Harry and patted the spot on the couch next to him. "Come and sit down with me, Harry."
Harry complied with the instructions given to him and proceeded to take a seat beside Severus on the sofa, folding his hands on his lap.
"I'm really sorry, sir," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Placing a hand on both of Harry's, Severus focused on soothing the child. "As I said before, there's no need to apologize. Everyone has accidents."
As Harry blushed and averted his gaze, Severus sensed his discomfort and decided to tread carefully. He cleared his throat before speaking softly, "Harry, I have been thinking about your living situation and I have a proposal for you. Would you like to come and stay with me, and be my ward?"
At the mere mention of the offer, Harry's eyes widened in surprise, his grip tightening on Severus's hand. However, before he could respond, Severus continued, "Of course, if you don't feel comfortable staying with me, we can consider other options, like the Weasleys."
Harry's heart raced with anticipation as he mulled over the proposal. It felt surreal to even consider living with the once-dreaded professor. However, before he could make up his mind, he was suddenly overcome with emotion and threw himself into Severus's arms.
Momentarily taken aback by the sudden outburst Severus quickly regained his composure as he wrapped his arms around Harry. The warmth and security of the embrace made Harry feel like he was safe and protected.
"I'll take that as a yes," Severus chuckled softly, the sound reverberating through Harry's body.
For a while, the two remained lost in their thoughts and emotions, Harry hiding his face in Severus's robes, while Severus gently rubbed his back. As Harry lifted his head to look up at Severus, he was met with a small smile on the man's lips.
"I sent a patronus to Albus as soon as you returned from the Ministry. He's been working on sorting out the paperwork that the Minister messed up this morning. It won't be long now until Madam Bones signs the papers. Once that happens, she'll stop by to get my signature and yours. We'll have it all sorted out soon enough."
Severus continued speaking, and Harry listened intently. "Tomorrow morning, we'll go get you some new clothes. The house elves told me about your clothing situation. We'll make sure you're properly outfitted, Harry. And then we'll go to Don's clinic and he'll run some tests to see how we can help you the most."
The mention of new clothes made him feel a little self-conscious. He had been so caught up in everything that had been going on that he hadn't even noticed how ragged his clothes had become, but he pushed those thoughts aside. "You'll be there?" Harry asked, looking up at Severus with big, green eyes.
"Absolutely," Severus replied, his eyes softening. "The whole time. I won't leave your side."
As Harry lay curled up on top of Severus, his body was overcome with exhaustion from the sleepless night before. His eyelids grew heavy, and he couldn't resist the urge to let them close. Severus noticed but didn't move, letting the boy sleep on him.
An hour later, Severus heard the familiar sound of the floo, indicating the arrival of someone with his password. He guessed it could only be Albus or Don since Minerva was busy with her Gryffindors at the moment. Because of this, he made no attempt to disturb the boy who was still sleeping soundly.
Suddenly, a woman's voice behind him made Severus jump. It was Minerva, who had gasped at the scene before her. Severus sighed and gestured for her to take a seat on the nearby chair.
"Have a seat, Minerva. I'll explain everything...unless Albus has already told you?"
Minerva shook her head and took the seat, still looking perplexed. "Care to explain why you are a human pillow?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Severus let out another sigh before starting to explain. "You knew I was keeping an eye on Harry at meals," he began. "Yesterday, after class, I found him injured, and I helped heal him."
Locking eyes with Minerva Severus explained, "I've decided to take over his guardianship, and we're both heading to the clinic tomorrow for a few days."
Minerva nodded in understanding and stood up from the chair. She made her way to the couch and sat down next to them. Gently, she brushed Harry's hair away from his face, letting out a soft sigh.
"He looks so peaceful," Minerva murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.
Severus looked up at her, his dark eyes reflecting a mixture of concern and tenderness. "He'll be okay," he said, his voice soft but sounding more confident than he felt. "In time."
Placing a hand on Severus's arm Minerva could feel the tension in his muscles. "And how about you?" she asked gently. "This is quite a big step from hating the boy to... dare I say it, caring for him?"
Pausing for a moment Severus's gaze fixed on Harry's sleeping face. "I never hated him," he said slowly. "He just reminded me of James, and I had a hard time separating the two. But I've come to realize that Harry is not his father. He's his own person, with his own story to tell."
He closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. Minerva's hand on his arm gave him a gentle squeeze, and he opened his eyes again, looking at her with a mixture of sadness and regret.
"It was my fault, Minerva," he said quietly. "I told Voldemort about the prophecy. I was so convinced that it was the right thing to do. But I was wrong. So very, very wrong."
Minerva shook her head, her expression softening. "Severus, you know as well as I do that Voldemort had his eyes on them long before you told him the prophecy. You did what you thought was best, with the information you had at the time."
Nodding Severus's eyes were fixed on Harry's face. When he saw the boy start to stir, he gave him a small half-smile, his fingers brushing back the stray hair that kept getting in his eyes.
"Good morning, sleepyhead," he said softly slightly teasing the boy. "It looks like it's time for a haircut, doesn't it?"
Harry gave a shy sleepy smile at his soon to be guardian and again rested his head against the man's shoulder. Minerva observed the tender exchange with a gentle smile, deciding that it was best to let Severus inform the boy of her presence. She didn't want to disrupt their peaceful moment.
"It seems we have a guest, Harry," Severus said softly.
Harry's head snapped up suddenly wide awake, his eyes darting around the room in alarm. But when he saw that it was only Professor McGonagall, he visibly relaxed, though not completely.
"Do...do I have to go back to the tower now?" Harry asked hesitantly, afraid that his peaceful moment with Severus was about to be taken away from him.
Minerva's eyes softened as she shook her head. "No, Harry, I think you are in just the right place. And don't worry about your friends. I will tell Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger that you are okay. In fact, it was those two who told me where you were. They actually seemed glad that you were here, and I can see why."
Feeling a warm blush spread across his cheeks Harry buried his head against Severus' shoulder. He couldn't help feeling embarrassed, but he was grateful for the kind words and for being able to stay with Severus. "It's ok."
But then, Minerva's expression changed and she sighed deeply. "No Harry, no it's not. What they did to you was wrong, and I should have noticed."
Harry's body stiffened as he began to tremble slightly. The memories of his past torment at the hands of his cruel relatives were still fresh in his mind. But he was surprised when Severus spoke up in defense of the situation.
"Minerva, maybe it's not the time for that," Severus said firmly, as he made a small gesture to indicate Harry, who was now clinging to him.
Slightly nodding Minerva removed her hand from Harry's back. "You're right, Severus. I'm sorry, Harry. I should take my leave now anyway and have a talk with Albus."
Severus nodded in agreement as Minerva got up from her chair. But before she left through the fireplace, she turned to Harry and placed a tender kiss on his forehead. She whispered something softly into his ear that made Harry's heart swell with warmth. "Don't worry, Severus will take good care of you, my little lion."
As Minerva left through the floo Severus resituated Harry so that he was sitting on his own beside him and then floated over some papers and books that Albus had sent down earlier. "I thought you might want to keep up with your classwork. I'm here to help you if you need it."
Harry nodded and opened his books to get started. He was happy to focus on something other than his issues for a little while.
While Harry and Severus were engrossed in working on his charms homework, the sound of the floo startled them both. Suddenly, Harry clung tightly to Severus, who placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder before turning to see the Headmaster and Madam Bones stepping out.
He whispered some comforting words into Harry's ear Severus hoping to alleviate the boy's anxiety. Once Harry had calmed down a bit, Severus rose from the couch and greeted their guests with a polite smile.
"It's nice to see you again, Madam Bones," he said, extending his hand.
Madam Bones nodded in agreement and took his hand. "Likewise."
Severus invited them to sit down and ordered some tea and biscuits for them, along with a glass of milk and vegetable sticks for Harry. It was nearly lunchtime, and Severus thought that this would suffice as a midday meal, assuming that Harry ate properly.
He returned with two trays, one for the adults and the other for Harry. Carefully, he placed the tray on Harry's lap and handed him the glass of milk, instructing him to drink it.
The atmosphere in the living room was tense as the four of them sat in silence. The adults across from Harry observed the interactions between Harry and Severus curiously. Finally, the silence was broken by the Headmaster, who cleared his throat and addressed Severus directly.
"So, you wish to take over Harry's guardianship?" he asked, his eyes twinkling madly.
Severus met his gaze firmly. "Yes, I do."
Albus inclined his head, granting Madam Bones the floor. She was grateful for the Headmaster's subtle gesture, giving her the opportunity to speak. As the conversation shifted, Madam Bones noticed a remarkable change in Severus Snape's demeanor. The Potion Master, known for his acerbic tongue and unapproachable nature, was now displaying a kindness that she had never seen in him before. She marveled at how much one small boy could affect such a transformation.
"Is there anything you'd like to know about your duties, Severus?" Madam Bones inquired, hoping to clarify any questions the Potions Master might have had.
Severus shook his head, directing his attention to the boy sitting beside him. "No, I fully intend to fulfill all those responsibilities to the best of my ability. I will provide him with food, clothing, and a safe place to sleep. I'll be there for him physically and emotionally, and he will be my son in every way except name."
Madam Bones nodded, admiring the sincerity in Severus's words as he took the now half-empty glass from Harry's small hands and nudged the plate of vegetables closer to him. However, her thoughts were soon interrupted by a sobering realization.
"I'm not sure if the Headmaster informed you, but I'm overseeing the case against the Dursleys," Madam Bones revealed, a hint of sadness lacing her voice.
As she watched Harry's body tense up at the mere mention of his relatives, Madam Bones couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying to push away the memories of the countless children she had seen suffer at the hands of their own families. It was a tragedy that never failed to break her heart, even in the wizarding world where such cases were relatively rare.
But as a member of the Ministry of Magic's Department of Magical Law Enforcement, it was her duty to investigate any suspicion of abuse, no matter who the perpetrator might be. And in Harry's case, the stakes were higher than ever, with the possibility of a public trial looming over him.
"Harry, I need to ask you a few questions so we can avoid a trial where you'd have to speak in front of a lot of people," she said gently, hoping to put the boy at ease.
Harry put down his carrot stick and nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on Madam Bones. As he did, he scooted a bit closer to Severus, seeking comfort in the man's embrace. Madam Bones couldn't help but admire the way Severus had taken the boy under his wing, offering him the kind of care and affection that he had never received from his own family.
"Did the Dursleys ever hurt you, Harry?" she asked, trying to keep her tone neutral.
Slowly, the child nodded, his body trembling slightly. Madam Bones felt a lump rise in her throat, but she pushed it down, focusing on the task at hand.
"You didn't eat very much while you were there either, did you?" she continued, her voice soft and sympathetic.
Shaking his head slightly, Harry looked down at his lap, his eyes brimming with tears. Madam Bones felt a surge of anger at the thought of the young boy being denied even the basic necessities of life.
"You had a cousin there as well. Were you and your cousin treated equally Harry?" she asked gently, hoping to get a sense of the extent of the abuse.
Harry shook his head, and Madam Bones let out a small sigh of relief. She had to know if they were going to have another mistreated child on their hands. They had to remove the boy from their care regardless, but they needed to know whether he had to go into a special home or not.
"Very good Harry. I only have one more question, and then you can spend some time with the Headmaster while I talk to Severus for a moment. Ok?" she said, her voice soothing.
Harry gave another small nod, and Madam Bones couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. This child had been through so much, and yet he was still so compliant, so obedient, so eager to please. It was both admirable and heartbreaking at the same time.
"How long has this been going on Harry?" she asked, trying to keep her tone gentle.
Harry shrugged his shoulders, his eyes fixed on the ground. "I...I don't know..." he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Madam Bones nodded, understanding that this was a difficult question to answer. "That's ok Harry. Severus, could I have a word?" she said, turning to the professor.
Nodding Severus got off the couch, Albus took his place beside Harry. Carefully picking up the tray of food Severus had put down, Albus began to encourage the boy to eat something. As Severus left the room with Madam Bones, he couldn't help but give one last worried look in Harry's direction.
"Severus, I must confess, I was quite disturbed by what happened with the Minister this morning," Madam Bones began, her eyes darkening with anger. "The way he wanted to send that poor boy back to his abusers was completely unacceptable. It goes against everything we stand for in the Wizarding world."
Nodding in agreement Severus's expression serious. "I couldn't agree more. It was a despicable act, and I'm glad to hear that he is being held accountable for his actions."
Madam Bones sighed heavily. "Yes, he is currently in custody and facing charges for his crime. Enraging the life of a child is a serious offense, and we cannot let such actions go unpunished."
Again nodding Severus was relieved that justice was being served. "I'm glad to hear that. It's one less thing for us to worry about. Who will be stepping in to replace him?"
Madam Bones let out a heavy sigh, the weight of her new responsibility apparent on her face. "To my dismay, it seems that I have been elected as the new Minister. I can't fathom why they thought I would be a good fit for the role."
Severus couldn't help but smirk at her self-deprecation. "Perhaps they finally realized your value, Madam Minister."
She raised an eyebrow, amusement tugging at the corners of her lips. "Or maybe they just voted without me in the room."
Severus chuckled quietly and stood up from his chair with a smile still on his face. "Shall we go and see how Albus and Harry are doing? Unless there's something else on your mind that you would like to discuss?"
The new Minister shook her head. "We can discuss the Dursleys and other matters later. Right now, let's go and check on them."
As they approached the living room, Severus paused in the doorway, watching Albus patiently teaching Harry how to tie his shoes. He could feel a warmth spreading through him at the sight of the old wizard and the young boy bonding over such a simple task.
The new Minister came up behind Severus, but he held up his arm to stop her and then pointed to the couch where they could observe without interrupting.
They watched as Harry's face lit up with excitement. "I can tie my shoes!" he exclaimed with a sense of accomplishment.
Severus moved over and sat next to Harry, giving the boy a hug. "I'm so proud of you, Harry. You're a quick learner."
Harry beamed with happiness, basking in the warmth of Severus's praise. "Thank you, Professor Snape."
Severus chuckled, ruffling Harry's hair affectionately. "No need to thank me, Harry. You did it all on your own."
Shooting a grateful look in Albus's direction Severus appreciated the older wizard's tact and understanding. He couldn't help but discreetly glance at the table, where he noticed a plate of half-eaten vegetables. He made a mental note to ensure that Harry had some soup after Albus and the new Minister left their quarters.
"So, how are things, Severus?" Albus asked, breaking the momentary silence.
"Everything is under control, Albus," Severus replied calmly. "The Minister was just briefing me on some matters that I'm sure you are already aware of."
"Minister?" Albus looked at the blushing woman with a twinkle in his eyes. "I don't believe you mentioned to me that you had been appointed as the new Minister."
The Minister cleared her throat and looked down, her cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. "I apologize, Headmaster. I must have forgotten to mention it."
Severus couldn't help but let a small smile tug at the corner of his mouth as he observed the exchange between Albus and the new Minister. He could tell that the older wizard was pleased with the news, and he knew that they would be seeing a lot more of each other from now on.
The new Minister nodded, regaining her composure. "Yes, we will be working closely together from now on, Headmaster."
Severus felt a sense of relief knowing that someone as capable and level-headed as the new Minister was in charge. He had faith that she would be able to navigate the political landscape of the Wizarding world with ease, and he was glad to have her as an ally.
Albus placed a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder, his eyes filled with warmth and kindness. Severus Snape watched them both, his expression unreadable. "Let's see those papers then and then we'll be out of your way," Albus said with a smile.
Minister Amelia Bones took out the last of the paperwork from her robes and placed them in front of the three. She pointed to a line and handed Severus a quill. "Just sign here," she said.
Severus signed the papers and passed the quill to Harry, who signed his name as neatly as he could. "Right here, dear," the Minister said, indicating where he should sign.
"Thank you, ma'am," Harry said, feeling grateful for the Minister's help.
Amelia Bones patted Harry's hand gently and smiled. "There is no need to thank me, Harry. Now, the Headmaster and I will leave you two alone."
Albus gave Harry's shoulder a final squeeze, conveying his support without words. The Minister and the Headmaster made their way to the fireplace and disappeared through the Floo network.
Severus turned to Harry and asked, "How does your stomach feel?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders. "I guess it's a bit upset."
Severus nodded understandingly, his dark eyes filled with concern. "Thank you for telling me Harry," he said, his voice soft and gentle.
Without hesitation, Severus summoned a small vial of stomach soother from a nearby shelf and held it out to Harry. "Drink this, my boy. It will help to ease your discomfort," he instructed kindly.
As Harry gulped down the bitter-tasting potion, Severus didn't waste any time. He summoned a house elf and instructed it to fetch a steaming cup of warm vegetable soup for his student.
A few moments later, the house elf returned, holding a mug of thick, nourishing soup. Severus carefully wrapped a napkin around the mug, making sure it wasn't too hot for Harry to hold, before handing it to him.
"Be careful, Harry. The soup is still hot. Take it slow and steady, and remember to breathe," he advised.
Harry obediently sipped the soup, feeling the warmth spreading through his body as he swallowed the delicious broth. He was grateful for Severus's kindness and care, and he felt comforted by the professor's presence.
As Harry finished his soup, Severus watched him with concern, noting the boy's lack of appetite. "Are you not hungry Harry?" he asked gently.
Nodding weakly Harry let a small smile tug at the corners of his lips. "Yes, Professor Snape. Thank you for taking care of me," he murmured gratefully.
Harry looked up at Severus, his green eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry, Professor Snape. I couldn't finish all my vegetables," he said, his voice apologetic.
Giving the boy a reassuring smile Severus spoke calmly, "Don't worry, Harry. You don't have to finish everything all at once. We can take it step by step." He paused for a moment before adding, "Since you're my ward now, feel free to call me Severus."
Nodding shyly and blushing slightly Harry looked up at the man. Severus then asked, "Would you like to take a break from your homework or continue working on it?"
After thinking for a moment, Harry spoke hesitantly, "Professor, could we go for a walk instead?"
Severus nodded understandingly. "Of course, Harry. Maybe we'll even bump into your friends. Let's grab our jackets. It's getting chilly outside," he said, summoning two warm jackets from a nearby closet.
Gratefully Harry took the jacket from Severus and pulled it on, zipping it up to his chin. Severus did the same, and then placed a comforting arm around the boy's shoulders.
"Shall we take a walk by the lake?" Severus suggested, knowing it was one of Harry's favorite spots on the Hogwarts grounds.
Harry's face lit up in excitement, and he eagerly nodded his agreement.
As they started to leave their room and head towards the lake, Severus silently sent a message to Minerva, asking her to send Harry's friends down to the lakeside. He wanted to give the trio some time to talk, while also keeping a watchful eye on his young charge.
"Come on then." The two then exited Severus's chambers.
Guardianship