As Severus and Harry left the warmth and comfort of Severus's quarters, the bitter cold of the castle corridors seeped into their bones. Harry's ankle had been healed by Don, but Severus was taking no chances. He cast a wandless spell and summoned a pair of crutches, which he handed to Harry with a small smile.
Harry looked up at him, his green eyes brimming with confusion. What were the crutches for? Severus could see the question in Harry's eyes, so he explained, "Just to keep pressure off your ankle. Don healed you, but I don't want to take any chances."
Nodding Harry took the crutches, placing them awkwardly under his armpits. He tried to walk, but Severus stopped him with a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Have you ever walked with crutches before?" he asked.
The boy shook his head, feeling a wave of embarrassment wash over him. Severus must have sensed Harry's embarrassment because he lifted Harry's chin with two fingers and looked into his eyes.
"There is no need to be ashamed for not knowing how to do something," Severus said softly. "When you need help, all you need to do is ask."
As Harry nodded, Severus moved closer to him and positioned himself behind the boy, showing him hand over hand how to use the crutches correctly. He didn't want Harry to end up with sore armpits later, so he made sure that he had the right technique. Harry followed his instructions diligently, and after a few steps, he managed to walk on his own.
With a soft hand on his back, Severus gently guided him out of the dungeons and onto the Hogwarts grounds, careful to avoid any students who happened to be wandering around.
As they made their way outside, Harry was slightly panting and sweating a bit. Severus looked at him with concern. "Tired, Harry?" he asked.
The boy gave a small shrug of his shoulders. "I guess a little."
Severus nodded in understanding. "There's a small bench by the Black Lake. Do you think you can make it down? I think I see a couple of people waiting for you."
As Harry looked down at the lake, he saw Hermione, Ron, and the twins waiting for him. A smile lit up his face, but then he looked up at Professor Snape and mumbled something that was too quiet for him to hear.
"What did you say, Harry?" Severus asked.
"Can...can you help me?" Harry repeated, looking up at him with pleading eyes.
Severus gave a small smile and nodded. He cast a small feather light charm, picked up the boy with one hand and grabbed the crutches with the other. "It would be my pleasure, Harry."
He held on tight to Severus's robes as he was carried down to his friends. As they approached the group, Severus could see the surprised looks on their faces. He knew that this might ruin his reputation, but he also knew that it was worth it if it meant helping Harry.
Gently Severus placed Harry on the ground and handed him his crutches. Harry leaned on them, but he was still a little unsteady. Severus could see the concern in his friends' eyes, and he was grateful for it Harry needed them.
Severus arched a brow and allowed a smirk to play across his lips as he observed Ron and Hermione their jaws almost touching the ground at the sight of their stern Professor helping The Boy Who Lived.
"The poor frogs around here will starve if you catch all their flies," he quipped, the corners of his mouth quirking upwards in amusement.
Hermione's mouth snapped shut at the teasing remark, but it took Ron a second longer to recover before he too was able to regain his composure. The twins had convinced him that Severus Snape could aid Harry, but never in a million years had he imagined that the acerbic professor would be carrying him.
The potions professor turned to the mischievous duo, his expression kind but serious. "Could I have a word with you two for a moment?" he asked, his tone grave.
The twins nodded, their faces growing serious as they followed the professor a short distance away. Fred was the first to speak, his voice laced with concern. "Is Harry alright, sir?"
Severus sighed, his gaze lingering on the pair with a hint of admiration. Despite their reputation for pranks and mischief, the Weasley twins had shown remarkable maturity in times of crisis. He couldn't help but respect their unwavering loyalty to their friends.
"He will recover, but he is fragile," Severus responded, his eyes never leaving the twins. "I need your help to keep an eye on him when I cannot be present."
Without hesitation, the twins nodded in unison, their devotion to Harry evident in their quick response. "Anything for our brother," they replied simultaneously.
Severus allowed himself a rare smile, the corners of his lips quirking upwards in a show of genuine warmth. However, as quickly as it had appeared, the smile was replaced by his usual stoic expression. He couldn't let the boys see him softened too much by their unwavering loyalty to Harry.
"If Harry ever needs me and is too upset to call for me, the chain around his neck has a pendant on it," he explained, his voice low and even. "Just hold it and say Severus Snape. I will be there as soon as I can."
The twins nodded solemnly, their determination to protect their friend evident in their resolute expressions. Before he turned to make his way to the Forbidden Forest, Severus added, "Oh, and twenty points to Gryffindor for loyalty to your housemate, and ten points for being such mature young men."
With a dramatic swish of his robes, Severus strode purposefully towards the forest, his long hair billowing behind him in the wind. The twins held back their laughter, taking a moment to compose themselves before making their way back to where their friends were waiting.
As they arrived, they found Harry sitting on a bench with Hermione at his side, her arm draped comfortingly around his shoulder. Ron stood before him, wearing an expression of incredulity. Fred settled in next to Harry, while George rested his arm on his little brother's shoulders, drawing him close in a show of brotherly love.
Fred placed a comforting arm around Harry's shoulder while Hermione withdrew hers with a small smile. "How are you holding up, mate?" Fred asked, concern etched on his face.
Harry shrugged, but there was a hint of relief in his eyes. "Better, a lot better," he replied.
Fred smiled at him, his gaze filled with genuine warmth. "I'm so glad to hear that, Harry. We were worried about you."
"Professor Snape is now my guardian," Harry said suddenly, and everyone fell silent.
Ron's jaw dropped in surprise again, and even Hermione seemed to freeze for a moment. The twins, however, appeared unfazed, as though they had been expecting this news all along.
Struggling to find his voice, Ron opened and closed his mouth several times before finally managing to speak. "Wow. That's... that's a big deal, Harry."
Hermione turned to Harry, her eyes full of concern. "How do you feel about that, Harry?" she asked gently.
Pausing for a moment, Harry considering her question carefully. "I...I think I'm really glad," he said at last. "He's been...really nice to me, and I think...I can trust him."
Fred squeezed Harry's shoulder gently. "That's all that matters, mate. As long as you're safe and happy, that's all we care about."
"So, when do you think you'll be back in the dorms?" Ron asked tentatively.
Harry shrugged, filling them in on everything that had happened that morning, including his impending trip to the clinic with Snape. George's grip on Harry's shoulder tightened in sympathy, and he pulled the boy a little closer to his side. It was clear that Harry had been through a lot, and the Weasley brothers were determined to be there for him however they could.
"I'm glad you've got someone looking out for you, mate," Fred said warmly. "But you know that we're your friends too, right? You can always come to us if you need anything."
Harry smiled gratefully. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."
They chatted for a while longer, but soon Snape returned from his foraging expedition, looking stern and imposing as ever. Harry's face lit up when he saw him, which seemed to amuse Snape more than anything else.
"Do you think you're up for walking back to our quarters?" Snape asked him brusquely, clearly eager to get back to the safety of Hogwarts before nightfall.
Harry stifled a yawn, feeling a little embarrassed at his sudden display of tiredness. Snape noticed his discomfort, but instead of commenting on it, he simply nodded and banished the crutches back to his rooms. It seemed that he had decided that Harry was too tired to walk on his own, and he came over to pick the boy up in his arms.
"Say goodbye to your friends, Harry. We'll see them again in a few days when we come back from the clinic," Snape said briskly.
Harry nodded, feeling a little sad to be leaving his friends behind. Ron and Hermione said their goodbyes as well, but the Weasley twins added a quick thanks to Snape before he left. George also remembered their plan to brew potions together later in the week."We'll see you next week for our potion lesson?" he asked.
The potions professor turned his head and gave a small nod, appreciating the clever way that George had worded his request. He couldn't help but feel a sense of grudging respect for the twins' ingenuity, even as he silently awarded Gryffindor five points for their cleverness. It seemed that spending so much time around Gryffindors was starting to rub off on him.
Severus trudged up the steep hill, Harry Potter snugly nestled in his arms. As they reached the halfway point, Severus noticed that Harry had buried his face into his chest and was shivering uncontrollably. Concern etched across his features as he gazed down at the little boy he was carrying.
"Are you all right, Harry?" he asked softly.
"I'm cold," Harry replied, his voice small and fragile.
Without pausing, Severus wrapped the child in the folds of his voluminous robes, hoping to warm him up as he continued their ascent. He had assumed that the boy was adequately bundled up for the weather, but perhaps he had been mistaken. Or perhaps Harry was still weak from his previous illness. Severus pushed aside those troubling thoughts and focused all his attention on reaching the safety and warmth of his chambers.
At last, they arrived at his door, and Severus hastily murmured the password to gain entry. Stepping inside, he gently lowered Harry onto the plush couch and immediately set about tending to him. He swaddled the child in a thick, cozy blanket and carefully removed his jacket, all the while keeping a watchful eye on Harry's condition.
Severus bustled around his cozy chambers, the scent of rich hot chocolate wafting through the air. After a few minutes, he settled down next to Harry on the plush couch, handing him a steaming mug of the sweet elixir.
"How are you feeling now, Harry? Still chilly?" he inquired, concern etched into his features.
Harry cast his eyes down to the warm, frothy chocolate in his hands and took a tentative sip before replying, "I'm fine, sir."
Severus nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over him, but he still couldn't shake his worry. He placed his own mug on the table and turned to look at the boy.
"May I feel your forehead, just to be sure?" he asked gently.
Harry shook his head, indicating his willingness to allow Severus to check his temperature. The Potion Master laid his calloused hand against the boy's forehead, feeling a rush of relief as he detected no trace of a fever. Harry leaned into the touch, seeking comfort in the older man's reassuring presence.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of Severus's lips as he withdrew his hand and picked up his mug once more.
"Drink up, Harry. It will help you warm up," he instructed kindly.
Taking another sip of the rich, creamy hot chocolate, Harry tried his best to follow Severus's advice and drink slowly. It was getting easier with each passing moment, and he felt the warmth of the liquid spread through his chilled body.
Severus watched in approval as Harry placed the now more than half-empty mug of hot chocolate down on the table. Pleased with the boy's progress, he scooped him up in his arms and deposited him on his lap.
"You did very well, Harry. You didn't drink too fast. How is your stomach feeling?" he inquired, a note of concern creeping into his voice.
Harry leaned back into Severus's embrace, giving a small nod. "It's okay."
Severus breathed a sigh of relief, his eyes softening as he looked down at the boy. "That's good to hear, Harry. The hot chocolate had a lot of milk in it, so you should be able to eat some solid food now. Would you like to try something more substantial than soup?"
"If it's not too rich, please," Harry replied, his voice barely above a whisper.
"I think we can manage that. How about some creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, and a light serving of baked chicken?" suggested Severus.
Harry nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "That sounds wonderful."
With a flick of his wand, Severus summoned a house elf and placed a special order for their meals. Giving Harry one last squeeze, he deposited him on his feet in front of him.
"Are you warm enough to take the blanket off?" he asked, his dark eyes flickering with concern.
Harry nodded, the blanket falling from his shoulders as he started to unwrap himself. Severus helped, untangling the boy from the warm fabric. Standing up himself, Severus carefully folded the blanket and placed it back on the couch. He then led Harry over to the table, and a moment later, their dinner appeared before them.
It was slow going for both of them. Harry made a conscious effort to chew each bite of his creamy mashed potatoes, crisp green beans, and tender baked chicken at least five times before swallowing. Severus, on the other hand, had little appetite, picking at his meal and barely touching his food. But they persevered, the quiet rustling of their utensils punctuated by occasional sips of water.
When they finally decided that they were finished, Severus banished their plates away with a flick of his wand. He then pulled Harry's chair closer to his own so that they were facing each other.
"There are still some things we need to discuss, Harry. About me being your guardian," Severus began, his voice gentle but firm.
Harry nodded slowly, a knot forming in his stomach as he braced himself for the discussion. He had a feeling he knew where this was going.
"I promise I will not be like your relatives in any way," Severus continued, his eyes fixed on Harry's face. "But I will still have rules that you need to follow, and there will be consequences if you break them."
As Harry released a slow, trembling sigh, his heart sank. He had known all along that his Professor would eventually uncover the truth about him, exposing him as the freak he was. After all, he was twelve years old and had just learned to tie his shoes - a basic task that even a four-year-old could accomplish with ease. Harry felt like a helpless child in a world of capable adults.
Severus, too, noticed the despair that clouded Harry's eyes as soon as he mentioned the dreaded word - rules. The professor couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh, realizing that he had put off this conversation for far too long. But they had to address this matter, for Harry's sake. Severus knew he had to be straightforward with the child, laying everything on the table so as not to frighten him in the future. And so, with a deep breath, he continued.
"I only have three rules for you to follow while you're here, Harry."
Harry's attention was piqued, and he looked up from his lap, his curiosity momentarily overpowering his fear. His relatives had imposed countless rules upon him, so he wondered what could be so different here.
Severus paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "The first rule is that you must never lie to me," he said sternly. "I cannot help you if you are not truthful with me. The second rule is that you must keep your room neat. I understand that a few messes now and then are acceptable, but I require that you at least make your bed every day. And lastly, I ask that you not put yourself in harm's way, nor cause harm to others."
Harry nodded solemnly as he listened to his professor's words. It was a rare moment in his life where he felt that rules were actually fair and reasonable. He had grown up with difficult rules that seemed almost impossible to follow, and the consequences for failing to do so were always terrible.
But as he considered Professor Snape's punishments, he couldn't help but wonder if they would be as harsh as those inflicted by his own relatives. The thought made him shudder with dread.
"As for the consequences of breaking these rules," Professor Snape continued, "I will set out lines for you, have cauldrons for you to scrub, and when we are at home, perhaps some garden work for you to accomplish."
Harry felt a sinking feeling in his stomach as he contemplated the prospect of such menial labor. But then his professor added something that made his heart race with fear.
"The last rule, however, is a bit different. If you were to purposely put yourself in harm's way or someone else in danger, it should have a more serious consequence. Therefore, you would receive a spanking."
At these words, Harry's eyes widened with shock. He had never been spanked before, and the thought of it was terrifying. But then Professor Snape added a reassuring caveat.
"Now, it would be nothing like what your relatives did; not at all. You would lie across my lap, and it would only be my hand against your bum."
Harry's mind raced with conflicting emotions. He was relieved that the punishment would not be as severe as what he had experienced with his relatives, but he was also ashamed at the thought of being spanked like a child.
Severus had expected Harry to react in one of two ways - either the boy would become upset and throw a fit, or he would cower in fear and start crying. But as Harry sat there calmly nodding his head, Severus was almost floored.
"You understand, Harry?" he asked incredulously. "Can you tell me how you feel right now?"
Harry shrugged his shoulders slightly and looked down at his lap. "I guess I feel a bit nervous, but Aunt Petunia spanked Dudley sometimes, and she would never hurt him. She loved him too much."
Severus sighed heavily, feeling a pang of sympathy for the boy. He knew all too well the pain of being unloved and unwanted by family members.
Letting out a deep, melancholic sigh, Severus felt the weight of the boy's unspoken words as they hung in the air.
Harry then whispered, his voice barely audible, "she loved him, but not me." The words pierced Severus's heart, as he knew all too well the pain of unrequited love.
Without hesitation, he reached over and scooped the child up, placing him gently on his lap and holding him close to his chest. As he wrapped his arms around Harry, he spoke softly, his words dripping with sincerity. "You must believe me, Harry. I would never hurt you. I care too deeply for you to ever cause you harm."
Severus paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in. He knew that Harry was still processing a range of emotions, but he hoped that his reassurance would provide some comfort. "A spanking might sting, but it will fade away soon after. I promise you, I would never leave bruises or welts on your skin."
Harry nodded silently, his head resting against Severus's chest. In that moment, he felt a strange mixture of fear and warmth. He couldn't deny that he was nervous about the prospect of being spanked by his Potion Master, but at the same time, he felt a sense of care and affection that he had never experienced before.
As Harry pushed his conflicting emotions to the side, he couldn't help but think about his Aunt Petunia's own approach to discipline. She had always claimed that spanking was an act of love, a way to keep her son Dudley in line. And now, here was Severus, essentially saying the same thing to him...a freak? The thought filled Harry with a mix of confusion and gratitude.
Letting out a small, weary sigh, Harry pushed aside the troubling thoughts that had been plaguing him. He knew that dwelling on them would only lead to more worry and anxiety, and he had no intention of putting himself or anyone else in danger. For now, he would set those thoughts aside and deal with them when the time came.
Seeking comfort, Harry buried his face in the folds of Severus's robes, soaking up the warmth and security of his embrace. As he lay there, he couldn't help but notice the steady beat of his professor's heart, a sound that brought him an inexplicable sense of peace and calm. Though he couldn't quite understand why, Harry didn't question it. He simply allowed himself to be comforted and held in the arms of the man he trusted more than anyone else.
Meanwhile, Severus kept a watchful eye on the young boy nestled against his chest. For the past few minutes, he had been lightly scanning Harry's mind, searching for any sign of fear or panic. But to his surprise, he found a boy who was doing his best to push aside the unpleasant thoughts and emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. While he was relieved that Harry wasn't dwelling on the negativity, he knew that true healing could only come when the young wizard was willing to face his fears head on.
With a small, almost imperceptible sigh, Severus added yet another item to his ever-growing list of things to discuss with Don. He knew that Harry's path to recovery wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to help the boy in any way he could, even if it meant having some difficult conversations along the way.
Severus took a deep breath, deciding that he had pushed Harry as far as he could for the moment. Gently brushing the hair away from the boy's face, he tilted Harry's chin up so that they were meeting eye to eye. "Do you want to go get ready for bed now? It's still a bit early, but I think some extra rest would do you some good."
Harry nodded slowly, grateful for the opportunity to escape the tension and anxiety that had been building up inside of him. As he began to climb off of Severus's lap, the older wizard placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, casting a waterproof charm on Harry's cast before giving him a warm smile.
"If you need any help at all, let me know," he said softly.
Nodding again, Harry made his way toward the bathroom, his thoughts still jumbled and confused. As he closed the door behind him and turned on the shower, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. The sound of the water was a comforting presence, drowning out the noise of his own thoughts and allowing him to relax for the first time in what felt like days.
Severus, meanwhile, remembered that Harry still had no spare clothes and made his way to his bedroom to retrieve a pair of his own pajamas. Shrinking them down to Harry's size, he returned to the bathroom and knocked gently on the door.
"Harry, I have some clothes for you to change into," he called out, listening for a response. When none came, he pushed open the door slowly, careful not to startle the boy. Sighing in relief when he saw the shadowy outline of Harry behind the shower curtain, Severus made his way over to the sink and placed the clothing and a clean towel down.
Slowly, Severus opened the bathroom door and peered inside. He breathed a small sigh of relief when he saw the outline of Harry's body behind the shower curtain. He didn't want a repeat of last night's incident when the boy had fallen over.
"Harry, I put a towel and some pajamas for you on the sink," he announced, trying to be as unobtrusive as possible. "Take as long as you want. I know how good a hot shower feels after a long day."
"Thank you, sir," Harry replied softly.
Severus then retreated to the living room and settled into his armchair with a potion journal he had been meaning to read. Ten minutes later, he heard the bathroom door open and saw a damp-haired Harry emerge. He got up and extended his hand to the child.
"Let's get you to bed, shall we?"
Harry clasped his hand, and Severus allowed himself a small smile before leading the boy to the guest room where he had slept the night before. He helped Harry up onto the bed and tucked him in, making a mental note to adjust the length of the bed to make it easier for the child to climb onto. Even for an adult it was quite tall.
"Remember, if you need anything, come and get me or use the pendant to fetch me," he reminded Harry before bidding the boy goodnight.
As Harry yawned and closed his eyes, Severus watched him for a few moments, feeling a swell of protectiveness and care for the child. "Sleep well, child," he whispered before quietly leaving the room and returning to the living room to unwind before bed.
In less than thirty minutes, Severus had become completely absorbed in his journal, scribbling down thoughts and ideas that had been swirling around his mind when he heard the heart-wrenching screams emanating from Harry's room. Without a second thought, he leaped out of his chair, abandoning his journal and sprinted down the corridor.
When he pushed open the door to Harry's room, he was met with a harrowing sight. Harry was thrashing about in his bed, his sheets tangled around him like a suffocating cocoon. Severus immediately sprang into action, moving quickly to untangle the sheets that were constricting the boy's body.
Once freed from his sheet prison, Severus lifted Harry onto his lap, holding the boy close to his chest. He cradled Harry with one arm while using his other hand to rub soothing circles on the boy's back. As Harry cried and trembled, Severus rocked him gently, murmuring soft words of comfort to calm him down.
As the boy's sobs turned into small whimpers, Severus shifted Harry's weight slightly so that the boy's head rested on his shoulder. The man's eyes were fixed on Harry, his only concern being to soothe the distraught child.
"Shhhh, Harry. You're safe now. You're at Hogwarts, and nobody here will hurt you. I've got you," Severus whispered in Harry's ear, his deep voice a soothing balm to the boy's trembling body.
He continued to speak gently until Harry's breathing became more regular, and the boy's sobs diminished into quiet whimpers. Severus then lifted his head, looking down at Harry with a calm expression.
"Do you want to talk about it, Harry?" he asked, his voice low and gentle.
A deep shade of crimson crept up Harry's cheeks as he looked down at his lap, noticing that he had wet himself. Feeling embarrassed and ashamed, he began to wiggle himself away from Severus, not wanting to soil the man with his filth. However, Severus's arms held him firmly, refusing to let him go.
"It's okay, Harry. Just relax. There's no need to move," Severus said calmly, his voice a gentle.
Exhausted from his struggles, Harry slumped against Severus's chest, burying his face into the man's robes and sobbing uncontrollably. "I'm...I'm sorry...I'm...so...so...disgusting," Harry stammered through his tears.
Severus stroked the child's hair soothingly, letting out a heavy sigh. "No, Harry. You're not disgusting. You had a perfectly natural reaction to a frightening dream."
Harry continued to cry for a few more minutes, his body shaking with sobs. Severus gently cupped the boy's cheek, tilting his face up so that they could look at each other.
"Can you tell me about your dream? It might make you feel better," Severus said softly.
Harry nodded slowly, still clutching onto Severus as if he were a lifeline.
"I was...I was cooking breakfast, and I burned the bacon. Aunt Petunia...she was really mad. She yelled at me, and then...and then she forced my hand onto the stove...it burned...so bad," Harry whispered, his voice trembling with fear and pain.
Severus held the child close to his chest, feeling the small body tremble against him. He closed his eyes, trying to push back the anger and frustration that surged within him. With a gentle touch, he pried Harry's right hand from his robes and turned it over to examine the palm. The burn marks were unmistakable, etched deep into the delicate skin.
Feeling his jaw tighten at the sight, Severus's grip on Harry grew firmer. "What she did was unforgivable, Harry," he murmured, his voice low and fierce. "No one has the right to hurt you like this."
Harry nodded slowly, tears streaming down his face as he clung to his professor. Severus continued to stroke his hair, his fingers moving softly through the tangled strands. He wanted to wrap Harry up in his arms and never let him go, to shield him from all the pain and hurt in the world.
However, he knew that wasn't possible. All he could do was promise to protect Harry, to keep him safe from harm. "I swear to you, Harry, she will never lay a hand on you again," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
Gently, he lifted Harry from the bed and carried him to the bathroom, setting him down on the toilet seat. Kneeling before the child, he placed a comforting hand on his knee. "I'm going to get you cleaned up now, Harry," he said softly. "I'll be right back with some fresh clothes."
Severus exited the room momentarily and returned with a fresh set of miniature pajamas, silently musing that he might run out of them by the week's end at this rate. Placing the clothes onto the sink, he walked over to the bathtub and adjusted the faucet until the water level was just right.
Kneeling down before Harry, Severus's voice soft and reassuring. "I know you're tired, Harry. Let me help you."
The boy gave a small nod, and Severus set to work, unbuttoning his pajama shirt with gentle precision. The material was pulled over Harry's head, revealing his small frame. Severus stood up and quickly pulled down the boy's pants and shorts, which pooled at his ankles.
"Let's get you in the tub, shall we?" Severus said, lifting the boy up and depositing him in the warm water. Harry let out a contented sigh, sinking deeper into the tub.
The warm water enveloped him, easing his tired muscles. Harry loved soaking in warm water, whether it was in the form of a shower or a bath. It was a moment of peace amidst the chaos of his life, and he cherished every moment.
As Harry basked in the soothing warmth of the bath, Severus slipped out of his own damp clothes and into a fresh set of pajamas. He hurried back to the bathroom, not wanting to leave Harry unattended for too long.
Upon his return, a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he spotted Harry lying peacefully in the tub with his eyes closed. He gently picked up a warm, fluffy towel from the sink and made his way to the tub's edge.
"Are you ready to come out and try to get some more sleep, Harry?"
Harry stirred and nodded sleepily, his eyes still closed. "Sleepy," he mumbled.
"I know, child. Let's get you back to bed."
Severus placed the towel on the side of the tub and helped Harry stand up, steadying him as he wobbled slightly. He then wrapped the towel snugly around the boy, who reluctantly opened his eyes. Another yawn escaped Harry's mouth, and Severus couldn't help but offer a small smile.
"Do you need help getting dressed, or do you think you're awake enough for that?"
Harry yawned again and shrugged his shoulders. "A little help, please?" he requested, his voice soft and tired.
Harry nodded gratefully, his eyelids heavy with exhaustion. With gentle hands, Severus helped the child out of the tub, patting him dry with a warm towel before dressing him in fresh pajamas. Once satisfied that Harry was clean and properly dressed, Severus scooped him up and carried him to his bedroom..
Before setting the boy down on the bed, Severus brandished his wand and banished the soiled sheets with a flick. In an instant, a new set of fresh sheets replaced the dirty ones. He then pulled down the covers and tucked Harry in snugly for the second time that night. Brushing the boy's hair back from his forehead, Severus gently removed his glasses and placed them on the nightstand.
As Harry closed his eyes, he felt a soft breeze of cold air, followed by a light pressure on his forehead as Severus kissed him goodnight.
"Have pleasant dreams, my child," Severus whispered tenderly.
As Harry drifted off into a peaceful slumber, Severus couldn't help but smile at the sight of the sleeping child. The gentle rise and fall of Harry's chest as he breathed in and out was a comforting sight, a sign that the boy was finally at peace.
The peacefulness of the night was fleeting, as Severus soon realized. Harry had two more nightmares after the first one, each one causing the boy to tremble and cry out in his sleep. Though the poor child didn't wet the bed again, Severus knew he couldn't leave Harry alone in his distress. By the last nightmare, Severus was so exhausted that he gave up sleeping in his own bed and instead curled up with Harry, holding the boy close to him as if protecting him from the demons that haunted his dreams.
The next morning, it was Don who stumbled upon the unexpected scene. He stood in the doorway for a long moment, marveling at the sight before him, before conjuring a magical camera to capture the moment for posterity. It was just too good an opportunity to pass up.
After placing the camera on the desk by the door, Don sat down on a nearby chair and rested a gentle hand on Severus's shoulder, causing him to stir awake. The tired and disheveled man looked up with sleepy eyes at Don.
"Rough night?" he asked sympathetically, his voice laced with concern.
Severus was typically an early bird, usually rising around eight in the morning. So when Don had not heard from him regarding their planned shopping trip, which was uncommon for Severus, he became concerned. Bringing an extra person while shopping with a child was always a good idea, especially if the child became anxious or frightened.
As Severus sat up, careful not to disturb the sleeping child in his arms, he gave a small nod of acknowledgement to Don. He gently extracted himself from Harry's embrace and sat on the edge of the bed. As soon as Harry felt the loss of the warm body, he started to whine and reach out in his sleep, attempting to reclaim what he had lost. With a small sigh, Severus took hold of both of the boy's hands with his own, and gave a small smile when Harry relaxed considerably.
Moving both of the boy's hands into just one of his own, Severus then reached up and fondly cupped the child's cheek. Turning to Don, he gave the man a sad look and spoke in a low voice.
"You need to check both his hands for damaged nerves. His aunt thought it fitting punishment to burn them on the stove for extended periods of time."
Don's expression turned grave as he slowly extended his head to show that he had acknowledged Severus's words. "Is there anything else I should know?"
Severus proceeded to recount the events of the previous day, including his concerns about Harry brushing things off too quickly for him to process them. Don listened attentively and made mental notes of everything that had been said.
"How many nightmares did he have last night?" Don asked, his tone laced with worry.
"Three too many. Also is it normal for Harry to be so clingy?" Severus asked, his concern evident in his voice.
Don sighed and rubbed his temples, feeling the weight of responsibility settling heavily on his shoulders. "It's not unusual for children who have gone through trauma to be clingy, Severus," he said. "Especially when they finally find someone who cares for them. You were just two years older than Harry when Albus took you in. Do you remember how you felt?"
Severus looked down at the still-sleeping Harry and blushed a little. "I just wanted to make sure he was real, that I wasn't dreaming."
Don nodded, understanding completely. "Don't worry, Severus. Harry will get better with time. But it's already ten in the morning, and if we want to make it home tonight, we should get going."
Severus sighed, clearly not wanting to leave the boy's side, but he knew they needed to go. He gently shook Harry's shoulder. "It's time to wake up, Harry."
Harry's eyes fluttered open, and he looked up at Severus with a mix of confusion and sleepiness. Severus gave him a small smile and patted his shoulder. "Good morning, Harry."
As Harry gave a small yawn and stretched his arms, Severus couldn't help but feel a small sense of warmth in his chest at the sight. The young boy looked up at him and offered a small smile. "Good morning, sir."
Severus smiled back at him. "It's ten in the morning, sleepyhead. How about we get some breakfast?"
Harry nodded eagerly, and the two adults let him sit up on the bed. But before Severus could even move, he felt a pair of small arms wrap around his side. "What's wrong, child?" he asked, his voice gentle.
"I'm nervous," Harry said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Severus immediately knew what Harry was talking about. They were going to the clinic today, and he could only imagine how overwhelming it must be for a child like Harry. "About going to the clinic today?" he asked, and Harry nodded his head against his side.
"Don't worry, Harry. I'll be with you the entire time," Severus reassured him, his hand resting gently on Harry's back.
Harry looked up at him, his eyes wide with gratitude. "Thank you," he said softly.
"No need to thank me, Harry," Severus replied. "Now, why don't I grab something to change into, and then we can have breakfast before we go shopping. Sound good?"
Unclutching his grip on Severus, Harry nodded again. "I'll be right back, okay Harry?" Severus said as he got up to leave the room.
With a small nod of approval from Harry, Severus gracefully got off the bed and strode towards his bedroom to retrieve a set of fresh robes for the child. The soft rustle of fabric filled the air as he deftly rummaged through his wardrobe, searching for the perfect outfit for Harry.
Meanwhile, Don had made his way to the bed and sat down next to the boy, a gentle smile on his face. Placing a comforting arm around Harry, he lifted the boy's glass and tenderly placed it on his face, checking to make sure he was okay.
"How are you holding up, Harry? Severus mentioned you had a rough night with nightmares," Don said in a soothing voice.
Harry shrugged his shoulders, feeling a sense of shame for being scared. But Don wouldn't have any of it. He gently lifted Harry's chin with his hand and looked him in the eyes, his expression warm and non-judgmental.
"You don't have to feel ashamed, Harry. Whatever it is, you can tell me, and we can work through it together."
After a moment of hesitation, Harry nodded and leaned into Don's embrace, feeling the comfort and security it provided. Just then, Severus returned, dressed in fresh robes and carrying a set of clothing for Harry.
Don extracted himself from the boy's grip and took the clothing from Severus, placing it on Harry's lap with a smile. "Take your time changing, Harry. Meet us in the kitchen when you're ready," Don said, giving Harry's knee a pat before leaving the room with Severus.
In the kitchen, Don summoned a house elf and ordered breakfast for the three of them, then sat down at the table with Severus. He placed a hand on the man's arm and smiled at him kindly.
"We'll work on Harry's nightmares today, and maybe you can get some rest as well," Don said, understanding the toll that caring for a traumatized child could take on a person.
Severus nodded in appreciation, grateful for Don's presence and support. As they talked, a small figure appeared in the doorway, clad in fresh clothing. Harry looked shyly at them, scuffing his shoe on the floor.
Greeting Harry with a small smile, Severus invited the boy to come and take a seat at the table. As Harry settled in, his eyes were immediately drawn to the spread of delicious food in front of him. His stomach growled, but he remembered Don's advice to pace himself and started with a sip of milk.
The man watched with amusement as Harry slowly savored his breakfast, closing his eyes in delight as he took a bite of scrambled eggs. The man had asked Don to order this particular meal for Harry, hoping that it might bring some joy to the boy's day.
As they ate, Don gently encouraged Severus to eat more, knowing that the man tended to neglect his own needs when caring for others. Eventually, they all finished their meals, and Severus waved his wand to clear the dishes away.
"Are you ready for an adventure, Harry?" Severus asked, placing a hand on the boy's arm.
Harry nodded, but his gaze remained downcast. "I'm scared," he admitted quietly.
"Don't be nervous, Harry," Severus reassured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Don and I will be there with you the whole time."
Harry slowly nodded, his eyes flickering up to meet Severus's. As he looked into the man's warm gaze, a sense of calm washed over him.
"I'm going to put a glamor on you though, so that no one will recognize you," Severus added, his tone serious once again.
Harry nodded, grateful for the man's forethought. "I...think it would make me feel better," he murmured softly.
Severus nodded in agreement. "That's what I thought as well. Now, it will only take a few seconds."
With a flick of his wand, Severus cast the glamor, and Harry's appearance shifted slightly. His hair became longer and lighter, and the features on his face became more angular.
When he finished, Harry offered a small smile of appreciation. "Thank you," he whispered.
"Are you ok with going by Harold while we are out?" Severus asked, and Harry gave a small nod.
Severus summoned Harry's jacket from the day before and carefully draped it around the boy's shoulders. As he did, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort at the familiar fabric against his skin.
Tucking it slightly around the child, Severus then summoned his own coat and put it on. The two of them looked quite the pair, Severus in his long, flowing coat, and Harry in his slightly-too-big jacket.
"Ready to go Harry, or would you like to use the restroom before we go?" Severus asked, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips.
Harry's face turned crimson, and he nodded, feeling embarrassed. "I'm fine, sir," he murmured, feeling his heart racing in his chest.
Severus's smile deepened, and he offered his hand to Harry, who took it gratefully. Don, Severus's trusted friend and colleague, joined them, his face lined with concern.
Before they could floo to Hogsmeade, Don stopped Severus and handed a small vial of potion to Harry.
"Here, drink this. It's a stomach soother. You don't want to get an upset stomach when you floo," Don said kindly.
Harry nodded, grateful for Don's thoughtfulness, and downed the potion in one gulp. He handed the vial back to Don, feeling a sense of warmth spreading through his belly.
Severus made sure Harry was feeling alright before taking his hand and leading him to the fireplace. With a whoosh, they were transported to the village of Hogsmeade.
Nightmares