63Chapter 8
We're Here To Help
Harry shifted nervously from foot-to-foot in front of Snape's office door. Draco had stayed with him in the Room of requirements until he needed to go to quidditch practice. He'd told Harry to go see Snape before lunch and Harry had grudgingly agreed. He couldn't seem to raise his hand to knock on the door though.
There was some noise down the hall and Harry knew that his option was to keep standing here and potentially have a confrontation with Slytherin students or face Snape.
He raised his hand and knocked. It felt like ages before the door opened. Snape gave him a stern look before he sighed and stepped aside. Harry bit his lip and stepped into the office.
Harry noticed that the door to Snapes quarters was open, but Harry made no motion to head into Snapes personal space.
Snape circled around in front of Harry and crossed his arms across his chest.
"Where have you been?" Snape growled.
Harry sighed.
"The training room." Harry said with a shrug of his shoulder.
Snape nodded and looked back at the open door for a moment. Snape raised his wand and cast something. Harry watched the magical aura of a silencing spell fall around them. Harry's brows pinched.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt…I'll just go." Harry said awkwardly.
Snape sighed.
"You'll stay right there." Snape said firmly.
Harry bit his lip and nodded.
"How are you feeling?" Snape asked more calmly.
Harry shrugged. He didn't feel as bad as he had last night but he'd been occluding most of the day.
"I'm fine." Harry mumbled.
Snape sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"I spoke with your parent's." Snape said.
It was Harry's turn to sigh. He knew but he just didn't want to face it.
"What did you tell them?" Harry asked, wrapping his arms around his stomach.
"That I'm concerned about you." Snape said honestly.
Harry nodded and bit his lip.
"Am I in trouble?" Harry whispered softly. He could feel a tendril of fear creeping up his spine. He'd been embarrassed this morning, but he'd also been afraid of what the fallout of his admissions to Snape would be.
"Harry." Snape called softly.
Harry glanced up and looked Snape in the eye. He could tell Snape wasn't occluding. His expression was open and honest. Harry could feel the genuine concern coming from the man. He looked away thinking of what he'd seen in Snapes mind last night.
"Sharing that you're struggling isn't going to get you in trouble. I can only speak for myself, but I'm immensely proud of you for coming to someone when you were feeling that way." Snape said earnestly.
Harry swallowed thickly and felt a slight sting in his eyes. Nodding slightly, he looked away from Snape.
"We're here for you. You do not need to carry any of this alone, Harry." Snape said.
Harry nodded. He still felt he was carrying it alone, but it was nice to know that maybe he could reach out if he needed some support.
"What happens now?" Harry whispered.
Snape sighed deeply and Harry glanced back up. Snape looked concerned but determined.
"I think you'll need to speak with your parents about that." Snape said.
Harry groaned.
"I wish there were other options for you. Unfortunately, any other student in this situation would meet with their head of house. Now with a mind healer on staff, they would also be included. Unfortunately for you that is your parents." Snape said softly.
Harry grit his teeth. He really wished Snape would stop calling them his parents. He knew it was accurate, but part of his irritation was that fact. He didn't have parents. They were dead. They'd been dead most of his life. How could Sirius and Remus just sweep in and expect to replace them?
"Take a breath please." Snape said.
Harry closed his eyes and did as Snape had asked. He didn't want to feel like this. Sirius and Remus were trying there hardest. He was the problem, not them.
"I've got quidditch practice soon. I should go." Harry mumbled.
Snape sighed.
"Very well. Please know that my door is always open. You can always come to me Harry." Snape said.
Harry nodded and turned away from the man. Harry felt the silencing wards fall and just as Harry was about to step out of the office, he heard a voice from Snapes quarters.
Harry glanced over his shoulder slightly. Snape was pulling the door to his quarters closed. He was sure that he'd heard a woman's voice. Harry shook his head. It was none of his business.
He smiled slightly as he closed the office door. He didn't know who Snape was spending time with, but he was glad the man had someone to spend time with. It had become obvious to Harry over the summer just how lonely the man was.
Sirius held Remus hand as they sat in the quidditch stands watching the Gryffindor practice. Severus had called and let them know that Harry had stopped by his office and was headed to practice. They'd decided to come watch Harry and then pull him aside after.
"He's amazing." Sirius breathed out as he watched Harry dart around the other players. He effortlessly directed his team while dodging bludgers and then switching to dive for the snitch.
"Hm…He flies like you." Remus said softly.
Sirius watched Harry fly.
"James was the one that was good on a broom." Sirius replied.
"Yes, but you were the showman on the team. He effortlessly shows off without even blinking. That's you." Remus laughed softly.
Sirius felt pride glow in his heart.
"Thanks…I think." Sirius laughed a little.
Sirius bumped Remus with his shoulder.
"Well, it's a compliment until he flies off his broom. How many bones did Poppy have to fix?" Remus laughed, nudging Sirius back.
Sirius barked out a laugh and nodded.
"More than my fair share." Sirius conceded.
Sirius felt his breath catch as Harry swooped high above the pitch. Sirius couldn't see the snitch, but he was sure Harry was following it. His focus on the rest of the practice was gone.
Suddenly Harry dove straight at the ground, going far too fast.
Sirius and Remus both jumped to their feet, watching as Harry raced towards the unforgiving ground. A few other students who had been watching the practice also gasped.
Inches from the ground Harry pulled up, a clenched fist held over his head and a broad smile on his face.
"Merlin." Sirius said, clutching his chest.
"He does not get that from me!" Sirius said, with a shaky laugh.
Remus looked at him and Sirius could see the concern on his face.
The rest of the Gryffindor team cheered as they landed. Sirius watched the team laugh and talk as they began gathering there supplies to head to the changing room.
Sirius and Remus started making their way down when they noticed Harry wasn't headed to the locker room, but across the field to a girl standing on the far side.
Sirius couldn't see who it was but didn't want to disturb his son.
"Girlfriend?" Sirius asked Remus softly, as they came to a stop at the bottom of the stands.
"Maybe. It's Katie Bell. She was on the team last year." Remus replied.
Sirius was thankful for Remus' eyesight. It always amazed him. Though over the last year he'd realized he might actually just need glasses.
Sirius was surprised by how close the two were standing. Harry always held himself away from everyone. His posture was still stiff but not distant. Harry nodded a little before Katie stepped forward and wrapped him in a hug. A moment later they pulled apart. There were a few more words exchanged before they were waving at one another and heading in opposite directions.
Harry kept his head down as he walked over to them.
"That was an amazing catch, Harry." Sirius said when he was close enough.
Harry stopped and nodded but didn't look up at them. He was clutching his broom so tight that his knuckles were turning white.
"Thanks." Harry responded tersely.
Sirius sighed and looked over to Remus.
"Why don't you go grab a shower and get changed. We'd like to talk to you. Maybe we can go for a walk." Remus said calmly.
Harry's shoulder's tensed slightly. Sirius knew Harry didn't want to talk but after what Snape had told them this morning; it wasn't an option.
Harry shrunk his broom and stood there hesitantly before he headed to the locker room.
Harry emerged from the locker room with full shields in place. Cormac had made a crass joke as Harry had entered. Cormac was drying off from his shower and Harry had felt immediately sick and shaky. He had quickly slipped into one of the toilet stalls and just hid in there until everyone had left.
He'd warded the main door and showered as fast as he possibly could before dressing and running out. He was thankful Sirius and Remus weren't standing right there, or they may have seen the panic on his face. He hated that he couldn't do something that everyone else felt completely normal doing.
Taking some deep breaths, he tried to slow his breathing and pounding heart. Rolling his shoulders he walked down the side of the pitch towards his waiting guardians. He swallowed thickly. He had no idea what to say to them. He'd been so distraught last night that everything had just come pouring out.
Now though, he felt more in control and despite the other upsetting parts of his day, he had managed to meet his obligations and was now exhausted.
Harry walked next to Sirius as they made their way off the pitch and across the grounds. There didn't seem to be specific direction but there also wasn't a conversation happening, so he just tried to enjoy the slight warmth of the late September day.
When they reached the lake, Harry followed them down a dirt path into a slightly wooded area. Harry remembered coming here with Remus when they'd discussed Patronus lessons.
He'd been so anxious that day. He'd kept Remus out of arms reach as much as he could. He needed the lessons, but he had been nervous about being alone with him.
When they came to a small clearing, Remus took a seat on a rock and Sirius sat next to him. Harry bit his lip before sitting on a tree stump. He clasped and unclasped his hands as he waited for them to talk.
Remus finally broke the silence when it began to feel like it would stretch on forever.
"I would like us to discuss what happened last night. Normally I'd just make this an appointment between you and I, but I feel it's important to have Sirius here. Both as your other parent and as your head of house." Remus started.
Harry didn't really care. Despite Remus insistence that he wasn't telling Sirius what they were talking about, Harry still believed that anything he told him would get back to Sirius.
Harry nodded his understanding but continued to look down at his hands.
"We talked to Severus this morning. He told us that you showed up in the middle of the night. That you were upset. He's concerned that you might be suicidal again." Remus said neutrally.
Harry swallowed thickly. He appreciated that Remus wasn't beating around the bush, but hearing it so bluntly said felt shameful. He didn't want to worry them or disappoint them. He thought of the painful memories he'd seen in Snape's mind the night before.
It didn't matter how he was feeling now. He couldn't give up now. He had to be here a little longer. He knew that he couldn't keep going on the way he was though.
"Is that true?" Remus asked softly.
Harry sighed. He should just say no. He wasn't going to kill himself and they could stop worrying about him. He should say that Snape was mistaken and apologize for disturbing him in the middle of the night. He should apologize for worrying them. He just couldn't. Like he'd told Snape last night, he couldn't do it alone anymore. The crushing pressure of it all felt unbearable.
Instead of saying any of that he shrugged a little. He'd had the thought last night that he wished he could feel at peace again, like he had after he'd taken the draught of peace and began to slip away. Maybe he was suicidal. He certainly didn't want to keep living. He was looking forward to the day this could all be over. It was hardly a new thought though. He'd felt that way on and off again for years. That he wished all the pain and shame he felt would just stop.
"Okay." Remus said. Harry could hear the concern in his voice but was always thankful for the level tone he took when they talked.
"Do you think you can tell me a little about how your feeling?" Remus asked.
Harry took a deep breath and tried to find the right word to describe how he was feeling. Biting his lip, he glanced up through his fringe. He wanted to be honest. He knew he'd been dismissive with Remus a lot lately and he felt bad about it.
"Overwhelmed." Harry said. His voice breaking a little.
Remus brows were furrowed in concern as he nodded his understanding.
"Okay, pup. I hear you. I know that feeling is scary. I want you to know were here. You're not alone." Remus said reassuringly.
Harry felt his chest tighten in a strange mix of comfort and anxiety. He wanted to lean into what they were saying. Feel comfort from them that he wasn't on his own. He just didn't know how. This wasn't like any relationship he'd ever had. Not really. Relying on those around him to help wasn't something he was used to. He also felt the low simmer of anxiety that always lived in his mind about their safety. He needed them. So painfully did he need the help right now. He didn't want to see them hurt though. Hurt by himself and his past. Hurt by Voldemort and his followers.
Harry took a deep breath before his mind could slip too deeply into the 'what ifs'.
"We would like to talk about some things were going to do to help keep you safe, all right?" Remus asked.
Harry clenched his jaw. He wasn't going to like what they wanted from him. He was sure of that. He also knew that he likely wasn't going to be given an option. He'd tried to do this on his own and that wasn't working. Maybe they knew how to fix it.
Harry nodded shakily.
"Good job, Pup. I know this is hard but will get through it." Remus reassured.
Harry felt his chest tighten. He wasn't going to make it though. He just needed a way to make it long enough.
"You're going to come stay in our quarters for a while. You and I will go back to having conversations every day. I'd also like you to consider trying some potions to help with your emotions." Remus explained.
Harry's shoulders tensed at being told he'd be staying with them. He didn't want to be watched all the time again. He supposed this was part of his punishment though. He didn't want to have sessions with Remus every day again either. They hadn't even been talking at the appointments they'd been having. He couldn't. He couldn't show Remus how broken he was.
He also didn't want to be taking more potions. He was on enough of them. He didn't even know emotion potions were a thing.
"What kind of potions?" Harry whispered out hoarsely.
To his surprise Sirius answered.
"They are a daily potion that helps level out your moods. I… um…I started taking them a while back. They've helped a lot. I was struggling with my drinking and with some depression and I realized that It might be worth trying. You don't have to choose now. There are some other things we can think about as well, that might help." Sirius explained calmly.
Harry glanced up to look at Sirius. He looked sad and Harry knew it was because of him. The love and worry in his eyes made Harry feel guilty. He didn't want to make Sirius sad.
Harry cleared his throat and thought through what Sirius had said.
"What other options?" Harry croaked out.
"One option is participating in our sessions. I know it's hard to open up, but it will help. I can help you, but it only works if we work together. Another option is occlumency lessons." Remus said.
Harry went to protest. He had occlumency shields. He'd not subject himself to lessons again.
Remus raised his hand to hold off Harry's protest.
"I know that you have shields, and I know that your previous lessons were…poorly handled. However, proper lessons can help you manage your thoughts, emotions, and even your nightmares. I know Severus mentioned this to you before, but I'd like to bring them back up as an option." Remus explained calmly.
Harry bit his lip. He knew that the forest in his mind was a mess. Some guidance probably would be helpful, but he couldn't deny that he was afraid.
Harry nodded his understanding.
"Would the lessons be with you?" Harry asked quietly.
He didn't want Remus in his mind. Legilimens lessons focused on controlling his own ability and occasionally looking into Remus' thoughts and emotions. He didn't want Remus in his head though. There were things he hoped no one would ever see.
"I can if you want. Though I think Severus would be a better idea. If that makes you uncomfortable then you and I will work on it." Remus said.
Harry sighed. None of the options were ideal. He did trust Snape…but in this one aspect he worried about what would happen.
"I'll think about it." Harry said softly.
"That's fine." Remus said.
They sat quietly for a few moments and Harry tried to absorb everything that they'd talked about. He was exhausted and ready to call it a day.
"For right now we'd like you to be with someone. I know you're doing lessons with some of your professors, and you have classes but outside of those times we don't want you to be alone." Remus said.
Harry sighed. He didn't need babysitters. He knew there wasn't an argument he could make to change their minds though. They'd set up toddler wards for him this summer. He imagined that for the time being he should expect that level of supervision.
"Can we be done?" Harry asked wearily.
"Yes. It's nearly dinner time. Do you want to have dinner in the great hall? Or in our quarters?" Remus asked.
Harry just shrugged. He had no appetite at all. He didn't think it much mattered where he pretended, he was eating.
"Let's head to the great hall. It'll give you a chance to let your classmates know you won't be in the dorm for a while. Hermione and Ron were very concerned when you weren't there this morning." Remus said.
Harry sighed deeply. He supposed he owed them some kind of explanation.
Harry stood in what was his new room. Dinner was fine, he supposed. Ron and Hermione had a ton of questions, but he'd relieved their worries by saying he'd had an early morning lesson. Breaking the news that he wouldn't be in the dorm for a while had gone poorly.
Ron had gotten rather loud about how he couldn't study all the time.
He supposed if he'd told them the truth it might have gone over smoother, but he hadn't. He couldn't. Instead, he told them that he was doing extra training and to avoid disturbing his dormmates he was going to be staying with Sirius and Remus for a while.
Hermione had seemed nervous for some reason but nodded. She told him that they were always there. He didn't feel like they were, but he supposed that was his fault not theirs. He promised that they would still see each other in class and DA meetings. They had agreed and had dropped the conversation.
Now, he didn't know what to do with himself. He kept thinking back to his conversation with Katie.
He gritted his teeth and paced in his room. Finally, he pulled some books from his trunk and sat on the floor. He knew the furniture in this room was for him, but he'd become accustomed to sitting on the floor to study.
He'd only been researching for half an hour when he realized he really needed to talk to Snape. He wondered if Remus would let him go. It was still an hour before curfew. He hated asking for anything, but he really needed more information.
With a wave of his hand, he relocated his books and parchments into his bag. He tossed it over his shoulder and tried to pull up the courage to ask a favor.
Cracking the door open he realized that Sirius and Remus were in the sitting room. They were talking quietly but it wasn't a hushed conversation. The ruffling of paper made him guess they were grading. Taking hesitant steps, he walked to the end of the hall.
They both looked up at him and he considered just turning around and going back to his room.
"Do you need something?" Remus asked, setting down his quill.
Harry bit his lip and stepped further into the room. He could feel the nervous energy causing his body to shake slightly.
"Can I leave?" Harry asked.
Remus' brows furrowed as he seemed to realize Harry was wearing his bag.
"Where are you wanting to go?" Remus asked.
Harry sighed.
"To ask Snape a potions question." Harry answered honestly.
Remus nodded.
"Let me floo him and see if that's all right." Remus said, before standing from the couch.
"Having trouble with your homework?" Sirius asked casually, though it was obvious he was anxious.
Harry shook his head. He didn't want to get into it with them. He had a lot of guilt rolling around in his chest and he knew that if he started to explain he'd be stuck in a session with Remus, and he couldn't do that right now.
Remus stood from his kneeled position.
"Severus is in his quarters. He's fine with you coming down. You can floo down and back when you're done." Remus said, stepping away from the fireplace.
Harry looked hesitantly between his guardians. He was a little surprised it had been so easy. He hadn't needed to try and convince them or offer anything. They were just going to let him go.
"You're sure?" Harry asked for clarification, hiking his bag higher onto his shoulders.
Remus smiled softly.
"Of course. You're not in trouble Harry. This isn't punishment or restriction. We just want to keep you safe. I trust you can be safe to go visit Severus. Please return when you're done." Remus said.
Harry could feel the love Remus felt for him. He blushed slightly and nodded. It was still strange to be around adults who actually cared.
"Thank you." Harry whispered before stepping up to the fireplace and flooing to Snapes quarters.
Severus sat pensively in his armchair. He'd not expected to hear from anyone else today. He wondered why Harry wanted to see him.
He'd felt bad sending him away earlier, but Tris had been in his sitting room, and he'd felt uncomfortable allowing the boy in.
The floo flared and Harry stumbled out, just barely keeping himself from falling. The boy dusted the soot from his clothing and then seemed to fidget a bit, like he was unsure what to do.
"Good evening." Severus said neutrally.
"Good evening, Sir." Harry mumbled.
"Would you like to take a seat?" Severus asked.
Harry seemed hesitant but eventually nodded before shuffling over to the couch and sitting down. He pulled his bag from his shoulders and set it at his feet.
"Can you…Um…I was wondering if you had any research on the nerve potion I've been taking for my hands?" Harry mumbled.
Severus' brows pinched together at the request. He looked Harry over and was relieved to see that he didn't look injured. He focused on the boy's hands and noticed the same slight tremor he'd seen all summer. It had gotten significantly better, but it was still there.
"Are you having an issue with your potion again?" Severus asked in concern, sitting forward slightly.
Harry raised his head to look at Severus. He was surprised to see anger burning deep in his eyes.
"No, I'd just like to learn more." Harry said more neutrally then his body language would indicate.
Severus raised an eyebrow but nodded.
"It's a potion I invented myself." Severus said standing from his chair and walking to the bookcase.
"After the first war I saw the damage that had been done by the Cruciatus, in myself as well as others. My post-Cruciatus potion was supplied to St. Mungo's anonymously. No one would take a potion made by a Death Eater." Severus said with a sigh.
He pulled a leather-bound journal from the shelf and then several other books near it.
"This is my journal with the research I did on it. These are some of the reference books I used. I can't provide them all to you." Severus said, turning back to Harry.
"Why?" Harry asked curiously.
Severus cleared his throat.
"I relied heavily on dark texts to fully understand the curse. It would be inappropriate to allow you access to such books." Severus said setting the books he'd collected on the coffee table.
Harry's jaw tensed and Severus could see the argument in his eyes before he nodded and looked down at the books.
"Does the potion work on other forms of nerve damage?" Harry asked, pulling the books closer.
"Yes, it can." Severus answered.
Harry nodded as he flipped the first book open. Severus longed to ask more questions. Harry had a brilliant mind, but he clearly wasn't ready to share whatever it was he was working on.
Severus settled into his chair and collected his novel. He'd never admit how comfortable it felt to have the boy in his quarters. He'd missed having him around.
Severus looked up nearly an hour later. He'd need to go check on his students soon. Harry had spread out even more now. He had retrieved several of his own books and had parchment sitting next to him on the couch. Severus noticed that his journal was open on the boy's lap, and he seemed to be intently reading it.
Suddenly Harry sighed unhappily and slipped the journal from his lap onto the table before picking up his parchment and scribbling something down.
"I would be happy to help you, if you'd like to tell me what you're looking for." Severus offered neutrally.
Harry had had a rough night, last night. If what was helping him settle was studying, he wouldn't disturb him.
The parchment and quill quickly join the journal on the table. Harry's hands came up and scrubbed at his face before he looked over to Severus. The anger that had been in his eyes earlier seemed to have been replaced with weariness.
"When the Death Eaters were unable to disarm Katie, they um…they cast a severing charm at her." Harry said bluntly.
Severus swallowed. He was aware of what Ms. Bell had endured. He and Poppy had discussed treatment for the girl a few times.
"Pomfrey was able to reattach her arm but…. She fought rejection and infection all summer. She has minimal sensation and functionality in her arm." Harry said. His voice trailing off as he looked down at his hands.
"All the visions I had this summer. Why couldn't I have seen this? I could have gotten them help. Collin and Denis both have scars from the burns they got trying to get out of their house." Harry said, his voice cracking.
Severus now understood.
"You're not responsible for everyone Harry." Severus tried to reassure.
Harry's jaw clenched and he shook his head.
"It shouldn't have happened." Harry growled, though Severus could tell he was talking more to himself.
"No, it shouldn't have." Severus agreed.
There had been so many students' hurt and killed this summer. It was sickening.
Harry took a deep breath and seemed to steady himself.
"I wanted to see if there was a way to adjust the nerve potion to help Katie." Harry said, waving his hand at the mess in front of him.
Severus sighed and nodded.
"She was given several nerve potions to try and return proper function. I'm not sure there is much else that can be done." Severus admitted sadly.
Harry bit his lip.
"Were the bone's vanished and regrown in her upper arm where the wound happened?" Harry asked, looking up to Severus curiously.
Severus hesitated. He was not comfortable sharing information about a student's medical situation. So far everything had come from Harry. Clearly the two had talked.
"I can't tell you specifics of her treatment. It would violate healer confidentiality." Severus said calmly.
Harry's brows pinched.
"Is that actually a thing?" Harry asked.
Severus nodded before sitting back in his chair and considering Harry for a moment.
"Yes, it is. Healers can share information about a patient with other healers to help the patient but otherwise they aren't allowed to share anything. It's a vow that is taken." Severus explained.
Harry bit his lip.
"Does that apply to mind healer's as well?" Harry asked softly.
Severus nodded. He wondered if part of Harry's hesitation to talk to Remus was his fear about what might be shared. Especially after Severus had been put into a situation where he had to share information Harry had told him.
"Oh." Harry said, rubbing his hands together nervously.
They sat quietly for a few minutes before Severus stood.
"I must check on my house. You're welcome to stay and continue your work. I don't want to discourage you. You've answered potions questions this summer that I didn't think could be answered.
Harry blushed softly and Severus saw a slight smile on the boy's face.
He didn't acknowledge it, but he would do what he could to offer the boy more praise. Not mindless praise like the Wixen world often gave the boy. Harry seemed to have no use for that at all. Acknowledgement of his actual achievements had apparently been mostly glossed over.
Heading out of his quarters he hoped he'd find a quiet common room.
Severus' shoes squished annoyingly as he stormed back into his office. A first year had accidentally clogged the toilet and in fear of getting in trouble had tried to hide the issue. By the time Severus had arrived nearly the whole dorm had been flooded.
Severus had tried to maintain a level head but there had certainly been shouting. He'd then spent the last two hours fixing the toilet and then methodically drying student possessions and lecturing the first-year boys about what to do in an emergency.
Severus stepped into his sitting room and groaned when he found Harry asleep on his couch. He'd assumed the boy would have left by now. He knew that the mutts planned on having him stay with them until he was doing better.
He hesitated for a moment before walking through the living room and heading to his bedroom. He certainly wasn't dealing with anyone until he had a chance to get cleaned up.
He sneered at his wet clothing, once again wondering at how he'd allowed Albus to convince him to take on the role of Head of house. It certainly wasn't worth it in moments like these. Soaked in toilet water, and cursing the existence of children.
When he had showered and dressed in night clothes, he reentered the sitting room. Harry had a book open on his chest and his useless glasses pushed up into his wild tangle of hair. Severus wondered why he bothered to continue wearing them. His vision had been corrected with potions over the summer.
Glancing at the table, Severus noticed that the boy had several pages of notes. They were unreadable to Severus. Written in the same strange code he'd seen on the letter from the boy's friends.
With a sigh Severus turned to the fireplace and through in some floo powder.
"Remus Lupin's quarter's, Hogwarts." Severus called.
Severus shoved his head into the flames.
"Black, Lupin?" Severus called.
The room was dark aside from the low glow of the fire he was in.
"Hello?" Severus called again.
When no answer came, he pulled his head from the fire and sighed. He had no idea where they were. Perhaps they'd just gone to bed. Though for all of their concern about the boy, they should have at least called.
Pulling himself to his feet he looked over Harry again. He was in jeans with his school shirt twisted tightly at his waist. Though Severus did notice that Harry had kicked off his shoes and tucked them neatly under the couch.
With a sigh, Severus gently took the book from Harry's chest and set it on the table before plucking the boy's glasses off of his head. He folded them neatly and set them next to the book.
He was surprised how deeply the boy seemed to be sleeping. With a few flicks of his wand, he transfigured Harry's clothes into pajamas before summoning a blanket and tucking him in.
"Good night, Harry." Severus said softly as he turned out the lights and retreated to his room.
Sirius sighed and ran his hands through his hair. He'd been called away for an emergency in the common room. Hermione had come to get him because a fight had broken out.
He and Remus had thankfully been able to break it up quickly. They'd sent most of the students to their dorms, but they'd held the ones involved in the common room for a while.
Apparently, McLaggen, a seventh year, had been spouting off about Harry in the common room and Harry's roommates, Dean and Seamus had taken offence. The boys had apparently started with hexes but when the two sixth years began to get the upper hand one of the seventh year's had tackled Dean and at that point Ron and Neville had gotten involved.
All the students involved had been given detention and half of them had to be taken to the hospital wing.
Thankfully, Remus had agreed to take the boys while Sirius attempted to fix the common room. They'd done quite a bit of damage.
"Thanks' for helping me out." Sirius whispered as they trudged back to their quarters.
"Of course." Remus said with a soft smile.
"Did you find out what started the fight?" Sirius asked.
Remus sighed.
"No, not even Ron would tell me what had been said." Remus answered.
Sirius shook his head.
"Yeah, I tried to ask Hermione, but she said she hadn't been near them when the fight started. They were just throwing insults at each other by time she tried to break it up." Sirius said.
As they slipped into their quarters, Sirius kicked off his shoes and sighed. He was so thankful today was over. It had been long and stressful, and he was ready to be done for the night.
"I'm going to go check on Harry. I didn't think we were going to be gone for so long." Remus said with a sigh as he made his way down the hall.
Sirius wandered over to the coffee table and began to collect the grading they'd been working on before they'd left.
"He's not here." Remus said worriedly as he grabbed floo powder from the mantel.
Sirius felt his chest constrict. Harry was going to give him heart failure if he kept disappearing.
"Severus Snape's quarter's, Hogwarts." Remus called.
"Severus?" Remus called into the dark sitting room.
A light appeared to the right and Remus caught sight of the man walking into the sitting room. He was clearly dressed for bed.
"Do you know where Harry is?" Remus asked worriedly.
Severus held out his lit wand and illuminated Harry's sleeping form on the couch.
Remus felt his whole body relax.
"I thought perhaps you'd forgotten about him. I left to check on my house and ended up being gone for longer than expected. When I returned, he was asleep. I tried to call but assumed that you'd gone to bed." Severus explained quietly.
Remus sighed and rubbed his face.
"There was a fight in the tower. We were gone for quite a while. I thought he would have returned. When his bed was empty, I worried he'd taken off again." Remus admitted.
Severus nodded.
"He seems to be sleeping soundly. I have no problem with him staying." Severus said.
Remus nodded. He knew Harry didn't sleep well. Waking him now would almost certainly guarantee a poor night's sleep.
"Thank you, Severus." Remus said honestly.
"Of course." Severus mumbled.
Remus saw the man trying to stifle a yawn and knew he needed to let him go.
"Please have Harry floo to our quarters in the morning. We've asked him not to be alone right now." Remus said.
"I'll leave him a note. He left this morning before I was even up." Severus answered.
"Thank you. Have a good evening." Remus said pulling his head from the floo.
Remus sat back but hesitated to stand for a moment.
"Is he there?" Sirius asked.
Remus nodded.
"He fell asleep on Severus couch again." Remus said with a sigh.
He knew that Harry was having a challenging time with everyone and everything, but he seemed to find comfort with Severus. Perhaps that would be something to look into. He'd like to do whatever he could to make thing's easier for harry.
"Come on, Siri. Let's get some sleep." Remus said wrapping his arm around Sirius and pulling him towards their bedroom.