Life On Mute

A/N: You would not believe the trouble I had getting to this section. If I was accidentally blocked, I thank whoever unblocked me. I could go everywhere else on the site, but not to the hp section. I don't think I've ever been so frustrated before.
Anywho, thanks to all those who reviewed, they really do incourage me to keep writing. I hope you all enjoy this chap, and just bare with me, you're questions will be answered in time lol Enjoy!

Life On Mute
by vampchic

Chapter 2 Not So Secret


“That him?”

“I cant believe he’s here.”

“I wonder how he did it?”

“...most powerful wizard of our time.”

Harry’s hearing might be worse for wear, but even he could hear the whisperings around him as he walked with the Gryffindor’s towards their common room.

The pointing and staring was starting to wear on him and he vaguely felt like he was the main attraction at the zoo. Was being a freak in this world praised upon? Could they tell, just by looking at him, that he was abnormal?

Harry shivered at the thought and clutched his stomach. He didn’t feel well at all. And he wasn’t so sure it was from the food. He had eaten more than usual, yes, but not so much to make him feel like this.

“All right their, mate?” Ron asked as he came to stand by the boy. The whole of Gryffindor was gathered around a large painting of a fat lady, Harry wasn’t entirely sure why.

He nodded his head, giving his friend a small smile.

“This is the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Rooms. Do not give the password out to the other houses, or bring them in. This is Gryffindor territories and shall remain that way, understood?” Percy Weasley said, giving all the younger years a stern glare.

“Come on,”

“Just open up already!” Two identical red heads shouted from the crowd.

“Yeah, we’re all tired!”

“That’s Fred and George.” Ron said as he leaned over to Harry, speaking directly into his ear.

Percy glared at the grinning twins, but turned to the painting. “Caput Draconis” The painting flung forward and the students climbed in through the hole into the spacious common room.

“Wow. Homey.” Ron whistled as he looked around the room.

Harry had to agree with the red heads assessment. The room was warm and inviting. Bookshelves and paintings lined the wall. A fireplace kept the room warm and couches, chairs and tables lettered the room.

“Listen up.” Percy shouted from the stairs. “The boys dorms are up the stairs to the right, the girls the same to the left. Boys may not go into the girls dorms and vice versa.

“If any of you have questions, feel free to come to myself, or one of the other Prefects. You’ll find that your things have already been brought up to your rooms. Now off to bed with you lot.”

“He’s going to be a pain in our arse, I just know it.” Ron moaned as he and Harry made there way up the stairs to the boys first year dormitory.

Harry chuckled silently as he followed Ron up to the room. His eyes widen as he saw the beds, one each for all the first years. He had his own bed! He couldn’t keep the grin off his face as he climbed atop and bounced lightly, delighting in the warmth of the covers. The cot in the cupboard was nowhere as soft and nice as these beds.

“Oi, you going to bounce all night or are you going to get ready for bed? We’re about ready for lights out.” Ron said as he turned to face Harry, pulling his nightshirt over his head.

Harry frowned.

There was no way he was going to change in front of the others. Not while he was still battered up. Plus, he really needed to tend to his wounds. He still ached from all those people clapping him on the back.

Biting his lip, Harry gathered his pajamas and looked around the room. The others where still in the room so the bathroom was clear for the moment. He just hoped no one decided to go in until he was done.

Giving Ron a nod, he headed to the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror. He really did look worn out. His hair was a mess, sticking out in every which way and his eyes were nothing but bags of shadows.

Taking a deep breath, Harry raised trembling fingers and began unbuttoning his robes, folding it and sitting it to the side. Carefully he pealed off his shirt, wincing at the site of the blood soaking the back.

“Whoa... you poor thing. You should really see the school nurse about those injures. She’ll heal you up in no time.”

Harry whirled around, his eyes wide as he tried to find the source of the voice.

There was no one.

Swallowing thickly, Harry dropped his trousers and headed for the shower, quickly washing away the blood and grime. Carefully he dried himself off and shimmied into his pajama bottoms.

“Harry, you ready yet?” Harry froze as Ron’s voice called from the door. Ron couldn’t see him like this. No one could. As fast as he could, Harry threw the pajama shirt on over his head, silently screaming as he ripped open even more wounds. Yes, he was definitely going to need some bandages.

“Hun, I really think you should have the nurse look at those.”

Harry spun around, certain he heard someone behind him. Was he finally going mad? There was no one there!

“Look at what?” Ron asked as he came over, a toothbrush in hand. He looked at Harry’s wide eyed and panicked expression and frowned. “You sure you’re alright?”

Harry nodded dumbly as he looked around the room. There was only Ron and him in the bathroom. No one else.

Ron’s frown deepened at that, but he pushed it aside for now in favor of stepping up to the sink to brush out his mouth.

“Well, aren’t you a cutie.” the voice said, and Harry stilled, his eyes going wild.

“Cool! A talking mirror.” Ron exclaimed. He looked over his shoulder, grinning at Harry’s bewildered expression. “We don’t have any at home, Dad thought a muggle mirror was better. These can either be very helpful, or just plain annoying. My brother Charley had one for awhile that spouted nothing but insults.”

Harry nodded as he let out a breath. So he wasn’t going crazy. At least not yet.

“Come on, I’m tired.” Ron said as he rinsed out his mouth and headed back to the dorm room, chuckling under his breath at Harry’s reaction to the mirror.

Harry followed, glancing over his shoulder to glare at the offensive mirror. He was going to have to stay clear of it until he healed up.

~~~~

Harry woke the next day feeling more refreshed than he’d ever felt. He had snuck back into the bathroom once everyone else had fallen asleep and bandaged up his back with a ragged shirt that had seen better days, making sure not to step into view of the mirror. It was a little difficult, but he managed.

Gingerly, he sat up and stretched his arms over his head, mindful of his back. Another day or so and he wouldn’t have to worry about them ripping open again.

Dressing quickly, Harry made his way down to the Great Hall, stopping to stare in wonder at the moving pictures along the way now that he had the time to do so. He hadn’t the chance to look properly when they were being lead to the common room.

A picture of a girl curtseyed and blew a kiss, giggling as Harry blushed fiercely and hurried on his way to breakfast.

Harry stopped short and grinned as he saw the tables laden with food and promptly sat himself down, eager to try the different breakfast appetizers. The Dursley’s never allowed him to eat much, and all the food they ever ate, he made. He never did understand that logic, but didn’t dare question it, even if he could.

“Do you always get up so early?” Ron asked as he sat himself down next to Harry, shoveling food onto his plate. “It barely after seven. You could of slept in you know. Class doesn’t start until nine.”

Harry shrugged and fished out a piece of parchment from his bag. “I all ways get up erly.” he wrote.

Ron snorted around a mouthful of eggs and ham. “We seriously need to teach you how to spell, mate. You’re never going to pass any of your classes with that kind of writing.”

Harry blushed hotly and stuffed the parchment back into his bag. It wasn’t his fault that the Dursley’s always kept him from school. He only attended enough not to get the teachers suspicious and he never had enough time to do his homework.

“You know, we’re going to need to come up with a way for you to talk to me. I’m sure you’ll get tired of writing everything down all the time. I wonder if there’s a spell we could use.” Ron mused as he refilled his plate with food.

Harry shrugged. He personally didn’t think it would be a problem once everyone found out about him. What would be the use of spelling properly when he was just going to be sent right back home?

The Hall was soon filled with hungry students - Neville sat next to Harry, nervously picking at his food while Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas sat across from them, discussing everything from Quidditch to how they thought the school year might go. Harry paid them no mind, not able to understand a word spoken anyway.

His eyes were focused solely on Professor Snape and he watched as he stood with the other Head of House’s, passing out the different schedules. The man moved so fluidly, and with such presence, he was entirely fascinated by him.

He jumped as a hand lightly gripped his shoulder and stared up at Professor McGonagall.

“Here you go, Mister Potter. If you have any trouble with your schedule, please come to me and let me know. We’ll see what we can do.” Professor McGonagall said as she handed over Harry’s schedule.

Harry smiled at her and nodded, though he hadn’t really heard all of what she said. It was just too noisy in the Hall.

“I look forward to having you in class.” she said before continuing on to Ron and the other first year Gryffindors.

Harry glanced down at the schedule in his hand, disappointed to learn that he wouldn’t have a class with Professor Snape until Friday, but the fact that it was Double Potions cheered him a little. He just hoped he would be able to make the man proud.

“What are you grinning about?” Ron asked as they grabbed their bags and readied themselves for their very first class, Transfiguration.

Harry shrugged and buried his schedule in his bag. Looking over his shoulder one last time, Harry’s grin widen as Professor Snape scowled in his direction. Looked like the man was in a foul mood this morning. Giggling silently, Harry hurried up his steps to catch up with Ron.

The first week of classes proved to be tiring for Harry as teachers exclaimed their delight to have him in their class. Professor Flitwick even fell off his stack of books when he called his name for roll call and Professor Quirrell nearly had a heart attack.

But not once did any of them ever ask him a direct question that required him to speak up. His dorm mates tried on occasion to draw him into conversation, but never thought much of it when he simply shook his head and moved over to Ron. No one ever seemed none the wiser that Harry never spoke up for himself. Idly he wondered if he’d be able to manage the whole year without the teachers finding out his “little secret”.

The spells were proving to be difficult, though they’ve mostly worked on theory. He tried hard to form the words on his silent lips, but more often then not, his spells always failed. The only comfort he had was that Ron seemed to be having just as hard of a time at it.

When Friday finally came, Harry couldn’t keep the smile off his face. He’d finally get to have class with Professor Snape.

“There you go grinning away again.” Ron commented good naturedly as he stuffed his face with pancakes and hash browns. “What’s got you in such a cheery mood?”

Harry pulled out his schedule, pointing to the Friday slot that held Double Potions.

“Yeah, I know, finally Friday. I can stand to use a brake from all this book learning stuff.” Ron agreed, not catching what Harry meant.

Harry just shook his head and tucked into his own food, glancing up at the head table every once in awhile to look at the Professor. He heard the rumors about Snape favoring the Slytherins and being an all around “Git”, but he didn’t care. He just knew Snape would never treat him unfairly, Gryffindor or not.

He was sorely wrong.

Snape barged into class, his robes billowing behind him magnificently as he strode to the front of the class. “There will no foolish wand waving or silly incantations.” He leveled the class with a glare, his voice coming out too soft for Harry to hear.

He bit his lips, squinting his eyes as he tried to follow the mans lips.

“Many of you may not even believe this is magic, nor do I expect you to appreciate the beauty of Potions making. But for the few who show the aptitude for the art - I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death - if you aren’t as big a bunch of dunderheads I usually have to teach.”

Harry looked around himself, hoping to get an idea of just what Professor Snape had said. Ron looked worried and Hermione, who was on his other side, was sitting up as straight as possible with an anxious and determined expression on her face, ready to prove herself capable. The rest of the Gryffindors with glancing about nervously while the Slytherins didn’t seem to have a care in the world.

“Potter!" Snape barked suddenly, making Harry jump in his seat as he turned his attention back to the Professor. The Slytherins snickers were loud enough for him to hear and he could see Draco smirking at him out of the corner of his eye.

Harry gulped.

“What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?”

Hermione’s hand shot up, nearly knocking Harry’s glasses off his face in the process.

He bit his lip, not sure what to do.

“You don’t know?” Snape finally sneered when Harry didn’t say anything.

Harry nodded, hoping that the man would move on to another student.

“Lets try again, shall we? Where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?”

Again Hermione’s hand shot out, this time straining as far as she could reach, trying to get the Professors attention.

Harry blinked at her before looking at Ron pleadingly, trying to ask for help as best he could. Ron’s hands were balled up into fists, his knuckles white as he glared angrily at the Professor.

“Well? Speak up boy. And put your hand down you insufferable girl!” Snape snapped harshly.

The Slytherins snickered loudly as Hermione retracted her arm, a look of hurt flashing over her features.

Harry stared at the Professor in shock. He was starting to remind him of the Dursley’s and he didn’t like that one bit. Why was the Professor interrogating only him?

“He cant!” Ron finally blurted, his face red with anger as he glared at the Professor.

Snape whirled on Ron. “What?”

“He cant. Harry cant speak.”

Harry sank into his seat, his face heating up as the whole class gasped and began whispering at once.

Everyone knew now.

The headmaster was probably going to ship him off back to his relatives that night. He could just imagine the welcoming he would receive. They wouldn’t be happy with him at all.

“Is this true?” Snape asked in his cold, low voice. Harry only knew what he said because he couldn’t take his eyes off the man. The man who’s image was shattering and leaving behind a horrid, nightmarish version.

He nodded, praying desperately that the Professor would leave it at that and continue with the class. He didn’t know if he could handle anymore of this.

Snape gave the boy a calculating look and slowly stalked towards Harry, sending shivers of fear down the boy’s back. He would of ran if it wasn’t for the fact that he was glued to his seat with dread.

“Say something.” Snape said, a wicked gleam in his eyes as he bent over the boy’s desk.

Harry felt sick.

Tears burned his eyes, and he blinked, trying to keep them from falling. He knew this would happen eventually, he just never imagined that the man who rescued him would take such cruel pleasure from it.

“Sir...” Hermione started, looking very startled by Snape’s command.

“Quiet!” Snape barked at her, making both Harry and Hermione flinch.

Snape smirked. “Go on Mister Potter. Let us all hear for ourselves your speaking abilities.”

Harry could feel his heart starting to race as the burning in his eyes increased. Harry’s breath hitched as he stared into the dark voids of the Professors eyes. He could find no trace of the man who had saved him, of the man who had led him through a new world and tried to keep the crowds away from him.

Ron looked ready kill as Harry sat wide eyed in his seat. His breathing was coming out rapid, his green eyes wide with fright, humiliation and disappointment.

“That’s not fair! He can't say anything. He’s mute.” Ron shouted, knocking back his chair as he stood to glower at Snape.

Snape turned his head slowly, his eyes murderous as they landed on the red head. “Sit. Back. Down.” The controlled fury in his voice had Ron promptly righting his chair and sitting, a look of pure hatred on the red heads face.

Snape turned back to Harry and raised a brow. “Well?”

Harry’s lips trembled as he quickly glanced around the room, finding no one else willing to help him. Most of the Slytherins were leaning forward in their seats, eagerly watching the proceedings while the Gryffindors just stared on with a mixture of shock and comprehension.

He looked back at the man he was so wrong about and nodded, opening his mouth to say something, anything. All that came out was a strangled hiss of breath and the Slytherins erupted into laughter.

Snape straightened himself back up, a smirk on his lips. “Interesting” he said, looking Harry up and down.

A hot tear rolled down his cheek and Harry brushed it away angrily.

Snape was just like the rest. Just like the Dursleys. How could he have ever of been so naive as to think he would be different?

Harry turned his head down, refusing to meet anyone’s eyes as tears continued to silently fall.

“Interesting indeed.” Snape said much softly as he turned and made his way back to the front of the class. “Settle down.” he snapped at the class. “Potter. Stay after class. Mister Weasley and Miss Granger, ten point each from Gryffindor for talking out of turn.”

“But...” Ron started to protest, his body shaking with rage.

“Do you wish to make it more?” Snape asked, sounding for all the world as if he were genuinely curious.

“Greasy git.” Ron mumbled under his breath before turning his attention to Harry. “You alright?”

The sincerity of Ron’s concern touched Harry, but did nothing to make him feel better. He really didn’t feel well.

Harry forced a small smile and nodded. At least Ron was proving to be a real friend, he thought as he swiped at his tears again.

For the rest of the class, Harry kept his head down, trying his best to ignore the whispers and stares that he knew was going on around him. Never in all his life at the Dursley’s, had Harry ever felt this miserable.

TBC

A/n: Don't forget to review! ^^