Changing Ideals

Body



Disclaimer: Do I still have to write these? *rolls eyes in exasperation* I don't own, so don't sue.

Chapter 25:

Severus wasn't foolish enough to believe that the Headmaster actually cared about what hadpenepened to his lost chess piece. All that man cared about was that he would look bad if he didn't do something to the perpetrators of such a crime. He didn't want to lose his prestigious position; it brought him power, respect, and honor, but most of all, it gave him the edge he needed. If he didn't have his seat as the respected and honored Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, people wouldn't listen to what the fool had to say. Then he would have to try to do everything by himself, no precious Order or dutiful students to follow him around, eating up his words, and lapping his boots. It disgusted him how people would fawn over the old man, practically licking the ground his shoes touched. For all they knew, some stupid virgins might be offering themselves up to the powerful Dumbledore for consumption, allowing him to deflower them to strengthen his own magic. Really, the man needed to be pushed off of his pedestal, and he and Harry were just the two to do it. He might even get the other Slytherins in on it. He was sure that they despised the man just as much as he did.

He had just laid himself into bed when his fire flared up, and the face of a frantic Poppy Pomfrey popped up yelling for him. "What is it, woman? Can't you see I'm trying to sleep?!" Mind clouded with exhaustion, it didn't even register in Severus' head that something might be wrong with Harry. Hearing her desperate pleadings for him to just get to the infirmary, that there wasn't time to explain, Sev threw the covers off, rising from his comfortable bed. Grumbling about incompetents who couldn't do anything without him holding their hands, Severus told the squawking woman that he would be their shortly. Quickly shrugging into a night robe, he irritably made his way to the Infirmary. Oh how he wished he would run into a student out of bed on his way there. It would make his night immensely better if he could deduct points from some unsuspecting twitter brained idiots who thought they were too good for the rules and regulations set up for their own protection.

Slamming the doors open in an irritated manner, Severus made his way into the room in true Snape fashion, his robes billowing out dramatically. Pity he was dressed for the night, it really took away from the 'bat out of Hell' look, making him not nearly as intimidating. Seeing the medi-witch standing off to one side, starring at Harry's bed and rubbing her hands together in a decidedly nervous manner, he quickly made his way to her side, but not before looking over at Harry. What he saw made him cringe; the boy was tossing and turning, showing signs of being in pain. His skin was sporadically being torn open, and Severus couldn't tell if his dreams were injuring him, or if all his thrashing was re-opening wounds that weren't completely healed.

"What happened?!"

"I-I don't know! Oh God! We have to do something! I gave him a 'Dreamless Sleep' potion, but it doesn't seem to be working. I've even tried stunning him! I don't know what to do; I feel useless!" Watching the woman having an emotional breakdown, Severus mentally sneered at her.

"Well, I can assure you that now is not the time to be falling to pieces. Pull yourself together, woman. There are things that must be done!" His biting tone caused Madame Pomfrey to calm herself, rise from the floor, and await further instructions from the imposing and impressive figure. Quickly telling her of potions that might be of use, Severus sent the woman on her way, cautiously approaching the bed himself. He had to figure out what was going on with the boy.

Reaching a tentative hand out, Severus brushed Harry's fringe from his forehead, shocked into stillness when the boy's odd convulsions seemed to stop. Starring at the boy in contemplation, he removed his hand, only to quickly replace it when the boy started having a fit again. Odd. What is causing this? Surely he isn't having a fit because I'm not around. That makes no sense.

Severus was startled from his thoughts when he heard a shocked gasp and the sound of tinkering glass as Poppy sat the vials down to keep from dropping them. Walking over to them, Poppy reached out to Severus, pulling his arm away from the boy, watching him cry out, and replacing the arm as the first cry left Harry's lips. Looking from Harry to Severus and back a few timPoppPoppy smiled, a damn twinkle reminiscent of Dumbledore's entering her eyes. Before any biting or scathing comments could be shot at the woman, she was gone, leaving Severus stranded to the boy. He couldn't leave; he wouldn't put Harry through that.

Stupid woman. Why did I entrust Harry to her again? I mean, I was evidently taking better care of him. Damnit, I shouldn't care. One little problem and I'm carting him to Pomfrey. He should have just stayed with me in my private quarters.

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*Poppy's POV*

I was shocked where-ere-entered the room I had left Severus and Harry in. It seemed as though Severus' touch had calmed the boy. This made me think, so I did my little experiment. I about cringed when I heard Harry start to cry out, causing me to replace the other man's arm rather fast. This is really something I have to look into. I know that I have an odd glint into my eyes, everyone tells me that I do when I get a challenge. I'm pretty sure I know the reason for this reaction as well.

Leaving before Severus can bite my head off, I walk into my office, pulling a book off my shelf as I pass it, and sit at my desk. Quickly thumbing through the big book, I find what I am looking for. Reading the passage, I am pleased to note that I was right. My, my, who would have thought. Slamming the book shut, I put it back where I got it, and head back out to my patient.

"Well, Severus, it seems as though you will have to stay here. I might as well move a bed right next to Harry's, as you will have to keep in physical contact with him all night if he is to actually get any real rest." Watching that man gap and stutter for words is a truly rewarding sight. What I wouldn't give for a muggle camcorder right now. Chuckling, I move one the infirmary beds over, making Harry's twin seem like a full instead. Glaring fiercely at the man, I watch in satisfaction as he lays on the bed.

"Mind telling me why it is necessary for Mr. Potter to have me near for him to sleep?" Seeing the man's arched eyebrow, I only laugh more. Hehe, like I'm going to tell him the entire reason.

"Well, it seems that Mr. Potter has forged a bond with you. This bond only comes into play when he is in severe emotional turmoil. My thoughts are that he is overly confused on something he views as rather important." Looking at the man's expression I know I have to shoot down his idea. "No, I don't think it has anything to do with the rape. I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure about this." Clapping my hands together with a jovial smile on my face, I look at the man. "Now, bed. It's time for my patients to get some sleep."

"I'm not your patient." Watching him sneer and snarl at me, I smile.

"Oh, but you are. As long as you are in my infirmary, then you are my patient. Now, sleep. Don't make me drug you." Ah, how satisfying. I would like to do just that, drug him. It would make great blackmail material. Oh well, seems like he is going to follow my instructions. Maybe another time.

*End Poppy's POV*

Watching Pomfrey leaving through slightly closed eyes, Severus thought on what the woman had said. How and why would Harry have a bond with him? What type of bond was it? He was sure that neither he nor the boy had done it. If they hadn't, then who did? Deciding that his thoughts weren't doing him any good, just giving him a headache, he pushed them all away to think of on another day. Besides, he could corner Poppy into telling him tomorrow. The infernal woman seemed to know, and she was reminding him too much of Dumbledore at the moment for him to let it slide. Letting himself succumb to sleep, Severus was unaware of the hand that haindlindly linked with Harry, causing an unknown, small smile to play on his lips.

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Sunlight filtered in through the windows of the Infirmary causing Severus to stir. Placing his arm over his eyes, Severus wondered how the sunlight had managed to penetrate into the dungeons that had no windows. Yesterdays events came rushing back into his head, and Severus quickly looked over towards the sleeping young man next to him. He was content to see that Harry had seemed to not have anymore fits throughout the night. Hearing a quiet chuckle that was growing in intensity, Severus whipped his head around to look at the person that emitted the sound. Damn, must stop doing that; I'm going to hurt my neck.

"Aw...did you have to move, Professor Snape? You two looked so comfortable!"

Looking into the laughing face of Draco Malfoy, noticing the smile upon his lips, Severus snarled, launching a pillow at the young man. He didn't care that the act was very out of character for him; he just wanted to throw something at the young man, and anything else was out of the question. He didn't want to loose his job over hurting a Malfoy.

"You are failing to amuse me, Mr. Malfoy. Is there something you needed?" Glaring at the boy in a cold manner, he awaited the familiar drawl to answer him.

"Actually, I came to see how Harry was doing, sir. I was worried about him, but I see now that you are taking good care of him. Keeping his bed warm, holding his hand..." Trailing off, the young man had to duck as another pillow came flying at him, laughing harder when he heard the mumbled and muttered curses directed at him. "Now, now, sir. What would the Headmaster think of such language in front of a student? Hmm?"

Not gracing the Malfoy heir with an answer, Severus opted to look back over at Harry before getting out of bed. Seeing the slight stirrings in his bed companion, Severus gently smiled, wondering how anyone could look so good when they were just waking up. He gently reached out, tucking a strand of Harry's raven black hair behind his ear before padding to the bathroom to freshen up. He would have to forgo a shower this morning; he didn't have the time. Using a charm, he cleaned and straightened his clothing. Another charm took care of his morning breath, brushing his teeth, and shaving. Running his hands through his hair, Severus deemed himself ready to face the world of annoying brats, thouthought they knew it all, and colleagues that he really didn't like.

The gentle sound of laughter and happy chattering reached his ears as he re-entered the ward. Looking over to the two boys, Severus was startled to see that Harry was already acting as though the rape had never occurred. Scowling, he realized why. The boy was used to being treated the way he had been. His family had made sure that he was used to being abused for their pleasure, causing nothing but pain and torment for the boy. He'd have to keep an eye on him; it was all bound to overload him again if he continued to hide it.

"Well, boys, are we ready to face the world?" Receiving affirming nods, Severus gestured for them to follow him. As they made their way to the Great Hall, Severus could only pray to whatever gods there were that nobody knew what had happened to Harry. But of course, if it was a secret, it would only be natural for the entire school to know.

Upon their entrance, the entire school quit talking. It seemed the every eye in the Hall was trained on Harry, but the boy seemed quite capable of ignoring everyone and everything but Severus and Draco. He continued his chat with Draco, occasionally looking at Severus, not even bothering to acknowledge the other students or teachers. When the Headmaster came over to speak with Harry, he was met with an icy stare and the cold shoulder. And when the old man turned towards Severus, he kindly informed him that Harry was a big boy capable of making his own decisions, and that also meant deciding when he could handle going to classes. Yes, in Severus' head it was much too early, but he had overheard Harry telling Draco that he would be going back to classes today. The only good thing about that is that Severus would get to see him again soon. Harry's first class of the day was Double Potions, Slytherin/Gryffindor. Eveneruserus could stand a room full of Gryffindors if it meant he was able to see Harry.

"Hiya, Harry!" Turning towards the chipper and easily excited Gryffindor, Harry groaned as he realized it was Colin Creevy.

"Morning, Colin. Is there something I can do for you?"

"Wow...hehe..something you can do for me. No, no, I'm good. Thanks for asking...I mean..wow. Anyway, I was developing my film and came across that picture, you know, so I was wondering what you wanted done with it'm t'm thinking that maybe it should be destroyed, but..." The rather hyperactive young boy was bouncing on the balls of his feet awaiting an answer. The serious expression on his face didn't match his actions, but Harry was rather relieved that Colin didn't want to keep that picture; he knew which one the young boy was referring to.

"Colin, thank you for telling me. I would be very relieved, and appreciative, if you destroyed that picture, and the negatives." Hearing the boy's quick agreement, Harry flashed him a bright smile, watching as the mousy boy ran off back to the Gryffindor table. Shaking his head, Harry wondered where he got all the energy.

"Wow, Collin. You actually talked to himas has he all right? Did he seem different?" Noticing the perplexed look on the boy's face, his fellow Gryffindor fourth years rolled their eyes in exasperation. "You mean you don't know? Harry was attacked! They raped him! Both Dean and Blaise; that's why they aren't here anymore!"

Watching the boy's eyes get wide and water up with tears, they wondered if it was such a good idea to tell him. As he burst into uncontrollable sobbing, muttering about how things like that shouldn't happen to Harry, they knew it wasn't a good idea. Trying to reconcile the distraught boy, otheother students gazed in sympathy at Harry, who was still completely oblivious to the fact that people knew.

Following the other Slytherins out of the Hall, Harry's eyes narrowed in repressed anger as he heard more sympathetic whispering about him. So they know? So what. I don't care. If those people start acting like I'm glass, I think I might blow something, or someone, up.

Entering the Potions classroom, Harry made sure that his seat was in the front of the room, surrounded by Slytherins. They were all treating him normal; he knew he couldn't expect the same treatment from the Gryffindors. He didn't want to deal with their pity, sympathy, and well wishing in this class; he just wanted to enjoy it. He loved listening to Severus talk about all the different potions, giving instructions, or yelling at the students. The man's silky voice just did wonders for Harry's over active imagination, giving him plenty of fuel for his fire later on in the day. Not that he was planning on anything like that tonight, no sir. He just wanted to let the man's calming voice wash ove himr, cleansing his fears, doubts, and self recriminations.

*Draco's POV*

Wow, Harry really is an excellent actor. I thought that I had a good act going, but I could never wish to be nearly as convincing as he is. If I didn't know for a fact that the rape had occurred, I might think that this was a normal, ordinary day for him. He's so strong; I wish that he had never had a reason to learn to be like that.

Damn, it also seems as though the school knows what happened. I'm going to have to keep some idiotic Gryffindorks away from Harry this period. I'm pretty sure he might blow up if someone were to approach him to tell them how 'sorry' they were that this occurred. Like most of them actually cared. I have to scoff at the fact that the only ones that actu kno know what he needs, are the ones who haven't known him that long. Honestly, he needs to be treated like nothing happened, like nothing is different, and that he didn't change. I mean, he didn't, but things did happen. Things that Harry doesn't need, nor want, dredged up during school time.

I discreetly watch Harry throughout the entire Potions period, and I am happy to notice that he seems truly happy; that it is not an act. He genuinely likes Potions. I am even happier to note that I am not the only one who has noted what the Gryffindors have in mind, and have managed to successful deter them. The other Slytherins are quite good at distracting them, or simply keeping them away from Harry.

Making my way toward the Great Hall with Harry in the lead, I quickly stop to tie my shoe, looking back up in time to see Harry's angered face glaring at a well-wishing group of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. I only have time to think 'Oh shit' as Harry's magic goes through the roof, literally, leaving us with a nice view of the actual sky, and some very oppressed students. We literally can't move from the force of Harry's magic.

TBC

Slight cliffie again. Oh well. I seem to write a lot of those. So, tell me what you think.

Oh, and a huge thanks goes out to Diagonalist for beta reading this chapter, and chapter 24, as jelly-bean was not available. She did a smashing job. *tips hat in general direction of diagonalist*

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