Chapter Ten: The Proposal

Severus strode up the castle steps and made his way up to the Headmaster's office. He had sent word ahead of time, informing Poppy, Minerva, and Albus that he had some news to discuss with them and would meet them in Albus' office. He was more subdued than usual as he walked, which was saying something, as he was generally a very quiet man. Images of a bloodied Haley flashed through his mind, as well as images of the cult members standing around her, ready to hurt, and possibly, kill her.

"What happened?" Minerva was the first to say something as Severus entered the office. "Is she okay?"

Severus sighed and took a seat in the chair Albus offered him. He sat for a moment, head in his hands, eyes closed.

"Is she dead?" Poppy asked, voice barely above a whisper.

"No," Severus said. "She is alive."

Poppy let out a sigh of relief. "But she isn't well," she guessed.

Severus nodded.

"What happened?" Albus asked.

Severus lifted his head from his hands and looked to his colleagues. "When I approached the home and knocked on the door, her uncle, Rowan, answered. He seemed pleasant, though it was clear to me it was an act. His smile was too forced and his body language suggested he was trying to hide something. I informed him I was here to see Haley, and his first response was to ask what she did. It was the quickness and sharpness of which he spoke that first raised my suspicions. I told him I needed to deliver presents to her, and he tried to tell me she was not there, out with a friend, and would be returning later tonight. When I said I could not give him the presents, as they were magical and should not be help by non-magical folk, he coldly dismissed me. Before he could close the door, however, I heard shouts and noises from inside. He told me one of his mates was over, yelling at the cat, but when he closed the door, I heard him yelling at the person that it was his job to keep her quiet."

Minerva covered her mouth, eyes wide.

"I would have liked nothing more than to break the door and see what was going on, but knew I needed backup, in case there was something more. I headed to the Ministry, and found Ashley's father, Robert, who turned out to be the head of the Auror Department for Crimes Against Children. I was about to explain my suspicions to him when his Auror in training walked in. I thought nothing of her, at first, until I explained what had just occurred, and she said she knew Haley. Do you remember Amelia Davis?"

"No," Minerva breathed.

Severus nodded.

"Amelia appeared different, but once she heard about Haley, she changed her appearance to match that of Amelia from school. She later informed me that she was adopted by the Davises, through an acquaintance of Laura, Haley's mother. They asked her if she could make Amelia look like Miranda, the aunt, as they wanted people to think she was their own.

"Amelia informed me that she was hit as a child, whenever she did anything wrong, but received no broken bones. She explained that during her second year, during Christmas break, she returned home to find Haley serving drinks to men and women in the home. She was three.

"To make a long story short, Amelia explained these people, Miranda and Rowan included, were part of a cult. They believed children should obey every order their parents gave. Failure to comply would result in punishment from the cult. Because Haley was blind, the cult felt she was impure, possessed by demons, and should be treated poorly, in order to encourage them out of her.

"Things came to a head when Amelia was forced, by the cult, to hurt Haley, on threat of being killed if she did not comply. She did not return to their home after, changing her name and reversing the spell her biological mother placed on her, in order to attempt to rid herself of the Davises influences."

"Merlin's beard," Poppy breathed. "How were we not made aware of this?"

"If they told, they would be killed," Severus said simply.

Minerva reached into her pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. She dabbed at her eyes, sniffling softly.

"I'm afraid to ask, but what did you find when you returned with Robert?" Albus asked.

Severus closed his eyes, trying to rid himself of the images. "Men and women were standing around Haley, most holding weapons in their hands. She was not recognizable at first. She was covered in blood, bruises, and cuts. She recognized Amelia before going unconscious. Healers took us to St. Mungos where Amelia told me her story as we waited. She felt it was her fault this had happened."

"That is utter nonsense!" Minerva cried. "This is not Amelia's fault! She is just as much a victim as Haley."

"Precisely what I told her," Severus said.

"What is Haley's condition?" Poppy asked.

"In short, aside from the physical injuries, her magical core is severely damaged," Severus said. "She is still able to perform magic, but the Healer recommends she not do as much work as her peers. They are unsure whether or not the damage will heal."

"That can be arranged," Albus said. "We will set a schedule for her, so that she can take half of her classes one week, and half, the other. We will schedule meetings with the professors so she does not fall behind. The lessons will need to be modified to make up for her… limitations, but it can be done."

"Will she still be able to advance to the next year?" Poppy asked.

"Certainly," Albus said. "We will make sure she gets the key elements of each lesson. It will work."

"It better," Minerva muttered. "I can't bear to see that child fall behind."

"She won't," Severus said firmly. "Even if I must spend my spare time teaching her myself."

Minerva smiled. "You do care for her," she said.

Severus scowled. "The Healer has requested I become her guardian," he said.

"Oh, excellent!" Poppy cried. "Do it, Severus!"

"I can't," Severus growled.

"And why not?" Minerva asked.

"I am the bat of the dungeons," Severus said. "Children fear me. I haven't the slightest idea how to care for a child, particularly one with needs as severe as Haley."

"Pish posh," Minerva said. "Load of rubbish, if you ask me. Haley trusts you! Would you rather she goes with someone she doesn't know? Someone who doesn't know her past? How to help her?"

"Molly Weasley could take her," Severus said.

"Molly has seven children of her own," Minerva said. "She would not be able to give Haley the needed attention she would require."

"Sirius," Severus tried.

"Has Harry, and wouldn't know how to care for her," Albus said.

"But she trusts him too," Severus said.

"Not as much as she trusts you," Poppy said. "Severus, it comes down to you, whatever way you look at it. You can give her the attention that she needs. You can teach her what she wants to learn. You have researched the effects of trauma on children. You have dealt with abused children in the past. You understand her, where no one else can. You won't baby her, like many others would. Let her decide, Severus."

Severus groaned.

"We will help you," Minerva said. "We wouldn't leave you to do this on your own. We will all help you. Myself, Poppy, Molly, Sirius, every one of the staff here. You won't be alone, Severus."

Severus shook his head halfheartedly. "I can't," he said. "She deserves better."

"Just like you did?" Albus asked, staring Severus dead in his eyes. "You understand where she is coming from."

"Not to that extent," Severus groaned.

"I beg to differ," Albus said softly. "Your past may not be exactly the same, but you share key elements with her. You can relate to her, in a way that no one else can."

Severus looked away from Albus and stared at a spot over his left shoulder. The three others in the room remained silent, allowing Severus time to think. No one moved. No one spoke. Even the portraits were silent and still, all watching Severus.

"Fine," Severus ground out. "I will ask her, but if she says no, you will find someone better."

"She won't," Minerva said, getting to her feet. "And there is no one better than you. Now, I would like to get some rest before tomorrow."

Severus gave her a questioning look.

"We're visiting her, you bat," Minerva said slowly, as if explaining something very simple to a toddler.

Severus merely nodded, getting to his feet.

"Owl Sirius," Minerva said.

"Why?" Severus removed his hand from the doorknob.

"Because, he cares deeply for the child, and I'm sure he would like to see her."

Severus scowled.

"Set aside your differences, my boy," Albus said. "This is no longer about the fight between you and your school bully, but rather, a child that brings you both together."

"Fine," Severus ground out through gritted teeth. "I will owl the dog."

"Be civil to him," Minerva said.

"I promise nothing," Severus muttered darkly. Halfway out the door, he added, "Haley wants her stuffed dog the mutt gave her."

"So? Why are you telling me?"

"I cannot go into the girl's dorms," Severus said, quickly losing patience.

"All right, all right, I'll get the dog," Minerva sighed, throwing up her hands.

"I will meet you in The Entrance Hall at nine," Severus said as a way of answering, before he left the room.

"He will make a great father figure for Haley," Poppy said.

"I agree," Albus said, the twinkle that had been gone during Severus' story now returning to his eyes. "It is about time that the man learned to care for someone that truly needs him."

"Do you think he will accept our help?" Poppy asked.

"He will have no choice but to," Minerva said. "He does know he can access the girl's dormitories, if need be, right?"

"I don't think he wants to right now," Albus said. "After everything he has seen today, I don't believe he wants to look at her things."

"It affected him more than he's letting on," Poppy said sadly.

"I'd say so, yes," Albus agreed.

"Poor man," Poppy said. "It must have been horrible, what he saw."

Minerva nodded. "He isn't as heartless as people think he is," she said. "He's just very guarded."

"Too guarded," Poppy said firmly.

Minerva nodded again. "Haley will change that," she said.

"I hope so," Poppy said with a heavy sigh. "I really hope so."

The next morning, Severus met Albus, Minerva, and Poppy in The Entrance Hall as promised. He looked tired, as if he hadn't slept. As if yesterday's events had kept him awake.

"How many hours of sleep did you get, my boy?" Albus asked, placing his hand on the younger wizard's shoulder.

"Two," Severus said shortly.

"Were you up thinking?" Albus asked.

Severus pretended not to hear him

"Severus, it is normal to be affected by something you saw," Albus said. "In fact, it's expected. Had you not been affected, I would think you had no soul."

Severus said nothing and led the way out of the castle, ignoring the concerned looks Minerva and Poppy shot him.

Once they reached St. Mungos, Severus led the way up to the fourth floor and to the end of the corridor. He paused at Haley's room and knocked.

"Good morning," Shauna said, opening the door and smiling at Severus. "Oh, you brought visitors."

"Is she awake?" Severus asked.

Shauna nodded. "She is, but I need to speak with you for a moment. We ran more tests."

Severus nodded.

"I will return, Haley," Shauna said, looking behind her, before stepping out and closing the door. "We discovered that not only does Haley's body reject potions of a higher dose, but if she is given a higher dosage, she can get sick. Her immune system is rubbish, and she may very well contract illnesses, more so than her peers. When she does get sick, it will take much longer for her to get better."

Severus nodded. "How is her… pain from yesterday?"

"Better," Shauna said. "We gave her the strongest potion we could."

"Was there any… damage?" Severus asked, lowering his voice.

Shauna nodded. "Yes, unfortunately, and that, too, was catalogued. It has been fixed, however. She will make a full recovery in that aspect, at least."

"What on Earth are you talking about?" Minerva asked.

Severus sighed and looked imploringly to Shauna.

"Haley came in with signs of sexual assault," she explained. "She was in pain when Severus and Amelia visited yesterday, but that has now been taken care of."

Minerva looked furious.

"There's something else," Shauna said, shuffling slightly. "Have you seen today's paper?"

Severus, Minerva, Albus, and Poppy shook their heads.

Shauna withdrew a folded copy of The Daily Prophet and handed it to Severus, who took it and stared at the front page. He scowled and handed the paper to Albus, who passed it around the group.

BLIND HOGWARTS STUDENT BROUGHT to ST. Mungos in CRITICAL CONDITION

Hogwarts welcomed its first blind student in many, many years. Yesterday, the student by the name of Haley Kent, was seen rushed to St. Mungos by emergency Healers, covered in blood and bruises. However, she was not alone. Sources spotted Professor Severus Snape, the Potions master at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, as well as an unidentified woman following the Healers inside the hospital. Miss Kent was unconscious on arrival, and remained so for an undetermined amount of time. This raises some rather chilling questions: What happened to her? Who, or what, hurt her? Could her own professor be responsible? Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, was asked for a statement, but refused to comment, instead saying that all students at the school are entitled to, and will get full privacy from reporters. We will update you as more information becomes available.

"Who wrote this?" Severus growled through gritted teeth.

"Rita Skeeter," Shauna said.

"How did she get this information?" Minerva asked.

"I don't know," Shauna said. "Are Healers know better than to divulge information about our patients, especially when they are underage children."

"And there is nothing that can be done?" Poppy asked.

Albus shook his head. "She caught me last night," he said. "After you three left my office, I went for a drink down at the Three Broomsticks. She approached and asked what I knew. YOU read what I told her. She insisted I give a statement, so I obliged. Just not the way she wanted."

Poppy smirked.

"We will be keeping a close eye on who is allowed to visit Haley," Shauna said. "That being said, please, come in and visit her. I'm sure she would like some company."

Severus nodded and led the way into the room, the others behind him.

"Good morning Haley," Minerva said, moving to the bed and peering down. "How are you feeling?"

"Okay," Haley said. "Who's here."

"Good morning, Haley," Albus said. "It's Professor Dumbledore."

"Madam Pomfrey, dear," Poppy said, smiling at the child.

"Professor Snape," Severus said, feeling utterly foolish announcing his presence.

Haley raised one of her hands and waved to the adults, smiling slightly.

"Guess who I brought," Minerva said, setting the bag she was carrying on the floor.

"Snuffles?" Haley asked, suddenly excited.

"Not just Snuffles," Minerva said, pulling the dog out of her bag, and placing it on Haley's bed. "I also brought Simba."

Haley smiled and held out her hand for the lion. Minerva gave it to her and watched as Haley held both animals in her arms.

"Now I can sleep," she said.

"Oh, you didn't sleep?" Minerva asked. "Oh, I'm sorry, Haley. I would've brought them sooner if I had known."

"It's okay," Haley said.

"I brought some things too." Poppy sed down her own bag. "Have you ever played Chess?"

Haley shook her head. "What's that?"

"Chess is a game in which the goal is to capture the opponent's queen by moving other pieces. The catch is, the pieces can only move certain ways. In the Wizarding world, we have Wizard's Chess. It's the same concept, only our pieces talk. Shall I show you how to play? I'm not that great myself, but I can show you the ropes."

"Okay," Haley said. She laid her animals next to her and pushed herself into a sitting position. Severus could see she was stronger than yesterday, but it still took effort for her to sit up on her own.

"Do you need a pillow?" he asked, moving to stand next to the bed.

Haley shook her head.

"You might want to use a pillow to lean on, dear," Poppy said. "We don't want you getting weaker by trying to sit up on your own, if you aren't ready for it."

Haley hesitated, then shook her head again.

"Why the hesitation?" Albus asked gently.

"Nothing," Haley said, grabbing a pillow and setting it behind her.

"Lean forward," Severus said, shaking his head, not buying Haley's word.

Haley looked over at him.

"Yes, you," Severus said. "Lean forward, so I can make that more comfortable."

Haley hesitated, but did as she was told. Severus piled the pillows up and added a small cushioning charm for extra comfort.

"Lean back," he said.

Haley leaned back and sighed gratefully. "Thanks," she said quietly.

Severus rolled his eyes. "Why are you thanking me?" he asked, not used to being thanked, let alone by a child.

"For the pillows," Haley said slowly, equally confused.

Severus shifted on his feet.

"Oh, for Merlin's sake!" Minerva cried. "Haley, Severus helped you with the pillows, because he could see that you needed help, even if you didn't want to admit it. Severus, you need to learn to accept thanks."

Severus shot Minerva a piercing look.

"You know it's true," she said hotly.

Poppy laughed. "Leave them to argue, Haley," she said, as Severus glared at Minerva. "Let's learn Chess. Albus, would you care to help?"

Albus beamed. "Of course," he said. "Haley, I brought you loads of Sherbet Lemons. Do you like those?"

Haley nodded.

"Excellent," Albus beamed, placing a large tin on Haley's bedside table. "Don't eat these all at once now," he said warmly.

For the next few hours, Albus and Poppy showed Haley how to play Chess. They marked the black pieces with soft felt, and the white, with rough fabric, so that Haley could distinguish between the two. The pieces loved to tell Haley what moves to make, and when, which surprised her at first, until she got used to it.

A knock sounded near lunchtime. When the door was opened, Robert and Ashley stood there, both holding large platters of food.

"Haley," Ashley called in a sing-song voice. "Mum made you food."

Haley smiled broadly at the sound of her friend's voice. She moved to get up, but Poppy stopped her with a light touch on her hand.

"Let me go and check if the Healers will let you out of bed," she said. "I don't want you getting weaker."

Haley nodded and settled back onto her pillows, looking forlorn.

"Oh, cheer up," Ashley said, running over to the bed. "Mum's made loads of sweets. Ooh! You're playing Chess. How do you like it? Oh my gosh! Look! It's Roary!"

Haley giggled and picked up Simba. "His name's not Roary," she said. "It's Simba."

"Yeah, but you didn't see the look on Professor Snape's face when we first called him Roary," Ashley said, sitting next to Haley on the bed, and smirking at Severus.

Haley smiled. "You don't like Roary, Professor?" she asked innocently, looking around for the man.

"Not particularly," Severus said. "The name is deplorable."

Haley pouted.

Robert chuckled. "I love Roary," he said, tapping the lion's head.

Haley peered up at him, wide-eyed.

"Oh!" Ashley clapped her hands together. "Sorry. Haley, this is my dad, Robert. He was with Severus and Amelia when they got you out of there."

Haley smiled. "Thank you," she said.

"Oh, I was just doing my job, kiddo," Robert said, smiling warmly. "Who's this little puppy?"

"His name is Snuffles," Haley said. "Sirius gave him to me."

"That was nice of him," Robert said. "Is he nice?"

"I don't know," Haley said. "Animals can't talk."

"Well, sure they can!" Robert exclaimed. "I can hear them. I'm a stuffed animal whisperer."

"No, you're not," Haley argued vehemently.

"Oh, yes I am," Robert said just as vehemently.

Haley shook her head.

"Am too," Robert said. "See? Look here." He placed his hand on Simba's head. "Simba says he missed you, and is glad that he's with you." He put his hand on Snuffles' head. "Snuffles says you owe him a doggy bone and a chew toy."

Ashley burst out laughing, covering her mouth to attempt to stop the giggles, but failing.

Haley smiled. "He can have a chicken bone," she said firmly.

Robert snorted with laughter, smacking his leg in mirth. "A chicken bone," he said. "Oh, that poor dog!"

Poppy came hurrying back in with a wheelchair. "Good news," she called. "Healer Everest said you can get out of bed, Haley, but you have to stay in the wheelchair, which I have here."

Haley smiled.

"It's on the side of the bed," Poppy said, parking the chair. "Do you need any help?"

Haley shook her head. Severus stepped closer and watched as Haley struggled to stand, then had to reach out and catch her arm as she stumbled.

"I beg to differ," he said, steadying her. "If you need help, we will help you."

Haley didn't respond as Severus helped lower her into the chair as Poppy held it steady.

"You will learn," Poppy said, smiling gently. "It takes time to allow people to help. Don't worry, dear. We understand."

Haley said nothing.

"Here, dear," Minerva said, placing a blanket onto Haley's lap. "So you don't get cold."

Haley took the blanket and covered her legs, then brought the blanket up to her arms and covered them too.

"Do you need another blanket?" Minerva asked.

Haley shook her head.

"What should we do?" Ashley asked. "You need to do something so you don't get bored."

"Why don't you show her what Mum made?" Robert asked.

Ashley grinned. She brought the plates over to Haley and set them on the table. "Okay," she said. "Mum made some great chicken, and there's green beans, and she packed some cold tea that is divine! And…"

Robert walked over to Severus and gestured for him to move away from Haley. "I have news," he said. "The Aurors have contacted the Muggle police and are working with them to investigate the cult. They will be speaking with Haley and Amelia, as well as any other children they find."

"Is it wise to bring the Muggles in?" Severus asked.

"Some know of us," Robert said. "These are the ones that will be speaking with Haley and Amelia."

"And you trust them?" Severus raised an eyebrow.

Robert nodded. "Some are squibs," he explained. "Others are related to Muggle-born witches and wizards. They have never once betrayed us."

Severus sighed.

"What is it?" Robert asked.

"Healer Everest, Minerva, Poppy, and Albus believe I should become Haley's guardian?" Severus said.

"Why not?"

"Have you not heard of my reputation as the Dungeon Bat?" Severus hissed.

"I might have," Robert said. "but Ashley speaks very highly of you. Says that you have helped Haley a great deal. She can see that Haley trusts you. Even I can see that, and I barely know the two of you."

Severus gave Robert a questioning look.

"When she nearly fell, and you grabbed her to steady her, she was startled at first, until she realized it was only you. Don't tell me you didn't notice that?"

Severus shrugged.

"I say go for it," Robert said. "It never hurts to try. You might even learn something from her, just like I am sure she will learn from you."

"The Ministry would never approve me," Severus said. "Because of my… past. Have you not seen today's paper?"

"I haven't the slightest idea what you are talking about, in reference to your past, but I will vouch for you," Robert said. "As will many people. As for the story, yes, I did see it, and I obviously don't buy it. I will speak to the Ministry about setting up guards for Haley, to protect her privacy. It will be fine. Have you told Haley?"

Severus shook his head.

"Are you worried she will reject you?"

Severus shrugged.

"I think you will be pleasantly surprised," Robert said. "You better tell her before tomorrow. It's Christmas."

Severus sighed. "I will," he said.

Three hours later, after Minerva and Poppy had left, Sirius arrived with Harry and made their way to Haley's room.

"Good evening, Sirius, Harry," Albus said, opening the door and beaming broadly. "Come in. Haley and Ashley are playing with some of the games Healer Everest brought for them. Minerva and I had an interesting time modifying them for Haley."

"I bet," Sirius said, stepping inside.

Haley looked up at the sound of Sirius' voice.

"Hey there, little pup," he called out, striding over to them. "How are you?"

Haley smiled. "I'm okay," she said. She leaned over and grabbed Snuffles from the bed. "Look."

"Oh, look, it's Snuffles!" Sirius cried, grinning. "Has he been nice to you?"

"Why does everyone think animals can talk?" Haley asked. "They can't."

"They can if you believe they can," Harry said.

"That doesn't make any sense," Haley said.

Harry laughed. "Can I join in whatever you're playing?" he asked.

"Sure!" Ashley cried, scooting over and patting the spot next to her. "I'm trying to teach Haley Exploding Snap."

"How's that going?"

Ashley sighed. "Not good," she said.

Harry laughed.

Sirius walked over to Severus and stopped in front of him. He cleared his throat and shuffled his feet, uneasy.

"If you are expecting me to hex you, Black, I won't," Severus muttered. "Today."

Sirius' lips quirked slightly. "No, it's not that," he said. "I… what… What the hell happened to her? Why is she covered in bandages? In cuts? Bruises? Why is she here? The only thing you said was that we needed to come to St. Mungos. You didn't say why. Why was she in today's paper?"

Severus sighed, irritated, pinching the bridge of his nose. He was not irritated with Sirius, this time, but rather, with the whole situation. With The Daily Prophet. With Rita Skeeter. With the Davises and the cult.

"Haley was subjected to a very poor home life," Albus said, stepping in before Severus hexed the man.

"Explain." Sirius growled.

Albus gave Sirius the run down, shortened version of the story. By the end of it, Severus was fuming. He had to step out so as not to break anything in the room and startle Haley. When he came back in, he looked to Robert.

"It's being taken care of," Robert said calmly, already knowing what Sirius was going to ask. "She is safe now, and that is what matters most."

"Severus is even going to become her guardian," Albus said cheerily, eyes twinkling madly.

Severus glared at Albus.

Sirius eyed Severus for a moment, thinking. After a few seconds, he nodded. "Good."

Severus blinked.

"As much as I despise you, I cannot deny that the girl trusts you," Sirius said with reluctance.

"Why can't you take her?" Severus asked.

"Because I don't know how to handle someone with her past," Sirius said. "And for whatever reason, she trusts you."

"She trusts you," Severus said.

"Not like she trusts you," Sirius said, just as Harry came rushing over to them.

"Um, Professor?" he looked to Severus.

"What, Potter," Severus snapped.

Harry gestured his thumb to Haley.

Haley was leaning forward in her wheelchair, elbows on her knees, chin in her hands, shaking. Her eyes were closed tight, and her fists were clenched. Even from this distance, Severus could tell she was having trouble breathing.

Shauna, who had just come in to check on Haley, moved, but Severus stopped her with a shake of his head.

"It is nothing medical," he said, before slowly walking over to Haley and kneeling in front of the chair, everyone's eyes on him. "I have dealt with this before. She knows me."

Ashley jumped up from her spot and moved to stand next to her father, shaking her head sadly.

"Haley," Severus spoke calmly and quietly. "Haley. Haley. Haley." Every time he said her name, Severus' voice grew slightly louder, and more firm.

Haley jumped slightly at the last calling of her name.

"Haley," Severus said, keeping the same volume and level of firmness in his voice. "Haley, listen to me. I am going to put my hand on yours. Focus, Haley. You aren't there. You're in St. Mungos. You are safe."

Haley whimpered quietly and flinched.

"Whatever you are experiencing is not happening," Severus said. "You are safe here. They can't come here."

Haley opened her eyes, but they were distant and unfocused.

"Haley," Severus tapped her hand. "Focus on this. Do you feel this?"

Haley didn't respond.

Severus grabbed the fallen Snuffles from the floor and put him on Haley's lap, placing her other hand on his furry head. Haley deftly moved her hand to pet the dog's back.

"What are you petting?" Severus asked.

"D-dog," Haley whispered.

"What's the dog's name?" Severus asked.

Haley didn't respond, and her eyes started to close.

"No, Haley, what is your dog's name?" Severus asked, voice a little firmer. "Talk to me. What is his name?"

"S-S-Snuffles," Haley said. "Snuffles."

Severus nodded. "Who gave you Snuffles?"

"S-Sirius," Haley said.

"When?"

"At H-Hogsmeade."

"Good," Severus said. "Now, listen to me. You need to control your breathing before you pass out. Breathe in, two, three, four. Hold it, two, three, four, five. Breathe out, two, three, four, five, six. In, two, three, four. Hold, two, three, four, five. Out, two, three, four, five, six. In, two, three, four. Hold, two, three, four, five. Out, two, three, Albus hand me the water, five, six."

Albus handed Severus a glass of water and Severus pressed it to Haley's lips. "Drink," he said, tilting the cup.

Haley took a few sips of the water before taking in a shaky breath, her eyes slowly starting to focus.

"Focus, Haley," Severus said, setting the glass down. "Focus on my voice." Suddenly, an idea struck him and he pulled out his wand. He flicked it, dimming the lights in the room. He sent light from his wand and in large wavy patterns near Haley. "Look to your left. Can you see the light?"

Haley squinted and Severus dimmed the room lights further to make a better contrast for her.

Haley nodded.

"Can you see them moving?" Severus asked, intrigued, and a little shocked that this was working.

Haley nodded.

Severus flicked his wand and made the light pulse gently, in and out. "Can you see that?" he asked.

Haley nodded.

"Focus on that," Severus said.

After a few moments of Severus talking to Haley, and Haley "watching" the light show, Haley leaned back in her chair, exhausted, eyes closed.

"May I come closer, Haley?" Shauna asked softly. "I need to be sure you are all right?"

Haley clenched her fist tightly. Severus placed his hand atop hers and gently unclenched each finger. "She will not hurt you," he said.

Haley looked over to Shauna's voice and hesitantly nodded, bringing Snuffles closer to her chest as she did so.

Shauna approached slowly and withdrew her wand, waving it over Haley. She shook her head. "You are exhausted, dear," she said. "You need to get some rest. I think visiting time is over for today. Or, at least, not as many at once."

"We actually need to be heading home, anyway," Robert said. "Annabelle is expecting us for dinner. Plus, we left her with the twins."

"You have twins?" Haley asked.

Robert chuckled. "I do," he said. "Ari and Seth. I'll bring them some time, if you'd like."

Haley nodded.

Ashley walked over to Haley's chair and smiled. "Can I give you a hug, before I go?" she asked.

Haley nodded and Ashley bent down and gave Haley a warm hug, rubbing her back gently.

"Severus, a word," Robert murmured.

Severus rose from his knelt position on the floor and followed Robert to the other side of the room.

"I have never seen anyone without proper training get a child out of a flashback," Robert said. "Annabelle taught me. She's a child Mind-healer. She figured it might come in handy with what I do. That was brilliant!"

Severus shrugged. "I research," he said. "I have also had many abuse cases come through my House."

"Well, you did excellent!" Robert said, beaming.

Severus merely nodded.

"Take care of both of you," Robert said, waving Ashley over.

Severus walked back to Haley once the Hunters had left.

"Harry and I are going to the fifth floor to get some tea so that Haley can rest a bit," Sirius said.

Severus nodded.

"Would you like anything, Haley?" Sirius asked.

Haley shook her head.

"Snape?"

Severus shook his head.

"I will be out, doing rounds," Shauna said. "If you need me," she gestured to a small button on the bedside table. "it will tell us which room and which patient."

Severus nodded and watched as Sirius, Harry, and Shauna left.

"Well, I must be going," Albus said. "I will visit tomorrow, Haley."

Haley nodded.

"Would you like to lie down?" Severus asked.

"Too weak," Haley said.

"Would you like me to help you?"

Haley hesitated, then nodded.

Severus took Haley's hand. "I'm going to help you stand," he said.

Haley stumbled as she got to her feet, but Severus caught her and helped her to the bed. He pulled the blanket back and placed Haley's hand on the bed. Haley scooted back and swung her legs up, before lying flat on her back. She looked absolutely exhausted.

Severus pulled the blanket up and took a seat in one of the visitor's chairs. "How are you feeling?" he asked.

"Scared," Haley whispered.

"Because of the flashback?"

Haley nodded.

"Do you wish to speak about it?"

She shook her head.

"Do you understand that you are safe now?"

Haley shook her head.

"Why is that?"

Haley didn't respond.

"Haley," Severus said. "You can tell me. They will never hurt you again. I won't let them."

"They said they would find me," Haley whispered. "They said if I ever left, they'd find me, and… k-kill me."

Severus' blood boiled. He shook his head, trying to calm down. "They will never find you," he said firmly. "And they most definitely will never kill you, Haley."

"They said they would," Haley said.

"Well, they won't," Severus said.

"How do you know they won't?"

"Because I said so," Severus said. "I will not let them anywhere near you. They will never lay another hand on you again. What they did to you was wrong. Very wrong. They will be punished for what they have done to you. I will see to that."

Haley merely nodded. "Where will I go?" she asked. "Who will take me?"

Severus sighed. "Many feel that I should become your guardian," he said, not one for subtlety's.

Haley looked at him. "But why would you do that?" she asked.

"What do you mean?"

Haley touched her bandaged arms, cuts, bruises, and finally, pointed to her head. "I'm damaged," she said, voice quiet.

"Who in Merlin's name told you that?" Severus asked.

"They did."

"Figures," Severus muttered. "Haley, you are far from damaged. Scars, cuts, flashbacks, anxiety attacks… They do not make you damaged. Rather, they show just how strong you are, and how much of a survivor you are. You are a survivor. You have to be, in order to be where you are now."

"But I don't like people," Haley said.

Severus nearly snorted. "Neither do I," he said truthfully. "But that does not make me any more damaged than you."

"But I have nightmares?" Haley said.

"And?"

"Could wake you," Haley muttered.

Severus shook his head. "Child, that will not bother me. My job as your guardian is to help you. To make sure you sleep. To make sure you are all right."

Haley shrugged.

"So?" Severus asked. "What do you think? Would you like me to become your guardian, or shall I look for another candidate?"

Haley pointed to Severus, smiling slightly. "You," she said.

"Very well," Severus said, smiling slightly. "In that case, when we are not in school, you may call me Severus."

Haley nodded. "Okay," she said.

"It will need to be approved by the Ministry, but it should not be a problem," Severus said, hoping this would be true.

Haley nodded.

"Professor?"

"Severus."

"Severus?"

"Yes?"

"How will I earn my keep?" Haley asked.

"Your keep?"

"With my aunt and uncle, I had to work to earn my meals and a bed."

Severus scowled. "Child, listen to me, you do not need to work in order to get fed, have clothes, or have a place to sleep. Those people do not deserve the title of aunt and uncle. They are vial, foul beasts who haven't the slightest idea on how to raise a child."

"But what do I do for food?" Haley asked.

"Nothing," Severus said firmly. "You will have food, clothing, a place to sleep. Were you given a room there?"

Haley shrugged. "It was small," she said. "With lots of shelves. It was hard to move in there."

"That is not a room," Severus said through gritted teeth. "That was a closet. That is no room for a child. You will have a room."

"Thank you," Haley whispered.

"There is no need to thank me," Severus said. "You should have been given more than what you were given. Rest assured, you will have what you need."

Haley nodded and yawned, shifting slightly.

"Get some rest," Severus said. "You are exhausted."

"But Sirius and Harry…"

"Will understand," Severus said. "Get some rest. I will bring you something to eat when you wake."

"You're staying?" Haley asked.

"Yes," Severus said. "I will stay."

"Kay," Haley yawned, pulling Snuffles and Simba closer to her. Severus reached over and pulled the blankets up and tucked them around the small child and her animal friends.