Hidden in Black Robes

Problems

Severus apparated to the Hogwarts entrance holding Harry with one arm and headed straight to the infirmary. He did not have time to spare to change out of the outrageous muggle clothing he was wearing.

"Poppy!" The medi-witch came out of her quarters and saw the unusual and heartbreaking sight in front of her, Severus carrying Harry Potter while Harry had both his arms wrapped around Severus's neck and head resting on Severus's shoulders, sleeping peacefully. She would have thought it was absolutely adorable if she had not seen the deep cuts and marks on the small body.

"What happened? Why is Harry injured so badly?" Poppy was concerned, was this what she thought it was? There was no denying it from what she had seen. Harry Potter was abused by his relatives.

"Run a full check up Poppy, he's been locked in a cupboard and beaten by his relatives. And starved too from what I could inquire." Severus slowly and carefully went to one of the beds and laid the sleeping Harry down. "Dobby!" Severus said. A small 'pop' was heard and the house elf appeared. "Please prepare some food that a toddler would like to eat and bring it here." Severus commanded. "Yes, Master Severus. I is go make food." Dobby then went to prepare the request.

Poppy casted a quick spell to see the extent of Harry's injuries. What was written on the piece of paper almost made her tear up. She felt horrible for Harry. He had multiple broken bones and burns that were untreated; these were just a few. He was also malnourished, dehydrated and basically on the brink of death.

What had those god forsaken muggles done to such a sweet child? Poppy's anger was quickly bubbling. "I'll go inform the Headmaster." Severus said.

"Oh, what a poor child." She would not let this continue no matter what anyone says. "He is definitely not going back there." Poppy continued. A nod of the head from the Potion Master indicated that he felt the same way. With a few waves of her wand and a few spells, Harry was free of his physical injuries.

Severus was ready to walk out of the infirmary and head straight to the Headmaster's office when he heard sounds from behind him. Grunts could be heard from Harry behind him, trying to sit up but to no avail. Poppy tried to help by reach her hand out to lie him back on the bed but Harry flinched, hard and started physically shaking while his lowered lip wobbled, preparing to sob.

Severus could tell that he was trying holding his emotions in as he bit down on his lip, not too hard to cause bleeding but definitely painful from the looks of it. Harry looked at Severus with pleading eyes, telling him that he was scared and uncomfortable in Poppy's presence and desired comfort.

Harry had barely knew the man but he had known enough that he would be safe around him. A woman was standing beside him as he was lying flat on a bed, the man from earlier standing closer to the door than Harry would have liked. He tried to sit up but the pain was too much and he was too weak.

The woman reached out to him and Harry thought he was going to be punished for being on the bed. Flinching away from the woman, Harry turned to look at the man, 'Hawwy need ask man name.' he thought, he didn't have anything else to call him except 'The man'. He looked at him and tried to ask through telepathy if he could come closer since he couldn't do it himself.

He desired the man's comfort, he wanted the man to hold him again. It was such a blissful experience, the feeling of weightlessness and the warmth of another person's touch and not someone who was about to punish him felt amazing against his cold skin.

Harry dared not to actually ask the man by saying it out loud, that would definitely ruin all the chances he might have had. Not talking was best if he did not want to suffer. The woman noticed his flinch and said, voice soft, "I won't hurt you Harry." It sounded nice but he couldn't trust it. Aunt Marge had already used this tactic to lure him into having a reason for punishment.

He moved further away from the woman and pressed himself against the backboard, as far as he could go. Harry continued to look at the man, begging for his pleas to be answered.

"Poppy wouldn't hurt you Harry. She's very nice." Severus said in a low soothing voice, but not yet making his way closer, hoping that Harry would start accepting her as safe, if not, this was going to be a long day. Harry was still not convinced however, as could be seen by the tears that were seriously close to falling.

Severus did not have the heart to leave Harry just like that. It looked like a reflection of his own childhood. No happiness, no safety, no comfort. Anyone could strike you at any moment. He went nearer to the edge of the bed, mattress dipping as he sat down.

Harry quickly scooted as close as possible to the man and let go of his hurting lip, craving for the comfort he could provide but he knew that he shouldn't push his luck. He was lucky to have some form of safety to fall back on. That was more than he could ever imagine.

Severus felt the small mass lean on his side, afraid to go any further to sought out comfort. Trying to sooth Harry's nerves, Severus asked, "Can I touch you?" Severus didn't want to scare Harry unnecessarily if he was going to wrap an arm around his small body.

He felt a nod of approval on his side. Carefully, he lifted an arm to wrap around Harry's scarred shoulders. He felt Harry lean back onto his arm that was against the headboard, soaking in the warmth.

He gestured to Poppy for Harry's list of injuries. The length of the paper was alarming.
Poppy got over the slight shock of seeing Severus, the cold dungeon bat as the students refer to him as, willingly comfort a child, a Potter no less and handed the list over.

Severus had anticipated this from when he had first seen Harry but it was slightly worse than he thought. The injuries were extensive and untreated. And they had the nerve to just leave Harry in the house with no one, absolutely nobody! This was the worst case he had seen in a while.

Slytherin had many students, many from an abusive household. From neglect to physical abuse, he has seen it all and even had a first hand experience. But this was extreme. How could he still hate Harry after this? Harry was clearly not a portrayal of his father but a scared and hurt child. He was going to need to reform his opinions.