Viridian

~Chapter 9~

" I think you should be the one to care for the boy." Severus said slowly as to not shock Narcissa.

"Of course i'm going to." She responded with no hesitation. It took a little while but eventually she was able to get Harry to sleep after telling him stories she had memorized from reading to Draco. "The boy is not safe here and most definitely will not be going back to that dreaded house."

     The two adults spoke in hushed voices as to not wake Harry. Severus was expecting to have to convince Narcissa to take the boy in but she jumped at the idea. "It will be nice for Draco to have a friend. Aswell as for young Harry to grow up in an adequate environment." Severus spoke fondly thinking of Draco.

"Of course it will be. But it is getting very late." Narcissa said glancing at the clock. Almost 4 am. It took 4 hours for Severus to collect the boy and bring him back for a snack and a bath. "I shall head back home and speak with Lucious of the new arrangements. We shall set up a room for the boy and I can come back for him before breakfast tomorrow morning." Severus nodded once before waving Narcissa off through the floo.

     Finally being alone Severus sat in silence for a moment. He could feel his eyes falling heavy with sleep and decided it would be best to get some rest so he was prepared for tomorrow.
 
     Standing, he brushed his hands over his legs and quietly made his way towards the bedroom. He went to grab a pair of pajamas from his wardrobe before glancing at Harry. The boy was still for the most part minus a twitch in his sleep. The man decided to slip out into the bathroom to change as to not wake the boy. Stripping, he pulled on his bottoms before hearing crying and thudding coming from his room.

••••••

It's dark.

     The sound of thundering foot steps above made the boy coward in the corner of his 'room'. Dust falling around making the boys nose tickle, threatening to sneeze.

     The foot steps stopped and the boy heard multiple locks being shut before the footsteps started up again, dust falling once more. A silent breathe left the boy as he slowly laid down on the cold hard floor. It was still slightly damp from where he had wet himself the night before during a nightmare.

      Silent tears streamed down the boys face. He hurt all over. All because he dropped a cup while getting Dudley his juice that morning. He really hadn't meant to but his hands were greasy from the bacon splatter that the cup just slid. Uncle vernon was not happy with him and had punished him with the belt.

     His silent tears soon became muffled cries as he tried to fall asleep. Just as he was about to drift off he could hear the locks coming undone.

    He hadn't heard foot steps? Had uncle Vernon heard him crying and was coming to punish him again? The boy panicked as an unknown face appeared in the closet door. It was smiling though. He had never had someone smile to him. The man was talking but he wasn't quite sure what they were saying. He felt compelled to go with the man though as he reached in to grab him.

     He was briefly aware that he was leaving based on what the man was saying but just as the man was about to carry him out the door of the house, Uncle Vernon appeared. He wasn't happy either. Everything went dark again.

•••••

"Shhh Ive got you Harry. Shhh don't worry."

     Harry could hear a voice but he couldn't see where it was coming from through the tears streaming down his face. He continued to sob as arms reached out and pulled him onto warm skin. A hand rubbed up and down his back slowly soothing him as his tears slowed down.

"That's it Harry. I've got you, yours safe."

     Looking up through big teary eyes Harry noticed it was the man. The man from the dream. He held Harry tight against him. He could feel the slow thump of the man's heart beat and before he knew it he was nodding back off to sleep.
••••••

     The next morning Severus woke early to no Harry in the bed with him. He had laid down with Harry when he noticed the boy nodding off to sleep and without realizing, fell asleep himself.

     Slightly panicked, Severus climbed out of bed and threw on a shirt before wandering out see where the boy had gone to. Standing in the hall entrance he couldn't see the boy anywhere in the living space. He stepped out and slowly looked around before noticing a little peak of messy black hair poking out from behind the sofa.

     Walking over slowly he noticed the boy was sat on the floor playing with the action figure he had brought with him that Severus had disregarded onto the table. The stack of papers Harry had brought was strewn across the floor with drawings of other action figures or different places. The boys head shot up when he noticed the feet infront of him and he looked frightened at being caught.

"Good morning Harry. Did you sleep well?" Severus asked crouching down to see the boy better. He gave a small nod before looking back down at the toy and papers infront of him.

"Now i know you just got here Harry but you remember Sissy from yesterday correct?" Harry gave a small nod again. "I don't wish to be demanding little one but a verbal response would be very nice." Severus spoke softly but sternly. If he was going to be helping the boy with his living situation he may as well work on manners as well.

"Yes I do sir. She told me a bed time story. I've never been told a story before." Harry spoke looking up at Severus.

" Did you enjoy the story?" Severus asked while trying to figure out how to tell the boy he would be going to live with her.

"Vewy much Sir. It had dragons and castles and was about a hero. She said maybe one day i will meet a hero!" Harry spoke excitedly. Severus was shocked to see him settling so well even after the day he had before.

"I'm very glad to hear you enjoyed it." Just as Severus was about to continue his sentence, the fire place lit up and Narcissa stepped through the fire.

"Good morning boys. Slept well?" She asked as she took a seat on the sofa patting the spot next to her while looking at Harry. He quietly got up and sat on the sofa on the other end from Narcissa.

"Good morning Narcissa. Perfect timing." Severus made his way to the kitchen to boil the kettle. "I was just about to tell young Harry here about going"  Panic flashed across Harry's face. Going? Going where? He can't go back to the Dursleys!

"Don't be frightened dear!" Narcissa spoke seeing Harry's expression. "Severus here is a teacher so he is unable to take care of you during the day." Narcissa explained. "So instead you will be coming to my home instead. How does that sound?"

    Harry thought for a moment before giving small nod. "Will there be stories there?" Harry asked shyly. Severus gave a small smile while Narcissa answered him. "Of course there will be stories!" She spoke excitedly. "I have a little boy at home, Draco, he is your age so you will even have a friend to play with!"

"Friend?"

     Narcissa nodded her head as she stood and reached out a hand. "Come we can get going because there is a yummy breakfast prepared waiting for you!"
 
     Harry smiled and slid off the sofa making his way towards Narcissa before stopping suddenly and turning around. With questioning looks Narcissa and Severus watched what the boy was doing. He stumbled over to where his action figure had been discarded on the floor and collect his papers before making his way back over to Narcissa.

     Handing her the papers, Harry headed over towards where Severus stood sipping his tea. "Tank you for the Dessert and the bath sir." Harry said with a small bow towards Severus. Chuckling to himself Severus responded. "You are most certainly welcome Harry. I hope to see you again soon don't you think?" Harry gave an excited nod before being picked up by Narcissa and stepping into the fireplace.

"Hold on tight Harry." Was the last thing he heard before everything went green.

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1452 words

for some reason it won't let me write this in bold so ignore that.

But holy!! 2 chapters in one day?! who is this crazy chick???

Honestly i feel like this writing is trash so i will be reading it now and hoping it's not as trash as i think but yeah!

Hope yall are having a great week so far and i'll hopefully update again soon (no promises)

Ashe out ~