Unexpected Romance - A Snarry RP (Part 3)

Snape: *gets off Hogwarts Express to see Hagrid waiting for him to fetch him, as expected from Dumbledore's orders*

Hagrid: What'chu got there, Professor?

Snape: You might recognize him. You had him in your arms 16 years ago *comes close to him* Here, you take him. I've been carrying him all day and my shoulder and arms hurt

Hagrid: *frowns, holding the boy* 'E's so little. Who is he?

Snape: *massaged his tired shoulder* That, Hagrid, is Harry James Potter

Hagrid: *gasps and nearly drops him* H-Harry...? But 'e's so small... Where didja find him, Professor? *nearly cries*

Snape: In Spain on the way to my conference, of all places. Can we talk about him later? I need to speak with the Headmaster. Take him to Pomfrey. She'll know what to do

Hagrid: *nods* Right away, Professor. *holds Harry close and takes him to Poppy*

Snape: *after putting away his things, he made his way to Dumbledore's office* Evening, Albus

Albus: *looks up with a smile* Hello, Severus. How was the conference?

Snape: Disappointing as usual. But something rather interesting came out of it *sat down and told him his experience with the Dursleys*

Albus: *sighs* Oh dear... but he's here now, yes?

Snape: Yes. I just asked Hagrid to take him to Pomfrey. Albus, how can you allow this to happen? Did it not strike you as odd that the boy didn't respond to the enrolment letter and show up at Hogwarts when he should've been 5 years ago? What are you and the Ministry doing?

Albus: *heavy sigh*

Snape: This is unacceptable. You had the responsibilty and obligation to watch out for his wellbeing. What do you have to say for yourself?

Albus: There is nothing I can say, Severus. I failed him

Snape: Darn right you did. You should've seen him. He looks worse than a homeless on a Muggle street. He couldn't even talk right

Albus: I'd like to see him.

Snape: *sighs and gestures him to follow him to the hospital wing

Harry: *just starting to wake up when they get there*

Snape: Hello, Harry. How are you doing, young man?

Harry: *comes to full conciousness quickly and takes in his surroundings* *backs up quickly as far away from Severus as he can and clutches his knees tightly to his chest*

Snape: It's OK, it's OK. You're safe here, Harry

Harry: *presses his face into his knees*

Albus: Harry, my boy, my name is Albus.

Harry: *doesn't respond*

Snape: What's the damage, Poppy?

Pomfrey: He's severely malnourished, and I find dozens of lesions both old and new on almost every part of his body. I don't even know how he managed to survive this. And he hadn't been talking so long he had lost all ability to speak properly. He has a mentality of an autistic boy

Albus: *eyes nearly water*

Harry: *still huddled at the far edge of the bed*

Snape: *sighs and sat on the bed, be careful to keep his distance* Harry, my name is Severus Snape. You are safe now. No one is going to hurt you

Harry: *makes no noise or movement*

Snape: I know you can understand me, Harry. You are no longer staying with that wretched family of yours. You are a wizard, Harry, capable of great things. Your life is here from now on

Harry: *stays quiet but starts shaking*

Snape: Do you think it's alright to hold him, to give him reassurance?

Pomfrey: I wouldn't advise that, since he is rather apprehensive to touch, but if it can make him feel better...

Snape: *nods and reaches over carefully, not to startle the poor boy as he stroke his head very gently*

Harry: *flinches, but otherwise stays still*

Snape: *gives a slightly accusing glare at Albus before continuing to stroke Harry very gently*

Albus: ..excuse me. *leaves*

Snape: *gently lets his hand down* I'll be right back, OK, Harry? *followed behind Albus* Well, what are you going to do about the boy?

Albus: Until he recovers, there is nothing I can do.

Snape: Then you will not be adverse to me taking him into my custody?

Albus: Only if Harry is also amenable to it.

Snape: Very well. I shall deal with it *returns to the hospital wing n sat at the bed* Hey, I'm back

Harry: *no response*

Snape: *again reaches out to gently stroke his hair* Listen, Harry. I would like you to stay with me. Just till you get your bearings right

Harry: *flinches at the touch but makes no move to get away*

Snape: From now on, this is your new home now. No more of those mistreatments on you. Alright?

Harry: *no response*

Snape: Come *takes his hand very gently* I'll show you to your new home

Harry: *goes with him, not responding moving as he is directed*

Snape: *seeing that he wasn't really behaving like a normal boy should, he thought a little affection wouldn't hurt. Making sure that no one sees him, he picks him up and carries him like a father would to a child, utterly shocked at how light this boy is*

Harry: *imediately starts screaming*

Snape: *shocked and quickly but gently put him down* Oh, oh, what's wrong, Harry? I'm sorry. What's wrong?

Harry: *runs to the corner and curls up, burrying his face in his knees*

Snape: Shh, shh, shh...It's OK. I'm not gonna hurt you. I'm sorry. What's wrong? Talk to me

Harry: *burries his face further into his knees*

Snape: *sighs* I'm sorry, OK? I'm sorry. I wont do that anymore. Come on *held out his hand* Take my hand. It's OK. I'm just gonna take you to your new home

Harry: *makes no movement or sound*

Snape: *gently took his hand and helped him up*

Harry: *moves as if he's being led, rather then actively going with him*