Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

What If	By : BlackDawnRose Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male > Harry/Neville Views: 8249 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 3
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in HARRY POTTER or its respective worlds and I make no money from this work of fiction.

Chapter List
- 6
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Hello hello back again with another update. Thank you for your patience and your lovely comments/reviews, I’m so glad you’re enjoying this story. I’ll be away for a while over the next few weeks and not sure when I’ll have internet back, but I’m still online for about a week so please tell me what you think.

See you soon

xxoo

A Favour

“Please.”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“Because I said so.”

“Come on, I know you can do it.”

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why should I do this?”

“Because I love you.”

“Nice try.”

“Because I’m your favourite god son and you love me too.”

“Yes, a terrible mistake on my part.”

“Come on, please, you know I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.”

“So why are you asking?”

“Because it’s the right thing to do.”

“You are not endearing me to the idea in any way.”

“Because they’re my friends.”

“Yes, there’s the truth of it.”

“And because you like them too.”

“I do not like Potter.”

“But you like his mother. I know your history, wouldn’t you like a chance to make things right with her?”

“That is emotional blackmail.”

“We’re Slytherins, we thrive on blackmail. And you do like Neville, you said so.”

“That is the last time I tell you anything.”

“So help us, please. I know you can do it, you’re the smartest man in this place.”

“Flattering me is pointless.”

“It’s not flattery when it’s the truth.”

“Fine, I will find out what you want me to. It will, however, cost you a week of cupboard organising.”

“Three days.”

“Five.”

“Four.”

“Done. You can start on Monday after classes, and bring Longbottom with you.”

“I will. Thank you, Uncle Sev, I do appreciate it.”

“Hmmm, I’m sure. You are lucky that I do in fact love you, Draco.”

“I know, and I do love you too you know.”

“You’ve already got what you wanted, the sucking up can cease.”

“It’s not sucking up if it’s true.” Draco hugged the potions master and left the classroom, the man giving him a very unconvincing glare all the while.

“How did you go?” Neville asked once he’d closed the door behind him.

“We have to clean the cupboards for four days,” Draco replied.

“Fair,” Neville replied with a nod. “Do you think he’ll be able to help?”

“It’s Uncle Sev, he can do anything,” Draco assured him, giving his friend a pat on the back.

XX

“Severus I cannot divulge that information,” Professor Sprout snapped indignantly.

“Why ever not? I am a teacher at this school, surely you are not suggesting I cannot be trusted,” Severus baited, knowing the Hufflepuff would feel the need to soothe him after that comment.

“Of course not, Severus, but this information was entrusted to me, I cannot betray Mr Potter’s confidence,” Sprout reasoned.

“And what if I can help him?” Severus asked. “Would that not be worth a small betrayal? I will not tell anyone who divulged the information to me, nor will I share it with anyone else.”

“I know you wouldn’t, Severus, I know you’re an honourable man.” The elder professor walked away to tend to one of her plants.

When nothing more was forthcoming Severus waited as long as his patience could last before asking, “Well?”

Sprout turned to look at him, her expression revealing just how torn she was about this. “Why do you want to know so badly?” she asked.

“Mr Longbottom is a favoured student of yours isn’t he?” Severus asked.

“Yes, why?” the woman replied looking puzzled.

“He is in love with Mr Potter and when he revealed this to the young man in question Harry told him they couldn’t be together because of something to do with himself that he couldn’t disclose,” Severus explained, knowing the soft hearted Hufflepuff would want to help young love blossom.

“Maybe Harry just doesn’t feel the same and didn’t want to hurt his friend’s feelings,” Sprout suggested.

“No, Harry told Mr Longbottom that he did, and he was most distressed when he left the greenhouse. Besides, you know as well as I do that Harry is an honest child, he would have simply told Mr Longbottom the truth as gently as possible. I’m assuming Harry’s reluctance to tell anyone of his condition stems from a fear of rejection, so he will never reveal it to anyone. You on the other hand know that some people, Mr Longbottom in particular, are better than that. Surely you want to help them be happy.” Severus applauded himself mentally for his ability to pull at her heart strings.

The lady sighed, “All right, but you are not to reveal this information to anyone, not even Mr Longbottom. It is only to be used to find another way to help Harry, understood!” she stipulated sternly.

“Of course,” Severus agreed easily.

“Honestly I’m surprised the headmaster didn’t inform you of this in the beginning.”

That made Severus raise an eyebrow, “Oh, and why is that?”

“Because you are probably the most qualified member of staff to help Mr Potter,” she replied.

XX

“Did you find out?” Draco asked as soon as he walked into the potions classroom on Monday afternoon.

“I did indeed, however, the information was entrusted to me only so far as to enable me to assist Mr potter, I cannot reveal what I have learnt to either of you,” Severus replied, not looking up from the book his nose was buried in. “This is going to add a great deal to my work load so it’s cauldrons you’ll be scrubbing, and it will be several nights a week until I have the issue sorted. For now you can start with the first year cauldrons, over there,” Severus added with a wave of his hand in the general direction of the sink.

Draco groaned but made his way over to the sink, Neville following without a sound. Draco knew he wouldn’t protest, even if Severus had told them they had to scrub the entire school. Harry hadn’t come near either of them that day, keeping to himself or his fellow Hufflepuffs. The Slytherins and Ravenclaws looked worriedly between Harry and Neville all day, obviously realising something was very wrong. The Hufflepuffs seemed to fluctuate between looking at Neville angrily and sympathetically, obviously aware Harry was upset but not sure why and they didn’t know if it was Neville’s fault or Harry’s. It must be hard to be a Hufflepuff.

“Will you be able to help Harry, Sir?” Neville asked as he passed Severus’ desk.

“I do hope so, Mr Longbottom,” Severus replied and Draco could see what almost looked like sympathy in the potions master’s eyes.

Neville nodded and moved over to the sink to begin scrubbing. Draco smiled to himself as he ran water in the sink. He knew Severus liked Neville, even if he wouldn’t admit it.

XX

“Why was I not informed of this Head Master?”

“It was Lilly’s wish that as few people as possible be aware of Harry’s condition.”

“You know perfectly well who and what I am, did you not think that perhaps I could be of some assistance to the boy?”

“I do know, yes, just as I know the depth of your hatred for the boy’s father. I had no way of knowing you would want to help or what you might do with the information if I gave it to you.”

“Do you honestly think I have so little honour as to spread Mr Potter’s condition all over the wizarding world, Albus?”

“You hated James.”

“And I love Lilly! You know that. I left the dark lord’s service and became your personal slave to keep her family safe, so don’t you dare tell me you didn’t know I would want to help!”

“What do you intend to do?”

“Find a way to fix the problem.”

“How?”

“Occlumency.”

“Occlumency is what is helping him now, Severus. I have been seeing to his training.”

“No offence, headmaster, but we both know who, out of the two of us, is the more talented Occlumens. I have already found, what I believe, is a remedy for Mr Potter’s condition. I intend to speak to Lilly about it this afternoon.”

“Severus, what if you’re wrong?”

“Then I’m wrong and it doesn’t work. What has Mr Potter got to loose?”

There was a heavy sigh, “Very well, I will summon Lilly here and you can speak to her.”

“Why, so you can spy on our conversation?”

“So I can help her understand the options and risks.”

“How little faith you have in me, Headmaster.”

XX

It was that afternoon that found Harry sitting in the headmaster’s office with Lilly and Severus. Lilly had insisted he be involved in the conversation as it pertained to his well being.

“Do you really think you can help him, Severus?” Lilly asked, hope and worry waring for dominance in her eyes.

“I do indeed, however it will not be easy, Mr Potter needs to be aware of this. And as the headmaster has already said, several times, there is no guarantee that it will work, or that it will not pose a risk to Mr Potter,” Severus replied as gently as he could while still being truthful. Lilly deserved to know what her son would be getting into, as did the boy himself.

“I want to do it.” Harry’s decisive statement caught them all by surprise.

“Are you sure, Harry? You have heard the risks involved,” Dumbledore asked.

“I have and I know it’s not a sure thing. But if there’s a way I can be normal, even a little more so than I am now, I want to do it. I’d rather die than spend the rest of my life like this,” Harry finished sadly.

“Lilly?” Severus asked.

“If it’s what Harry wants, I won’t stop him,” the woman replied, looking worried but determined.

“Very well, we will begin whenever you’re ready,” Severus said, addressing Harry.

“Now,” the boy said determinedly.

“You do know this will probably take some time to accomplish. I would suggest three or four sessions per week until the problem is sorted,” Severus told him.

“Whatever I have to do, Sir,” Harry agreed and Severus couldn’t help but admire the boy for his bravery and determination.

“Come down to the dungeon then, we will begin,” Severus directed and Harry jumped up from the chair. He bid farewell to the headmaster and hugged his mother before leaving the room.

“Severus, please, be careful with him,” Lilly pleaded.

“Of course,” Severus promised, giving Lilly his most sincere expression. “If you wish you may be present for the first session.”

“I would like that, thank you,” Lilly agreed.

Severus motioned for her to proceed him and followed her out of the headmaster’s office. He would take care of her child, because he was her child and because Draco and Neville loved the boy, both in their own way.

XX

Harry arrived in the green house just three days after the incident between him and Neville, looking nervous and apologetic. “Hi,” he greeted them shyly.

“Hi, Harry,” Draco greeted him with a warm smile, coming forward to give the smaller boy a gentle hug. Harry hugged him back and returned the smile with a nervous one of his own.

Draco released him and bid him and Neville good day before leaving them to talk. Neville was tending to the persimmon, but put everything down and gave Harry a warm smile as he approached. “How is she?” Harry asked as he approached the plant.

“She’s good, singing happily away,” Neville replied.

“I feel bad, I haven’t spent a lot of time with her,” Harry said moving to stand beside Neville and watching the plant with a sad smile.

“I’ve been taking good care of her, don’t you worry,” Neville assured him. “But of course, we’d all love to see you more.”

Harry gave the plant a gentle stroke and turned to look at Neville for the first time since arriving. “I’m sorry, about the other day,” he said quietly.

“It’s okay, you didn’t do anything wrong,” Neville assured him softly.

“I wish I could explain it I just … can’t. I don’t … I don’t want to stay away from you though, I’m happy when we’re together,” he confessed quietly.

“So am I,” Neville agreed. “I don’t want you to stay away either.”

Harry nodded looking away, but not before Neville saw the tears sparkling in his eyes. Throwing caution to the wind he reached out and pulled Harry into his arms, holding him tightly. He was thrilled beyond words when Harry held him back.

“Look I understand that you feel like you can’t tell me, that’s okay, it’s your life. But I love you, Harry, I’d never judge you and I want to help, really I do. Do what you have to do, just know that I’m here, all right, and if I can only ever be your friend I’ll accept that, just please don’t shut me out of your life completely,” Neville said softly. The thought of Harry being gone completely was horrible.

Harry’s arms tightened around him and Neville was surprised by the strength in them. “I wont,” he promised. “I don’t want you to be gone either.”

It hurt that he couldn’t be with Harry the way he wanted, but he wouldn’t lose him completely and that was enough for now.

XX

Over the next few weeks Harry went to the green house after classes then went to his sessions with Professor Snape. Neither Neville or Draco knew what happened in those sessions, the professor was very tight lipped about it, and they didn’t ask Harry anything about them, not wanting to scare him away again. They both began to notice changes in Harry however, whether it was him talking more than usual, or interacting more in class, he even seemed to be eating more and if Neville wasn’t mistaken the Hufflepuff was growing taller and filling out more.

All the changes were positive, but both boys were dying to know what was going on and it hurt Neville to be excluded like he was, even if he knew it was in Harry’s best interest that he stay out of it.

Draco did manage to overhear a conversation one night, about a month into everything, when he passed by Severus’ office on his way to the dorm after scrubbing cauldrons.

“You’re doing very well, Harry.”

“Do you think so? It feels like I’m getting nowhere some days.”

“You knew this process would take time.”

“I know and I know you’re setting the pace the way it has to be set. I guess I just feel impatient some times.”

“It is understandable. You have spent your life cowed by your condition, knowing you’re getting close to being able to live without it hindering you must cause a great amount of impatience.”

“Yeah.”

“Have you spoken to your friends about all of this yet?”

“No.”

“Perhaps you should.”

“I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“This will freak them out, I know it will and … I’m frightened to lose them, Sir.”

“I do not believe you would, Mr Potter, at least not Mr Longbottom or Mr Malfoy. They care far too much for you to be frightened away by this.”

“How do you know?”

“Because they are the reason I knew of your condition in the first place.”

“They know?”

“No, they do not know the nature of your condition. After your conversation with Mr Longbottom that afternoon, when you explained something was wrong with you that you couldn’t disclose, Draco came to me and asked for my assistance. They did not push for details when I did find the needed information and have spent a good amount of their spare time scrubbing cauldrons and cleaning my class room so I can be here for these lessons with you.”

“They do that, really?”

“Yes they do. Mr Longbottom loves you a great deal, Mr Potter, I do not believe there is much, if anything, that he wouldn’t do to help you. Mr Malfoy cares a great deal for you and Mr Longbottom and he wants to see you both happy. I do believe you underestimate just how important you are to the people around you, Mr Potter.”

“It seems you might be right. I mean, I know Neville said he loved me but … I guess I didn’t quite believe it … or understand just what it meant.”

“Feelings are complicated things, Mr Potter, they are not always easy to navigate or predict.”

“No, you’re right.”

“Your session for the night is over, you should return to your dorm and rest. I know these late nights, on top of all the NEWT work you must be doing already, would be draining on you. I am pleased to see however, that your body appears healthier than it was prior to beginning our sessions.”

“It is, I feel so much stronger than I ever have. I can deal with a little tiredness if this is the trade off. Thank you, Professor, I know you don’t have to do this for me and I’m so grateful that you do.”

“The effort you put into these sessions is all the thanks I require, Mr Potter. You would not be doing as well as you are if you were in any way lacking in your efforts.”

“Still I’m grateful, thank you, Sir. Good night.”

“Good night, Mr Potter.”

“Why don’t you call me Harry.”

“Very well, Harry.”

Draco hid around the corner behind a statue and watched as Harry left the room. Severus walked out behind him and stood at the door, watching him until he was out of sight.

“Are you going to keep hiding or come out and ask the question I know is coming?” Severus voice was booming in the silence and Draco cringed, moving out from behind the statue so Severus could see him.

“How did you know I was there?” he asked.

“I heard the footsteps walk down the corridor and stop,” Severus replied. “I knew it was you specifically because I know the sound of your footfall.”

“You do know that’s creepy right?” Draco asked.

“Says the boy skulking in the corridor.”

Draco laughed. “Touche. So, he’s doing well.”

“He is indeed, and that is all I will say on the subject,” Severus replied.

“I expected nothing else. Good night, Severus,” Draco said with a smile, continuing on his way to the dungeon. He couldn’t wait to tell Neville about this conversation.

XX

So they’re making some headway with Harry’s condition. What did we think of the opening scene? Did you know it was Severus and Draco before names were mentioned? I actually really enjoyed writing it that way so I hope you liked it too. I know I’ve probably created more questions but I hope you enjoyed the chapter anyway. Please let me know what you think, I love to hear it. Hopefully I’ll be back soon.
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