Harry Potter: Sectumsempra Chapter 13 | Seven Years of Chaos Book 2

 Dumbledore makes his move, and it’s brutal: Harry Potter is expelled, disarmed, and sent back to the very home that has already broken him. Snape storms into the Headmaster’s office expecting answers, and instead finds betrayal, cold logic, and a Headmaster who has decided Harry is the threat, not the victim. 

 With Hogwarts in uproar and the Daily Prophet circling like vultures, Snape begins a desperate search that turns into obsession. Days pass with no trace, only silence, guilt, and the sick certainty that the world will not forgive Snape if he finds the boy too late. 

 When the tracking spell finally hits, it leads Snape to a filthy London alley… and to Harry under an invisibility cloak, gaunt, sick, furious, and running on pure survival instinct. What follows is not a neat rescue. It’s a confrontation. Harry spits out everything he’s endured since being thrown out, and Snape is forced to face the full cost of leaving a child to fend for himself in a world that preys on the helpless. 

Transcript

**Chapter 13: Finding Potter**

Severus Snape burst into the Headmaster's office, frantically searching for his missing snake. “Where is Potter?” His usual calm demeanor had vanished, likely the moment Blaise and Ronald informed him that Potter hadn’t returned to the dorms after being summoned to the Headmaster's office the day before.

After some probing, Severus discovered that the boy was absent from his morning classes. “I did what had to be done, Severus.

The attacks could not continue; the next student may have died,” Albus said, his voice steady. Severus stared at the man he had considered a mentor and friend for many years, absolutely shocked.

Albus was not the person he had believed him to be. “Where is Potter?” he asked again, ignoring the implication that the child was behind the attacks.

Preposterous. “I had Hagrid escort him to his home.

Harry Potter has been expelled from Hogwarts.”

At least he hasn’t killed the child, Severus thought, feeling a small flicker of relief. “You sent Potter to his relatives?

The very ones I informed you were savagely abusing him?” he pressed. “I believe we have had no credible proof of abuse happening within their home,” Albus replied calmly.

Severus leaned across Albus’ desk, placing his hands firmly on the surface. “Have you looked at Potter and seen his scars?” he hissed.

“Or do you only care about the one?”

Albus remained unshaken. “The boy has proven to have a vicious and violent streak himself, hasn’t he?”

Severus ignored the jab at Potter’s rightful defense since arriving at Hogwarts.

“You expelled Potter?” he clarified, steering the conversation back to the more pressing issue. “Surely you don’t truly believe that the child is behind these attacks?!”

“I did, and I do believe just that,” Albus sighed.

Fury coursed through Severus at both Albus's actions and his weary attitude. How dare he expel the child and then act as if he were torn up over it?

He did. “Not even consulting with the Heads of Houses, as is standard procedure in these situations!” Severus exclaimed, a sneer on his lips as he straightened up.

“There are students who were with Potter when the attacks happened! Or do you believe they were complicit but escaped punishment?”

Dumbledore replied, “We have evidence that the boy has been able to control others in the past, Severus.

Surely you can see why this decision was made? When Tom opened the Chamber, Miss Warren died.

I believe it is only luck that has prevented a death thus far.”

Severus felt a sudden stab of regret for showing Albus his initial encounter with Potter. The child would have had no reason to imperious his friends; they would likely throw themselves on the pyre if he asked them.

Not that Severus would be sharing that sentiment at the moment. He also felt bitter remorse for Potter.

He had told him to keep witnesses at his side at all times to prevent this exact scenario. He had let him down horribly.

“You have made a terrible mistake, Albus,” he hissed, too furious to rein in his temper. “When Potter is proven innocent and you grovel at his feet for forgiveness, I hope he refuses you.” With one final disdainful sneer towards the pathetic old man before him, Severus swept off towards the dungeons.

He had a child to find. ***

Upon leaving the Headmaster's office, Severus made a quick detour to the Slytherin common room.

“Draco, Blaise—come with me,” he said briskly to two of the four huddled second-year boys. Theodore and Ronald looked at him curiously, but he shook his head slightly.

He could not currently trust Nott’s loyalty to Potter over his ties to his father. Nor could he trust Weasley when his family was composed of staunch supporters of Albus.

The two boys quietly followed him to his office, where he promptly warded the space for privacy. “Potter has been expelled,” he told them bluntly.

Draco blanched, and Blaise’s eyes widened. “Harry didn’t attack those kids, Uncle Sev!” Draco exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency.

“I swear, he didn’t do it.”

Severus raised his hand, signaling for silence. “What do you know about the attacks?

This is your only chance to be completely honest with me without fear of repercussions.” He observed as the boys exchanged a glance, and then Draco replied, “We don’t know anything.”

Severus slammed his hand down on the desk, frustration boiling over. “This is not a game,” he hissed.

“Potter has been expelled, and unless I can find sufficient reasoning, there’s no way to reverse that decision. If you know something, speak.”

“Harry’s hearing voices,” Blaise blurted out.

“He heard it on Halloween, but nobody else could hear it.” 

Severus turned his gaze to Draco, who looked pale but nodded quickly in agreement. “And neither Bones nor Lovegood heard the voice?

Only Potter?”

“No, sir. Just him,” Blaise confirmed.

Severus filed that information away for later consideration; it wasn’t particularly helpful at the moment. “Can you absolutely, undoubtedly, under Veritaserum, provide an alibi for Potter during both attacks?” The boys exchanged uncertain looks.

“Susan and Luna can for Halloween,” Draco said slowly. “And Granger can for yesterday,” Blaise added.

That wouldn’t be enough. “What I suggest,” Severus said quietly, “is that you both write letters to your parents.”

Draco’s eyes brightened with understanding.

“You want us to tell them what happened?”

“Those words never came out of my mouth. However, you’re both Slytherin enough to find ways to convey a message without writing it outright, yes?” 

Both boys nodded eagerly.

“It would certainly be a shame if the board,” he glanced at Draco, “or the press,” he turned to Blaise, “were made aware of the egregious wrong done to our poor, orphaned war hero.” He sighed dramatically before adding, “With absolutely no proof.” 

At the mention of proof, a new idea sparked in his mind. “I wonder…”

"Has Susan’s aunt heard about Potter's expulsion?

She seemed quite fond of him over the summer," Blaise remarked, a knowing smirk spreading across his face. "That would indeed be a shame, sir, if any of our relatives caught wind of this.

I know the Contessa has a soft spot for Harry. If she were aware of what happened, I can only imagine how heartbroken she would be." 

Severus returned Blaise's smirk.

A heartbroken Contessa Zabini could be a formidable force. If Potter had gained her favor, it would be beneficial for the boy and detrimental for Albus.

"My father keeps a close watch on my education and alliances," Draco chimed in thoughtfully. "If he knew one of my allies needed assistance, I believe he wouldn’t hesitate to offer his help." 

Severus recalled his conversation with Lucius over the summer, where Lucius had hinted at the House of Malfoy potentially aligning with the House of Potter, effectively severing ties with the Dark Lord.

"Also," Draco added, hesitating slightly, "if Harry needed a place to stay, I’m sure my mother would love to have him at our Manor." 

Son of a—Severus needed to find Potter and arrange suitable accommodations for him. He doubted the boy had even set foot in his relatives' home.

"Is Potter’s trunk in your room?" he asked. "Yes, sir," Blaise confirmed.

"That’s why we were so worried—his trunk was here, but his bed was gone!" 

Of course, the castle and the house-elves would have immediately adjusted to remove the child’s space; Hogwarts always adapted to the number of students in each dormitory. "Very well.

Do not touch a single item belonging to Potter. Warn Weasley, Nott, Crabbe, and Goyle that anyone who lays a finger on his belongings will regret it.

Detention will be the least of their worries." He paused for a moment before adding, "And one of you make sure Potter’s owl—" he refused to acknowledge the ridiculous name the boy had chosen— "is in the owlery and well cared for."

Severus knew that Harry had a special fondness for his owl and would be deeply disappointed if it were neglected during his absence. The boys murmured their understanding, and Blaise stepped forward to offer help.

“I’ll check on ‘Sevvie,’” he said. “Good.

But remember,” Severus warned, “you both have letters to write and mouths to keep shut. Feel free to spread the word within Slytherin about the wrongdoing done to Potter, but say nothing else.

Understand?”

Both boys nodded in agreement before Severus dismissed them. Draco lingered by the desk, looking uncertain.

“Uncle Sev, you’ll find him, right?” he asked, his voice small. “Because I don’t think he does so well on his own.” 

Severus assured him that tracking down one lone child would be simple enough.

Yet here was Harry, once again stirring up chaos that was anything but straightforward. “It’ll be simple,” Severus scoffed to himself.

When had Harry ever been simple? The boy was proving nearly impossible to locate, but Severus was nothing if not determined.

That night, he had apparated to Petunia Dursley’s home after dinner, only to find that Harry had never set foot in that bland house. Upon returning to Hogwarts, he had what he thought was an inspired idea.

He made his way down to the kitchens to find Harry’s acquaintance, Mavis. “Mavis is not seeing Master Potter,” the elf squeaked, wringing his hands anxiously.

“Master Potter is not at Hogwarts, and Mavis knows Master Potter has no other home. Master Potter told his bushy-haired friend to tell Mavis to ‘stay at Hogwarts,’ but Mavis wants to be with Master.”

So, Harry must have had an inkling that he was going to be expelled before he was sent to the headmaster’s office.

Severus thought, The child is no fool. “If Potter summons you, I need you to inform me immediately.

It is for his own health and safety, is that clear?” he stressed firmly to the elf. Mavis nodded eagerly, understanding the importance of the task.

Severus nodded, his large ears flopping slightly. “Master Potter is telling Mavis to listen to Mister Snoops, and Mavis will inform Mister Snoops if Master summons him.” Severus couldn’t help but wonder if Potter had purposely mispronounced his name to irritate him later, or if the elf simply had the same poor elocution as his master once did.

That night, Severus spent hours in his quarters, unable to sleep as he mentally compiled a list of every possible location the boy might visit. The following morning, free from classes for the Christmas break, he floo’d to the Leaky Cauldron and asked the barkeep if he had seen Potter.

“Not since he stopped by over the summer,” the man replied with a frown. “He’s alright, isn’t he?

Poor lad was a tiny, twitchy thing when he stayed here.” 

Severus skillfully evaded the questions, but received a promise that he would be the first person contacted if Potter was spotted. He then checked with the goblins, who, though unaccommodating, seemed to have no information about the boy's whereabouts.

He visited the ice cream shop, the Quidditch supply store, and the library. Eventually, he had to concede that it appeared Potter had either not made his way to Diagon Alley yet or was deliberately avoiding it.

As he pondered his next move, his own words to Potter echoed in his mind: “I do not believe there would be a place within the magical world where Albus would not work tirelessly to keep track of you.” He nearly bashed his head against the brick archway as he recalled telling Potter that when the boy expressed his desire to leave Hogwarts. Potter was clever; if he saw Albus as a threat, he would avoid the magical world altogether.

So, Severus shifted his search to Muggle locations. He checked homeless shelters, youth homes, and hospitals.

He charmed Muggles into allowing him access to social service reports and police records. He even showed Potter’s photo to strangers on the street.

“Oh, poor dear,” an older woman cooed, gazing at the photo. “I hope you find your little boy,” one stranger said as Severus showed them Potter’s photo.

Later that night, he returned to his office only to find it filled with Potter’s friends. He hoped that when they eventually found Harry, he would be comforted to know that his friends had stayed behind at the castle during the holiday, eagerly awaiting news of him.

“Harry isn’t with his Muggle relatives, is he?” Miss Bones asked right away. “He is not,” Severus replied, barely able to meet her gaze.

“Have you found him then?” she pressed. “I did not,” he confessed gently, feeling the weight of their disappointment.

You are letting them down. You are letting him down.

“YOU HAVE TO TRY HARDER!” Bones yelled, her eyes blazing with a manic fury. “Do you think I have done anything aside from my best?!” he shot back, anger rising within him.

How dare this young witch come into his office and challenge him? Harry had been his only priority since he realized the boy was missing.

“Your best isn’t good enough, Professor,” Hermione Granger said coldly. “Harry was innocent.

And now you can’t find him?”

“What kind of school is this?” Ronald Weasley snarled. “Kick a kid out for no bloody reason, and then you lose him?”

“Get.

Out.” Severus hissed, his voice laced with warning. Susan Bones stepped closer, showing a surprising lack of fear in the face of his fury.

“If Harry is hurt, then I will hold you responsible,” she said firmly. “He trusted you.”

With one last look of disdain, Bones turned on her heel and stormed out of the office.

Severus sat at his desk, burying his face in his hands. “What would you have me do?” he asked quietly.

“More,” Luna Lovegood replied softly as she left. “We would have you do more.”

***

Three days after Harry’s expulsion, the news finally hit the papers.

**DAILY PROPHET BREAKING NEWS: Albus Dumbledore Expels Boy-Who-Lived?**

Many of us still remember the night that Harry Potter saved the magical world from the destruction of He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named. Every Halloween, you would be hard-pressed to enter...

In a pub where Harry Potter’s name is hardly celebrated, there is one place where our hero is not being hailed: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Numerous reports have surfaced, suggesting a troubling belief that Harry has been expelled from school due to suspicions of attacking fellow students.

Concerned parents have begun to voice their worries. "Harry Potter is a close friend of my son," wrote the Italian Contessa, Juliana Zabini.

"He is such a sweet boy, resembling his deceased war hero parents in both looks and behavior. I cannot fathom what reason Albus Dumbledore had for denying our orphaned hero his rightful education.

The young child has already lost so much, hasn’t he?"

Lucius Malfoy, a member of the Hogwarts Board and father to one of Harry's many close friends, also weighed in. "The board must question the purpose of expelling a student when there have been no reported incidents of injuries by the Headmaster.

I fear that Dumbledore is losing his touch if he is making such grievous mistakes regarding the orphan who restored peace to our world."

When Albus Dumbledore was reached for comment, he simply stated that Harry was home for a "family emergency." While the truth behind Harry Potter’s disappearance remains uncertain, we hope he knows that the love of Magical Britain is with him. Severus Snape read the article multiple times, a smug smirk playing on his lips.

The Contessa was a master of media manipulation; he could practically sense her presence in every word printed. Albus was bound to lose his mind over the flood of letters he would soon receive in response.

Severus himself had already received multiple owls that morning. "Dearest Severus, I believe you may have something that I find quite valuable.

If you do not have the item I seek, I implore you to FIND. IT.

IMMEDIATELY. Please inform me the moment you have it.

I would be very upset if it was damaged in any way, and I shudder to consider the consequences it would have on your personal health and safety from both Lucius and..."

“If there are any ingredients you need to help find my missing item, please owl me immediately, and I will get them for you. With all my love, Narcissa Malfoy.” 

Narcissa was indeed a charming woman.

The letter from the Contessa was slightly warmer but conveyed the same underlying message. “Severus Snape, I hope your holidays are going well.

Unfortunately, mine are not so wonderful. My son tells me that my Meraviglia has not been seen.

I wonder why he wasn't sent somewhere safe, with his allies and familiare, only to end up lost? Perhaps Italy will treat my darlings better than Britain has.

Once you speak with my dearest ally, please inform him that I would gladly assist him in enrolling in a school where his power and intellect will be appreciated far more than they have been by Albus. You may reach me by Floo at Zabini Villa the moment you find my missing deliciae, yes?

- The Contessa Zabini, Lady of the Ancient and Noble House of Zabini.” 

Severus spent the evening scouring Muggle London for any sign of his missing snake. He checked under bridges, in alleys, abandoned homes, and parks.

He even recalled where he had found Potter before and spent hours riding random buses in hopes of spotting him. But it was all in vain.

In the end, he made his way to Knockturn Alley to pick up a book on a tracking spell. It wasn’t necessarily illegal, but Albus would never allow him to brew the potion for it either.

Fortunately, Severus didn’t care what Albus Dumbledore thought and had no intention of asking for permission. ***

Four days after Potter’s expulsion, Albus was compelled to face the remaining Hogwarts staff who had not left for the Christmas break.

“HARRY POTTER IS NOT THE HEIR OF SLYTHERIN!” Filius shouted at Albus. “FOR MERLIN'S SAKE, ALBUS, HIS FATHER WAS DESCENDED FROM THE PEVRELL LINE!” 

“What happened to protocol?

What happened to the heads weighing in on matters regarding—”

“EXPULSION?” Pomona shouted, her voice echoing in the tense room. “I thought the choice to expel a student was something we put to a vote,” Minerva said stiffly.

“Why was Potter expelled without any of us being informed until afterwards?”

“This matter was too dangerous to wait for an official meeting,” Albus replied calmly. Severus could see the deepening lines on Albus's face and the blue shadows beneath his eyes; he looked exhausted and weak.

Severus couldn’t help but hope that Albus was receiving as little sleep and facing as much harassment from angry parents as he was from frustrated students. “I do not need to explain myself,” Albus continued.

“The decision is final. There is no other possible explanation for the attacks.”

“That’s what they said when they blamed Hagrid,” Minerva sniffed.

“And look how that turned out.”

Albus seemed to have no rebuttal and attempted to steer the conversation toward the ongoing media coverage of the ‘Hogwarts Missing Hero.’

“Why not allow Mister Potter to speak with a reporter?” Pomona suggested. “They could see that he’s not missing, and he could share his side of the story.”

Because Albus is unaware that Potter is missing, Severus thought bitterly.

“The last thing our school needs right now is more negative coverage,” Albus said. “The boy would slander us.

Without proof of his misdeeds, the public would be inclined to believe him. We would lose students as parents lost trust in our ability to make sound judgments regarding their safety.”

“Do not use phrases like ‘we’ and ‘us’ when you made the decision to expel Potter unilaterally,” Severus said coldly.

“I refuse to lie if asked where Potter has gone.” He sneered as he added sarcastically, “'Family emergency' indeed.”

Filius scoffed and glared at Albus as well. “Will you be readmitting Harry if the attacks continue and his name is cleared, or will you find a way to blame him for that too?”

Albus pushed his glasses up and rubbed wearily at his temples.

eyes. “If there is another attack, which my instincts tell me there won’t be, then I will reach out to Mr.

Potter to speak with him only after I am certain he was in no way involved.” Most competent Headmasters would require some form of proof or evidence before expelling a student for attacks with only the slightest hint of a connection. But no, the illustrious War General relied solely on his ‘gut feelings.’ Severus felt no regret as he fervently wished for another student to be petrified, just so Potter could be reinstated.

Of course, he would first have to locate the brat. Five days after Potter’s expulsion, on Christmas Eve, Severus was trying to brew the potion for the tracking spell to find the missing child.

“YOU WILL FLOO ME IMMEDIATELY OR I WILL COME TO HOGWARTS AND CURSE EVERY PROFESSOR I COME ACROSS!” 

Severus raised an intrigued eyebrow at the shrill voice of Amelia Bones, bursting through the mouth of a silver lemur patronus. She sounded remarkably like her niece, who had confronted Severus for updates at least once every evening.

Unfortunately, he was in the middle of brewing an intricate potion and had no time to meet for the next thirty minutes. “Expecto Patronum,” he flicked his wand casually, not looking up from the recipe he was following.

“Madame Bones, I will floo you as soon as—what the hell?!” 

Only his long-standing ability to brew despite any disturbances kept Severus from dropping his stirring rod and ruining the potion outright. He gaped at his patronus, hit by icy waves of emotion.

Where his doe, which he had conjured since he first cast the spell at sixteen, should have stood, instead lay a small fox with bright, wide eyes. “How...?” he trailed off, staring at the patronus.

He knew how. Severus Snape was no fool.

Harry Potter had affected every other aspect of his life since they met; why wouldn’t he alter this one as well? Lily’s son had clearly...

eclipsed her as the person he cared for most. Severus had to focus intently as he stared at the silver fox.

This was not the time to let emotions take over; he needed to keep a clear mind to find the child. He could break down later, once Potter was safe.

Flicking his wand again at the fox, he cleared his throat. “Amelia, I will floo you after I finish a potion that requires my utmost attention.

Be prepared to receive me at your home in thirty minutes.”

He watched the silver fox spring through the dungeon walls, feeling a mix of emotions. Merlin.

Severus completed his brew and floo’d immediately to Amelia Bones’ cottage. “Madame Bones,” he said politely, “You requested me?”

“Where is Harry Potter?” she demanded, skipping any formalities.

Severus appreciated this; he was already pressed for time. The potion would be ready to use in less than an hour.

“I haven’t the slightest idea where he is,” Severus replied honestly. “I can assure you there are many places he is not.”

“What can I do to help?” Amelia asked urgently.

“The Minister has authorized me to give you Aurors, law enforcement. He’ll even call up Alastor and set him on the case.

Just tell me how to help you,” she pleaded. Severus briefly considered her offer of Alastor Moody; the man had an impressive track record of hunting down elusive wizards.

However, he ultimately decided it would hinder him more than help. “Potter would likely flee at the sign of any wizard right now.

I’m barely hopeful he will allow me to speak with him.”

Amelia sighed heavily and looked up at Severus, a hint of grief in her eyes. “How did Harry receive those injuries?” she asked bluntly, out of the blue.

Severus studied her carefully, trying to understand why she was asking. “I believe it is not my story to share,” he replied cautiously.

It wouldn’t do any good to... Severus understood the risk of angering a potential ally, especially if Albus discovered his search for Harry Potter.

Yet, he couldn’t see how revealing details would aid him in finding the boy. “I’m not asking for the bloody Prophet, Severus,” Amelia said sharply.

“I need to know if Albus returned him to wherever he was when he got those injuries!”

Severus studied the fire in her eyes and the determined set of her jaw. Those were features he had seen all too often in her niece lately.

“Only the injuries prior to his ninth birthday were inflicted by the vermin Albus deemed fit caretakers for Potter,” he replied, conceding slightly to avoid a full-blown argument with the head of the DMLE. Amelia sank slowly into her recliner.

“And... and the rest?” she asked quietly.

“How did he get those?”

Severus shook his head gently, trying to convey as much sympathy as he could muster. “It is not my place to say.”

Amelia nodded, rubbing the back of her neck thoughtfully.

“Will you find him?”

Severus was surprised to realize that he had become the sole hope for tracking down Potter. His exhaustion must have shown on his face, as Amelia offered him a wry smile.

“Your Patronus changed,” she said casually. “Who else is going to tear the world apart to find him?”

In that moment, Severus gained another supporter in his quest.

But as he lay in bed that night, after his tracking potion had failed yet again, he worried he had simply added another person to his list of those he was destined to disappoint. ***

On Christmas Day, Severus rose early, well before the sun had a chance to rise.

He prepared his potion once more, hoping to locate Harry. “Locus Harry James Potter,” he said, tapping the potion-dipped parchment with his wand.

The parchment shimmered briefly but ultimately remained blank once again. “God damnit!” Severus yelled, sweeping his belongings off the desk and onto the floor in frustration.

He had brewed it perfectly—no errors. He had checked and rechecked, and even...

If the parchment refused to reveal a location, it could mean one of two things: either Harry was moving too frequently for it to pinpoint a single spot, or... he had no location to provide at all.

Harry's words, spoken while sitting on that conjured swing set, continued to echo in Severus's mind. "I just don’t see a point to it all sometimes." "I don’t see a point to it all." "I don’t see a point to it."

"No," Severus growled, slamming his fist into the wooden desk.

Breathe. Deep breath.

Clear your mind. He couldn't afford to succumb to the breakdown that loomed just out of reach.

He had to find Harry first—even if it meant only finding Harry's body. No.

No. He would find him alive.

He hoped. Severus spent the morning carefully extracting Harry’s trunk from the unusually full and solemn second-year Slytherin dormitory.

He intended to relocate Harry's belongings to his private residence before Albus decided to send them to Petunia Dursley’s home. Severus toyed with an idea regarding the blood wards, but he couldn’t fully flesh it out until he found Harry.

As adept as he was at multitasking, the search for Harry consumed every waking moment—and even invaded his dreams. “Did you find him?” Draco asked as soon as he spotted Severus in the dormitory.

“I have not.”

“Are you any closer, at least?” Ronald inquired. “I am unsure.”

“What use are you, then?” Blaise snorted into his pillow.

Severus had no response. He was beginning to feel as if he were of no use at all.

When Theodore quietly asked if they could drop off their gifts for Harry in Severus’s office, he agreed quickly. At least he could do one thing for the students who depended on him to find their missing friend.

Throughout the day, Severus visited as many Muggle food pantries as he could fit into his schedule. He hoped that Harry would be drawn to them.

by the Christmas feast that the churches and charities provided. Severus showed the child's photo to every Muggle he encountered, but received no definitive responses until he met a homeless beggar during his sixth dinner visit.

“He looks a bit like a lad I saw a few days ago,” the man, who had fewer teeth than Severus had fingers on one hand, said after examining the photo of Harry and Susan Bones. “Where?

Where did you see him?” Severus demanded, urgency lacing his voice. “Few notes and I’ll tell ya,” the man replied with a nasty smile.

Severus quickly pulled out some of the Muggle money he had exchanged to make his search easier and handed over a handful of notes. “By the river uptown,” the man said, counting the notes.

“Been a few days though. I’d find him quick; your boy didn’t look so good.” 

Severus thanked the man and rushed off, hoping he hadn’t been played by a con artist or made a fool of by his desperation for any sign of Harry.

As soon as he was out of sight of the Muggles, he apparated to the river the old man had mentioned. “Point me, Harry Potter,” he murmured, laying his wand flat on his palm.

His wand remained still. “POINT ME, HARRY POTTER!” he shouted at the stubborn piece of wood, but it still didn’t move.

If Harry had been there, he was gone now. That night, Severus was forced to attend the Hogwarts feast.

He had to maintain appearances, lest Albus discover where he had been spending most of his days. Only a few dozen students remained at the castle for the holiday; eight of them sat together at the Slytherin table.

Severus felt the heat of their glares directed at the Head Table as he sipped his water and ignored his plate. How could he eat during a feast when he doubted Harry was having a meal at all today?

One Christmas. The child had only celebrated one Christmas in his life, his mind whispered harshly.

And now he’s probably gone. Dead in...

Severus felt a heavy weight in his chest as he thought about what could have happened to Harry—lost in a ditch or worse, at the hands of Muggles. He remembered that one Christmas spent in a boarding school; it was the only one he had ever known.

Severus fought the temptation to drown his sorrow in wine. He needed to stay alert if he was going to continue his search.

He had to catch a break eventually; London wasn’t that big. “Excuse me!” 

Severus turned his attention to the Slytherin table, where Potter’s friends stood united.

Susan Bones met his gaze, her aquamarine eyes blazing with fury. “Until the remainder of Slytherin House is here to eat with us, we will be abstaining from dining in the Great Hall,” Draco declared, his voice dripping with disdain.

Whispers spread like wildfire among the students scattered throughout the hall. “My dear boy,” Albus said, rising from his seat with a gentle smile directed at Draco.

“Your classmates will rejoin you in a little over a week. I’m sure they will appreciate your demonstration.

However, they are enjoying the holiday with their families.”

Severus caught Minerva's eye and recognized that she understood Draco's intent. He was convinced Albus was deliberately misinterpreting their words.

“That is not who we mean, and I think you know that, Headmaster,” Blaise interjected. Albus sank back into his chair, casting a 'disappointed grandfather' look at the protesting students.

“I’m afraid you cannot abstain from meals,” he said firmly, shaking his head. “I insist that you continue to eat in the hall.”

Hermione Granger cleared her throat, casting a nervous glance at Theodore.

He nodded, and she straightened her posture, meeting the Headmaster's gaze head-on. “You're wrong, sir,” she said, her voice trembling but resolute.

“There is no rule that says we must eat in the Great Hall or show up for any meal other than feasts.”

“And we showed up today,” Neville Longbottom added. “And Harry will be back by the next one,” Bones asserted, her chin held high with confidence.

“I wonder if you will be, Headmaster?” Draco drawled. An eerie silence enveloped the Great Hall.

Following Draco's words, the eight students marched out with determination. Severus was surprised but undeniably pleased to see the two remaining NEWT-level Slytherins join the group, casting spite-filled glares at Albus as they left.

A smile tugged at Severus' lips, the first he had managed since that cursed dueling club. “Who do you think organized that little stunt?” Minerva asked softly, her voice barely audible over the sudden buzz of the students.

Severus glanced at Albus, who was rubbing his forehead with both knuckles, and the sight made him smile even more. “Miss Bones, no doubt,” he murmured back.

Susan Bones could never have belonged to any other house. Her loyalty to Potter surpassed all instincts of self-preservation.

Severus had often wondered if Bones and Potter would remain friends in a way he had been unable to do with Lily. He now realized that no matter what path Potter took, Miss Bones would always be by his side.

“Fifty points to Hufflepuff for a display of courageous loyalty that rivals any Gryffindor,” Minerva announced loudly before placing her napkin on her plate and calmly leaving the Hall. Severus followed her lead, striding down to his office to test his potion again.

He felt energized with renewed hope for his search as he passed the four hourglasses and noticed that Minerva’s points had been added. Meanwhile, The Daily Prophet was having a field day.

Reports from ‘anonymous sources inside Hogwarts’ claimed that not only had Potter been expelled, but he was also exiled back to a ‘possibly abusive home’ in the Muggle world. Albus received so many howlers each day that he stopped taking breakfast in the hall.

Severus worried about how Potter would react to the news being shared publicly, but his overwhelming concern was finding Potter alive—everything else was secondary. For the next seven days, Severus searched for the boy day and night.

He checked his tracking spell at least twice a day, but there were no results. He circled back to previous locations, desperate for any sign.

locations he had already checked, hoping for any new sign that Potter had been spotted. He stayed in constant contact with the Contessa, just in case Potter reached out to his international ally, but there were no results.

He even ventured to popular locations in London frequented by street walkers during the nights. He hoped that Potter had found other ways to eat and survive without tapping into his vaults, but it was better to be safe than sorry.

Unfortunately, none of the Muggles he encountered were of any help. One young woman, her face heavily caked with cosmetics, claimed she recognized Potter.

“Been a few years since I saw him,” she said, puffing on a cigarette. “Hope you find him.

Poor thing’s been through enough, hasn’t he?” 

Finally, on the last night before the students returned to the castle, after two weeks of relentless searching, he caught a break. It seemed the boy had made himself at home in London, as his tracking spell finally provided a location.

Severus apparated to the coordinates and was met with a sight and smell that filled him with disgust: a grimy alleyway. “Point me Harry Potter,” he whispered, focusing on his wand.

It spun around and pointed towards the end of the empty alley. Frustration bubbled within him; there was no way Potter was in that alley unless he had somehow become invisible.

Imbecile. Of course, he was invisible.

Albus had given him James’ blasted invisibility cloak, and it was clear that Potter must have taken it with him when he left Hogwarts. “Potter,” he called softly but clearly.

“It is Professor Snape. Would you please remove the cloak?” 

“Go away,” came a hoarse voice from the invisible hiding spot after nearly half a minute of silence.

Severus reached out, guessing the location of the voice, until he felt the fabric of the cloak and yanked it off. He nearly recoiled at the sight of Potter.

In just a fortnight, it looked as if Potter had lost nearly a stone. His

his voice.

His face was gaunt, his clothes were filthy, and he shivered as he glared at Severus. Gods, all the child did was glare.

“Potter, I’ve come to take you somewhere safe,” Severus said gently, careful not to provoke the boy’s notorious temper. “I’ve been looking for you since you left the castle.”

“I didn’t leave the bloody castle!

I was kicked out, wasn’t I?” Potter snarled, his features twisting into a feral grimace. “I’m ‘expelled’ and ‘a danger to other students,’ so just leave me alone.”

Severus crouched down to avoid looming over him.

“I know, and I’m sorry,” he said steadily. “Albus is a fool, and we’ll find a way for you to be reinstated with your classmates.”

Potter scoffed, but Severus caught the flash of pain in his eyes.

“Maybe I don’t want to be reinstated. I hate Dumbledore, and I don’t want to be around a bunch of arses who think I’m attacking kids for no reason.”

“Language,” Severus murmured, addressing the only part of the statement he didn’t completely agree with.

“What?” Potter laughed sharply, devoid of humor. “I don’t care about my fucking language!”

Truthfully, Severus didn’t either.

“You could take points, I guess... Oh wait, no, you can’t,” Potter continued mockingly.

“Maybe give me a detention then? Oh, no, you can’t do that either, can you?

You can’t do anything!”

He yelled, his chest heaving and a fire igniting in his green eyes. “Why?

Because fucking Dumbledore took my wand and expelled me, and now my magic isn’t listening to me! I am alone!”

“Calm down, you chaotic brat,” Severus hissed, placing silencing wards around them.

“Are you looking for an invitation to be attacked or arrested?” 

Potter let out another laugh, this one tinged with a hint of hysteria. He ran his hands through his hair, tugging at the tangled locks.

“Did you think I was under my cloak for fun, sir? Do you really believe for a single moment that I haven’t already been ganged up on and attacked?” He locked eyes with Severus, a cold smile on his face, anger and anguish swirling in his gaze.

“Forget you,” he spat. “Where were you a couple of weeks ago when some kids kicked the crap out of me in the middle of a park?

Huh? What about a few days ago when a guy offered to trade me food for a few hours alone with me?

Where were you then?” 

Severus wasn’t interested in asking if the boy had taken that offer. “I was searching for you,” he replied honestly.

“I have been looking for you every moment I could since I discovered that Hagrid was tasked with returning you to Petunia’s home. Now that I’ve found you, I’d like to offer you a safe place to stay until I can get Albus to reverse his decision to expel you.” 

Potter curled his lip at him, and Severus tried to ignore the pang of lost trust he felt.

“‘Safe place to stay,’ huh?” Potter said coolly. “That’s not the first time I’ve heard that, Professor.

And I’m not interested. There are some whores a few blocks east who might take you up on that offer, though.” 

For heaven’s sake.

Severus sat back on his heels and groaned aloud as he rubbed his eyes. He hadn’t expected Potter, once found, to resist leaving with him.

It was incredibly foolish, given everything he knew about the boy. “Potter, I won’t be there.

You’ll be alone with your house-elf while I continue teaching at the castle. Or,” he hesitated before mentioning the other options, “you could stay with Madame Bones, the Contessa Zabini, or the Malfoys if you prefer.” 

The boy coughed and turned his head away, slouching further down against the wall.

“Just give me my cloak.”

“Please, just come back with me,” Severus pleaded. “I’ll be fine.” He scrutinized Potter critically.

The boy looked sunken and frightfully pale, and that cough sounded terrible. “Potter,” he called gently, “I believe you may be very ill.

I can’t leave you out here alone in the cold. Come with me.

If you’re uncomfortable where I take you, we can find another place, okay?”

Potter turned back to him, a dull look in his eyes. “You shouldn’t help me.

I—I don’t deserve it,” he whispered. “I don’t even think I’m a wizard anymore.”

“Potter, you said it yourself—your magic cannot be taken from you,” Severus reassured him.

“I’m not sure why it isn’t responding to you right now, but it’s likely due to emotional turmoil.”

A brief flash of guilt crossed Potter’s face, leaving Severus with an uneasy feeling. “Did something happen?” he asked quietly.

Potter remained silent, forcing Severus to guess and search for clues in the boy’s uncharacteristically vulnerable expression. “Were you injured?” he asked.

Nothing. “Did you attempt magic that was beyond your capabilities?” Still nothing.

“Did someone hurt you?” Again, silence. Severus stared intently and slowly asked, “Did you hurt yourself?” He noticed Potter’s lower lip tremble just slightly.

“Harry,” Severus sighed, unintentionally using the boy’s given name. “Your magic will return once you’re in a stable environment.

It seems to be intricately tied to your emotions, more than any other wizard I’ve ever encountered. Please, come with me.

I can help you.”

“Why do you want to help me? You don’t owe me anything,” Potter replied, then was racked by another coughing fit.

Severus thought of his newly formed silver fox as he weighed his next words. He slowly reached out and placed his hand on Potter’s bony shoulder.

“It’s not about owing anything. I want to help you.” 

Their green eyes met.

Harry stared intently at Severus, his gaze piercing as if he could see straight into his soul. “Do you swear it’ll just be me and you?” Harry asked, his voice laced with hesitation.

“I swear,” Severus replied, his tone serious. “Unless you choose otherwise, of course.” 

Harry paused for a long moment, weighing his options before finally giving in.

“Okay,” he said simply. “Let’s go.”