What Now?
That night Severus cannot in good conscience leave either of the injured children alone in a hospital overnight. So, seated at Lily’s bedside he read his book, soothing her occasional nightmare, and talking with their nurses. It is only when Dumbledore stops by that he finally leaves them.
Harry and Lily sit up and try to talk quietly, but being so far apart makes it impossible. Slowly and carefully, Harry slinks out of his bed, ignoring the tightness and slight pain in his back and legs. Slowly shuffling towards Lily’s bed, they cannot help but giggle at his old man's shuffle and slow movements. He freezes, eyes wide, when the door creaks open.
Severus walks into the room, pausing as he sees the guilty-looking boy. “Do you need help?” Harry is surprised at the kind tone his greatest school bully uses. He gives a small nod, speechless.
Standing close by his side Severus lets Harry lean against him as they finish crossing the room. He settles the boy gently next to his sister, careful not to jostle her too much or pull on either of their wounds. Severus sits back in his chair beside them.
“We need to talk,” He tells them, hands in his lap. “Tomorrow there is a trial scheduled. The Wizengamot wants to discuss everything that happened and what they are going to do about your uncle. There will also be an investigation on your home lives, see how serious this is going to be.”
The children exchange glances and Harry looks away across the room. Lily turns to Severus, “Will you be there with us?”
His face softens, “Of course I will. If it makes you more comfortable then I will stay with you both the entire time.”
Lily nods, both of their eyes drawn to the distant Harry who speaks up quietly. “Will… can we invite Mrs. Weasley too?” He asks in a small voice.
Severus gives him a sad smile, “Yes, of course, I will write to her now. You two get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.” Severus rises, placing a hand on Lily’s head before leaving.
Harry and Lily cuddle into her bed and chat about what they will do now. “Harry? I’m scared. What if they decide to separate us?”
Harry pulls her into a hug. “I am, too, Lils. We can do this, though. It doesn't matter what happens; we're gonna do this together.”