Chapter 5
Harry sat in the corner of the Gryffindor common room, staring into the flames of the fireplace. He had just returned from another night in Snape’s chambers, where he had finally managed to get some semblance of sleep, thanks to the professor's presence.
But now, back in the common room, he could feel the weight of the world pressing down on him again. He hadn’t spent much time here lately, and it hadn’t gone unnoticed.
“Harry, where have you been?” Hermione’s voice cut through his thoughts, and he looked up to see her and Ron approaching him. Both of them wore expressions of concern that made Harry’s stomach tighten.
“We’ve hardly seen you since that absolutely mad night.” Ron added, frowning as he took a seat next to Harry. “We were starting to get worried mate.”
Harry sighed, rubbing the back of his neck as he tried to find the right words. He knew he couldn’t keep this from them, but explaining everything felt daunting.
“I’ve been... staying in Snape’s chambers,” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Hermione blinked in surprise, her brows knitting together in confusion. “Snape’s chambers? Why on earth would you be staying with him?”
Harry took a deep breath, knowing this would be difficult to explain. “The nightmares… Well, they’ve been getting worse. And Snape... he’s been helping me with them.”
Ron and Hermione exchanged a look of uncertainty. Hermione spoke first, her voice gentle but probing. “But... Snape? Harry, he’s never been particularly kind to you. Are you sure this is... safe?”
“I know how it sounds,” Harry said quickly, feeling the need to defend the situation. “But he’s different now. He’s been... protecting me. I know it’s hard to believe, but I feel safer with him.”
Ron scratched his head, looking more puzzled than ever. “Snape, protecting you? Blimey, Harry, that’s... well, it’s just not what we’d expect.”
Harry couldn’t blame them for their skepticism. For years, Snape had been the source of much of their misery at Hogwarts, a man they had all believed to be at best a bitter enemy and at worst, a potential traitor. But things had changed and Harry needed them to understand that.
“I didn’t expect it either,” Harry admitted, his voice softer now. “But he’s been there for me, more than anyone else. I don’t really understand it myself, but... I trust him.”
Hermione frowned, chewing her lip as she considered Harry’s words. “I suppose if anyone knows what’s going on in your mind, it’s Snape,” she said slowly. “He’s been teaching you Occlumency, after all. Maybe... maybe he’s trying to help in his own way.”
Ron still looked dubious, but he nodded reluctantly. “If you say he’s helping, then I guess we’ll trust you. But mate, if anything feels off, you’ve got to tell us. We’re your friends, and we don’t want you going through this alone.”
Harry felt a wave of relief wash over him. Despite their reservations, Ron and Hermione were standing by him, and that was all he could ask for. “Thanks,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude. “I promise, I’ll let you know if anything changes.”