Barely awake yet, Harry rubbed his eyes while he staggered down the stairs to the Gryffindor Common Room. He had no sooner emerged from the stairwell, when he was startled by a cry that sounded too loud for this time of the morning. He jerked back in surprise as a body collided abruptly with his own as he found his arms filled by a certain bushy haired witch. Wrapping his arms around Hermione, he squeezed tightly for a moment before releasing his friend. Ron was seated in one of the plush chairs in front of the fire, still looking a bit pale from his tumble during the skirmish.
"Where have you been, Harry? We never saw you after you left the Great Hall last night. Ron saw you in bed this morning but we never heard you come in. What happened? Where did you go?" Harry rolled his eyes while Hermione bombarded him with questions without even pausing to let him begin to answer. It was frustrating at times but that was Hermione for you and he was rather used to it by now.
"Let's get some breakfast and we can talk."
He didn't intend to tell them about the dragon until later; much later. Maybe once he worked things out on his own and had had a chance to speak to Snape about it. He was the only one who knew he changed into that dragon and Harry would like to keep it that way until he figured out what to do about it. The three friends walked slowly down the unusually silent hallways and into the Great Hall. A depressing quiet had fallen over the entire school and everyone they saw looked traumatized by the recent events. Sitting at the far end of the Gryffindor table, a selection of food appeared as Hermione subtly cast a Muffliato around them. The sight and smell of the hot food made Harry realize just how hungry he was and he quickly dug in before either of his friends could ask any questions. When all of them had eaten for a few minutes, Hermione finally lost her patience and set aside her silverware, giving Harry the look.
"Alright, fine. Last night I had to do some research and that's where I was for most of the evening."
Hermione blinked at him in surprise while Ron choked on some of his food.
"Dumbledore is murdered by Snape and you went to do research? What for?" Ron asked after taking a sip of pumpkin juice.
"Yes, Snape cast the killing curse, but it was arranged by Dumbledore ahead of time. He and Snape planned it," Harry replied quietly and both of his friends stared.
"Harry, what do-"
"I saw Snape's memories. Dumbledore was going to die from the curse in his hand; that's why it was blackened and withered. Snape confined the curse to his hand but it was eventually going to kill him. Dumbledore knew this and chose to meet his death head on; instead of waiting for it to come to him. Malfoy was supposed to do it and Dumbledore knew that long before it happened. He was trying to save Malfoy's soul," he muttered, pushing aside his plate, the conversation robbing him of his previous appetite.
"That git doesn't have a soul," Ron snapped and Harry rolled his eyes.
"Well obviously Dumbledore thought he did and that it needed saving. But that doesn't matter now, Snape is guilty of the crime but also innocent of it."
An owl fluttering onto the table in front of them halted the conversation. Hermione pulled the parchment from the raised leg while Ron offered a piece of bacon. After glancing at the short note, she handed it to Harry before speaking.
"Professor McGonagall wants to see us in the Headmaster's Office as soon as possible. All three of us," she stated. Noticing that the two males seemed to be done with their food, she rose to leave.
Without another word, Ron and Harry stood and followed Hermione out of the room. They passed Peeves in the hallway and even the poltergeist seemed downtrodden; his rhyming and taunts seeming halfhearted at best. The stone gargoyle sobbed for them to go on up as they avoided the small tear size pieces of stone he cried. The journey up was silent, voices trickling down the stairwell from others already in the office. The steady buzz of voices continued to ebb and flow when they entered the room, the three teenagers recognizing almost every member of the Order. The three of them found chairs on the outskirts of the group and listened to the various conversations going on around the room. A house elf was scurrying about, disappearing and reappearing carrying beverages and nibbles. With a quick word, cups of tea appeared for the three friends. Arthur was talking heatedly with Kingsley in one corner. Nearby were Tonks and Lupin, speaking quietly, their chairs slid close together. Molly, Moody and McGonagall were standing behind the large desk arguing, their voices starting to drown out everyone else.
"And I say he should be obliviated and thrown into Azkaban!" Moody snarled, slamming his fist against the desk.
"Albus trusted him and told me the same repeatedly! Unless you have proof to the contrary, I shall continue to believe there is a reason for Albus' faith and trust in the man!" McGonagall snapped.
"Minerva, he killed Albus. His body was there in front of children!" Molly shouted, almost screeching.
"He's a murderer," Moody stated again.
"He's not."
The clear, firm voice shot through the room and silenced all conversation. They all turned to see who spoke, finally noticing the three young people, both Ron and Hermione staring intently at Harry. The young wizard was leaning forward with his elbows braced on his knees, hands clasped together. Lifting his head, he looked at each of them in turn, dark hair falling over his pale forehead, obscuring the infamous scar.
"What was that, Potter?" Moody asked, turning to look fully at the boy.
"Headmaster Dumbledore was already dying. He arranged the conditions of his death with Professor Snape ahead of time. It was assisted suicide if you want to be technical. I was there, I saw the Headmaster beg Professor Snape to do it. Headmaster Dumbledore seemed to...welcome it," Harry stated quietly before standing.
"Professor Snape has always been on our side. He's been loyal to us. I saw proof of it."
"And how is that Harry?" Remus questioned as the young man walked towards the desk.
"I saw his memories. I saw the conversation he had with the Headmaster. Draco Malfoy was to be the one to kill him, per Voldemort's orders, but Dumbledore wanted to save him from that. Snape also made an unbreakable vow with Malfoy's mum to do it if he failed. So he was under two vows, promising to perform the act."
"Severus is a master Occlumens, Mister Potter, and as much faith as I have in you and your abilities, I seriously doubt you could breach his shields," Professor McGonagall huffed causing Harry to level a look at her.
"Well I did. If you wish to question him, he's able to speak again. He will not be going with the Aurors."
McGonagall's eyes narrowed in suspicion at the assuredness in Harry's voice. He was turning away from the desk when Hermione stepped forward and cleared her throat.
"What's the plan for the school now? Who'll be the new Headmaster?"
Several heads turned to look at Professor McGonagall who sighed. "The school will remain open, Miss Granger; at least for the remainder of this school year. I need to speak with Severus and then we can decide what our next course of action will be."
It was an informal dismissal and the three took it as such. A few others followed them down to head back to the Ministry. Remus snagged Harry's arm, holding him back while waving the other two on ahead. Harry nodded to his two friends and watched them walked away before turning to Remus.
"Is everything all right, Harry?"
The young man raised an eyebrow before nodding. "Everything is fine, Remus. Why do you ask?"
The werewolf seemed torn, debating on what he needed or wanted to say.
"You seem different. The fact that Severus allowed you to see his memories is nothing short of a miracle. How certain can you be that he didn't manipulate the memories or you so you would see what he wanted you to see?"
Harry realized that Remus had a point. Snape was powerful; everyone knew this. No one would believe that the caustic Potion Master suddenly had a change of heart; especially not towards the son of James Potter.
"I know he didn't. Please trust me."
Remus hesitated but then nodded. Harry decided to broach a new topic he was curious about and steer them away from talk of Snape.
"I did want to ask you something though. Have you ever heard of a wizard or witch having a Patronus that's a dragon?" Harry questioned, seeing the surprise his inquiry brought to Remus' face.
The older man stopped and thought for several moments before shaking his head. "I've never heard of one. Dragons are very powerful creatures and for a wizard or witch to have their innermost feelings and thoughts manifest as a dragon is incredibly unlikely."
"What about someone having a dragon as their Animagus form?"
Remus crossed his arms over his chest and looked concerned.
"Is there something you need to tell me, Harry?"
Thinking quickly, Harry shook his head slightly and lied, "During the battle yesterday. I could have...could have sworn I saw a dragon and I wondered if it was possible that it was a wizard's Patronus or Animagus form. Then again, my mind could have conjured the whole thing up, considering all that was going on."
Remus nodded slowly, seeming to believe the young man. "It's practically the same answer as it was for the Patronus. A dragon is one of the most powerful magical creatures our world has and for a wizard or witch to change into one would quite possibly kill any individual who tried. All the Animagi I know of or have seen were normal animals, the kind you would see in the muggle world."
Harry nodded and escorted his friend to the entrance hall, hugging Remus goodbye. Why did I have to be special and defy any normal parameters? he asked himself before turning away and making for his dorm.
(!)(!)(!)
Severus Snape sat on the floor in this room that doubled as his cell, his back pressed against the cold stone. A fresh platter of food sat untouched on the table despite the hunger pains that assaulted him. He was going mad in here not knowing what was happening out there. Were they waiting for the Aurors to arrive and haul him away? Was Minerva dreaming of some elaborate, painful way for him to die in revenge for Albus? No one had been to see him since the Potter boy the night before and that memory led him right down a path to a whole new set of questions and horrifying thoughts. Did he really see what he thought he saw? Granted, all he really knew was that Potter had chased them through the hallway after the event on the Astronomy Tower and when he looked back while on the lawn, he saw a black scaled dragon bearing down on him. He had nothing to confirm or deny his assumptions; it was all circumstantial. Other than the fact that it now seemed he had to obey each of Potter's orders.
When Potter ordered him down, he had felt an invisible hand seem to force his knees to flex, pushing him to the ground. That was embarrassing enough, but then to suffer the silent indignity of his libido trying to make an appearance; which, thankfully, Potter had been unaware of. No one at the school knew of his proclivities; that he leaned heavily towards the submissive side in relationships. Situations didn't always allow for that, but it was a desire that rested deep in his heart. But to have Harry Potter order him to his knees in front of him, literally kneeling at the boy's feet, stirred up dormant fantasies that he hadn't indulged in in quite a while. Despite his vehement dislike of the arrogant youth, he had ages ago acknowledged that the young Potter was turning into an attractive young man. But he never expected anything really to come of those thoughts. Then last night happened. He had sensed the power that rested in the young man and the possibilities open to him. To slip past his shields with nary a blink was astonishing and alluring for the power it took, or the utter lack of power he should say. He was thankful that Potter was a good person at heart, despite the horrid treatment dealt to him by his potions instructor, the boy had refrained from mentally raping him. He had simply requested the same memory he had asked nicely for earlier then once he finished viewing it, he released the mind he held as easily as he had captured it.
Released him and gave his mind ample material for fresh fantasies. Kneeling bound at Potter's feet while the boy tormented him. Detailing how he was going to fuck the ex-Death Eater over the desk in his classroom so every time he sat at it he would remember who he belonged to. Part of him raged at it all. Potter was his student and currently an underage wizard. He was probably a virgin as well. If he knew what was going through Snape's mind, he would blush like mad and run to hide while calling him a pervert.
Shaking his head, Severus looked up as the portrait swung open to admit Minerva and Alastor. They both were startled to find him on the floor and waited as he calmly stood and smoothed his robes. Thankful for the wall behind him, Snape let it support him while vertigo assaulted him. Taking a deep breath, he straightened and unconsciously clasped his hands behind his lower back.
"May I help the two of you?" he asked, not letting his dizziness show.
Minerva looked relieved at the rumbling words. When she saw Severus seated on the floor, she worried that the man wasn't any better than the last time she saw him. "We came to ask you some questions, Severus. Harry Potter has been very adamant in his defense of you, even making assurances that I find hard to believe. We would like your point of view from last night."
Severus raised his eyebrows, wondering what boy-wonder could be saying about him. Obviously that he killed Albus but what else?
"Who or what attacked you and the other Death Eaters?" Moody asked whiled Minerva seated herself in the same club chair that Potter used the night before.
Severus opened his mouth to say Potter but before the air could pass his vocal cords a sharp pain darted across his brain. Sucking in a gasp and grimacing, he rubbed his forehead while squeezing his eyelids shut tightly to control the pain.
"Severus?"
The command from Harry doesn't allow him to speak of the boy or the dragon. Snarling silently to himself, he looked up at the two watching him.
"I didn't see anything," he muttered, moving to sit at the dining table.
A subtle, shadowy pain lingered in his head as if warning him that it would strike again if he put a toe out of line. He was tempted to test his boundaries but not until he had a headache reliever potion nearby.
"Mr. Potter said you killed Albus but that the two of you had arranged it ahead of time because Albus was already dying. Any truth to this?"
Sighing, he nodded, cringing at the double assault of subtle headache pain and vertigo. He sat as still as possible and told them what Dumbledore and he had arranged. He left nothing out; Draco's assignment, Dumbledore's curse and imminent death, the unbreakable vow, everything they wanted or needed to know about what happened. Minerva and Alastor interrupted occasionally to ask questions, all of which Severus answered to the best of his ability.
"Why did you reveal all of this to Mr. Potter, Severus? When I first came to you, you could not speak a word even though Poppy said nothing was wrong with you," Minerva inquired, curious as to what Harry might have done or said to gain the Potion Master's trust.
Severus would have laughed if Minerva knew the half of it. No, he didn't trust Potter; far from it. But he was forced into a situation that required he trust the brat to a degree. At minimum he had to respect the boy's commands.
"He asked it of me," he ground out, feeling a warning thrum shoot through his brain. "I would prefer not to speak of him."
It was just his luck that Alastor wasn't going to let it go. "You've disliked the boy since he first walked in here, Snape. Why would you honestly answer his questions?"
"He-" cringing at the sharp pain, he continued, "He and I have come to an agreement."
Minerva stood, always ready to defend one of her lions. "Severus, what have you done?"
He surged to his feet, causing Alastor to draw his wand. "Me! Why don't you ask that boy what He has done?! Last night he forced me to become-"
The lightheadedness and vertigo almost overshadowed the blistering pain as he choked on the words and his legs crumpled under him. He barely heard the cry from Minerva as his own screams followed him into unconsciousness.
(!)(!)(!)
Harry jolted out of his chair almost like an electrical shock went through him. Hermione yelped in surprise and Ron dropped his book at Harry's sudden action and Hermione's yelp. Staggering for a moment until he regained his balance, Harry kept his arms spread until he felt more confident in being vertical.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked as Harry looked around the common room.
A few other students were looking at him oddly after his weird behavior. Given his history, Harry couldn't blame them for being suspicious. He had been silently reading for Charms when something had zinged up his spine and vibrated at the base of his skull. It wasn't painful but definitely noticeable.
"I'm not sure," Harry answered slowly, reaching up to rub at the base of his skull.
Cautiously, he sat back down and picked up his Charms book. He stared at the text but couldn't read the words as he tried to figure out what it was that surprised him. It didn't come close to his scarred forehead; that was feeling dormant for the moment. This new sensation was more like something trying to catch his attention; but what? It was new so what else was new in his life? The dragon certainly was new so maybe it had something to do with the dragon or possibly Snape since they were linked together now. Perhaps he should check on the Potions Master. As much as he had disliked the man, right up until the events of last night even, he couldn't deny everything he had done for Harry since his time at Hogwarts had begun. As strange as it was, he was starting to form some sort of connection with Snape. Both of them were thrust into situations they didn't really care for but felt the best course of action would be to continue on; for the greater good. Snape was a good man at heart; trying to do his best with the horrible situation given to him.
Leaning over, he shoved his book into his bag and stood again.
"I'll be back later guys. I have to check on something."
He ignored the questions from Ron as he hurried towards the portrait. Just as he stepped over the threshold, a Patronus cat bounded to a stop in front of him.
"Mr. Potter, you are immediately required in the infirmary."
The smoky cat disappeared with a puff as he started down the hallway. Classes had been suspended due to the Headmaster's death and most of the remaining student body were hole up in their dorms, grieving with classmates. Harry hurried down the quiet halls and towards the infirmary, gripping the strap of his bag tightly. He presumed that he had been correct, the sensation from earlier did have something to do with Snape. Something which most likely landed him in the infirmary. Mentally cringing to himself, he was glad that he had the dragon book in his bag under a concealment charm. He needed to talk with Snape about what had happened; to both of them. Bypassing Mad-Eye at the infirmary doors, the Auror cast a look at him before stomping towards the entry hall. Glancing briefly at the fierce looking man, Harry pushed open one of the double doors and stepped through. The door closed silently behind him, blocking out the noises from the hallway until there was only a very faint humm. The infirmary was empty except for two individuals; one of whom had summoned him here. Snape was a dark mass resting on a bed while Minerva stood silently at the foot, staring at the young Potion Master. Harry moved forward and eased his bag to rest on the bed next to the one that held Snape before stepping up to McGonagall's side.
"You wished to see me, Professor?" he softly questioned, flexing his fingers.
Professor McGonagall turned while motioning for him to follow. They walked to the opposite wall from Snape's bed so they wouldn't disturb the sleeping man but she was able to keep an eye on him.
"Mr. Potter, have you done something to Professor Snape?"
Harry jerked back in surprise at the blunt question McGonagall lobbed at him. He panicked for a moment but age had finally taught him to suppress his first reaction and to gather clues. Suddenly he realized what the sensation from earlier in the common room was; Snape had somehow tried to tell someone about what Harry was or had done. The dragon's bond had punished him for disobeying a direct order and in turn had warned Harry of what happened. It must have happened with McGonagall in attendance and she had witnessed it; whatever it was that happened to Snape.
"I haven't...well, I don't think I have. Why, what happened to him?"
McGonagall cast another glance over at Snape before turning back to her student. "He insinuated that you and he had entered into an agreement with each other. When I questioned him about the details of this, assuming that he was the guilty party, he snapped that '-ask that boy what He has done?! Last night he forced me to become-', and then he fell to the floor screaming. He passed out before Auror Moody and I brought him here. Now, Mr. Potter, I want the truth because if I believe you have attacked a professor, unprovoked, then your time at Hogwarts will be done and charges will be brought once it is clear what Professor Snape was afflicted with."
Harry's legs wobbled unsteadily and his stomach dropped down to his toes. Realizing he had passed one of the most famed Aurors of the Ministry out in the hallway, his face paled further. "Did Moody-Is Moody going to arrest me?"
"Alastor received an urgent summons from the Ministry and has left this issue with me to deal with. He will accept what I tell him," she replied coldly, watching as Harry shakily lowered himself to the nearby vacant bed.
He would have to tell McGonagall. Or he could release Snape from his command and let him tell her. But that would be the coward's way out, his mind whispered to him and he knew it was right. He hadn't really thought that he would have to tell anyone; thought he could hide it. Hell, he was still have trouble believing it.
His head was already nodding in agreement before he even realized it. "I'll tell you, Professor. You and Professor Snape, but only after he's better, and not here in the infirmary. In the Room of Requirement would probably be the best place."
McGonagall eyed him silently, reminding Harry of just how formidable the witch in front of him was. He did not want to get on McGonagall's bad side. With a sharp nod, she walked back to Snape's bed. Harry followed slowly, still feeling like an errant child. A few moments later, Poppy appeared and strode over to her only patient. The medi-witch was brisk with her wand movements, reading the notations on the parchment before nodding, looking over at McGonagall.
"He should be waking soon. I'll leave a headache reducer potion for him which should set him right again. He's also bordering on malnutrition and exhaustion so he needs good food and rest. If he collapses again then I'll need to see him immediately. It might be something more serious that I'm not picking up," she stated as McGonagall shot Harry a sideways look.
Poppy walked away and McGonagall turned to look straight at Harry. "I want this cleared up immediately. Go and secure the Room of Requirement. Once Professor Snape is vertical again, we will proceed there straight away and you can inform us of what is going on. Do not leave that seventh floor hallway, Mr. Potter."
Nodding briskly, Harry grabbed his bag and practically ran out of the infirmary.
(!)(!)(!)
Merlin's balls, his head hurt. Without even realizing it, his hand had come up to press the heel of his palm against his forehead. The pressure helped briefly before a dry warm hand curled under his neck to help support his head and the rim of something was pressed against his lips. Pulling away from the mysterious concoction, a soothing voice reached him.
"It's just a headache reliever, Severus. One of your own making."
Ah, Minerva then. Ceasing his resistance, he permitted the foul liquid and must have made a face at the taste as something else was soon pressed to his lips.
"Just water now. There you go," the voice murmured as he drank before his head was lowered back to the pillow.
Waiting for the potion to take effect, he took stock of his surroundings and quickly came to the realization that he was in the infirmary. He must have badly frightened Minerva then. Ah yes, she was asking about Potter and he couldn't actually answer. Bloody Moody had kept pushing and he had lost his temper. So that's what happens when he plows through and disregards a command like a hippogriff. Headache pain so severe it renders him unconscious. Feeling the pain steadily receding, he hesitantly opened his eyes before cautiously sitting up and swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Looking up at his fellow professor, he saw the tightly pressed lips and wondered who managed to piss her off.
"Minerva, to what do I owe the delight of being under your watchful eye?" he asked sarcastically, gripping the metal headboard with one hand while pushing himself up to his feet.
The room stayed in one place and he breathed deeply in relief before releasing his grip. Clasping his hands behind his back, he watched Minerva as she watched him for any ill effects from his unconscious state.
"Something happened to you and I think it has something to do with Harry Potter. I want to know what is going on between you two."
Snape grimaced but before he could even form a response, she spoke over him.
"However, I get the feeling that you are unable to speak about it and possibly not even about him. So we will go straight to the source. Please accompany me to Barnabas the Barmy."
Before they left the infirmary, she handed back his wand and her lips twitched in a smile at the gentleness with which he took it back. She started walking slowly away, allowing him time to realize he was actually getting it back. When he caught up to her, they both walked swiftly to the seventh floor. Rounding a corner, they caught sight of Harry Potter leaning against the doorframe of the opened door to the Room of Requirement. Once he saw the two of them coming, he straightened hastily and stumbled before stepping out of the doorway and to the side to allow them entrance. Snape sneered at him which caused the boy to flush before following the two into the room.
The Room of Requirement was spacious with no furniture or decorations. Why the boy wanted to use the room and why there wasn't anything here was odd. Harry pulled the door shut behind them before moving towards his bag which was against the wall.
"Well, Mr. Potter? We're waiting," McGonagall said and the young wizard ducked his head while digging through his bag.
"Hermione, Ron and I have been researching Animagus forms and how to shift. We were making no headway, until I suddenly shifted last night. Afterwards, I found this book that explained most...well, all of what happened," he replied, standing and walking forward to hand a brown leather bound book to McGonagall.
He waved his wand over it and muttered Finite Incantatem. The book which started as a Divination textbook, shimmered until a blood red leather cover was revealed. Snape reached out and tilted the book just enough in McGonagall's hands so he could read the spine. There was nothing there and he released his hold to allow the woman to open the book to...blank pages.
"I do not take kindly to jokes, Mr. Potter."
Harry flinched at Minerva's cold tone before clearing his throat. "Section 12.3, Dominus Draco."
The book's pages suddenly fluttered by before settling, still on a blank page. Before either adult could speak, Harry reached out, touching his fingertips to the blank pages and before their eyes flowing words burned onto the pages. Snape looked over McGonagall's shoulder as they both read the pages, finishing near the same time. Looking up, they found that Harry had moved towards the center of the room, his wand loosely grasped in his hand.
Grimacing with a tight smile, he muttered, "Please don't kill me or run screaming."
Harry's form blurred, turning black and slowly growing until a definite shape and unmistakable features were revealed.
(!)(!)(!)
Thank you to everyone that gave me favorited, followed the story or reviewed. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Comments make me smile and write faster.