Broken Chapter Nine

There is a line in this story that gives away much about the coming story. If you spot it, be warned—Broken is not supposed to be a pretty story.


They took him back to Hogwarts the next day. The chief Healer had decided that Severus would be happier at Hogwarts; he had briefed Poppy on how to look after him, earning him indignant looks from the matron, who had dealt with more of Severus' injuries than she liked to let on.

They hoped that familiar settings would help his memory to return.

Only Albus and Severus knew that the memory loss was not accidental—Albus hoped that by Severus regaining his strength, he would be able to fight Voldemort off, and become who he had used to be.

He knew it would not be easy. But he was ready for the challenge.

Just how broken could Severus be—he was back now, so he could not be unfixable.

Albus Dumbledore would find a way to fix him.

Albus took him by the arm and helped him up the spiral staircase. To avoid the rumours that he knew were rife around Hogwarts, Severus would stay in the Headmaster's office. Albus had told the members of staff that he was intending to stay by Severus until the other had made a full recovery. They understood this; he was grateful for their kind nods and offers of help.

Severus looked around the eccentric office with an intense gaze. He was leaning heavily on Albus, but...when Albus looked at him, he saw more of the old Severus. The Severus that he missed so greatly.

"I..." Severus murmured, turning to face Albus, "I remember here...I think..."

"That's good, Severus." Albus appraised. "Now, sit yourself here for a moment. Poppy—do you remember Poppy?—is on her way up to see you."

Severus remembered the kind matron, who had a temper that could keep even him in check. He rested back against the red sofa, the image before his eyes dissolving into...

"I am tired." Severus announced, dropping down onto the ruby red sofa, closing his eyes.

Behind him, he knew Albus smiled. "And irritated, I see."

"Only at Black." Severus replied, "He pushes me too far. One day I will..."

"No you will not." Albus answered quickly, coming to stand in front of Severus, holding a tea tray, "Tea?"

"Severus? Would you like a cup of tea?" Albus asked, standing in front of him. He was holding a tea tray. "You used to drink a lot of tea."

"I hate tea." Severus answered.

"Yes, I know. But I used to insist that you drank it before you went to spy on Voldemort." Albus smiled affectionately, "And you always did drink it."

Severus stared at him for a long moment, "I don't remember any of this. You. What I used to do. Why I used to do it..." His voice sounded anxious.

"It will come back to you, Severus. It will. You are on the mend now."

There was a knock at the door. "Come in, Poppy."

She entered the room, dressed in her matron's uniform—"Severus Snape." She appraised, "What a fright you gave us all." She looked at Albus, "Only one man could come back from the dead and then sit so calmly." She crossed to him, touching his hand, "I am glad you are safe, young man."

Severus smiled at her, a full smile, "Thank you, Poppy. I am...pleased to be back."

"Now, you will be staying in this office to keep you safe. The Headmaster and I will watch over you—and don't worry, your memory will return, I am sure. You just need to give it time. So. Have you eaten?"

Severus wanted to respond—but found he couldn't. Suddenly, everything was very cold. Sweat was running down his back. His body ached and burned.

Severus, Severus, Severus. Running away to Hogwarts will not save you.

What was it Albus had done? He had told the Dark Lord to leave him alone, and he had. He tried. He thought the words. Leave me alone.

Oh. Are you trying to fight back? You really have no idea, do you, most beloved servant. You cannot fight me. I own you, remember?

You are nothing to me. I am safe here. You cannot enter Hogwarts.

Why would I need to enter Hogwarts physically, when I am already here?

He wanted to look around. He could not be here. Could he? Panic grabbed his heart, Leave me be, please, leave me be.

This time, Severus, begging for your life will make no difference. Can you imagine how much pain your precious Dumbledore will be in as you die for a second time?

I will not...

Will not what? Give in? You said that last time, didn't you?

...Stop...

What was that, Severus? I can't quite hear you...

...I...hurt...

Yes, you do. And you will continue to do so, until you throw yourself at my feet.

Ne...ver...

I think you have a fever, Severus. Sleep well...

"Severus!" Albus grabbed the younger man before he fell from the sofa. He almost drew his hand away again, "He's so hot!" He exclaimed, "Poppy, what's wrong with him?"

Poppy pulled back one of Severus' closed eyelids to peer into black eyes, "It's a fever." She looked to Albus, "We need to get him to bed."

"How could he...he was fine...a moment ago, he was fine!" Albus lifted the younger man into his arms, holding him tight, "He was fine..."

They rested him on the bed, just as Severus cried out, "Stop! Please! I don't want to do this! Take it away!"

"He will be hallucinating." Poppy explained, "It's a symptom of fever." She reached out to touch Albus' arm, "I will go to the Hospital Wing and pick up some potions. Stay with him."

"I can't leave him! Not like this!" Albus sat on the bed next to Severus, who was curled in a ball, pale and sweating. "Will he...hallucinations...right..."

Poppy recognised his stricken expression as one of terrible fear, "Albus." She murmured, "You will have to prepare yourself."

She paused as Severus cried out again.

"We are in for a rough night."


And we, dear readers, are in for a rough two chapters. See you later! SS19 xx