Disclaimer – Nothing at all is mine. How disappointing.
Chapter 10 – Something Tangible
Harry heard them come in much later; Kingsley and Shacklebolt. He heard them place his trunk at the bottom of the bed and he heard them leave, or he thought he did.
'I know you're awake, Harry.' Remus said quietly from the doorway.
Harry didn't move and moments later he felt the edge of the bed dip. 'I know you didn't want this, Harry, but it's for the best. You'll see that in the long run.'
Harry turned so the werewolf could see the fire in his eyes. 'I hate you.' He whispered. 'My parents would hate you. You were all I had left of them and you've allowed this to happen.'
Remus stood up. 'I'm sorry you feel that way, Harry, we're just trying to help you. Prepare you for what is to come.'
Harry gave a bitter laugh. 'Prepare me for what? To defend something I barely know anything about. Kill another to save a way of life I haven't even lived. Great.' Harry said sarcastically, turning away and hugging the pillow to him tightly. 'Get out.' He murmured.
'Harry...I...'
'GET OUT.' Harry yelled burying his head in the pillow as he tried to slow the headache that was building.
Remus looked down at him in concern for several moments before shaking his head. There was nothing he could do. The headmaster's instructions were clear. Harry had asked for this training and training was what he would get. There was no way he was going to lose all that was left of his family to that monster, and Remus would help train Harry every minute of every day if that's what it took.
Those two words he yelled at Lupin were that last things out of Harry's mouth for almost two weeks. Every day Dumbledore and the others came and between all of his teachers Harry learnt.
His skills increased every day and each day the smile on Dumbledore's face became broader. He knew his little weapon was ready. All they had to do now is keep him ready until Tom came for him as Dumbledore knew the Dark Lord would.
As the headmaster grew more confident Harry grew more introverted. He would train, he would read, he would eat and he would sleep; but he never spoke. Not once, not even to Severus when they were alone in the cellar that doubled as a potions lab. What this imposed exile was doing to his young lover was breaking the potions master's heart. There were never less than two of his teachers with him at Grimmauld Place at any one time so they were never alone. All Severus wanted to do was pull the young man to him and hold him; never letting him go. As the adults gathered at the end of the second week, in the large kitchen as Harry slept, there were many questions on the minds of those sitting around the table.
'Has he said anything to anyone?' Dumbledore asked curiously. All the teachers exchanged glances and shook their heads.
'He hasn't said anything since the night he arrived.' Lupin sighed.
'Just what did he say that night?' Dumbledore asked rudely. 'What did you say to make him behave the way his is?'
Lupin's eyes narrowed. 'I just told him it was for his own good.' The werewolf said bluntly.
'And what did he say?' Dumbledore encouraged.
Lupin hesitated. 'That he hated me.' he said softly. 'That James and Lily would hate me.'
'What?' Dumbledore breathed.
Most in the room looked a little shocked at this and Lupin quickly went on. 'He said we were all so busy preparing him to save a way of live that he doesn't even live.'
'What the hell is he talking about? What does he mean he doesn't live? He knows Tom killed his parents. He knows he's a monster.'
'I do not believe that is what the boy is referring to.' Snape said quietly and Dumbledore's head snapped in his direction.
'Well, what is he referring to then?' Dumbledore asked acidly.
Snape raised an eyebrow at the elderly wizard's tone and the headmaster had the grace to look mildly apologetic.
'You all know that boy's childhood, his relatives, how he grew up. His first and only friends and real family, at least in Potter's eyes, are at Hogwarts and you have just taken him away from them.' Snape kept his face neutral as he went on. 'Each day he is here he forgets just a little more of what it is he is actually fighting for, and each day he get closer to thinking is it all really worth it. Yes, the Dark Lord killed his parents and anyone would want to avenge their deaths, but without something else to defend, some other reason for going through the pain he does every day, that reason alone may not be enough to stop him from just giving up.'
Dumbledore was silent for several moments. 'He wouldn't just give up.' He insisted. 'The Oath he gave.'
Snape cut him off. 'The Oath only ties him to Hogwarts until the Dark Lord is dead or he graduates. It doesn't stop him from deciding that all the pain isn't worth it and just walking out in front of Tom Riddle and laying down his wand and asking the Dark Lord to strike him down.'
'Don't be ridiculous, Severus. Harry would fight. He's just like you. He will fight to his dying breath. I know he would. He will put up with all this and more.'
Snape looked squarely at the headmaster. 'I wouldn't.' he said softly.
Dumbledore just stared at his potions master before shaking his head. 'You can't know that, Severus.' He said.
Snape shrugged and picked up his tea, taking a small sip. 'I'm only telling it as I see it.'
Dumbledore glanced around the room seeing the faces of the others all deep in contemplation and quickly stood, Snape watching him curiously as he swept out the door.
'Harry? Harry, are you awake?' Dumbledore asked as he crossed the room and sat on the edge of Harry's bed.
Harry knew the old man wouldn't leave until he acknowledged him so he rolled over slowly and sat up.
Dumbledore actually sat and took in the dull, tired green eyes, the dark circles and the slumped shoulders and realised that perhaps, this once, the potions master might be correct, not that it mattered.
'How do you feel, Harry?' Dumbledore asked directly.
'Fine.' Harry whispered hoarsely, the lack of use of his voice showing quite dramatically.
Dumbledore's eyes widened. 'You spoke?' he questioned.
Harry just continued to stare dully at him.
'You've learnt quite a lot over the last two weeks.' The elderly wizard said.
Harry didn't say anything and his expression didn't change.
'The other Professors are pleased at your progress.'
Silence.
'I feel moving you here has been very beneficial.'
Harry finally turned his head away and concentrated on fiddling with the bedspread between his fingers.
'I know you're upset, Harry, but it really is for the best. Your friends will be there when this is all over. After Voldemort is destroyed you can finally have the life you deserve. We'll all be safe.'
Harry didn't look up. 'Yes Professor.' He murmured listlessly.
Dumbledore watched for several moments longer before getting up off the bed and after patting Harry's shoulder gently he walked swiftly from the room.
Another week passed and Harry found it almost impossible to simply get up in the mornings. He'd drag himself out of bed and down the stairs before spending the day following orders from whichever of his teachers happened to be teaching that day before flopping into bed.
After another long talk between the adults down in the kitchens Dumbledore had had enough. The boy barely felt a thing anymore and that had to change. He stormed out the door and up the stairs bursting into Harry's room and throwing a Tormentia curse the strength of which had not left his wand in many a year.
Harry grunted and arched upwards, the force of the curse almost throwing him from the bed. Dumbledore held it, waiting until Harry over came it a good few minutes later.
'What the fuck was that for?' Harry gasped hoarsely, staggering off the side of the bed, pulling his arms tight to his chest as he struggled to stop the trembling that was racking his frame.
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed. 'I'm sick to death of this, Harry. I'm sick to death of you acting like a child.' He said bluntly.
It was quite the wrong thing to say and Harry exploded. 'Have you ever thought that it's because you treat me like a bloody child. I'm seventeen years old for god's sake and you've locked me a way like a prisoner, like an errant child.' The air in the room thickened and seemed almost to spark. Lupin and the others who had followed the headmaster stared in awe as Harry practically glowed with unrestrained power. Snape quickly realised that Harry was going to have another one of his migraines when this was over but Harry was oblivious to everything but the elderly wizard in front of him as he continued.
'I did nothing wrong. I've done everything you asked and instead of congratulations; instead of even a simple well done, you take me away from the only people who really care about me, the only family I have, and expect me to be happy about it. I gave that Oath to you last year in the hope that you would teach me. I never agreed to this. I would never have agreed to this. You have taken the trust I gave you and twisted it. You took the only thing in my life that was important to me and took it away. This works both ways Professor. If I'm going to give you everything, put up with the pain and the sleepless nights and the potions you have to give me something back. Something tangible, something I can touch, even if it just breakfast with my friends each day.' Harry finished firmly, chest heaving with the exertion of his rant. He knew he was pushing it. He knew Dumbledore could take his words and use them against him, but at that moment he didn't care.
Severus, struggling to contain an expression of pride, watched as a grimace crossed over Harry's face and wondered if the young man could hold on long enough.
Dumbledore stared at the young man for several long minutes before speaking. 'Pack your trunk, Harry. You will be returning to Hogwarts in the morning.' The headmaster said quietly.
Harry sighed heavily. 'Thank you, Sir.' He whispered as he finally let the effects of the Tormentia combined with his outburst sweep over him.
The Headmaster actually grabbed him as his knees buckled and together with Snape carefully lifted him towards the bed.
'Get some rest, Harry. Severus, make sure he's comfortable and bring him with you in the morning.' Dumbledore told him gesturing to the others that they would be returning to Hogwarts.
'Me!' Snape grumbled, pulling potions out of his pockets and making it quite clear to the man how he felt being left as babysitter.
Dumbledore chuckled as his potions master. 'Come now, Severus. He'll be asleep any minute, you don't have to even feed him, just bring him to the castle in the morning.'
Snape sneered. 'I don't know why I bothered working so hard towards my Masters.' He groused. 'I'm nothing more than a glorified nanny.'
'I don't need a babysitter.' Harry breathed, his eyes shut as he tried to stave over the headache that threatened to overwhelm him.
'Severus, we'll leave you to it then. We have plans to make.' Dumbledore said quietly, thinking Harry was trying to sleep.
Snape waved at him in dismissal and began lining up vials on the bedside table. 'Wake up, Potter. You need to swallow these.' The potions master snapped as Dumbledore and the others finally left the room.
Severus stuck his head out the door and waited until he heard them leave by Portkey before erecting several monitoring charms and hurrying back to Harry.
'Leo, come on.' He murmured, holding a vial up to Harry's lips and waiting until the Gryffindor opened his mouth before emptying it inside.
'Sev.' Harry gasped as the potions master began gently massaging his temples.
'Just relax, Leo.' Severus whispered, pouring several more vials down Harry's throat.
'Severus.' Harry said again.
'You're incredible, Leo. You stood up to him and you get to see your friends tomorrow.'
'It was you I wanted to see.' Harry breathed, his eyes opening and staring up at the man he loved.
Severus smiled that special smile and leant forwards, placing a gentle kiss on Harry's waiting lips. 'And you say you aren't a Gryffindor.' He murmured.
Harry grinned. 'I never said I wasn't. I just said I was also a Slytherin.'
Severus laughed. 'Oh, you are that. I've never seen anyone do that to Albus Dumbledore. He is a master of manipulation and he was just outwitted, outsmarted and out maneuvered by a child.'
'Hey, I'm not a child.' Harry said indignantly.
Severus smiled again. 'No, you're not.' He murmured, leaning forward and capturing Harry's lips with his own. The kiss quickly became heated and Harry moaned as Severus' lips left a trail of fire burning down his throat.
'I need you, Sev.' Harry gasped. 'Please.'
Severus didn't hesitate, their clothing gone almost instantly as he lay down and pulled the younger wizard closer to him.
Their coupling was rushed but still just as sweet. Harry feeling as if he would explode with the things his lover's nimble fingers were doing to him.
Eventually Severus took him to hand as the potions master's thrusts became more hurried. 'Come for me, Leo.' He whispered silkily and Harry couldn't help but obey, arching up as his orgasm ripped through him, burying his head in the older man's shoulder to muffle the cry that went with it. Severus followed almost instantly and after a cleaning charm they settled down cuddled tightly in each others' arms.
'I love you, Severus.' Harry murmured sleepily.
Severus smiled and carded his fingers through the messy black hair. 'And I you, Leo.' He whispered.
Harry couldn't help but smile as the Portkey dropped them in the Entrance Hall the next morning. Of course he had barely stopped smiling since waking up in his lover's arms but that was beside the point. He waited as the potions master gave his shoulder a final squeeze before stalking through the open doors of the great hall.
Harry followed several moments later, stopping just inside as he savoured the feeling of being home again.
'HARRY!' Hermione's cry of delight rang out across the hall and Harry soon found his arms full of bushy haired witch. 'Oh Harry, we've been so worried. The headmaster would only tell us that you were away.'
'I was.' Harry said simply, knowing Dumbledore wouldn't want him elaborating on where he had been.
'Harry, mate.' Ron laughed, trying to pull his girlfriend off the Boy-Who-Lived.
'Hey Ron.' Harry said cheerfully, accepting the slap on the back from his friend. He was unable to stop the large grin that spread across his face as he was pulled towards the Gryffindor Table. All of his friends welcomed him back as he sat down, Hermione filling his plate before him and gesturing for him to tuck in.
'I've got notes on all the classes you missed, Harry. I'll give you copies later.' She said happily.
'Hey, you never let me copy.' Ron pouted.
'Yes, well, you weren't doing something very secret for the Order were you?' she retorted softly.
Harry's eyes widened. So that was what Dumbledore had told them. 'What did they tell the rest of the school?' Harry whispered.
Hermione shrugged. 'Didn't really tell them anything. Only that you're away and would be back eventually.' She explained.
'Oh.' Harry was surprised. He could just imagine what the rest of the school would have thought of that explanation.
'It's good to have you back, Harry.' Hermione added with a grin.
Harry responded with a smile of his own. 'It's great to be back, Hermione. Just great.'
Harry only managed to eat half of his dinner that evening before Lupin and Shacklebolt came for him but he didn't care. Even though he had been pestered by students all day regarding his whereabouts over the last month the joy of being home still hadn't worn off.
'I'll see you later guys.' Harry said quickly, dropping his knife and fork and getting up.
'You will be back this time right?' Ron asked.
Harry nodded. 'Yep. I'm not going again.'
Hermione looked dubious but Harry just gave them a wave and trotted towards the door. He could feel the eyes of many students following him and he knew they too were wondering if he would be back this time.
Harry gave Lupin and Shacklebolt a smile before slipping through the doorway and up towards the training room.
'Good evening, Harry.' Dumbledore said cheerfully as Harry walked in.
'Good evening, Professor.' Harry responded coming to attention in the middle of the room.
'I trust you have had a good day?'
Harry couldn't help but smile. 'Yes. Thank you Sir.' He added politely.
Dumbledore gifted him with a fond smile. 'No wands or weapons tonight, Harry. Strictly a wandless duel, alright?'
Harry nodded and pulled his wand from his pocket and handed it over before stepping back several paces and raising his hands.
There was no warning and he just had time to duck a Tormentia the headmaster sent from Harry's own wand. Harry ducked, rolled and weaved. The six Professors arrayed around him sending their strongest curses as Harry wandlessly shielded himself from as many as he could.
Flitwick went first, dropped by a strong hex sent by Lupin that sailed over Harry's head hitting the diminutive wizard square in the chest.
Harry let out a yelp as a cutting curse struck his left shoulder, a cry of pain quickly following as he rolled over the injury in an effort to evade a combined hex from Moody and Shacklebolt.
It took over four hours and by the end Harry was almost dead on his feet. Sweat dripped off him and his head was pounding but he held all six wands tightly in his hand. He opened his hand and allowed the Professors to summon their wands and he stumbled forward several steps, stopping just before the headmaster and holding out the elderly wizard's wand.
Dumbledore stared at him for several moments before reaching out and taking his wand and replacing it with Harry's. 'Well done, dear boy.' he said quietly.
Harry eyes widened and he couldn't help but smile. 'Thank you.' He murmured.
Dumbledore's eyes gleamed. 'Severus.' He motioned for the potions master to attend to Harry's injuries without taking his eyes from the Boy-Who-Lived. Harry felt almost uncomfortable under the gaze and dropped his eyes as Snape began healing the worst of them and giving him potions for the rest.
'Will that be all, Professor?' Harry asked hesitantly after he'd swallowed the various potions and handed the vials back.
Dumbledore nodded slowly. 'Yes, Harry. You are free to go.'
Harry nodded once and turned sharply on his heel heading for the door before the headmaster could change his mind. His other Professors congratulated him as he passed and he smiled in thanks before disappearing out the door so quickly he didn't hear the elderly wizard's final comment.
'I wonder if it is only Tom.' Dumbledore mused softly.
The next few days became increasingly tense for Harry. The headmaster's eyes had taken in a calculating glint that never faded in the boy's presence and Harry began to get nervous that he would be sent back to Grimmauld Place. He worked diligently at both his studies and his training, not wanting to give the elderly wizard any excuse to send him away again. With his time away no one realised how quickly Halloween was upon them and Harry's teachers were all unsure whether the Dark Lord might decide the night of All Hallows was as good as any to strike. Well, all except Snape anyway. He knew exactly what was going on as Harry found out when he found a short note in his potions text that morning.
Leo,
You will receive a special message during the feast tonight. Make sure your reactions show the required amount of surprise and anger as they will be keenly observed.
Love,
S
Harry incinerated the parchment as soon as he had read it and banished the ashes. He wondered just what Tom would send him and what Dumbledore would have to say on the matter.
That night he sat quietly with his friends hearing all about their trip to Hogsmeade earlier that day. Harry hadn't had training that morning, something that surprised him but he guessed that Dumbledore wanted him on top form for the evening in case Tom decided to try something. The feast was incredible as usual and happy students chatted noisily around him.
A fluttering overhead caught most of the hall's attention as hundreds of pairs of eyes looked upwards to watch the pitch black falcon soar once around the room, bright red envelope held in its beak, before spotting Harry and swooping towards him. Harry recognised Hades immediately his eyes widened slightly. He knew the headmaster would also recognise the bird.
A noise alerted Harry to movement at the head table and he glanced up at the head table to see Dumbledore and Snape rising and coming towards him.
'Who would send you a Howler, Harry?' Ron asked curiously as the large bird landed.
Harry had to stop himself from stroking the soft black feathers and as if to remind him Hades dropped the howler and pecked harshly at him before lifting off the table and flying away. The entire hall sat silently as Harry reached for the smoking red envelope. As soon as he touched it, it unfolded itself to hover before him.
'Harry Potter.' Hissed the sibilant voice of the Dark Lord Voldemort.
Several students screamed as Snape and Dumbledore reached the Boy-Who-Lived and yanked him harshly away from the hovering envelope; the students nearest shifting away at the sudden hissing of the envelope.
Everybody watched Harry's reaction as the Dark Lord continued speaking Parseltongue to him. Many students began trembling and several fainted as the hissing continued for some minutes. Harry had to stop himself from smiling as he listened to Tom tell him how much he missed having him at the Manor, how much they were looking forward to the end of the school year and what exactly he'd like to do to the elderly wizard standing at Harry's left. To finish the conversation the Dark Lord told Harry something that had apparently been said by Dumbledore to several members of the Order. It was something his lover hadn't told him and it made his blood run cold.
It may not have been the best thing to have said to him but it certainly got the required response as Harry paled significantly even as his eyes burned brightly in anger. The chilling laugh that sounded throughout the hall even as the Howler burst into black flames almost caused a stampede as students unable to understand what had been said thought Lord Voldemort was coming.
'SILENCE.' Dumbledore roared over the screaming students and as usual they stopped exactly where they were and turned to face him. 'All students will return immediately to their dormitories. There will be no students wandering the halls tonight.' The headmaster's voice brokered no argument and the students rushed from the hall as McGonagall and the other teachers revived those who had fainted and escorted them to the hospital wing.
Dumbledore spun Harry to face him, stepping back at the anger burning brightly in the green eyes. 'What did it say, Harry? What did he say?'
Harry closed his eyes, swallowing his anger as he remembered the assurances of love and comfort the beginning of the message contained. 'He wanted to wish me a Happy Halloween on the sixteenth anniversary of my parent's death.' Harry whispered.
'What else?'
'He was just letting me know, in detail of course, what he planned to do to those I care about.'
'Anything else?' Dumbledore's voice was almost fanatical and Harry's eyes snapped open.
'He knows.' Harry murmured. 'About Professor Snape being a spy.' He added glancing at the potions master. Snape's eyes widened but he gave no sign of having heard what Harry said.
Dumbledore waved his hand dismissively. 'We know this already. Was there anything else?'
Harry's eyes dropped as he struggled to maintain his temper. 'No. that was all.' He ground out.
Dumbledore sighed and turned away. 'Now what? I had expected him to attack in person.'
'I did say he had something planned but I wasn't privy to the finer details.' Snape offered and Dumbledore turned to him.
'You have to try harder to earn back their trust, Severus. We need the information you bring us.'
'You can't send him back.' Harry burst out, keeping up the pretence of Snape's spying role. 'Didn't you hear? Riddle knows. He'll kill him.'
'It's a chance we have to take.' Dumbledore said firmly.
'But it's not you taking the chance, is it?' Harry yelled turning away at the imperceptible shake of Snape's head.
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed and he seemed to come to a decision. 'Training Room, Harry. You have fifteen minutes.' He said curtly.
Harry looked about to protest again but Dumbledore's eyes hardened into ice and he bowed his head, turning on his heel and all but sprinting from the hall.
Dumbledore tore his gaze from the spot Harry had occupied and eyed his potions master. 'He seems to be adverse to the idea of you sacrificing yourself for the Order, Severus.'
Snape snorted derisively and rolled his eyes. 'He's a Gryffindor, Albus, what do you expect.' He said dryly.
His six Professors were having what looked to be an all out argument when Harry walked in; Snape and Flitwick on one side, Dumbledore, Moody, Remus and Shacklebolt on the other.
'Albus, you can't be serious.' Snape all but yelled. 'It's too dangerous. It's too much of a risk.'
'You've heard the Prophecy, Severus.' Dumbledore said firmly. 'Nothing will happen. The Death Eaters won't be holding back. He needs to be able to fight back even if hit. They'll only be half strength.'
'Um, excuse me?' Harry said hesitantly and every head turned in his direction.
'Centre of the room, Harry.' Dumbledore said briskly without waiting for any further outbursts.
Harry didn't move, looking between the six adults before him.
'Harry.' The headmaster snapped and Harry jumped, quickly moving across to the centre of the room as all but Snape moved to surround him.
'Albus, I strenuously voice my objection to this. I believe it a dire risk that is far too precarious to even contemplate.' Snape tried again.
'You don't have to participate, Severus.' Dumbledore said snidely. 'I would have thought you wanted Harry as prepared as possible.' Dumbledore turned to Harry. 'You do want to be as prepared as possible, don't you, Harry?' he asked.
'Yes.' Harry said nervously, not really liking where this was going. If Severus was this adamant then something was really wrong. He couldn't begin to imagine what could be so bad that it had his lover so riled up.
'Good, get ready then.' Dumbledore said firmly raising his wand and Harry quickly drew his own and summoned his sword.
Harry glanced momentarily at Severus before nodding to signal his readiness.
'Avada Kedavra.'
Harry automatically brought the sword up, deflecting the killing curse which hit the wall with a bang, as he stared in stunned silence at the elderly wizard. His mouth opened and closed of its own accord as his mind raced. Albus Dumbledore had just thrown an Unforgivable at him. The Head of the Order of the Phoenix had just cast the killing curse at the only person who could destroy Tom Riddle.
He was so stunned that he missed another curse from Moody that was cast towards his back. He saw the tell tale green light out of the corner of his eye and spun around just in time to receive it full on.
He couldn't help but scream as his chest suddenly felt as if it was on fire. He didn't think he had ever been in such pain. He only remained standing by sheer force of will.
'Avada Kedavra.' Dumbledore said again; the hex catching Harry on the shoulder.
'Avada Kedavra.' Shacklebolt said quietly.
Harry groaned, head dropping as he struggled not to scream again.
'Avada Kedavra.' Lupin sent the curse directly at Harry's back causing him to spin around.
'Do something Harry. Lord Voldemort will not hesitate to kill you if he sees you weakened.' Dumbledore yelled. 'Avada Kedavra.'
Harry tried to raise his wand his hand shaking alarmingly. 'Stupefy.' He croaked out but Flitwick managed to dodge it and sent a killing curse in return, albeit rather unwillingly.
'Avada Kedavra.' Moody said again and Harry cried out, his legs buckling. He only just managed to keep himself upright by using his sword for balance.
'Avada Kedavra.' Lupin flicked his wand in Harry's direction. Harry screamed and staggered sideways, the sword clattering to the ground as his nerve endings burned and his arms went numb.
'Avada Kedavra.' Dumbledore snapped. 'Come on Harry. Fight back for Merlin's sake.'
'Please stop.' Harry begged, raising his hand again but in a gesture of surrender.
'Avada Kedavra.' Shacklebolt said a second time.
Harry screamed again as his wand also fell to the floor and he wrapped his arms tightly around his waist; his insides feeling as if they were rearranging themselves. His breath came in sharp painful gasps and tears streamed unchecked down his cheeks. He saw Dumbledore raise his wand once again.
'Please.' He cried brokenly. 'Please no more. Please no more.'
'Avada Kedavra.' Dumbledore said, ignoring his pleas.
Harry shrieked as the curse hit him, collapsing to the floor, the anguished sound echoing off the walls.
'ENOUGH.' Snape roared moving to stand before the broken form curled tightly in a ball on the floor. 'Enough. I cannot allow this to continue.' He spat. 'Look at him. He is the only hope we have. I cannot let you continue on this path. For a wise old man, you're taking an incredible risk, Albus. The curse may not kill him but the pain may well stop his heart. Do you really want to take such a chance? He is the only hope we have.' Snape repeated hoping the headmaster would see reason.
Dumbledore stepped forward and looked down at the deathly pale form. 'Ennervate.' He said firmly but Harry didn't stir.
'Ennervate.' Dumbledore said again but again there was no sign of movement.
'Everyone together.' The headmaster ordered and as one the six adults cast the spell but once again nothing happen.
'Dear Merlin.' Lupin gasped, dropping to his knees beside the Boy-Who-Lived and turning Harry over, crying out at the blood flowing freely from the young man's nose.
'We have to get him to the hospital wing.' The werewolf stammered, picking the Boy-Who-Lived up in his arms.
Dumbledore hesitated and Snape exploded once again. 'He's going to die if you don't do something. Get Pomfrey to swear an Oath if you have to but he needs help and he needs it now.'
Dumbledore glanced at the limp form in Lupin's arms once more before nodding and heading swiftly to the door.
Severus struggled not to rip his lover out of Lupin's arms as the group hurried towards the hospital wing.
'Albus, what is going on?' Poppy cried as they burst into the hospital wing.
'I need an Oath, Poppy.' Dumbledore said firmly, blocking her view of Harry. 'I need an Oath you will not discuss what you're about to see with anyone that isn't here.'
'I swear not to discuss anything I see tonight with anyone but those already present.' The medi-witch said hesitantly.
Dumbledore moved aside and Poppy's mouth dropped open.
'The private room in the back would probably be best.' She stammered and they quickly headed in that direction.
Lupin laid the young man down on the bed as Snape pushed past him and began pulling potions out of the bag that was always around his waist. Poppy cast a clotting spell before cleaning the blood off Harry's face and Snape slipped a hand under Harry's shoulders and lifted him gently as Poppy trickled various potions into his mouth making him swallow them with a spell.
Eventually they laid him back down and stepped back and Poppy banished his clothing and gasped. 'What the hell happened to him?' she cried taking in the burns that covered his body where each of the curses had hit him and reacted badly with his magic.
'It's none of your concern, Poppy. Just fix what you can.'
The medi-witch frowned but began smearing a thick purple potion over the burns, rolling Harry over to do his back before finally pulling a light cotton sheet over him and standing up.
'There is nothing more I can do for him, Albus. He'll have to wake up on his own.' Poppy said primly, clearly not happy with the headmaster's lack of explanation.
'Well, how long will that take?' Dumbledore asked crossly.
Poppy folded her arms over her chest. 'As I have no idea what exactly happened I have no way of knowing.' She said sarcastically.
Dumbledore's eyes narrowed and he turned to Lupin making it clear the medi-witch had been told all she was going to be. 'Remus, please contact Darvid Caragan and make sure he is aware that Harry is supposed to be staying with him for specialist training. He will know what to say should anyone ask.'
'But...'
'Now Remus.' Dumbledore left no room for argument.
Suddenly Snape's left forearm seared with pain and he clapped a hand over it and grunted. Dumbledore turned to him. 'Go Severus, and remember, not a word.'
Snape sneered. 'What do you think I'm going to say?' he snapped. 'That Albus Dumbledore almost killed the Boy-Who-Lived. No one would believe me anyway.' He growled stalking out the door as Dumbledore raised his wand.
'Obliviate.' He murmured and Poppy seemed stunned for a moment before shaking her head. 'Now remember, Poppy.' The headmaster said softly. 'No one must know.'
Poppy nodded and turned back to Harry knowing she was missing something but having no idea of what it was.
Severus practically fell out of the floo, something that was unheard of from the usually graceful potions master. He had taken the floo from the Three Broomsticks as he was in no condition to apparate, and his entrance startled Tom and Lucius both of whom immediately stepped towards the man.
'Severus?' Tom questioned.
Severus shook his head, unable to speak as he dropped to one knee before the Dark Lord.
'Get up off the floor, Severus and tell me what the hell just happened to Harry.' Riddle commanded.
Severus stood and looked up, taking the slightly glazed red eyes. 'He tried to kill him. That bastard tried to kill him.' he whispered hoarsely. 'I tried to stop him but he wouldn't listen. You should have seen Harry's face. I don't think even after all that has happened that he thought the Headmaster could even do such a thing, to him of all people. Not so blatantly. The pain,' Severus shook his head. 'Harry was screaming, begging him to stop but they wouldn't. They just kept cursing him.'
Malfoy pushed a large tumbler of whiskey into Severus hand, halting his rambling. 'Drink.' The blond aristocrat said firmly.
Severus threw his head back and gulped down the burning liquid as he tried to quell the anger and concern that was roiling through him. Lucius pushed him backwards until he hit the sofa and he sat abruptly.
'What did he do, Severus?' Tom asked, sitting down beside him.
'They...He...They...' Severus trailed off shaking his head.
'Severus.' Tom said a bit more firmly.
Severus looked up to see Riddle's red eyes now shining brightly. Riddle himself raised an eyebrow at the pain lingering in potions master's own. 'He cursed him. They all cursed him.' Severus spat.
Tom cocked his head. 'But they're always doing that. As part of his supposed training.'
Severus swallowed. 'Not with Avada Kedavra.'
Riddle's eyes widened as his eyebrows shot skywards. 'What!' he breathed.
'Albus wanted to check the prophecy for himself. He told the others it was because Harry would need to learn to fight back even if he was hit with the spell but I think he just wanted to see if it was true.'
'Where's Harry now?' Lucius asked as it was clear that Tom was incapable of speech.
'He's in a coma in the hospital wing. They hit him thirteen times.' Severus snarled. 'Thirteen!' Any hold the potions master had on his emotions finally crumbled and threw the now empty brandy glass at the wall and he buried his head in his hands at Tom looked at Lucius.
'Thirteen?' The blond aristocrat mouthed.
Tom's eyes hardened and he sat in silent fury for several minutes as Severus composed himself. When the potions master finally looked up it was to see red eyes burning with barely restrained anger. 'I'm going to kill him.' Riddle said slowly.
Severus' own anger filled eyes glinted just as brightly. 'You'll have to get in line, My Lord.'