Chapter 11 – Magicarum Dormierit
Hello, here is chapter 11, finally. Sorry it took so long, I've been without a computer for the last few days. Thank you Ann Jinn, musicwolf7 and ElizabethAnneSoph for reviewing! Here it is.
SS
How was Severus supposed to explain to Harry that he could possibly die? He wasn't even sure he could bring himself to say it, not to Harry. He didn't want this to be the breaking point for the child; he had enough to deal with already.
A small, cold hand wrapping itself around Severus' wrist pulled him back to the present. Before he knew what was happening, Harry had halfway pulled him into the study, guiding him in his weakened state. Severus' body didn't want to cooperate with his mind, so he reluctantly let the child lead him over to the sofa and gently manoeuvre him down. Once again Harry's freezing palm made contact, this time resting on the back of Severus' own hand. It was a comforting gesture that Severus had never experienced before, and it warmed his cold heart.
Although he didn't want to, Severus removed his hand, choosing instead to take Harry's into his own. He should be providing Harry with comfort in this moment, not the other way round. Severus knew this small gesture wouldn't be enough though. I'm about to tell an abused child that he could die, a simple hand squeeze will not be enough to ease all of his fears!
"Sir, what's wrong? What did Professor Dumbledore do to make you this upset? Please tell me…I want to help you, like you've been helping me."
Severus looked up to see a concerned Harry staring back at him. That made him feel guilty. It was Harry's life that was in danger, not his, he should be worried about himself. Severus had to stop this, he needed to tell Harry what was going on. He just hoped it wouldn't destroy him.
"Harry…"
Severus stopped. He couldn't do it. He couldn't break the child like this. But he had to. He had to, and he was going to protect the boy, look after him and keep him safe. He sighed and started again.
"I explained to the headmaster that the pensieve drained us and that you had a nightmare about Lorne, and how it weakened you. He knows…why that has been happening."
"Ok, why is it happening?"
"He thinks that your animagus form is affecting your ability to sleep, and is causing you to lose energy. There was another wizard that this happened to. After a couple of years he began to weaken and…"
And what sir? Just tell me."
It nearly killed him. He was in a dragon sanctuary at the time and was able to create a potion to calm his dragon. That was the only reason he survived Harry."
"So because I'm a 'dragon' and I don't live in this sanctuary I'm going to die?"
"No. You're not going to die because I will make the potion for you. I'm not going to let you die, child."
"If you can't though, then so be it. I have to die sometime, right? So that was why you were upset, because Dumbledore told you that you had to make me some special potion?"
Severus cupped Harry's face in his hands, looking him directly in the eye.
"Harry, I don't ever want to hear you talk like that again. I want you to value your life and enjoy it. Don't listen to a damn thing those relatives of yours told you, they had no right to treat you like they did. And I wasn't upset because I had to make you the potion. I was upset because I care about you and I don't want anything to happen to you."
He gathered Harry in his arms and gave him a warm hug. The boy was absolutely freezing! Severus quickly summoned him some warmer clothes.
"Harry, why didn't you tell me you were cold? Here, put these on."
"I was worried about you, I didn't even realise I was cold. I forgot to thank you for taking me to Diagon Alley the other day, so thank you. And thank you for not wanting me to die, I don't want to…not anymore."
"What do you mean 'not anymore? You wanted to die?"
"When I lived at Privet Drive I thought about it. It would have been better than living with the Dursleys. They wanted me to die, they would have been thrilled if I did. I don't want to anymore though."
"No one should ever have to feel like their best option in life is to die. I promise you Harry that I will never treat you like they did."
"I know sir, thank you."
"I have to get a book from the headmaster's office; I want you to rest while I am gone. I will be back soon."
"Ok, sir."
HP
Harry watched his melancholy professor leave his quarters. Was he really that upset that Harry could possibly die? It was weird, no one had ever cared about him like that before. It was such a great feeling, it made Harry feel like someone actually wanted him. And on top of that his professor had invited Harry into his home for the summer. He couldn't help but think that Professor Snape would have made a great father. It was a strange thought, but it was true.
Harry was starting to feel weak again. He laid down on the lounge, allowing his eyes to fall shut. He hated feeling like this. He hoped his professor would be able to make this potion for him. The fact that he could die didn't really bother him too much, he just didn't want to feel completely exhausted. If he was going to die he at least wanted to be able to fight it. He was going to fight it!
He didn't doubt that his professor would make the potion for him, and Harry was going to do everything possible to help. As sleep began to claim him, Harry drifted off, knowing that he was going to be ok, he was going to live.
It was 8:00pm when Harry finally woke up, feeling oddly well rested. The warm glow of the fire provided the only lighting in the room, leaving him feeling calm and peaceful. He had finally been able to sleep for more than a few hours without waking from the terrors of a nightmare. The dark, relaxed silhouette of his professor caught his attention.
He was sitting in the armchair beside the fire, reading an old, damaged, dusty book, completely oblivious to the fact that the younger wizard was currently watching him. However, the loud yawn that Harry had been unable to stifle gave him away.
"I was wondering when you were going to wake up."
His professor gave him an amused look before turning back to the heavy tome resting on his lap.
"How long have I been asleep for sir?"
"Almost six hours. You needed it though so I didn't wake you. I stopped by the infirmary on my way back and picked up a container of invigoration draughts for you. Take one every twenty four hours, they should restore the energy you have currently lost. Here."
"Thanks. I can't wait until I'm back to normal."
"It shouldn't be much longer Harry, I've finally found the potion."
"Really? That's great!"
"It won't be easy to make though."
Harry didn't reply, he could tell there was something else his teacher wanted to say.
"You are an extremely powerful wizard Harry, your animagus form is very rare. The dragon is a naturally restless and powerful creature. Lorne is creating a magical imbalance in your core while you sleep, which could be worsening your nightmares. Because your emotional energy is uncontrolled in these dreams, it is sapping the energy from your core and causing you to weaken. The negative emotions you experience in these nightmares can also cause subconscious outbursts, which result in major temporary physical weakening. This could be what you are experiencing now, brought on by the pensieve."
"Ok, I think I understand that. And the potion, how do we make it?"
"The potion, Harry, is made up of five ingredients – dragon blood, syrup of hellebore, four sprigs of lavender, two fairy wings and draconum lapidem ardentem. Only one of those ingredients I don't have in my own personal store…"
"Draconum lapidem ardentem. I've never even heard of it. What is it sir? How am I supposed to find it?"
"It is a rare glowing dragon stone, only known to be found in Romania, and deep underground in India. When crushed it can be used as an ingredient in the potion Magicarum Dormierit, the one that you need. It has a calming effect on dragons. As it would be impossible to go that deep underground in India, Romania is our only option."
"Does anyone sell it? I have plenty of money."
"I highly doubt it, it is far too rare. We will have to travel to Romania ourselves to be able to obtain it."
"That sounds pretty easy so far, we can apparate there. Where do we have to go?"
"The Romanian dragon sanctuary, located in the Transylvanian Alps. It gets much worse than that though Harry."
"Why? What is it sir?'
It is located deep within a cave, protected by the fiercest dragon alive today, a Hungarian Horntail by the name of Arkanian. He is the cave's magical guardian. And as he is in the sanctuary, we will be unable to fight him. We will have to try and sneak past to be able to enter Draconis Cave."
"We're not going to Romania."
What are you talking about Harry? Of course we are."
"No. I'm going alone. This is all my fault, I'm the one who became an animagus and put my life in danger. I won't let you risk your life to save me!"
"You didn't know this was going to happen. I'm going to help you child, whether you like it or not... Let's not discuss it any further. Professor Dumbledore will return tomorrow. We will see what he has to say before we make any decisions. Come, let's have dinner."
SS
Severus once again found himself sitting by the fire, this time reading Harry's potions essay. It was very well written and over half a foot longer than the minimum requirement. He was quite impressed by it.
"Harry, this is very good. You have set yourself a new standard. In future I expect all of your essays to be written like this, not like ones from previous years."
"Yes sir. I couldn't really help it though, the Dursleys locked away all my school stuff during the holidays. I usually got all my assignments done on the Hogwarts Express."
"I know, I didn't mean anything by it Harry… While we've got a chance I wanted to ask you something."
"Yes, sir?"
"Were you really forced to sleep in that horrible little cupboard? You don't have to answer, but it will help you to talk about it."
He watched the boy tense up and then relax, knowing he wasn't being forced into a conversation he wasn't ready for. He let out a long sigh, looking down at his lap.
"I lived in the cupboard until I was 11 years old. After that I was given Dudley's second room because they were scared that I would use my magic on them."
"That toad boy had two bedrooms?! That's disgraceful!"
That really annoyed Severus. How could those bloody muggles force him to sleep in that tiny, dirty little cupboard when there was a damned spare room?! I cannot WAIT to get my hands on them, they will pay for everything that they've done to Harry! He pushed that thought away for later. The boy was finally opening up to him. He needed to listen so he could do everything in his power to help him. Wanting to keep him talking, Severus asked another question.
"How long during the day did they keep you locked up for? Did they even provide you with food?"
"From when I was about 4 I was locked in there for about half of the day, and was let out during the other half to do all of my chores. I didn't mind it though, they couldn't hurt me while I was locked away… I did get food sometimes, if there was any left. If I was really lucky Aunt Petunia would give me a piece of dry toast and a glass of water. And she would allow me a bit of food sometimes if Uncle Vernon hurt me really bad."
"That's it?! They gave you nothing else?"
"Not usually. Sometimes I was able to sneak food while they were out, and Mrs Figg always gave me dinner when she looked after me, which was a few times a week."
Severus felt sick. He placed a shaky hand over his forehead and closed his eyes. He had one last question for Harry.
"Did they ever let you out to use the toilet, child?"
The younger wizards face turned bright crimson. Judging by the uncomfortable look on Harry's face, the answer was going to be 'no'.
"I was let out twice a day…but, other than that I…"
Harry didn't say anymore, instead rolling over to face the back of the lounge, curling himself into a ball. He was embarrassed, Severus had no doubt about that, but he shouldn't have been. It was not his fault! Severus padded over to the hiding child, who had his face buried into the lounge. He crouched down, allowing his long, slender fingers to glide through Harry's messy hair.
"Listen to me very carefully Harry. It's not your fault. None of it was ever your fault. You were very young at the time Harry, do not be ashamed of yourself. It is impossible for a child to go through a whole day only using the toilet twice. Do not blame yourself child. I promise they won't get away with how they've treated you, I'll make sure of that. Come, it's time for bed, you are still weak."
Severus didn't wait for the boy to respond. Within seconds he had scooped Harry into his arms, slightly adjusting him before standing. He was pleasantly surprised when Harry nestled against his chest, seemingly enjoying the warmth the older man was providing. Soon the unmistakable sound of light snoring was filling Severus' head. Harry had fallen asleep. It was rather alarming that he had fallen asleep so quickly, considering he had slept for six hours earlier in the evening. He must have been completely exhausted.
He placed the sleeping teen on his bed, pulling the covers over him. It was kind of nice to have someone to look out for. Severus enjoyed the warm feeling spreading throughout his chest. He turned to leave, stopping at the door.
"Goodnight Harry," he quietly whispered, before pulling the door shut behind him.
Well, that was it. It was boring, I know, but it was important. Unfortunately it may be a few more days before I post the next chapter. I'll try to get it up soon. There will be a new character soon in a few chapters' time, just to make it more fun! Thank you and please review.
AsSafeAsSnape
