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CHAPTER 11 MEMORIES

Snape led the way to the Hospital Wing. His eyes were downcast, and he was far paler than was the norm for him.

"What is it, Severus?" asked Madame Pomfrey when they arrived. She looked at the two boys behind the Potions Master, and then she saw Harry, still unconscious, in Draco's arms. She gasped audibly.

"It's Potter," replied Snape quietly. "He's in a coma."

"Dear God! What happened to him?" cried Pomfrey, taking Draco's arm and leading him to a bed to put Harry in.

"He was attacked in the night- a dream that was all too real for him." Snape's eyes were averted from Madame Pomfrey's.

"Does the headmaster know about this?"

"I have not told him yet."

"He will want to see Potter." She gave the Potions Master the once over, making sure he wasn't hurt too. "You all right?"

"I'm fine, just fine," he lied, forcing himself to smile grimly. "I'm going to go see Dumbledore. Draco, look after Potter." The Malfoy nodded, his eyes still on Harry.

Dear God, please save this boy, he prayed.

Severus walked slowly up to the Headmaster's office. He muttered the password (Licorice Wand) and got onto the revolving staircase.

"Severus?" asked Dumbledore. "What brings you here so early this morning?"

"It's Potter," muttered Snape. "He's ill."

"Well, what happened? Did he break something?" The Headmaster searched Snape's face looking for an answer.

"No, it's worse. He's- he's in a coma."

"A WHAT?"

"He's in a magically-induced coma."

"Who could have done this?" Dumbledore's eyes were wide with fear and rage at the culprit.

"It was the Dark Lord."

"You don't think-"

"I do. It is quite possible that he has fallen on this plan as a last resort. I know, as I was one who advised him in using this plan on others back…back then."

"You have not forgotten the way this enchantment works?" Dumbledore asked.

"No," Snape replied, "I haven't forgotten."

FLASHBACK

Dumbledore walked along High Street in Hogsmeade, having just returned from Madam Rosmerta's pub when suddenly he heard a loud crack coming from a nearby alley, followed by labored breathing. He entered the passageway, and found himself face to face with Severus Snape, cradling his left arm in his right, his teeth clenched in agony.

"What are you doing here, Severus?" the aged wizard asked calmly, fingering his wand in his pocket. "The Aurors are on patrol, and if they find a Death Eater in the vicinity -"

"End it," Snape interrupted. "Please, just end this for me. I will not be an agent of darkness for all time."

"Are you certain of this? The Dark Lord is not merciful, as you well know," Dumbledore replied. "He will likely try to kill you if he finds that you have changed sides."

"I am aware of that," Snape countered. "Regardless, I wish to end it. I want to help the Light."

"If you insist," Dumbledore sighed, and with a wave of his wand he rendered the younger man unconscious and levitated him back to Hogwarts, all the while passing his wand over the left arm in healing motions.

END FLASHBACK

"Well then, you're going to have to make sure he stays with our side," Dumbledore said quietly.

"I will do what I can. It will all depend on how he turns out when he awakens," Snape said as he walked out the door.

Please review! The curse that Dumbledore hit Snape with is a more powerful version of the Memory Charm, taken from the Latin, meaning Memory Forget.

What has Voldemort done to Harry? What is this "last resort?" All will be answered soon! BWAHAHAHAHAHA!