***AN: In case you're wondering, Cináed is pronounced "Kin-AYD," and it means "born of fire."***

Chapter 14

Severus sat in the armchair in their room, watching the moon rise and listening to the Weasley boy report on Potterwatch. Harry sat at his feet, staring at the radio with wide eyes as if it would attack him. Severus understood his fear. He, too, feared hearing of another death on their side.

"All right, everyone," said Weasley, "we're back. Apologies for the delay. We had been broadcasting from River's family's shed, but three nights ago, the River home was raided."

Harry tensed against Severus' knees.

"No one got hurt, miraculously—River's da had the good sense to apparate everyone out at the first sign of damage to the wards—but the Death Eaters levelled the house itself."

Harry let out a sigh of relief. "Thank Merlin they're okay."

Severus ran his fingers through Harry's mop and smiled when the young man laid his head against Severus' knee.

"Thanks," Harry said. "That helps keep me calm."

"Then I shall continue petting you, like the little green-eyed kitten you are."

"Oi!"

Severus laughed and petted on. Harry grumbled, but quieted quickly as Lee came on.

"We've got a great new location," said Lee, "though it's a shame about the house, and those little bastards are going to find these wards a hell of a lot harder to break."

"And that's if they get through mine and Rapscallion's traps," said Fred Weasley in an amused tone.

"That's a big if, Rapier," said his twin. "Our skills in that area are legendary—"

"The tops—"

"And anyone who tries to break through without our consent—"

"Is really going to regret it," finished Fred with a laugh. "But moving on, folks, we've got a lot to report on in our absence. First off, you may or may not have already heard from the Prophet, but the teachers gathered together in Hogwarts—including Severus Snape, and blimey, do we ever have a lot to say about him—they all gathered together to perform an ancient wartime rite in Hogwarts and kicked Old Mouldy and his Death Eater minions out of Hogwarts!"

"That's right, Rapier," said Lee. "I can hardly believe it all myself."

Fred continued, "You're not kidding. It was, for lack of a better word, amazing. First, the decent teachers sent everyone in the Order and DA—that's Harry Potter's defence organisation, folks—they sent us all Patronus messages to meet at Hogwarts in secret. So we all flooed into this secret room even Rapscallion and I didn't know existed and started planning for this rite."

George took over. "We were all sitting about discussing the rite and how it worked when the man himself—"

"The great—"

"The brilliant—"

"But rather short—"

"Like Napoleon Bonaparte, only with magic—"

"And a less French empire—"

"And a slightly better hairstyle—"

Harry burst into laughter. Severus smiled and continued stroking his mop.

Lee interrupted. "Come off it, you two. Harry will kill you if you keep that up much longer, no help from Old Mouldy needed."

The twins laughed.

"Besides that," said Lee, "our broadcast time is limited. So to get on with it, Harry Potter showed up and … cleared Professor Severus Snape's name. I could hardly believe it, after everything, but there it is."

"It is rather astounding, River," said George, "but before you folks start doubting Harry's word, think about all those posters we've seen naming Headmaster Snape as Undesirable Number Two. Now, we all know Riddle has taken over the Prophet, so why would he turn on his own guy if Snape was still working for the Death Eaters?"

"The short answer, Rapscallion," said Fred, "is that he isn't, and he hasn't been for decades. The man made a lot of mistakes in his teenage years—bad ones—but he's spent the past twenty years trying to atone for them."

"Right, Rapier," said Lee. "Professor Snape was a spy, feeding information to the Order while pretending to work for Riddle and getting himself Crucioed every other day, all for our sakes." Lee went quiet. "Whatever he did in his past, he's suffered enough for it by now."

"We should have supported the man," said Fred, his voice sad and regretful. "He … he had no one to help him that entire time. No one at all."

"I was so angry at him," George said, "right up until Harry showed the man leaning into Harry's shoulder and crying—crying!—just because we all agreed not to kill him. That minimal show of good faith all but shattered Professor Severus Snape's defences, and I think we can all agree his are formidable."

He sniffled. "Snape, he did hurt me. Badly. But it was an accident that happened while he was trying to save my life, and ever since that moment, ever since I saw him broken down in Harry's arms, I couldn't hold a grudge. I forgave him then, and rightfully so. The man's not the monster we all thought he was. He's … he's a bloody hero."

"Hear, hear," said Fred and Lee at once, as well as a third voice Severus couldn't hear over the rush of emotion in his ears.

"Gods," he breathed, shaking and struggling for composure.

He had never meant to curse George Weasley, but the fact remained that Severus had blown off the boy's ear. He had forever damaged the Weasley boy's appearance, hearing, balance, and gods knew what else. How could the young prankster feel such pain, such regret, for him?

How could George forgive him so thoroughly, when Severus deserved nothing but his antipathy?

Severus closed his eyes to hold back a surge of gratitude and overwhelming emotion. To hear the happy-go-lucky Weasley twins getting weepy for him—it was simply too much. He buried his face in his hand to cover the tears he couldn't hold back.

Harry stood and walked to stand behind Severus' chair. He draped his arms around Severus' shoulders, being careful to put no weight on the older man's injured side, and kissed his temple.

"It's okay to cry if you need to, Sev. I'm right here. I'll pull you through it."

Severus reached up with the arm he could still move and tugged Harry's hand into his own. "Thank you. For being with me. For this moment." His tears flowed despite his resistance, and Harry brushed them away with gentle fingertips.

"I'm here, Sev," Harry murmured. "It's going to be okay."

"I cannot believe he forgives me."

Harry kissed Severus' hair and held the man as tight as he likely dared. "I know, but he does. It's okay. It was an accident, Sev, and he knows that now."

"Harry … thank you."

Harry kissed his hair. "Nothing to thank me for. Ssh. It's okay now. It's over. You're okay." He wiped a stream of tears from Severus' face. "I'm here, Sev. I'm here."

Severus buried his face into Harry's hand and tried to get his emotions under control.

In the meantime, Lee continued the broadcast. "—Don't have time to go into everything Harry said to clear the man, but suffice it to say that Severus Snape is innocent on every count, including Professor Dumbledore's death. Turns out the man was dying of a terrible curse and had arranged for Snape to kill him beforehand as a form of euthanasia."

"Harry told us afterwards," said Fred, "that it tore Snape to pieces. He loved Dumbledore like a father, and he had to kill the man. It shattered him."

"Right, Rapier," said George. "Gods, I never imagined I'd see him cry, but Snape cried quite a lot at the rite when we all stood for him and accepted him into the ranks. Harry had to hold the man together because he'd never experienced forgiveness and loyalty." George gave a wry laugh. "I never imagined I'd use this word in reference to Professor Snape, but it was … sweet, actually, the way they helped each other."

"Shocking though," said Lee. "His previous behaviour was a cover, but we all recall how Professor Snape used to terrorise Harry on a daily basis."

"Their hatred was legendary, River," said Fred, "but now … it's beautiful to see how forgiveness has healed the two of them."

"That it was, Rapier," said George. "But we've got to move on. After Harry finished clearing Snape's name and pulling the man back together, they went on to destr—"

Ronald Weasley cut across him. "Don't!" Harry stiffened at the sound of the red-headed bigot's voice. "Don't say a word about that, Rapscallion! It's too dangerous. If anyone from the opposite side should have happened upon our password …."

George gasped. "Merlin. Sorry about that folks. Er, let's just say they had a mission in the castle, right?"

"Right," said Ron.

"All right. So, as Rat-face was saying—"

"Oi!"

"Like we said, Rat-face," said Fred, "you can go by another codename when you take your head out of your arse and apologise to Harry and the Professor properly."

"Good of him to make Prongs poke you with his antlers," said George with a snort. "Most amusing sight I've had for a long time."

"Oh, shut it," said a sulking Ron.

Harry clenched his fist beside Severus' shoulder. Severus understood. He wanted to throttle the idiot, too.

Severus stroked the hand he was still holding and whispered, "He is a fool. You are beautiful and brave and deserve better than such weak friendship."

Harry gave him a thin smile. "Thanks, Sev. I know you're right, but it still hurts."

"Yes. I do understand."

Harry nodded. "You do, sadly." He laid his chin on Severus' shoulder once more and they returned their attention to the broadcast.

"—But the really great news here, hard as it was on poor Harry," Fred was saying, "is that Alecto Carrow is dead. Though it was by accident, Harry killed the wicked witch."

Harry let slip a little cry and burrowed hard into Severus' neck.

Severus kissed Harry's hair, as much as the action frightened him. "Ssh. I am here. You did nothing wrong."

Harry held onto him as an anchor in a storm and listened to the broadcast.

George said, "If you're listening, Harry, we hate to bring her up, mate—I know you're still struggling—but we need to let the listeners know she's dead just in case someone tries to polyjuice into her or something."

Harry rallied and nodded. "Right. You … you're right. She was evil, and she deserved what she got."

Severus squeezed Harry's hand. "So she did."

"—So after all this," said Lee, "poor Harry was a wreck. Professor Snape took him into a side room to recover and then, once Harry was feeling all right, we all pitched in and started the rite. It wasn't much, really. Professors Snape and McGonagall just stood together and said a few words, then we all said our parts at the same time, and then the school just kind of … locked."

"There was this great rushing sound," said Fred, "and then we all looked in a spyglass to check on the Death Eaters. They were all banging around outside Hogsmeade, trying to find a way in, but it seems this old rite closed out Hogsmeade to them, too. Everyone else can still come and go, thank Merlin, but Old Mouldy and his Death Eaters are locked out for good."

"He's still trying, though," said a grim Lee. "And since this is Riddle we're talking about, he might find a way past the barrier. So if you get a call to come to the school or the village, understand it means the few teachers left in Hogwarts and the Hogsmeade people are trapped there and under threat of battle. It's our duty to stand by them, just like they stood by us, right?"

"Right," agreed the other boys and a feminine voice Severus couldn't identify in the midst of the others.

"It's awfully suspicious that Riddle's gone quiet," said a pensive Ron. "I mean, we all expected him to trash London in retribution or something, but the bastard's just hidden himself away and, if our intelligence-gathering equipment is to be trusted, the other Death Eaters are as confused by it as we are. Mark my words, he's up to something—something big—and it's not going to be pretty when he crawls out of his hole again."

"So you can say intelligent things from time to time, Rat-face," said Fred.

"I'm speechless," said George. "I thought only belches and bigotry came out of that end."

"Oi! Leave off. You know I … I came here because—damn it! You know why!" Ron sighed and his tone went sombre. "Harry, mate, I'm sorry. Not just about leaving, either. About hurting you, too. I was a right idiot. If you're listening, Harry, I-I'm really, honestly sorry. You can …." He gulped. "Love whoever you want to, okay? It's … not really my business, and I'm sorry I hurt you for it."

George said, "Hmm. Still feels like you're missing half of that apology, Rattie-kins."

Ron groaned. "That's even worse than Rat-face."

"Well, if you're going to leave half the people you hurt out …."

"Gods! Give a man a minute to catch his breath. I was just trying to tell Harry first because I hurt him worse, okay? Merlin." He sighed. "Um, Professor Snape, you too. I'm sorry."

"Heartfelt and touching," said Fred.

"I felt the sincerity in that all the way over here," said George.

"Well, you are sitting right beside him," Lee snarked.

Ron snarled, "Shut it! The man was a right bastard to me for six years. I'm trying, but that's the best I can do right now."

Fred said, "Poor Rattie-kins, always getting the regular Gryffindor bashing from the sole Slytherin professor."

George added, "Not like his other professors ever had much good to say, but no, having Professor Snape repeat exactly the same things Professor McGonagall told you in snarky tones of dark velvet was just traumatising."

Lee chuckled. "His voice is rather nice, isn't it?"

"Indeed," Fred said in a low, dangerous tone, making the others laugh. All except Ron, of course.

Severus felt his face had caught fire. "They … are they mocking me, Harry?"

"Not at all, Sev." Harry whispered against his ear, "Your voice is … is really hot."

"You truly think so?"

"Yeah. I do."

Harry kissed the top of Severus' ear, and the man struggled not to moan or beg Harry for more.

On the radio show, the others were still poking at Ron, and the redhead had finally had enough. His sudden shout wiped all pleasurable thoughts from Severus' head.

"Oi! Leave off, you lot! You know he was a right berk to m—"

Lee cut across him. "Yes, a right berk to Gryffindors while he was spying in a Slytherin's camp. Boo-hoo. He was no crueller to you than he was to the rest of us with red on our robes, and we've taken our heads out of our arses, thank you very much. Besides that, he wasn't unkind to Harry at the rite. On the contrary, he was far kinder to Harry than you were. You know, Harry Potter, your supposed friend?"

"But I care about Harry! I just wanted to—"

A feminine voice Severus recognised well spoke next, "You wanted to what? Abandon him in the middle of the woods in the dead of winter while we were dealing with the darkest magic in existence all because you hadn't three square meals a day in your bottomless pit of a belly? Or maybe you wanted to insult his sexuality and alienate him and a man he so obviously cares about in front of every friend either of them have? If so, I congratulate you. You did a bang-up job."

"Hermione," Harry whispered.

Severus tugged Harry's hand against his heart and held it there, but it wasn't enough. He ached to bury the man in his arms and kiss his pain away. Gods, he wished the red-headed idiot would just stop trying to apologise. Every time he tried, it cut Harry deeper.

Said red-headed idiot squawked, "I … that's not fair! Just because I don't want to jump up and down and kiss Snape's arse after he made my life hell for six years, suddenly I'm the berk? You guys are all blinded. He's brainwashed you or some—"

Fred cut him off. "Accusing him of brainwashing us when he's been nowhere near for several weeks? Wow. Professor Snape must be really good at mind magic after all." He scoffed. "Idiot."

"Oi! Just because I'm the only one who can see—"

George's low voice cut Ron's squawking off dead. "The inside of your own arse and nothing else, apparently. I suppose it's good you've still both your ears. Imagine what rot you might say about the headmaster had you lost one."

Ron sputtered, "I, uh … I …."

"Just shut up, Rat-face," said Fred in a fierce tone. "If you're determined to bury yourself deeper, just shut it and get off our show. And do Harry a favour and stop with the half-arsed apologies. No doubt you're only hurting him worse."

"But … but I only wanted …."

"Just stop, Rat-face," said George. "Stop. Prongs this morning proved you've cut Harry deeper than an apology is ever going to fix anyway. If I were you, I'd focus on rebuilding from what little you have left rather than trying to get Harry's forgiveness and pick up where you left off. Again."

"But—"

"Too right, Rapscallion," Fred cut in. "We've more important things to discuss than Rat-face's Hagrid-sized grudge anyway."

"Wait! I—"

"That we do, Rapier," said Lee in his radio voice, again speaking over Ronald. "And on that note, it's time to move on with the show. Three Muggles were killed outside of Derbyshire last night. It doesn't look like Mouldy himself had anything to do with this one. From the aurors' reports, it appears that Amycus Carrow was just out for revenge."

Ron cut in again, "I just want to—"

George bellowed, "Enough! Get out, Rat-face! This is an important show to the light, not a platform for you to air your dirty laundry. If you can't sit down and shut it, then go."

A quiet sniffle echoed on the air, but nothing else.

"Phew," said Fred. "About time. Gods, I feel bad for Harry. Mate, I'm so sorry. If we'd known he was just going to keep being a berk, we'd never have let him on."

"It's okay," Harry whispered, though no one but Severus could hear. "S'not your fault."

Severus released Harry's hand and instead reached up to hold the young man's cheek. Harry wrapped his newly-freed arm around Severus' neck and buried his face in the older man's hair.

George said, "We really must move on now, though I'll echo your apology, Rapier. Those of us with two brain cells to rub together are sorry about Rat-face's behaviour, Harry. We still support you—and Headmaster Snape." He took a deep breath. "All right, back to the show. As for the Muggles killed in Derbyshire, any wizards who want to pay their respects can send Muggle money or flowers to …."

Harry sighed against Severus' ear. "I guess Ron will never understand, will he?"

Severus ran his uninjured hand through Harry's hair. "I do, Harry. I do."

"Yeah." Harry took the older man's hand and kissed his fingertips, sending tender-sharp emotion zinging through Severus' heart. "Thank you."

Severus took a shaky breath. "You … you're welcome."

Harry sat beside Severus in bed, the sleeping man's long black hair spilling over Harry's thighs. Harry caressed the small streak of white at Severus' temple and gazed at him. Gods, the man was so different when he slept. Softened, somehow. Beautiful. Harry smoothed Severus' hair with gentle fingertips and wished he knew how to heal the man.

Nothing he had tried worked to call his dream powers, and he had already exhausted all of Severus' suggestions and many of his own ideas. Fuck. He had no idea what to do now.

He resisted the temptation to dash his own head against the wall, but it was a close thing.

No. He couldn't give up. He refused to let Severus die. They were going to figure out this mess with the horcruxes, then the mess between their hearts, and one day, they were going to bond and come back to this place for their honeymoon, maybe.

His cheeks flushed. He should probably ask the man on a date before he started planning the honeymoon. Well, maybe they could just come visit later. Of course, they'd have to hide the fact that they were romantically involved from the Muggles, but it sounded like a good place for a meal and a night spent exploring each other under the covers.

Silencing charms worked wonders, after all. The Muggles would never be the wiser.

Harry's breath caught at the idea of Severus naked, hot, and writhing beneath him, that iron control giving way to thrashes and cries of passion.

Shite. He had better think of something else quick, or his ardour would end up poking Severus right in the ear, and wouldn't that be awkward?

'Umbridge in tights, Umbridge in tights.'

The horrid mental image sent his desire running for the hills. Harry returned his attention to Severus and stroked the man's hair again.

The intimacy of the position made Harry think of how sweet Severus was in his shy exploration of their budding romance. Well, at least Harry thought he was exploring a romantic relationship. It certainly seemed so with Severus sleeping in Harry's lap. Then again, perhaps Severus didn't know yet. He might not understand why he wanted to be close to Harry, or he might not feel inclined to Harry at all. It might be simple friendship—close friendship, mind.

The thought left Harry cold inside. He wanted—needed—more from Severus.

Harry shook his head. There was no point in worrying about this now when Severus needed his help and the man hadn't a clue how Harry felt anyway.

Merlin, he really needed to tell Severus soon.

Harry caressed the man's cheek and gave him a soft smile. He would as soon as Severus could go two days consecutively without a crisis and they caught a minute on this mad chase. Whichever came first, he supposed.

With a sigh, he pressed his head against the wall and struggled to find that link, whatever part of his core he had accessed when Severus and Pomfrey had been in mortal danger. He searched inside himself, scanned every cranny of his spirit, employed every Occlumentic and Legilimentic practice he knew, meditated, did everything he could think of, but nothing worked. He began to fear that either his powers did not work unless someone was on the brink of death or he could not access them consciously.

Or maybe he just had to be asleep to use them. Harry yawned and thought that tactic sounded good. He was exhausted, and they had a horcrux to find in the morning. He yawned again and carefully eased Severus off his lap so he could lie down with him.

Severus looked up, black eyes blinking in the moonlight. "Harry? S'anything wrong?"

Harry slid into the bed beside Severus and kissed the man's temple. "No, Sev. Just going to try sleeping with the conscious wish to heal you and see if it lets me access my powers."

"Nothing else worked?"

"Not a thing." Harry sighed and wrapped Severus gently into his arms, avoiding the man's aching ribs. "I don't understand why. Maybe I'm just not doing it right."

"S'okay," Severus muttered into Harry's shoulder. "Try again tomorrow."

"Right." Harry, despite being the shorter man, guided Severus to lay with his head under Harry's chin. "Rest, Sev. I'll protect you this time."

"Mm-hmm. S'nice to be held."

Harry lowered his head over Severus'. "I'll hold you whenever you need me. I promise."

Severus sighed and kissed Harry's chest. "Yes. Like this. H-hold … you …." His words ended on a soft snore.

Harry smiled, finding Severus' sleepy affection adorable. Adorable. That was one word he had never imagined would apply to Severus Snape, but it did. At least, it did in these rare moments when sleep lowered the man's guards. He was so sweet, so tender, it made Harry's heart ache.

Harry whispered against Severus' temple, "I love you, Severus."

One day soon, he would say it while the man was awake.

Harry woke to the bright light of morning and cursed. He had tried hard to focus on healing Severus as he went to sleep, but no dreams of mist and red grass had visited him. At least, not that he remembered, but there was always the chance ….

"Severus? Are you still hurt?"

Beside him, the man groaned and buried his head in Harry's shoulder. "Too early."

"Sev, please. Do your ribs still hurt?"

He tried to move his left arm and winced. "I am afraid so. Did you heal me?"

"I guess not." Dejected, Harry sat and buried his head in his hand. "I tried everything."

Severus reached for Harry, but could only move his arm a little. Harry obliged him by moving his hand into Severus'.

"You did everything you could," Severus murmured. "Perhaps it only responds when someone is on the verge of death."

"Bloody inconvenient, that."

Severus chuckled. "Yes." He squeezed Harry's fingers. "Thank you for trying so hard. Perhaps we will find the way tonight."

"I certainly hope not if it means you have to almost die for it." Harry sighed. "But maybe another way will work this time." He stretched and climbed out of the bed, thanking Merlin and every deity he could think of for Muggle heat. "Ah, that's nice. I hope we can find a warm place to sleep in Godric's Hollow. I hate that bloody tent."

"Your tent is actually quite pleasant, as tents go, but it is no match for a Scottish winter, I am afraid." Severus sat, carefully, and held his arm against his chest. "Harry, this seems to have worsened. We shall have to make a sling for me, I fear. The pain has spread into my arm."

"Damn." Harry moved to Severus' side and laid a gentle hand on his uninjured shoulder. "Let me take this shirt off and see if the bruising has spread, too."

Severus winced. "A-as you wish."

Harry held his face. "What I said to you in the tent still stands. You're beautiful to me, Sev. I won't hurt you."

Severus shivered, and Harry suspected it wasn't from fear or cold.

"Merlin. Thank you, Harry, though I have no idea how you could find me beautiful."

Harry gave him a wry smile. "Must we go through all the reasons again?"

"I …."

"Sev, one day I'll tell you you're beautiful, and you'll be able to just say thank you and believe me."

Severus sighed and lowered his head. "Forgive me. I have heard nothing but the exact opposite my entire life."

"I know, but now you're going to hear how gorgeous you are every day to counteract all that damage." Harry tipped the man's chin back up. "It's okay, Sev. I know you need some help with gaining your confidence back. I don't mind telling you as many times as it takes until you believe it." He smiled. "And after, even."

Severus gave Harry a bright smile that took the younger man's breath away. "Thank you, Harry. Whether I personally believe I am attractive or not, I am beginning to believe that you think so."

Harry's heart soared. "Good."

'Maybe I can tell him soon. I really hope so. It's getting harder and harder not to every single moment.'

The mere thought made Harry shiver with the need to catch Severus into his arms and snog him senseless. 'Too soon!' He repeated it in his mind until his control reasserted himself.

"Potter? Are you well?"

Harry shook himself. "Harry, and yes." He took a deep breath and raised what little mental barriers he could. "Come on then, let's get this off and see the damage."

Severus tipped up his chin to allow access to his buttons, and Harry unfastened them quickly so as not to be tempted. He gasped at the sight of Severus' chest. The entire left side was black and blue, and it had spread down the man's shoulder and bicep in pointed trails that reminded Harry of the blood poisoning marks. A horrible chill overtook his body.

"S-Sev? Is that blood poisoning again?"

Severus went ashen and conjured a mirror. "Merlin. No, it is not blood poisoning, but this is the oddest pattern of bruising I have ever seen. Something strange is indeed afoot. I think we must hurry to find that healer, Harry, or learn how to activate your powers on our own."

Terror clanged through Harry's heart. "I can't lose you. I can't."

Severus took Harry's hand. "You shan't. You saved my life the last time, remember? Perhaps there is simply no need this time and it is just an injury resistant to healing potions."

Harry gave him an uncertain smile, despite the niggling fear that lodged in his chest and refused to leave.

"Y-yeah. Maybe you're right."

"Regardless, let us do what we can for it now and hurry to examine that paddock. If we are able to find the horcrux today, we can go to Blackpool tonight and search for a healer."

Harry nodded. "Right. So what kinds of potions and salves do you want?"

"The strongest I have, and … perhaps an anti-dark magic potion. I did not see Carrow curse me, but she might have slipped one in while I was under the effects of the Cruciatus and a concussion."

Harry's heart unclenched. "Oh. It might be that, then. I … I was so busy trying to curse her and failing, that I might have missed one, too." He sighed as he rummaged through Severus' bag. "Why didn't any of my spells work, Sev? Accio healing salve number fifteen."

"Carrow is … was experienced at dodging and deflecting curses, Potter. You were a student against a fully trained warrior. It is no wonder you had trouble cursing her." Severus' expression softened. "Besides that, your heart is too gentle for curses, I think. You cannot call the hatred required to use them."

Harry shook his head. "I have to learn. I have to kill Riddle. I have to be able to curse him."

"Not if we can use your powers, Harry."

"What good will they be if I can't call them on demand?"

Severus frowned. "We will find the way. I am certain of it. This is the 'power he knows not.' I feel it in my bones."

Harry gave him a wry smile as he applied the salve to Severus' injuries. "You, listening to your intuition? Hmm. That's something I never thought I'd see."

"You have rubbed off on me, Gryffindor sop."

Harry laughed. "Me? You're as soppy as I am, oh Prince of Slytherin."

"Pop—ah, preposterous."

Harry snickered. "You're learning."

"Keep your mind more on my treatment and less on your nether regions, Mister Potter."

"Ugh. Now you're regressing. Harry. Please."

Severus rolled his eyes. "Harry, then. Are you quite finished with that?"

"I still have to wrap up your ribs and make you a sling, as you well know."

"Then worry about that."

"Sure thing, as long as you never call me 'Mister Potter' again."

Severus frowned. "I was … I did not mean to hurt you. Are you angry?"

Harry screwed up his courage and laid a kiss on the man's cheek. "No," he murmured against Severus' ear. "Just be still so I can take care of you, okay?"

When Harry pulled away, Severus was pink to his hairline.

"A-as you wish."

Harry ducked to hide a smile and went to work on the man's ribs. Merlin, blushing Severus was adorable. Perhaps he would be ready for a deeper relationship soon. Gods, Harry hoped so.

Until Severus was ready, Harry was content like this, happy to see the man tease him a bit without being cold or breaking down in fear of losing him.

"You know, Sev," Harry murmured as he wrapped the man's ribs, "you've really come far since you came to me that night. Are you happier?"

"Happier with you than when I believed I would die entirely alone and as a perceived traitor?" Severus slid his hand into Harry's hair and tugged him close. "Gods, Harry. How could you believe otherwise?"

Harry smiled. "I just wanted to hear you say it. I'm glad you came to me, Sev. Glad for this chance to have come to know the real you."

Severus laid his head against Harry's. "So am I."

Once they had dressed and Severus had restored their glamours, Harry helped him downstairs. Severus winced with every step despite Harry's attempts to be gentle. Gods, Severus hoped they could get out of this backwater soon, no matter how good the food was. He needed help.

He had kept his fears quiet from Harry, but with every breath, he could feel his core weakening. His life. Some dark curse was draining the very life from him, and unless they found a damn good healer or a way to activate Harry's powers soon, he might not live long enough to see the war ended.

Two months ago, such news would have been welcome. He was tired then, so tired of the war and pretending to court the Dark Lord's favour. Tired of hurting children. Tired of posing as the evil he had worked all his life to stop.

Yet, Harry's loving words and soft kisses had reminded Severus that now he had something to live for. Whether Harry ever returned his affection or the man never wanted him as anything more than a sometimes companion, the light Harry had breathed back into Severus' life had given him hope for a better world for the first time ever.

How cruel to have his hope snatched away the moment he dared believe, but so went his life. The fates never wasted a chance to remind him that he was an anomaly. One they would soon pluck from their tapestry, unless Harry could save him.

As they stepped into the pub, he yearned to rest his head on Harry's shoulder and hold him close, if only to feel the man's warmth, but he didn't dare in a room full of bigoted Muggles. Even so, the touch of Harry's hand on Severus' shoulder as the younger man helped him to a table chased away some of the encroaching cold, inside and out.

The pub seemed atypically quiet, but then it was a Sunday morning. Most of the usual clientele were probably at home, nursing headaches.

Yet, that didn't explain the aura of shock and sadness that permeated the air. Something terrible had happened, Severus was sure of it.

Harry guided him to a seat at the bar and ordered breakfast and hot tea for both of them. The bear of a barkeep plopped down two plates of eggs and rashers with bacon and bangers and toast.

"There you are, lads," he said with a wan smile. "And, if you need a spot of something stronger to help with the pain, Professor, I've a bit of good scotch here under the bar, be it Sunday or no. It'll take the sting right out of that arm."

Severus shook his head. "The tea will do well enough. I'll need my wits about me today."

"Eh? Trying to go home, are you?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah. We've missed our conference, so with Sam hurt, it might be best just to head back to Blackpool."

The barkeep paled and stepped back. "Blackpool, you say?"

The hair on Severus' neck stood on end. "Yes. Our school is there. Why do you ask?"

The barkeep shook his head and laid a hand over his mouth. "Lads, you might do as well to stay another night. Here, I-I'm not good with … I can't … ach, just look at the telly."

Harry exchanged a terrified look with Severus and turned to watch the screen tucked away in a corner over the bar counter. A Muggle reporter, her eyes big and full of a sheen she couldn't blink away, stood in front of what looked like it had been a street once, blonde ponytail blowing in an ash-laden wind. Houses lay in shambles, levelled to their foundations. Rubble covered the road and a reddish-brown substance leaked between the stones. Severus hoped with all of his being that it wasn't blood, but twenty years as a Death Eater spy had taught him better.

"Oh my god," Harry breathed, and the Muggle epithet felt appropriate to Severus. The barkeep patted Harry's shoulder with a meaty paw.

"Officials don't yet understand what happened at Blackpool last evening," the newscaster said in a wavering voice. "At the moment, leading theories point to either an atomic bomb or perhaps a missile test gone wrong—"

Severus sucked in a sharp gasp and dug his nails into the counter.

"—But at the moment, they are only theories. Police and the military are sweeping the city for clues as well as survivors, but so far, it looks grim on both fronts. As of yet, we have no answers, no reason why an e-entire city lies dead this morning." She bowed her head. "I, I can only pray we find the truth soon, for the sake of all the thousands of British citizens mourning their loved ones today."

"Oh my god," Harry said once more. "The … the entire city?"

The barkeep patted both their shoulders this time. "Lads, I'm so sorry. Is there anything I can do?"

"I think I will have that scotch after all," Severus said, his voice flat and dim.

"Right away." He ducked into a room behind the bar.

"S-Sam," Harry said, his voice breaking. "The whole city. All those people."

Harry couldn't say anything safely, but Severus understood. He was blaming himself.

Muggle pub or no, Severus caught Harry into his arms and held him against his chest. "This is not your fault, do you understand me? You did not cause this."

"Should've been there. Should've done something," he sobbed. "Can't … so many, gone."

"I am sorry," Severus murmured. "So, so sorry."

The barkeep watched them with pain in his eyes and a bottle of scotch in his hands. "Lads, ah, I'm thinking you're not up to breakfast?"

Severus shook his head. "I cannot."

"Me neither. S-sorry. The food's really good, but I just … can't."

The barkeep waved off his apology. "Think nothing of it. You lads just, anything you need, it's on the house. Let me top you off." He tipped out a bit of the strong alcohol into both their teacups. Both Severus and Harry drained theirs in one swig, though Harry spluttered a bit.

"Thank you," Severus said to the barkeep. "You have been exceedingly kind, Mister …?"

"MacDougal," he said with a clap on the shoulder reminiscent of Hagrid's powerful greetings. "Brian MacDougal. Anytime you're in Hearthstane, you come visit me. I'll set you up with my best room and Cináed's best stew."

Harry sniffled and lifted his head. "C-Cináed?"

The barkeep's face reddened. "Ah, yes, he's the one what does all the cooking 'round here. Fine chef that one is, could make it in the best restaurants in the country, but he chose to stay … um, to stay close to home."

Severus' eyes narrowed. "Hmm. This Cináed, he is your …?"

The barkeep swallowed hard and moved back a step. "Ah, family friend. Family friend, think nothing of it."

Severus looked to Harry and raised an eyebrow. Harry nodded.

"Um, Mister MacDougal?"

The barkeep's congenial personality returned. "Brian, lad. Mister MacDougal was my da."

Harry chuckled. "I've heard that before. But, um, it's okay." He motioned the man down to them. Severus cast a silent Muffliato just in case, but instead of the barkeep leaning down to hear Harry, the man jerked up and looked around.

"Ach! This is …." He frowned and touched the air. "You two aren't professors, are you?"

Harry gasped. "Uh …."

Severus patted Harry's back and took a chance. He could always Obliviate the man later if necessary.

"Are you a squib or a wizard, Mister MacDougal?"

"Didn't I just tell you to call me Brian? And … and I'm a squib, but I can feel magic. Same as my … same as Cináed. He's Coira Anderson's oldest boy—she's a Seer, but it didn't pass onto her kids. None save Cináed. He can't much use a wand, though, like his Mum."

Severus rubbed his chin. "Has he a sister called 'Nessa?'"

The barkeep froze and moved back a step. "You know him?"

Harry reached for him. "Hey, it's okay. You don't have to be afraid. We're both … I mean, me and Se-Sam are … the same."

"Oh. Oh." Brian pulled up a stool and gave them worried looks. "Best be careful about showing it here."

"We are aware," said Severus.

Harry scooted out of his arms and gave the barkeep a commiserating look. Brian patted his shoulder—a bit too hard judging by Harry's expression.

"Your names aren't Hanson and Sam, are they?"

Harry winced. "No, but it's safest that you don't know who we are. Please, don't ask."

"I take it you're not actually from Blackpool, either."

"Well, I am," said Harry with a sniffle. "At least, I'm from the wizarding village near it."

"Godric's Hollow."

"Yes," said Severus. "That is our next destination. Perhaps … it may have survived. Blackpool did not have wards or many wizards ready to defend the city. Such is not the case in a wizarding village."

The barkeep stared at Harry. "Godric's Hollow, eh? And you're … hmm." He tugged on his beard. "I think I understand why you're hiding and I'll do my best to keep your identity quiet, lad, but if you're on your way to Godric's Hollow, what in the world are you doing all the way out here?"

Severus added extra wards and charms, just in case.

"So it's serious then," said Brian.

"Yeah," said Harry with a shudder. "Um, we can't tell you much. It's too dangerous both to us and to your town, but … Riddle—"

"You-Know-Who," Severus explained at the barkeep's bemused expression.

Brian scowled. "Ach. There's a demon if one ever existed. What's that scum to do with our town?"

"Well," said Severus, "there is … an artefact hidden here. An especially dangerous artefact that is keeping him alive. So we are here to destroy it."

Brian's eyes went wide. "Mother of Merlin. Cináed's been telling me all this time there was sommat dangerous hidden in Blair's old paddock, but not a one of us believed him." He frowned and crossed his arms over his chest. "Come to think of it, that's odd by itself. Cináed is respected in these parts—so long as our … secret stays secret, mind—and the town usually takes his warnings to heart. Same for old Coira, but no one's been listening to her, either."

Harry frowned and drummed his fingers on the table. "So that means … there'll be some sort of Confundus and Obliviation charms in the wards."

Severus gave Harry a wry look. "You are making great strides, Mister … Perry. You are most likely correct."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes, professor."

The barkeep chuckled softly, then his smile faded. "Listen, you're injured, Headmaster."

Severus gasped. "Be quiet!"

"So you are him. So I thought." He looked to Harry with a frown. "I thought he was on their side, lad. Why are you two … um …?"

Harry held Severus' uninjured shoulder. "He's, um … He's … well, I don't want to say too much. I can't give us away—"

Severus sighed and gently moved Harry's hand away. "Too late for that, Potter. The man already knows."

Harry crumpled into his seat and hugged his chest. "I, please. Don't say anything."

The barkeep sighed. "Lad, the only reason I know it's you is because of Cináed. He told me that the spy and the avenger would be here soon to cleanse this town of evil and warned me that I needed to trust them when they revealed themselves to me."

Harry gave Severus a bemused look. "I'm an avenger?"

Severus chuckled. "It does seem to fit. You are the one who will kill him, remember?"

Harry sighed. "Well, it's better than 'saviour,' I suppose."

Brian laughed. "That it is, lad. Though I reckon you'll hear plenty of that, too, once this is over."

Harry groaned and banged his head on the table.

After a little chuckle at Harry's dramatics, Brian fixed his eyes on Severus. "I take it you're the spy, then?"

Severus nodded. "For the past twenty years, until the Dark Lord discovered my true loyalties three weeks ago."

"Ach. I'm amazed you're still walking."

"Thank Harry for that. He saved my life." Severus discreetly caressed the young man's cheek. "And gave me the courage to fight for it." Harry leaned into Severus' hand with a smile.

"Lad, if you've been spying on You-Know-Who for twenty years, you've enough courage for the entire country." Brian gave them a soft smile. "But I do understand. Now, what can I do to help you? Cináed said—"

The bell over the door rang, and the click of fashionable heels and a cane followed. Severus froze and chanced a glance into one of the many bottles lining the back wall. A flash of long, white-blonde hair and an aristocratic cloak pin sent his heart plummeting into his feet.

"Best thing you can do is cover for us," Harry was saying. "We'll be trying to destr—"

Severus discreetly elbowed Harry in the ribs and leaned into him. "Ssh!"

Harry shot him a dirty look. "I wasn't going t—"

Severus flicked his eyes towards the doorway and back. He dared not make a more overt motion. "I know, but Lucius Malfoy just walked in."

Harry went ashen. "Oh gods."