Author's Note: I just want to thank Wizard Smurf, who's having trouble typing right now, for catching a few inconsistencies. I have attempted to address them – hopefully, successfully. Nonetheless, read on.

Chapter 14

Poppy looked down at Charity as she sat in the armchair.

"Ms. Burbage…"

"Yes," Charity sighed, taking another sip of her water.

"You need to stop wearing those things. They will damage your feet!" the mediwitch chided the younger witch.

"I promise, Madame. It will be witches' boots and flats for me, from here on out."

"I should hope so," Poppy continued. Charity did her very best not to roll her eyes.

"If you are going to be staying at Spinner's End with Mr. Potter, he will need to be supplied with a blood-replenishing potion, an electrolyte drink, a mild fever reducer, and a nutritional supplement. His malnutrition has affected his growth and I doubt he will even reach James' height. Unfortunately, all these supplements are at Hogwarts, though Severus may have willowbark on hand. It will reduce Mr. Potter's temperature. When I come to check on the boy tomorrow, I will bring a two-week supply of each with me. He will also need this salve," a small glass jar appeared on the table beside Charity, "for his bruises and open wounds. He seems settled for the evening, but you can dab this on his sores, assuming he'll permit you. Give him broth to eat at first. Once he's passed water, offer him soft foods…applesauce, mashed banana, soft rice, plain toast…then, if he's forming stool, and assuming he's hungry, offer him small meals, eggs, boiled potatoes, small amounts of chicken."

Charity simply nodded her head, taking mental notes. How am I going to do this by myself?

"Thank you, Madame. I will do as you have instructed."

Poppy eyed Charity skeptically.

"Good! I'm heading back to Hogwarts. I need to compile some additional supplies for Mr. Potter's treatment."

"Understood," Charity returned, standing up to see Poppy out. The younger witch grimaced and hobbled toward the fireplace.

"I'll be here at 9 am sharp."

"Yes, Madame." Charity sighed as she watched the older witch walk into the green flames. She picked up the jar of salve and hobbled back to Harry's room.

Meanwhile, Albus and Severus stood quietly outside of Spinner's End, mumbling numerous spells to strengthen the wards placed upon Severus' family home. Severus knew when Albus asked him to help reinforce the wards that he wanted to speak privately. The older wizard didn't need his Potions professor to help reinforce spells the Headmaster himself had instituted. When they were nearly done Dumbledore spoke.

"Charity will need your help to take care of the child, Severus."

The younger wizard braced himself. For good or ill, the Headmaster always had an agenda.

"And how do you expect me to do that, sir?"

"Well, when I asked whether Charity and the boy could stay here, I hoped you'd be willing to stay on as well. It is your home, Severus."

"Albus," Severus growled, turning to face the Headmaster, "you know how I feel about this place. When you asked earlier, I expected you meant for me to remain at Hogwarts and visit Spinner's End when required or requested. And, in case you haven't noticed, there's no room!"

"You can make space."

Severus shook his head.

"I don't think it's appropriate, sir."

"Why not? There's nothing going on between you, is there?"

Severus instinctively looked away.

"Or is there?" Dumbledore queried soberly.

"No! Of course not!"

"Really…"

"Fine!" the younger wizard groused, "If you must know when she was 17 I taught Ms. Burbage occlumency."

Dumbledore's eyebrows lifted to his hairline. "I see…well…that explains whatever this "thing" is between you," the Headmaster rejoined.

"There is no "thing" between us, Albus!"

Dumbledore was increasingly doubtful.

"Maybe…but you would like there to be?"

"Not at all!" Severus declared emphatically.

The Headmaster remained dubious.

Severus huffed. "Ok, I did consider it many, many years ago. But I knew you would have killed me!"

Dumbledore chuckled. "Yes, Severus. I would have! Though her parents probably would have done you in first!"

Severus cocked his head in thought. He had never considered that prospect.

"She's fragile, Severus," Dumbledore continued.

Severus shot the Headmaster a quizzical stare.

"You must realize that she wasn't expecting any of this."

"And I was?" the younger wizard scoffed in indignation.

"No, but you are used to a certain level of…stress," he mused. "Charity thought her coming to Hogwarts would provide her with space and perspective. She has neither at this moment. You could provide her with some stability, while she helps Harry heal."

"Won't people think your staff are fraternizing?"

"They will…but you won't be fraternizing. You'll be taking care of a fellow professor who will be caring for Lily's son."

Severus grimaced. Dumbledore certainly knew how to make him feel guilty about Lily, though Severus did make it easy since he always felt guilty about Lily Evans Potter. Shite!

"I can't help but wonder, what are you up to, Albus?"

The Headmaster smiled sadly. What could I be up to, son? Dumbledore loved Severus and wanted the young man to have more than the lonely existence he currently occupied. But a lot had changed in 10 hours. Whatever he thought possible for the two was not to be. If Severus' peace of mind had to be sacrificed for the greater good, so be it.

"Nothing at all, my boy. I just want to see Harry get well…quickly. And I think you and Charity can see to it. Together, you are that boy's best hope."

Severus sighed audibly as Dumbledore turned back toward the house. When they entered, Poppy had already left and the house was tranquil and quiet – almost warm. That was a new atmosphere for Spinner's End; something to which Severus felt he could become accustomed.

"I will head back to the castle now. Stay here for as long as the boy needs before the new term commences. Help him begin to heal."

Severus nodded his head.

"And, Severus, Charity won't ask you for anything, but she's hungry and she's been on her feet, in those shoes, all day. Make sure she gets a warm bath, something to eat, and a good night's sleep. She really did appreciate the glass of water you provided."

Albus smiled at the younger wizard and with a crack, he was gone!