A Life Never Meant to be

by Blackwolf-20

Harry has broken the rules in order to bring back his beloved godfather. He didn't know his attempt would cause so many problems. He didn't know that the unusual form his godfather returned in would create a riff in the natural order of life.

14. Chapter 14

"Such a cruel man with villainous hands and an unforgiving heart.

A man who intends to do one thing yet does another at the same time.

Who is this man?

Is he honest? Is he trustworthy?

Though the poison may course through his veins, we still may never know."--

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Poisoned by the Potions Master

"Your defenses, must be as flexible and inventive as the arts you seek to undo," said Professor Snape as he hovered over his Defense Against the Dark Arts class, robes billowing behind him as usual. He fixed his cold dark stare on a group of Griffindors; then he turned his attention to the Slytherins with a look of pride. They in turn expressed their satisfaction of finally having a teacher worthy of the dark arts--though the Griffindors felt differently--Snape took it all in. Whether they appreciated him or not, it didn't matter. He was victorious. He knew his class knew there was nothing they could do to bring him down. He had risen from the low level of potions master and achieved what had been impossible for years. They were all discussing it; even Weasley, who was whispering to an irritated Granger. His lips curled and his eyes bore right through him.

"Now I know Harry's lucky not to be here. This is gonna be awful."

"Will you be quiet," Hermione whispered angrily through gritted teeth. "We're supposed to be listening."

"Listening," Ron whispered incredously. "I think I'd rather listen to Lockhart."

"Weasley!"

Ron quickly turned to see Snape glaring; there was an eerie look in his eyes. Ron thought he knew why that was: since he didn't have Harry to push around any more, the next best thing would be Ron himself. "Yes sir?"

"Since you seem to be so eager as to share your thoughts with Miss Granger, I thought you might be willing to share with us what I've told you earlier about the advantages of nonverbal spells."

As Snape expected, Ron's face went completely red. The whole class was staring at him now. The Griffindors were giving him sympathetic looks while the Slytherins were grinning maliciously. "Well?," Snape provoked.

"Well...I uh--"

Ron stopped trying and was now attempting to cast his attention to Hermione, who's hand was in the air. She wasn't looking at Snape-- she was looking at him. She seemed quite determined too. Ron would have given her a smile for her attempt to take the pressure off of him and onto herself, but he was too unerved to do so under Snape. "Weasley I am waiting." Snape didn't dare look at Hermione. Ron was starting to turn pale.

"I..."

"Please sir," Hermione started and in an instant, Snape turned to look at her for the first time. "The advantage is that your adversary has no warning about what kind of magic you're about to perform. Which --"

"Is an answer copied directly from The Standard Book of Spells Grade Six."

Hermione closed her mouth and dropped her gaze.

"Perhaps being an insufferable know-it-all has caused your ears to stop working. I asked Weasley. I did not ask...you."

Ron gulped. There was definately something nasty in the way he said "you", but he wasn't going to mention it to Hermione. He turned away from her and focused on Ron. "Let's try another Mr. Weasley." Ron was becoming paler which only made Snape sneer with satisfaction. "What are--"

"Professor Snape!"

The class jumped at Professor McGonagall's sudden arrival. Snape, however, did not jump. Instead, he rose up to stare daggers at her. How dare she interrupt him; especially when he was in the middle of showing the class how thick Weasley really was. Professor McGonagall moved a few steps into the room. "I need to see you for a moment. It's urgent." Snape bared his teeth, but followed her out nonetheless. As his robes billowed out of sight, Ron gave a great sigh of relief. "That was close."

McGonagall was walking at a quick pace and heading in the direction of a spare office room. Snape trailed behind her. "What is this about McGonagall?," he asked in annoyance. "I have a class to teach." She wheeled around.

"So do I. This won't take long."

She opened the door and Snape entered.

The room was rather small, yet several shelves of books and a small desk could fit inside. McGonagall closed the door gently. "I don't want to take the chance of someone listening in." Snape didn't seem to care whether someone was listening in or not. "I have a message from Dumbledore. He wants--" Snape held up his hand to stop her.

"If this is about that meeting, I have already given my regards to the Headmaster."

McGonagall raised her eyebrows. "Have you now. Well, this isn't so much about that as it is about something, concerning it. And while we're on the subject: I suppose you had something more important to do than to attend? A vital mission for the Order?"

At this, Snape smirked. "I have more important things to occupy my time than to discuss father and son."

"So you know about that? I was wondering."

"Oh yes, I knew about the idiotic stunt Potter has pulled. And as touching as it may seem, it has only proven the lengths Potter would go to ensure his fame. I suppose Potter has shown you all what a hero he is for returning Black; pathetic."

"As foolish a thing it was for him to do, he is making up for it by being responsible for his actions."

"As we must do the same," Snape replied. He wasn't the least bit concerned for what Harry had been through. "We ourselves must take on the same responsibility for what he has done. Those closest to him should not have let this happen. We are the Order of the Phoenix, not Order of the Babysitters." McGonagall was about to interrupt him, but Snape continued. "And while we're on the subject of babies: Black is back and he's just as useless as he was when he was a man."

"Well that's what I came to talk to you about," McGonagall said rather shrewdly."Dumbledore has come to the conclusion that Black's arrival has, well, created a leak in a...er--spiritual sense." Snape frowned at her. "Something queer is happening. Somethings, somethings all around us and it's bad. We don't know what it is, but we all feel it. It should have been impossible for the dead to return to the living, even in such a state as a baby, but it's happened and now we don't know what to do."

"So you've brought me away from giving my students an education to tell me you don't know what to do?"

"No, I brought you here to tell you that Dumbledore wants you to visit Grimmauld Place, in person, tomorrow by noon."

"I will not set foot in that house again. If Black was stupid enough to run off and get himself murdered, it's of no concern to me."

"It concerns us all, or haven't you been listening." He glared at her remark. "Dumbledore feels it would be best if Sirius was away from Harry. You're right--it shouldn't have happened, but it has and, most likely, the only way for everything to return to normal is to..." She stopped. She couldn't say it; but she did. "Is if he was no longer with us. That way, we can stop whatevers occuring before it becomes too dangerous."

There was silence now. Snape was still looking at her, but he was pondering her request. Finally, he broke the silence. "And this is what the Headmaster has agreed on?"

"Well, yes; that is, if we can't find a solution. I expect Dumbledore's put his faith in you to save Sirius with some potion of yours. But as unlikely as that is to happen, we may have to agree on the first solution." Snape fell back into silence once more. At long last, he turned his gaze away from her.

"Then I agree, with Dumbledore. We are better off without him. It is unlikely that a potion will change that fool. So we are best to go with the first solution; and if you don't insist on the more effective manner, the best we can do is dump him off at an orphanage." He turned away from her and prepared to open the door.

"Now wait just a minute Snape. What do you intend to do?"

Snape said nothing to this. Instead he replied, "I shall be at Grimmauld Place by noon tomorrow. Now, if you'll excuse me." Snape opened the door and left McGonagall, who had the feeling that the room had suddenly gone very chilly.

There was another odd chill in the air; this one occupying Grimmauld Place. It had started when Harry had gone to bed the other night, angry and scared, after his fight with Remus. He had tried to erase what Remus had told him about Sirius; he had tried to let the words of the letter from Ron and Hermione comfort him, but it wouldn't. All he could think about was Sirius and the possible danger he was creating. Not that he agreed with Remus. His words were a warning and he felt that if he wasn't careful, someone might sneak up on Sirius and take him away. Harry wouldn't let that happen.

By the next morning, the chill had grown. Harry wondered if what had happened the previous day affected Sirius worse. He seemed quite dazed, like he had seen a ghost. Harry remembered him looking like that a couple of weeks ago and at the time he thought nothing of it, because he hadn't cared. He cared now. He would always. If only they could see that, he had thought to himself.

When breakfast had come that morning, Harry wouldn't speak to Remus. He just kept giving him wary looks. Mrs. Weasley tried to link the gap between them, but it was hopeless.The rest of that day passed in silence. Harry was sure it would be broken when they had their lessons together, but Remus told Harry they'd skip it and for a moment. Harry felt a slight relief that was immediately broken by what Remus had to say next: "Harry I thought it would be better if you didn't study today, given what's to happen tomorrow."

"What's going to happen tomorrow?"

"This morning, I recieved a post from Dumbledore. He has asked Professor Snape to visit Sirius in an attempt to find a cure for his current state. Dumbledore believes he may be able to find a solution in a potion, but I'm not sure what that is. I don't even know if it's possible, but we'll soon find out won't we."

Harry had said nothing. Instead, his mouth dropped, his heart sank, and he dropped the glass of juice out of his hand--but that was nothing compared to Sirius's reaction. He was in the playpen nearby and when he heard the news, he gripped the edge of the pen, he shook with fury and wailed at the top of his lungs. It took nearly two hours for Harry and Mrs. Weasley to calm him down again. The chill in the atmosphere became unbearable.

That was yesterday--this was today, the day that Snape would be coming to help Sirius.

Poor Sirius. He was sitting in his high chair in the kitchen with the same expression he had after he realized his worst fears were real. He had never considered Snape's potions as a way out of his predicament; he considered them to be the opposite of what he wanted. Dumbledore thinks he can help me? He'll help me alright--back into the grave. Sirius sat next to Harry, who was eating his breakfast as quietly as Remus and Mrs. Weasley were. Harry barely paid any attention to feeding Sirius as he was too occupied with the thought of Snape visiting their home. It was an insult. How could Dumbledore have allowed it? Didn't he realize Snape and Sirius were mortal enemies? These were the thoughts of both Sirius and Harry, though Harry was questioning the arrival much more than Sirius.

There was an ugly look on Sirius's face, yet no one noticed this; and even if they did, no one would blame him. Sirius wasn't sitting as still as the others. He was squirming around in his chair; his poor body wracked with nerves. He didn't understand it. He had never been afraid of Snape before. He had stood up to him in the past and would do so again. If I can even stand up. As much as he was building himself up for the confrontation, he knew deep down that he wasn't a match for Snape. He knew that at the minute he arrived, he would tower over him--eyes narrowed, lips sneering--with his robes billowing to make him all the more dominant. There was no way around it. With Dumbledore backing him up, Snape had the advantage. He was in control. He looked over at Harry, who hadn't bothered to eat much of his oats. Instead, he was stirring them around moodily.

"Harry, you should really eat more of that," said Mrs. Weasley.

"I'm not that hungry."

"I know dear, but-

"I'm not hungry. I'm fine."

He hadn't even bothered to look up. Mrs. Weasley and Remus exchanged looks while Sirius tried to think of some possible way out of the situation. His only garantee for safety was his godson, but at the moment, he didn't look like he could be of help to him.

The clock ticked loudly or perphaps the silence made it appear that way.

They had a late breakfast; no one was willing to get up on this day. That meant that it was almost noon. Snape would be here soon. Sirius stared up at the clock, followed by Mrs. Weasley. "Well, I think we should clean up. Professor Snape will be here any minute." Harry barely made any recognition as to what she had said. "Harry?" He got up when she questioned him and started clearing his part of the table. Remus got up as well and moved over to him. "Harry, there's nothing to worry about. I'm here. We both are and I asure you Snape will not harm Sirius."

"You don't know that Professor. You said it yourself. It isn't possible to change Sirius back with a potion. So what is he trying to do? He's trying to kill him that's what. He's trying to fool Dumbledore and you all believe him!"

"Harry I swear to you. We will not let that happen. Professor Snape is a member of the Order of the Phoenix. He wouldn't kill off a member no matter how much he disliked him."

But Harry wasn't listening anymore. Instead, he took his bowl and walked over to the sink to clean it out. The others watched him go and started to help clean without the use of magic; considering what was about to happen, no one felt like putting up the effort. Sirius sighed.

Knock knock knock.

Everyone froze. Sirius tensed and looked in the direction of the door. He's here.

Remus was the one to answer the call. He put down the cloth he was using to wipe the table and left the others to their silence. Harry looked over at Sirius, who retured the same fearful expression. "It will be alright dear. Remus and I are here with you." But her words failed to comfort Harry. The only thing that would give him a chance at ease would be to stay with Sirius throughout the ordeal, that way he could keep an eye on Snape. He was sure no one would deny him that, except Snape himself.

Not wanting Mrs. Weasley to worry herself over him anymore than she needed to, he thanked her for her words and left the kitchen.

Remus was already at the door when Harry made it out. He stayed out of sight behind the staircase and there he saw him-- Snape. He stood in his usual dominating manner, like a predator looming over his prey. The only thing that was different was that he was carrying a small black brief case. Harry guessed that's where he kept his potions to use against Sirius. His expression was unreadable. He could be thinking one of two things: he was either angry that he had to be here (which was obvious) or he was plotting the best way to rid the world of his godfather in the company of people who would get in his way.

"Well, professor, you're right on time."

"Naturally."

He didn't wait to be invited inside; he simply walked across the threshold like this was his domain. Harry moved back to stay in hiding, but Snape didn't come his way. He turned to face Remus who was slowly closing the door behind him. "I intend to accomplish this task as quickly as possible. Unlike you, I am needed at Hogwarts."

"I have a job to do as well or have you not heard that I was teaching Harry."
"A hopeless task not worth the time of day for anyone with great talent. You may actually be perfect for it."

"Yes well, you'd better get started." Remus moved past him, not wanting to become riled up in Snape's taunts. "This way." Remus led the way to the kitchen which was much too fast for Harry to find a hiding place. But he should stop hiding. He was here to protect his godfather afterall and the best way to do that was to stand up to the potions master. Snape came into sight just as Harry pulled himself back from the staircase and jumped into his path. The usual cold stare passed between them, in silence. Harry shifted a little and wracked his brain with something to say. Snape was in a hurry and he wasn't going to give him much time. Not that it mattered; Snape would simply turn a deaf ear on anything he had to say, but that wouldn't stop Harry.

"If you...if you hurt Sirius-"

"You'll what Potter? Throw me in Azkaban? You're not in the position to be making snide remarks when the life of that mongrel Black lies...in my hands." Harry began to fume. The way he way he said "in my hands" clearly implied more than he was letting on. His eyes were burning on the spot. "Now is the time to make amends for all the grief you've caused Dumbledore, the Order, and myself. You are wasting my time and my students' when I must be here for you. Black's not worth my time or any one else's. He's a fool who got what he deserved. Now I must straighten out his mess." He moved past him, bumping into Harry as he passed by. Harry looked down and said nothing. He was shaking with rage again. Why was it that everytime something simple was to occur, things would change it into something chaotic? Harry didn't think he asked for much when he asked for Sirius to return to normal. When he asked for a solution to the problem. He tried everything, Dumbledore tried everything. Now they were trying something else, or rather, Dumbledore was trying someone else. Harry didn't agree with this plan; using Snape and his potions. But Harry knew if he was really desperate, and he pretty much was, he'd probably agree to Snape, but only as a last resort. Well it must have been a last resort, because here he was now. Harry had thought about potions before, only with someone else behind the strange formulas--not Snape. But they needed someone with experience, someone who wasn't too busy and someone they could trust to keep quiet. Harry believed all that, except for the trusting part.

"Shall we?" Remus questioned. Harry was happy to see that Remus would be keeping an even closer watch on the process. But Snape was too busy opening his case on the dinner table to pay much attention to Remus. "You mean shall I." He clearly wanted to do the whole procedure alone, but that didn't push Remus away, nor did it push Harry. He moved as close to the table as he could without Snape giving him much notice.

Harry watched as he opened the small briefcase to reveal a wide variety of products that shouldn't be able to fit in the case. Inside, a small shelf with several colorful vials of potions was attatched to the top half of the case. There were odd silver tools, most likely used for stiring, chopping or measuring different ingredients. On the bottom half of the case, a small black cauldron was centered and ready for Snape to prepare his worst. Harry had no idea what kind of potions they were. They didn't look like anything he worked with in the classroom. In fact, they looked worse than what he was used to, even though some looked like potions he had seen before. Snape reached deeper into the case and pulled out what looked like a small bundle of wheat, a couple of foul smelling leaves, and two tiny bottles, with small glass snakes wrapped around them, of a clear liquid. Harry didn't like the look of them; there was something about those bottles that gave him an uneasy feeling. They were like snakes-- venomous snakes.

By this time, Harry had come all the way up to the table without realizing it. He had only just noticed when he accidently bumped into it and caught Snape's attention. "You want to be more careful Potter," he said with an eerie smirk. "You wouldn't want me to lose my concentration and accidently, supply the wrong ingredient." He was now holding up a cylinder used to measure the dark green potion he was pouring in. Harry shook slightly and bore his eyes into Snape's as though he was trying to see into his mind; see what he was really up to and what these potions really were. He had no time to be angry when Sirius's life was on the line. He knew this man was up to something. The careful way he poured the formula into the cylinder. The casual way he picked out what he needed without the use of a list or recipe. The way he smirked with delight and didn't bother to insult Harry as often as he usually did. Clear satisfaction played behind those dangerous eyes. Harry was sure it could only mean one thing and he wasn't going to let it happen. He opened his mouth. He was going to stop this once and for all. He must have been mad to consider Snape as a last resort. There was no turning to him and Dumbledore should know that. He should have known that. Dumbledore's just going to have to find someone else. Remus maybe, but anyone but Snape.

Remus must have realized he was going to speak against Snape, because he beat him to it. "Perphaps you should use a book. Just to make sure you're not--"

"I have no intention of using a book, Lupin. I know exactly what I'm doing. I've done the research and it's quite simple."
"Is that right!" Both men turned to Harry's sudden outburst.

"Harry," Remus cried, but Harry ignored him and continued.

"As far as I can remember, Dumbledore said there was no solution to the problem." Snape, who was in the middle of emptying the cylinder's contents into a small glass, froze. "I've even looked it up and there was nothing. So what makes you think you can do anything! What makes you think it's so simple!"

Very slowly, Snape finished pouring his potion without looking at Harry. There was no reaction in Snape's face. It was as though Harry hadn't said anything. "Did you hear me!" Snape didn't answer. He just continued to pour. Once he was finished, he set the glass outside of the case in front of him. Then he pulled out a vial of red potion and a vial of black potion. His eyes were fixed on everything before him, except Harry. Remus stood on the sideline, watching and trying to determine the best time to jump back in. Snape picked up the cylinder and began measuring the red potion. Harry stared at him in desperation and for the first time realized his heart was beating very fast. Just as he was about to make contact with him again, Snape interrupted and made both Harry and Remus jump.

"Yes, I heard you Potter." His voice wasn't very loud, but it wasn't very soothing either. It was rather low and dangerous. "And I advise you to keep your mouth shut, unless you want my concentration broken."

"But--"

"I am a wizard with talent far more superior to yours. I have studied every possible formalic equation, foreign ingredient, and outcome to your problem. You have not. While you were reading school books, I have read encyclopedias on this matter and have gathered the correct items." He finished measuring and cast his eyes over to Harry. A cold silence filled the room. "I never fail to succeed in what I am attempting to do. You, on the otherhand, would not stand a chance in succeeding considering your poor knowledge of potions." But these words didn't ease Harry at all. Just what are you trying to succeed in doing? Does Dumbledore really believe this? He tried to get more information from Snape, but once again, Remus interrupted. Instead of speaking out, he came over to Harry and tried to stir him away. "Why don't you check on Sirius. I bet he's rather lonely in there. I'll stay here." Harry hadn't thought about him as Mrs. Weasley was here as well. That probably could have been the best thing. I'll take Sirius and-. He paused in his thoughts. Take Sirius? And go where? Why take him and leave at all? He knew why of course. It was because the Order was on the verge of killing Sirius and that, Harry was starting to believe, was probably the reason why Snape seemed so pleased with what he was doing. They wanted Sirius out of the way. But why? Why do they think he's so dangerous?

Harry entered the kitchen and met a startled looking Mrs. Weasley and a rather pale Sirius. Harry let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. "Are you alright dear?"

"I'm fine." That was a lie. He wasn't fine, he was miserable. What was he suppose to do? Trust Snape? Trust him to not kill his godfather? He didn't know. All he did know was that he'd feel a whole lot better if he took Sirius upstairs until he could decide what to do. He pulled Sirius out of the high chair without really seeing him. He was in a daze of confusion and Molly saw this. "Would you like something to eat? Maybe get your mind off things."

"No thanks. I'm going upstairs for a bit."

All was lost as he left her to worry. Once he was back in the livingroom, he saw Remus was at least attempting to understand Snape's plot. He was asking many questions, none of which Snape would answer. He apparently knew what most of his ingredients were, but was quite disturbed to see them in use. It was showing across his face. Sweat was building up and his brow was furrowed in an attempt to connect the potions for something good instead of something bad; he was failing to do so. There were three glasses now with an unequal amount of dark green, red and black potion in each. Snape was now bending over to chop up the smelly leaves. Remus watched him carefully and dared to ask another question. "Those leaves there, Egyptian Sycamie, you're going to use those? I don't really think they will be nessacary. After all, why not just use--"

"Dumbledore appointed me, not you, to carry out this mission. I can assure you that I know what is needed."

"I'm not sure you do. This is a life we're talking about, Professor. This isn't some old school rival. He is a member of the Order."
"I am quite aware of Black's meager position in this world."

"And Dumbledore sent you here to return him to his original form."

At this, Snape gave a small laugh. "Not even my potions can make that mangy vermin grow-up. He will always be infantile; as he always was before. If you ask me, his form now is an extraodinary improvement. His body matches his mundane mind and useless existence. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."

Remus looked up at Harry, sympathy in his eyes, but Harry would not take it. He was busy holding onto Sirius, who had decided to try and break out of his arms to attack. Mundane mind! Useless! Wait til I get my grubby little fingers on you. You'll be sorry! Sirius cried out, but Snape paid no mind to adress him. "You might want to assist that baby of yours Potter. He needs changing. I can smell his disgusting self from over herae." Sirius started to growl and swung his arms around. I'll kill him. I'LL KILL HIM! Without a word, Harry carried Sirius upstairs.

"He has to be up to something," Harry told Sirius, once they made it to the room. "Why else would he talk like that."

Cause he's so happy to be getting rid of me, that's why. You can't let him. We can't let him!

"There's no way Dumbledore would allow this, unless--"

Unless what! Unless what!

Sirius moved closer to Harry on the floor and pulled at his sleeve. "Snape is always trying to work me up. Like Malfoy. Could that be all there is to it?"
No! No! You musn't think that way. Snape wants me dead!

Harry knew it was mad to think that way, especially after all he and Sirius had been through when Snape was involved. They knew his hatred better than anyone and if he had the opportunity to do something about it, he would do it. But right under Dumbledore's nose? He promised to fix him. But what about the impossibilities of it? Wasn't there no way to help him? Dumbledore made that clear, but then again, they were all still in the process of understanding the difficulties of the situation. Harry sighed and looked down at his godfather, who was starring up at him with pleading eyes. He didn't know what to do. He couldn't determine what Snape could be thinking; but he did know one thing. He knew he should be down there right now, watching him. He knew Remus was there to make sure things didn't get out of hand, but he couldn't rely on him. Snape was working silently and not letting any knowledge of his work escape him. There would be no way of knowing what Snape was really doing without veritaserum, but they had none in stock. But then again, Snape may be clever enough to slip out of its intentions. Perphaps he could seep into his mind with occlumency, but Snape was too clever for that; he'd block him out like he did before. No. His only chance might be to trust Dumbledore, but he wasn't going to give him too much trust.

"We should probably head back down. I need to watch Snape and you can help me. I know you'll probably see something I won't."

You bet your firebolt I'll see something. You can count on me. We're in this together. Though he was smiling confidently at his godson, he was feeling just the opposite inside. He knew he'd find something in Snape. There was no doubt about it. It was a feeling he had; a feeling similar to the one when he knew Harry was in danger. The one that told him to run to the Ministry at once and save him, help him in any way he could. Now it was back again, but this time, he was the one in danger--not Harry. Though he disagreed with Harry believing Dumbledore might be trustworthy in believing Snape and that all of Snape's remarks were just his usually nasty comments, he had to admit it did make some sense, but he wasn't about to rely on those possibilities. He had a one set opinion about Snape and nothing was going to change it.

"Shall we?"

The sooner the better. Just as Harry picked Sirius up, he heard a strange noise from downstairs. "What was that?" He edged to the door to listen more closely and then he realized what it was. Laughter and murmured talk. The Order members were back. This halted Harry for a second. Do they know? Do they know what Snape's up too? Harry opened the door just a bit to hear, but he still couldn't make out the talk. "I guess we'd better get down there. And if they don't know about this, then I'll have more people on my side. I hope."

He headed downstairs, Sirius struggling in his arms in an attempt to make Harry move faster, but Harry was more focused on finding out which members were here. He thought he recognized Moody's voice and knew he'd get no help from him. The others, he couldn't be sure.

When he got downstairs, he noticed that Snape was nearing the end of his project. All the potions in the glasses and any other substances he added that Harry had missed were combined in the small cauldron, that Snape used to mix it all together. There were also two goblets positioned in front of him. He did not look up as Harry came down as his back was to him. Remus was no longer standing over Snape and asking questions. Instead, he occupied himself with a book, but he was still positioned close by. "Harry, there you are." He turned to see Mr. Weasley coming out of the kitchen, followed by Tonks and Shacklebolt. "Er, how are you?" They both looked at him with sympathy. Harry looked back at them with a blank expression before turning to Sirius. His godfather was sighing in disappointment at having missed Snape's creation; but there wasn't a thing they could do about it. What was done was done and the only thing that would stop Snape now would be for Sirius to refuse to take it. Harry was still at odds about this. He wasn't so sure he should risk this. While keeping his eyes on Snape, Harry consulted with Tonks and Mr.Weasley. "So you know about this."

Tonks and Mr. Weasley traded glances. "Well," Mr.Weasley began. "We knew how you must be feeling about this, so we stopped by."

"A bit too late really," Tonks admitted. "But you have nothing to fear Harry. We trust Snape and as mad as that might sound to you, keep this in mind--Dumbledore trust Snape as well."

"So I've heard. But that doesn't mean he's worth trusting. He hates Sirius. He hated my dad and he hates me." Harry said it quite loudly and didn't realize others besides Tonks and Mr.Weasley could hear him, until Remus looked up and Moody came stumping over to them from the hall.

"What's this Potter! Not losing your temper again are you?"

Harry eyed him warily. "No," he answered in a flat voice. He could feel the chill returning and he knew why. Moody kept his watch on him for a moment before giving a "Hmhp" and stumping away into the kitchen. As he passed, he called to Snape. "Be quick about that Snape. It's past the lunch hour."

"Then I suggest you leave and have lunch elsewhere. I am not done here. I must explain to Potter how this works, as long as it takes for his mind to comprehend, then I'll take my leave." He chanced a side glance at Harry and set his stirring rod aside. Harry came up to the table just as Remus put down his book in interest. "I take it you're ready for Sirius."

"No one is ever ready for Black."

"What do I have to do?"

Snape looked up at Harry, but he didn't answer. Harry made his voice more forceful. "Tell me what to do!"

"Be silent," he said, rather coldly. He picked up a ladle and began to spoon a few cups into each goblet. Harry just observed his actions, trying to determine if there was anything unusual about them. Sirius obviously felt there was something wrong. He started to struggle at the sight of Snape pouring the potion into the goblets. I know he doesn't expect me to drink that, cause I won't! I won't. Snape didn't seem to care that Sirius was fighting against him; and Sirius knew he woudn't care whether he drank it or not, so he should probably not bother with it at all. Just because Dumbledore trusted him didn't mean Sirius had too, and neither did Harry. Harry? He looked up at him. Harry was no longer telling him off. Instead, he was asking how it worked. How to give this potion that would apparently help him. Don't tell me you believe this? Harry looked down at Sirius and sat down with him in the chair. He was still monitoring Snape which meant that he wasn't entirely sure if he should have faith in this idea or not. There was still a chance to stop this. Sirius pulled on Harry's sleeve. Harry, you've got to stop this. Harry! There's something very wrong, something--. and then he stopped. There was something not quite truthful about his feelings now. It had changed. But why? Somehow, the danger he felt for himself was no longer present; at least, he didn't feel as much for himself any more. He stopped pulling on Harry's sleeve. But how can that be? Why am I feeling this way all of a sudden? If I'm not in immediate danger, then who is?

He was interrupted by Snape closing away his potions kit. While he was snapping the case shut, he eyed Harry with suspicion. Harry returned the look. After the moment of hateful looks passed between them, Snape looked down at Sirius. Snape bared his teeth and Sirius stuck out his tongue. Even as a baby, Snape could feel the loathing eminating off of Sirius.

"Don't worry Potter, I shall explain it to you as Black no longer has a mind to understand simple words. Then again, he never did."

Snape moved his case to the floor and pushed the two goblets in front of him. Sirius's fury increased as he watched him settle down in a chair in front of them. What do you think you're doing! This is my house! He nearly jumped out of Harry's arms in a rage. Surely all I have to do is drink the damn stuff.

"It's quite simple really. All you have to do is pour my solution into a bottle, as I doubt Black can hold a goblet in that ridiculous form, and drink."

"Drink?"

"All of it. Surely you know that's the whole point of a goblet."

Harry looked down in thought. The moment of truth was here. It was time. He had to make up his mind now-- whether or not he would give in to Sirius. Snape, meanwhile appeared to realize the struggle and decided to provide some advise. "Of course you can choose not to give it to him. You are his surrogate father, therefore the decision lies with you."

"Sirius can make decisions too! It's just as much his as it is mine."

"Really. Well, considering you possess the mind of a child, it does not surprise me that you two can understand each other; now make your choice Potter. I do not have time to spare with you and your child."

Harry gritted his teeth. He still didn't know what to do. He looked over at Remus, who sighed and gave a nod to accept Snape's help, but Harry was still stalling. Tonks and Mr. Weasley weren't much help. They too gave simple nods. Shacklebolt on the other hand was eyeing Snape's kit with some interest. Snape kept his icy glare on Harry. He didn't say anything more. He just sat there and waited. Even Sirius was curious at Harry's choice. He could fight to tell him that he should say "No!", but for some reason, the need to prove Snape a traitor seemed to have evaporated. There was silence in the room as Harry struggled to come to a final decision, but it was quickly broken by Moody's reappearance. "Still here are you Snape. I thought you had to be runnin off."

"I do have to take my leave; and I think I'll take it now." Snape straightened himself in a chair. "Anything is better than waiting hand and foot for The Boy who lived. But before I go." While continuing to glare at Harry, he took the goblet on his right-hand side and pulled it toward him. "I think I'll have a small taste to moisten my tongue."

"You're going to drink that?"

"Of course. This particular potion contains a nutrition capable of enhancing my energy and power. To me it will do no damage, but to the baby, I'm afraid, it will return him to his old, worthless state."

Harry sat back and watched as he emptied the contents down his throat. He figured if anything was to go wrong with the drink for Snape, then Sirius would be in danger as well. Sirius watched with the upmost intensity. He figured the same as Harry. If Snape can stand it, then maybe...but then again, he's a full grown man. Snape can't be sure it will do what it's supposed to do to me.

Once Snape finished his drink, he set it down and became more aware of the tension in the room. "As pleasant as this meaningless experiment has been, I must be off. I can waste no more time on you." He pushed back his chair, disposed of his goblet with his wand and grabbed his potion kit. He stood there for a moment, still watching Harry who was still having trouble making a final decision. As if to further torment him, Snape pushed the other goblet right in front of him. "There's no hurry, but you may want to think twice before you give it to your dear godfather."

Harry could feel his concentration switching over to Snape. "Why's that!", he practically yelled. Snape smirked and moved over toward him. "I think he's more suited in this body than in his old one. As I've insisted before, his body matches his brain. There's no real reason to bring back that idiot." He then turned to Remus.

"There's no reason to be so childish about this Professor," Remus informed him. "We all know how you feel about Sirius. There's no need for all these remarks."

"Simply stating the facts Remus. It is clear after what Black has done that he will only go and do something more foolish when his previous body returns. It would have been better to leave him as is, rather than allow him to do something that would do greater damage to the Order."

Now it was Harry's turn to jump in. "DON'T YOU TALK ABOUT SIRIUS LIKE-"

"I'LL TALK ABOUT BLACK HOWEVER I WANT!" Snape shouted back at him. The others simply moved back, however, Mrs. Weasley stepped out of the kitchen. "What is going on in here!"

"Snape, maybe you should-" Mr. Weasley started.

"No. Potter should hear this Weasley. I have done what Dumbledore ask, regardless of my feelings toward it. Potter has witnessed it and he should be thanking me. He should be...should be...-"

"Professor, are you-" Tonks started. For some reason, Snape started to turn pale, and he was sweating profusely. He wiped his arm across his face. He staggered a bit, but continued with his speech. "-should be...on bended knee."

And then it happened. The impossible. Something that Griffindors might dream of in the darkest of moments.

Snape rubbed his hand across his face. He staggered again, but grabbed onto the back of a chair for support. Shacklebolt and Tonks moved in closer. "Are you alright?," Shacklebolt questioned. "What's wrong?" But Snape couldn't answer. He could no longer talk. He felt his throat closing up. His heart pounding so hard that he though it might jump out of his body. He was quickly drenched in his own sweat. He looked terrified and confused as he looked at them all. His focus was hazy and blured. Desperately, Snape tried to speak again. "Ah...ah...a..I..." But he couldn't get the words out--he couldn't breath. The Order was closing in, confusing him even more. Harry was moving as well, but he wasn't coming closer. He stepped back, frightened, with Sirius looking just as frightened in his arms. "Snape!" Shacklebolt was the closest, with his hand on his shoulder, trying to get a good look at Snape to determine what had gone wrong. "Snape!" Remus called in. And somewhere in the mix of the sudden chaos, Mrs.Weasley cried," I'll contact Dumbledore immediately!" Someone else said, "What's this about?" It was Moody stumping in. "We don't know!," Tonks cried, but Snape couldn't listen to her when his own life was at stake.

He was panting now, and his tongue felt heavy in his mouth. He felt his brain turning to mush and he knew that at any minute he would fall. At the last second, he knew what was wrong. "He's got a hold of dark magic!" Moody confirmed. "The enemy must be close." At this, Harry tightened his grip on Sirius as though Moody was accusing Sirius of Snape's illness. Harry was at a lost for words. His mind had gone blank. He couldn't understand. One minute, he was yelling at the man, the next, he was stumped over, choking.

Harry locked eyes with Snape. His eyes were a mix of obvious confusion, while Snape's eyes were filled with blame; blaming Harry for doing this to him; eyes so red with hate and fear. Any second now, Snape thought as Shacklebolt and Tonks stood over him and the other members raced around, trying to find something, anything to ease his suffering. And then there was Black. He too mimicked Harry's confusion, but unlike Harry, he didn't look the least bit sorry. He looked like he knew. Snape wanting to say, to believe he did know. That he wasn't just a mindless baby-- there was a man in there plotting his revenge. But Snape didn't say or think any of those things. Any second.

There was nothing they could do. He knew what this was and couldn't understand how it had come to this. There wasn't any hope. He didn't have enough time. And the breathing, that heavy breathing grew louder and louder until it was the only sound in the room. Everyone was still. No one spoke except Mrs.Weasley. "I've sent a message. Dumbledore will be here shortly. In the meantime, we must take him to-"

He didn't wait to here where he must be taken. He was strong. He didn't need their sympathy. But he did. Deep down he knew he did; and with the last amount of energy he could muster before he fell, he cried out in anguish. But the cry was too powerful for his broken body and he tumbled over and crashed to the floor, sprawled out for all to see. His eyes were glazed over and vacantly stared at nothing; his face became more sunken and his mouth hung opened and foamed. He was twitching violently. Mrs.Weasley rushed to his side. "Help me! Hurry! We must get him to St. Mungo's at once!" The others wasted no time in rushing to her side. With great difficulty, Remus, Shacklebolt and Mr. Weasley restrained the convulsing professor and ushered him to the flames. Moody already had it set for transportation.

"I'll stay to report the news," Moody told them.

"So will I," said Mr.Weasley.

He stepped out and everyone watched as Remus and Shacklebolt announced their destination. Within seconds they were gone, but not to Harry. Snape's face was getting whiter; his eyes were lifeless; his mouth was foaming; and his body was twitching. That image played right before him, in Harry's mind. That vacant stare. The stare to damn the world and all else around him. That stare, Harry knew, was meant for him. That's what he'd remember.

And as he watched Mrs.Weasley, her husband and Tonks trying to compose themselves and understand what had happened to Snape, Harry felt himself undergoing the same illness. He too could not breathe--could not think and could not speak. He was frozen there and only became unfrozen when Sirius looked up at him. Harry looked into his godfather's eyes and it all seemed to surface. The danger Sirius was causing. But was it really Sirius? Was Snape dying? If it wasn't Sirius then who was to blame?

"Poisoned." Everyone looked over at Moody, who was standing by the table and examining the goblet Snape had used. He sniffed the inside. "I believe he was poisoned."

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Sorry about the delay guys, but I've been a little busy and I've been working on this chapter little by little. Also, I need to complete my first story on this site, so I'll be alternating between the two. For a while, I thought I might just load all the chapters in the fall, but I couldn't wait, and neither can some of you. Maybe this story will finish by the fall and I can concentrate on another story. Anyways, keep reading.

So, Snape was sent to help Sirius through potions. Dumbledore had gone through a lot of possible antidotes, but he hadn't really looked into potions which is why he turned to Snape. We know how much Dumbledore claims he's trustworthy, but we can never be too sure. Now it appears that we can, (or can we?). Remember, we've yet to know how this occurred, but it looks as though he really was atempting to poison Sirius, but somehow poisoned himself. Whether that's true or not, we'll know next time. I'm not a fan of Snape, (though I love to hate him) my intentions are not to make him out to be the bad guy. I told you this story would only get darker. But fear not. There's always a chance for a happy ending.

You'll notice this chapter got inside Snape's head and through his eyes. Next, it's back to Sirius. More of his thoughts and his feelings since Sirius appears to be some kind of bad luck. Do keep reading. I will complete this story.