A/N yikes now I have to say SORRY again, this chapter obviously does not
match up to my sneak peak so last chapters sneak peak will actually be the
sneak peak for chapter 22. Sorry but I started writing and this one just
happened. I am half way through the next chapter before I started writing I
added up all the votes and Hermione came out on top, however now it appears
Harry had squeaked ahead, BUT since I had started writing already and was
half way through it will be Hermione that goes to Draco. Sorry to those who
wanted Harry, it was very very close. Don't worry however it's not an earth
shattering scene and Draco still doesn't reveal his secrets it just helps
to show him that even mudbloods can care plus it will lead to something
else. So Harry and Snape will talk again NEXT chapter (grins-I promise).
Thank you to all for those wonderful reviews, lighted eagle: you make me
smile as always, as do many of you with all those wonderful comments. I
love the ENTHUSIASM, it really motivates me. Griffingoalie, thanks and
anytime you find the time to review it will be appreciated ( Denise: I
loved your review, you are absolutely right and some of his feelings over
Dumbledore will be explored during his talks with Snape (you know once he
slowly gets him to open up, this will happen in the next number of
chapters). Harry knows deep down Dumbledore cares for him deeply but it's
like any relationship sometimes the trust gets questioned as do the
conditions. Note to Janet: Um now Janet how do you know Lucius is going to
show up? (shakes head wondering if I need to take Occlumency lessons with
Snape cause you've gotten into my head?) But you only got it ½ right cause
it won't happen at hogwarts (grins mischievously) you'll find out where in
chapter 22. Ok I'll shut up now and let you get to the story.
Chapter 21 - Fear and Joy 'He wound his way into Dumbledore's office. The door was open, Fawkes gave a piercing cry but before the Phoenix could attack he reared up behind the startled Dumbledore and sank his teeth deep into the frail neck. The old wizard sank off the chair onto the floor in a pool of blood, he saw with an incredible gleam of satisfaction the light leave Dumbledore's light blue eyes.'
Harry woke up with a yell, his scar searing. He clasped both hands over it feeling horribly ill. He could faintly hear Professor McGonagall's voice. "Potter, what's happening, is it your ribs?"
He threw up over the side of the bed then gasped shivering profusely, "No, Professor Dumbledore, Voldemort got him" Came Harry's anguished whisper.
"Hush Potter, Professor Dumbledore is well." Minerva stated.
"No please go look, please".
She shook her head, "Calm down." Then she left for a moment and Harry shakily put on his robe and glasses. He was still so angry with the headmaster for not having told him the truth. If he had known he would never have been fooled into go into the Ministry of Magic and Sirius would still be alive. He knew Dumbledore felt badly and he knew Dumbledore cared for him but his anger and his mistrust were still there. But the thought that Dumbledore was dead tore a hole through his chest. He had always treated him with kindness. Unwelcome tears welled up and threatened to spill. He breathed deeply trying to get the horrible feeling that he usually associated with Sirius' death under control.
"Potter get back into bed. Professor Snape is going to check."
She pushed him back down on the pillows. "Was this like last time, when you saw Mr. Weasley being attacked?"
Harry nodded miserably his heart racing. The horrible vision of Dumbledore lying on the floor staring sightlessly just like Cedric made it hard to breathe. Harry closed his eyes, his hand going to his scar. Professor McGonagall patted his shoulder.
Snape came into the hospital wing at a clipped pace. He was wearing a black robe over what looked like a gray nightshirt.
"The headmaster is just fine. Potter was this like last time?" Snape asked urgently.
A huge flood of relief washed over Harry. "I think so. Are you sure he's ok? It was so real like with Mr. Weasley."
"I assure you he's fine albeit worried about you. Here take a sip of the tea." Snape held up a vial contained the tea that he had specially brewed for him from ingredients from the forbidden forest.
Harry drank some and immediately felt his stomach settle down but the pain in his head still made the room spin.
Potter had looked so devastated when he first entered. Snape realized that he was afraid of losing yet another person that cared about him. A pang of sympathy washed over him. He gently applied a cloth soaked with incentia cooling balm to Potter's forehead. He looked up to see Minerva with a slightly amused smile on her face; he quickly sat back and gave Minerva an annoyed glare.
Harry lay back with his eyes closed trying to clear his thoughts. The cooling balm soothed the pain in his head. The dream had been so real, he wished he could have seen for himself that Dumbledore was ok. He felt a hand on his forehead softly stroking is hair. He opened his eyes and found himself looking into Dumbledore's very much alive blue eyes.
"Harry, are you ok now?"
"Yes, I had a nightmare and" his breathing became more rapid.
"Calm down, I know it was very upsetting for you but I need for you to tell me what exactly you dreamt."
Harry nodded and slowly relived the horrible dream; he was shaking again as he got to the end.
Dumbledore smiled softly. "I do not think that Voldemort was in your head this time. As you can see I am fine. I think your own fears prompted this nightmare."
"But my scar hurt and it usually only does this when I have a connection with Voldemort." Harry so wanted to believe Dumbledore's words but the pain he had felt was like before.
"Headmaster, if I may answer that question. Potter when you and I worked on Occlumency your scar hurt because you were relieving things that had happened and that were painful to you. I agree with the headmaster, I think your presence fears combined with events in the past to produce this particular nightmare." Harry took a deep breath feeling slightly better.
"Now I want you to go back to sleep, try to clear your mind and not think about anything." Dumbledore softly.
Harry nodded glancing up at Snape.
Snape looked at him with worry in his eyes. "We'll work on preventing things like this happening in the future."
Professor McGonagall patted his arm again. "Sleep well Potter."
Harry awoke the next morning feeling well rested despite the horrible dream from the night before.
Madam Pomfrey brought him breakfast. He wasn't very hungry but he knew if he wanted to get out of the wing he better eat everything on the tray. He forced it down. Snape came in, he dark eyes flickering over his tray. "Good to see you eating Potter." He went over to Madam Pomfrey and the two of them had a quiet conversation.
"Well Potter, against my better judgement, Professor Snape thinks you are well enough to leave the wing today. I would have liked to wait another day but apparently I'm being overruled. So let's get your shirt off and heal your ribs."
Harry glanced up at Snape. He still didn't like him and he certainly didn't trust him but he was starting to understand that Snape was trying to help him. He reluctantly mouthed a "thank you". Snape curtly nodded his head.
"All right Potter let me check those ribs." Her hands expertly fingered down his rib cage, while Harry bit his lip whenever she came across one that caused a stab of pain. "They are starting to heal well on their own but this potion will help speed up the process. In 24 hours you won't even feel a twinge." She helped him sit up and gave him a glass of potion that almost made him gag.
"Ugh, why do these healing potions always have to taste so horrible." He asked grimacing from the bitter taste.
Madam Pomfrey in her no nonsense approach sternly replied. "If they tasted like honey they wouldn't be very effective."
Snape sat down beside Harry. He pulled a bottle out from under his robe. "I promised you once the overdose wore off I'd heal your arm." He stretched out Harry's bruised arm the one he had originally taken the blood from and smeared a cream that smelled like it had come from deep in a spruce forest. As it spread over his skin it created a warm soothing sensation and the residual pain he had felt disappeared.
Harry lay back enjoying the feeling of being pain free for the first time in many days. "Potter, I have brought you some clothes, I assume you'll be able to dress yourself?" Professor McGonagall asked.
Harry's eyes flew open. "Yes, of course." He sat up as Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall stepped back and Snape pulled the curtains around him to allow him some privacy.
"I have a class to teach, Minerva I'm assuming you will help Potter up to his room?" Snape inquired.
"Actually I have already arranged an escort for Mr. Potter." She smiled as Hermione and Ron entered with beaming smiles.
Harry, now fully dressed stepped out from behind the curtains to be enveloped in a huge hug by Hermione and Ron. "We missed you dreadfully." Hermione smiled up at him.
"We're not the only ones." Ron smiled broadly with a twinkle in his eyes.
"I missed you both too, I'm so glad to be getting out of here." Harry smiled.
"Potter, keep in mind you haven't been doing much moving about. Walk slowly you are likely to experience some dizziness until you get your strength back." Madam Pomfrey ordered.
"I insist that for today you stay in bed." Came Professor McGonagall's stern order.
Harry agreed to everything. He was just so happy to finally be feeling better and walking around. They slowly made it up the stairs with Ron and Hermione chatting with him the whole time. "I'm so glad you're going to be able to go to the Halloween party."
Harry smiled. "I wouldn't miss that."
They entered the Gryffindor common room and Harry's heart jumped when suddenly people jumped up from behind the chairs and sofa's yelling surprise. Balloons floated up to the ceiling and his fellow Gryffindors hugged him "Welcome back!" Harry smiled gratefully over at Ron and Hermione, he knew that they had thrown this together very quickly. After a half-hour they helped him get into bed. Hermione surrounded him with books and all the homework he had missed while Ron emptied a bag of candy and chocolate on the bed. "In case you get hungry." He grinned broadly.
"We have to get to potions or Snape will give us detention."
Harry nodded gratefully. "Thanks so much for doing this."
Hermione hugged him again. "You know we all love you." She whispered in his ear.
Harry lay back in bed feeling happier than he had in a long long time.
Chapter 21 - Fear and Joy 'He wound his way into Dumbledore's office. The door was open, Fawkes gave a piercing cry but before the Phoenix could attack he reared up behind the startled Dumbledore and sank his teeth deep into the frail neck. The old wizard sank off the chair onto the floor in a pool of blood, he saw with an incredible gleam of satisfaction the light leave Dumbledore's light blue eyes.'
Harry woke up with a yell, his scar searing. He clasped both hands over it feeling horribly ill. He could faintly hear Professor McGonagall's voice. "Potter, what's happening, is it your ribs?"
He threw up over the side of the bed then gasped shivering profusely, "No, Professor Dumbledore, Voldemort got him" Came Harry's anguished whisper.
"Hush Potter, Professor Dumbledore is well." Minerva stated.
"No please go look, please".
She shook her head, "Calm down." Then she left for a moment and Harry shakily put on his robe and glasses. He was still so angry with the headmaster for not having told him the truth. If he had known he would never have been fooled into go into the Ministry of Magic and Sirius would still be alive. He knew Dumbledore felt badly and he knew Dumbledore cared for him but his anger and his mistrust were still there. But the thought that Dumbledore was dead tore a hole through his chest. He had always treated him with kindness. Unwelcome tears welled up and threatened to spill. He breathed deeply trying to get the horrible feeling that he usually associated with Sirius' death under control.
"Potter get back into bed. Professor Snape is going to check."
She pushed him back down on the pillows. "Was this like last time, when you saw Mr. Weasley being attacked?"
Harry nodded miserably his heart racing. The horrible vision of Dumbledore lying on the floor staring sightlessly just like Cedric made it hard to breathe. Harry closed his eyes, his hand going to his scar. Professor McGonagall patted his shoulder.
Snape came into the hospital wing at a clipped pace. He was wearing a black robe over what looked like a gray nightshirt.
"The headmaster is just fine. Potter was this like last time?" Snape asked urgently.
A huge flood of relief washed over Harry. "I think so. Are you sure he's ok? It was so real like with Mr. Weasley."
"I assure you he's fine albeit worried about you. Here take a sip of the tea." Snape held up a vial contained the tea that he had specially brewed for him from ingredients from the forbidden forest.
Harry drank some and immediately felt his stomach settle down but the pain in his head still made the room spin.
Potter had looked so devastated when he first entered. Snape realized that he was afraid of losing yet another person that cared about him. A pang of sympathy washed over him. He gently applied a cloth soaked with incentia cooling balm to Potter's forehead. He looked up to see Minerva with a slightly amused smile on her face; he quickly sat back and gave Minerva an annoyed glare.
Harry lay back with his eyes closed trying to clear his thoughts. The cooling balm soothed the pain in his head. The dream had been so real, he wished he could have seen for himself that Dumbledore was ok. He felt a hand on his forehead softly stroking is hair. He opened his eyes and found himself looking into Dumbledore's very much alive blue eyes.
"Harry, are you ok now?"
"Yes, I had a nightmare and" his breathing became more rapid.
"Calm down, I know it was very upsetting for you but I need for you to tell me what exactly you dreamt."
Harry nodded and slowly relived the horrible dream; he was shaking again as he got to the end.
Dumbledore smiled softly. "I do not think that Voldemort was in your head this time. As you can see I am fine. I think your own fears prompted this nightmare."
"But my scar hurt and it usually only does this when I have a connection with Voldemort." Harry so wanted to believe Dumbledore's words but the pain he had felt was like before.
"Headmaster, if I may answer that question. Potter when you and I worked on Occlumency your scar hurt because you were relieving things that had happened and that were painful to you. I agree with the headmaster, I think your presence fears combined with events in the past to produce this particular nightmare." Harry took a deep breath feeling slightly better.
"Now I want you to go back to sleep, try to clear your mind and not think about anything." Dumbledore softly.
Harry nodded glancing up at Snape.
Snape looked at him with worry in his eyes. "We'll work on preventing things like this happening in the future."
Professor McGonagall patted his arm again. "Sleep well Potter."
Harry awoke the next morning feeling well rested despite the horrible dream from the night before.
Madam Pomfrey brought him breakfast. He wasn't very hungry but he knew if he wanted to get out of the wing he better eat everything on the tray. He forced it down. Snape came in, he dark eyes flickering over his tray. "Good to see you eating Potter." He went over to Madam Pomfrey and the two of them had a quiet conversation.
"Well Potter, against my better judgement, Professor Snape thinks you are well enough to leave the wing today. I would have liked to wait another day but apparently I'm being overruled. So let's get your shirt off and heal your ribs."
Harry glanced up at Snape. He still didn't like him and he certainly didn't trust him but he was starting to understand that Snape was trying to help him. He reluctantly mouthed a "thank you". Snape curtly nodded his head.
"All right Potter let me check those ribs." Her hands expertly fingered down his rib cage, while Harry bit his lip whenever she came across one that caused a stab of pain. "They are starting to heal well on their own but this potion will help speed up the process. In 24 hours you won't even feel a twinge." She helped him sit up and gave him a glass of potion that almost made him gag.
"Ugh, why do these healing potions always have to taste so horrible." He asked grimacing from the bitter taste.
Madam Pomfrey in her no nonsense approach sternly replied. "If they tasted like honey they wouldn't be very effective."
Snape sat down beside Harry. He pulled a bottle out from under his robe. "I promised you once the overdose wore off I'd heal your arm." He stretched out Harry's bruised arm the one he had originally taken the blood from and smeared a cream that smelled like it had come from deep in a spruce forest. As it spread over his skin it created a warm soothing sensation and the residual pain he had felt disappeared.
Harry lay back enjoying the feeling of being pain free for the first time in many days. "Potter, I have brought you some clothes, I assume you'll be able to dress yourself?" Professor McGonagall asked.
Harry's eyes flew open. "Yes, of course." He sat up as Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall stepped back and Snape pulled the curtains around him to allow him some privacy.
"I have a class to teach, Minerva I'm assuming you will help Potter up to his room?" Snape inquired.
"Actually I have already arranged an escort for Mr. Potter." She smiled as Hermione and Ron entered with beaming smiles.
Harry, now fully dressed stepped out from behind the curtains to be enveloped in a huge hug by Hermione and Ron. "We missed you dreadfully." Hermione smiled up at him.
"We're not the only ones." Ron smiled broadly with a twinkle in his eyes.
"I missed you both too, I'm so glad to be getting out of here." Harry smiled.
"Potter, keep in mind you haven't been doing much moving about. Walk slowly you are likely to experience some dizziness until you get your strength back." Madam Pomfrey ordered.
"I insist that for today you stay in bed." Came Professor McGonagall's stern order.
Harry agreed to everything. He was just so happy to finally be feeling better and walking around. They slowly made it up the stairs with Ron and Hermione chatting with him the whole time. "I'm so glad you're going to be able to go to the Halloween party."
Harry smiled. "I wouldn't miss that."
They entered the Gryffindor common room and Harry's heart jumped when suddenly people jumped up from behind the chairs and sofa's yelling surprise. Balloons floated up to the ceiling and his fellow Gryffindors hugged him "Welcome back!" Harry smiled gratefully over at Ron and Hermione, he knew that they had thrown this together very quickly. After a half-hour they helped him get into bed. Hermione surrounded him with books and all the homework he had missed while Ron emptied a bag of candy and chocolate on the bed. "In case you get hungry." He grinned broadly.
"We have to get to potions or Snape will give us detention."
Harry nodded gratefully. "Thanks so much for doing this."
Hermione hugged him again. "You know we all love you." She whispered in his ear.
Harry lay back in bed feeling happier than he had in a long long time.