Came out of the Darkness 26 – In Sickness and in Health

J.K. Rowling's sand and box, but it's my castle. Enjoy!

Neville was one of the first students to fall ill. Luna's roommates took her down to Madam Pomfrey the first night. Within two days, the number of children confined to the Hospital Wing doubled, then tripled.

In Potions, there were enough tables and cauldrons for each of them to work alone. Hermione was looking very tired and drawn, she also kept muffling coughs in her sleeve. Draco dragged himself in just after class was due to begin. He collapsed on a stool and laid his head on his folded arms. Snape came in fifteen minutes late, looking worn and haggard. By then all of them had started on the potion written on the board. "What are you doing? That's the fifth year assignment… oh hell, whatever, just be careful." He collapsed at his desk and arched his neck cracking it loudly.

Then McGonagall's voice echoed throughout the Castle, "Due to illness," her voice was slightly hoarse, "all classes are hereby cancelled for the rest of the term."

"She couldn't have decided that twenty minutes ago when I was in bed?" Draco growled.

There were other disgruntled mumblings as the students made their way out into the corridor as Snape vanished the contents of the cauldrons. They hadn't moved too far when Draco was overcome with a coughing fit. He stumbled sideways into the wall and reached out to brace himself. He started gasping between coughs, unable to catch his breath.

Harry dropped his bag to the ground, "Somebody go get Snape!" He grabbed hold of Draco to keep him upright. "Hang on Malfoy!" He heard running feet and saw Snape coming up fast.

"Can't….. breathe," Draco gasped. "Uncle Sev?" there was obvious fear in his tone as he panted for air. Then his eyes rolled back and his knees gave way. Harry was barely able to keep him from falling

Snape scooped Draco up into his arms, "It's alright little dragon, I've got you. Merlin, he's burning up." He rested his chin against Draco's forehead.

Hermione gasped which triggered her own coughing spell. She hunched over holding her breath to try to still it. Harry caught her close. She too began that desperate gasping cough.

"Potter! Bring her! Now!" Snape ordered as he turned to carry Draco out of the dungeons.

Harry lifted Hermione under her knees and held her close to his chest. Seamus was right next to him and grabbed up both of their bags. It seemed to take forever to climb out of the dungeons. Hermione's coughing eased, but it was followed by a terrible wheezing with every breath. "I can walk," she whispered.

"No," Harry replied.

"I'm too heavy Harry."

"Hermione just shut up, OK. Please just shut up!" he snapped. Hermione bit her lip as tears filled her eyes. Harry couldn't look at her. Couldn't blink the tears away fast enough from his own eyes. So he began to beg, "Be OK. Please. Just be OK."

Up to the Hospital Wing, already so full of sick children. Pomfrey moved from bed to bed and assisted by McGonagall, Sinistra, Flitwick, and Lupin as her drafted nurses. It was barely controlled chaos.

Snape carried Draco in to the last available bed. He laid him down and grabbed hold of the edge of the bed. He muttered something Harry didn't hear and the bed expanded another three feet wide. "Potter, bring her."

Harry reluctantly laid his precious bundle down on the available space. Snape began to run his hand over them, wand glowing. Harry moved back into the corner out of the way.

An hour passed. Two.

Dumbledore swept in and came straight to Harry. He took Harry by the arm, "You should leave, Harry. You're not sick. You wouldn't want to be exposed."

"Considering he's never more than arms-length from Miss Granger, I would assume he's already exposed," Snape retorted as he poured a potion down Draco's throat then placed a charmed mask over his mouth and nose to increase oxygen intake. "I've taken it upon myself to contact the Malfoys by Floo and the Cravens by owl. Lucius and Narcissa will be here momentarily. The Cravens…."

"Are unavailable," Lucius's voice swept in just ahead of him and Narcissa. "They've asked my wife and me to monitor the girl and advise them of any change. They will of course keep her parents apprised of her condition.

"Severus, how is Draco?" Narcissa begged as she stooped over her son. At her voice, he stirred and opened his eyes. "Hello little dragon. It's OK. Mother and Father are here."

"Dementor Influenza," Snape said. "It's spread through the entire school."

"ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME?" Lucius raged at Dumbledore. "You should have quarantined the sick as soon as they showed symptoms."

"What is it?" Harry asked.

"A particularly contagious flu that effects Wizarding children," Narcissa explained as she wiped Draco's face. "Similar to the regular flu but it also taps into your central magic, feeding off of it. It strikes fast, spreads faster. My husband is right, the first ones ill should have been separated from the others."

"It's very rare," Dumbledore protested. "It's possible that Madam Pomfrey did not recognize it right away."

"Of course it's rare," Narcissa snarled. "Because we do not let Dementors around children!" She rose and faced the room at large, "You need to contact the other Governors immediately. We need additional healers from St. Mungo's. Any children not showing symptoms should be tested, if they are not ill, they should be sent home immediately."

"Are you taking over?" Dumbledore asked.

"Apparently someone needs to," Lucius said. "Excuse me."

Within the hour, the school was full of Governors and parents. One by one, the healthy children were packed up and whisked away by their parents or Magical Guardians. Then nurses and healers began arriving from St. Mungo's. They triaged sick students and made the determination to close down the school and release the sick children to their parents.

Harry stepped out as Hermione was moved to her own bed to be examined.

"Harry," Dumbledore walked up to him. "I must arrange for your transport home." Harry looked at him. "To your Aunt and Uncle, Harry. You are healthy. You must go home."

Harry's entire body locked. His jaw clenched. His breathing went ragged. "No," he growled.

"Well, the Weasley's have arrived. None of their children have taken ill. I could ask if you could spend…."

"No."

"What? Harry you have to…."

"No," Harry replied. "It's Christmas. I'm going to Longbottom Manor."

"Harry, Lady Aggie…"

"Has a family of a hundred," Aggie's voice roared. "And a village of twice that. Full of healers, nurses, and potions masters. Do not worry, headmaster, we are more than capable of dealing with three ill children and one healthy one. Harry, please go pack your things, and Neville's as well. I'll see to Maya and Luna's belongings. Xeno will arrive momentarily."

"Lady Augusta," Dumbledore smiled, "Have you spoken to Madam Pomfrey? Neville and Hermione are seriously ill and both need to be monitored by…."

"Headmaster, do you think me incapable of caring for my grandson? You obviously think me incapable of caring for Harry." Aggie redirected her attention to Harry. "Go pack, please."

Harry turned and ran. He got to his now abandoned dorm room. Ron and his siblings had already taken their things down. Seamus' mother had already Floo'd him out along with Lee.

"Hizzy?" he called as he started throwing things into his and Neville's trunks.

The elderly House Elf popped into sight, "Harry Potter is not ill? Hizzy is very happy."

"Thanks," Harry smiled. "Look they're clearing us out early. I'll be gone for two weeks. Well, now two and a half weeks. Sirius…"

"Is getting fresh food every day. We Elves cast spells to keep the shack warm and dry. The fires burn constantly. The smoke is sent away to merge with smoke from other chimneys. No one will notice. Lord Black is safe and well and will remain there until he is ready to approach Lord Harry. Hizzy is assigning his two youngest to the task. They will not fail."

"I didn't realize your great granddaughters had started working this year. You must be so proud. Have I met them?"

Hizzy nodded deeply, "Your Lady gave them ribbons. My Posey and My Rosey."

Harry smiled, "I remember them."

Hizzy stood taller in pride. "Lord Harry? Do you want Hizzy to pack?"

Harry stepped back and looked at the mess he was making. "Yeah, that'd probably be best."

Hizzy nodded and snapped his fingers, "Help needed for Lord Harry."

*x*x*x*x*x*

Harry walked behind the squadron of House Elves that arrived to move their trunks down. One could probably handle it magically, but close to a dozen arrived in response to Hizzy's call for help. He was grinning as he reached the hall outside of the Hospital wing. But Aggie turned, with a somber look on her face. She was standing with Madam Pomfrey and Amos Diggory. They all looked scared. And his heart stopped, "What?"

"They can't be moved yet Harry," Aggie replied. "Neville and Hermione. They're too sick to travel."

"I don't want to go," Luna was carried out by her father, whining in the tone only a sick child can make. "I want to stay with Maya and Nev." Then she coughed.

Xeno kissed her temple, "I'm sorry sweetheart. We have to go."

Aggie walked over and tucked the blanket closer around her, "We'll send for you as soon as we get the children home. I promise sweet Luna. Go with your father now."

Harry looked into the Hospital. Hermione, Neville, and Draco were the only three students left in beds. "It's settled into their lungs," Aggie explained.

"Beth has taken Cedric on home," Amos said. "I can take Harry with me if you want."

"No," Harry answered. "I'm staying here. I'm not leaving Maya." He walked over and took the damp cloth from Snape's hand to wipe her face. "I'm right here, Hermione."

"I could just take him," Amos said.

"You really want to try it?" Aggie asked.

"No," Amos pulled his hat down over his head. "Send for us if you need help."

"What's happening?" Harry asked Snape.

"The illness weakens the lungs ability to expand and contract," Snape replied. "They're struggling to breathe."

Harry swallowed hard, "It's serious…. I mean, they could…." He couldn't say the word.

"Yes. But we will do our best to keep that from happening."

Harry nodded, "Tell me what to do to help."

*x*x*x*x*x*

Time ceased to be measured in minutes or hours. He measured it in breaths.

The staff numbers reduced to just Pomfrey, Snape, and Lupin. He had no idea where the other professors went. Two nurses remained from St. Mungo's. With the addition of Narcissa, who Harry learned had been through her healer training before marrying Lucius, they seemed to be covered. Pomfrey said that the first forty eight hours would be critical.

Harry managed to stay awake for thirty.

Lucius and Narcissa took turns resting, though neither seemed to sleep deeply. Draco went into crisis after hour eighteen, gasping desperately for air, while Snape, Poppy, and Narcissa cast spells and poured potions to get him through it. Draco's hand clawed at his throat until Lucius took it between his own. When Draco's breathing finally eased, his eyes fluttered open, "Father?" he mouthed, unable to speak.

"I'm here, Draco. I'm right here son," Lucius' voice cracked, but he managed to smile. He clutched his son's hand to his chest and caressed his hair.

Over the next twelve hours, Neville began to improve. Draco went into crisis twice more.

Hermione seemed to be sinking deeper and deeper. She never went into the critical state like Draco. She just faded.

"Harry you need to rest," Lupin said for the hundredth time. "You won't do Hermione any good if you collapse."

"No," Harry replied hoarsely.

"Enough Potter," Snape walked over and snatched him up. He poured a small measure of a potion down his throat before Harry could turn his head. Then Snape grabbed him, pinning his arms to his sides, and lifted to move him away from her bedside.

Harry began to fight weakly, "No! I'm not leaving her."

"Stop this," Lucius grabbed Harry's face in his hands, "Stop. We're not taking you away."

Lupin went over to an empty bed and pulled the sheets down.

"Just here," Lucius said. "Just lay here for a little while. You do not need to sleep, just lay down." He helped Snape lift him onto the bed.

As soon as he was horizontal, Harry began to drift. He was vaguely aware of someone taking off his shoes; sliding his glasses from his face; tucking him under the blankets. Then Snape's voice in his ear, "I will not leave her side, I swear it."

He slept for ten hours straight.

*x*x*x*x*x*

He awoke with a sharply indrawn breath. He fumbled for glasses that were suddenly placed into his hand. Lucius' face came into focus, looking haggard and worn.

"How are they?" Harry said with an incredibly dry throat.

Lucius handed him a chilled glass of water. "Better it seems."

Harry gasped a dry sob. Lucius laid a cool hand on the back of his neck and pushed the glass closer to his mouth. Harry drank deeply and held the glass out for more as he looked around.

Neville offered him a weak smile. He was sitting up, no longer masked to increase oxygen, and was slowly being spooned broth by his Gran. Aggie glanced over, looking tired, but relieved.

In the next bed, Narcissa sat up against the stone wall, with Draco's head resting on her leg. Narcissa's hand lay on her son's chest as it rose and fell with much less effort. Draco was also breathing without the mask. Both mother and son appeared to be asleep. But as he watched, Narcissa's head came up and she looked across the room.

Where Hermione lay. She was still propped up on pillows with the mask over her nose and mouth. But her breathing also seemed much easier as she slept deeply. Crookshanks was curled at her feet.

Harry's gaze swept the room again. Pomfrey was sitting at her desk making notes. She looked freshly bathed and surprisingly well rested. The two St. Mungo's nurses were sleeping in beds up the other end of the Hospital wing. Lupin was sprawled face down on one bed.

Snape was nowhere in sight.

Harry scanned the room again.

"He's on the floor," Lucius said as though reading his mind (which he probably could do). "Other side of Maya's bed. He takes his promises very seriously."

In the bed, Hermione stirred, stretched her leg and moaned softly. Snape popped upright like a jack-in-the-box.

"She's all right," Lucius said as he walked over to the Potions Master. "You need some real rest, you look dreadful. And you're starting to smell."

Snape rubbed his face and glared at his friend, "Hello Pot, my name is Kettle."

Harry snorted a laugh.

"What are you cackling about, Potter, you are in no better shape," Snape retorted as he yawned and stretched, then apparently caught a whiff, "Merlin. Whew."

"All three of you," Narcissa rose from her son's bed with a commanding tone, "Go take a shower, put on clean clothing, and burn what you're wearing, then get something to eat. Aggie and I can handle things for an hour or so."

Before Harry could fully wake up and process the order, he found himself standing in a hot shower with Snape and Lucius in the next two stalls. "Does she do that a lot? Order you around?"

Snape laughed. A full out body involved laugh.

"Shut up," Lucius said without anger, "And yes. She does. It's best just to obey your wife most times, Harry. That and have a comfortable couch in your study for the times you don't. You are involved with a girl who is much smarter than you are. Just as I am. It helps to just admit now that she will usually be right."

Harry shampooed his hair as he contemplated the advice. He emerged in a towel to find Lucius tossing all of their clothes into a small metal can that was blazing brightly. He shrugged and walked over to the small bag packed by Hizzy to pull out clean clothing. Jeans, long sleeve t-shirt, sweater, underwear, socks, shoes. He started to dress, ignoring the men behind him.

Until Lucius gasped and thundered over, "What the hell is this?"

Harry turned, still shirtless. But Lucius grabbed his shoulders and forced him back to face the lockers. "Severus get your ass over here!"

Snape padded over, still dripping from the showers. He traced a finger down the fine line scar that ran from Harry's left shoulder diagonally across his back to his right side. "Harry, what happened here?"

Harry took a breath and jumped, "Belt."

"Those Muggles BEAT YOU?!" Lucius snarled.

"Not regularly or anything. The belt thing only happened once," Harry replied not turning around.

"Once is once too many," Snape said as he turned away to dry off and dress.

"Explain the circumstances," Lucius demanded. Harry shrugged and pulled his undershirt on. "Lord Potter, I am asking as Governor of Hogwarts. Though I am currently suspended from the Gathering of Lords, I am still a member so feel I can ask for them as well. Tell me what happened."

"I apparated I think," Harry said. "In the deep end now," under his breath. "I was running from my cous… a bully at school, then was somehow on the school's roof. The school called my Aunt. When my uncle got home, he went after me with the belt. Only managed to hit me once, then the belt ripped through his hand, smacked him in the face, and threw itself into the fireplace. He had to go to the Emergency Room for stitches. I think he told them that he was working on the car. By the next morning, my cut was healed. My uncle never tried it again."

"I would say not," Lucius returned to his own locker to dress. "I will have to report this Harry. As it should have been as soon as you reached Hogwarts," he glared at Severus.

"I don't make a habit of being in a room with a half-naked student, Luc," Sev sighed. "And as you know, children aren't openly examined for signs of abuse anymore. A Pureblood would sooner rip out his own intestines than allow any injury to his offspring."

"So the only ones at risk are the ones raised by Muggles," Harry said.

Lucius smiled as he straightened the neck of his shirt. A slow, sly smirk. "Which is one of the reasons they should be assigned a Magical Guardian as soon as you enter school. I know Aggie is planning to have yours done in the Village. And the Cravens quietly requested an examination of Miss Granger as soon as their Guardianship was approved. To insure her health and well-being. And to have the grounds to intercede if necessary."

Harry turned to face the now immaculate looking Lord. "Do you know the Cravens?"

Lucius nodded, "Yes. We speak quite often. I know they've kept the Grangers very well informed of their daughter's progress. I believe they have arranged for the Grangers spend part of the holidays at Longbottom Manor."

Harry sat to pull on his shoes.

"Harry," Lucius sat next to him. "If you ever feel unsafe at your relatives, you must contact Lady Aggie, myself, or Lord Rosier immediately. This would instantly negate the original agreement and call for another meeting to determine what is in your best interest. Dumbledore would have no say in the matter."

Harry nodded, "Yes sir. It's not… pleasant… there. But I manage."

Lucius patted his shoulder, and rose to go stand in front of Snape who was just finishing up. "Lily's son Severus," he hissed. "Lily's only child." He swept away as Snape stumbled back and sat down hard on the bench.

Harry and Snape stared at each other for a long moment.

"What did you give me?" Harry asked to break the silence.

"What? When?"

"In the Hospital Wing. When you made me take a nap. The potion. What was it?"

"A simple muscle relaxer," Snape bent to slip on his shoes. "I knew as soon as you let yourself relax you would sleep."

When he straightened, Harry was right in his face, grabbing at his shirt collar to hold him still. Harry placed his lips right to Severus' ear. "I'm only going to say this once. They do not love me. They do not care for me beyond my ability to do chores. They have starved me. They locked me in a cupboard for the first decade I was under their roof. The Dursleys' was NEVER my home. But I have to go back there. This summer and next. Do not interfere with that. I have my reasons. Lord Malfoy has told me twice to be careful who I trust. I give you the same advice. Shield your mind. From everyone. I promise to tell you more when I am able. But I too have decided to listen to my wife due to the simple fact that she usually right. And things still need to play out a bit."

Harry leaned back, staring down with his mother's eyes. An old soul in a young boy's body. Snape grabbed him this time, dragging him back down so that they were nose to nose. "How old are you?"

Harry smiled sadly, "I'm thirteen. And not. So are Hermione, Neville, and Luna. And I promise to tell you everything. As soon as Maya tells me to."

"Is there a problem?" Lupin came in carrying a small bag.

Snape released Harry and he stepped back, "No Professor Lupin, I was just thanking Professor Snape for taking such good care of Maya, Neville, and Draco. Thank you too, sir."

"Yes well," Lupin was watching them with a frown. "I have to leave today."

"Oh yeah," Harry tossed his bag to his shoulder, "Full moon tonight. Be careful sir." And he walked out of the room. He was still in the hallway when Lupin erupted.

"Did you tell him? You did, didn't you!"

Snape replied evenly, "Of course not Lupin. Miss Granger probably did. The two of them did the essay I assigned. I'm certain she figured it out. Subtlety was never your strong suit. And as you keep repeating, she is the brightest witch of her…. age."

A low growl echoed.

"Careful Remus. Can't have you actually tapping into the wolf within." Snape emerged and gestured to Harry to go ahead.

*x*x*x*x*x*

They compromised with Narcissa by having a meal in the corner of the Hospital wing. Then Snape claimed a bed and collapsed, asleep as soon as he covered up with a blanket. Neville was sleeping, as was Aggie (who lay flat on her back, hands folded, perfectly still). Narcissa had left to go shower and change. Draco was sprawled out, taking up the entire stretched bed all to himself now.

"He's slept like that since he was out of the womb," Lucius said fondly. "So much space for such a little boy." He swallowed hard. "If you like, I have a game in my cloak pocket. Rosier gave it to me during the meeting, it's his prototype. It's meant to be a Christmas present for Draco but he won't mind if we test it out. I actually forgot it was in there. We'll sit right here, next to Maya."

Harry nodded, "Lord Rosier makes games?"

Lucius transfigured the bed into a table and two comfortable chairs. He place one chair directly next to Hermione's bed so that Harry could reach over and touch her. "Rosiers' Toys and Games. Been in business for over a hundred years." He took a small box out of his cloak and laid it on the table. He tapped it with his wand and it restored back to full size. The flat board was round and the image of the Earth. "Let's see, we start out here… yes, in London. You're meant to travel around, purchasing property, avoiding the Muggles, if we come into conflict over an estate, or if you are confronted with Muggles, you must use your spell cards. You can buy more spell cards as we go. Winner is whoever owns more of the World."

Harry smiled, "Sounds like a mix of a Muggle games my cousin has. One you use armies to take over the world, another is a card came where the card with the highest power wins all the others. Oh and Monopoly, where you move around making purchases and trying to bankrupt your opponents. Sounds cool! When will it be available to the public?"

"If it goes over well, by next Christmas."

*x*x*x*x*x*

Harry lost the first game rather quickly so they reset the board. Lucius began to coach him in strategy and negotiation. Lucius took a few notes to pass on to Rosier, such as adding the ability to trade spell cards between them and to create alliances if they needed to move Muggles out of the way to expand territories. Harry took mental notes on the lessons he was learning. Careful withdrawal to move on a different front, negotiating with a Lord who appreciated the straightforward yet polite approach rather than the simpering ass kissing he probably received from everyone. And the caring, gentle touch of a mother. Narcissa brushed his hair down as she sat a plate of sandwiches in front of them. Later when she came over to bring tea, she rubbed his back. Much like Aggie, just the delicate contact. Not like Molly with her breath squeezing out embrace.

"Harry."

Harry was sitting with his hand squeezing his chin, contemplating the nearly full board.

"Harry."

He glanced up at Lucius who nodded to his side. Harry turned to see Hermione's eyes flutter, then peek open. He whirled and dropped to his knees next to the bed. "Maya? Maya come on wake up."

"Harry?" the soft, raspy whisper of his name was the most beautiful thing he'd ever heard.

"I'm here," his voice was almost as hoarse with emotion. "It's OK. I'm here."

Snape swept in on the other side, "Maya you've been very ill. Dementor Influenza. Have you read about it in your myriad of books?" He checked her temperature with his wrist, then her pulse.

"Yes." She glanced from one hovering face to the other. "I had the strangest dream. You were there. And you were there. And so were you."

From his bed, Neville cracked up laughing. "Care to guess which one is the scarecrow and which one is the tin man in this little gathering?"

"No," Lucius and Snape chorused in response.

"What?" Draco asked.

"I'll loan you the book," Neville said. "It's another one they made into a movie."

"Your uncle made me watch it in a hotel room one Christmas," Lucius smiled at Severus.

"How do you feel sweetheart?" Narcissa asked Hermione.

"Weak," she replied softly. "Tired. Disgusting."

"Yeah, you are a might bit ripe, milady," Harry teased.

Narcissa rapped him on the back of the head gently. Then with a quick glance around, she leaned in close, "Maya. I have to know. Did this happen before?"

"No," Harry whispered the answer as Lucius and Snape looked on. "This was new."

"Why? What did you do and why?!"

Hermione looked deep into Narcissa's eyes. "We didn't do this." Then she stiffened and her head turned toward the doorway out into the school. Snape whirled just in time to see the tail of a robe disappear. He looked to Lucius who glowered back.

"I think it's time we began making arrangements to return home," Narcissa said.

"I agree," Lucius replied. "Severus you will spend the holiday at Malfoy Manor."

*x*x*x*x*x*

Harry stormed down the corridor. He'd fled the Hospital as Narcissa and Pomfrey took Hermione in to get her bathed and dressed. He'd been able to reign in all the anger for so long, but now he desperately needed to hit something. He went to the doorway to the room of requirement and paced with Crookshanks at his side.

The door opened to reveal a small padded room with several straw filled dummies hanging from the ceiling like some bizarre mass suicide ritual. He shoved one, then another. Kicked one so hard the hanging rope snapped and the dummy flew across the room. He drew back his fist to punch….

"STOP!" Lucius roared. He moved forward quickly to stay Harry's hand. "Stop. You'll break your thumb that way. Here, relax your hand. Curl your fingers first, then tuck your thumb along the outside. If you tuck your thumb inside, all of the impact transfers into the joint and either breaks or dislocates it. Easy to fix, but disastrous in a fight." Lucius moved behind the dummy to brace it. "Have at it."

Harry threw a few light punches, then tapped back into the rage and let it loose. Within moments, he was covered in sweat but calming down. When he stepped back, panting, Lucius tossed him a towel.

"When you get back to school after the Holidays, go to Severus. There's a gym set up near the entrance to the dungeons complete with boxing ring and sparring dummies."

"Yes, sir, thank you sir."

*x*x*x*x*x*

Mr. August arrived with a huge carriage drawn by two solid Clydesdales to transport Aggie, Harry, Neville, and Hermione back to Longbottom Manor. He was followed almost immediately by a long black car with the Malfoy coat of arms on the door. The House Elves quickly carried the baggage out.

Snape handed Aggie a box full of potion vials, "Instructions are all in there, though I know you do not need them. I've been in Floo contact with Cordelia who will come up to the Manor as needed. She'll probably be waiting there for you as she's apparently grown quite fond of Maya."

Aggie nodded, "It's either due to her intelligence and maturity or her cat who cleared the mouse issue in her shop."

"Obviously our regular Christmas and New Year's celebrations have been cancelled for this year. But perhaps you four could stop by on the 31st," Aggie addressed the Malfoys and Snape.

"Fireworks," Draco shouted. He was sitting on the edge of the bed, clothed in multiple layers including two hats and three scarves. His face was joyous, his eyes glazed.

"I gave them each potions for motion sickness along with the lung clearing and strengthening," Snape said as he stared at his godson.

"Or are they snitches?" Draco reached up – awkwardly due to the amount of clothing – and grasped at empty air. "Missed. Whoops. Missed again," he was giggling wildly. Then he overreached back and fell over onto the bed. "Whoa! This bed is crazy!"

"Apparently he has your constitution when it comes to mixed potions," Severus said to Narcissa who just glared.

"OK my drunken son, let us be off," Lucius gathered his son close. "You'll have to walk. Left, right, that's it."

Snape and Harry got Neville to his feet. He stood straight, but yawned widely. August moved to his side and between he and Harry, they got him walking.

"Take him down, I'll bring Maya," Snape said.

Hermione sat on the edge of the bed. The simple act of being bathed and dress had completely exhausted her. She looked up as Snape walked over to her with a bag slung across his back. He took the blanket up from the foot of the bed and wrapped her in it carefully He didn't say a word, just stooped and lifted her gently to cradle in his arms.

"Come along cat," Snape ordered Crookshanks who tossed his tail in the air to trot along behind them.

He was carrying her to the main doors to the Castle. He could see Neville being helped up into the carriage. Draco being gently laid down in the back of the car. Lucius turned. Met his eyes.

The doors to the castle closed.

"Severus, a moment please," Dumbledore said from behind him.

Snape turned, shifting his precious charge closer to his chest. "They are waiting for us."

"So you are leaving the Castle for the holidays?"

"Yes," Snape replied. "There are no students remaining. No other professors. I hear even Sybil has left her tower to accompany Minerva on her journey. Why should I remain?"

"Just asking the question."

But Severus felt the nudge. The slight pressure indicating the headmaster was trying to probe his mind. He strengthened his already raised shields. The pressure increased. Became pain. Dumbledore's face was tight, his nostrils flaring, lips clenched. Severus kept his face stoic.

Then a touch. A small cool hand, slipped out from the blanket he'd wrapped her in. It rose and slipped into the open neckline of his shirt. Pressing against the flesh of his neck, thumb against his chin. Magic flowed. Magic she should not have. Magic that should have been drained to the bare minimum by her illness. But there none the less. Pouring into him. Strengthening the shields. Hermione. Maya. He dug deeper, found more power, flooded his shields with it.

Severus pushed.

Dumbledore took a step back.

Then Crookshanks burst forward with a loud his and an arched back. Dumbledore blinked.

The candles on the walls flared as bright as the midday sun. A few glass sconces exploded.

The Castle doors swung open slowly.

Snape blinked. He glanced down. Her hand was still curled under his hair, resting skin to skin. Her breathing was harsher. Maya was glaring at Dumbledore.

"Rest easy little one," Snape said gently. "We're going. Sleep. Come cat."

Her eyes met his, then they closed and her face came to rest at his throat. He carried her through the door to where Lucius and Harry stood side by side. Crookshanks darted out and leapt into the carriage with a happy meow.

"Everything alright?" Harry asked.

"Fine. She's asleep." He carefully handed Maya to Harry after he'd climbed into the elegant coach.

"Of course she is," Narcissa laughed. "Severus Snape, Master of Potions and getting little ones to sleep. Remember." The last word was said with a soothing rhythmic tone and a hand placed on his bare wrist. Something snapped inside him. Broke free.

*x*x*x*x*x*

Coming in to the room, sitting several wrapped packages on a table. A baby was howling.

"What's wrong?"

"He won't settle. She won't let either of us take him. Better make this a short visit Sev." James

"Sev. Thanks for coming. Go away. It's not a good day." Lily

Remus standing in the kitchen, doing dishes by hand, looking over his shoulder and shrugging.

"Give him here."

"No."

"Lily give him here."

Lily reluctantly handing the distraught baby to him.

Lifting the squalling infant up to sniff the diaper. Rubbing the little one's tummy. Then lifting him to rest against the bare skin of his chest through his open shirt. One hand under the butt. One hand rubbing the back. Slow rocking in place. The baby quieting into gentle hiccups. Looking up at him with bright blue eyes he knew they all hoped changed to green. Smiling. Then asleep.

"He's asleep. He's actually asleep." Lily crying. "Sev make yourself comfortable. You are never leaving. I am going to take a shower and a nap."

Snorting.

James grinning at him, "You scoff like you think she's kidding, Sev. Sev?"

*x*x*x*x*x*

"SEV!" Lucius shook him, "You alright there? You zoned out."

Severus actually looked down to his empty arms.

Harry was watching him worriedly.

"Fine. Just tired." Severus lied.

Narcissa smiled and took his arm, "Let's get you home. We've got two weeks to rest."

Dumbledore watched as the car and carriage drove off the grounds, reached the wards, and vanished, he assumed to magically travel to the destinations in a blink.

Leaving him alone in the Castle.

The doors slammed shut with a huge crash.

*x*x*x*x*x*

Dumbledore slammed the door to his office so hard that the portraits rattled, disturbing the headmasters, and the Sorting Hat drifted down from its perch. He grabbed the hat roughly and yanked it over his head.

"I know. You meddled," Hat said. "And Fate took the path back. No I will not present her to you."

Dumbledore threw the hat down to the floor and barely repressed the desire to stomp on it. He knew he was right. His path, his decisions were the right ones. The only ones. He would just have to try harder.

Fate laughed to herself as she listened to him plan. He'd tried to pull Harry away from his support but instead managed to reinforce the bonds he had not only with Maya (she liked that nickname), Severus, and the Longbottoms, but also with the Malfoy patriarch. Things were going to get very interesting in the time to come.