So this is the last chapter. For those of you who have been reading from the start - wow, what dedication :p - no seriously, thank you. For those of you who came in half way, I hope you've had fun.
As always, not mine. Please read and review this final chapter - even if it's for your overall impression of the story.
And yes, there will be a sequel, but not for a little while - I want to get some chapters written and decide how I'm going to make it a little shorter than this plus I'm getting a new puppy in a week so I'll be kept real busy for a while.
Chapter Thirty Six
Severus looked up from his reading as Harry appeared at his bedroom door, late on Monday night after the episode in the Forest. "What's wrong, Harry?"
Harry fidgeted with the hem of his pyjama shirt, looking down. "Harry?" Severus started moving his papers aside, preparing to stand.
"What if I don't do well in my exams?" Harry blurted in a rush. Severus sighed and beckoned for Harry to come over. He darted over and then scrambled up next to Severus.
"Well, I'll be disappointed, since I've asked you to do well at your schoolwork. I might decide that you should be grounded for the first week or two of summer and have to do your summer assignments before you go out riding on Mickey or to see your friends. And next year, I might push you to put schoolwork first instead of friends a bit more or go to tutoring with one of the older Slytherins. Does that sound fair?" Severus said, pulling the blankets up over Harry's legs; it was still cold in the dungeons, even at the beginning of June.
Harry thought for a moment and then nodded. "You won't be angry?"
"Like I said, I'll be disappointed. However, I believe getting angry won't help in this situation. You've been conditioned to do bad at school, or only be mediocre at best, and it might take you a while to learn to do your best without fear of punishment. If you actually fail, you may have to retake your exams so that your class grades are high enough to graduate into Second Year but that is quite easily arranged. I want you to do your best, Harry, even if, right now, your best isn't very good. Prove to me that you tried, and I'll accept whatever grades you get." Severus bent down and kissed the top of Harry's head, smiling when he giggled. "Think you can sleep now? Your first exam is tomorrow morning."
"Okay," Harry replied quietly. He moved off the bed, waiting while Severus stood up. Severus grabbed his robe and flung it round his shoulders and then set off for Harry's room. Aiko, seeing that they were leaving, came trotting after them.
"Alright, into bed you go." Harry hesitated so Severus bent and lifted him, sitting him on the unmade bed. He pulled the covers out from under Harry's legs and then held them up, waiting for Harry to slide down. Harry put his glasses on his bedside table and then slid down under the covers, rolling on his side to face Severus. Severus placed the covers over Harry's shoulders, tucking them in so the cold couldn't seep under. Harry's hand reached out, upsetting the blankets, and traced a scar on Severus' bare abdomen.
"What happened?" Severus glanced down, though he didn't really have to, to know which scar Harry had indicated.
"A horse riding accident. I fell on a cross-country jump and got caught." The lie slipped easily through Severus' teeth, as it was one he had been telling for a long time. Truthfully, the scar had come from his father. One night, the man had been carving a roast and then flew into a rage at Severus' accidental magic. Before the man or Severus had realised what he had done, the 11cm gash had been opened. Severus had spent three days in hospital after that accident, and a further week in bed.
"That's kind of scary," Harry whispered. Severus sat on the edge of his bed and smiled softly.
"Don't worry, I won't let it happen to you. Mickey would never let you fall and these days there is a lot of good safety gear that riders can wear to stop accidents. You still might get hurt sometimes, but I promise I'll teach you to ride as safely as I know how."
"Okay. Harry's eyes were drifting closed and Severus ran a hand through his hair before rising.
"Good night Harry." Severus heard a mumbled reply that might have been goodnight. As he returned to his bedroom, he thought about the upcoming exams. Harry hadn't showed any anxiety about them until tonight, distracted as he was by the nightmare events of last week. Severus hoped for the sake of Harry's confidence that he did well in the exams; he was already way in front of the Dursley boy as it was.
Harry stumbled out of the Great Hall on Wednesday afternoon, with only one more exam to go. "Anybody else feel like their brain is leaking out of their ears?"
"You're only feeling like that today?" Teddy asked incredulously. "I felt like that on Monday!" Teddy draped an arm across Harry's shoulder as he walked. Harry laughed and shrugged him off.
"How do you think you did on question nine?" Hermione asked eagerly. Harry groaned and playfully pushed Hermione away.
"Not now, Hermione. I'll go over it with you later, after we've done something childish and stupid to recuperate," Harry reassured her.
"Quidditch?" Neville asked. Even though he was clumsy on a broom, Neville liked watching the boys play; Harry thought he'd be a good commentator when Lee quit.
"Quidditch!" Teddy cried, raising a fist in eagerness. The cry went up from a few other first year boys and they all headed for the doors.
"Wait a moment First years!" Professor Sprout called out. Harry groaned along with the other boys. "The Quidditch pitch is closed due to team practices so you'll have to find some other highly disruptive and loud activity to do in your separate Common rooms." Teddy and Harry looked at each other despairingly.
"Now what are we going to do?" Teddy moaned.
"Study for tomorrow?" Hermione suggested.
"Think fun, Hermione," Teddy said.
"That is fun for me," Hermione protested.
"That's it, I'm buying you a dictionary," Teddy replied.
"Whatever for?"
"So you can look up the definition of fun," Teddy muttered. "I'm not sure you know what it actually means." Harry laughed when he heard the end of the sentence.
"Fun, for me, is passing my exams so I don't have to worry over the holidays. Fun, for me, is pleasing my parents," Hermione said, indignantly.
"See, Hermione, that's not fun. That's work, that's doing your duty. Fun is laughing, fun is not feeling like what you're doing has a purpose. You have to have moments that don't have purpose, that aren't working toward things because then you can recharge for the moments when you do have a purpose," Teddy said. "Therefore, for the health of our exams chances, we should have fun."
Harry smiled and nodded when Hermione looked at him doubtfully. "I suppose that makes sense. So what do you suggest, Theodore?"
Teddy made a face at his full name and then paused, thinking. "Well, pranks are out because Snape will absolutely murder us. We could play chess." Harry and Neville groaned. "Alright, then, what else can we do?"
"Go to Hagrid's?" Neville suggested.
"Hang out by the lake?" Harry added.
"All boring. And really don't want to get caught up in something that Hagrid's planning this close to the holidays." Teddy lapsed into silence after finishing.
"How come four first years who are surely feeling stir crazy after four days of exams aren't outside enjoying your freedom?" Severus' soft voice was sceptical and Harry looked up, refusing to feel guilty; they weren't doing anything wrong.
"Can't think of anything to do. Quidditch is cancelled," Teddy answered.
"Swimming, kite flying, studying, going to the library, Exploding Snap, any other card games, sitting by the lake, reading Quidditch magazines or trading cards, some sort of art? Surely you can think of something you would like to do." Severus rattled off their options from the top of his head and Harry mirrored the amazed looks around him.
"How did you think of that so fast?" Hermione asked, in awe.
"Because I am a teacher meant to educate and entertain a House of just over seventy students on a daily basis for nine months of the year. I keep ideas like that in my head for when boredom turns to mischief making. Do any of you do any art? There are supplies available to students – just ask Madame Pince. Otherwise, Madame Hooch could provide kites or some other outdoor activity. You don't have detentions to attend until the end of the term so it would be good if you could make sure it stayed that way." The boys nodded to appease Severus but Hermione was obviously thinking over the options Severus had presented.
"I used to paint, back home. And I've seen Teddy's drawings on his notes. I never thought of doing art here at Hogwarts. How come they don't tell us that when we get here?" Hermione asked.
"Because they expect you to go to your Head of House and ask," Severus said carefully.
"Well they don't tell us that either," Hermione muttered rebelliously.
"What is it that you four have against your teachers? Were you all raised completely devoid of parenting or guidance?" Severus sounded fed up.
"Mother wants me to be a death eater," Teddy said.
"Parents work full time and I never had friends my own age," was Hermione.
"I'm an orphan who was raised in an overly strict environment and am rebelling," was Neville's quiet but clear reply.
Harry just looked at Severus with his eyebrows raised.
"Indeed." Severus didn't look unhappy, merely bemused. "And what have you learnt this year?"
"Don't trust adults," Hermione replied quickly. When Severus looked at her she raised her eyebrow. "Had to move dorms, remember?"
Severus sighed and Harry thought that they should perhaps pick something to do and go before he got too annoyed. "We'll go ask Madame Pinch for some art supplies then. I'll draw Mickey for you." Harry smiled at his Dad, trying to get him to smile back.
"That would be a good use of your time. Please try and avoid getting into mischief instead." Severus nodded sharply and walked away, his eyes on two students who had begun to argue.
"Art it is. Let's head to the library folks," Teddy said. Harry, Hermione and Neville followed him up the stairs and towards the library, comparing favourite art forms. Neville said that he liked to play piano before he came to Hogwarts, which got Hermione started on how she used to play violin. Harry listened quietly, not planning on contributing to the conversation because he had never played an instrument.
They quieted as they went into the library, respecting Madame Pince's preference for silence. They looked down the aisles, hoping to find her. When they couldn't see her in the front, they walked toward the desk at the back. Madame Pince looked up as they approached, raising an eyebrow expectantly. "Hi, Madame Pince. Can we have some art supplies? Like paper and pencils and maybe some paint?"
"As long as you don't plan to paint here, I can do that," Madame Pince said. She walked into the small office behind the desk, coming back with art supplies for all of them. Hermione and Harry both picked the pile up, sharing it between the two of them.
"Slytherin Common room anybody?" Teddy said, watching Hermione to make sure she didn't drop anything.
"Sounds like a plan," Neville said. He opened the door in front of them so that Harry and Hermione could go through.
"Thanks Neville," Hermione said as she slipped through. "Have any of you talked to Hagrid lately?"
"Yeah, I was down there last week with Dad," Harry commented. "Hagrid let slip about how to put Fluffy to sleep. Dad went spare."
"Ha, yeah I bet he did," Teddy laughed.
"Yeah, and it got me thinking; what if Hagrid told the guy in the pub as well? He said that he was talking about Fluffy with the man he got the dragon off of," Harry said apprehensively.
Teddy, Hermione and Neville looked at him with wide eyes. "That means…"
"Dad, Dad, Dad!" Severus turned quickly, his hand on his office doorknob at Harry's frantic call. The four children ran up to him, looking frantic. He knew that it wasn't about their last exam, that had happened earlier that day.
"We worked it out. Quirrell's after the Stone. And he's going after it tonight," Hermione said in a hurry. Severus hushed them quickly, scowling.
"Get inside, now." Severus opened his office door and ushered them inside. The four children hurried in, cowering under Severus' rare glare.
"Professor Snape-" Hermione started.
"Enough!" Severus snapped. They all jumped. "How many times this year have I told you to leave the Stone alone? How many times have I told you to trust your teachers to do their jobs? How many times are you going to have to almost die before you realise that you are not capable of handling this situation? Why must I continually keep reminding you not to put your noses where they don't belong so you don't draw the wrong attention?" Severus was shouting by the end of the speech and all four students had drawn back looking cowed. Harry in particular looked quite upset and Severus sighed before covering his face with his hand. "You are all quite important to someone and I'm sure that someone would be as upset as I am to hear that you are placing yourself in danger, again. Your excursion in the Forest surely scared you enough." To himself, "I cannot go through that again."
He still had his hand over his face so he got a slight surprise when Harry came forward to hug him. "I'm sorry, Dad. We don't mean to get involved. We just worked it out because of all the things that we figured it out. We had a flash of inspiration."
Severus laughed dully. "In future, please ignore them." Harry stepped backward, still looking unsure of himself. "As I have told you, your teachers are on top of this. We have the corridor under surveillance and we are aware that Quirrell is the threat to the Stone. Now, why do you think that it is tonight that I should be worried about?" Severus sat back against his desk, giving them a chance to accept the change of tone.
"Dumbledore's gone," Teddy said. "Everybody knows that's who Voldemort is afraid of; with Dumbledore gone, he won't be afraid." Severus had to admit; the logic was sound. And Dumbledore had been called away by an urgent letter from the Ministry this afternoon.
"How did you find out that Professor Dumbledore wasn't here?" Severus asked, stalling for time.
"We went to him first," Hermione said.
"Indeed. That was a good choice. Now I am demanding that you return to your dorms and stay there until morning. Can I trust you to do that?" Severus emphasised.
"No." Hermione, Teddy and Harry answered at once. Neville shook his head violently.
"We want to stay together," Hermione clarified at Severus' pained expression. "If we can't go with you, then we want to stay together."
"Then you will stay in my quarters. Hermione will sleep in Harry's room and you boys can sleep on mattresses on the ground in the lounge room. Is that acceptable?" Severus spoke through gritted teeth, not revealing that he fully planned on locking the four in.
The four exchanged looks. "Okay."
Severus opened the door into his quarters with a flick of his wand. "House-elves will bring you dinner and bring any messages you need to send to me. Otherwise, you are forbidden from leaving those quarters. If you do," Here Severus paused to emphasise his point. "Harry will be withdrawn from Hogwarts starting next year," Their expressions were horrified but Severus wasn't going to change his mind. "And as far as I can arrange it, you remaining three will be separated to the best of your parents and teacher's ability." The horrified looks remained, each child unconsciously reaching out to grab the hand of the chid next to it. "Am I clear?"
There was a very quick chorus of "Yes" and "Yes sir." Severus gestured towards the door and they filed into the quarters. Harry went last, glancing back for reassurance. Severus nodded at him, keeping him going, making like he was going to be behind Harry. Regretting the betrayal of trust, Severus flicked his wand at the door after Harry had gone through it. The door locked and Severus quickly cast a ward that would lock all doors to the quarters and alarm Severus or a house-elf to any danger inside.
Severus moved quickly after that, walking quickly to Minerva's office. He didn't bother knocking, merely striding in. The student that Minerva was talking to jumped at his sudden entrance.
"Out," Severus said, pointing at the door.
"Severus-" Minerva started. Severus silenced her with a shake of his head. "We will continue this later, Miss Fray."
The student in question stood quickly and scurried out of the door. "Those four are going to get themselves killed," Severus growled.
"Harry's group?" Minerva questioned.
"They know about the Stone, they know Quirrell is after it and what's more, they've got it in their heads that he's going after it tonight." Severus sat in the chair across from Minerva with a sigh. "They think because the Headmaster isn't here that Quirrell will have the confidence to do what he would not do under the Headmaster's nose. And I for one believe them."
Severus could see Minerva thinking that over and saw the exact moment when she realised that the children, while misguided, were right. "Surely Albus wouldn't leave if he thought there was any danger to the students?"
"Did you not hear the Headmaster the other day, Minerva? He seems perfectly confident that the Stone cannot be stolen, even with all the evidence to the contrary. And now he's gone and I think they might be right. Quirrell's getting impatient," Severus said impatiently. "What if this is some kind of test? What if Albus knows that Quirrell will go for it tonight and is risking it to test his protections? I'm sure he won't get past yours or mine but he'll learn what they are and that's information he doesn't need. According to the fearsome four, Hagrid already told him how to get past that damn dog."
Minerva looked pale. "I'll warn Filius and Pomona and we'll take shifts watching that corridor. Maybe the step up in security will remind him that Albus isn't the only powerful witch or wizard at Hogwarts." Minerva sounded hopeful so Severus didn't bother reminding her that Quirrell was foolhardy to the point of suicidal and probably wouldn't find them much of a challenge. "How did you convince the fearsome four to stay behind?"
"I locked them in my quarters." Severus ignored Minvera's scandalised look. "If they keep their promise, they won't have any reason to find out."
"And if they need help?"
"Wards will alert me and if I don't respond in a timely fashion, then it will alert Trixie," Severus answered matter-of-factly. Severus steadfastly ignored the feeling that Harry wouldn't see the matter as simply as that, since they were bound to test the limits at some point during the night.
"Well don't come running to me if Harry expresses his betrayal. I believe you were outraged at the Dursleys for locking him in his cupboard earlier this year, were you not?" Minerva's tone was scathing and Severus cast her an exasperated glance.
"And what was I meant to do, leave them to themselves, when we both know they can't stay away from trouble?"
"Leave them with Poppy?" Minerva suggested.
"I'd rather not, since there is a chance that tonight's activities may result in a duel. You know as well as I do how well Harry reacts to that." Severus hadn't thought of Poppy but he knew that he couldn't risk Harry seeing him injured again.
"Very well. Your head be it if they decide to hold a grudge." Severus wasn't concerned about petulant pre-teens so much as Harry's reaction to being locked in. Granted, their quarters were a lot bigger than the cupboard under the stairs that Harry used to have.
"I'll take the first shift, if you relieve me at 10pm? That way, you could get the fearsome four into beds before you lock them in." The idea was sound and Severus nodded.
"Keep your wits about you Minerva – Quirrell's probably desperate by now and looking for chinks in the armour. Don't give him one." Minerva nodded seriously as Severus walked quickly out of the door. He swept down to the dungeons, entering his quarters after coding the wards to allow him through.
"Why are you back? Did Quirrell already try? Do the other teachers know?" The questions started the minute he walked into the lounge room and Severus held up a hand to silence them.
"For the last time, that is none of your business. Your business is studying for your final exam tomorrow and messing about with wizarding chess or Exploding Snap. I will not elaborate on anything else." Severus kept his tone severe while levitating his wizarding chess set into the middle of the lounge room rug.
Harry looked unusually sullen but kept his mouth firmly shut. He stayed put on the couch while Hermione and Theodore sat on the rug to set up the chess board. Severus moved to sit with him on the couch, relaxing back against the back of the couch in a show of casual indifference. He summoned his latest Potions journal and waited.
"You locked the door!" Harry burst out after a short while. Hermione and Theodore looked up, Theodore shaking his head angrily at Harry, while Longbottom cringed. They were all surely thinking that Harry would never get away with being so rude.
"I did. None of you have given me reason to trust you to stay away from danger when you have been told to do so and I took an extra measure to ensure the safety of children under my charge." Severus met Harry's eyes, keeping his tone even to see where Harry would take this.
"You promised. You said you'd never lock me in." Harry's voice turned uncertain, like he was trying not to show vulnerability. Severus rose his eyebrows in surprise, realising too late that he had indeed promised that.
"So I did," Severus said slowly, letting Harry see that he had genuinely forgotten. "I apologise Harry, that indeed was a promise I shouldn't have broken." Harry was still frowning with crossed arms, but Severus could see the defensiveness as well as anger in his posture, suggesting that Harry's pride was at risk as well.
"Harry, why did Professor Snape promise you that?" Harry stiffened and looked hopelessly at Hermione.
"Hermione, certain things about Harry's childhood makes him nervous; being locked in is one of those things," Severus said gently. "Harry, do you want to talk about this in another room?"
"I don't want to talk about it." Harry drew his knees up to his chest and glared, defensively.
"Indeed. If you decide you do want to talk, I'll be here for you to talk to," Severus said evenly. He turned his attention to the chess game, motioning for the children to do the same. They did, but not without concerned looks at Harry. Harry stubbornly remained silent for the rest of the afternoon, quietly watching the other children. Severus tried not to let his anxiety show, knowing that the teachers were doing their best to protect the Stone even if he wasn't there.
It was after dinner when Minerva Floo-called him to tell him that they needed him to watch the Stone. Severus told the children to stay where they were and call a House-Elf if they needed anybody and left, sealing the wards behind him. Harry's unhappy frown was the last thing he saw as the door closed.
It was several hours later when Severus spotted Quirrell's lit wand advancing toward the third corridor door that was hiding Fluffy. Severus stepped back into the shadows, ignoring the increasing pain in his Dark mark. However Quirrell was in league with the Dark Lord, it had tainted him badly for Severus' mark to react. Quirrell walked along confidently, making Severus itch to step out and curse him. However, Minerva had demanded that they catch him in the act, so that no one could argue imprisoning him for attempted robbery.
Quirrell stopped at the right door and Severus tensed, ready to step forward and stop him. "Severus, what a surprise." Quirrell turned and cast an Incarcerous too fast for Severus to block. The ropes wrapped around Severus' hand, making him drop his wand, leaving his feet free. "Let's say we take a little walk."
Severus scowled and struggled with the bindings but stopped when Quirrell's wand came up under his chin. "Uh uh. We're going for a walk and you aren't going to resist. Otherwise, I'm going to leave you bound and gagged under Fluffy's watch while I go fetch that precious little son of yours." Severus stilled, hoping that looks really could kill.
"That's better. Now move." Quirrell gestured toward the door and Severus stepped forward, hoping that Fluffy was chained up because Quirrell obviously didn't know about the damn dog. It was then that Severus heard faint harp music coming from behind him. In front of him, the dog's three heads started to droop and Severus realised that Quirrell knew how to get past the first test at least. After the great heads had dropped, Severus felt the wand in his back, pushing him forward towards the trap door. Severus looked back as he reached the trap door, steeling himself after Quirrell nodded. He slipped carefully from the edge, hoping for a soft landing.
"What do you see?" Quirrell's voice called from the trap door. Severus wasn't so concerned about what he saw, but what was slowly creeping over his body. It felt like a plant but the vine was tightening around his thigh at a scary rate. "Snape! Answer me!"
"It's dark. I can't see anything." Severus didn't mention the plant. He heard a thump as Quirrell landed near him and scowled as the vines crept their way up his body.
"You should have told me about the Devil's Snare, Severus. I might decide to leave you here if you keep leaving things out." Severus refused to tense up, knowing that the plant would accelerate if he tensed.
Quirrell cast the flame spell to make the plant retract and Severus slipped through its grip. Severus heard a scuffle from above but didn't react, thinking that perhaps it was Minerva. "Come on, you traitor. We need to keep moving." Severus glared, hoping that the next obstacle gave Quirrell some trouble. Quirrell once again stood behind him as the next door opened, through which Severus could hear a faint rustling sound. It sounded like, wings. Severus saw as they got through the door properly that the "birds" glinted as they flew around; Severus wondered if perhaps they weren't proper birds. Quirrell looked confused and strode straight to the other door, yanking on it. It didn't give and Severus kept looking upward then at the door. They were keys!
"Accio." Unfortunately, Quirrell seemed to have figured out what the keys were and was trying to summon one. It wouldn't come and Severus thanked his lucky stars that Flitwick – for that must have been the teacher who set this trap – had charmed the keys to be anti-Summoning. That would make it harder for Quirrell who was an awful flyer. Severus turned suddenly, alerted by movement in the corner of his eye. Quirrell wasn't looking at him, which he was glad for, since he spotted a pair of glasses under black hair that was going to get his son the worst punishment he could think of.
Severus shook his head at the door, telling Harry to wait. Harry saw him, frowned then nodded. Severus felt like mouthing something but knew that it would have to wait. "How are we meant to get those stupid keys?" Quirrell yelled.
"You have to fly, Quirrell. That's the only way to catch it. Pity you weren't more of a Seeker when you were young." Severus ended with a smirk.
Severus expected retaliation but was surprised when Quirrell back-handed him across the face. "Shut up!"
"No!" Severus groaned as Harry called out in defence of his Dad.
"Harry, you little idiot," Severus muttered to himself.
"Well, well, well, what do we have here?" Quirrell sent a blasting curse at the door, yanking it out of the child's hand. Severus heard complaints and realised that Harry had not come alone.
"Leave my Dad alone, you bastard!" Harry said as he walked into the room, wand pointed at Quirrell's chest. Theodore, Hermione and Neville were behind him all pointing their wands as well.
"And what are four first years going to do to make me?" Quirrell purred.
"We're going to practise the blasting curse we learnt last week in the library. I hear my Dad used to be a real fan of it," Teddy growled. Quirrell laughed and Severus applauded the children's bravery when Teddy and Hermione simultaneously cast the blasting curse they were referring to. The spell was released with deadly accuracy, hitting Quirrell in the chest and flinging him back. He slid to a stop against the far wall and the kids ran toward Severus to release him. Only Severus was still watching Quirrell and saw his wand hand raise.
"Incarcerous," Quirrell said. Severus felt a rope fall around his neck and start tightening, cutting off his air. His eyes widened and he started gasping to catch his breath. The children realised what was happening and looked on in fear. "Any more attempts on my life, and I cut off Professor Snape's air completely. And if getting the Stone takes too long, which it will if you bright children don't help me, then he'll die anyway."
Harry turned pale and Theodore glared mutinously at Quirrell but all four heads nodded. "Fine but once you let him go, I hope he kills you." Severus was surprised that the threatening mutter came from Neville.
"Now, Mr Potter, Mr Nott, I believe you're both quite good at Quidditch. Catch me the key." Quirrell kept his wand on Severus while giving the order but looked Harry and Theodore steadily.
"Which key?" Theodore asked.
"That one," Harry said, pointing. "It matches the lock."
"Good, Mr Potter. Now you just have to catch it." Harry glared at the obvious comment and got onto his broom. "Don't forget, Mr Potter, any funny business and you go back to being an orphan."
Harry's scowl deepened but he pushed off, aiming upward. The two boys barely even needed to talk to each other before they managed to pin the required key between them while Harry grabbed the key right out of the sky. They landed, sharing a triumphant grin before sobering. They handed the key over to Quirrell's outstretched hand, moving back to stand next to Severus. Harry's hand wrapped around Severus' arm, squeezing. When Quirrell beckoned, the group moved forward.
"So much for helping," Teddy whispered.
"What if we don't delay him? What about a tracking spell or something like that?" Hermione whispered back.
"No good," Severus panted.
"Then we're going to have to stop him. Hermione, do you know how to stop the spell on Dad's neck from tightening? Maybe like a barrier?" Harry returned.
"I've never read of anything like that. I don't even know if it exists." Hermione was shaking her head as she spoke.
"What about something that isn't from a spell, like a rock or something?" Harry continued.
"It'll just get pushed in and do damage that way," Teddy countered. "Wait a minute! Hermione, Quirrell's keeping it at a certain level right?" Teddy waited until Hermione nodded. "So, if he stops the spell, then it loosens?" Hermione nodded again. "So we just have to get his wand off of him. That'll stop the magic!" Teddy's volume jumped slightly and he looked guiltily up to Quirrell. Quirrell didn't look back and the kids relaxed.
"And how do you propose we do that?" Hermione asked hopelessly.
"I think Flint said, expelli- something. But I don't know what it was finished with," Teddy shook his head.
"How about the good old-fashioned Muggle way – Hermione take out his legs and Teddy and I will get his wand out of his hand. Neville, you've got to make sure that Quirrell can't pick his wand up if it falls to the ground," Harry proposed.
"But what about the spell on Professor Snape's neck? Won't that move the minute we go for him?" Neville piped up.
"The human body can go for two minutes without air before brain damage occurs. I learnt that at my junior First Aid certificate," Hermione said. At the suitably scandalised looks from everyone, including one impressively raised eyebrow on Severus' behalf, she added, "If worse came to worst I mean. We could overpower Quirrell quickly and then get the rope off of Professor Snape's neck before-"
"Before brain damage occurs? Are you crazy, Hermione?" Teddy finished.
"No. Before he suffers, was what I was going to say. It's about the only chance we have," Hermione responded, looking defensive.
"We could always just deliberately put Quirrell in the way of the next test. Hopefully it's something that bites," Harry muttered. At Hermione's insistent look, Harry sighed. "Dad?"
Severus nodded at Hermione and then nodded again. It was the best plan. It wouldn't be the first time that Severus had come close to death fighting the Dark.
"Right, when he reaches the door, we'll come up behind him really quickly. He'll think we're just catching up and then we'll jump him," Teddy said bracingly. The other kids nodded and started moving toward Quirrell, wands hidden up their sleeves but within easy reach. Severus wished fervently that he hadn't lost his wand, otherwise Quirrell never would have been able to put him in this position in the first place.
Harry took the lead, creeping up behind Quirrell. As Quirrell put his hand on the door knob, Harry looked back and sharply nodded, then leaped. The jump even took Severus by surprise and he quickly inhaled as deeply as he could. "Ah!" Quirrell yelled as Harry's arms wrapped around his neck from the back.
Teddy jumped a second after Harry, latching onto Quirrell's wand hand and from what Severus could see, pinching between his finger and thumb to make him let go. Hermione dived at Quirrell's legs as he tried to lift his hand out of Teddy's way and knocked all three of them over so that Quirrell's head banged against the solid door. Severus could feel the rope tightening and resisted the urge to panic and gasp. He tried to ignore the blackness creeping into his vision but failed.
Harry POV
Harry sensed more than saw Severus fall behind them, Neville just barely manage to slow his fall so that he didn't hurt his head.
"Let my Dad go!" Harry said, punctuating each word by hitting Quirrell on the head with the butt of his wand. "Now!"
Quirrell howled in pain as Teddy bit down on his wrist, forgoing the pinching. It worked as Quirrell dropped his wand and Harry chose that moment to push his finger into Quirrell's eyes so that he couldn't go after the wand. Neville jumped forward and grabbed the wand while Hermione and Teddy promptly sat on Quirrell's legs.
"How do I stop it, Hermione?" Neville cried.
"Finite Incantatem," Hermione cast, pointing her wand at Severus. "Can you two hold him?" She gasped as Quirrell struggled.
Harry stuck his wand in Quirrell's ear, saying, "I may not know any good spells but I bet at this distance even sparks are dangerous, right Teddy?"
"Most definitely." Teddy smiled meanly as Quirrell stilled.
Hermione nodded and jumped up, running over to the fallen Professor. "Oh goodness, Harry, he's not breathing."
"Well help him then!" Teddy said, looking up in fear.
"I'm thinking, I'm thinking!" Hermione yelled. "Two breaths, thirty pushes? That's it, I think," she muttered just loud enough for them to hear.
Harry watched in trepidation as Hermione pinched Severus' nose with one hand and used the other to tilt his head up and back. "Neville, get this rope off and do you know how to take a pulse?" She asked as she dipped her head and put her mouth over Severus'. Harry saw Severus' chest rise and fall once and then again as Hermione breathed again. Neville pulled the rope clear, slack appearing in it as he pulled.
"Don't worry, I'll do it." Hermione put two fingers on Severus' neck and Harry could see her lips move. She nodded and moved her hands back onto Severus' nose and chin and breathed for him again. She sat up quickly as Severus started coughing violently, sitting up fast and almost sending Neville flying. "Professor, it's okay, you're okay." Hermione carefully put her hands on Severus' shoulders as he turned towards her voice. "You weren't breathing so I had to do CPR." Hermione's lip trembled and Harry could see that she hadn't been as calm as she seemed.
Severus kept looking at her for a moment, blinking. His hand went to his throat and he seemed to be having trouble snapping back to reality until Quirrell bucked suddenly and Harry and Teddy both yelled.
"May I borrow your wand, Miss Granger?" Severus seemed calm but Harry could see his anger under the surface. "Boys, you can let him go now." Harry and Teddy quickly stood up, moving backward speedily.
"Incarcerous." Ropes wound their way around Quirrell and tightened until he squeaked from the pressure. "I do hope your failure won't be disappointing anyone, Quirinus."
"Traitor." Harry stepped back as he heard a hissing voice come from Quirrell.
"Dad?" Harry and Teddy moved back over to Hermione and Neville, keeping their wands trained on Quirrell.
Severus was looking at Quirrell, a horrified look on his face.
"You fool," Came the voice again. "You think he could have done this on his own?"
"M-master."
"Shut up," Severus snapped. Harry's eyes widened as the ropes holding Quirrell dropped away.
"Uncover me, you useless idiot." Harry tried hard not to think about what kind of horrible thing could sound like that. Quirrell turned his back to them and began to undo his turban. Once he was done, Harry had to try hard not to retch. There was a snake like face sticking out of the back of Quirrell's head and as he watched, it opened it's eyes. They were blood red.
"Severus, my little snake. Didn't anyone teach you not to bite the hand that feeds you?" The voice purred.
"You have nothing that I want," Severus said angrily.
"Indeed. If I had known you had wanted the Mudblood's son, I would have tried much harder to spare her. Then you could have had your own child, instead of James Potter's left overs." Severus stiffened at the word's and Harry figured out who the face belonged to. Lord Voldemort.
"You killed my mother. You don't have mercy, you bastard," Harry said, lifting his wand a little higher. "You're a monster."
"Ah, little Harry. How you've grown." There was a sarcastic twist to it and Harry scowled, feeling a little braver as Teddy stepped up next to him and lifted his wand just as high. "Were you so desperate for family? After all, your father would be rolling in his grave to see you the son of Severus Snape. What if I could bring them back? What if I could give you back your family? All you have to do is help me get the Stone."
"This is my family," Harry growled. "And my father died for me. He'd be happy that someone cared about me. And I'll never betray his sacrifice – he died stopping you and I'll die before I join you." Severus' hand came to rest on Harry's shoulder and he lifted his chin.
Voldemort hissed angrily. "Hmm, that's funny, doesn't your cat make that sound, Harry?" Teddy joked from next to him. Harry smiled.
"Yeah, exactly like that." Voldemort started forward angrily only to be stopped as Severus cast a curse.
"You should teach your brat some manners, Severus, in case I decide to do it for you," Voldemort snarled.
"I happen to think he behaves perfectly, but I'll take your opinion into account." Harry grinned at the sarcasm in Severus' voice. "Now Quirrell is going to Azkaban. Right now it's up to you if you're going with him." Severus cast what Harry recognised as a blasting curse, which Voldemort couldn't deflect because of Quirrell facing backward. They flew back a few feet straight into the door and Harry heard a crack.
"Kill them," Voldemort ordered. Quirrell staggered to his feet, turning to face them. He had blood running from his nose and Harry knew that it was broken.
"Now, Quirinus, what exactly do you plan on doing without a wand?" Harry turned around as Professor Dumbledore spoke from behind them. His eyes were like ice and he was radiating power. "Tom, you have overstayed your welcome, well and truly."
Quirrell and Voldemort snarled in unison and Quirrell rushed forward. Harry was caught by surprise as Quirrell dragged at Harry's arm, only to back away screaming. "Master, he burns!"
"Kill him!"
Harry looked at Quirrell's burnt hands and down at his own hands. He leapt forward, placing his hands over Quirrell's face. Quirrell screamed and collapsed under Harry, trying to escape. Harry was about to let go when something black and shadowy started rising from Quirrell's eyes, solidifying slightly before rushing through Harry. Harry staggered backward, feeling dizzy, before dropping in a faint.
Harry came awake slowly, aware first of light, then of soft sheets. The next thing he was aware of was smell – Severus' mixture of aftershave, chamomile and citrus. He opened his eyes slowly, wincing as the lids unglued. He went to rub his eyes to clear them but realised there was something on top of his arm. He squinted down his right side and realised that the dark shape was Severus.
"Ah Mr Potter, finally awake I see." Madame Pomfrey bustled in, ignoring Severus' start upward. "I told you that you should have stayed in bed longer Severus."
"What do you mean by finally?" Harry croaked out. He brought his left hand up to rub at his throat, marvelling at how sore it was.
"You've been asleep for three days. We've been worried," Severus said quietly. He stood up and placed Harry's glasses on his face. "Drink this." Harry took the glass and sipped at it, almost sighing in relief.
"And then this." Madame Pomfrey held out a potion vial and Harry crinkled his nose. "Your magical core was severely depleted, Mr Potter. You need this potion to help it regenerate. Otherwise, you could always spend another week in bed…" Harry took the vial and swallowed it down quickly. Madame Pomfrey smirked and took the vial. "Thank you. Now, you've still got to rest another few hours, but I don't see any harm in you going down to the Leaving Feast, as long as you take it easy and you take a Stomach Soother."
"He will," Severus answered for him. Madame Pomfrey nodded and left, leaving Harry to look over at his Dad searchingly. "Quirrell is dead. His body couldn't survive the trauma of Voldemort leaving so suddenly. That is also what put you in the Hospital Wing. Neville and Teddy are fine, just a few scratches. Hermione has been sent home early."
"What's wrong with her?" Harry asked quickly.
"Nothing physical. We merely believed it would be better for her to return to her parents for the comforts of home. She was quite upset after what happened down there – I don't believe she ever really expected to have to give CPR to her teacher. Next year, I will teach you four the magical version, which is a lot less personal." Harry nodded, reassured. When Severus didn't continue he raised his eyebrows.
"I'm fine, Harry. Madame Pomfrey has ensured that I have had plenty of sleep and good food and according to her medical tests, I am in perfect health. Hermione's quick action and thinking saved my life." Severus stopped talking and got a far off look then. Harry waited patiently for him to realise he'd dropped off. "However, inside the chamber I became weak quite suddenly, unfortunately coinciding with Quirrell's lunge forward. Madame Pomfrey has assured me that that is normal and that it was merely due to a surge and then subsequent drop in adrenaline. I will be fine to leave tomorrow for our summer house."
"We're going home?" Harry asked happily.
"Of course. I thought you might like to ride the train back with your friends and then we will Apparate from King's Cross. By dinner time tomorrow, we will be settled in, I should hope." Severus smiled at Harry's happy smile then sobered. "Professor Dumbledore is going to come with us from King's Cross. In all that's happened this year, I'm not as far as I'd like to be with a project that I need to complete before we can perform the Blood adoption. Until then, the rules on where you can go and what you can do may be rather strict." Harry shrugged at Severus' apologetic smile.
"It's okay. I'm going home." Severus nodded in understanding and then lent forward to kiss Harry on the top of his head.
"And it will be as long as you call it home, Harry."