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When the sun rose and covered everying in its poisoning yellow light, Snape rose up from the few hours of rest he had. Refreshing himself and making a black coffee, he headed out to Professor Dumbledore's office, reciting the password. Entering it seemed as though most of the potraits were still asleep or just slowly rising. No one sat in the headmasters seat, so Severus hoped that Albus was awake even though it had been an eventful night last night.
"Ah my boy, you seemed to have rosen earlier than usual today," Dumbledore said appearing from the top of the stairs with his bright flickering robes.
"I'm here to give my report and then find the source of how Potter was poisoned before the students wake up."
"Very well, but you need to take more care of youself. There's no point if you are are unable to function," Snape never replied as this speech was a common occurance. Snape knew there were more important things doing than sleeping, so prioritised his jobs over his personal life.
"I told the dark lord as everything happened which resulted in him calling all the followers of the students, in which he questioned. They were all punished but he didn't seem to try to search for an answer. I think he wants to see who will own up and who's loyalty is questionable. I couldn't identify anyone who seemed to look guilty enough to approach such an activity so it seems I will have to find out through the students." Dumbledore sighed and sat back in his chair, wishing it wasn't as complicated as this.
"Was there anything else noteworthy to consider,"
"Nothing noteworthy, but you can tell some would want to leave the services of the dark lord. Using their children was a mistake on the dark lords part; they're now questioning whether it was really worth it for their children,"
"Very well," They both sat back in silence lost in the morning pleasantries, sinking everything in. "I shall come with you to figure out how Harry was poisoned. Snape replied with a nod and stood up. Behind him Dumbledore followed, going down the stairs to the gryffindor common room entrance. The certain elegance to walking throughout the castle, still filled Snape with calmness, watching the sunlight pass through the windows , highlighting the streaks of dust that flew around, dipping the floors and ground into a soft orange. Outside the potrait of the fat lady, Snape cast a disillusionment charm over him self as did Dumbledore follow similarly. Entering the room, Snape noticed how the circular room was filled mainly with the two gryffindor colours, giving the room a warmy look, the cusions and sofa only magnified the look contrasting to slytherin room which was much more gloomy and had less light. Heading up to the sixth year boys tower, Dumbledore lead him on to the dormitory in which Harry slept in.
All the boys where rapped in their duvets and blankets sleeping peacefully as Mr Weasley snored in his usual elegant manner. Snape headed to the lavatory that was sealed off with Minerva signature magic, allowing only powerful magic to counter lock the seal to open it.
Five minutes later both Dumbledore and Snape where in the bathroom with the door locked behind them. Looking towards the ground Snape noticed a toothbrush on the ground, so began checking if it was indeed the toothbrush that was the source of poisoning. It seemed that there was indeed some reminiscent poison on the brush but not the actual source. Logically looking at it Snape headed to ledge of where Potter's toothpaste lay; just by smelling it he knew something had been mixed into the toothpaste. Just to make sure he waved his wand and as suspected, it indicated that there was the poison in the toothpaste.
"It seems, headmaster that the source of poisoning has been found," Dumbledore turned towards Snape and raised an eyebrow. "someone seems to have added the poison into the toothpaste, however it now questionable as to who did this and how they have achieved such a success when the only students who have access to this dormitory are those who reside in it,"
"It seems that we will understand how the student was able to bypass the security system and enter this dormitory unless it was a gryffindor, which comes down to see who has actually been able to do such a task,"
"suffice to say I will have to watch out who seems likely to have done such a deed,"
"yes, my boy," Dumbledore sighed. "We may as well head down now as the students will start coming down to eat. I have secured this lavatory to make sure it is safe to use, however it is up to you as to what you are going to do with the contaminated toothpaste,"
"I shall keep it,"
"very well let's head off," by the time the headmaster headed out of the portrait hall, he had removed his disillusionment charm, heading towards the direction of the hall. However Snape decided to keep him self hidden and headed towards the opposite direction.
Walking towards the infirmary, students began walking across the corridors unaware of the snarky potions master who was lurking nearby them. He opened the door to the infirmary which was empty as to be expected and walked to the end of the hall to the room next to Poppy's office. Opening the door and slipping in, he noticed Potter was still in his state of consciousness, however was much better than last night. Snape observed that there was the occasional shiver that passed down his body and wondered if it was indeed the after effects of the cruciatus curse or something else.
Poppy walked into the warded room, unaware of Snape's presence and took out the vial Snape had given her last night, from her pocket. Stifling a yawn, she held up Potter's neck and began pouring the antidote down his throat. Nodding slightly at himself, Snape headed out, after Madam Pomfrey and then made it down to the hall.
In the hall now everything seemed as usual. No student seemed any different as though they were hiding something, not did anyone seem to think anything was out of place. Snape looked at the direction of where Potter usually sat, where Granger and Weasley were sat their heads together and their faces etched with concern. It seemed they both knew of the latest occurrence as both of them were scarcely eating.
As soon as Ron had seen Hermione in the morning, he had told her what had happened with Harry. Tears leaked out her eyes as Ron continued to explain what happened after Harry was taken.
"But how is this possible," Hermione qustioned. "We've been so careful," Ron shrugged his shoulders. "Well we must go see him before lesson," she exclaimed. The two of them stood up while everyone was eating their breakfast and paced to the infirmary. Looking around, none of the beds seemed to have been occupied. They both looked around, concerned and confused at what they were looking at. No one was here. They both went to Madam Pomfrey's office, who was noting something down. Knocking, they opened the door and walked in.
"Excuse me, Madam Pomfrey. We thought Harry would be here, considering what happened to him," Hermione said.
"I would like you to to keep this silent, however Mr Potter was sent to a private room with the given request of Professor Snape," They both looked astonished Snape would make such a request but didn't say nothing.
"Can we please quickly see him, if that is possible?" Ron asked.
"Only very quickly," she said after some consideration. Madam Pomfrey lead them to a door near her office which they both had never noticed before and opened it.
"Don't do anything to him," Madam Pomfrey said sternly and headed out allowing them to have some privacy. The two of them walked up to Harry and held his hand. Hermione again began crying, trying to wipe her tears away.
"I'm sorry Harry. We should have been more careful," Hermione whimpered. Ron placed a hand around Hermione, tying to comfort her.
"It's not your fault. We tried our hardest but this V-Voldemort; he ends up getting what he wants in the end." Hermione didn't say anything and they both stayed like that for the next five minutes.
Madam Pomfrey came in a while later, looking tired.
"You two need to get going. Lessons are going to start in ten minutes,"
"How is he, Professor?"
"He is better now. It is expected of him to remain like this for a couple of days but untill then, there isn't much that I could say," They both nodded and looked towards at Madam Pomfrey. "He would have died if Professor Snape hadn't been able to brew the required potion, otherwise we could have lost him," she said quickly. They all stood there for a couple of minutes pondering on her words.
"Thank you for letting us see him," Hermione said. Madam Pomfrey nodded her head and they all headed out with Ron and Hermione heading off to lesson. Ironically Hermione ended up having potions with the slytherins who seemed more hyped than usual while a few remained quite.
Snape seemed his usual self snarling at the gryffindors while favouring the slytherins, however this time it was a lot less towards the lions.
"Well done, Mr Malfoy," Snape complemented as he strolled across the classroom. "You dunderhead." he hissed "Mr Goyle, when I said frog eyes, I meant frog eyes and not sheep eyes. Even someone as foolish as you would know the difference," Vanishing the potion, he headed back towards his seat just before he passed by another gryffindor who's posting was sizzling a bit too much.
"Twenty points from gryffindor, Miss Waitrose. If you are unable to follow instructions then I suggest you leave or start making improvements." A few of the gryffindors were seething in anger as Snape hadn't taken points of Goyle when he had messed up his potion.
When tidying away, Nott bumped in Hermione and sneered at her.
"Be careful mudblood, we wouldn't want you to end up like your friend now do we? Where is he, by the way? Potter gone off to die now," he smirked at her and headed off to the sink. Hermione huffed and went back to her desk mildly cconcerned by what he said.
Most of their other lessons went by in a similar course, with a few of the teachers seeming agitated more than lately. Both Ron and Hermione scurried their dinners down that evening and headed to infirmary, making sure no one was following them. It seemed there wasn't much improvement as Harry was still in his unconscious state, not even slightly stiring. No one seemd to have had said anything about him and they still didn't know who had put Harry in such a state.
"I hope he wakes up soon," Hermione said to Ron while staring at Harry. "Madam Pomfrey said he should wake up, at the earliest, in two days time. He doesn't get a break, does he?"
"That's what it seems," was all that Ron said. In the common room everyone was lost to their own means, enjoying their time while Ron and Hermione both retired early for bed feeling a sense of loss which came from their friend.
The sun came and went another day and still Harry hadn't made any improvements. Snape was beginning to become more agitated as he couldn't be able to figure out who the culprit was and soon the dark lord would be calling him. Everyone seemed to have noticed the changes in his behaviour as he had taken ten points of slytherin, which was something he rarely ever did. Hermione and Ron visited Harry again with no change from him and a few of the gryffindors along with some of his other classmates began wondeing what where the golden boy had gone off to.
Finally, after four days of undignified waiting of the everlasting prevalent of the Goldern boy lost in his state of darkness, did any change occur. After encountering two voices bickering in subdued voices, the world began seeming much noisier again.
His eyes stiffened, almost impossible to move, were finding it difficult to ever waver. Attempting to raise his hands, it seemed someone had replaced them with brick, while his ears seemed to have become cleaner and louder than ever. Harry endeavoured to at least try to talk yet it seemed drier than the Sahara desert. 'What happened to me?' was all that he could think. 'Why do I feel like I was run over by a truck.' Not knowing how to move anymore, Harry decided to settle down for now and just listen.
"I can't believe that git tried coming here, Its not that he actually came to get a headache relieving potion," said the first voice which sounded exactly like Ron's.
"We don't know for sure Ron," replied Hermione which Harry recognized immediately. "He may have just been here for the potion."
"Yes when his head of house ends up being the person who brew those potions. If your asking me, he was probably the one who poisoned Harry was just checking if he was successful and how much damage he actually did," Ron said with a smug smile.
'Poisoned. When, who?'Harry thought; and them it all came rushing back at him. He had been to Hogsmede that day and had come back exhausted. Ron and him headed up getting ready for bed when he suddenly collapsed after seeing stars. And then what...
So he was finally poisoned.
"How could you Ron? You can't just assume something like that. Even if it was him, there is no evidence so we can't really say anything." Harry knew he would have to open his eyes soon otherwise he wouldn't be able to get answers. Trying to talk, all Harry could do was groan. His throat still seemed the same so it felt impossible to verbally put two words together. Immediately Ron and Hermione became silent and looked towards Harry unsure of what they had heard. This time Harry unglued his eyes slightly, letting the light in, however it was much too strong. Squinting his eyes such, he slowly tried again.
"Harry," Hermione said uncertainly.
"Mione," Harry croaked.
"Oh my God, Harry you're finally awake," Harry got his arms even though he couldn't properly feel them and sat up. His body felt as though he had undergone over a million cruciatus curses but without shaking. Feeling around for his glasses he found them placing them on his eyes. Smiling he replied,
"Ron, Mione what you two doing here? What happened? Is there water any where?" Hermione quickly got up to the side table where the was a jug of water with a glass and poured him some water. "Thanks,"
"Mate, do you remember what happened? You've been unconscious for a while," he thought back for a moment trying to collect his thoughts.
"Yeah, I think I got poisoned and landed hear in the hospital,"
"There's so much you've missed," Hermione voiced. "We don't even know how much longer you're going to be here for. The teachers have really been piling up the work,"
"Let the man breath, Hermione. He's just woken up," Ron looked back at Harry with a smile. "Besides you've not really told him what he's missed,"
"Oh seriously Ronald, there's much more than just the triviality that happened . You should be more concerned that our best friend almost died,"
"Oh he'll enjoy this. Can you believe it. We were at lunch today when Snape and Stalkerhouse were outside the in the middle of an argument about who could teach and look after the students more. Stalkerhouse was like 'if I was head if house at least I would know how to keep the students in line and not make them follow the wrong footsteps or attack other students.'
And then you had Snape who literally had his hand in his pocket probably at his wand, hissing, 'when you accomplish becoming head of house and are able to maintain those students, come to my presence and prove that, that is the case.'
Stalkerhouse fires back saying 'well at least I can maintain an unbiased value towards all my students. They don't seem to have been landed in hospital as much as your students have mixing potion around frivolously. At least I ain't a coward who hides behind others to keep my back safe.'
As soon as Stalkerhouse said that Snape whipped his wand out and pointed it as his throat.
'Try me, let's see then who will end up in hospital then with their back hindered so violently that you will have to scurry away to others just to live,' And after Stalkerhouse had his wand out as well but Dumbledore came and settled them both down. Snape was looking daggers at him when they were both forced to sit down by Dumbledore at the high table." Ron smiled and began chuckling.
"Honestly Ron, stop exaggerating. Besides Snape's been in a bad mood anyways these past couple of days and all Professor Stalkerhouse is doing is just rivaling him up. You would think he's got enough on his plate as it-" Hermione was about to complete her sentence when someone barged into the door, banging it against the wall.
"Why did you not tell me that he had woken up as soon as he opened his eyes," she pointed her eyes towards Ron and Hermione who had immediately gone silent. "You both best head to your dormitories before you end up getting detention," The two of them nodded their heads, wishing Harry a goodbye, telling him they would visit tomorrow morning and sprinted out of the room before Madam Pomfrey could get any angrier with them.
"Mr Potter, how you feeling?" She asked while casting several charms to see if he had improved.
"I'm fine," he immediately said, like always when someone asked him even though most of the time there would be some form of pain in his body.
"I'm sure your friends have filled you in, but you have been poisoned which has resulted in weakening you very much. You are lucky it was only this and that Professor Snape was able to make the potion otherwise your life may have gone." Sighing sadly she carried on. "You seem to have formed an infection on your back, please turn around so I can see your back," 'Oh no, no, no', was all Harry could think. How long had he been here?
"How long have been here, Madam Pomfrey?" He asked as casually as possible.
"It's been nearly five days, Mr Potter, now come, on turn around. Harry sighed and was silently thankful that he hadn't been unconscious any longer. Everyone would have found out if it had been any longer and Harry wouldn't have known what to do then. The glamours would only last for a couple more hours and then they would all see how much of a freak he was. Slightly smiling at the thought of Malfoy getting him angry to allow him to make stronger glamours than usual, he turned around, knowing Madam Pomfrey wouldn't be able to see anything.
"There seems to be nothing there," she said in a confused voice.
"I'm sure it was just a malfunction. My back hasn't been hurting amd there's nothing there so it wouldn't make sense if I did have an infection of some sort."
"I'll still need to be looking into this. My spells have never failed me before like that."
"Don't worry Madam Pomfrey. It might have been a glitch; there's nothing to consider,"
"I want you to stay in the hospital wing untill tomorrow afternoon because you still are very weak, but you will still have to take it easy once I let you out. No straining activities," Harry nodded indicating he understood. wanting the nurse to go so he could have some time to himself and think. "I'll check on you in an hour and expect you to be asleep by them young man. Otherwise I will force you to sleep," She sternly said and headed out not allowing him to reply.
Even though he had been only sleeping for the past couple days, he didn't understand how he would be able to go to sleep again. Opening the drawers besides him, he found his wand laying at the top of the thimgs and grabbed it, heading for the bathroom. Looking out now it was pretty dark and most students would be in bed as there were lessons tomorow. Going up to the mirror he looked at the healthy self of him who fooled everyone day and night. Whispering the individual counter charm to his glamours he saw the scrawny little face that was hidden. The eyebags had now settled down given his state for the past couple of days while his still stook out more than ever and where covered in the pale grey skin that resided above. The scar across his cheek made from the lamp was still there, though a lot more lighter but still contrasted from his ill looking skin.
The lightening bold scar which told the story of the boy who lived was still as promanent as ever giving him victory of living, which he didn't deserve. Waving a wand over himself he concealed his true form and headed out of the toilet back to the room he was in, tucking himself into bed eventhough he probably wouldn't sleep.
Again Snape had saved his life and yet again he was unable to watch himself. Looking back now he wished Snape hadn't known what to do or how to help him so maybe he would meet his parents again. He wished Snape wouldn't always keep him alive even though it was only him who could put this war to an end. How much longer would it be untill he would be able to escape reality? How much longer untill he would shatter so much that no one could fix him. How much longer untill he could die and go back to those who really loved him.
And with these thoughts, Harry ended up in a fitful sleep that were plagued with nightmares.
Snape was finally in his dungeon after a long day of encountering people. Taking out a bottle of firewhiskey he poured a glass and sat down. Even though he was only in his mid thirties, he knew he was getting to old for all this. All these faces he would have to put up would soon lead him to his death with him accidentally forgetting what to do. It wouldn't be long.
Getting up, he decided to use the poison induced toothpaste which he had obtained after finding how Potter had been poisoned to see if he could create a new antidote or just experiment with the substance. Heading off to his private lab, he turned the gas on getting the toothpaste. Just as he was about to make the base of his potion a burning sensation came over his left arm indicating he was wanted. Turning the gass off, he headed off to the entrance of the school changing into his death eater robe in the process. Sending a patronus off to the headmaster, Snape disappeared off to the location where he required to.
In Malfoy manor now, not only was he called, but also a few others. They all headed to the hall which they knew the dark lord would be, waiting for their presence. Entering the place the, its gloomy pathways lead to the dark oak wood door which were closed. Pushing the door open, Snape walked inside to the Dark lord's feet, kissing the hems of his robes, while the rest followed likewise. Once they were all goven permission to still. each one of them sat in their designated spots waiting for the dark lord to speak. Snape looked around noticed it were the same people from last of those parents who had children in Hogwarts. Wondering if it had something to do with the poisoning of Potter, he placed his hands together waiting for dark lord to discuss their gathering.
"My slippery followers," the dark lord began. "Some of you may have noticed I have gathered those of you who were called last week with children who attend Hogwarts. It seems a few thinhs have become clear from last time. Firstly Severus, have you found out anything abiut the poisoning incident?"
"My lord, all I know is that the Potter boy was poisoned by someone mixing the venom of the Saint Lucia racer with some toothpaste the boy used that evening,"
"And do you know who has done such a thing?"
"No my lord, I wasn't able to insinuate who th culprit was,"
"Let us then see who it is was today and now. Does anyone want to come forward and admit of their doings," No one seemed to know how to move, let alone answer. "Very well then,"
"Nott, Goyle, Edgecombe. The three of you stand up," The trio rose and Snape could tell that the dark lord uad found out who it was that had intoxicated Potter. Allowing this to role out, he sat back and ley the scene play out. "Now how would any three of you be able to come in contact with the poison such as the one Potter has become a victim to," When none of them spoke up Voldemort hissed again. "Does stealing from the Malfoy's potions lab seem familiar?" Snape now raised his eyebrows intrigued on how they had achieved such a thing.
Again the three of them were silent. No one seemed to want to raise the dark lord's temper. "And then sending that potion off to your children to use?" After a few minutes of silence again, the dark lord seemed to want to make the accused smaller."Goyle look at me," Now in Voldemort's eyes the daily activities could be seen of Goyle. The death eaters having fun and assaulting vitims inferior to them. His visiting other acquaintances. Him attending a few meetings. When finally Voldemort had seen enough, he pulled out knowing it wasn't Goyle.
Harry wanted to pull out of these visions. Seeing the memories of Goyle not only made him want to throw up but just showed how sickening and vile this person was. He knew one of them would soon be subjected to the cruciatus curse soon and didn't know whether he would be able to handle that. All he knew was that he could only watch and witness.
"Go sit back down," Voldemort hissed at him pointing his wand at the empty seat.
"Edgecombe, come forward." he insisted. Mr Edgecombe came forward to the dark lord his eyes pierced to the floor. "Is your wife still not convinced in joining me?"
"No my lord," He whispered. "She hasn't come home after I suggested the idea."
"Well, we will remedy that soon enough. But now, is there anything you would like to tell me before I find out the truth?"
"N-no my lord," Edgecombe whispered.
"Very well then," Voldemort looked into his eyes and began violently looking around. Images of him converting with other death eater. Him playing with muggles who were tied back with ropes. Them all burning down a row of houses that had people residing in them. But what intrigued the dark lord most was a conversation between him and Nott.
"If I do tell my daughter to help your son then what will you give me in return?"
"Money and I will leave your wife alone,"
"That's all?" Edgecombe said raising his eyebrows.
"I'll make sure to tell my son not to get your daughter into any trouble," he replied.
"Why not go ask any of the children's parents? I'm sure ther willing to help out with you and your sons plans,"
"None if their kids are smart like yours. I know she will be able to make this successful. We'll be out of this quicker," he tried persuading him. They remained in silence, contemplating their decision as to move on.
"Vey well but if anything and I mean anything happens to my daughter, you will be held accountable," A small smirk filled his face and the memory turned into smoke.
The dark lord looked at Edgecombe with a smirk while he looked as though death was stood in front of him. Panting he fell on to the ground, in his knees.
"So Edgecombe, you denied knowingly that Potter could have died with the help of your daughter." Voldemort hissed.
"No my lord. I didn't know of Nott's plans just that he needed help to accomplish it and that there was a strong chance of succession,"
"Yet your daughter played a part and almost faltered my plans. Crucio," the dark lord hissed and Edgecombe was on the floor curled into a ball screaming his lungs out. Blood started pouring out of his nose, mixing with the sweat that had accumulated. The dark lord moved his wand away, lifting the spell of him. "This is what happens when you are not certain of the actions you comence in and fail to follow my instructions," Pointing his wand again, Edgecombe was screaming, withering in pain.
After five whole excruciating minutes of torture, did the dark lord allow Edgecombe back to his seat who was now shaking perpetually. Everyone knew what was expected next so one moved a muscle.
"Nott, my slippery, slippery follower, it seems we know who wants to go out of their way to prove themself. Stealing from your own peer is not what a pure blood is taught to do is it?"
"No my lord," he barely whispered
"Then why steal from the very place I reside in?" sibilated the dark lord. When no answer came, Nott was on the floor screaming as though his insides were being torn, his body moving around substantially. "I don't like my followers disobeying; you should do well to understand that," The screaming still continued for a while until the dark lord spoke again. "Which limb will teach you to make sure, your son doesn't step out of line again? Ahh, your right hand. Well then let us use that to our advantage." Voldemort moved his wand as though it was a sword and Nott's hand separated from its body as though they were two separate things easily disconnected. Blood splattered out violently, pouring out to the floor, while the screams of Nott echoed throughout the room. His eyes were filled with what looked like rage and regret wanting to disperse from his current state.
"Your son will do well to remember and learn from the mistake you both have made. It will be educating to show him the result of his errors," Out of no where a red and green present box came out of no where with its lid on the side. The lifeless hand floated into the box and was concealed. "I want you Nott, to write a letter to your son, in your blood, as to what this all is. Make sure he understands," Nott nodded his head and wimpered.
"Edgecombe: you will also write a letter with your blood-" Voldemort waved his wand at him and Edgecombe's right sleeve started pouring out with blood, drenching his arm. "-and tell your daughter what happens when my orders are defied," Everyone sat around watching the two of them write their letters onto the parchment the dark lord had produced, entertained by the amount of pain the two of them where going through. As they had finished, Nott's letter was placed on top of the the box and vanished out of the , similarity to Edgecombe's letter. The bleeding from Edgecombe's arm had reduced but around Nott, there was a puddle of blood laying around him, with more comimg out.
"I will let you live as I am merciful," the dark lord said bringing everyone back in focus, "but you will have to learn. Incendio," he pointed his wand at Goyle's arm and a fire appeared around the mass bleeding, cauterizing the wound. "All of you can have fun with him for a while, but don't kill him. Edgecombe you are dismissed as not such reward is suitabke for you," he hissed. Everyone arond the table bagan cheering, while the dark lord quietly said to Severus "you may join the fun or head out Severus as our favourite headmaster will be waiting for you,"
"Thank you my lord for your consideration, but I will head out as it is late and I habe the dunderheads to teach tomorrow morning."
"Very well my Snake. You are dismissed," He said and Severus bowed to Voldemort, heading out. Voldemort smirked and also got up from the from the head seat, going out of the room.
As soon as Snape came out of the apparation boundaries, he disapperated back to Hogwarts thankful he wasn't a victim of the dark lords wrath. Heading to Dumbledore's office to report back tonight occurrence, he saw that Dumbledore was also coming back to his office, eventhough it was late night.
"Headmaster,"
"Severus, you're back. Are you okay?"
"Yes I'm fine. Let's head to your office as I am able to acclaim as to whome poisoned the Potter boy."
"I think it is best that you head to the infirmary first, Poppy was calling for you but you weren't available so I came down to see what it was. Harry was having a raging nightmare. You can give names before you go and explain later,"
"Very well, headmaster. It seems that Nott was responsible for Potter's condition, however had help from Miss Edgecombe,"
"Do you know how though they were able to infiltrate the gryffindor dormitory without anyone knowing and place the poison in such a place?"
"No headmaster, that wasn't discussed,"
"Very well my boy. You best head off to Poppy as I'm sure she'll want your judgement as well as mine. I thought it seemed as though he was sufferimg from the after effects of the cruciatus curse when he finally woke up"
"Indeed," Snape raised his brow and went to the infirmary. Of all the things the headmaster could have said he doubted the Potter brat was able to handle the cruciatus curse. No one was around so Snape assumed that Madam Pomfrey would most likely be her office. Opening the door, he noticed she was sat down, filling some documents in.
"Poppy you called for me earlier on?" she looked up at him, who was still in his usual day time attire.
"He seems fine now, but Mr Potter says he was in a nightmare and when I tried waking him up, he wouldn't; he was screaming a lot and he's shaking. It seems more than just a normal nightmare,"
"I will go check up on him but I doubt if it was anything more than just a normal nightmare."
"Thank you Severus. I just called then because he was screaming but wouldn't wake up." Snape walked to the private room where Potter was supposedly resting but was sat up on the bed. Entering the room he noticed how Potter looked up at him, in his usual cocky manner, however was avoiding his life.
"Mr Potter it seems that you can't keep your admirers at bay when you are also sleeping. What made even Madam Pomfrey disrupt the headmaster and I from our hard earning sleep?"
"Nothing sir. It was just a nightmare,"
"Do you see me a fool; of course I know you had a nightmare. What caused such a reaction?" 'Great. What am I meant to tell him. It's not like I can tell the greasy git what I really see' Harry thought.
"It was just about... dementors who happened to be able to use the cruciatus curse. Don't worry it was nothing,"
"Well clearly it was something, if Madam Pomfrey needed ulterior help. Don't waste my time Potter. I will not have you lying when it clearly seems to be something that is having me waste my time."
"Like I said sir, it was nothing. You may as well head back," he said in his most defying voice though Snape noticed he still wasn't looking at him directly. Harry knew it was his own fault that he had Snape now standing at his feet because he had forgotten to put up a a silencing charm around his bed.
"So you don't know who poisoned you or what happened to be around their surrounding punishment," Harry wished that Snape would remain silent and not remind him of what he had just witnessed. Of course he knew who had poisoned amd wjay had happened to their parents. It was still sickening.
"No I wouldn't know that. I've just recently woken up and not many people have been keeping me updated."
"So what would an insolent little brat like you be needing a potion in the middle of the night?" 'Oh no this was not great. How was he able to see such a thing when it had been placed under the cover' Harry was starting to panic inside now.
"I don't know what you're talking about sir." Walking up to Potter he was about to pull the covers when Potter took a vial out from underneath the covers and vanished it with a simple evanisco.
"Potter, hiding such potions and comsumimg them does not only take of points but also can lead to you expulsion. So what are you hiding?" Snape asked with a snear.
"It was just a headache reliever, sir. Now, if you don't mind I'd like to sleep and I'm sure you would so their is no point in enquiring about my sleeping habits as it going to get you no where. Goodnight sir," Harry said and lay back down on his bed. He knew he wouldn't give any evidence or allow Snape to find out what he was really going through. It would just give him an excuse to bully him even more.
"fifty points from gryffindor, for your lack of respect and I will be discusing this with the headmaster," Harry shrugged his shoulders while Snape headed out of the room.
Harry was lucky that he had acciod the anti cruciatus potion when he had other he knew Snape would have had immediately found out that Harry was suffering with the visions. Knowing there was still majority of the night left, Harry decided to try to get nack to sleep but not before puttimg up the spells.
Snape walked back to the headmasters office confused and annoyed at Potter's stunts. He knew it wasn't headache relieve but clearly something else. Why was that boy hiding all these things? What potion would the Potter boy really need after waking up in the middle of the night? Getting frustrated in such thoughts, Snape walked to the headmasters office to give his report before departing for the night.
The rest of the night remained without any action. Harry went to sleep with no more nightmares plaguing his mind, thanks to his occlumency shields while Snape knocked out before his head even hit the pillow. He knew he would have to speak to the culprits tomorow but for now he was happy to be in bed.
Snape rose at his usual time, getting ready for the day to teach the students. He knew he would have to keep an extra eye out at the slytherin table because one of them would soon be getting a parcel that could regurgitate their breakfast. Preceding to the hall, Snape sat at his usual spot, barely eating anything and looking out for the owl post.
Once most of the students had come down, he noticed that Mr Goyle and Malfoy weren't accompanied with Nott as usual. Snape eyed Malfoy noticing how he was questioning Goyle who seemed to not know what the answer was. They both sat down and began piling food onto their plates however their faces where frowned in something what looked like concern or regret.
Snape saw the two brown owls that where circling the hall, looking for their recipients. One of them held a package, which Snape knew was the hand of Nott senior while the other only had a letter. Knowing he wouldn't be able to intervene and prevent Nott from seeing the parcel as it was instructions from the dark lord, he waited seeing if Nott would come in to open his package.
When Snape could no longer wait and knew he had to find out where Nott and Edgecombe were currently at, he chose to ask one of his slytherins. Deciding Snape needed answers at the current moment as they should have been here by now, he got up and headed to Malfoy who knew he would have more chance of getting answers out of.
"Mr Malfoy, have you finished your breakfast?" Draco nodded. "May I have a word with you please?" again Draco nodded his head. They both headed out of the hall into a small alcove which was mostly hidden by a statue and made sure no other student was around to hear their up coming conversation.
"Mr Malfoy, it is detrimental that you answer my question with full honesty. Do you know where Mr Nott currently is?"
"No sir, the last anyone saw him, was just before curfew, near the hospital wing but after he didn't come back to our dormitory."
"You are unaware of his current placing then?"
"yes sir,"
"Suffice to say that he is missing then," Draco didn't say anything this but just looked down at his shoes. "And would you like to tell me anything else?" Draco shook his head.
"Very well, you best head off to lesson and I shall speak to the headmaster." Malfoy headed to the other side of the corridor while Snape went back to the great hall, which was half empty. Sitting at the head table, he whispered into Dumbledore's ear.
"It seems that Mr Nott has not been seen since last night and I doubt whether Miss Edgecombe has either." Dumbledore put his hands to his face rubbing them.
"I'll send a search party along with you to look for them. Keep this as discreet as possible for the time being," Snape nodded his head and strode out of the hall while the few people where still eating breakfast.
Professor Dumbledore stood up calling for the students attention. Everyone in the was silent, waiting for him to speak.
"For reasons I can not divulge with you students, I must command that you all head straight to lesson without wandering around. If anyone is seen elsewhere other than heading to lessons, the consequences will be severe." Everyone began eating, discussing amongst themselves what the causes could be. When they all knew they would have to head off to lessons, everyone stuck in group, getting out of the hall.
As Snape had a free period this morning he began searching through the dungeons. It seemed mostly deserted with the one or two lessons that where going on but still silent. Searching through the classrooms he decided to head to the slytherin common room to see whether Nott may be there or whether the poison was there. In the dormitory he headed to where Nott usually resided, into the empty dormitory. His bed was unrested upon with the covers neatly folded as usual. Waving his wand around Snape couldn't find anything illict residing with their belongings so decided to head out to where he was seen last near the infirmary.
Harry had woken up, feeling a bit better than he had lately. Placing his glasses on, he was expecting Hermione and Ron to come visit him as they had said they would yesterday, but all was quite. He kept glancing at the clock but it seemed to be getting closer and closer to their first period so Harry kept wondering why they hadn't come. Knowing there wasn't much to wait for, Harry acciod the potion book he had found in the room of requirement and began reading through it again.
Late morning, Madam Pomfrey walked into the room, looking quite depressed. Had something happened in the school? Harry wondered or was it something much worse?
"Mr Potter, I am going to check you one more time and if your results are good enough then I will let you leave," Harry nodded allowing Madam Pomfrey to begin checking him. After almost ten minutes of him sitting down waiting for Madam Pomfrey to stop her poking and prodding with her wand did Harry get new instructions. "I will let you go Mr Potter, but on one condition: you will take it easy and not go around pulling stupid stunts. You will also excersize how much magic you use as it could lead back to a relapse. Your organs are still a bit weak so take it easy on what you eat, otherwise I will bring you back to the hospital wing and glue you down untill you are totally fine."
"okay, thank you Madam Pomfrey," Harry said collecting his belongings. Finally he was able to go back to doing his normal ativities and not be locked in, in absolute boredom. Walking out of the infirmary doors, he strolled through the deserted halls knowing he still had half an hour to spare before the students would finish the lessons they where in.
In the absolute silence, Harry was sure he had just heard something. Looking around nothing was there to male such a sound. was he hearing things again like secind year? Who was that? All these questions made Harry look around trying to find the source of the noice. Listening again he postulated that it seemed someone was weeping. Coming closer the sound of the crying he tried opening n the door slightly to see who it was. The room was warded and Harry couldn't open the door to a simple alohamora so he knew something wasn't right. Thinking back to the booka he had read he began using much more individual counter charms to try to open the door.
After five minutes of trying different counter charms was Harry able to open the door. Looking inside was Marietta balling her eyes out, next to what looked like the body of Nott drenched in a pool of blood which was still leaking out of his eyes and nose. A green vial was next to them tilted onto the floor with other vials which seemed to contain pain relieving potion. Comimg into the room, shocked at what he was seeing, Harry closed the door behind him. Not knowing what do with the scene in front of him or how to percieve it while feeling something bubbling inside of him, did he remain silent. He knew he should have not been directly angry at the two of them for trying to harm them when it was just Voldemort's orders which no could really defy but it hurt seeing that they both where so ignorant at what was right and wrong leading to the destruction of innocent lives.
"This was all your fault," Marietta screeched through her sobs. Maybe if you just died then he would stop coming for us," she said bringing him out of his thoughts. She stood up from Nott's body and pointed her wand at Harry.
"Stuperfy," Harry easily dodged the spell sending his own freezing charm which she narrowly missed. "Reducto, relasho," she screamed.
"Protego," Harry didn't want to hurt her but seemed she wouldn't stop.
"levicorpus," she tried again.
"Bombarda maxima," Harry shouted. She missed it by the millisecond but the wall had now crumbled creating a loud bang.
"petrificus totalus," Marietta put a shield no longer being offensive. He knew he would have to break the shield so he breathed in all that he could before sending his curse, but nothing too damaging. "Stuperfy," the spell broke through her shield making her fall over. "You really think me dying will stop the Voldemort from make innocents suffer and murder them?" Harry hissed.
"At least he would stop coming after us," she said while getting back on her feet.
"you would be a fool for thinking that."
"Crucio," Marietta screamed and Harry started panicking inside himself. Could he not escape that spell during the day when he had enought of it during the night? Throwing a spell he didn't know what to do he quickly stepped to the side.
"Sectumsempra," he said. Blood started gushing down her torso and right leg, dripping violently. Harry froze, shocked at what he had done and what spell did. It was for enemies, or that's what it said but now the basic spells weren't even patching her up. What had he done? He was no better than them now. Marietta had collapsed to the ground with blood around her, similarly to Nott's but her breathing was starting to become shallower. Unable to register what he had fully done, he remained silent and still, not knowing no longer what was happening. Somewhere from behind, someone came in but Harry didn't register who it was.