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Dumbledore graciously accepted the plate of dark rocklike objects and sent Hagrid back on his way feeling quite pleased with himself. Snape, on the other hand, was returning to shut-down mode. Deciding tact was needed, the Headmaster set the fudge down well away from the couch and sat near Hermione and Lupin carrying on a quiet conversation.
Harry continued to supply energy to Snape. He ran his hand over his back wishing he could say something to loosen Snape's rigid muscles. Fawkes began to walk up and down the length of the prostrate man's body. Harry glanced at the bird wondering how long it would be until it was flung across the room.
Surprisingly, Snape began to relax under the talons and occasional peck. The creature seemed to be carrying on some sort of one-sided conversation as it chirped, trilled and warbled softly. Glancing at the other three humans in the room Harry noted that Dumbledore was keeping Hermione's attention focused on him. Lupin seemed to be listening closely to the older man, too.
Finally Snape opened an eye and looked at the phoenix that had just made it to his shoulder, peering down into his face.
Ok, ok, thank you Fawkes. I am feeling much better
now that you've punctured every inch of my sleeping
apparel.
The phoenix chirped smugly. At least it seemed rather smug as it flew across the room to his perch. Harry looked down at the quiet man.
What was Fawkes doing? Harry asked.
I used to think he was just being a bloody nuisance, Snape groused, but the headmaster informed me it is some sort of calming ritual phoenix do. He settled a little more on his back and looked up into Harry's face feeling somewhat better for the energy and the talons. Plus Harry's goodwill was coursing through him while his cynicism ran through Harry.
Harry ran his hand along the man's shoulder, the warmth sinking into the lank frame.
I should thank you now while I'm feeling inclined; heaven
knows I'll be back to nasty in the morning, Snape grimaced apologetically.
So, thank you.
You're welcome, Professor, Harry smiled down at him. A sudden movement caught his eye and he looked back across the room at Hermione as she held her hand up. Snape looked at him quizzically.
What are they up to, he asked quietly.
Not sure, Harry said softly, Hermione is holding her hand
up to Dumbledore's. Ah! He's going to share energy with
her. She's probably curious on how it would feel with
someone else.
Wait a minute, Snape struggled to roll on his side to watch the transfer, Dumbledore, Granger. Those two are the most
curious people I know. They want to know everything. In
excruciating detail. He raised one hand to hold onto Harry's hand.
Promise you'll protect me, the Potions Master asked. Harry couldn't decide if it were a joke or not.
Only if you'll protect me, he answered with a snicker. Snape squeezed his hand once,
Sounds reasonable.
They both watched as the young woman touched the Headmaster's hand, murmuring the proper charms. They watched the light in her eyes brighten, a small smile grace her visage. Her focus narrowed a moment as she sipped the aura. Dumbledore removed his hand, seeking her eyes, speaking softly to her.
This is potentially dangerous, Potter. You do know
how to apparate, don't you? Snape cautioned.
Can't apparate inside Hogwarts, Harry replied.
Uh, I think we'd better find a way, Snape continued as both Hermione and Dumbledore's focus shifted. To the couch. Specifically them. Even Lupin's eyes glittered as he looked over towards them.
Maybe you have to use the loo, Severus? Harry queried, definitely not liking the burning curiosity being directed at them.
Maybe I do, he agreed, pushing up hastily. Too hastily. Although Harry had transferred energy and he was now curse-free Snape still was lethargic. He groaned and settled back onto the couch. His young pillow smiled and carefully began to feed more energy into him.
Sorry. Just can't get up yet, Snape said through gritted teeth. He turned his face away from the room, looking up at Harry apologetically.
It's ok. They don't seem to be actually moving towards us
as yet, Harry reported.
It was peaceful for another ten minutes; although the couch contingent kept waiting for the trio to come back to them. Snape was sleepy, beginning to doze, when Harry finished his feed. He indulged himself, gently smoothing the professor's hair back.
Once again Snape pushed himself up, this time making it to sitting upright. He looked over at Harry knowingly, opening his arms to the boy. Harry stared for a moment.
Better hurry up, Potter, he growled, I'll revert back
too soon and you'll miss it.
Not having to be asked twice, Harry crawled onto Snape's lap and into the long cradling arms. He might be considered the scariest and meanest of Hogwarts' teachers, but the Potions Master certainly knew how to hold Harry so he felt completely safe and loved. He rested his head on the man's chest and listened to the heart beat steadily, lungs softly breathing in and out. When he felt Snape's cheek against his head he knew he was fully encircled. He just couldn't understand why his own cheeks were wet.
They sat together a long while. Until Dumbledore finally came over and announced dinner. Harry looked up at the table set, Lupin and Hermione already seated. He smiled shyly at Snape, who lifted an eyebrow and considered him a full moment before a small smile graced his face as well.
They insist we eat, Potter, he growled softly. Harry snickered, then stood up offering his hand as leverage to Snape.

Snape managed a modest meal before Lupin had to levitate him off to bed. He didn't wake until late the next morning and then only because Dr. Barnes had insisted.
Monday was a blur; Snape was tired and slept most of it away. Tuesday seemed to be a repeat. Then Wednesday. He idly wondered as he sipped the cool shake Lupin held to his lips if he should be concerned, but he couldn't. The covers were warm, Lupin was holding him securely and nothing seemed to be pressing. He had to brew Lupin's potion the next day, but he'd written out a list of ingredients that he'd left on the table by the couch. He'd send Granger and Lupin after them later. Much later as he slipped once more into an easy sleep.
Lupin returned to the sitting area having put Snape to bed. Dumbledore had drinks poured out and waiting.
Barnes insists he's getting stronger, Dumbledore offered as he handed Lupin a glass.
I suppose he is, Lupin said quietly. It's just strange to
see him so docile and tractable. His companion nodded in agreement sipping at his own mug.
Energy feeds from Harry keep him toned down, don't
they? Dumbledore smiled mischievously. Lupin laughed.
Barnes mentioned bringing some special potion tomorrow
to help power him up', the headmaster shrugged,
and Severus tentatively agreed.
Any side effects? Lupin asked curiously.
Some, but mostly just what he's experiencing now.
A little sleepy, somewhat docile for a few hours. Then
he should be more awake and able to move about,
Dumbledore smiled at Lupin, good thing, too, the older man added, since we have that wolf's bane potion to brew
tomorrow night.
They talked for a short while, then Lupin excused himself to get some papers graded before bed. Dumbledore went over to his desk and soon was embroiled in a stack of correspondence that never seemed to shrink. Finally he threw his quill down in mock despair.
he commanded. Of course, the paper did not move, nor did the quill. Sighing he ran a tired hand through his hair. Oh well, at least he had a pre-warmed bed. He stood and went to the lavatory, preparing for sleep.
Quietly opening the bedroom door he noted the Potions Master standing quietly in the moon-lit window. He was staring out over the night.
he called out quietly, waiting for a response.
The silent man self-consciously slipped a hand over his forearm. Quick to note the movement, Dumbledore moved closer.
he asked more gently. The man shuffled a little without speaking. The older man moved next to him, carefully lifting the offending arm up and looked at the angry black tattoo.
He calls, Snape said simply. Dumbledore ran a soothing hand over the burning forearm, a healing charm, taking away the pain.
I said you cannot leave, Severus, he quietly.
I know, Snape answered, but he hunts for me. Someone
put a ward charm up I can't break. . Dumbledore knew then Snape would have gone, answered the summons if only to protect the school.
You are still much too weak to go anywhere, child,
except back to bed, and he pulled Snape around leading him to the cold bed. He must have stood in that window waiting for a long while.
Weak or not, he called. I'm sure he'll send out one
of his inner circle next, Snape said sadly. Dumbledore tucked him into the bedding then crawled in after, arranging the chilled body against his own.
He will send Master Malfoy to check on you, Severus. It
is the easiest thing of all, to send Malfoy's son up to check
on your condition. We've been very careful to let everyone
know you're quite incapacitated and not in the normal
hospital wing. He encouraged Snape to use his shoulder as a pillow, running a soothing hand up and down his back.
Well, with Pomfrey teaching potions this week no
one is in the hospital wing. Snape stilled for a moment,
Care to explain to me why you chose Poppy to take over
my class load? Lupin was quite evasive.
Dumbledore allowed himself to smile in the dark knowing Snape couldn't see it.
Well, she has a wealth of knowledge as far as healing
potions are concerned. And she seemed to think teaching
would be simple compared to handling you, he chuckled.
Snape thought about that a moment.
I have the feeling she doesn't care for me at all, Albus.
Not that it matters, I generally prefer that people don't like
me. But she wasn't happy about me being in the hospital last
month. You've nearly always cared for me so I never
noticed before.
I'm sorry about that, Severus. I should have been there
for you last month as well.
Snape was quick to negate the Headmaster, saying how busy he had been and how insignificant his own problems were. Dumbledore pulled him into a tight embrace.
Shush. I should have been there. Thank gods Harry
was. There are plots thickening around us and we
need to stay close together, Severus. You need to
be protected right now. He felt a tremble run through the younger man's body before he melted into the embrace. Snape was safe right here. The burning had subsided and cooled; sleepiness overtook him and he yawned.
Rest, Severus, Dumbledore resumed running a soothing hand over his back as he drifted. His breathing lengthened as he fell asleep closely followed by the older man.

Dr. Barnes presented himself promptly by 10 the next morning. His patient was still curled up in the quilts, sunlight playing over his face as gently as the breeze.
I apologize for not having him up and ready for you,
Dr. Barnes. It's been a very busy morning, Dumbledore followed the younger man into the bedroom to look at the sleeping patient.
That's ok, Headmaster. I am a little early and I confess
I am eager to try this new potion. My father has
waxed eloquently over its results, the doctor smiled.
I will simply have to get my patient prepared by
myself, he smirked.
I wanted to ask you, he continued
why Severus seems so reluctant to have an injection.
Does he have a fear of needles?
Dumbledore looked quizzically at him.
Not that I know of. Pomfrey has given him injections
over the years, as well as one of the Ministry's
doctors she uses as her replacement when she's on
vacation. All I can say is he never has said a thing
to me.
It's of no concern, Barnes hastened, I'm sure it just
me being overly sensitive. Snape has always been a
good patient for me. Well, the two times before now
that I've worked with him. I just don't want to upset him.
Dumbledore laughed, Upset Severus?
Barnes joined him and chuckled.

The sound of laughter woke him. As well as voices. But laughter first. He stretched carefully enjoying the pull of muscles that didn't hurt for a change. Wind curled around his face and ruffled his hair. He felt the warm covers lift and disappear and he opened reluctant eyes to view his tormentor.
Dr. Barnes, he said by way of greetings.
Professor Snape, came the rejoinder. I am going to
pull extra duty and get you up, dress and feed you.
Snape more fully looked around and noted they were alone in the room.
The Headmaster had business to attend to elsewhere
in the castle. Professor Lupin is teaching. But I understand
Dobby will be here quite...
Good morning, Professor Snape is ready for his breakfast?
Snape glanced at the happy elf face next to his own.
Professor Snape wants to know how Dobby always
manages to show up when Professor Snape has to pee, he grumbled at the house elf.
Dobby just knows these things, the elf snorted, helping the man sit up and swing his legs out of bed.
Much better than changing sheets all the time, Dr. Barnes
added. He earned a glare for the comment and grinned back.
A trip to the lavatory, a quick wash-up in the sink, then clean leggings and shirt.
We'll leave the bath for later, Barnes said.
Professor Lupin and the Headmaster likes that part, the elf commented happily. Snape rolled his eyes.
Leaning on Barnes, Snape followed the rollicking elf out to the table and the brunch spread out. He still wasn't very hungry but Dobby bounced about sliding bits and pieces of a variety of food on his plate to try. It was hard to refuse the creature when he was so enthusiastic. Of course, a full warm belly made him very sleepy and soon Snape was thinking in terms of a nap.
I think we're ready for the new treatment, Barnes interjected into Snape's sleepy contemplation of the couch. He stiffened significantly and turned his tight face towards the doctor.
Ah, yes. The potion you mentioned yesterday, he said, his features turned frosty. Barnes noted the huge shift in mood.
Yes, just a quick set of injections, he began, noting the absolute panic brush across Snape's' face before it was carefully tooled back into icy indifference. Hmmm, what was that all about? He carefully helped the reluctant man to his feet and walked him to the couch. Then he began to open his satchel and rummage around for a moment.
How many shots? the cultivated voice asked with worried curiosity.
Just two. One is the potion itself, the other a vitamin
boost that my father suggested to compliment it. Barnes stopped looking in his bag. He knew exactly where the medicines were, but Snape's reaction was more compelling.
Surely you're not worried about two measly little
shots! The curses you've been subjected to completely
overwhelm the quick prick of a little needle.
Snape licked his lips nervously,
Speak for yourself, Barnes, there is nothing remotely
quick or little about the needles you doctors use.
Curiosity definitely piqued, Barnes snuck a quick glance at the rigid man. He was certainly approaching panic, although he was working hard to tamp down his fear.
What type of injections have you had lately? Barnes asked.
Antibiotics last August, he said, and some kind of
analgesic for fever. He'd been sick after returning from Moody's basement. Pomfrey had stopped in and looked him over while Dumbledore had gone to the Ministry to complain.
Two shots? Barnes asked.
Three. She had to inject twice on the antibiotics, he turned his face away, they burned. A lot.
Barnes mentally went over the injectible antibiotics. Why did she select Ronicef? It had been touted as a good broad based antibiotic, but the injectible did burn and most doctors stopped using it. Plus, why did she split the dose? Good grief, if it were going to hurt you'd think she'd minimize the pain factor.
And those new needles, Snape shuddered, those big bores to transport the potions. I don't like them at all.
Big bores? Now what was he talking about?
Did injections always hurt a lot, Professor? Barnes queried.
Snape shook his head, wrapping his arms around his torso.
No, as a child and student I don't remember them hurting.
It was that last ministry doctor that came here a couple
years back. She brought the new needles and meds.
She left Pomfrey a small supply.
Reaching into his bag he snagged a larger bore syringe.
Severus? Does this look like the new needle? he displayed the large bovine bore he carried in case he needed to treat a farmer's stock. Just because he was a people doctor didn't mean he never had to help a large farm animal. Snape pulled his lip back in a loathing sneer.
I think so. Although they always seem alot bigger when
I'm sick.
A lot of things ran through Barnes' mind. One being he'd knock Pomfrey on her ass next time he saw her in person. The other he was going to find out the name of the ministry doctor and do the same to her. But his healing instincts clicked in quickly and he dropped the offensive bovine syringe back into his case. He gently placed his hands on Snape's clenched shoulders.
he said gently, pushing hair away from the angry face.
I can promise you it will not burn at all and I'm nearly positive
you won't even feel the prick. The look he received was not trusting nor reassured. He let go of the man and went back into his case, pulling out the energy boost and the soluble vitamins. He then took out two sterile syringes. He moved slowly noting the dark, angry eyes following his every movement. Carefully he broke the seal on one syringe and filled it with a dose of the energy potion. Setting it aside, needle covered again, he filled the second syringe. These ready, he pulled out the alcohol wipes and opened the packets. A couple fluffy cotton balls came out of a small container. Finally he put two small Band-Aids on the table.
Now, let's check out your upper arms, he deftly stripped the sleep shirt off the reluctant man and ran a gentle hand over the muscles on the upper left arm. Satisfied, he looked at Snape.
You need to breathe. Deeply. In. Out. He led the nervous man in a breathing exercise to calm.
I will swab down your arm and give you the first injection.
Just keep breathing along with me. In. Out. Good,
Severus! Watch me carefully. Not that he had to tell Snape that! Glittering eyes followed his every movement. But he did continue to breath in and out as directed. Picking up the first syringe, Barnes squeezed the muscle then let loose, slipping in the needle at the same time as Snape exhaled. The potion went in quickly enough and the needle slipped back out, cotton pressed against the nearly invisible hole.
Working hard not to smile, Barnes ignored the look of surprise on Snape's face and put a Band-Aid over the cotton.
Ready for the second shot? he ask carefully, receiving a nod of agreement. He swiped down a spot on the right upper arm and repeated the procedure, slipping the needle into the muscle as Snape was most relaxed. Again the cotton and the Band-Aid. He snapped needles off syringes and put them in the traveling disposal box. All supplies were cleaned up and put away. Finally he picked up Snape's shirt and held it up.
he asked. Snape nodded, silent. He poked arms through sleeves and head through shirt allowing the doctor to pull it down over his body. The doctor proceeded to urge the docile man to lay down on the couch and cover him gently with the quilt.
Now, the potion will make you sleepy for a large part of
the day. But by dinner you should be more awake. I
will come back tomorrow morning to check you over.
Thank you, Dr. Barnes, Snape was quite subdued. He let his eyes unfocused as his thoughts turned inward. Before he totally fazed out, he looked up,
Would you hand me the paper on the coffee table?
I need to give it to Professor Lupin when he comes.
Certainly, Severus, Barnes handed him the paper and watched him fold and tuck it into his shirt sleeve. The potion took over quickly and Snape drifted into sleep. Barnes sat still, watching his patient breathing. He allowed his anger to swirl around him and dissipate. He couldn't believe a healer would hurt a patient. Finally he stood, taking his bag, he went to the Headmaster's desk to write in his files.
He also left an unambiguous note asking for Pomfrey's file on Snape.