alt6

Alternate Routes

Chapter 6

Resting

Lupin cruised in and out the next morning, drinking a gobletful of potion and smiling at Dumbledore shuffling paperwork on his desk.
Don't smirk, the older man remonstrated.
Not me, said an angelic DADA professor.
Snape managed to get himself out of bed by ten although Dumbledore followed him into the bathroom to watch his ablutions. He helped comb out the snarling hair and put it in a neat tie. Pulling on a robe Snape allowed a pair of thick socks to slide onto his feet.
Then some breakfast for the newly risen and a perusal of the bookcase for light' reading.
Here, Severus, try this one, a muggle mystery was placed in his hands. Skinwalkers, by Hillerman.
American murder mystery complete with Native American
Witches, he said, completely unlike anything here.
Murdering witches is completely unlike anything here? Snape said dubiously, slightly rolling his eyes. Well, he did like murder mysteries and the Headmaster had given him other decent novels in the past. He crossed back over to the couch to curl up. He allowed himself to be covered with a quilt and only growled a little when a friendly hand smoothed his hair.
Settling back behind his desk Dumbledore attacked the paperwork in earnest. His Potions Master was doing much better which made him feel much better.
Dr. Barnes arrived at noon, having a busy morning in the clinic. He was pleased with the progress of his patient, even with the sarcastic rejoinders.
So dad's little potion is working, eh? he smiled.
It seems so, at least I'm awake again. Rather interesting
experience after sleeping the best part of the week, Snape grumbled. Dumbledore smiled,
Are you going to give him another dose? he asked as lightly as possible, watching bemused as the storm clouds gathered on the recuperating man's face. Noting the two expressions, Barnes arched his eyebrows.
Did we not enjoy the side effects, Professor Snape?
No, we did not! he snarled effectively. Barnes looked mildly alarmed.
Speak for yourself, Severus, Dumbledore chimed in. He looked at the doctor,
Professor Lupin and I found his altered manner charming.
I thought the term was snipped Snape, looking angrily at the mantle.
I preferred cuddly, myself, intoned the older man with a straight face. He was promptly reward with a snarling glare.
I DO NOT CUDDLE, was the raging reply. Barnes had the good grace to feign professional indifference.
It's a powerful potion and it does exactly what it needs
to do, he stated sternly in its defense.
Fortunately the side effects only last a few hours. A little
goofiness' and physical soothing certainly has never hurt
anyone.
Snape would have challenged that, but stopped short. He turned slightly and Dumbledore watched him try to not clench his fists. The dark mark was deepening again; he could just see it peeking out from Snape's shirt sleeve. Barnes, too, noticed the change in demeanor and glanced at Dumbledore.
Moving swiftly Dumbledore pulled a chair next to the couch and pulled on Snape's arm gently.
Why, Albus, why now? the distressed man asked through clenched teeth.
Even back then he didn't call often.
Dumbledore ran a soothing hand over the angry mark, the charm effectively nulling the summons.
I don't think it's Voldemort, although I doubt he knows
someone else can use the mark to summons you. He watched the mark lose its dark color, fading,
Any more than he knows I can stop the call. I really think
that someone else wants to get to you at the moment,
while you're too weak to defend yourself.
Head still bowed, Snape shrugged submissively.
I guess so. I did upset a lot of people.
Barnes cleared his throat, knowing they'd totally forgotten him. Two sets of eyes quickly settled on him. He sat on the couch against Snape and took his forearm away from the Headmaster, running a hand over the fading mark with a clinical interest.
My dad had to sedate the last man who was summoned
by Voldemort in the clinic. It caused a great deal of pain
and it continued to hurt even after he was unconscious.
You'll have to teach me the charm, Headmaster.
He pulled the sleeve back down over the mark knowing it upset Snape greatly. He returned his attention to Snape's face, carefully checking his eyes, still clouded in pain.
It's still too early to rescan you, Professor, Barnes continued in a professional manner giving Snape enough distance to recover.
I'd like to give you two more doses of the energy
boost at least. The normal course is three to four doses
at lengthening intervals. One today, a third on Sunday.
Then I'll scan you on Monday, he smiled gently.
You can probably go back to teaching half day on
Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. I'd like you to skip
Thursday because I figure you'll stay up late Wednesday
with Professor Lupin and I might give you the fourth
dose on Thursday.
Snape could only glare at the mantle unable to retort in any fashion. Barnes carefully slipped his hand down to his neck, gently beginning to stroke a long forefinger up and down the rigid muscles. He transferred warmed energy into the man soothing him with his own calm. After a few minutes Snape sighed and unclenched, leaning into the touch. He half-closed his eyes but turned all his attention back to the younger man.
Sorry. I get very angry, he offered softly.
Yes, you do get very angry. Your anger is your greatest
shield, it masks your true feelings, especially when you
are with other death eaters, you need it to survive,
Barnes was very perceptive and continued to stroke the loosening neck muscles.
I know you can't just leave the anger; but I am glad
you can slowly let it go with your friends. When all of
this is over and the evil has been destroyed,
Barnes pulled Snape forward into his arms, running his hands down over his back and grabbed the edge of his shirt, carefully stripping it up and off.
When all of it is over, he repeated now running his hand
over the long planes of the bared back,
I will help you get rid of your anger. For now your
friends will work around it.
Snape slowly curled himself into Barnes' embrace, into his warmth and understanding and comfort. He felt Dumbledore's hand running a soothing charm over his shoulders and down his back as the doctor murmured soft, gentle words.

After he had calmed Barnes released Snape but kept him sitting upright leaning against him. Dumbledore had at some point moved onto the couch so that the Potions Master was snugged between them.
I'm going to give you one injection of the potion,
Severus, began Dr. Barnes.
Then after you eat a little I'll give you a vitamin to swallow.
And then I'll get all goofy, sighed Snape, much resigned.
And then you'll get all goofy, repeated Barnes.
That's ok, said Dumbledore, then I'll get a nice nap! I
enjoy the warmth of another body in my old age.
old my ass, Snape mumbled shaking his head.
Barnes quickly set up and administered the shot. Snape was calm throughout the entire process and then allowed both men to get him redressed and to table to eat. Barnes joined them for lunch and talked about healing charms for the most part with Dumbledore as Snape succumbed to the cheerful lethargy induced by the potion.
Before he left, the Headmaster taught the doctor the charm to nullify the death eater's summons. Barnes noted it in his file and picked up Pomfrey's file.
I'll just return this Sunday, he said carefully. Dumbledore wondered what he needed the file for and the strange look on his face when he shoved it into his bag. Anger?
Come for lunch. A student will be coming up to see
Professor Snape for a little while. We'll go for a short
walk while they talk.
Barnes looked at him curiously.
Am I to be part of some deception?
Only to reinforce the idea that Severus is still quite weak.
Dumbledore glanced with affection at the man grinning on the couch wrapped in his quilt.
You'll have to hold off giving him the energy boost until
after the student has seen him.
I can do that. Just give me an idea of how weak you
want him to be, he smiled and slipped out the door leaving Dumbledore to his nap.

Lupin relieved Dumbledore after his last class. Leaving the DADA Professor to relax with the Potions Master, the Headmaster gratefully went for a long walk about his school sampling the many moods. Most seemed in good spirits; it was Friday after all and many would be going to Hogsmeade on Saturday. He decided to ask Harry to pick up some lemon drops for him at the sweets shoppe.
He stopped by the dungeons. Pomfrey was just locking the office door as he turned the corner.
Ah, Poppy, hello! How have lessons been today?
The witch turned and smiled slightly,
Interesting, fortunately. The students have been very
eager to learn. Potions seems to be a favorite among
many of them, even with Professor Snape, she cackled a little to herself.
Although, I must admit, she lowered her voice to confide in the Headmaster,
it is not easy at all to teach. Getting everyone to listen
is very hard! They are interested, but they could spend
entire lessons just asking question after question and not
actually learning anything practical!
Dumbledore snickered along with her.
Yes, they are curious as long as they don't have to
work at it! They began the long walk to the hall for dinner. Pomfrey held onto his arm very pleased with her week.
I was also surprised to find most of the students were
concerned about Snape's welfare. I assumed they hoped
he was ill and miserable. But many expressed the desire
for him to be well and back teaching.
This surprised you, Poppy? Dumbledore asked gently. The nurse shrugged.
I guess so. I've not given Snape,
interjected her companion.
I've not given Severus much thought for the past few
years unless he's needed me.
I noticed that, Poppy. You used to talk with him more,
years back, about the latest potions he'd come across
or you'd learned about. He always looked for new
healing potions for you, Dumbledore wondered what had happened to stop this scholarly repartee.
I guess something changed, she said indifferently, as they walked into the hall full of students ready to eat. She released his arm and the conversation moving to the staff table. Dumbledore followed slowly, stopping to slip a galeon to Harry with the lemon drop request.
Oh, get a little divinity for the patient. That should
perk him up, he added, recalling Snape's favorite treat.
Does you need any help tonight? Hermione asked quietly.
No, no. Professor Lupin is there now. You can come up
tomorrow when you're back from Hogsmeade, the Headmaster smiled and moved on to the head table.

The rest of the evening went well; Snape dozing through most of it while Dumbledore continued to answer his correspondence. By bedtime the bulk of the side effects had worn off and the stack of mail had been dispatched.
Lupin and Dumbledore allowed Snape to forgo his bath that evening. He wanted to shower in the morning and try to wash his own hair. He only snarled a little when he was tucked into bed with his mystery. When the older man joined him over an hour later he was fast asleep, book barely grasped in his fingers.
Saturday began with a fluttering at the window; a couple owls wanted attention. Leaving Snape to sleep in, the Headmaster let the birds in and took off the notes. Two were for him and he brought them to his desk determined to respond before they could start a new stack.
The third was to Snape. He curiously opened it and was quick to read the tight line
Severus, missed you yesterday. Wondering when
you'll deign to respond. ~Malfoy'
Dumbledore contemplated the brevity of the note, the choice of words. The audacity of signing his own name. Then he decided to respond like a dutiful Headmaster.
Dear Mr. Malfoy,
As I explained to your son, Professor Snape
has been very ill of late and is not able to teach, much
less travel. I send his regrets as he is unable to
do so personally.
~Albus Dumbledore, Headmaster, Hogwarts School'
He attached this to the owl that had lingered behind and sent it off. Probably not the wisest move, but prudent enough. Give the impression Snape was not attainable under any circumstances.
He turned his attentions to the other two missives and answered them in rapid fire succession, leaving them for Dobby to send later in the morning.
Lupin came in for another gobletful of potion. He attended to Snape while he showered. Dumbledore smiled at the banter.
Well, you wouldn't have gotten wet if you'd left me
alone! I was just fine until someone decided I wasn't
being thorough enough with the soap!
gods, Severus, you didn't have to send that deluge
when I reached in.
You should have SAID SOMETHING! I'm standing there
running soap over my body when this hand starts groping
my butt!
I was not GROPING! I was HELPING soap you down
YOU'RE JUST BLOODY LUCKY I DIDN'T HAVE MY WAND OR
IT WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN JUST WATER THAT HIT YOU!
Oh, right, like you could have conjured up anything
bigger than a HEDGEHOG!
HEDGEHOG! I'LL GIVE YOU A HEDGEHOG!
Dumbledore decided to calm down the participants when a bolt of lightening streaked out of the bathroom and nailed the cloak stand. Followed by a sopping wet towel that immediately smothered the resulting flames.
SORRY ALBUS! came a not so sorry voice.
Sighing, Dumbledore rubbed his temples. Did he really think it was a good thing Snape was getting better? He watched the towel disappear and the water evaporate. Then he stopped massaging.
he called out.
came a huffy voice from the bathroom.
Is Remus all right? he asked tentatively.
Define all right again. I'm a little fuzzy on that
concept. Snape came snarling out of the bathroom in a towel, hair dripping wet.
Especially in reference to Remus, he sneered angrily at his companion who was closely following with a comb and dry towel in hand.
I think Dr. Barnes' potion is working, Albus. He seems
all charged up this morning, Lupin laughed, not intimidated in the least by the display. He pulled on the Potions Master's towel.
Come on, kiddo, let me dry your hair, he guided the semi-irate man to the dining area chair, while the quilt from the couch floated over and wrapped him up tightly before he was pushed down. Lupin roughly toweled the hair damp-dry before beginning to comb out tangles.
Dumbledore walked over and sat down by them. He noted Snape was not so much angry as tired from the burst of lightening. He may be getting better but he really did need a few more days to rest before being turned loose to teach. Even then he was going to insist the Potions Master return to his room to rest under his watchful eye.
I'm going into Hogsmeade for awhile, Lupin said,
to make sure everything is going ok. Do either of you
want anything while I'm there?
Harry is picking some things up for me already, said Dumbledore. Snape didn't reply, looking rather dazed.
Sev? You still with the program? Lupin asked as he began to braid his hair and bind it with a couple elastics.
Yes, I'm still with the program. Can't think of anything
I need right now. Maybe a hedgehog, he added as an afterthought. Lupin tugged on his braid.
No pointy objects for you, Professor. You're dangerous
enough with soap and water, he set the brush down and pulled the limp man into a loose hug. He was a little surprised Snape did not struggle against the mush' but did not comment as he felt the man snuggle under his chin and sigh.
Sorry about the cloak rack Albus, he said quietly.
It's ok, Severus. Scorch marks add character, replied the Headmaster. Lupin waited quietly.
Well? What about me Severus? he finally asked impatiently.
I'm only sorry I MISSED YOUR BUTT! growled Snape. Dumbledore was reduced to tears, he was laughing so hard. Lupin stiffened in anger for a moment, but let it all bleed away.
You just wait, Professor Snape. I'll get you when you
least expect it, he chuckled ominously as he slowly rocked the tired man. Snape only chuffed in disdain and closed his eyes enjoying the closeness.
You'd best get some breakfast inside you, Severus, then
you can read on the couch, said Dumbledore. And sleep! He thought to himself. He watched the man nod and slowly sit up then stand and start to stumble to the bedroom for clothing. Lupin went right behind him and latched on tight before he fell.
Come on, let me help you. I want you to get well before
I toast your butt, he said seriously, unwrapping the quilt and leaving it on the couch. Snape shivered and moved a little quicker towards the bedroom and leggings.

Snape fell asleep soon, not eating much at all to Dumbledore's way of thinking. He had been asleep for over four hours when Harry, Hermione and Ron showed up with sweets. They'd bought more than a galeon's worth, that was apparant. Lemon drops were set aside as he admired the small platter of divinity, several types of fudges and assorted buttery creams. Ron even produced some cold butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks.
Again the Potions Master awoke to quiet laughter and happy voices. He struggled against sleep while he listened to Weasley describing his twin brothers' antics in Hogsmeade. It was amazing they were still welcome in the town given how much of it they had damaged over the three years they'd gone there.
Mr. Zambina didn't even bat an eyelash at the filibusters
going berserk. He just held out his hand for the packet
of canary creams they had tried to sell him as payment, Ron finished up.
Then he ordered more. He gave them an advance and
a special box to send them in, added Hermione.
It's a good thing Neville is such a decent sport, Harry sighed, otherwise I'm afraid Ron would have been the demo!
Ron just snorted in denial.
Dumbledore offered to pay them for the extra sweets, causing all three to blush.
You see, sir, said Harry, handing him a galeon,
we couldn't pay for anything. We tried, but Rosemerta
refused.
asked the Headmaster curiously. Hermione picked up the thread.
Well, we went into the sweets shop and chose out the
lemon drops and piece of divinity. Ron thought that
Professor Snape might also like butter creams and mentioned
it to Harry. The shop was empty except for the shopkeeper,
being later in the day. A whole group of students had gone
out to the shrieking shack with Professor Lupin.
Been there, done that, intoned Harry with a small grin.
Anyway, we were debating when Mrs. Greenbottle came
up and asked who we were getting the candy for and it
kindof slipped out it was for you. Rosemerta had been
visiting her and said she'd heard us say Hermione blushed again.
We all tried to deny it so she said, Guess I heard wrong,
and whispered something to Mrs. Greenbottle who put
together the tray. Said something about it was a cinch
no one in particular would like this, especially with a couple
bottles of butterbeer, which she just happened to have
with her. Then they kicked us out of the store saying we
were bothering them and they'd complain to the Headmaster
if we argued. We realized we hadn't paid them when we
were half-way back to the castle.
Which they should, given the grief you three always cause,
Snape growled from under the quilt. He grinned to himself as he heard the light gasp from at least two people he'd scared. Nice to know he hadn't lost his touch.
DO YOU EVER SLEEP? Harry snarled pulling the covers off him. Snape just glared back.
NOT BLOODY POSSIBLE WITH ALL YOUR YACKING! he countered. Weasley, he noted, looked particularly shocked. Hermione almost didn't having gotten used to his bark. Harry just glared back ferociously before dissolving into irreverent laughter. Dumbledore joined in as well as Granger tentatively. Snape maintained his disdain for another moment before he finally gave in and smiled a little under his sneer at all of them. Ron finally released his breath and chuckled.
So Rosemerta sent me sweets, said Snape looking expectantly at the plate.
I suppose so, since we didn't pay for them, Harry replied. Dumbledore picked up the plate and removed the lid, sniffing in the heavenly odor.
he said appreciatively. Nothing here you'd
like Severus. Just assorted butter creams, divinity, a
bit of that walnut marshmallow fudge and ooooh, it looks
like some vanilla poofs. He watched out of the corner of his eye at the longing look on Snape's face.
Nope, nothing good at all. We'll just take care of it, and he popped a piece of lemon butter cream in his mouth.
That's mine, Snape whined, not catching himself in time. Ron finally laughed aloud. Dumbledore stood up and went to the couch, offering a hand to Snape helping him sit upright. He then sat next to the recovering Professor and held the plate of sweets. Snape selected a piece of divinity and nibbled at it; sweets were really a treat since he rarely went into town, much less the sweets shoppe. He idly wondered how Rosemerta would know what candy he liked, but set the thought aside as he accepted an open bottle of butterbeer from Harry.
At Dumbledore's request, Hermione sent down for a light tea. Dinner was about two hours off although he supposed he could have Dobby bring it up earlier. Looking at Snape he decided to send the house elf back for something a little more substantial.
Ron poured out tea, something his mother insisted he learn. Snape traded his butterbeer for tea, not wanting any more of the sweet liquid. He also accepted a bowl of barley and mutton soup.
It surprised Dumbledore when the Potions Master opened the tray of sweets for the students to share.
Lupin returned as they were leaving. He smiled and crossed over to the couch, bumping Snape over as he sat down.
mmmmm, poofs! Lupin snagged a fluffy sweet and quietly devoured it. Snape raised an eyebrow but didn't say a word. Then the DADA professor took away his mug of tea and drank deeply, it being simply warm and not hot.
Forgot the sugar, Sev, he commented. Again, only a glance from the Potions Master. He poured out fresh tea for the new arrival, in his mug, added two heaping spoons of sugar and stirred it a bit, pushed it back to Lupin.
This time Lupin took a piece of fudge, licking delicately around the edges before aggressively biting off a piece. Dumbledore carefully covered the tin and set it aside, pushing the plate of scones and sugared biscuits towards Lupin.
Standing, Snape picked up his book. He gave Dumbledore a quick stroke on the shoulder, and headed back towards the bedroom. Both his companions followed his progress, but said nothing as the door quietly shut.
Lupin asked as soon as he swallowed.
I suppose. He didn't mention anything, the Headmaster said.
They contained themselves for 10 minutes, then they slipped quietly into the room. Snape was curled tightly under the covers around a large pillow, his normal sleeping position if left alone. He appeared to be asleep, his face relaxed and content. Shrugging, Dumbledore motioned Lupin out and they let him sleep.
I thought he was over napping all day and night, Lupin mused.
Well, he did send that bolt. How did he get his wand? Dumbledore asked.
He didn't. Now that you mention it, he didn't have any
wand at all. He glanced over at Dumbledore who was deep in thought.
No wand?
No wand.
I don't mean to sound a little skeptical here, but don't
wizards need a wand? You know, to send complicated
magic, the younger man asked.
In most cases, yes. But there have been wizards who
have not always needed a wand. They learn to focus
their charms, hexes, whatever, without the wand's focus.
Dumbledore looked thoughtfully at the bedroom door.
I've seen you occasionally do magic without a wand, Lupin continued. Usually when you're relaxed or very very upset.
Dumbledore nodded quietly.
Do you think Severus knows what he did? Lupin asked tentatively.
No, I don't think he does, Dumbledore replied.
Think we should tell him? Lupin queried softly.
Not just yet, Remus. Might just be the potion Barnes
gave him, the older man replied.
Harry asked me a couple weeks ago about wandless
magic, out of the clear blue, Lupin offered.
Might ask Harry about that, Dumbledore said,
just out of curiousity.
He reached over and batted Lupin's hand away from the divinity.
Remus! You'll spoil your dinner, he nagged. Lupin stuck out his tongue and sipped at his tea.