alt7

Thanks to Taran, Severus and JediRune for their correspondence, corrections and friendship! As always the characters belong to Rowling, although Barnes belongs to me!

Alternate Routes
Chapter 7

Winding up

Snape woke to Dobby bustling about cleaning the bedroom.
Headmaster said you should be waking up, sir. You have
a visitor and needs to be dressed, Dobby gave him a toothy grin.
A guest? he asked sleepily.
Master Malfoy wishes to see you, sir. To make sure
the Headmaster is treating you well, again, the toothy grin.
Snape shrugged and pushed up. The elf had left out clean leggings and shirt along with a dark robe. There were stars and moons embroidered in the edges. He recognized it as one of Dumbledore's better robes. He wondered briefly why he was to wear this, deciding that the Headmaster must be weaving some sort of silent message to Lucius. Damned subtle. Draco would probably miss it unless directly pointed out.
He allowed Dobby to escort him to the bathroom. The elf did that so well why fight it? He managed to clean up although he couldn't get his hair to behave and stopped trying. He wondered where his helper' was. Lupin hadn't missed a chance at washing him all week.
He looked at himself in the mirror, face still too thin and dark circles under his eyes. He hated to admit it, but he was looking forwards to the doctor's potion today. He liked being awake. Plus, he noticed a gradual increase in stamina. He'd blown it yesterday with the lightening bolt. Blast Lupin, scaring him like that. On the other hand it felt good to be able to throw a bolt. Getting enough power back to defend himself. If he were careful he could go back to Voldemort in a week or so and see why he had been summoned so often.
Stilling, he suddenly remembered what Voldemort probably wanted to see him about. Could he have regained enough power to want him in his bedchambers already? He could have sworn the dark mage had indicated it would take some time before he could take' Severus as his own. Shuddering, he set down the comb and went back to dress.
Hey, Sev! Lupin popped up in his face. Snape stumbled backwards into the wall and nearly fell before Dumbledore braced him.
Remus! Don't scare the Potions Master! he cautioned with a twinkle in his eye.
Watch where you're going, Lupin, he hissed. He noted another person in the room.
Mr. Malfoy wanted to see you, Professor Snape, Dumbledore said smoothly, formally. He snarled at the older man and swept into the bedroom, slamming the door. Once inside Lupin helped him dress and ran a brush through his hair.
Just go be your nasty old self, Severus, Lupin said happily.
PUSH OFF, YOU DAMNED ASS! he screamed angrily. Except he had a smile on his face as he accepted the clean robe.
I'M JUST TRYING TO HELP, YOU STUBBORN GIT! Lupin yelled back, running a soothing hand over the sick man's back.
Were you angry with me last night? You left the room
without saying a word he whispered. Snape looked up
surprised.
I wasn't angry. I just was tired and didn't want to say
anything. I was thinking selfish thoughts, he whispered back then he shrieked,
YOU CAN HELP ME BY PUSHING OFF! and threw a book against the wall.
The door at this point flew open and Dumbledore came in, the walk stiff and the expression hard.
Professor Snape, he said loud enough to be heard by the eavesdropping student,
enough! You know Professor Lupin only wishes to help
you until you are well. Now, come out and see Mr. Malfoy.
Stiffly Snape moved passed the older man into the sitting room area. He moved to the fireplace and waited, practically glaring at the other two men.
You will allow me a few minutes alone? I promise not to
leave your rooms, Headmaster, Snape spat out the request in a sarcastic tone. Dumbledore ground his teeth keeping the false smile to the forefront.
Of course, Severus. We'll walk down to meet Dr. Barnes
and be back in thirty minutes or so, the strain was very noticeable in his voice. He swept out the door with Lupin on his tail. Once the door closed Snape turned towards Malfoy. Sneering, he moved to the straight back chair and stiffly sat down.
You wished to see me, Mr. Malfoy? he said coldly arranging his robe about him.
I just wanted to see how you were doing, sir, he said quickly. Too quickly.
Reports of my demise are greatly over-rated, Snape said, eyes glittering.
Well, it's just you disappeared and then the news came
out you had been hexed! Then we found out the Headmaster
was keeping you up here. It just seemed a little strange,
sir, Draco tried leaning in and acting concerned. Snape took a long considering look at him before leaning back and nearly relaxing on the arm of the chair. He looked cadaverous to the boy.
Are you eating all right? he asked before Snape could respond to the first volley.
I am eating when I am able. There were several hexes
that affected me. The problems have lingered, he said.
As to the Headmaster keeping me here, he seems to
think I need to be protected from persons inside the
school, at this point he fell silent and looked at the boy.
Malfoy squirmed uncomfortably. Oh yes child, you are number one on the list. Irritating little hexes. Snape's penetrating stare frightened Malfoy and he quickly blurted,
The students in the house send their regards, too.
Madame Pomfrey has tried to take up your teaching load,
but she's very biased against us, the Slytherins students.
Madame Pomfrey does not appreciate excellence, Mr.
Malfoy. Remember that. She is a healer and as such is
weak. She has an unnerving tendency to promote the
sickly and untenable in hopes they will excel, Snape caustically commented, hitting fairly close to the mark except his particular choice of words and nuances made it sound debased.
In any event, she does know her basic healing potions
and as such it would be wise to pay attention to that
part of her lessons. It will free me to bring more elaborate
potions to be learned this year.
When will you be back, Professor? Malfoy asked.
The doctor, he sneered the word, indicated I may
teach three half days this week. I was hoping to
return to my quarters, if only to get my own clothing, here he stopped to grimace at the borrowed robes,
but it seems I will be here except for my teaching duties
for a few weeks.
But why, sir? You seem fine to me, Malfoy attempted to brown nose. Snape noted the transparent gesture.
I seem to still be weakened; my energy levels are too
low for the doctor's liking. The general consensus was
stay here, with the Headmaster as my nanny' or go into
Hogsmeade and stay at the clinic. He glanced painfully around the bright room.
This seems like the lessor of two evils. If I could get
some privacy I'd be happier, though. He looked at Malfoy with a less stern expression.
The Headmaster is rather, cheerful, most of the time, he said this with some little disgust, as if it were a bad thing. Malfoy nodded in agreement.
He usually is, sir, he said sadly.
At this point the door swung open and Dr. Barnes let himself in.
he called.
He went downstairs to meet you, doctor, Snape said dryly.
Barnes came into the sitting area and glanced at Malfoy.
I thought we agreed no visitors, Professor, he said non-chalantly, until Monday.
I'm sure one day won't derail my progress, Snape said in any oily voice.
This is Mr. Malfoy. I'm sure you've heard of his father,
Lucius Malfoy? he turned a predatory gaze on the healer who squirmed uncomfortably. He'd heard of him; especially from patients delirious or worse.
Of course, Professor. Be that as it may, you were to
have complete bed rest for at least a week, he turned his attention directly to Draco.
If you will excuse us, I need to examine Professor Snape.
He should be back to teaching half-time later this week, here he glance accusingly at Snape
If he'd deign to follow directions and not be so
argumentative. Snape simply smiled tightly, settling back into the chair crossing his legs and looking like a man with infinite power. Barnes and Malfoy separately decided they did not want to tangle with this Wizard even while sick.
Barnes crossed the room to put his outer cloak on the cloak rack and was taken aback at its condition.
What happened to the Headmaster's rack? he asked a bit nervously. Snape positively sneered,
Professor Lupin startled me yesterday. I simply was
protecting myself. Adds some character to the stand,
doesn't it, the wicked smile froze Draco momentarily; it did not inspire a feeling of safety in the doctor. He threw his cloak over the offensive burn and pivoted quickly on his heel.
Mr. Malfoy, he gritted, if you will be so kind as to return
to your studies. Or lunch, the hall seems to be filling for
lunch, he nodded towards the door. Malfoy pulled himself up from the couch and looked at Snape as one would look at a dangerous predator. Snape had the grace to pale substantially and tremble violently. He covered his face and gestured towards the door. He did not want his enemy's son to see him like this and growled softly.
Go, Draco. I will be back soon. Let the rest of the house
know I will take in consideration the poor treatment they
have received from the substitute, he said the word with extreme distaste, and will make amends as I see fit.
With the vision of a very weak wizard emblazoned in his head Malfoy hurried out the door. He had an owl to send.

Barnes turned towards his patient. Snape's eyes were still covered. The black robes accentuated the long, thin lines of his body. Crossing the room he gently laid hands on the sick man's shoulders.
I don't know what came over me, Snape said,
all of a sudden I felt so weak. Barnes pulled him close, running his hand over Snape's face, quietly reading energy levels. He frowned slightly and levitated Snape up bringing him to the lounge. First the robe was removed, then the shirt. He brought the tired body down across him and ran hands over the trembling back and chest.
You've had breakfast? he asked.
No, I was still asleep when Malfoy came up.
Barnes carefully insinuated himself deep inside Snape sampling the man's systems.
How did you manage to burn the cloak rack? he continued.
I threw a variation of the combustus curse. I didn't mean
to hit the rack. I was aiming for Lupin, Snape explained. He felt the doctor stiffen.
Oh, no, it wouldn't have hurt him. Smoked his clothing a
little. It's a child's prank I learned years back. It consumes
wood so it looks bad. If it hits clothing or skin it just
puffs out smoke. There isn't even any heat, Snape talked quickly trying to reassure this man he wasn't evil. The shaking increased. Barnes held him more fully transferring a little warmed energy. His patient was tired, but not as depleted as earlier in the week. He needed to eat more and mentally made a note to get more protein/carbo shakes into him.
Barnes heard the door open and footsteps enter. The door closed and there was a murmur of voices.
Doctor? Professor? called Dumbledore. He moved further in followed by Lupin.
Barnes replied. He had snugged Snape in tight and pulled the quilt over him. When the Headmaster was in sight he mouthed food?'. Lupin pulled a chair close and ran his hand over Snape's hair.
Hey, Severus, you doing ok?
Yeah. Just tired. Got up too early, yawning he let the warmth wash over him. Barnes caught Lupin's eye with a question.
Nearly 12 hours, Lupin said, understanding.
Barnes continued to feed a little warmth into Snape.
I want Harry to give you another feed, although I'm
sure you'd like it timed so you weren't too, uh, goofy'
when he's up here, the doctor felt his patient grimace and nod slightly. Although Lupin seemed to like the idea.
Perhaps Professor Lupin would go down to lunch and
ask Harry if he's available? Barnes raised an eyebrow at the DADA Professor. Lupin grinned.
I'll just pop down, Sev. Don't get up! Snape snarled causing Barnes to chuckle.
Not allowed to, sorry, he upped the energy slightly to send a stronger calming force into Snape. The snarling ceased and was replaced with a tired sigh. Barnes' mouth curved into a smile.
I much prefer this Severus than the Professor I found in
the chair when I arrived. You were rather intimidating.
Snape melted into the feed,
Yes, I cow senseless dunderheads into submission with a
mere glance, he blindly nuzzled the Healer's chest as the warmth filled all of him. Dumbledore, seeing him writhe, came over to support Barnes. He began to rub his way down Snape's shoulders adding to the energy.
Sleep, child, for awhile, he sent the harmless charm into the Potions Master, watching the heavy eyelids close and the breathing lengthen. Snape's body slowly went limp. Barnes gently soothed back a few loose hairs.
Child? This man projects more power and strength
than you do. gods, when I came in he scared me and
I knew it was a ruse!
He has always been a powerful wizard and I count myself
lucky he is on our side every day I'm here. I'm not even
sure of the extent of his power, and I think that he isn't
fully aware of his own strength, either.
He's going to get at least the fourth dose of the energy
potion, Barnes said, whether he wants it or not. He
is still too weak. Plus you are going to have to make him
eat more! I brought some powdered supplements for the
house elves to put into his shakes. He needs to gain some
weight!
For mother's Day brunch? Dumbledore chuckled,
For Voldemort's uprising, Barnes said emotionlessly.

Snape dozed while they waited. Harry turned up soon with a slight grin on his face. He accepted Dumbledore's chair and leaned over the lounge, feeding energy into Snape. Barnes continued to hold and monitor his patient during the transfer and was pleased as the energy levels began to rise.
What happened to Professor Lupin, the doctor asked quietly.
He said it was such a nice day we should picnic, replied Harry.
He, Hermione and Ron were going down to the kitchens
to pack up some food. Remus said the Headmaster
was busy this afternoon and Severus was just going
to sleep.
Probably so, agreed Barnes. Maybe read a bit. He
seems to be nearly done with his mystery novel, he pointed out the book lying over the arm of the couch.
Harry finished up after twenty minutes and whispered a soft goodbye into Snape's ear. Snape smiled
Have a good lunch. Mind that Lupin doesn't corner
all the sweets.
Harry bopped him very lightly on the shoulder,
You never sleep! he hissed, a perfect imitation.
agreed Snape amicably.
Harry closed the door. Lunch was served at table and Barnes was a terror filling Snape up as full as possible. Left to himself Snape would have eaten salad, maybe a little soup. But the doctor wheedled in tuna casserole, bread slathered with butter, a specialized shake and little bits of sweets the elves had brought up.
I don't need the shot, I feel damned goofy now, groused Snape as yet another piece of cake wandered onto his plate. He sat back and sipped at his tea. Barnes smirked and went to wash his hands. Returning, he collected the potion from his satchel and administered the injection. He applied a small, but brightly colored plaster over the site.
What is that? he asked, trying to look at the design
A HAPPY FACE?!
I was looking after a couple children yesterday. These
are very popular among the younger set, Barnes chuckled at the glare that had settled on his patient's face.
Well, I best be off, he said to no one in particular, and moved to pack up while Dumbledore restrained his laughter. Snape pulled the quilt back over his shoulder.
Thank you, he managed to growl softly. Barnes smiled to himself.
You're welcome, Severus. He picked up his bag and made it to the door.
I'll be back on Tuesday. If you're doing better you can
go back down and teach classes in the afternoon, he stepped out and left.
Dumbledore stood and retrieved Snape's sleep shirt, holding it out for him to put on. Snape smiled sheepishly.
Ready for fun with the Potions Master, Albus? With the Headmaster he was his most relaxed and looked bemused at his friend.
Oh, yes! Like a piece of divinity? he pulled out Snape's tray of sweets and watched the shy smile spread on his face. Yet again he was pleased beyond measure Snape trusted him so much. He was able to see a side that no one else could see.
Snape first selected a lemon cream and slipped it over to Dumbledore. Then he used a knife to halve a piece of divinity.
If you ever ate a whole piece at one setting you'd
probably explode, the Headmaster teased, watching the man's tongue delicately savor the cut end before gently biting off a small piece.
I've eaten whole pieces; I just like to stretch out the
experience, his face clouded momentarily, just got to
get over being so damned selfish about it. Last night I
had to get out of the room before I snatched that tin
from Remus! You'd think after all this time I would just
let it go.
He looked up at Dumbledore as if the man had an answer. The older man smiled gently and bit off a piece of lemon cream.
When you're ready, you'll let it go Severus. Some
lessons are hard to overcome.
I guess. Of course, now I have an overwhelming desire
to giggle, he said sourly, this potion certainly tweaks
the emotions!
Dumbledore's smile widened, Snape looked at him critically.
Oh, no! NO! Albus, If you even think about getting some
spare potion for the threat ended in giggling as Snape could no longer hold off the need to laugh.
Me? You would accuse ME of tucking away such a vital
potion? What do you think I'd do with it? Slip it into your
tea when you're being nasty? he glanced at Snape, trying to look aloof.
They don't make enough, anyway, Dumbledore sniffed. Snape lost it and laughed helplessly for a minute. He finally pulled himself together and sipped some tea before eating a little more divinity. They finished their tea in companionable silence.