H2levelingout

Title: 7th Year Potions with Fred and George
Author: Raven Dancer
disclaimer: All characters belong to Rowling except for the Drs. Barnes. I receive no monetary compensation for these works.

Chapter 2 Leveling Out

First, they noticed Dumbledore looked exhausted. Then they noticed the anger in the normally calm eyes. They sat silently while being glared at. Professor McGonagall pursed her lips. suddenly the Headmaster pushed up.
I thought I could do this but I'm much too angry, Minerva,
he ground out evenly. Eyes filled with hatred brushed over them.
You very nearly murdered my best friend, gentlemen, and with that pronouncement, Dumbledore swept out of the room. McGonagall watch him leave. The bedroom door opened again a moment later and the last people they imagined seeing walked in.
Mom! Dad! they exclaimed.
The three mentioned looked at the two boys. Anger flashed dangerously through all the adults' eyes as well as disappointment, especially from their Mother.
We will take them with us, began Mr. Weasley.
Expelled? they were being expelled?
For the week, Arthur. We'll try again next Sunday, said McGonagall. George thought quickly.
What about the game today? he regretted asking as soon as it came out.
The game has been forfeited to Slytherin, McGonagall said tightly.
Not that it matters. Gryffindor is down over 500 points
this morning.
5-5-5-500 points? But we only had 489 last night, Fred managed weakly.
I have never, NEVER, had a negative point in all the years as
head of Gryffindor, she glanced at Bill.
When Albus called me at 5 am I very nearly made it 1000,
but Severus talked me out of it. She shifted her gaze to the boys.
The only reason you are going home with your parents and
not directly to the ministry for processing is Professor
Snape. He seems to think he needs to work with you. He
managed to elicit a promise from all of us not to be harsh.
Forfeiting a game and 500 points wasn't harsh? From the looks being directed at them both boys realize it wasn't harsh at all.
Can we see him? Before we leave? asked George hesitantly. Fred nodded in agreement.
No. He had a rough night. Plus I can't guarantee your
safety around either Dr. Barnes or the Headmaster.
Bill looked at them coldly.
You will go home now. Mother and Dad have agreed to
keep you two very busy.
Why are you here? Fred interjected.
Someone has to teach potions. We don't know how long
Severus will be out, came the terse reply.
But what about Gringotts? George persisted.
I've taken an unpaid leave of absence. It's the
least I can do to help atone for my brothers' stupidity, Bill turned away and left the room.
Let's go, they heard their Dad's voice tight with anger. Neither of the twins felt very safe. The only person who seemed forgiving was the man they very nearly killed.
Yes, sir, they said in unison and followed their parents to the fireplace. Taking some floo powder they went home to the Burrows.

Bill looked down at the dozing man. The pain had been alleviated, but sleep was still troubled. Snape kept waking from his rem cycles, usually screaming, because of the mixes of materials. Both Barnes and Dumbledore were snoring softly when the young man noticed Snape open his eyes. He sat on the bed quietly and ran a hand over the man's face.
Another dream? he asked gently.
Yes. At least I didn't scream again, Snape said leaning into the human contact.
Did Fred and George come in? the ill man asked.
Yes. Although the Headmaster couldn't speak with them.
He's too angry. Minerva sent them home for the week with
their parents,' Bill reported.
What about the quidditch game? he asked as he carefully stretched and yawned.
McGonagall forfeited. They stripped all the points off this
morning, too.
Snape frowned. I said not to be harsh, he began.
Bill carefully smoothed the covers.
They weren't harsh. No Azkaban.
It wasn't premeditated, Bill. They're just children.
They're practically 18, Sev, and you've warned them
repeatedly about experimenting with potions.
I suppose, said the Potions Master as he snuggled down against the sleeping doctor seeking warmth.
Yes, Sev, we suppose too. Don't worry, Mom and Dad
will only make them clean. No torture. They'll come back
next Sunday if the Headmaster has calmed.
Before I fall asleep, my lesson plan and grade books are
warded. Do an unbinding charm first. Have some
troublesome 6th years that were changing points, Snape yawned wide,
and watch Longbottom. Write the ingredients out for
him first and pair him with Granger. He's rather dangerous,
another yawn as the eyelids fluttered closed.
Check out the safety shower. You'll need it, he slipped back under.
No wonder there, Bill thought glancing at the iv bag. They'd filled him with a morphine cocktail. All major muscle groups totally relaxed. Until the twins' potion cycled through he'd be pretty much out of it. He allowed himself to kiss Snape's forehead before he returned to the chair, a cup of strong tea and his vigil.
Snape neither improved nor got worse for the remainder of the day. In the early evening Dr. Barnes Sr. returned bringing a file folder of information gleaned from his precious internet. He handed it to his son and went to see to Snape. Drowsy, the Professor looked up at the older man.
Well, now, Severus, how are you feeling tonight? he asked cordially as he sat on the bed checking the iv line.
Kind of light, he said whispery, full of light.
I'm sure that's a good description, the doctor smiled.
How would you like a warm bath? Snape looked up and returned the smile. That sounded good. He'd been sweating all day and pawed at a lot.
Shh, then. Let's not disturb the others, and he quietly levitated the semi-limp body out of the room carrying the iv bag. He had lowered the man into the tub and secured his iv hand on the side (can't get that wet, now, Severus') when the door flew open and Dumbledore spilled in followed closely by Jeffrey.
WHAT'S WRONG! shouted the Headmaster.
called the younger doctor.
The older man regarded the slightly hysterical duo and turned on the taps. Snape moaned appreciatively as the water swirled around him.
he replied calmly, just doing the maintenance
work. He picked up a wash cloth and began to rub soap over the lax body.
I could use some help with Severus's hair, he added and Dumbledore quickly moved to the end of the tub. Jeffrey sat on the toilet lid and just watched. Snape opened an eye to take in the group before closing it again.
I seem to be an e-ticket' attraction, he said with a sneer. He was soon dozing, partially levitated to keep in place. Barnes and the Headmaster sang quietly together while they worked.
I'll just go back to those files, then, said Jeffrey as he walked to the door.
You do that, son. Some interesting stuff out there, said the elder Barnes as he poured warm rinse water over Snape.
Dried, the small procession returned to the bedroom. Before lowering the patient, the doctor pulled a pad from his satchel and began to fasten it around Snape like a diaper.
That's nice, Snape tried to sound sarcastic.
Saves on bedding, the man shrugged as he replied. A flannel blanket was then wrapped around most of the sick man and he was lowered onto clean sheets. Sighing, he sank into the comfortable bed. The elder Barnes sat quietly, soothing him.
Now, would you be liking a small bite to eat? Maybe a
vanilla shake?
Yes, please, he answered quietly.
Dobby quickly brought up a shake for them. Again the elder Barnes tended to Snape, coaxing him into drinking the entire shake. Dumbledore was amazed at the gentleness the man displayed.
Sleep for me, Severus, he placed his hand on Snape's head. Sleep and have good dreams. A charm silently whispered as he watched the ill man drift off. He efficiently checked his pulse, breathing and iv flow before moving off the bed.
Now I see where Jeffrey gets his touch from, Dumbledore commented. He was rewarded with a warm smile.
Ah, yes, Jeffy has a kind way, too. Of course, Severus
is an ideal patient, if you can believe it. Trusts us to do
our job and doesn't fight us. In this day and age it's a
rare pleasure, he set a few more incontinent pads by the bed along with a package of wipes.
You staying here tonight, Jeff? he asked quietly, or
would you like me to?
I'll stay, Dad, he said quickly.
Ok, I'll bring you some fresh clothes in the morning. Both
of you get some sleep tonight! I'm sure Severus will, and he picked up his bag and left.
He's wonderful, Dumbledore said.
Yeah, he always knows how much to give without taking
over, said Jeffrey. I've always appreciated that.
I think I want a bath now, said the Headmaster. I have
spare sleep clothing if you'd like to clean up, too.
Thank you, smiled Barnes.

Between the bath, shake and sleeping charm Snape slept without troubling dreams for over ten hours. Barnes and Dumbledore also managed nearly nine. Dr. Barnes Sr. enjoyed waking them up. While they dressed he tended to Snape, changing pads and cleaning skin.
You'll need to check him, Jeffrey. He's heavily sedated and
he needs to be kept dry and clean. I'll bathe him tonight
if you'd like. His son agreed; it made his life that much easier.
I was reviewing the file, Dad. This is a little different than
the other studies. Should I reduce the morphine or remove
the cooling charm? It's been nearly 35 hours since the
potion was introduced. The elder man took the information and quickly read over it.
I'd give it another 10 hours. Let's choose one tonight
when I come back. Most of the ingredients are quick to
work and exit. But there are a couple combos that seem
to need longer.
Jeffrey thought about this and nodded in agreement.
Ok, that sounds a little conservative, but I'd rather err on
the conservative side and have your back up on this one.
Smiling, the elder Barnes patted him on the shoulder and glanced over at Snape.
Ah, the sleeping beauty has woken up!
Dumbledore moved to his friend's side. He gently smoothed loose hair from his face and battled to keep his tears back.
Headmaster, a pleasure as always, the low voice was gravely and the doctors looked at one another. Jeffrey picked up a tea mug and poured water into it while pillows were fluffed under Snape, easing him up into nearly sitting. He gratefully sipped at the water, his face tightening a bit.
Let me check something, Albus, Jeffrey said quietly and he sat next to his patient. He palpitated the glands in Snape's neck then looked at his throat. It looked suspiciously like strep throat; when was he exposed to that? Handing the flashlight to his father he stood and moved to his medical back looking for a suitable antibiotic.
Well, Severus, you've got a nice case of strep throat
developing there. A little strange on one hand, but on
the other I'll bet one or both of the Weasley twins have
got it, too, the older doctor smiled. He ran a soothing hand over his patient's shoulder.
If you're a good boy you can have some popsicles later.
Snape sneered slightly before starting to cough. A dry cough but it hurt the throat. A cup was held to his lips and he sipped again, making a face at the taste. The look cleared, though, as the pain in his throat diminished. He leaned against the pillows and watched the younger doctor add something to his iv. He felt a pinprick and turned to see the elder Barnes finishing up giving him an injection.
Antibiotics. We'll have that infection cleared in no time.
Better send an owl to the Weasleys; check on the twins.
I'm sure if they complained no one would believe them, Snape swallowed a little more water. He didn't notice Dumbledore's darting glance of anger towards Jeffrey. Both men were still angry at the two young men.
I'll send one after we feed you some breakfast, said an agreeable Barnes sr. He sent Dobby off for a light breakfast and protein drink.
He coerced Snape into a scrambled egg and a little hot cereal. Then a thick peach and granola yogurt shake. His patient grew more and more sleepy, but he stuffed him as full as possible.
Keep eating for me. It will help metabolize the rest of the
poison in you and you'll eliminate it quicker, he explained. Snape managed nearly the entire shake before shaking his head and slipping into sleep. Cleaning up, Dr. Barnes lowered him back onto the mattress.
I'll be back this evening. Remember to change him and
get more food into him, he packed up and stood to leave.
I'd also suggest you two work on your anger. Severus
has made it clear he doesn't want those two young men
punished harshly, he said.
They very nearly killed him, James, because of stupidity and
not following directions. I find it hard to forgive when I
nearly lost my best friend, again tears threatened, but Dumbledore contained them. James watched closely, knowing the man needed to release his anger. Sighing when it was once more tamped down, Dr. Barnes nodded and left silently.
Between the two men Snape was cared for during the day. Dumbledore went to lunch and dinner in the main hall and attended to his ongoing mail. Barnes took care of his own notes and correspondence. Snape slept.
Both Dumbledore and Barnes tried to feed the sleeping man. He was quite difficult to wake.
I'm going to reduce the morphine mix, said Barnes, then
Severus might wake up. The doctor adjusted the drip and settled back to wait.
Call me if you need help, Dumbledore said as he returned to his desk.
Barnes watched the still body for awhile. He moved to the bed and sat down, taking Snape's hand.
Severus? I need you to wake up now, Severus, he watched the slack features slowly animate. Maybe he'd used a higher dose than necessary.
Snape groaned as he came into consciousness. He felt like his head was stuff with wet wool. His mouth was dry and his eyes seemed glued shut. He struggled to wake, but couldn't make the final connection.
The elder Dr. Barnes arrived in the room. He smiled at his son.
he asked.
Been trying. I reduced the morphine mix; I think he had
too much, Jeffrey checked the bag again.
Here, let me hold him awhile. He probably does have
too much morphine in his system, Barnes levitated Snape to him as he sat in the chair by the bed. Jeffrey carefully moved the iv line.
Let me adjust this a little more, and he turned the drip down further.
We may need to up the flow, he cautioned as he smoothed stray hair back and spoke softly to the waking professor.
Bring me a wet wash cloth, he asked.
Gently he took the cloth and wiped Snape's face.
A little too much sleep in your eyes, Severus, he then reached for the water cup and dipped his fingers, transferring the cool drips over his mouth.
A bit dry, too, I see. Let's get some water in your
mouth, professor, and he continued to put drops of water in his mouth. Snape's tongue slowly snaked out and gathered the liquid. He blinked his eyelids slowly, finally opening them for the older doctor.
Hello, Severus, he said warmly, have a small sip now, and he pushed a straw into the man's mouth. Slowly Snape suckled up a sip and swallowed. It didn't hurt as much as the morning, but he grimaced still the same.
I'll take care of that throat in a moment. Sip some
more for me, and Snape drew up a little more water, savoring the wetness.
Good. Now a sip of this. It will take away the sore
throat, he held another glass and straw up to his mouth; Snape drew in a small mouthful, swallowing quickly and making a disgusted face. But the soreness was gone. Water was replaced with cold iced juice. He suckled this happily, his stomach growled in appreciation.
Hungry? Maybe some soup? Barnes inquired.
Yes, please, whispered his patient. Jeffrey smiled and left the room to get Dobby. While he was out, Dumbledore came back in and sat next to his friend.
Hi, Severus, he said softly, smiling as he gently stroked his cheek. He received a pleased smile in return.
came the whisper, still angry? Leave it to Snape to jump to the heart of the matter. Dumbledore chose to actually lie, a small white lie anyway.
Not really, Severus, he replied, thinking, not with you, anyway.'
sighed Snape, hoping it was true. He leaned against the doctor and suddenly his nose twitched, smelling soup. Dobby had a small tureen of chicken soup.
Soft vegetables, soft chicken, tender noodles, said the elf,
lots of warm broth. Very tasty, Professor Snape. He was rewarded with a smile. The elder Barnes proceeded to feed him.
He was given a sponge bath then rewrapped. He fell asleep easily.
I think the bulk of the potion has worn off, said Jeffrey.
Yes, you can probably take him off the pain killers,
although I'd leave the drip in just in case. You can take
it out tomorrow if he does all right tonight, commented his father.
I'm just unsure what the long-term effects will be, Jeffrey added. Weakness for certain. He'll need to rest a few more
days. The strep itself will take four or five days to fully
get over.
The older doctor nodded.
Yes, it's safe to assume, Headmaster, he'll be bed bound for
three more days, then restricted to his rooms for a week
more just to be sure. Some of the ingredients' effects
can last that long.
Dumbledore rolled his eyes.
Keep Severus in his rooms another week? He'll be
chomping at the bit to return to his class.
Jeffrey looked at Snape sleeping,
Oh, I don't know. He's going to be very tired until
he's over the muscle weakness. He may like staying
in bed.