H3comforts

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 3 Comforts

Snape again slept the night. When Barnes rose the next morning he removed the iv. It had been in long enough anyway. The hand was slightly swollen and tender. Snape woke up as he was wrapping the hand, crying out softly.
he managed.
Yes, but it will go away soon, Barnes reassured him. He busied himself with cleaning up the lines and wrappings as Snape curled up around a pillow breaths coming in short and shallow. Glancing at the professor he continued to clean. He was looking forward to a shower and then getting on to home.
Dumbledore was already up and down to breakfast. Snape seemed to be sleeping so he moved into the bathroom.
When he returned wrapped in a towel he found his father sitting in the lounge with Snape draped over him, running a soothing hand over his back.
You removed the iv, he said.
Well, he doesn't need it anymore and the site was
starting to get sore, said Jeffrey, he mentioned it
hurt when I was taping it up.
Actually, he seems to still be in pain from the potion. He
was spasming when I came in. My initial scan showed some
damage was being done to his intestinal tract.
Nearly dropping his towel, he hurried over and put a hand on Snape's sweating back. He quickly read through all the turmoil and isolated the problem. The potion hadn't worked all the way through and it was irritating and burning all the way down.
he cursed softly.
I gave him some more morphine and coated his stomach
with a shake. He's doing better now, not condemning, just reporting quietly.
Thanks, Dad, he said, sinking down onto the carpet by the lounge.
I feel like a fool, thinking he was referring to his hand
hurting, not anything else.
You've been at it all weekend, Jeff. You're a little
tired, you know. Someone this ill takes alot of care, he shifted Snape slightly and waved a blanket over to cover him.
Why don't you go home, relax a bit. The clinic's covered.
I'll stay the day just in case and tonight. Once that
potion's residual has passed out of his system he'll
be fine.
The younger man thought about it, wanting to stay with his patient until everything was finished. But he also saw the wisdom of his father. He was tired. He did need to distance himself and rest if he wanted to be an effective healer.
Ok, Dad, you're right. Can I stop by later?
Of course! He's your patient. I'm just the substitute, and he smiled at his son.
*Plus*, thought the older man, *perhaps the anger would drain off of you and Albus if you were apart awhile!* He felt sorry for the twins actually, so much anger. He wanted it to be over before the punishment was discussed. He watched Jeffrey dress and pack his things. Patting Snape goodbye, he left for Hogsmeade.
They stayed sprawled together on the chair for the bulk of the day; Barnes liked to be able to constantly monitor his patient's progress. Dumbledore wandered in and out throughout the day; taking his place a few times so the doctor could move about. Snape stayed asleep, except to eat.
Late in the afternoon everything had worked well down the tract and after Dumbledore went out for a walk (oh, shoo, Albus, we'll be just fine!) he put his patient down and dug through his medical bag for something to coat the last part of the passage.
Enemas should be banned, growled Snape as he followed orders.
Barnes laughed lightly, you'll be very glad for this
one.
He levitated Snape into the lavatory.
Let me guess, groused Snape as he was set down on the loo, go on demand? Barnes laughed again.
You realize children fear me for a good reason, Snape tried to sound as nasty as possible.
So I have been told, Barnes agreed easily.
Most of the staff steer clear, too, he snarled. Pressure was building and it was becoming uncomfortable.
Yes, Pomfrey has shared many confidences of late, Barnes reached out and took his hand.
As well as Dumbledore himself. Just to pass the time,
of course. Squeeze when it hurts, he pressed Snape's hand.
Snape wished he could think of more threats, but it did hurt and he found himself holding tight to the older doctor.
This is ridiculous, he gritted out.
I certainly don't think so, Professor, smiled Barnes. Snape sneered at him.
I am eternally grateful you sent everyone away, he managed, they're angry enough without this little show. He was holding tight, a few tears formed strictly from the pain and he was getting sweaty.
It will be over very soon, he encouraged the Potions Master. After a strangled gasp the last of the potion passed out.
He felt Barnes massaging his hand as he controlled his breathing once again.
Done. Now, a quick rinse off? I'll help wash you down, and he was quickly run through the shower and dried. The absolute relief of not being in pain caused the man to be silent, trusting the doctor and submitting to the ministrations. Even the final check was allowed with no complaints.
When Dumbledore returned, with the younger Barnes in tow, Snape was sitting up in bed on his own scanning a copy of the Daily Prophet. He looked up with a sheepish grin and watched the Headmaster hurry over to him. James held his son back.
Dumbledore asked with a definite quaver in his voice.
I'm fine, Albus, really, Snape said holding open his arms.
For the first time in years Dumbledore crawled into his friend's arms and sobbed. Rocking him, whispering to him, Snape did all he could do to comfort the distraught man.
I-I thought I'd lost you, cried the wizard. I couldn't bear
losing you like this, to some students' stupidity. Snape just rubbed his back.
I'm fine, Albus, I'm just fine. It wasn't my most favorite
way to spend the weekend, but I'm alive thanks to James,
Jeffrey and you.
I've been so angry, Dumbledore admitted finally, drawing in a long shuddering breath.
I've cursed those two bastards to the seven fires of hell.
Snape gently kissed Dumbledore's forehead, then rested his cheek on it.
First, Albus, they both have a wonderful father, I've
met Arthur myself on several other occasions in regards
to the twins and their behavior, A shuddery chuckle wafted up from the depths of his shirt.
And second, you can't curse any of the students; it's
against the school rules, he continued to rock.
But they hurt you, began the faltering man.
They made a very bad mistake and I will be sure to have
a lovely time organizing their detentions for the next couple
months, he rubbed the trembling back.
But it was a mistake. An eager and inquisitive child's
mistake, Albus, he continued to comfort his friend.
I'll handle them, you know I'm a bit notorious about
having a vile temper, again another weak chuckle. Snape did not want this anger in his friend. That was his prerogative, to carry anger for years. He knew it would tear Albus apart.
If that's what you want, Severus, the Headmaster conceded.
It is, he said soothingly.
Finally, Dumbledore slowed, breathing evened out as he simply curled against Snape's chest listening to his heart faithfully beating.
I'm going to lay down, Albus, Snape whispered and began to move. He managed to untangle the bedclothes and pull the Headmaster down with him. The older man was very nearly asleep as was and it didn't take much to snuggle down with him. As he was drifting, the elder Barnes caught his attention and smiled gently.
Just let Jeff scan you. I'll be here tonight in case you
need anything, he ran a soft hand over his face. The younger Barnes came forward, scanned his patient and whispered goodnight. He and his father sat and talked softly into the night.

On Wednesday 400 points reappeared in the Gryffindor glass. A bulletin was given to the quidditch team captains announcing that Snape refused to accept the forfeit, claiming it was cowardly. Slytherin would have it's victory over Gryffindor fair and square! The churlish message ignited the rivalry fires; Both captains began their campaigns of pride and spirit.
Privately, Snape hoped they wouldn't lose too badly.
Harry Potter received a note asking him to report to the Headmaster's tower when convenient. When he reported before dinner Dumbledore led him to the bedroom, eyes twinkling again.
Go in, Harry, he said. Harry noted the man did not follow and in fact he closed the door behind him. He looked across the room and saw Professor Snape, pale and thin, resting on the bed. He quietly walked to the chair near him and sat down.
Well, Potter, you've decided to show up, he growled fiercely, although his eyes were still closed. Harry was well aware of this particular ruse and picked up the Potions Master's hand, squeezing it gently.
I can't very well drop everything to attend to you,
Professor. I do have other obligations, sir! he sarcastically replied. He smiled, pleased Snape was recovering well.
came the snide reply. An eye slid open, then the other and Snape's mouth pulled briefly into a sneer then dropped into a small smile.
You didn't say to rush, Severus. How are you? Harry continued to gently squeeze the man's hand, glad it was warm.
Much better. After Friday I almost appreciate Longbottom's
incompetence at potions, he returned the squeeze and then pulled his hand back so he could sit up. Harry settled back into his chair.
What can I do for you, Professor? Harry asked.
Are you going in to Hogsmeade this Saturday? Snape replied with a question of his own.
Yes, we're going in to eat at the Three Broomsticks, said Harry.
Would you mind picking up a couple books for me? Snape asked.
Books? Sure, no problem, he accepted a bit of parchment with a title and a few galleons.
An Herbalist's Diary by L. Sproutt, two copies, Harry read aloud. He looked curiously at Snape.
Some required reading for the Weasley twins, Snape grudgingly explained,
besides an excellent set of photographs and descriptions
there are lists of common reactions between the
different herbs. I have a feeling the Weasleys need all
the help they can get.
Especially if you expect to survive the rest of the
year, Harry smirked. Snape allowed himself a small smile, too.
Especially since I do. Oh, and some lemon creams? Plus, and here he leaned forward and whispered something into Harry's ear causing the student to smile.
Just one? Harry asked with a smirk.
That will be enough, Snape replied. Harry made a couple notes on the paper and tucked it in his robes. He noted that Snape looked exhausted, dark circles under his eyes.
Still tired? he asked.
the after-effects are lingering. I think the doctors
are going to keep me in bed for a month, he sneered,
but don't get your hopes up.
Never. You'll be back soon enough to make potions
miserable. Thanks for rescheduling the quidditch match, he added quickly.
Snape shrugged.
I felt it was too harsh. And don't you laugh, you rotten
brat! For all intents and purposes I want the opportunity
for the Slytherins to squash you Gryffindors flat!
Harry smiled and nodded.
Good luck! he retorted, noting the eyes drifting closed.
I need to get down to dinner, Severus, Snape waved him towards the door as he slipped back down into the bed.
Go, eat. Thank you, Harry, he sighed as he began to snuggle down. Harry leaned over and pulled the covers up
Sleep well, Severus, he said quietly as he gently hugged the nearly asleep man.
He left, leaving the door open. Dumbledore was seated at his desk, scribbling furiously.
I'm going down to dinner, sir, Harry said. The Headmaster looked up, eyes dancing. It was wonderful to see him happy again. The dull look that dominated his face when Snape was ill had been painful.
Enjoy, Harry, he said.