Disclaimer: I own the plot and Saerry Snape.  Everything else is JKR's.

Harry Potter and the Dark Defenses

Chapter 42 ***Back to the World***

"I think he's waking up!"

Harry's eyes fluttered open and he saw several shapes moving above him that he couldn't make out.  He mumbled, "Who?"

Someone giggled and then something slid onto his face.  He saw it was his glasses as he could see clearly now.  Blinking, Harry looked back at the faces above him.  He saw Ron, Ginny, Hermione, Dumbledore, and Sirius' faces but surprisingly Severus, Saerry, and Draco's as well.

Blinking again, he mumbled, "Hi guys."

Ron chuckled and said, "Out for nearly a month and all he has to say is 'Hi guys'.  Harry, my friend, you need people skills."

Harry smiled weakly and croaked, "Why thank you Ron."

"A pleasure."

Harry tilted his head towards Dumbledore and asked, "Have I really been out for a month?"

"Yes Harry.  It seems it nearly killed you to do what you did."

"So that's why I feel like a piece of lead."

Hermione smiled and brushed his hair back from his face.  She said, "We're just happy you made it back to us Harry."

"I doubt that."  Harry peered down at Severus and Saerry and said, "I'd have thought you two wouldn't have bothered to see me again.  Let alone save me."  This last was to Severus, who smiled and wrapped an arm about his sister's shoulders.

"I believe I still owed you my life Harry.   Consider this my payment."  Severus looked at Saerry then added, "Thought now I own you my sister's life too."

Saerry smiled and said, "And I owe you my life and that of my brother's Professor Potter.  Thank you for giving me both."

Harry smiled at the two Snape's and said, "You're welcome."  He leaned into his pillow and closed his eyes with a sigh.  Sirius' voice was suddenly in his ears.

"Not leaving on us are you Harry?"

Harry mumbled, "Not a chance Sirius."

The Animagus chuckled and gently patted his arm.  "Good."

Madam Pomfrey's voice suddenly ran out.  "Alright, all of you OUT!  He needs rest!  Yes, you too Albus."

"Ah, but Poppy . . ."

"OUT!"

Harry laughed inwardly at the thought of Madam Pomfrey kicked the Headmaster out of the hospital wing.  Quiet suddenly sleep closed around him and he slipped into it.  But not before he felt someone tuck the blanket up around him and gently kiss his forehead.  A soft voice said, "Sleep well Harry."  A moment later the person was gone.

And Harry slept peacefully.