Snake and Wolf: The Finding

by Terion

{COMPLETE} Just before the trio's fifth year at Hogwarts begins, Severus Snape finds out his little sister Saerry is still alive. But there's something up with Harry as well. What could it be?

44. Chapter 43 - Pain and Evil Plots

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything related is the property of J.K. Rowling and anyone else who has claim to a piece of Harry's fame

Disclaimer 2: I own the plot, Saerry Snape, and Aeyr's.  Nothing more, nothing less.

Chapter 43 **Pain and Evil Plots**

Severus bounded back up the steps and into the entrance hall.  He skidded around the corner and set off at a dead run for the hospital wing.  Harry's head bounced against his chest as he ran.

"Professor!"

Hermione and Ron ran up from the hall in front of him.  Their eyes went wide when they saw Harry, who was almost white from exposure to the cold.

"Is he . . .?" started Hermione but Severus snarled, "No time.  I have to get him to the hospital wing now.  You two go get Albus."

Hermione nodded and ran off, dragging Ron after her.  Severus paid them no further thought as his mind switched back to Harry.  He set off at a run again, cursing himself for not keeping a better eye on his son.

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Hermione and Ron skidded to a stop in front of the stone gargoyle that guarded Dumbledore's office.

Ron yelled, "We don't know the password!"

"Just start saying things!  Harry said it's always a sweet!"

The two of them began to rattle off every candy name they could think of, Muggle and Wizard.  Just as Ron had said Sugar Quill the gargoyle jumped aside and they sprinted upstairs.

Dumbledore looked up from behind his desk as the entered and said, "Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley.  What may I do for you?"

Hermione gasped, "Harry.  Professor Snape.  Hospital wing.  Told us to get.  You."

Dumbledore rose, his face turning from kind to worried.  He swept out of the office and Ron and Hermione bolted after him.  They were going to find out what was wrong with Harry no matter what.

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Severus kicked open the door of the hospital wing and roared, "POPPY!"

Madam Pomfrey appeared out from behind a curtain hiding a bed and growled, "What do you want . . ."  She trailed off when she saw Severus, Harry lying limp in his arms.  Pointing at the closest bed she snapped, "Put him there."

Severus laid Harry down on the bed and stepped back as Madam Pomfrey pushed him aside.  As she began to examine Harry he felt a weight settle on his shoulder.  Looking, he saw Saeln there, his shimmering coils wrapped about his shoulder.  The snake looked at him and hissed worriedly, "Harry Ssssnape be alright?"

Severus looked from the Aeyr to his son and sighed.  "I don't know."

Saeln hissed softly and rubbed his head against Severus' cheek.  The Aeyr was almost as worried about his son and he was.

Severus watched as Madam Pomfrey threw a blanket over Harry and performed a Heating Charm on the boy.  He did not hear Dumbledore until he was standing beside him.

"Severus."

Without taking his eyes off Harry, Severus softly replied, "Albus."

Dumbledore looked over at Harry and asked, "What happened?"

"I don't know.  Saeln here told me Harry was in the snow.  I – I think Voldemort tried to capture him."

Dumbledore blinked then sighed.  "We knew this would come."

Severus closed his eyes and rubbed at his temples.  "God, what I wouldn't give to be able to give him a normal life."

Dumbledore patted his shoulder and said, "One day you will Severus.  I am sure of it."

"Thank you."

Dumbledore nodded then left.  Severus looked after him and saw Ron and Hermione standing nervously in the door.  He forced a smile and said, "You two are welcome to come in."

The two Gryffindors came into the room and stood on either side of him, Ron considerably further away than Hermione.  They stood there in silence, watching Madam Pomfrey perform several spells over Harry's limp form.  Then Hermione asked softly, "Is he going to be okay Professor?"

Severus sighed and looked down at his son's friend.  He replied, "I don't know Hermione.  We can only hope."

Hermione blinked at Severus saying her first name but ignored it.

Ron swallowed hard and muttered, "I hope he's okay."

Saeln hissed, "We all do," but only Severus could hear him.

Suddenly the door burst open and Saerry charged in, tears streaming down her face.  She cried, "Severus!" and ran straight for her brother.  Severus turned and enveloped her in his arms.  Saerry sobbed uncontrollably into his shoulder, her hands clutched at his robes.

Severus hugged his sister close, running one hand through her long hair.  He whispered soothingly, "Its alright Saer.  Everything's going to be fine."

Ron and Hermione took a step back from the two, looking from them to Harry, who was beginning to look a little better from Madam Pomfrey Heating Charm.  Madam Pomfrey glared at them and Severus and Saerry then coughed.  Severus turned but Saerry was still sobbing into his shoulder.

"He'll be fine.  I'd say he'll be up and about in three or four days."

With that she left them.  Hermione and Ron grinned at each other while Severus and Saerry hugged each other, Severus saying "He's going to be alright" over and over.

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Outside the hospital wing stood Draco, listening to everything.  He cursed silently and stormed off.  As he entered an empty hallway that led back to the Slytherin dormitory he hissed, "I'll get you one day Potter.  One way or another, I will get you one day."

As Draco disappeared down the corridor Fred and George poked their heads out of the one-eyed witches hump.  They had ducked in there when they had heard him coming down the hall.

The twins looked at each other then climbed out of the statue, heading quickly towards Gryffindor Tower.  They had no idea what Draco had been talking about but they didn't think it was anything good for Harry's health.

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"You two should go to bed."

Severus looked at the two Gryffindors sitting on the other side of Harry's bed.  Hermione was leaning against Ron's shoulder, almost completely asleep.  Ron looked half-asleep himself.

Saerry was leaning against him, her head pillowed on his shoulder.  She had fallen asleep there a half-hour ago after crying her eyes out over the state Harry was in and what had nearly happened to them.

Severus glared at the two and growled, "Go now.  Or I'll take fifty points from Gryffindor."  He added menacingly, "For both of you."

Ron nodded vaguely and shook Hermione awake.  She woke halfway, mumbled something about O.W.L.S., and then slumped back against Ron's shoulder.  The red-haired boy sighed and heaved her to her feet.  He dragged her out of the hospital wing, muttering a goodbye to Severus.

Severus looked after the two for a moment then turned his attention back to his son.  Wrapping an arm about Saerry, he turned to Saeln on his shoulder and hissed, "I want you to do ssssomething for me."

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When Ron and Hermione arrived at the Fat Lady she asked, "Dear me, what happened to you two?"  Ron struggled to hold Hermione upright and growled, "Long story.  Chesterfield."

The portrait swung open and Ron dragged Hermione inside, hoping to be able to get up to bed without any questions.  Unfortunately he can face to face with his brothers as soon as he was inside.

"Ron!  There you are!  We've been looking all over for you!"

"Yea.  We heard Malfoy . . . oi, what's up with Hermione?"

Ron grunted, "I'll tell you.  Just help me get her on the couch.  She's a lot heavier than she looks."

Fred and George nodded and each grabbed one of Hermione's feet.  The three Weasley's got her on the couch easily enough then Ron fell back into a chair.  Fred and George settled in chairs close to his.

Fred asked, "So, what happened?"

George nodded and said, "Yea."

Ron sighed and said, "Okay, I don't know exactly what happened but here's what I do know . . ."

A few minutes later Fred and George were gaping.

"Harry nearly got captured by You-Know-Who?"

Ron nodded.  "So, what did you two say about Malfoy?"

Fred and George instantly turned cold.  George growled, "That snake may have been the one who nearly got Harry caught."  Fred nodded and Ron rose shakily to his feet.  He said, "We have to tell Dumbledore."

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Dumbledore looked up at the Weasley twins and Ron came tumbling through his door.

"Hello boys.  What can I do for you now?"

Ron sat down heavily in a chair and growled, "Professor, Malfoy set Harry up."

As Fred and George nodded Dumbledore arched a white eyebrow.  "Do you have proof Mr. Weasley?"

"Fred and George heard him."

Fred nodded.  "We did sir.  He said he was going to get Harry one day."

George added in an ominous voice, "One way or another."

Fred nodded and Dumbledore frowned.  He said, "Thank you for telling me.  I will talk to Mr. Malfoy myself."

Ron piped, "He'll lie Professor."

"We will use Veritaserum Mr. Weasley.  Now, off to bed all three of you."

Dumbledore looked back down and that told them the conversation was over.  The three Weasley's rose and left Dumbledore's office.

Dumbledore rose moments later to leave.

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"Severus."

Severus looked up to find Dumbledore standing there.

"Albus?"

Dumbledore frowned and said, " I believe we have found our culprit."

Severus' eyes flashed fire and his free hand clenched into a fist.  He had sent Saeln off to find out the same thing but now that seemed useless when Dumbledore said they had found the person who had put Harry in the hospital wing.

"Who?"

Dumbledore frowned again.  "Severus, perhaps we should . . ."

Severus snarled, "Who, Albus?"

Dumbledore sighed.  "Draco."

Severus cursed.  He spat, "Damn Lucius a thousand times for tainting that poor boy's mind."  After a moment he growled, "Where is he?"  All Severus wanted to do was get his hands on somebody's, anybody's, neck and squeeze the life out of them.

Suddenly Saeln came bolting into the room, making a smooth landing on Severus' shoulder.  He hissed, "Malfoy.  He isss in dungeonssss."

Severus rose carefully, leaning Saerry back into her chair without waking her, setting Saeln down in his seat and telling the Aeyr to stay and keep watch.  As he made to leave, Dumbledore grabbed his shoulder in a surprisingly firm grip.  Severus whirled to face him, his eyes betraying his rage.

"Severus, we have to know for sure before we can do anything to Draco."

"Meaning . . ."

"Do you have a vial of Veritaserum Severus?"

Severus nodded, understanding now.  "I do."

Dumbledore looked him hard in the eyes and said, "Get it.  I will find Mr. Malfoy and meet you in my office."

Severus nodded and the two men took off.

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Draco scowled and sank back into his chair in the Slytherin common room, watching the flames dance in the fireplace.  Suddenly the entrance to the room opened and the Headmaster stepped in.  His blue eyes were cold and hard as he moved towards Draco.

"Mr. Malfoy.  If you would come with me."

Draco spat, "Why?  I haven't done anything."

Dumbledore frowned at him and said, "That remains to be seen."  With that the old wizard turned to leave, looking back to make sure Draco was following him.  Draco cursed him silently but followed, head held high.

Whatever Dumbledore thought he did, he wouldn't get blamed for.

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Severus paced in Dumbledore's office.  A vial that looked empty until you looked closer sat upon the desk.

The door suddenly opened and Severus whirled about, his eyes narrowing as he saw Draco standing there, looking far too much like his father.  Right down to the haughty look he had on his face.  He acted as if nothing could touch him.  Severus scoffed and thought Something will touch him soon enough.

Dumbledore sat down behind his desk, motioning Draco to have a seat.  Draco sat, his gray eyes flicking from Dumbledore to Severus and back.

"Mr. Malfoy, did you have anything to do with Mr. Snape's accident earlier this evening?"

Draco spat, "Sir?  Professor Snape looks fine to me."

Severus growled and spat, "Harry you prat."

Draco glared at him and snarled, "I DON'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT POTTER!"

Severus snarled, "Its Snape you dim-witted little . . "

Dumbledore barked, "Severus!  If you wouldn't mind."

Severus growled something unintelligible and went silent.  Dumbledore frowned at him then said, "Mr. Malfoy, if you do not cooperate with us we will force you to take Veritaserum."  He looked straight into Draco's eyes and continued, "We have two students who claim they heard you making threats on Harry's life."

"I did no such thing!"

Severus snorted but said nothing.

Dumbledore sighed.  "I am afraid that you must take Veritaserum."

Draco spat, "No."

Severus arched a thin eyebrow and said menacingly, "No?"

"I won't take anything.  I did nothing to Potter and if you make me take the blame for him being stupid enough to go out in the snow, I'll tell my father."

Severus grinned ferally and said, "We never said Harry went out in the snow.  How did you know that Mr. Malfoy?"

Draco scowled.  Dammit!

Severus chuckled.  "Caught you off guard Mr. Malfoy?  And what do you think your father can do?  He has no power here at Hogwart's."

Draco snapped, "He has power in other places."

"Ah yes.  In the dark recesses of the wizarding world.  You father is a slave to Voldemort boy.  Do you intend to follow in his footsteps?"  Severus leaned close to Draco and hissed, "There isn't any glory in that path.  I should know."

Draco spat, "You know nothing!"

SMACK.

The sound of the slap reverberated around the room.  Severus drew back his hand and snarled, "I know much more than you do boy.  I presume you've already joined their ranks."  He grabbed Draco's left arm and jerked the sleeve back.  There, glittering darkly, was the Dark Mark.

"Well, well, a new lamb in the fold."  Severus grabbed the bottle of Veritaserum off his desk and shoved it into Draco's hands.  He snapped, "Drink it.  Or I'll show you how much several years in Voldemort's service can teach you about pain."

Dumbledore simply watched this exchange, knowing Severus might be able to get through to Draco in some way he could not.

Draco glared at Severus, the threat dangling in the air between them.  He sneered then downed the potion.  Immediately his eyes went glassy and he relaxed in his seat.

Severus' lips curved in a smirk as he asked, "What were your orders?"

"To drink the Polyjuice Potion made to turn me into Professor Snape and make Potter think he hated him."

Severus spat out a curse then hissed, "And you did this?"

"Yes?"

"You put another student's life in danger?"

"My Master ordered it."

Severus hung his head.  The boy was too far gone to reach.  He was lost in the darkness.  Licking his lips he asked, "Your Master?"

"Lord Voldemort."

Severus sighed and looked at Dumbledore.  Dumbledore frowned and said, "Mr. Malfoy, please give your wand to Professor Snape."

Draco pulled his wand from his robes and handed it to Severus, who held the thin piece of wood tightly in one hand.

"Mr. Malfoy, you are hereby expelled from Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  Your wand will be broken; then you will pack your things, and return home.  Is that understood?"

Draco nodded numbly.  "Yes."

"Severus."

Severus nodded and held Draco's wand in both hands, bringing it down with a crack over his knee.  The stick snapped, sending a unicorn hair spiraling to the floor.

Looking back up Severus blandly said, "Mr. Malfoy, you have been expelled."

A/N: SEE!  YOU DO NOT WANT TO BE THE ONE WHO MESSES WITH HARRY!  HA!  HAHA!!  *evil grin*  Sorry to all Draco fans for expelling him but it had to be done.  He might, I say might, return in a later chapter but I'm not sure.  At the moment my brain is empty of ideas so I'm going to go work on the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Dark Rising (yes, I'm going ahead and writing it).

A/N2: Ah, and the password for the tower is a piece of music I'm playing in band.  The Junior Varsity 2nd chair clarinet is me.  =D