A/N: My, you all are too trusting. Not a one of you was concerned that,
say, the potion would do something harmful to Harry. So sorry this took so
long…the good news is I'm finished with exams and should have more time to
write. :-D
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
The Color of Crimson
By Lady of Arundel
Chapter 11: Awakenings and Interruptions
The three adults sat in tense silence.
After administering the potion Severus had set aside the goblet and had hesitantly taken one of Harry's limp hands in his own. Arabella had taken a damp washcloth to the boy's fevered forehead trying to cool his fever externally as Remus looked on, fighting the urge to pace the room.
Each began to wonder whether something had gone wrong with the potion when Harry suddenly took a sharp intake of breath. Severus clenched the frail hand and Remus lunged closer.
"Harry? Wake up, Harry."
The feverish boy slowly moved his head against the pillow and whimpered, as if the small movement had caused great pain. Arabella removed the washcloth.
"Harry, child, it's alright, just open your eyes…" she murmered. Harry moaned weakly in response but began to stir, eyelashes starting to flutter as the boy struggled to obey. Severus abruptly stood, tearing his hand away from Harry's before the boy woke completely.
"I will signal Albus," Severus said, voice tight. His gaze lingered on Harry for a moment before sparing a quick nod to Arabella and sweeping into the next room. Brows slightly furrowed in confusion, Remus stared after Severus a moment before turning back to the awakening figure on the couch. He swiftly took Severus's place, grasping Harry's freed hand as Arabella continued to call him awake.
"That's a good boy, just open your eyes." She smoothed back damp bangs and smiled as pained green eyes blearily blinked open.
"M-M-Mrs. Figg?" Harry's voice was but a faint whisper.
"Yes, Harry. You're in my home, you're safe now." Arabella adjusted Harry's glasses. He blinked as his eyes refocused. "Do you see who else is here?"
"P-Professor Lupin?" Harry was rewarded with a warm smile as Remus nodded.
"That's right, Harry. Now, can you sit up?"
Harry struggled halfway into a sitting position, jumping when Arabella placed a hand on his shoulder to help him. Panting softly, Harry tilted his head back against the couch, shying away from Arabella's steadying hand. His eyes started to slide shut but suddenly widened as he became more aware of his surroundings. Harry jerked awake, biting his lip against the pain the sudden movement caused.
"Professor Lupin? What are you doing here? You need to leave, you're in danger—"
"Shh, try to calm down, Harry. Don't worry about us," said Remus, reaching out to assure the boy but stopping when Harry visibly flinched.
"You know each other?"
"Mrs. Figg is a witch, Harry." Harry nodded slowly.
"I thought so…" At both adults' startled expressions he hastily tried to explain. "Last year, after…well, Dumbledore…I mean, Professor Dumbledore…sent Sirius on a mission to contact the 'old crowd' and he mentioned Arabella Figg, so I thought that…" he trailed off, uncertain.
"What a clever child!" Arabella beamed. "I've known Remus since he was a wee thing. I taught him when he went to Hogwarts, taught your parents, too—"
"You knew my parents?" Harry was too shocked to notice Arabella's pointed look at Remus.
"Of course she did, Harry. Arabella was our Potions professor." Harry looked back and forth between Arabella and Remus, somewhat unbelieving. "Now, Harry," said Remus, swiftly changing the subject, "do you remember what happened?"
Harry paled and noticeably withdrew from his earlier excited state.
"A…a little. Bits and pieces." He looked down at his hands folded in his lap.
"We need you to tell us what you remember…" Harry bobbed his head, refusing to look up. He spoke slowly, head still bowed.
"I was…I was waiting for someone from Hogwarts to take me to school…" Harry flushed, but continued. "Professor Dumbledore wrote a few days ago, and…" Guilt flashed across Remus's face.
"Yes, Harry, I was coming to collect you. Go on."
"Well, I was waiting and heard a noise from outside. It wasn't quite noon so I didn't think it was…anyway, I ran to get my wand when…"
"Yes, Harry?" prompted Arabella. Harry's voice dropped to a strained whisper.
"Death Eaters. They…they burst through the door, I…"
"How many, Harry?" Harry chewed his lip.
"I think…six?"
"Six?" said Remus, startled. 'I only counted five…' he thought.
"I think so…they, they cornered me in the living room. I…I don't really remember much after that, I didn't feel too good…"
"That's alright, Harry." Arabella smiled warmly. "Do you remember anything after that?"
"There were voices…" He looked questioningly at Remus. "I think I remember Professor Lupin?" He nodded.
"That's right. I…I found you, brought you here."
"That's all I remember, I'm sorry…" Harry looked away, as if ashamed.
"Hush, child, you—" Harry suddenly gasped and looked up in horror.
"The house! The Dursleys' house! Uncle Vernon…" His voice shook slightly and he bit his lip hard as he became lost in thought. Arabella and Remus, not noticing, had jumped to their feet.
"Were the Dursleys home?"
"No, no. No one else was home. Uncle Vernon went to work and Aunt Petunia took Dudley out…he's afraid of wizards, you see, and…" Remus sighed in relief.
"Thank Merlin. I didn't think to see if anyone else was in the house…"
"What…what's going to happen to the house, the Dursleys…"
"Already construction wizards working on undoing the damage, I suspect. The house and the Dursleys will be fine." Harry slumped back against the couch in relief.
"I-in that case, I want to go back."
"Don't worry, Harry, I'm sure Arabella will collect your trunk and we can go to Dia—"
"No, I mean, I want to go back." Both adults were thoroughly confused.
"Don't be silly, child. You're going to Hogwarts with Remus and—" Arabella was interrupted by Severus bursting into the room. Harry gasped and scrambled to his feet, swaying slightly..
"Professor Snape!"
Severus seemed to pay no heed to Harry's startled outcry, turning instead to the remaining two.
"Ministry. Already past the gate," Severus gasped, slightly out of breath. "I signaled Albus but it will take too long for him to disable the wards. We'll have to go by portkey. Arabella, you'll have to stay or they'll be suspicious. Remus and Potter, take hold of this." He held out a copy of the Daily Prophet and Remus promptly joined Severus, taking hold of the paper.
Harry, however, had frozen on the spot, face absolutely white.
"Harry?" Remus asked. "Harry, what's wrong?" Harry paid Remus no heed, continuing to stare at his Potions Master in horror.
"A-a portkey?"
"Yes, a portkey." Severus said exasperated. "Now come on, we don't—"
"No, I...I can't…" Harry unsteadily backed away from the three adults, who in turn were all staring at him uncomprehendingly. Severus took a step forward, voice faltering.
"Harry?"
Harry's eyes were wide and wild, in such a panic that he failed to notice the Potion Master's use of his first name.
"I…I can't. Cedric…"
Severus and Remus both inhaled sharply. 'Of course,' thought Remus, 'The Triwizard Cup was a portkey that brought him to Voldemort…' Before Remus could find words to reassure Harry, Severus had already begun to speak.
"I assure you, Harry, I made this myself. It will just bring us to Hogwarts and Professor Dumbledore, it's perfectly safe." As Severus reached to place a hand on Harry's shoulder, he suddenly noticed that Harry's terrified stare had shifted from the newspaper in his hand to a point behind him.
"Mr. Potter is quite right, he's not going anywhere with you."
The three adults spun on the spot.
Just through the door to Arabella's living room stood the Minister of Magic himself, flanked by six Aurors.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
TBC…
A/N: Hmm, that was unexpected…Fudge's appearance wasn't scheduled until later, but he insisted on barging right in without any consideration to others, including the author. Ah well. Severus currently reminds me a lot like this cat we has when I was little. His name was Winston and was a European Wildcat…he died when I was six and at that point was still bigger than I was. Anyway, when I was awake Winston detested me—I was competition for my father's affections, and thus enemy number one. When I was asleep, however, he adored me and was my protector—he used to curl up on my bed or on the floor by the bed and wouldn't even let my own parents near me to check on me at night (literally).
Severus, meet Winston; Winston, meet Severus.
I'm going to forego replying to reviews so I can get this posted—I'll go back and add them at a later point. But thank you ALL for reviewing (223! I'm truly shocked…I figured I'd get, like, 10 total.)!!!!!!
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
The Color of Crimson
By Lady of Arundel
Chapter 11: Awakenings and Interruptions
The three adults sat in tense silence.
After administering the potion Severus had set aside the goblet and had hesitantly taken one of Harry's limp hands in his own. Arabella had taken a damp washcloth to the boy's fevered forehead trying to cool his fever externally as Remus looked on, fighting the urge to pace the room.
Each began to wonder whether something had gone wrong with the potion when Harry suddenly took a sharp intake of breath. Severus clenched the frail hand and Remus lunged closer.
"Harry? Wake up, Harry."
The feverish boy slowly moved his head against the pillow and whimpered, as if the small movement had caused great pain. Arabella removed the washcloth.
"Harry, child, it's alright, just open your eyes…" she murmered. Harry moaned weakly in response but began to stir, eyelashes starting to flutter as the boy struggled to obey. Severus abruptly stood, tearing his hand away from Harry's before the boy woke completely.
"I will signal Albus," Severus said, voice tight. His gaze lingered on Harry for a moment before sparing a quick nod to Arabella and sweeping into the next room. Brows slightly furrowed in confusion, Remus stared after Severus a moment before turning back to the awakening figure on the couch. He swiftly took Severus's place, grasping Harry's freed hand as Arabella continued to call him awake.
"That's a good boy, just open your eyes." She smoothed back damp bangs and smiled as pained green eyes blearily blinked open.
"M-M-Mrs. Figg?" Harry's voice was but a faint whisper.
"Yes, Harry. You're in my home, you're safe now." Arabella adjusted Harry's glasses. He blinked as his eyes refocused. "Do you see who else is here?"
"P-Professor Lupin?" Harry was rewarded with a warm smile as Remus nodded.
"That's right, Harry. Now, can you sit up?"
Harry struggled halfway into a sitting position, jumping when Arabella placed a hand on his shoulder to help him. Panting softly, Harry tilted his head back against the couch, shying away from Arabella's steadying hand. His eyes started to slide shut but suddenly widened as he became more aware of his surroundings. Harry jerked awake, biting his lip against the pain the sudden movement caused.
"Professor Lupin? What are you doing here? You need to leave, you're in danger—"
"Shh, try to calm down, Harry. Don't worry about us," said Remus, reaching out to assure the boy but stopping when Harry visibly flinched.
"You know each other?"
"Mrs. Figg is a witch, Harry." Harry nodded slowly.
"I thought so…" At both adults' startled expressions he hastily tried to explain. "Last year, after…well, Dumbledore…I mean, Professor Dumbledore…sent Sirius on a mission to contact the 'old crowd' and he mentioned Arabella Figg, so I thought that…" he trailed off, uncertain.
"What a clever child!" Arabella beamed. "I've known Remus since he was a wee thing. I taught him when he went to Hogwarts, taught your parents, too—"
"You knew my parents?" Harry was too shocked to notice Arabella's pointed look at Remus.
"Of course she did, Harry. Arabella was our Potions professor." Harry looked back and forth between Arabella and Remus, somewhat unbelieving. "Now, Harry," said Remus, swiftly changing the subject, "do you remember what happened?"
Harry paled and noticeably withdrew from his earlier excited state.
"A…a little. Bits and pieces." He looked down at his hands folded in his lap.
"We need you to tell us what you remember…" Harry bobbed his head, refusing to look up. He spoke slowly, head still bowed.
"I was…I was waiting for someone from Hogwarts to take me to school…" Harry flushed, but continued. "Professor Dumbledore wrote a few days ago, and…" Guilt flashed across Remus's face.
"Yes, Harry, I was coming to collect you. Go on."
"Well, I was waiting and heard a noise from outside. It wasn't quite noon so I didn't think it was…anyway, I ran to get my wand when…"
"Yes, Harry?" prompted Arabella. Harry's voice dropped to a strained whisper.
"Death Eaters. They…they burst through the door, I…"
"How many, Harry?" Harry chewed his lip.
"I think…six?"
"Six?" said Remus, startled. 'I only counted five…' he thought.
"I think so…they, they cornered me in the living room. I…I don't really remember much after that, I didn't feel too good…"
"That's alright, Harry." Arabella smiled warmly. "Do you remember anything after that?"
"There were voices…" He looked questioningly at Remus. "I think I remember Professor Lupin?" He nodded.
"That's right. I…I found you, brought you here."
"That's all I remember, I'm sorry…" Harry looked away, as if ashamed.
"Hush, child, you—" Harry suddenly gasped and looked up in horror.
"The house! The Dursleys' house! Uncle Vernon…" His voice shook slightly and he bit his lip hard as he became lost in thought. Arabella and Remus, not noticing, had jumped to their feet.
"Were the Dursleys home?"
"No, no. No one else was home. Uncle Vernon went to work and Aunt Petunia took Dudley out…he's afraid of wizards, you see, and…" Remus sighed in relief.
"Thank Merlin. I didn't think to see if anyone else was in the house…"
"What…what's going to happen to the house, the Dursleys…"
"Already construction wizards working on undoing the damage, I suspect. The house and the Dursleys will be fine." Harry slumped back against the couch in relief.
"I-in that case, I want to go back."
"Don't worry, Harry, I'm sure Arabella will collect your trunk and we can go to Dia—"
"No, I mean, I want to go back." Both adults were thoroughly confused.
"Don't be silly, child. You're going to Hogwarts with Remus and—" Arabella was interrupted by Severus bursting into the room. Harry gasped and scrambled to his feet, swaying slightly..
"Professor Snape!"
Severus seemed to pay no heed to Harry's startled outcry, turning instead to the remaining two.
"Ministry. Already past the gate," Severus gasped, slightly out of breath. "I signaled Albus but it will take too long for him to disable the wards. We'll have to go by portkey. Arabella, you'll have to stay or they'll be suspicious. Remus and Potter, take hold of this." He held out a copy of the Daily Prophet and Remus promptly joined Severus, taking hold of the paper.
Harry, however, had frozen on the spot, face absolutely white.
"Harry?" Remus asked. "Harry, what's wrong?" Harry paid Remus no heed, continuing to stare at his Potions Master in horror.
"A-a portkey?"
"Yes, a portkey." Severus said exasperated. "Now come on, we don't—"
"No, I...I can't…" Harry unsteadily backed away from the three adults, who in turn were all staring at him uncomprehendingly. Severus took a step forward, voice faltering.
"Harry?"
Harry's eyes were wide and wild, in such a panic that he failed to notice the Potion Master's use of his first name.
"I…I can't. Cedric…"
Severus and Remus both inhaled sharply. 'Of course,' thought Remus, 'The Triwizard Cup was a portkey that brought him to Voldemort…' Before Remus could find words to reassure Harry, Severus had already begun to speak.
"I assure you, Harry, I made this myself. It will just bring us to Hogwarts and Professor Dumbledore, it's perfectly safe." As Severus reached to place a hand on Harry's shoulder, he suddenly noticed that Harry's terrified stare had shifted from the newspaper in his hand to a point behind him.
"Mr. Potter is quite right, he's not going anywhere with you."
The three adults spun on the spot.
Just through the door to Arabella's living room stood the Minister of Magic himself, flanked by six Aurors.
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*- *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
TBC…
A/N: Hmm, that was unexpected…Fudge's appearance wasn't scheduled until later, but he insisted on barging right in without any consideration to others, including the author. Ah well. Severus currently reminds me a lot like this cat we has when I was little. His name was Winston and was a European Wildcat…he died when I was six and at that point was still bigger than I was. Anyway, when I was awake Winston detested me—I was competition for my father's affections, and thus enemy number one. When I was asleep, however, he adored me and was my protector—he used to curl up on my bed or on the floor by the bed and wouldn't even let my own parents near me to check on me at night (literally).
Severus, meet Winston; Winston, meet Severus.
I'm going to forego replying to reviews so I can get this posted—I'll go back and add them at a later point. But thank you ALL for reviewing (223! I'm truly shocked…I figured I'd get, like, 10 total.)!!!!!!