Title: When Harry Left Severus
rating: R for adult themes including male/male relationships.
Chapter 4 - Tearing Down
by: Raven Dancer
disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling except for the Drs. Barnes, Daniel Murphy and Beryl. I receive no monetary compensation for these works.
a/n: After reading reviews I just want to mention this fiction is not for me in that I am portraying Severus, Harry, Remus and Sirius as gay. I do this because it is a rebuttal piece in contrast to the many pieces written by other authors pairing Severus with Harry in a sexual relationship that becomes a permanent happily ever after scenario. I will not be writing any explicit sexual scenes past the cuddling/smooching type and a few ribald comments. Remember, the delete key and the back arrow key are your bestest friends if you don't like a story! If you want to discuss my departure from my norm feel free to email me.
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Snape's fever continued for a few days then dwindled. A second bed was magicked into Lupin's and Black's bedroom so the patient was close by but not too close. Dr. James was pleased both with the improvement and the helpful animagus. Black took over most of the physical caring for the patient giving both his mate and Snape the distance they needed. When the full moon came Dr. James managed to produce an acceptable cauldron of wolf's bane potions with little fanfare.
After a full ten days Snape was back up, albeit a bit shaky, wandering about the manor house. He split his time between the Morning Room and the study. He enjoyed both Black and Lupin being with him but when he broached the topic of their ultimate departure his friends changed the subject. Even the suggestion of visiting Harry for a few days was met with diversions. Still, Snape tried, worried something might be amiss with his young ex-lover. His visit had been very disconcerting to the Potions Master and the last few letters out of character.
Snape finally did convince Black to pop' over for a quick visit.
You really need to check up on him, Sirius. It is his first time
being away from home so long, Snape had pressed.
I know. But he writes to me often and seems happy, Black replied, not mentioning the occasional angry word about Snape.
I would feel better if you'd go, even for lunch in Paris, Snape continued as he laid back on his lounge pulling his blanket closer. It was cool in the house. He'd considered asking Dobby to lay in a fire, but reached for another blanket instead. Black rose and took the blanket, deftly shaking it out and covering his friend.
Black asked as he adjusted the covers.
A bit. Perhaps a sidewalk cafe? You could walk along the
Champs Elyees? Snape was worse than a terrier worrying a rat. Lupin laughed.
Yes, Sirius, you need to go to lunch with your godson. Let's
send an owl over now, Lupin's eyes sparkled with humor. Who knew double teaming his mate could be so fun?
Black growled and shook his head. But he allowed them to coerce him into dashing off a quick parchment and giving it to a fast owl.
The upshot of the entire tag-team was Black ended up in Paris with Harry and Vachel for a pleasant afternoon. Both were very happy to see him, although Harry was still slightly concerned about his godfather living with Snape. Black did his best to assure him all was well and that they were enjoying living on the manor. All in all it was a good visit and they ended their visit planning a longer stay at Vachel's home the following month.
After returning from Paris Black, Lupin and Snape settled into the comfortable leisure of gardening, reading, talking and, for Snape, sleeping often. Cards were pulled out some evenings and on a few other nights Lupin coerced Snape into going out and telling them about the constellations. Dobby bounded about nearly underfoot but too sweet and considerate to get angry at. Knowing all Snape's favorite dishes didn't hurt either. The house elf loved cooking for his master.
The only change to routine was Lupin received all owls. Dr. James had been insistent that Snape allow this one inconvenience. So the Potions Master did not receive the next missive from an irate Harry demanding he release Black immediately. Lupin wondered about the letter and shared it with his mate. Now Harry was insisting Snape had been holding Lupin hostage while Black was visiting in Paris.
What should we do, Siri? Lupin asked, his voice painted with concern.
I'll write him back, Black reached for a quill. I mean, we'll both
be going out to Harry's place next week. I'll just assure him we're
both well and to have the guest room ready. Lupin sighed as he watched his mate writing in his bold script.
I suppose you're right, the werewolf said. We'll be there
soon enough.
We could even go a couple days early and surprise Harry, Black soothed his mate. I'll jot Albus a note and tell him we're dropping Severus off earlier. He won't mind. Lupin smiled and agreed. Although Harry was acting a bit strange, Snape still needed a lot of looking after. He knew Dumbledore loved taking care of his child.
It was very easy for Vachel to convince Harry he needed to save his godfather from the batard graisse'. Especially when no reply came back to the young wizard. A shame that message fell into the hearth. Strange that it burned when there was no fire there. A shame, but not something to trouble his lover about. It made it that much easier to encourage his outraged lover to bring along a few friends just in case. Some very good friends...
MASTER SIRIUS! MASTER REMUS! MR. POTTER IS BOTHERING THE
PROFESSOR! Dobby shrieked as he ran out into the garden. Lupin looked up as Black leapt to his feet.
What's wrong Dobby? Black asked grabbing the elf by the shoulder.
Mr. Potter and Mr. Vachel come into Master Severus' room.
They be yelling at him Master Sirius. Bad wizards come into
Master Severus' room. Dobby is frightened, the elf squeaked out. Lupin was up on his feet and chasing after his mate into the house.
They had barely cleared the first hall and were going towards Snape's Morning Room when Harry stopped them.
Sirius! Let's go! Vachel is talking with Snape and keeping him
busy so we can get you and Lupin out of here! Harry asserted.
What do you mean, keeping him busy? Black demanded shaking off his godson's grasping hand.
Just keeping him distracted until I found you, Harry said quickly.
Remus and I both wrote and told you we were fine! For
heaven's sakes, Harry, we're coming out next week, Black said trying to push past the younger wizard.
A door opened and slammed shut in the distance. After a moment a slender, dark-haired wizard joined Harry.
Are we ready to go mon amoureux? Vachel nuzzled Harry affectionately.
No, we're not! Harry grumbled.
We are not running away with you Harry! Sirius barked.
What have you done to Severus? Lupin demanded trying to push around the younger men blocking the hallway.
I have done nothing to that vile creature, Vachel shuddered as if the mere thought of touching Snape was disgusting beyond words.
Harry whined, He can't hold you here against your will. Now Black became angry.
SEVERUS IS NOT HOLDING US AGAINST OUR WILL YOU IDIOT! Black screamed.
Did it ever occur to you WE LOVE SEVERUS?! Lupin added his own piece.
The look of absolute shock on Harry's face confirmed the young wizard had never thought of that.
You can't. You hate him. You've always hated him, Harry strangled out.
I do not hate Severus Snape. You didn't either. WHAT THE HELL
IS WRONG WITH YOU POTTER?! Black shrieked. He'd lost any semblance of patience for his godson. Harry stumbled backwards.
I, I just thought he was keeping you here, like me, Harry said in confusion.
Severus didn't you here. He gave you a home and had
to force you to leave, Lupin pointed out.
I don't have time for this. LET ME THROUGH! Black snarled and shoved both Vachel and Harry against opposite walls.
Harry, we best go now, Vachel prodded his lover. Lupin growled and pushed by.
Harry, mon amoureux! Now! They are so angry! Vachel begged. Harry allowed himself to be pulled down the hall to the fireplace in the kitchen.
What about your friends? Harry looked at his lover in concern.
They have already left, I am sure. They will meet us later, Vachel said quickly then kissed his lover hungrily on the lips.
Let us go home, Harry. Floo powder was thrown on flames and the young lovers left.
Down the hall both Black and Lupin were pounding on the Morning Room door. It was locked and magically sealed. The animagus' anger rose tenfold.
Back off Remus, he hissed as he brought his wand out to bear.
he commanded. The door shuddered under the powerful charm but did not budge.
he raised his voice. The door shook violently, the wood splintered in places but it still held. Black looked at his mate; Lupin nodded his head. The werewolf pulled out his wand and stood firm.
they shouted together. The door wrenched violently then collapsed in a pile of broken shards. Stepping gingerly over the refuse they entered the Morning Room.
The first thing they saw were the remains of the huge windows overlooking the orchard. The glass had been smashed out, the glittering debris spread on the lawn beyond.
Next was Severus' favorite lounge shredded and broken in a heap. As Lupin stepped nearer to the windows a pain-filled whimper rose from the far wall.
Severus? Where are.... Black's voice trailed off as he saw where his friend was. He immediately turned and blocked Lupin's view.
GO! Get me a clean blanket now! Black commanded and turned his lover out of the room with a push.
Send Dobby! The tone of voice and glint in his eye made Lupin run. Black turned and move swiftly across the room.
Against the far wall lie the Potions Master. By the position of his body he'd been struggling to reach his wand which had been set just out of reach. A manacle reminiscent of Filch's favored devices, anchored him firmly to the wall.
Snape was frighteningly pale with the ghosts of bruises already blossoming on his exposed skin. But it was the blood that bothered Black most. Snape's nose was definitely broken and his jaw looked off. His robe was ripped showing broken skin underneath. Black quickly magicked the retraint off the poor wizard's arm.
Severus? Can you hear me? Black knelt down afraid to touch the Potions Master.
Snape slurred out.
I'm going to touch you, just touch you. Let me see you Sev, Black said and very carefully he placed his hand on the wizard's chest. He heard Lupin come stumbling in the room and was glad the chain was gone. As it was his mate gasped before moving to kneel down on the far side of Snape.
Severus? Remie and I need to take you to the clinic, ok? It's
going to hurt a little, but I think it would be best to move you now
instead of waiting for Dr. James, Black explained.
You sure Sirius? Lupin asked quietly as he looked at the limp body.
Yes, we need to get him there quickly, Black plucked the blanket from Lupin's hands and flicked it out. Carefully Snape was levitated onto the blanket, his once manacled arm moved down to his side. The edges were brought up and wrapped around the trembling body. A quick stiffening charm and the Potions Master was ready to be moved. The whimpering was heart wrenching, more so because both knew Snape was struggling not to cry out.
Through the windows Remie. We can apparate just outside, and they gently pushed their fallen friend out into the sweet-smelling night air.
Snape nearly gasped as he identified the fragrance. Trying to concentrate on anything but the pain.
Yes it is, love, Lupin said with a catch in his voice.
Dobby, quietly wringing his hands, followed the three wizards and stood shivering next to Black. The animagus looked at the pathetic creature then once more swiftly knelt down.
Dobby? I need you to go to Hogwarts right now! Go find the
Headmaster and tell him we're taking Severus to Dr. James at the
clinic. You have to go to the Headmaster, Dobby! Black patiently explained his message once more and had the frightened elf repeat it to him. There was a resounding *crack* and Dobby was gone.
Black stood and leaned over the stretcher, his hand ghosting over the poor wizard's hair. One eye struggled open and Black smile as best he could.
We're going to apparate to Hogsmeade's clinic, Severus. We'll
get you to to Dr. James right away, Black said and looked at Lupin.
Hold on tight to Severus. You're going to have to concentrate
and help me Remie, Black instructed his partner. Lupin nodded, no longer trusting his voice.
They were gone for less than a minute when the first explosions rocked the manor.
Dr. James Barnes was reading a journal in his office when he heard a minor disturbance outside his door. That escalated into a major disturbance by the time he'd opened the door. The scene that met him threw him off-balance. Severus Snape? But Voldemort was dead! Who'd want to hurt Snape?
Sirius? What's wrong? Barnes moved to the stretcher and looked over the downed man.
Beaten. Don't know how bad. They didn't have long, but, Black began haltingly.
But long enough, Barnes finished for him. Have you contacted
Albus?
We sent Dobby, Black reported.
Then let me get him into a room to scan and you two get ready
to sit with Albus, the Healer said.
Can I help? Lupin asked a little too urgently.
In a little while, Remus, let me have a go at it first, Barnes said softly. Lupin felt Black pulling him into a hug while the Healer pushed the floating stretcher out of the lobby.
The little while took longer than anyone could stand. Dumbledore and Dobby arrived within the first hour. The three wizards and house elf discussed everything that had happened. That took most of the second hour and still there was no word from the examining room.
During the third hour Dumbledore tried to go in. The door refused to budge. Somehow a chair managed to crash against the door without any results.
In the fourth hour the receptionist disappeared.
They sent Dobby against the door. House elves were reputed to be able to get through magically locked doors. The clinic had elf-proof spells.
By the fifth hour Lupin had removed every single response card from every single magazine in the lobby. Black had torn each one into small bits. Dumbledore turned each fragment to ash. Dobby moved as far away from the wizards as possible. They were upset (although they were nice to him when he couldn't get through the spelled door). He certainly wasn't going to tempt fate by cleaning up the ashes.
Dumbledore was considering finding a muggle's fire ax while Black was looking at the possibility of wedging a piece of metal into the jamb when the door opened. Just opened and stayed open.
Suspicious they all approached the door. It exposed the hallway that ran the length of the clinic. Dumbledore entered first followed by Lupin then Dobby and finally Black. They walked in line down past several shut doors. There was one door open and they entered.
Barnes was seated with steepled fingers. Four chairs fanned out in front of him. With a nod the wizards sat down. Dobby chose to lean against Black's leg. The Healer did not wait for any questions.
He is alive. He is in a coma. When they struck his face they
broke his nose and his jaw. There is some swelling in the
brain itself and we've put a cooling spell on the entire area to
help reduce it. He has several cracked ribs and his entire groin
is severely bruised and swollen. We've put cold packs there, but
I can't assess the damage until it's reduced somewhat.
I also can't repair his jaw or nose until he's out of the coma.
We've tapped an IV for fluids, intubated him so he can breathe,
attached an external urine bag and used a binding charm to hold
his jaw and nose still. We're going to need all the help we can get
watching him around the clock. He needs to be touched and
talked to as much as possible, Barnes spoke softly.
I don't know who did this, I don't know why they did this. All
I know is Severus needs us to help him through. And Gentlemen?
Severus will make it, the grim determination in his eyes did not brook any dissension.
Where is he? Lupin asked finally. Barnes nodded towards a second door.
We will arrange a schedule. Once he's woken from the coma and
I've healed the breaks we can move him to your rooms Albus.
He's always done best there, the Healer remarked. Dumbledore looked glassy-eyed. Barnes stood up and approached him.
he called gently. Dumbledore looked up.
I don't understand James. The wars are over. Voldemort is
dead. Why would they hurt my child? Dumbledore said in a small, sad voice as tears started to fall. Before the wizard could dissolve into either rage or depression Dr. James knelt down and pulled him into his arms.
Albus, it will be all right, he soothed. Now the tears fell in earnest.
All right? How can it be all right? He's suppose to get to rest...
To build up his strength... To finally get to enjoy his life... the headmaster trailed off in sobs.
Jarred from his own shock Lupin pushed up and threw his arms around the older wizard effectively sandwiching him in between them. Black held back with Dobby pressed against his knee.
There was movement at the door. A security wizard looked in and then waved down the hall. Suddenly Daniel Murphy, head of security at the ministry, walked in. His eyes swept the room and settled on Black.
*He looks nervous,* Black thought as the officer moved carefully through the room pulling an empty chair up to his.
Mr. Black can you tell me what has happened? Murphy asked very quietly. The wizard quickly outlined what had happened not bothering to protect his godson or lover.
So Severus is here? He's alive? the officer pursued. Black wondered why the wizard seemed so forceful, his body tight with tension.
Yes, Officer. Dr. James said that he's in a coma but he feels
he will recover, Black said. He wondered why the wizard looked relieved.
No one else at the house? Any house elves there? the officer pressed, sitting on the edge of his seat. gods, the wizard looked like he was going to shoot through the ceiling.
No, it's just the three of us and Dobby. Harry left just
before we got to Severus, Black stopped to stroke the elf's head gently.
Murphy said. His look hardened. There is a further
complication. Black froze. Did Harry get hurt?
The manor has been completely destroyed. The dark mark
was still hanging over it when I left, the officer said. Black's eyes widened.
he gasped.
Mr. Black, it has been leveled. There were reports of explosions,
multiple, that shook the countryside around it and flames shooting
high into the air. It is not much more than a pile of rubble and
scorched stone, Murphy stated bluntly. Black looked with trepidation at the Healer now comforting Lupin as well as Dumbledore. He made a quick decision.
Please, don't tell Albus and Remus yet. They're devastated as
is and the Healer needs them to sit with Severus, Black pleaded. Murphy looked at the triad huddled together.
I have your statement for now. I will need to interview Severus
when he's able. I don't need to speak with Albus or Mr. Lupin
at this time, Murphy murmured then turned his considerable attentions back to Black.
But I will need to speak with Mr. Potter and his friend. I will
also explain the situation to Dr. Barnes. He needs to be prepared
for all eventualities, the officer finished. The animagus perked up immediately.
You will speak with Harry? Black asked quickly.
Yes, Mr. Black, I must. He was on the scene just before it the
explosion. And given that his friends were in the room with
Severus before he was apparently beaten... Murphy trailed off unwilling perhaps to admit the famous Harry Potter had culpability in the events.
It's just that I'm worried about Harry. He's never been out on
his own and this wizard he's fallen for seems ok. I went out over
and met them for a few hours, but, the animagus hedged.
But something doesn't feel right? Murphy nudged.
Harry doesn't feel right. Remus and I both feel something is
going on but we haven't been able to figure it out. We
chanced upon some letters he sent Severus. Two of them
didn't sound like Harry, Black admitted guiltily. It had been three weeks since he'd found them. The parchments had not been returned to Severus' drawer. They were in a safe under charms at the manor.
These letters were at the manor? the officer asked. Realization dawned.
gods. They were in a safe that Severus let me use for my
private papers. I have spells on it but I don't know if it would
survive the fire, Black said. All his papers showing he was free! Murphy grimaced.
Well, it's too hot now. But if you can I will apparate out with you
tomorrow afternoon. They might have survived. Severus had
many special protections on his private papers. If not, I will issue
you copies of your trial transcripts and whatever identification
papers you and Mr. Lupin need, Murphy added seemingly as an afterthought. But Black knew the security wizard was reassuring him and the animagus appreciated the gesture.
I will go with you tomorrow. Whenever you need me. I'll be
here, Black said.
By now Dumbledore had pulled himself together and helped Lupin do the same. All three were looking at the security wizard curiously. The two conferencing wizards stood to join the triad, Dobby firmly attached to Black's hand.
Albus, I heard about Severus from Deputy Headmistress
McGonagall. I came over to investigate the matter. Mr. Black
has been very thorough in his debriefing so I won't have to
speak with you or Mr. Lupin. I would like to see Severus if I may
Dr. Barnes, the chief looked at the Healer. Black admired the slightly adjusted truth.
He's in a coma Officer Murphy, so all you can do is see him. Come
along, I was just about to go over his needs with his friends, Dr. Barnes said, motioning the growing group to follow.
The first thing they noticed was the clinic's receptionist, Stacy, seated by Snape's bed holding his hand and talking softly. She stood and quietly left the room at Dr. Barnes' nod. Dumbledore immediately slipped into her place and picked up Snape's hand, gently running his fingers over the back.
I'm here child. I'm here, he murmured then turned his attention back to Dr. Barnes.
The Healer carefully went over Snape's injuries and explained about the coma the wizard had slipped into. The cooling charms were all he could apply at the moment. In addition he stressed the need to continue to talk, not necessarily to Snape, but to discuss various things that had happened of interest. Even in a coma Snape would be aware of them; many patients woke up remembering snippets of conversations and music while they were out.
Plans were made to owl the school and invite any staff that might want to help. There were two extra beds in the room as well as several chairs to accommodate the visitors. The clinic and staff were ready.
Through it all Snape lie still his chest scarcely moving with each inhalation...