Title: When Harry Left Severus

rating: R for adult themes including male/male relationships.

Chapter 6 - Waking

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.



Another long night. Hagrid came and sat with Snape discussing his latest wee beasties he'd managed to secure for magical creatures classes. He chuckled as he reported the mishaps of caring for his odd menagerie. Hermione Granger joined the half-giant. She had taken over potions the year after Snape fell ill. At first she felt strange, talking to a sleeping wizard, but she became used to it as everyone else had. Hagrid pointed out he'd felt strange when she had been petrified years before when he'd come to sit and talk.

Along about five in the morning when the clinic had settled into a peaceful silence Dumbledore felt a twitch in the normally limp hand he was absently stroking. Setting down his tea cup the Headmaster stood and leaned over his friend.

Severus, are you waking up? Hmmm? the older wizard soothed the waking wizard.
Dobby will go find Dr. Jeffrey for us, Severus, right Dobby?

Oh, yes Headmaster Dumbledore! Dobby find Dr. Jeffrey.
Dobby likes to help Master Severus, the house elf chirruped, his long fingers stroking Snape's forehead where he'd been told he could touch. More twitching, now the face animated slightly and the elf rocketed out of the room to find the Healer.

The Headmaster continued to talk, gently prodding the ill wizard to open his eyes. When the Healer made it to his bedside Snape was moaning very softly.

Severus, you're just fine. You have a breathing tube down
your throat so you can't talk. I had to bind your jaw to keep
it all in line. If you could open your eyes then I could help you
with the pain, Jeffrey wheedled. Snape trembled slightly beneath their hands but the Healer's scan was promising.

After several minutes of cajoling the wizard Snape's frightened and confused eyes opened. The trembling increased and they could hear him gasping great draughts of air in and out. Hands were holding him down and he was panicking.

Child, I am so glad that you've woken, the Headmaster managed with only a hint of tears, trying to get through to his friend.

Severus, you're fine, Jeffrey cooed, sending in a warm stream of energy. The shaking reached a peak and then began to melt away into the energy feed. Snape's eyes lost their fear as they finally found his friend.

I'm going to heal your nose, Severus. You just concentrate on
Albus and stay awake, Jeffrey cautioned as his hands move to his patient's face. Carefully the Healer began.

Snape struggled to stay awake listening to Dumbledore's expressive voice telling him about Fawkes' latest burning day. Strange, the Headmaster had already told him about the bird's antics hadn't he? Snape swore he recalled the flaming molt that scared the daylights out of several prefects come to report the week's activities.

As he listened he felt his nose warm from the Healer's energy and slowly shift as cartilage and bone realigned and attached. The slight throbbing diminished and he soon twitched his nose much to the delight of both Albus and Jeffrey.

There, all healed. I bet that feels better. Let me go get some
potions mixed up and we'll take out that breathing tube and you
can sleep a little while, Jeffrey soothed. The Healer glanced pointedly at the Headmaster. Dumbledore quickly stroked Snape's face and gained his attention.

You look much better Severus. Once Jeffrey removes the tube
he's going to let me take you back to Hogwarts to my rooms, Dumbledore explained. Snape's eyes softened. He felt safe there. Although he could not recall how he got hurt in the first place. His ribs hurt as he breathed in and out. Before he could work on remembering there were fingers on his face and he turned his attention back to his mentor.

Remus and Sirius will be with us, too. They've been very worried
about you lately. You can trust them, they want to be
with you, Dumbledore was prattling on trying to keep Snape focused and not allowing him to drift. Jeffrey was back quickly and set down a large mug and straw.

Severus? Here, look at me, Jeffrey called. Still drowsy and befuddled the Potions Master turned his eyes to the Healer.

Good, Severus. Just stay awake a little bit longer. You'll sleep
much better without the tube, the Healer smiled brightly.

I am going to pull the tube out all at once, one steady pull. I
need you to take a deep breath and blow out your mouth, like
you're blowing out candles. Can you take a deep breath and
blow out for me? Jeffrey asked looking for understanding. Snape nodded slightly and took a deep breath then exhaled to show the Healer.

Good, that's exactly what I want you to do. Let me get ready.
There, I have the tube. Now, take a deeeeeppp breath... Barnes coached the ill wizard.

Blow out the candles... The Healer commanded and pulled the tube out of his patient. Snape immediately started to cough and tear up. gods, that HURT!! He twisted miserably under the pain as Dumbledore held him down.

Ok, it's all done, ssshhh, Jeffrey immediately put a hand on the wizard's throat and poured in soothing energy. The coughing slowly came under control and the terrified eyes soften back into sleepy trust.

I'm going to carefully lift you up so you can sip through a straw
for me Severus. Your jaw won't move so don't try to talk. Just
sip for me, gooood Severus. It tastes pretty good, eh? A little
lemony, not too sweet. Nice and cool. Makes your throat feel
better, too, The Healer continued to soothe Snape until the heavy eyelids slipped fluttering closed. He handed the mug to Dumbledore and gently lowered his patient back onto the bed.

This works out just fine Albus. He should sleep for a few hours.
We can heal his jaw and ribs then we'll be ready to move to your
rooms, the Healer smiled.

Minerva had the elves restore the extra bedroom so that Remus
and Sirius will have a place to sleep, Dumbledore commented as he watched Snape twitch and settle deeper into a natural sleep.

Good. They'll need a place to stay, Jeffrey said as he tucked covers up eyeing his patient's jaw.

I suppose they'll just go back to the manor soon, Albus sadly sighed. Jeffrey looked up and stared at the wizard.

They haven't told you? Barnes asked quietly.

Told me what? Dumbledore asked sharply. Shaking his head slightly Barnes reached out and took the older wizard's hand.

Come sit with me. Severus will be fine now, he's asleep, Jeffrey pulled Dumbledore over to the chairs at the foot of the bed and sat down so that he could easily hold both hands, knees touching. Dumbledore's anxiety rose higher as he recognized the Healer's favorite technique for dealing with difficult issues.

Dumbledore asked curtly.

Albus, Severus' home was completely destroyed within minutes
after he was brought to the clinic. Practically burned to the
ground. I guess Da and Sirius decided not to to tell you or Remus
until Severus regained consciousness, Barnes said all in one long breath.

Dumbledore stuttered, face paled significantly. Barnes immediately began feeding a thin stream of energy into the trembling wizard.

Yes, Albus. Destroyed. The dark mark hung over the spot
for quite awhile, Barnes explained.

Dumbledore whispered.

I think so. Daniel and Sirius think some things that were covered
by protective spells may have survived. They haven't searched
yet, the Healer allowed.

My child, my poor child, Dumbledore began, then froze.
He, he could have died.

Jeffrey was sure the Headmaster was going to fall apart and pulled him into a hug.

But he didn't die Albus. He's right here and he needs you, Jeffrey soothed as he ran his hands over Dumbledore's back. He felt the tremors ease and a huge breath of air drawn in.

The Headmaster sat up straight, thinking. Jeffrey remained close, still partially holding the older wizard, waiting for a meltdown.

Well, then, I think I'll round up some staff and a few students
and we'll poke around and find any magical spots that might have
survived. It will be much easier when we tell Severus if we can
lead him right to the areas rather than let him face the ruins
alone, the Headmaster decided. The Healer regarded him curiously.

Yes, you're right, he said tentatively, still watching for problems.

Thank you for telling me, Jeffrey. I understand why Sirius would
want to shield Remus and me, but I'd rather know, Dumbledore patted the Healer's hands. Another assessing look.

You ok? Jeffrey hedged. The wise Headmaster looked at the young Healer.

No, I'm not. But falling apart is not a choice right now. I want
Severus safely tucked in my rooms with Sirius and Remus. Then
I want to send out some people to shop for necessities for them
and organize the search. I need to get busy, Dumbledore said. He pushed up with and managed to stand. Barnes took an elbow and they moved back to the sleeping wizard.

I will heal his jaw and ribs so he's ready to move. We're going
to leave the collection bag on for the trip, Barnes was all business. He wanted Snape in the Headmaster's rooms where he was most comfortable and secure.

I'll wake Sirius and Remus, Dumbledore decided.

Send Dobby for tea and my father. He should be up by now, Jeffrey directed as he gave the Headmaster one last hug before moving back to his patient.



Within two hours the move was completed. Snape lie in Dumbledore's bed sleeping deeply while the Headmaster marshaled his considerable troops. His first order was to Black to take Lupin into their room and bring him up to date on events.

Leaving Dr. James with the Potions Master Dumbledore sat at his desk discussing plans with several Hogwarts Professors.

Personally I'm all for going out to the Manor today and having
a look about while we have some time, McGonagall stated.

Yes, today would be perfect, otherwise we'd have to wait until
next weekend since it's nearly finals, Flitwick agreed.

Count me in, Lupin said as he crossed the room, eyes still red from crying. Black followed, his body showing exactly how tired he was.

I'm sure I can find a few students who'd help, Hermione said.

As well as a few more staff members. I know Hagrid was very
keen to get out there with Fang and some nifflers, McGonagall added.

You'll have to contact Officer Murphy, Albus, Black stifled a yawn.
He's put wards around the ruins. I'm sure the authorities need
to be there in any event.

In the end Granger and McGonagall went to gather helpers while Flitwick and Lupin went to the kitchens to arrange for food and drink to be delivered to the gardens by the Manor. Dumbledore contacted Murphy and the officer promised to join the search party.

Black stood in the bedroom as the Healer explained how to care for Snape. The animagus did not have the emotional strength to go back to the burned-out manor and volunteered to stay with the Potions Master. Dr. James had finished healing the damaged ribs and did what he could for the bruised groin. Soft tissue damage was hardest to heal. Time and a warming blanket would do the best job.

Well Sirius, now it's just rest and understanding friends, Dr. James explained.
Severus' injuries are nearly healed, but he's going to need a lot
of emotional support. You and Remus have been very good to
him, do you intend to stay with him or move on now that the
manor is destroyed?

James Barnes could be very pointed when need be.

Remus and I will stay with Severus, Black said just as sharp.
It was nice to have the manor to live in, but that's not why we
stayed with him and you know it. The Healer sized the animagus up.

I know you care for Severus. That Remus still loves him. But
he's going to require a great deal of help. He was falling apart
when Harry was pestering him. Now his home, his sanctuary, has
been destroyed. He has nothing left, Barnes pointed out.

He has his life. He has concerned friends that will stand by
him and help him rebuild, Black's eyes glinted mischievously.
And he has the doctors Barnes to care for him. I hear they can
work miracles.

You've been listening to Dobby again, haven't you? James snorted. The house elf had been effusive in his praise of the Healers. Black chuckled then turned serious again.

Remus, Albus and I are here for Severus. With your and Jeffrey's
help we'll get him through. And I know there are more people
here at Hogwarts that will help, Black moved to the sleeping wizard. The Healer stood by him and put his hand on Black's shoulder. The lines of pain had eased and Snape's face had softened in sleep.

He should sleep as much as possible. There's a pitcher of juice
and packets of sleeping draughts that he can have every two
hours. The draughts are very weak although it won't take much
to put Severus under, Dr. James said.

Can he be moved? Can he eat? Black asked eying the lounge beyond the bed by the windows.

Of course. You could even hold him if you'd like. The contact
would make him feel safe and he'd sleep better. As for eating, if
he asks then give him broth and soft things like puddings or
protein shakes. Steer clear of things that need to be chewed.
I need to go to the clinic but Jeffrey will be back tonight, the Healer said. Turning he finished packing his satchel.

Black busied himself moving a table near the lounge and setting up the things he'd need. Finally he levitated Snape and with Dr. James' help they settled in the lounge. The weight of the ill wizard was welcome and the animagus indulged in a gentle hug and cuddle. In his sleep Snape shifted towards the warm, to the heartbeat beneath his ear.

He'll be confused when he wakes, Sirius. Best not tell him what
has happened either to him or the manor until he's stronger, Dr. James suggested.

Or until Jeffrey decides it's time? Black drawled. The Healer grimaced.

I will be consulting with the younger Dr. Barnes before he comes
to the castle tonight. Severus needs time to regain some
strength. If he wants to talk about the beating that's fine. The
rest WILL wait, Dr. James said very firmly. Black was secretly glad he wasn't Jeffrey Barnes at that moment.