Title: When Harry Left Severus

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

Chapter 9 - Ensnared

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.



When Harry woke he immediately reached for Vachel. It took a few minutes for him to reorient himself and remember he was not at home, not in France. He was still at Hogwarts. It certainly was no longer evening, given that the sun was brightening his window. But if it were morning or afternoon he wasn't sure.

There were clean robes laying on a nearby chair as well as a small collection of things for the washroom. Picking these up Harry busied himself with his morning routine rather than think on why he was here. He found his head would ache some days if he thought too closely about what was happening around him.

That was a strange thought. He remembered getting headaches from thinking about who he'd met and what he'd done when he was at Vachel's. He allowed his mind to wander a bit and recalled Dobby refusing to help him the night before. And that security officer going on about him being involved with the happenings at Snape's manor.

OW! That made his head hurt, thinking on the manor. He discarded that thought and went back to the night before. All three wizards had insisted he get scanned and looked over by the Healer. He could recall most of the conversation without any problems. So weird!

They were all concerned he'd had something to do with the destruction of the manor. He could remember seeing Lupin and Hermione there, sifting through the debris with no problem. He then tried to recall when he went with Vachel to save his godfather from Snape. The pain in his head welled up again and he leaned against the porcelain sink hissing. That hurt!

Showered, brushed and groomed the young wizard pulled on clean robes and went back out into the bedroom. The bed was already made and a tray sat on the table. Dr. Jeffrey Barnes was pouring out two steaming mugs of tea.

Good morning Mr. Potter, the Healer nodded pleasantly.
Beryl has brought up a nice selection of breads and toppings. Harry moved towards the table and sat down, accepting the mug of tea.

What time is it? Harry decided to at least be polite. This Healer had always been polite and concerned. Well, so had his father, but he liked Jeffrey more.

It's just after 8. I didn't know if you'd want to go down to
breakfast, Barnes responded.

Oh, am I allowed out of my rooms? Harry retorted sarcastically and immediately wondered where the vitriol had come from. The Healer watched him carefully noting the rush of anger.

Yes, you are. Although you are to stay within the castle for
the time being, he explained calmly.

Oh, so I guess I didn't pass the scan last night, eh? Harry reached over and selected an interesting scone. Barnes nudged the cream and jellies closer.

Unfortunately, you passed but I don't think you are going to
like the results yet. Maybe in a few days you'll think better of
them, Barnes said before biting into a piece of buttered pumpkin bread. Harry glared.
Dr. James found a few odd readings, your endocrine levels are
off. He seems to think that this, coupled with two spells he
disarmed last night, left you susceptible to the spell caster.

Oh, and I suppose you all agree Vachel has captured me and
is using me for his own purposes? Harry spat out angrily.

That is Albus' opinion. Murphy is more inclined you were being
manipulated by one of Vachel's guests, Barnes agreed pleasantly.

And your father's? Harry said snidely.

Oh, Da has no opinion on who cast the spells or gave you the
potions. He's more concerned with the memory blocks he found, Barnes said with calculated disinterest.

Harry now screamed out in anger. That's rich, you
think that I've not only been trapped in some evil plot but my
mind's been tampered with on top of it all?? You people
are paranoid just like Snape. No one has manipulated me at all at
Vachel's. That was Snape's specialty.

Barnes simply smiled and ate some more bread.

You're full of shit. No way. Vachel loves me! We are going to
exchange vows at the Winter Solstice, Harry pouted. He was suddenly not liking Jeffrey Barnes any longer. Arrogant ass!

Well, then, the good news is you'll be free and available long
before the solstice to go back to be with Vachel. Murphy is
only requiring you stay here for two weeks. If Dr. James is right
and you were under a suggestibility potion then it should wear
off in a few days, Barnes countered.

Then I can go by the week's end! Harry asserted.

No, you'll be here two weeks. After the potion has cycled out
I'm going to remove those memory blocks. We know that none
of us put them there and we know Severus could not. They are
not old, barely six months old at best. Once those are gone
and you and I've had a few chats, then you are free to stay or
go, Barnes replied.

But what about Vachel? Harry whined.

An owl has been sent saying you've taken ill. He was invited to
come and stay with you, the Healer said offhand. He neglected to mention it was an old, slow owl they sent overseas and that it had been firmly suggested Vachel didn't show up until the following week. Nor did he mention all incoming mail and packages for Harry would be thoroughly screened before it came to him.

Can I write Vachel? Harry asked.

Of course. There is parchment and such in the desk I believe.
Beryl will be happy to either send it for you or bring you an owl
if you prefer, Barnes told him.

And I can move about the castle? Harry asked suspiciously.

Barnes immediately affirmed. In fact I believe your
friend Hermione Granger said she'd love to have you visit her
down in the dungeons. Harry thought about this and decided that might be ok.

How is Severus? Harry suddenly asked and watched as the Healer's friendly countenance shifted slightly.

He is doing as well as can be expected. Most of the injuries
were healed but he's going to need time. He's still weak from
the final battle. Wizards just don't lose significant parts of their
strength and bounce back quickly. It took Albus nearly three
years after defeating Grindelwald to regain his strength from what
I understand, Barnes explained.

I never did find out what was hurt, Harry fished about. Barnes cooled more and simply looked over the young wizard.

Severus suffered from blunt-force trauma to the head breaking
both his jaw and his nose resulting in part of his brain swelling.
He was in a coma three days and is still greatly disoriented. We
feel there will be no permanent damaged there. His ribs on his
right side were cracked. These too were healed. The rest of the
damage was caused by repeated blows to his groin area including
his inner thighs. The swelling has been reduced and he should
have no problem physically, Barnes enunciated each problem with a minimum of words.

Harry just stared. Oh, Black had mentioned he'd been beaten, but not the specifics. He wondered how Snape could have been hurt so badly and chained to the wall between the time he left the room and the manor had been destroyed. He winced as his head ached at the memory.

Are you all right Harry? Barnes asked, touching his temple. A thin stream of energy flowed in and removed the pain.

Just a bit of a headache, Harry reported. Barnes looked at him carefully.

Has this bit of a headache' been troubling you long? the Healer pursued.

Harry lied, not wanting to have to think about when the headaches had actually started. He pulled away from Barnes.
I think I will go down to the dungeons now. Sorry that Severus
was hurt.

Barnes watched as Harry left the room quickly.

he whispered to himself. Then he called for Beryl. The elf appeared from the corner and waited at his side.

Beryl, you remember your duties? Barnes asked the elf.

Beryl care for Mr. Potter. Beryl watches Mr. Potter, the elf responded.
Beryl keep Mr. Potter in castle. Beryl takes any things given
to Mr. Potter.

Unless Dr. James or I give something to him, Barnes concluded. Beryl nodded quickly.
Good. I know you will do a wonderful job Beryl. Now off with
you! With a smile bright enough to light the dungeons themselves Beryl disappeared out the door.

The Healer set his tea down. Even though he knew Potter was under the influence of a potions he was still upset. On one hand his anger was an honest, normal reaction as the young man had hurt a dear friend of his. On the other hand he was a Healer and as such had ethical obligations to help those who were ill and should not allow his personal feelings get in the way.

Screw it. He was going to refer the little butt to another therapist as soon as this obligation was finished. Two weeks and no more! His contemplation of the tea tray was interrupted by a sharp knock at the door.

he called as he stood up. The door opened and Dumbledore walked in.

the Headmaster asked.

Gone down to see Ms. Granger. Beryl is watching, Barnes reported.
I was just coming back upstairs to see if Severus is awake.

Read this first, then we can go upstairs together. I received
it by owl at breakfast, Dumbledore handed a parchment to the younger Healer. With a questioning look Barnes scanned the parchment.

Dear Headmaster,
I apologize for troubling you, but I do not know exactly
who to go to. My youngest son, Ron, returned home today
upset and confused. He seems to think that your friend,
Professor Snape, is in some kind of danger. He cannot tell me
exactly why and the more he tries the worse he feels. We had
the local doctor in to see him but he couldn't find anything wrong.
I would greatly appreciate your opinion on the matter as well
as letting the Professor Snape know about the situation if you
deem it important. Thanking you in advance.
Sincerely,
Molly Weasley

So, Mr. Weasley was affected as well, Barnes commented as he handed the letter back. Dumbledore folded the parchment and tucked it away in his robe.

It appears so. Your father has gone out to scan Ron. He will
bring him back at the least, possibly Molly if she is alone. Until
the potions wear off we won't know how far-reaching this plot
is, the Headmaster said. He pushed on the door and held it as the Healer walked out into the hall. Together they headed for the tower offices.

You going to owl Murphy? Barnes asked.

On its way, Dumbledore replied. They walked on in silence.