Title: When Harry Left Severus

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

Chapter 13 - Turning Points
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.


Officer Daniel Murphy took the stairs of Hogwarts two at a time, lightly running upwards to the great doors. He'd had a long hunt with his partner Taylor, but they'd caught up with Vachel and two of his good friends. Currently they were under house arrest with several British and French aurors standing guard. Best go with the elite group given the circumstances.

He only needed Ron or Harry to identify which was actually Vachel. Iris had been easy after an hour or so and the polyjuice had worn off. But the two men had refused to identify themselves and were currently silently moving about the house looking for ways to escape. Murphy snorted to himself: as if they could escape those aurors!

They had also found a veritable stockpile of various controlled drugs, both magical and muggle. Even if they could not prove these men destroyed Snape's manor, they had them on drug charges. Which allowed the use of veritaserum to obtain full confessions once they had a clear identification of the three wizards.

The French security chief was very helpful but wanted everything legal. He did not want anyone to escape justice because of some slight technicality. Heaven forbid the famous Harry Potter be ensnared in France! Once identities were established all three wizards would be escorted to the British Ministry of Magic for questioning and to ultimately stand trial.

So Murphy was quite sure he had one of the men directly involved in both the beating and the destruction of the manor. Maybe two; Iris did have a nasty punch. Vachel was going to be a little harder to figure out. He hadn't actually hurt Snape but he had been in on the plans and he'd helped ensnare Potter.

He passed through doors and was met by several ghosts and a house elf. Shifting the package he carried he identified himself and started for the stairs to the Headmaster's rooms. He had good news at the least for Snape and felt the poor wizard could use it by now.

Dr. James met him at the base of the stairs looking rather more grave than the Healer really ought to Murphy thought. He waved the security chief to two chairs that had been set up for their use. After a moment of greetings Dr. James ploughed ahead and described his patient's condition.

Severus had a complete collapse, Daniel. Three days ago
Harry burst into the room and after shrieking let it be known
that the manor had been destroyed on top of everything
else, the Healer said briefly.

I knew he was beyond his breaking point with everything
that has happened to him this year, even if you don't take
into consideration how much power he lost at Voldemort's
demise, Murphy shook his head. How is he doing?

Fragile. The medications have worn off and he's barely
dealing with the knowledge that everything's gone. Albus
has been working on the notion of rebuilding or buying a
new place. Severus is overwhelmed by it all, Barnes explained.

Let me tell you why I'm here and you can tell me what
you think Severus can tolerate, the security wizard said. He bent close and told the Healer all the news. Barnes was very interested stopping for clarifications as the story unfolded. Once The Healer heard it he made requests for editing.

You'll need to talk with Albus afterwards. I'll suggest he
see you down to see Ron. I know that Jeffrey would rather
protect Harry just as much as I want to protect Severus, Dr. James commented as they stood and stepped on the stairway up to the Headmaster's door.

Barnes went in first. This allowed Murphy time to remove his traveling cloak and size up the room. Professor McGonagall and the Headmaster were at his desk going over parchments. With the end of school so close there was plenty of work to do. Lupin was seated on the couch reading the Daily Prophet while Black was pacing near the fireplace casting furtive glances across the room.

Snape was standing at the windows hands clasp behind his back as he seemingly looked out over the grounds. He was wearing a light black robe that clung to his frame. Thin, but not as gaunt as six months back. Murphy wondered if this latest setback was causing eating difficulties like before. Having hung his cloak on the rack the officer picked up the package and walked across the room to the Potions Master.

Severus? Officer Murphy is here to speak with you, Dr. James said without inflection. The security wizard was very aware every person in the room was watching, listening, trying not to be seen watching and listening. He tooled his face into a pleasant smile and approached the protected wizard.

Professor Snape? Murphy began.

Snape turned abruptly. There was no smile, the face was incredibly tired and drawn.

Murphy grinned but received none in answer. Not that he expected one. He'd dealt with many people in shock and overcome by disasters. Instead the security wizard indicated he'd like to sit and with a slight nod Snape followed him to the table.

Do you mind if I join you? Barnes asked in his most unpressing tones. Snape glared at him.

he snapped.

Because I am concerned about your health and whatever
Officer Murphy has to say may affect you? Barnes did not follow. Snape stopped but did not turn.

Yes, Dr. Barnes, you may, the ill wizard said formally. He then continued to the table and sat down next to Murphy forcing the Healer to sit to his left with the table corner between them. Not exactly what the Healer wanted but he accepted the arrangement for now.

Up close the security officer noted the robe Snape wore was in fact a sleeping robe; he had socks but no shoes or slippers. When his eyes met Snape's he realized his surreptitious glances were noted. He decided to step out of his script.

Flight risk? Murphy asked bluntly. He caught the pained look on the Healer's face but ignored him otherwise. Snape sneered.

Yes, I suppose I am since this is all I've had to wear in two
days, the Potions Master face might have sneered, but his voice was devoid of emotion. Murphy shrugged and set his package down before reaching into his pocket.

I knew you have been unable to look after your affairs
while you've been ill, Severus so I informed Gringotts of
your loss, Murphy began watching the man next to him carefully. He would have preferred to be across from him, easier to read body language and facial expression, but Snape had chosen his position to get some distance from the Healer. As there was no reaction he continued.

They had papers to fill out regarding the destruction. They
also indicated you updated your personal assets last March, the security wizard said.

Yes, Harry was, restless, Snape offered blandly with only a slight shift of position.

So they have set aside the insurance monies in a separate
vault for you to use to rebuild or purchase a new home, he handed the first set of papers to Snape. Which were set down directly on the table.

800,000 galleons for the structure and land. Separate
addendum of 100,000 for your personal effects. They were
also quick to point out your vault at the London bank is
intact. You have two vaults for the time being.

No reaction. The wizard had been handed nearly a million galleons for his damages and he said nothing. Murphy thought a moment and realized Snape must have known about the money all along. He had just updated his policy nearly four months ago. He knew the worth and would expect it.

In addition Gringotts, at my suggestion, applied to the
Ministry's special relief fund that was set up after
Voldemort's death. The monies secured from his holdings
were rather, immense. These have been used to help
remunerate people that lost property to the various Death
Eaters attacks. After paying generous benefits to survivors
the rest was set aside. Knowing that you have to start over,
from kitchen to lab, the Ministry sent you an additional
50,000 galleons, he handed the second set of papers over to the now trembling wizard. This was not expected, that the MINISTRY would recognize his loss and give him something did impress him that he might not be so undesirable after all.

On a personal note I thought I might help you start rebuilding
that formidable library, Murphy now smiled and pushed the package to Snape.

What's this? Dr. James suddenly entered the conversation. They had agreed on the insurance and special monies from the Ministry. He hadn't realized the package was something else. Snape was already untying the string.

Severus lent me a very interesting book last winter when
I visited. By a muggle author named . When I was
in London earlier this week I stopped in a bookshop, here Murphy grinned.
I discovered the muggle's mysteries section after I read the
book Severus lent me. There are all sorts of intriguing
books to read. So when I was in town I picked up a volume
on Sherlock Holmes and two more by an author my wife likes,
Laurie Free. She's written some more stories on Holmes that
I thought Severus might enjoy.

The Healer had risen and was now standing behind Snape, hand on shoulder just in case. Murphy noted that both Black and Lupin had crept quietly near the table and that even the two at the Headmaster's desk were watching every move.

Snape's long slender fingers trailed over the cover of the top book. It was a favored book, he enjoyed the detective and his companion the doctor. He lifted the cover and read the inscription from the security wizard, again letting his fingers run along the terse script.

Thank you, Daniel. I'll, I'll treasure these, the Potions Master was able to get out, although tears were already trailing slowly down his cheek. He brushed them back with shaky hand.
Sorry, I've not been myself.

Murphy smiled warmly.

But you are yourself, Severus. You've just been pushed
where no one should ever be pushed. You'll feel better.
Give it some time, Murphy murmured, patting Snape's hand gently.

I'd best be off. I promised Dr. James I'd not upset you. I
think I might be able to make it to the door before he tans
my hide, the security wizard gently teased. Snape's grateful eyes met his.

Oh, Dr. James is really very understanding, he sniffed, feeling the warmth of the Healer's energy softly fill him. Snape then leaned against the Healer seeking comfort for the first time in days. Murphy stood and once more touched the ill wizard eliciting a small smile.

I'll be back to visit next week, Murphy promised as he moved towards the Headmaster's desk.

Albus, would you see me down to Mr. Weasley's room? the security chief asked very quietly.

Of course, Daniel. Perhaps Minerva can join us? Dumbledore asked.

That would be wonderful, Murphy replied.



Barnes quickly assessed his patient. Snape was very tired having not slept much unless drugged. Then he slept deep and it still was not restful given the nightmares that plagued the Potions Master. The Healer ran his hand through the ill wizard's hair.

Do you want to lie down for awhile Severus? he asked in his most unpressing tones. He felt Snape nod his head.

Would you sit with me? Snape asked in a very small voice.

I will lie down with you if you'd like, the Healer offered. Snape drew the Holmes' book Murphy had given him to his chest.

Bring your book, Barnes suggested. He helped his patient stand and then walk over to the lounge. The Healer sat down first and scooted over to the far side next to the window. Sitting down slowly Snape handed his book to Barnes and carefully lie down.

The Potions Master moved closer, finally resting his head on the Healer's shoulder. His book was returned to him and he held it against his chest while Barnes gathered him in closer. Soon a thin stream of energy began to flow.

Sleep, Severus. I'll be right here with you, Dr. James soothed back his hair. Once more a few scant tears pooled and trickled across Snape's face. The Healer wiped these and gently snuggled a little closer. The Potions Master responded by rolling up against Barnes and tucking his face under the Healer's chin with a shuddering sigh. He used one hand to clutch Barnes' waist while the other still held on to his book.

Now the Healer could run his hand lightly up and down his patient's back. He was pleased with Snape's response and had forgotten everything else when he felt a hand touch his shoulder. He startled which in turn caused Snape to jerk, eyes flying open.

Just wanted to make sure you're both ok, Black's voice drifted down.

We were, Barnes snapped as he resettled himself and Snape.

Well, if there's anything we can do for you let us know, the animagus continued in a hopeful tone.

We'll be fine. Just a nap and some healing energy, Barnes said tersely. He began to run his hand in small circles feeling Snape relax against him when another hand began rubbing near his. Once more the Potions Master tensed up and he tried to scoot closer to Barnes.

Dr. James hissed, go drool somewhere else. There was affronted silence until Snape snickered.

Right. I'll just go then, Black said in offended tones.

Take Remus with you, the Healer replied tersely as he completely encircled his patient with his arms. Snape managed to curl close enough to listen to Dr. James' heart beating slightly faster than usual. Dr. James watched the two wizards retreat to the couch before he calmed down and returned his full attention to his patient.

After a few minutes of quiet Barnes regained his inner peace and once more began to soothe Snape with his healing energy. Another handful of minutes and his patient slipped softly into sleep clutching both his Healer and his book.