Title: When Harry Left Severus
rating: R for adult themes including male/male relationships.
Chapter 15 - Trusting
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. Although it is a pretty good method of psychological release...
***************~***************
Dr. James Barnes hummed happily as he reviewed the day. His patient had slept, really slept without a nightmare, for a solid four hours. Then he'd managed to hold down a thick high-protein shake. And best, Snape had a long soak in the tub while Lupin read to him from his new Holmes' book. It was heartening to see the Potions Master once more aware of his surroundings.
While Snape had soaked the Healer had a planning session with his son. Physically his patient was doing better, although he still needed more time for the soft tissue damage to heal. Even with their energy feeds the bruises remained.
Damn the bastards.
Dr. James shook the thought aside. No reason to get negative! Jeffrey wanted to start working through the attack in a few days. For the time being he suggested, and James concurred, that Snape needed to rest and be treated gently. Which meant he needed his friends to help him get better.
So Lupin had helped him bathe and had spent some quiet time near the fire just soaking up the heat and talking softly. It was fortunate to have Lupin's help because Jeffrey had been called back to Hogsmeade to the clinic and Dr. James had worked with Ron Weasley and Dumbledore when they returned.
The trip to France had been successful: Ron had been able to identify all three people in the house. Once that had been accomplished the French Wizarding Security Force had allowed their British colleagues to do a more thorough search of Vachel's home. Not much more had been found, but there were enough laws broken for veritaserum to be used once the prisoners were transferred to Britain for questioning.
Dumbledore was furious. Vachel had been very quiet but Andy laughed in the Headmaster's face taking delight in taunting the older wizard. Couldn't protect his precious traitor, could he?
Dr. James had to use two different soothing potions just to get Dumbledore to stop snarling.
Ron was easier to work with but required more energy. The quick trip over, the realization that he'd been drugged and knowing he'd had a part, albeit small, in the tormenting of Snape drained the young wizard of all his strength. With Molly's and Bill's help they brought Ron back to his room to rest and heal.
After seeing the Weasleys back safe and sound Dr. James had returned to the Headmaster's office to find Lupin wrapped around a very silent and confused Snape. Dumbledore was growling again but the Healer could not quite figure out what was actually going on. In any event the Potions Master was overwhelmed and needed less stimulation from either man. Gathering up his patient he sent the other two away.
Severus, is that your stomach grumbling? Dr. James murmured as he pulsed Snape. He didn't receive an answer.
Severus? What's wrong? the Healer asked, deciding on a direct approach. He wondered if the now trembling wizard would speak to him or would simply slip further away.
I, I don't understand why Remus is... Snape began, electing to nuzzle closer into Dr. James' robes seeking comfort.
Remus is, the Healer repeated... Then he understood.
Remus is being affectionate and Albus is not happy about
that is he? Snape's quivering continued so Barnes sent in a stronger, longer stream of energy as he murmured a soothing charm.
Remie has Sirius. But he says they both love me. I don't
understand, Snape finally articulated. He pulled back and looked up at the Healer, eyes dilated wide from the energy pulse.
Remus loves you, Severus. You were together over 12
years and when you parted Remus did not know he could
stay with you, Barnes said quietly. With a sigh Snape once more snuggled into the comfort and warmth.
Well, whether he had a choice or not he's back with Sirius
again, the Potions Master said with finality.
Dr. James pulled his patient closer as he continued to treat him.
There are no hard and fast rules here. Remus loves you
very much. Sirius has come to care for you in ways he admits
surprise him. I think that, if you're willing, they'd like to
bring you into their lives in a more intimate, and permanent,
way.
For a long moment there was no response and Barnes wondered if his patient had fallen asleep. Then the previously vocal stomach growled again. Snape took a long deep breath as he considered his options.
the Healer queried. But his patient simply was not interested in answering. So Barnes stood, levitating Snape, and moved them to the table. Dobby happily bounced off to make dinner for his master.
The elf quickly set out a fragrant meal: baked chicken, green beans with herbs, hot buttered bread and tinned peaches. Snape had been studiously avoiding any hint of being aware of his environment, but now he was sorely tempted. He couldn't help but note, through barely opened eyes, the food before him. Harder yet to ignore when a forkful of chicken was waved under his nose before being pushed into his passive mouth.
*ooooooh, so good,* he sighed to himself, now chewing.
Dr. James continued, tucking bites of baked chicken and fresh vegetables into the silent Potions Master. After a few bites Snape wanted some of the peaches, even looked longingly at the fruit, but the Healer avoided them. Finally Snape picked up his own fork and speared a tasty slice.
Snape continued to feed himself when it became apparent Dr. James was only going to feed him green beans.
I like Dobby's cooking, Barnes remarked as he filled his fork with the buttery beans.
Dobby likes to use spices, Snape said very quietly.
Mmmmhmmm, I think he used dill and onions on the green
beans, the Healer said.
Snape murmured. Rosemary and a little oregano
on the chicken.
Tinned peaches, smiled Barnes watching another succulent piece of fruit disappear into his patient.
Always tinned peaches, Snape smiled a very small smile. They continued discussing Dobby's cooking. It pleased the Healer to see his patient coming out of his self-imposed silence. Snape did not want to discuss Lupin or Black or Harry or the manor or anything to do with his life. But Dobby's cooking was just fine.
When plates were finally emptied and forks abandoned dessert came up. A warmth of cinnamon filled the air and both wizards breathed in deeply.
Rice pudding, Snape said happily. He sat expectantly waiting for a dish.
Why don't you serve us? I think there are enough dishes
for Albus, Remus and Sirius, too, Dr. James suggested lightly, wanting to see if Snape were ready for more people. He was rewarded with a slight nod as the Potions Master reached for the bowls. Pulling the tea tray closer the Healer poured out five cups.
Barnes called, if you gentlemen would like some
tea and dessert...? He didn't have to finish the question as all three wizards rose together. They did manage to walk slowly to the table not wanting to disturb or frighten their ill friend.
Black reached the table first and gently ran his hand across Snape's back as he passed. The Potions Master shivered, leaning towards Dr. James. The Healer simply dropped his arm over his patient's shoulder making a silent declaration of hands off. Lupin and Dumbledore accepted cups of tea as they sat down followed by a share of the pudding.
This is delicious, Dr. James said as he savored his first bite. He teased a second spoonful under Snape's nose.
I can eat my own, the Potions Master nearly sneered, but his lip didn't quite twist up. Barnes simply ate the offered spoonful himself.
Yes, you can, the Healer responded. Taking a small vial from his inner pocket Barnes removed the lid and poured it into his patient's tea. Snape ate a large spoon of pudding then reached for his tea not even bothering to sniff at the potion. He sipped carefully.
Are you staying the night James? Dumbledore asked quietly trying not to watch the potion taking affect. It bothered him that Snape's eyes were beginning to dilate, affecting a sleepy, trusting glaze. Another potion to keep him calm and very vulnerable.
No, I am going home for the night. I'll just tuck Severus
into bed, the Healer explained.
Snape looked at Barnes and smiled contentedly.
Bedtime, child, Dr. James said and led Snape off to the bedroom.
Black and Lupin's bedroom Dumbledore was quick to note. The Headmaster's glare pinned both men in their respective chairs.
You won't... the Headmaster positively growled.
We would never take advantage of Severus! Lupin declared quickly.
Albus, we both love Severus, Black said quietly. All three decided to sip tea, although perhaps Dumbledore considered gnawing on the cup itself.
He's been through too much, Albus tried a different tact but still the voice was strained.
I know, Albus. And I put him through some of it, Black responded.
I promise I will only help him sleep comfortably tonight.
They continued to sip tea. Barnes returned and looked over the three wizards. The dynamics were rather stressed. Instead of allowing anyone to question his decisions he pulled a potion out of his satchel and handed it to Black.
I chose your bed only because he'll sleep better being
protected on both sides, Dr. James said with a serious tone.
If he has a nightmare try to talk him back to sleep. If he
becomes too upset give him the dreamless sleep potion.
How long does he have to be drugged? Dumbledore asked.
Until Jeffrey and I decide he's ready to deal with his losses Albus, Barnes said patiently.
You have trusted us all these years, you'll just have to
trust us now. The Headmaster sighed.
I do trust you. It's just he's so vulnerable, so open to any
suggestion. I worry, the older wizard admitted.
I know Albus, Barnes replied gently, putting his hand on the wizard's shoulder.
I know. But he's safe here. No one is going to harm him or
coerce him into doing anything but sleep.
Then the Healer turned his considerable attention to the younger pair, hand still on Dumbledore's shoulder.
If Severus needs that dreamless sleep potion bring him
to Albus first. Once he has that he won't be going anywhere
for at least six hours, Barnes instructed them. They nodded in agreement.
Splendid. Good night gentlemen, I will be back in the
late morning, the Healer said and moved towards the door.
What about when he wakes? Lupin asked quickly.
Try to get some breakfast into him and let him alone. If he
wants to nap, that's fine. The calming potion will last until
the early afternoon, Dr. James waited a moment then slipped out the door.