Title: When Harry Left Severus
rating: R for adult themes including male/male relationships.
Chapter 19 Confessions and Confusion
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...
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Please state your full name, Officer Taylor said.
Vachel D'Usati, the young french wizard recited stoically.
Mr. D'Usati, you are to be given veritaserum and questioned
in regards to the assault on Severus Snape and the
destruction of Snape Manor, the officer stated as he set a small cup of juice in front of him. Vachel picked up the cup and drained it immediately then set it down and turned all his attention to the officer across from him.
Harry pushed back into his chair between Jeffrey and Sirius. Dumbledore was in the room with the prisoner beyond the glass sitting silently next to Daniel Murphy. Taylor referred to a parchment and began questioning Vachel.
For a moment Harry heard nothing, only watched lips moved. He wondered if a silencing charm had been cast over the glass then realized he could hear everything. Suddenly a warm hand patted his shoulder as Sirius' arm settled over the back of his chair.
Black asked quietly. Harry nodded and settled back, head leaning against his Godfather's arm.
How did you come to know Mr. Snape? Taylor was moving down his list slowly. Vachel answers were brief.
He is my fiancee's ex-lover, Vachel replied. Murphy looked up.
Who is your fiancé? the head of security asked.
Harry Potter. We are to be bonded on the winter solstice, Vachel was compelled to answer. Taylor resumed control.
Did you go out to Mr. Snape's manor? he asked.
Vachel retorted. Taylor raised an eyebrow. Perhaps he needed a higher dose? The French wizard had remarkable control.
When did you go to the manor? Dates and time of day, the officer questioned.
The first time with Ben in late May, I do not recall the date.
It was in the afternoon. Snape was alone. We picked up
some of Harry's things and tested the wards to see if they
had been changed. Ben had taken polyjuice and acted the
part of Harry, Vachel replied. The next time was June the
second in the early evening.
Who went with you? Who followed you? Taylor was having to be much more specific than he anticipated. A small bead of sweat gathered on the young French wizard's brow.
Harry went with me. Andy, Iris, Ben and Vince followed.
They waited by the windows of Snape's room, Vachel ground out. Fighting the potion was impossible and he was about to give up the struggle.
Please state their full names for the records, Taylor pursued.
Harry Potter, Andrew Rauch, Iris Rene Hallen, Benjamin Adelle and Vincent Crabbe, the wizard reported.
Vincent Crabbe? Harry bolted upright. I never saw Crabbe
out at Vachel's!
Perhaps he disguised himself, Jeffrey suggested. They
certainly found enough polyjuice in the house.
Crabbe's father was killed during the last battle, Harry recalled.
Albus killed him during the final battle. There was a line
of death eaters between us and you, Black explained.
I remember. Severus was called separately when I faced
Voldemort. He'd been exposed and Voldemort was going
to torture him before killing me, Harry remembered the complete feeling of devastation knowing his lover was about to die. He turned back to the questioning.
...met in a small coffee shop outside of Lyon, Vachel ground out.
Was this part of the plan?
the young wizard was now sweating freely as Taylor carefully scanned his notes. Harry leaned forward; he remembered that very first day. Vachel had been so vibrant and made him feel very alive.
What was the plan regarding Snape before Harry Potter? Murphy asked suddenly without consulting Taylor.
They had been searching for ways to get into Snape Manor.
Vincent knew where the manor was but the wards were too
strong, too complicated. They had been lying in wait just in
case they could sneak in, Vachel replied more easily. Dumbledore leaned over and carefully wrote out a message for Murphy who in turn shared it with Taylor.
You say . What was your involvement at the time? Taylor asked. Vachel sipped nervously at a glass of water.
I had opened my home to my friends. I was not involved
with their plans at that time, he replied.
Murphy pursued.
I did not know this batard Snape at the time. Only that
he was the one who killed my friends' leader. He killed
Voldemort and my friends' families were decimated, Vachel unexpectantly launched into a longer speech.
My friends, they lost everything! You sons of bitches took
their homes, their monies, their belongings! You took and
took and left them nothing! Their parents thrown into your
prison and executed by those things that suck out the life,
the soul! Uncles and aunts met the same fate or fled from
your gloating vengeance. Where were these children
suppose to go? There was nothing left! NOTHING! You
turned them out to the streets.
For a moment the three interrogators were stunned. But Dumbledore regrouped first.
I cannot speak for Rauch, Adelle or Hallen, but Vincent
Crabbe was offered room and board and a chance to further
his studies in London, the Headmaster said flatly. Vachel stared in disbelief.
There were no offers. Iris and Andrew came to me, my
oldest friends. They had nothing left. Vincent met Iris
before the persecutions, Vachel said with the fervor of a believer. Murphy touched Dumbledore requesting his silence.
So the plot to kill Severus Snape did not include Harry in
the beginning, Murphy redirected the questioning.
It did not. It wasn't until after I invited Harry back to stay
with me that Iris recognized him. The lightening bolt, Vachel described the scar in the air.
She recognized him at once. I did not. I only thought him
attractive. Harry was very interesting. I didn't know he was
important!
But you went along with your friends new plans, Taylor pressed.
I wanted to help my friends. They were so much in pain, so
sad. Harry did not seem to like Snape either, at least he did
not profess to love him. I saw no problem using Harry's
knowledge of the manor to gain access. Andrew and Iris,
they were very good at asking questions. Harry told us so
much about everything. When he started to hesitate I would
ask. When he wouldn't answer even me, then they gave
him potions. I do not know the name, not like this truth dope
you have forced on me! The veritaserum was in full force coursing through the young wizard compelling him to talk. He chattered without any more attempt to control himself.
Harry told us so much without the potions. I think he hates
that evil man! Why else would he be so willing to tell about
his wards? Vachel threw out. Dumbledore glared past the French wizard at the glass wall. Why indeed? A second jab from Murphy kept him from voicing his question.
You and your friends learned as much about the wards
on the manor, Taylor said firmly.
I went with Ben in late May. We tested a few wards. The
fool never changed them, Vachel spat out.
He had no reason to, Harry whispered to no one at all. Sirius flinched but Jeffrey took the young man's hand and gently squeezed his support.
Voldemort was dead, the Healer stated quietly.
And he trusted me. Why did he trust me? Severus never
trusted anyone! Harry groaned. Barnes wanted to jerk his hand back. Only his training kept him still. Damn brat still wanted to blame everyone else for his part in the attack! The great Harry Potter could do no wrong!
And that was the problem: Harry needed to believe he was fully good and had no darkness in him. He had not come to understand the grays that filled each person. Oh yes, this young man was going to be referred to a new counselor! Someone who didn't have to tamp down the desire to slap him.
Severus loved you Harry. You loved him. Why wouldn't he
trust you? Black asked trying to keep the anger from his voice.
He should have changed his wards! Harry growled defensively.
You shouldn't have shared such private information, Black snapped back. Harry's eyes grew wide.
I was under their control, Harry choked out. Black took a deep breath getting ready to retort when Barnes stepped in.
Now is not the time for this discussion, the Healer said firmly, glaring at the animagus. Harry was not ready for this and he would not push his patient. Personal feelings aside Harry did not deserve to be attacked. There were too many issues being dragged up and he could tell the young wizard was shutting down.
We are here to listen to testimony. Barnes gently eased some calming energy into Harry.
Black stared a long moment at the Healer before releasing his breath. Then he took another lungful of air and settled back next to his godson. He purposefully dropped his arm over Harry's shoulder and gave him a small squeeze of apology. With a sigh the youth rested his head against his godfather's shoulder.
...chained him to the wall. I heard Harry's godfather yelling
in the hallway. Andy told me to go and they would take care
of Snape, Vachel explained.
What does take care of Snape mean exactly? Taylor pressed.
I had been told it meant beating him up a bit then destroying
his home, Vachel said cooly. I did not know until later that
they'd hoped to kill Snape. This drew disbelieving looks from his interrogators.
But he was chained to the wall! What did you think was
going to happen? Murphy asked somewhat taken aback.
The agreement going in was they were going to drag him
out into the garden. Vincent had scoped out the area and
they were going to put Snape somewhere beyond the
fountain, Vachel said.
So you didn't know they tried to murder Snape, Taylor pushed one more time.
I did not know they tried. They knew I was completely
against killing him. I was angry when they told me. Harry,
he became very angry. They obliterated the knowledge from
him, the wizard explained.
THEY DID WHAT!?! Harry rose out of his chair. Beyond the window the questioning continued as the shielding charms did their job.
Harry, he can't hear you, Black pulled at his godson trying to return him to his seat.
WHAT ELSE DID YOU TAKE AWAY FROM ME! Harry lunged towards the view wall. It was only the concerted efforts of both Barnes and Black that kept the youth from hitting the barrier. Not that it would have mattered to the people in the next room.
Ssshh, calm down Harry, Black soothed as Barnes pulsed him with calming energy.
I HATE YOU! Harry screamed at his fiancé. Snatches of questions and answers moved around them proving the young wizard being questioned did not hear him.
...come forward because I have no chance. No matter
what happened I will be sent to that prison of yours and
sucked dry by your pets, Vachel spat out sullenly.
There is a big difference between aiding the destruction of
the manor and attempted murder, Murphy pointed out.
Mr. D'Usati, do you have anything else to add at this time? Taylor asked formally, his list of questions exhausted.
he answered quickly. But what is going to happen to
me and my friends?
You will be arraigned shortly on being an accomplice to the
destruction of the manor and attack on Snape. Your friends
will have the added charge of attempted murder, Murphy said. Vachel gave a curt nod of understanding.
Your lawyer will be brought in to see you in a private room.
You may also send messages out to two people at that
time. Officer Taylor will bring you back to your holding cell, Murphy explained. At that Vachel stood followed by Taylor and the security chief. Dumbledore remained seated, his fingers steepled. He carefully watched the man, child to him, shuffle to the door. One question, just one more question would put a lot of the pain to rest for Harry.
Do you love Harry? Dumbledore asked causing Vachel to freeze in the doorway. Harry froze too, caught in the headlights of the question.
Yes, I love Harry, Vachel said softly.
The answer even surprised the usually omniscient Headmaster. And it certainly did not put the pain to rest.
It was an exhausted group that floo'd back to Hogwarts that evening. Black and Barnes quietly deliberated if they wanted food or drink more. Harry slunk next to the Headmaster not adding to the conversation. The Headmaster's rooms were dim causing most of the group to wonder where Lupin and Snape were.
It's just dinner time in the great hall, Dumbledore muttered as he waved open curtains letting in the late sun. The light was greeted with a low hiss from the couch. Turning all four could see Lupin squinting his eyes against the light while Snape slept.
So that's where you got to, Barnes said lightly, crossing the room. Black noted that although the Healer quickly started to scan the Potions Master he also had put himself in a defensive position. The Animagus moved next to his Godson.
Let's go eat Harry, he gently pushed on the younger wizard's back. But Harry did not move, merely stood looking at the sleeping wizard.
He's, he's so thin, Harry said in a worried voice. Black now tugged on him.
He has always been thin. Let's let him sleep. Maybe Remus
will join us? Black asked hopefully. He could use a good hug from his mate just about now. Lupin was in fact moving off the couch so that the Healer could take over.
I'll wash up and be right down, the werewolf said quietly as he stretched his back.
We need to wash too, Harry said still staring at his ex-lover.
Then let's go down to the staff loo near the hall. There
is more room there, Black suggested. Still Harry stared, feeling very confused.
Is he sleeping all right? Severus always had the worst nightmares, the young wizard said not moving.
Harry, he's doing quite well. He does have some trouble
with nightmares so when we can get him to rest we like to let
him sleep, Barnes said in a low tone. Snape was shifting slightly under his scan.
I could sit with him, Harry whispered.
No, he's fine. Let's just go to dinner, Black suggested. He was supported by Lupin who came in front of Harry and broke his eye contact with Snape's sleeping figure. The lethargy lifted and they were able to shuffle him out the door and down stairs.
Barnes smoothed back stray strands of hair. He was pleased to see that someone had taken the time to brush out the Potions Master's tangles. He looked better just for that.
How is Severus? Dumbledore broke into his musings.
Oh, sorry! I was drifting wasn't I? Barnes quirked a quick grin.
He seems to be fine, actually. Must have had a good day.
Of course I had a good day. You were out of my hair! Snape grumbled as he moved beneath the Healer's inquisitive hands. Dumbledore came closer.
Hi Severus! Miss me? the Headmaster teased. He was rewarded with a distasteful sneer.
Snape snorted with disdain.
You are feeling better aren't you child? Dumbledore gushed quite happily. Snape sported a grimace for another moment then his face dissolved into a small, shy smile.
Missed you Albus, the Potions Master murmured. He was rewarded with a light kiss to his forehead and a caress.
Did you have a good day Severus? Barnes asked as he assisted his patient is sitting up.
mmhmmm. Except that Remus insisted we go for a walk, Snape answered as he leaned against the Healer for a moment. Both Barnes and Dumbledore stifled grins.
Good. Da and I felt a little more exercise would help you
sleep better, the Healer explained as he finished his scan.
I certainly did nap without waking. Until you started
prodding, Snape groused. Barnes just smirked.
After we eat you can walk me down to Minerva's office.
I need to see what happened here today, Dumbledore smiled at the grimace.
She'll probably gush about seeing me on the stairs earlier.
Disgusting display of emotions, Snape muttered.
Then it'll will be good news all-round, the Headmaster enthused as he helped his friend up off the couch. He didn't try to quell his smile: Snape was grousing!