Title: When Harry Left Severus
rating: R for adult themes including male/male relationships.
Chapter 20 Awakenings
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.
********************~********************
He woke, eyes flying open taking in the room. gods, it had to be the Headmaster's office, on the lounge, in the middle of the day! Snape struggled to slow his breathing, quell the groans that welled up from his very excited body.
That certainly was NOT a nightmare. The warm stickiness that spread over his stomach soaking into his sleepshirt was not sweat. He was 43 years old and he had a wet dream! His face burned in embarrassment.
Feeling better Severus? Dr. James' cheerful voice caused Snape to freeze. Then he jerked the covers over his head. Maybe if he were very quiet they'd all think he was asleep.
Severus? I know you're awake, the Healer chided him.
I'm, I'm feeling ill, Snape managed to eke out.
Mmmhmmm, ill. Then let me scan you... Barnes began.
No, no, I just need to get to the loo! Snape insisted still a bit breathless.
Severus, I know you didn't have a nightmare... the Healer said gently.
Yeah, everyone knows, Snape lamented. It really was too much and he pulled the cover tighter over his face as he twisted into a smaller ball.
No, not everyone knows. Your entourage' has left for the
afternoon. It's just you and me, Barnes carefully touched the rigid back and rubbed softly.
Just you? Snape queried in a small voice.
Just me, Dr. James answered. The Potions Master considered the implications.
That's still one too many! snapped the hiding wizard. Barnes chuckled.
It's a natural function Severus! Happens to everyone! the Healer carefully began to scan.
To a teenager. I haven't had a wet dream in years! the Potions Master sounded a bit pathetic.
Sorry. I think they're lots of fun, Barnes said patiently as he tugged at the blanket. Snape snorted indignantly.
You need to come out sometime. I will not laugh. I am
barely smiling!
Snape huffed. The Healer grinned mischievously and sent in a strong steam of energy. Given his patient's post-coital state the fading feelings of bliss were suddenly intensified.
moaned the Potions Master twitching under the Healer's ministrations. Blankets were released and soon Snape was untangled. He lie on the on the lounge looking more relaxed and a bit debauched.
You should be glad it is me and not Jeffrey, Dr. James smirked.
You... can't imagine... how glad... I am... Snape panted as the renewed sensations began to dissipate. Barnes had ceased the flow and was scanning his patient intently.
You systems are healing albeit slowly. You can NOT engage
in active sex but a few more dreams would be good... the Healer reported shamelessly.
I was wrong. I wish Jeffrey was here instead, Snape glared. Of course, given his current state it was rather cute.
Jeffrey would want to know exactly what you dreamed
about. In detail, the Healer pointed out indifferently. His patient's glare immediately shifted back to a slight blush. Barnes had to fight not to smirk.
Why is this happening at all? the Potions Master asked miserably. Dr. James stood and helped his patient to his feet.
Your body is healing. You have been thinking about your
ability to have sex? Barnes countered with a question. Snape sighed as he allowed himself to be propelled towards the washroom.
Yes. I've been thinking, the Potions Master admitted.
Sirius and Remus seem to be encouraging you to think
about certain things, too? again the gentle question in response. This drew another sigh.
Remie and Siri have been very... encouraging, Snape whispered.
They've been quite encouraging. So you have a wet
dream. It's a normal reaction Severus. No reason to be
embarrassed, Barnes explained as he had his patient sit on the closed loo. He proceeded to run water in the tub. Snape looked reticent.
Can't I shower? the Potions Master asked desperately wanting his privacy.
No. You are too shaky on your feet and you know it! Barnes said firmly. He tested the temperature then added some potions sitting on the counter. Soothing herbal aromas filled the room. Finally he nudged Snape up and began to carefully strip the sticky clothing off. He looked surreptitiously at the residue. It was a bit dark and was flecked with black specks. He wanted to test some, see if there was any lasting damage to the sperm, so he non-chalantly wiped the bulk of it off Snape's stomach on the sleep shirt and tossed it on the sink counter. A quick stasis charm protected it for later.
With support Snape stepped into the warm water. A rolled towel was placed behind his neck as he was encouraged to stretch out to soak. He seemed to be more relaxed, but his next question belied that apparent ease.
What if I have another one? What if I wake up, um, up? I
don't know if I could handle waking next to Remus or Sirius, Snape sounded fairly panicked.
gods, what if I wake up next to ALBUS?! Dr. James reached for the washcloth and handed it to the upset wizard.
If you wake up with an erection you can simply tent your
robes or dressing gown and slip into the loo, Barnes said patiently.
You were a teenager once, weren't you? And at a boarding
school sleeping in a dorm. The Healer drizzled soap over the unused washcloth.
Just come into the loo and take a nice warm bath. You can
use the soap and cloth to encourage things, Barnes said lightly, without too much of a smile. He noted with nearly professional detachment that Snape blushed everywhere visible.
oh bloody hell, Snape slipped down into the tub nearly submersing his head.
Be glad Jeffrey not here, the Healer smirked. He'd
try to demonstrate proper technique. The Potions Master looked properly horrified.
Proper? Proper! What did Jeffrey major in at university? Snape sputtered. Dr. James chuckled.
Jeffrey has always been one to do things properly. Must
be from his mother's side, The Healer smiled warmed with memory. Shaking his head slightly he focused back on his patient.
Scrub. Unless you'd like some help?
With a growl Snape set to washing himself. Barnes set a bottle of shampoo on the ledge before moving to straighten' the dirty robe on the counter. With a quick conjuring charm a sample was slipped into a pocket. The clothing was tossed in the corner for the elves and Snape was no more the wiser.
*Yes, he should be glad Jeffy isn't here!* the Healer snorted to himself as he returned to sit on the loo. Using his wand he drew up water and brought it over his patient's hair.
Barnes said and waited until Snape was ready. Water streamed down soaking his hair. The Healer watched soap suds form as Snape worked the shampoo through. More water was drawn up and hovered over the Potions Master. Tilting his head back he nodded and rinsed the first round.
The soaping process was repeated and then a more thorough rinse. The tub was drained then Barnes continued to sluice his patient off.
Do you want to soak awhile? he asked courteously.
No, I think I'm relaxed enough! Snape retorted. So much so that Barnes needed to levitate him out of the tub and wrap him in a large bath sheet. Snape grumbled and pulled the towel around him tighter.
I can take care of myself, he hissed.
Of course you can, Barnes replied as he began drying him off with a separate towel, pulling his wet hair back. A second stumble and the Healer simply gathered him up and helped him into the bedroom. Snape growled but allowed him to continue. He soon found himself face-down on the bed while strong hands ran lotion over the length of his back and legs.
You're doing much better, Severus, Barnes spoke softly as he worked.
I feel better, Snape admitted. Except when I think about
the manor and all. The Healer nudged him over on his back and continued to work in the lotion.
Well, the manor and all' is enough to break a person. I am
very pleased you are working through your losses, Barnes said calmly. Snape did not tense up nor did he look as though he'd cry.
I did break, the Potions Master said very, very softly. Barnes smiled warmly and urged him to sit up on the side of the bed.
No, you were overwhelmed and still are a little. But you are
not broken Severus, the Healer said gently.
You are very much on the mend and in control for the most
part. A clean robe was secured as well as a pair of warm, and thick, flannel shorts.
Need to keep that lower torso warm, Barnes said with a straight face. Snape glared at him.
I am your Healer and I insist. If anyone asks why you're
wearing them you can tell them that.
Standing, Snape took the shorts and pulled them on without any comment. He then grumbled as Barnes tugged the robe over his head and made sure it was settled on correctly. The Potions Master sat back on the edge of the bed and looked up at the Healer.
You really like doing all this don't you, Snape muttered; his dark eyes searching the brown warmth of Barnes' eyes.
Of course. And I do care a great deal for you, obstinate
wizard! Let's go see if Dobby is willing to bring up some
tea. I skipped lunch, the Healer smiled and held out a hand to his patient. Snape stared at the proffered hand a moment before grasping it.
I.. I am glad you care for me, he looked back up.
You always treat me kindly and.. and... Barnes pulled him up on his feet and into a hug.
I know, Severus. I know, the Healer said quietly.
Thank you Dr. James. Thank you... Snape said with more emotion than he would have liked but could not control. Barnes held him tight letting him take comfort.
Dumbledore returned to his rooms after trying unsuccessfully to avoid both Black and Jeffrey Barnes. The Headmaster's little blunder at the questioning yesterday was causing some problems for both wizards; and more for Harry. He had honestly expected the French wizard to deny his love. The quiet declaration of love had been a real shock.
Tossing his outer cloak on the partially burned clothes rack he stretched his back and yawned.
Long afternoon Albus? Snape's friendly voice drifted over from the table where he sat with Dr. James. Dumbledore sighed in relief. Here, at least, he'd be able to relax.
Oh, yes. I think a cup of that tea would do nicely about
now, the older wizard said crossing the room. He seated himself next to Snape who poured out a cup of earl gray.
Dobby's been experimenting with all things lemon, Albus.
I'm sure you'll enjoy some of these shortbread bisquits, Dr. James said pushing the plate closer to the tired Headmaster.
You certainly won't like this custard, Snape murmured as he lifted a slightly shaking spoonful to his mouth with a contented sigh. Dumbledore regarded him with an arched eyebrow.
Oh, really? he asked with an inquiring tone, but reached for a bisquit instead. He'd swiped Snape's dessert on a few occasions but not this time.
Oh my, Dumbledore moaned decadently as he began chewing the shortbread. It was indeed lemon and sweet. Two of his favorite things.
I told you his eyes would roll up, Snape remarked to Barnes. The Healer reached into a hidden pocket an drew out a small handful of coins. Selecting a shiny sickle he tossed it to the Potions Master.
You bet on my reaction?? Dumbledore sputtered indignantly, crumbs flew out onto the table and on his companions. With a sigh the Healer took a golden galleon and pushed that over to the chortling Snape.
the Potions Master smirked as he set the coins next to his custard dish. The Headmaster still was aghast at the two wizards. He sipped some tea and then reached for Snape's custard. Taking a bite he watched the Healer for reaction.
Didn't bet on my stealing the custard? Dumbledore asked pointedly.
That really would be a sucker bet, Barnes replied with a snort. Snape started to tremble then covered his face.
Are you ok, child? the Headmaster turned quickly, concern painting his voice.
oh, fine, the Potions Master squeaked out. A snicker broke out but was quickly quelled as Snape took several deep breaths. Barnes grinned as he patted his patient soothingly.
Just a little excited, eh? Barnes murmured with smirk. Snape's face went blank before a light blush crept up on his cheeks.
I am not a little excited', he drawled disdainfully.
I suppose not, Barnes replied. More tea?
Snape replied holding out his cup. Dumbledore was curious but not enough to ask any questions. He'd had enough questions for the time being! They settled back into their chairs and nibbled at their sweets.
I think I'll go out to the manor this weekend, Snape said casually. Dumbledore nearly spewed his tea this time but managed to swallow and sit up straight staring at his friend.
Dr. James and I talked about it.
Does Jeffrey know? Dumbledore asked and received two sheepish glances.
No, I haven't spoken specifically with Jeffy about it, Barnes said.
Your Jeffy' is not too keen on surprises of late James.
If I were you I'd clear it with him first, the Headmaster remarked a little too offhand.
I have noticed that my Jeffy has a bit of a problem with
not being consulted, Barnes agreed amicably as he sipped at his tea.
+damn straight+ Dumbledore whispered to himself.
I also know where he sleeps. And I pay the house elf... Barnes lifted a corner of his lip in a delighted sneer.
But it was mine, I want to go see what's left! Snape suddenly burst in. Healer and Headmaster glanced at one another making a quick pax.
It is your manor, Severus, and you can go see what's left, Dr. James said carefully.
I mean, I might just curl up and implode, but, but... Snape drew in a sharp breath. Dumbledore reached over and removed the fresh cup of hot tea out of his hands as the Healer put a soothing hand on Snape's shoulder.
Severus! Take a deep breath. Good... Another... I told
you I would take you out to the manor site. Albus will go
with us. Just to look. Then after a few more days we can
go back and start looking at the areas the searchers have
marked for you, Barnes explained.
Yes, child. They found several warded areas. We know
that Sirius' papers survived in the safe you let him use.
I'm sure there are a few more things to find, Dumbledore added. He watched Snape anxiously to see how he'd process the information. The Potions Master finally leaned against the Healer.
Sorry. I know there's precious little left. I know what those
bombing-hexes can do to even stone. I even know I'm going
to fall apart when I see it, Snape said sadly.
But I have to go. I have to see. Then I can get through
this nightmare.
We know, Severus. We understand. Albus and I will see
you through. Jeffery, Remus and Sirius will too, Barnes said as he pull his patient under his arm. Still emotionally fragile.
After a long moment Snape moved back although the Healer kept a hand on his shoulder. Dumbledore patted his friend's knee in encouragement and set the tea cup down in front of him. Tucking a few stray strands of hair behind his ear Snape then rubbed at eyes that had threatened to tear. Finally he retrieved his tea cup and shakily sipped.
It really will be all right child, the Headmaster promised once more.