An Ounce of Cure

by Raven Dancer

rating: PG-13

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.

This is for those few, brave souls who asked who Randall Clarion was...

2/3


Snape wasn't remotely all right. He was sweaty, in need of a bath and still very ill. He'd been pushing himself too long and was now suffering for it. Barnes found him nearly passed out in a chair by the cauldrons.

he scolded, gathering the ill man up, nose wrinkling in disgust. He got no response.

Severus? Come on, Sev, wake up he checked for pulse and opened an eyelid. No response. He was breathing, although it was fast and shallow. His heart beat was rapid as well. He called to Beryl and Dobby.

What was he doing this morning?

Professor Snape set up new cauldron, get the ingredients
together. Professor Snape said needed to start another
batch, Dobby reported. Barnes noted the ingredients laid out on the bench, the clean cauldron waiting. He'd take over brewing once he took care of Snape.

Barnes carefully explained to the two elves to watch the cauldrons until he returned. They knew enough to stir and maintain the temperature. Both had helped Snape enough to feel confident to take over until the doctor returned. Levitating the sick man Barnes moved him out of the dungeons, locking the doors securely. He brought him upstairs to the Headmaster's rooms and gently bathed him. He was somewhat disturbed that Snape didn't wake through the entire procedure.

Finally in clean leggings and sleep shirt, the Potions Master was put into bed.

He doesn't look good, Dumbledore remarked.

No, he's pretty rundown, Barnes agreed. He hasn't
been taking care of himself.

What about the potions he's brewing? the Headmaster asked.

I'll take care of them. The epidemic is winding down in town.
We had the bulk of our cases begin well before yours.
Dumbledore moved to straighten covers.

I feel much better, the older man said. One more dose
and I'll be through, he reported.

The potion is quite effective. Severus is brilliant, the healer smiled warmly, although I'm sure you realized that ages ago.

Oh, possibly, Dumbledore smiled, then turned serious.
So the skipped dose? Barnes just shrugged.

I'm going to reserve half a caldron of the potion to brew
another day. Then it will be at its full potency. I have a
feeling Severus will need that. A slight movement caught their attention and the healer reached for the sick man's hand, brushing his hair back with the other.

Severus? You with us? he asked gently. Snape's face animated as he woke.

I need to get the potion started, he murmured, trying to push himself up. Barnes carefully held him in place.

Severus, sshh. It's ok. I'm watching the cauldrons, he spoke soothingly.

the thin voice quavered weakly.

Yes, Severus. I came over from the clinic. The towns-
people are on the mend. Heard you were sick and might
need some help, Barnes ran his hand up and down the wizard's shoulder.

Sick? Not sick, Snape protested weakly. Some damned
troll ran me over, though. Dumbledore and Barnes chuckled.

the ill wizard tried to focus beyond the healer. The headmaster moved closer, taking his hand from Barnes.

Yes, child. I'm right here. You can rest, now. Sleep.
Jeffrey will look after the cauldrons, he smoothed hair back and looked into his friend's eyes. Eyes confused and exhausted.

Give him something to drink, Headmaster, Barnes stood and moved towards the door. I'm going down to put together the
next batch. I'll be back up.

When the Healer returned he found his patient in the lounge curled up in the Headmaster's arms, head tucked neatly under his chin against his beard and chest. Dumbledore smiled sheepishly.

He sleeps better this way, he said quietly. Barnes made no comment. He had suspected these two men were close, just given how Dumbledore had always cared for Snape in his rooms when he was ill or hurt. Both healed quicker when they were together and in any event both were more tractable when the other was there to protect him.

And well he should. It eases the chest congestion.
Did you get some fluids into him? Barnes sat next to them, taking Snape's wrist in his hand to check his pulse.

Most of a glass of watered down juice. The fever potion
seems to have worked; he's been sweating freely, the Headmaster observed.

Good. Just keep pushing the liquids. You too! You've
just finished up on your course of potions, haven't you? Barnes looked at the older man.

Last one tomorrow morning. Good stuff you two whipped
up, Dumbledore smiled.

He whipped up. I brought the antibiotics and he blended.
I forgot how intriguing brewing potions was, Barnes touched Snape's face and slowly insinuated himself into the man's systems. Yes, the potion was doing its job, but everything was sluggish, healing slowly. Now that he was fully resting he would get better more quickly. Pulling out, Barnes found the Headmaster's eyes boring into him.

He's going to be fine, Albus. Severus just pushed himself
too hard, as usual. He just needs to sleep and gets some
nourishment into him. Probably a full 7 days more of the
potion starting tomorrow just for good measure, he sat back and smiled reassuringly.

Sometimes I think he likes getting sick or hurt just so he
can curl up and sleep in my rooms, Dumbledore remarked.

He feels safe here, Albus. He has very few friends, Barnes said seriously. Dumbledore sighed.

Very few, he agreed, and fewer places where he's
actually safe.

Barnes tended the cauldrons with the elves' help and looked after Snape. Four cauldrons going simultaneously was a bit of a challenge at first, but after the last of the ingredients went into the newest cauldron it became a matter of just stirring and watching the fire. The temperature charms worked well and he was able to return to his favorite patient for long stretches.

Snape slept, rousing only to sip the cool juices and waters the elves brought up. The ragged coughing barely disturbed him.

He's certainly sleeping a lot, Dumbledore commented late in the evening as he prepared for bed.

Yes, but it's not too restful, not with that cough. The
potion will help dry out his lungs, Barnes was listening to Snape's lungs, frowning. They were wet and full of phlegm. Shuffling through his medicine bag, he pulled out a bottle.

Let me try to get this into him. It'll break up some of
that goop in his chest and he'll cough it out.

Snape made a truly awful face when the spoon deposited the liquid in his mouth. He blinked his eyes open and sleepily glared at his caretakers.

Vicious looking git, isn't he? Barnes commented to Dumbledore as they waited. Dumbledore offered Snape a cup of watery juice. The ill man sipped, taking several longish drinks. He settled back against the pillows, eyes blinking against sleep.

Vicious ? he managed to whisper.

If looks could kill, Barnes teased, waiting for the cough to begin. Snape slipped off, dozing away for a few minutes. Until the cough syrup kicked in. As the first hard coughs wracked his body, the healer flipped him onto his stomach and tilted him slightly so his head was lower than his feet. Gently he cupped his hands against Snape's back to help loosen the phlegm.

Snape was not at all pleased with this turn of events. He clenched the sheets as he hacked up his lungs. At the very least Dumbledore stayed close, holding a basin to catch the expelled matter and wiping his face. This procedure, hacking, pounding the back, an encouraging word or two, continued for over twenty minutes until the patient was exhausted and the basin partially full. Barnes ceased and selected another potion from his bag. This was offered to Snape who refused to open his mouth, burying his face into the pillows.

Severus, it's ok. This will help you stop coughing, Barnes tried. But Snape wasn't buying it.

he managed, hacking harder, his whole body involved.

I know, Barnes soothed. This will take away the pain.
Finally, with Dumbledore interceding, the patient allowed himself to be levitated into the healer's lap and held tight. Cool juice was ready as well as a large spoonful of syrup. He accepted the potion from the Headmaster and then took a long sip of the juice. A few more coughs, a little more juice, a gentle rocking back and forth. Dumbledore smiled softly as Barnes began to hum a child's tune to the sick man.

Codeine is wonderful stuff, Barnes sighed as Snape finally slipped under. The older man looked at him curiously.

It's a muggle medicine; it works quite well. I learned
about it at the muggle university. Dad actually uses
it, too, the young man soothed his patient's sleep, gently stroking his hair back from his face as he slept, still tightly clinging.

He'll relax in a bit, Dumbledore spoke from experience,
just keep rocking and humming. He loves music.

Within ten minutes Snape was limp in sleep. Barnes was almost reluctant to move him back to his bed. But he did, levitating him between the cool sheets.

I'll just check the cauldrons one last time and then I'll sleep
on the lounge, he said.

You might as well take part of the bed. I'll enlarge it
a bit. It'll be more comfortable, Dumbledore pointed his wand and stretched the bed a bit then climbed in on the side closer to Snape.

It's ok, he doesn't snuggle unless you pull him close, Barnes looked at the arrangement and shrugged.

I'll be back soon, and he slipped downstairs.

The healer did sleep in the bed; it was much more comfortable than the lounge or couch. Plus it was much easier to check on Snape when he woke in the dead of night. Fever was up and he easily fed him a potion to help break it. He soothed his patient back into a deep sleep and fell asleep himself with no problem.

Morning came and Barnes woke first, stretching. He quickly looked Snape over and dressed. He needed to bottle the potion that was ready and get it over to Pomfrey.

And bring some up to Snape.

It took over two hours to pour all the potion into the clean bottles the house elves had lined up. Carefully boxed, he took one bottle and sent the rest up to Pomfrey. Dobby was instructed to clean the cauldrons so he could start another double batch. A smaller cauldron was set to the side with some of the three-day old potion to simmer one more day for Snape. Pleased with himself, he went upstairs.

When he returned to the dungeons nearly two hours later the place was a mess. Oh, the cauldrons were ok, still simmering away, but the shelves had been ransacked. Many ingredients had been jumbled together and lay wasted on the floor. He'd never be able to brew the potions from Snape's destroyed stores.

Barnes realized the elves were missing and quickly crossed to the table to ring the bell. Dobby appeared first, cowering, followed by Beryl. They relaxed visibly when they saw the young doctor.

What happened? he asked, a little louder than he intended.
The elves flinched.

Ministry doctor came. Ministry doctor asked for the
potion that Professor Snape had. Dobby told him no
potions left. Dobby and Beryl take potion to Madame
Nurse, Dobby spluttered.
Beryl told ministry doctor no potions left here, all
potions up with Madame Nurse. Ministry doctor get
mad. Bad wizard tear open Professor Snape's cupboards, Beryl looked sadly at the terrible mess.

Bad wizard go through all Professor Snape's things.
Won't listen to Dobby. Won't listen to Beryl, Dobby added.

But where are they now? Where did they go? Barnes asked quickly.

Bad wizard and Ministry doctor go upstairs to talk to
Professor Snape. Bad wizard think Professor
Snape has potion hidden, Beryl squeaked.

Dobby, go tell Madame Pomfrey what you've told me.
I need her to come up to the Headmaster's office and
vouch for Professor Snape. Beryl, go find Professor Lupin
and tell him what's happening. If he's well enough tell him
to come upstairs, too. Then see if you can clean up
this mess! Barnes turned and nearly ran from the room.

How did he miss those two wizards when he came downstairs? Unless they hid? Why would they hide from him? It was amazing how quickly he made it up the stairs to the Headmaster's offices, shoving the door open he proceeded directly into the bedroom.

He did not like what he saw.

Albus Dumbledore was frozen, probably a binding charm, in the lounge chair. Professor Snape was screaming.

a patient, calm, evil voice intoned.

Doctor, so good to see you. We're looking for the rest
of the potion. I really don't want to keep asking Severus
where he's hidden it. He just is sooo uncooperative, the security wizard (*bad wizard* thought Barnes) looked at him serenely. Snape had stopped screaming, but now was whimpering in pain.

Use the Headmaster. Snape will do anything for Albus, the Clarion sneered.

I, I told you, how Snape was managing to speak was beyond Barnes,
I didn't hide any. None! Don't hurt Albus, his voice cracked as he struggled against the pain.

He's telling the truth, he's been up here. I bottled the
last batch myself and sent it to the hospital wing. I believe
I sent about 12 dozen bottles, Barnes started to move towards his patient, but a wand lazily motioned him back.

12 dozen. And I figure you used a full two dozen this
morning for the patients here. Only 7 dozen in the supply
cupboard, the ministry doctor considered.

We want the other 36 bottles, Barnes. We want them and
he knows where they are, the security wizard said harshly.

and Snape curled into a ball fighting for a moment before the screams started again. No disgrace in screaming when the pain was unbearable.

Barnes whipped his wand out fast, stopping the curse. Both wizards turned menacingly towards the healer.

Maybe you hid the potion. Maybe we should be asking
you, sneered the security wizard. They didn't get far.

A voice came from the doorway.

Pomfrey asserted as she moved in, wand out, trapping Clarion in invisible webs. Remus Lupin followed her in. he threw the charm straight at the security wizard. Barnes waved his wand over Dumbledore as he ran to Snape.

Finitum Incantantum. Dumbledore pushed himself up from the lounge, the anger in his eyes terrifying to see. He walked past the two bound men and went to the fireplace. He threw a massive handful of floo powder.

ACCIO OFFICER DANIEL MURPHY he yelled. The swirling fire raged for a moment and then a grizzled-haired wizard stepped out glaring.

This had better be good, he began, then calmed a bit when he saw where he was.

Albus Dumbledore! What's going on? the man asked in concern. He could see Pomfrey in the doorway, Snape limp on the bed being tending to by a healer and another professor, a ministry doctor, Clarion he remembered, and one of his own men, a man who's insubordinance caused him to remove him from duty on several occasions, frozen in a binding curse. This would be good.

Depending on how you defined good'.

Dumbledore quickly outlined how the two wizards forced themselves into his rooms, then into the bedroom, on the pretext of thanking Snape for formulating the potion. Upon entering the room they bound him and immediately threatened Snape if he did not divulge the where abouts of the flu potion that was bottled that morning. They had used the cruciatus curse three times before they had been bound.

I reserved the potion, Headmaster, Pomfrey nervously admitted.

They had taken everything the last two times. We needed
some left for our patients! I didn't know they would hurt
Professor Snape, she sat down in a chair rather dazed.

When I told them that Snape had nothing to do with the
bottling and storage of this morning's batch they
threatened the Headmaster then hexed Severus with the
third curse, Barnes added from the bedside. Snape was still in pain, still whimpering. He'd thrown up and soiled himself and was completely unreachable.

sshh, Severus, he whispered, trying to soothe the hurt wizard. Lupin picked up the empty basin and went towards the washroom.

Murphy looked at Snape for a moment then turned his considerable attention to Clarion. He plucked the medi wizard's wand from his hand then released him.

Well, Clarion, I trust you have a good reason for taking
the flu potion, threatening, and harming Professor Snape, Murphy stared, waiting. Clarion shuffled a bit before talking.

I had my orders, to bring back all the potion they'd
produced for the Ministry Hospital. People are panicking
and they have the antidote, he spoke rapidly.

We gave you not only several dozen bottles from the
school and our clinic in Hogsmeade, but also the potion's
recipe over four days ago. You should have started
your own batches at the hospital! Barnes exclaimed angrily.

Not to mention we sent you eight bottles and the
recipe several weeks ago, Dumbledore snarled.

Well, Dr. Clarion? Is this true? Murphy asked carefully. The Ministry doctor darkened, not speaking for a long moment.

he finally hissed, Yes, they sent the formulae and
samples. But Snape is a death eater for Merlin's sake. How
could we believe him?

Now Murphy darkened in anger, but kept it tamped down quite effectively.

Even I know, a lowly security wizard, that Snape is on
our side. I know he's produced some extremely useful
potions for our use over the years. And if I recall, he
seemed to find an antidote for a poison last year that
had you and your research team stumped. Severus
Snape would never keep such a vital potion away from
anyone who needed it, Murphy just glared at him.

*Lowly security wizard indeed,* thought Dumbledore, *head of the force more like it!*

And you, Adams, what do you have to say for yourself? he plucked the wand from the security wizard and terminated the binding curse. Adams' sullen face turned down.

I don't have to tell you anything, Murphy. My orders were
from higher up, he sneered.

Higher up than me? Murphy asked as quiet as darkness itself.

From the Minister of Magic, he boasted.

You'd better hope so, mister, said Murphy softly. In case
you don't remember using the cruciatus curse is frowned
upon from Minister Fudge on down. Usually one earns a few
months in Azkaban for using it, Adams flinched at the name.

I'm sorry, Headmaster, for the intrusion, Murphy said.
I'll return these two to the Ministry office and get back
to you shortly.

What about the missing potion, Clarion jumped in.

You'll take what you have and be done with it, Murphy asserted.

Your incompetence won't be so easy to cover up
this time, Doctor, he added with a nasty smile. He moved towards the fireplace, allowing Clarion and Adams to pickup the boxes of potion before flinging floo powder in for them, one after the other. Sorry Albus, I'll get to the bottom of it, Murphy promised Dumbledore. Then he stepped in and vanished. The fire was put out and the Headmaster quickly crossed the room to his friend.

Lupin had brought out clean water to wipe down the worst of it. Barnes had managed to strip shirt and leggings when Dumbledore leaned over him to touch Snape.

Severus, are you all right, child? he asked with a tremor in his voice. Snape's eyes flew open.

he looked for his mentor. Barnes and Lupin backed off and allowed the older man to come forward. He took the large towel off the bed and wrapped Snape quickly, pulling him up into his arms. The Potions Master held on tight, trying not to cry.

I thought they were going to hurt you, Snape managed as he hid his face against Dumbledore's chest.

They did hurt you, the Headmaster rocked the ill man, then began to soothe him.

Barnes leaned in,
Let's get him cleaned up, Albus, he whispered into the older man's ear. Agreeing, Snape was moved to the washroom where he was cleaned and the bedding stripped and fresh put on. Soon he was tightly curled up holding onto the Headmaster in the lounge. More juice and water were mixed and offered, suffused with a pain reliever. Soon the Potions Master was asleep.

I don't think he's going to let go any time soon, Barnes commented as he put away his vials. Lupin sat on the edge of the bed a bit worse for wear. He was over the worst of it, but the exertion exhausted him quickly.

No, I don't suppose so, Dumbledore shifted so he was holding Snape looser. I don't really feel like letting him go,
either. A dark look passed over the Headmaster's face.
They just came in and attacked. I never, never expected
our own side to treat anyone so harshly. It didn't matter
that Severus was obviously sick, he rested his head against his friend's. Barnes stepped closer and put a soothing hand on Dumbledore's shoulder.

I've seen it before. I sometimes wonder if we're really
on the right side. Maybe there's a third side, one that
doesn't torture and lie and steal, he silently sent some healing warmth into the older man causing him to sigh and lean back.

Yes, Jeffrey, if we're only looking at two sides, we're on
the right one. I must admit, there is a third side, one
that needs to expose the evil hidden inside the other two
and work to destroy it, a pale smile graced his face.
Don't drain yourself, young man, you've just gotten over
this illness yourself! Barnes grinned, giving one last stream of warmth before stopping the flow. Lupin shifted.

At least the third side includes all peoples, muggle,
magic, giant, and reformed. The other two have such
problems with differing contingents, he yawned.

Lie down, Remus. You're still in the thick of things.
The bed is clean and accepting bodies, Dumbledore said.
With a shy smile Lupin crawled onto the bed and curled up against a pillow. He was asleep nearly immediately. Barnes excused himself to go back downstairs.

They trashed Severus's lab. I'll have to send to Hogsmeade
for fresh ingredients and supplies, Barnes mentioned as he was leaving.

Make a list with costs. I'm going to take it out of Clarion's
hide, Dumbledore's eyes glittered.

Even with Dobby and Beryl it took Barnes the best part of three hours to clean up and throw away all the ruined potions stores. He sent a message to the clinic to obtain the ingredients to brew another batch of potion. He returned upstairs to eat and to check on his patient.