Chapter 22

Hidden Pain

How long had he been unconscious? Severus had no idea. His ears picked up the sound of voices. A man's voice that sounded faintly like the headmaster's and two female voices. Someone was stroking him. Her palm was pressed against his damp forehead and another was holding his wrist. Evidently the other was taking his pulse. Slowly he opened his eyes. His cloudy vision took a while to focus and to get used to the sun light streaming into the room from a large open window.

The first person he saw was Madam Pomfey smiling at him.

"You are back with us, Professor," she said quietly. He frowned and looked around him. The spinning room gradually solidified into a space that resembled the hospital wing. "You gave us quite a scare."

"Why am I here?" Confusion plagued his mind and shone on his weary face.

"Lorsekruker tried to rape you again." Taya murmured, clasping his face gently between her palms and he moved to look directly at her. He reached out a bandaged hand then stopped to glare at it.

"Oh God," he whispered.

"You remember?"

"Did he...?"

"No," said Dumbledore gently. Miss Matterson found you just in time. I followed shortly. We got you here where you've been ever since. Under Madam Pomfrey's expert care I might add."

"How long have I been unconscious?"

"Two weeks," said Taya. "You were in a coma for one."

"It was touch and go for a time," added Poppy Pomfrey.

"We thought we nearly lost you at one point," said Dumbledore. "Miss Matterson was your saviour once again."

Severus turned and looked at her and she smiled.

"Do you remember any of it?" She asked.

"Not much."

"What do you remember, Professor?" Said Poppy.

"I left my classroom and bumped into ...into him. He cast various spells on me, broke my wand and dragged me back down into the dungeons... I remember nothing more."

"Good," said Taya."

"I don't understand."

"It's better this way," she went on. "That you don't remember some of the bits, at least not yet. Perhaps in time we can both explore your experience, but for now it's best if it is kept from you. You don't have to worry about nightmares either."

"How?-"

"I'll explain it all, all in good time. All you need to know is that Lorsekruker was removed before he could really hurt you. I assure you, love he never got far enough to... to do that to you again." Severus looked down at his body. Still bruised and slightly battered from his ordeal.

"He did enough to cause these," he indicated as if he had forgotten others were present. Taya rested her hand against his chest.

"Yes, but the main thing is that you are safe."

"I assume all of this is out in the open then?"

"Indeed not my friend. Only the four of us know and it will stay that way. I assure you." The younger man nodded. "I'm so sorry Severus. If I new who that man really was-"

"There is little point in regret, Headmaster."

"Your so kind, Professor."

Dumbledore stayed a few more moments patted him on the arm then glided out of the hospital leaving Taya and Severus alone with Madam Pomfrey.

"Tell me Professor are you feeling any pain?"

"I ache."

"I'm glad that's all."

"We thought that you might be paralysed," said Taya.

"Paralysed?" Severus frowned.

"You fell heavily and damaged your spine. Luckily the skeigrow potion along side spinal nerve treatment worked wonders," said Poppy with relief. "Now my dear Professor Snape, I believe a good sleep is the order of the day," Poppy smiled then wandered off to her office.

Now finally alone with only Taya present he could completely declare what was on his mind.

"It feels like forever since I last saw you," he commented.

"It feels like forever for me too."

"How come I don't remember what happened. Tell me the truth?"

Taya leaned over him and straightened the robe he was wearing. "I joined minds with you. I took your pain inside of me and kept it there. My own consciousness is shielding it from you. You've no need to worry, Severus because like I said, when you are ready we can go through it together. We, Poppy, Albus and I thought it would be easier on you if you had one less thing to worry about as you recover. That way you will get better quicker."

She saw the apprehension in his features and soothed them with gentle kisses repeated over his forehead, nose, cheeks and chin.

"Don't worry," she said.

"How can I not when I can't remember a darn thing?"

"I know it's hard, but really it's best this way. One thing I can say is that despite what Lorsekruker has done to you in the past, although it was just as horrible, this time it wasn't as great as what has happened before."

"That makes a lot of sense," he grumbled sarcastically. "He still touched me. Assuming these wounds."

"Yes.

"I don't know whether to be glad or angry about this whole situation. I mean not remembering."

"I understand. You feel denied of your experiences, but this is really the best thing to do, darling. Your body needs to finish recovering before you can start on your mind,

"Now, like the Headmaster said, get some more sleep and for goodness sake don't fret over it. You are no longer alone." A slight smile touched his mouth. "I'm here," she murmured.

"Thank you for helping me," he whispered.

Taya gently kissed the potions master upon his still swollen pink lips.

Another week had passed before Severus Snape was permitted to leave the medical wing.

Sitting up in bed Madam Pomfrey examined his shoulder then finally declared that all his internal wounds were now healed. With a smile she removed the last of the bandages on his newly healed hands and before leaving him alone with Taya said, "I'll leave Miss Matterson to help you off with the rest of the bandages. I'm sure you will be more comfortable with her rather than me." Severus realised that the matron was sparing him a little dignity. Only they knew what he resembled when he was brought in. Severus didn't like to dwell on to much. "Take a few moments to rest. Then you can go."

Poppy gazed at him for a second then a remembrance popped into her mind. She fiddled about in her pocket for something, then retrieved a piece of folded paper. "Oh, and Professor Dumbledore left this with me to give to you." She handed him the parchment. He took it without question.

Once she was gone he opened the enveloped and read the message aloud.

Severus,

Please come and join me in my office when you are ready. I need to discuss a few something with you. Oh, and by all means Miss Matterson may join if she wishes. I believe she may be interested.

Albus Dumbledore

Washed, shaved and wearing his customary comfortable billowing black robes he and Taya headed towards Dumbledore's private office and rooms. It was late, but not late enough for students to be tucked away in their dormitories fast asleep and Severus Snape hadn't lost his ability to sneer at several giggling girls as he passed them with Taya at his side.

When they stepped inside the circular room that was used as his office, cups of sweet tea were immediately thrust into the hands.

"Come on in. Sit." Severus frowned suspiciously.

"What do you want with us sir?"

"Well, Severus it's you who I want to speak to mainly, but I thought Miss Matterson may as well join since she's The Defence Against The Dark Art's Teacher." Dumbledore cast her a strange curious smile. "I'm sure you will find what I have very interesting." His pale blue eyes twinkled.

Severus grunted and Taya's eyes widened slightly. Although she chose to remain silent.

"What it is Severus, I need your help." Dumbledore extracted a small crystal sphere from out of a compartment in his vast robes.

"What do you make of this?"

"It's a crystal globe. Lorsekruker's I presume?"

"Curious. And what do you think is so significant about it Severus? I find it odd that he should be carrying one about on his person."

"May I see it?"

"Of cause." Dumbledore handed the misty globe over to the potions master who took it cautiously.

"It's a shielding sphere. Not your ordinary crystal ball. I am sure Professor Trelawney can elaborate. It was created during the dark times. They are rare, most of them were destroyed I believe. There was one left. Lorsekruker had it. The spheres enabled one to spy and also cloak the owner against possible threat of being uncovered." Both Dumbledore and Taya both looked curious.

"Quite a remarkable device then. I myself have never come across them."

"Doubtful that you would sir. Death Eaters only in high regard ever had one."

"Hum."

"It is composed of negative dark energy. Highly dangerous."

"I see. A very valuable commodity to the Ministry I would imagine. Thank you very much for your help. We have been speculating over it for weeks now.

"I advise caution when handling it, Headmaster. If it got into the wrong hands again-"

"Indeed yes. Better get it to Cornelius Fudge as soon as possible then." The Headmaster plopped the globe into his desk draw.

"Oh and Severus I have informed the Ministry Of Magic that you request not to be questioned to deeply on your involvement with Lorsekruker in this...um delicate matter. They agree, but I'm afraid there will be a trial and they want you there as an immediate witness."

Severus swallowed. "Do they have a date for the trial?"

"Here," Dumbledore passed him a piece of paper. "The date, time and venue is clearly printed." He smiled gently. "I know this wont be easy on you but hear this, Lorsekruker will be thrown away and the key swallowed. I assure of you that. And you my friend aren't on trial yourself. They just need some information like I said."

Severus nodded and gazed dully at the piece of parchment with Dumbledore's script written on."

August the twenty third.

The Ministry,

Chief justice department. (War crimes - section 302)

London, at ten o'clock.

"Very well," Severus folded the paper and slipped it into a pocket. "I knew he was allusive for years and with the crystal ball, but something would slip. It always does."

"Good always triumphs over evil in the end."

"I find it strange that he was never captured before," said Severus irritably. "Twenty four years is a long time. And he seemed to vanish off the face of the Earth."

"Yes."

"I thought perhaps he was dead. He said he, Lorsekruker that is, left the country." Dumbledore frowned.

"Indeed he did. However, how he foiled the Aurors I have no idea. I am sure all of that will be revealed at the trial.'

"Oh, and just before I forget, the matter of compensation-"

"Compensation?" Severus frowned. "They owe me nothing. It is I-"

"Lorsekruker the foolish idiot. You were the one that picked him out Professor. If not in a rather extreme way. I believe the money will be a substantial amount." He smiled. "You will receive an owl in the next few weeks.'

"Take a few more weeks off. We don't want your excellent recovery hindered by the tension of work.

"Thank you."

"Oh, and one last thing." Dumbledore smiled wistfully.

"I have word on Mr Potter."

"Potter?" Snapped Severus. "What about him? And what has it got to do with me?"

"He's getting married."

"So?"

"You are invited."

Severus almost laughed. "Me? Why on God's name would Potter of all people want me at his stupid wedding?"

Dumbledore shrugged. "That's not for me to know, but in case you are wondering he visited the other day."

"I see where you are going. You told him I nearly died so the silly brat took pity on his old spooky potions master."

"That's not what I said, Severus."

"Hum. Is there anything else you would like to shock me with?"

"No-"

"Goodnight then." he said firmly and nodded. Taya noticed the familiar gleam in the headmaster's eyes, amusement dressed his face and he hugged her quickly before they departed.

"Well," She gazed down at her watch. "It's quarter to seven. You've had a horrible couple of weeks. Care for an early night?"

"Taya?"

"Yes Severus?"

"Harry Potter came back here." It was a statement not a question.

"Yea, he visited you too when you were asleep."

"And you let him in?" He sounded appalled.

"Well, I couldn't very well say no could I?"

"I suppose not," he grumbled.

"He was asking where you were. He and his girlfriend where here for a few days and seeing you not around he wondered about you."

"I think I've had enough surprises to last me a life time." He closed his eyes.

"I guess so, love."

"Are you sure you are okay?"

"Yes. Still a few bruises I believe, but nothing worse for wear."

"I'll check them for you." Severus nodded.

"But one thing remains."

"What is that my love?"

"I still love you."

Her room was warm and inviting. Together they sat on her bed. He leaned forward as her hands expertly massaged the soothing emollient into his skin, rapidly healing the remaining bruises that hadn't been remedied in the hospital and easing the tense coiled muscles in his back.

He relaxed as her hands slowly slid around to his front stroking his bare skin, lightly caressing his collarbone and planting gentle kisses over his throat, pausing deliberately to give extra attention to the silver scar there.

I keep seeing you on the floor. Taya closed her eyes fighting back exhaustion and tears. The last few weeks had been a strain. The image of him laying there had made her stomach turn. She silently cursed Lorsekruker to complete damnation.

Feeling herself tense up while he himself was relaxing she forced herself to calm. He moaned slightly when her fingers slid up his scalp.

Taya gently pulled his hair into a pony tail and held it there, exposing the nape of his neck. Evil bastard, she thought with a shudder then mildly stroked her fingers over the smooth skin. I swear if I was left alone in a room with that... that animal. Christ, he doesn't even deserve to be labelled as an animal. I'd rip him to shreds for you.

Mental images are one thing, but seeing you laying like that for real really takes the biscuit.

"He is gone now," said Severus.

"How did you know-"

"The way you were looking at me."

He managed an exhausted smile.

Taya pressed him back against the soft sheets. Unfastened his trousers and slid them down his legs. She placed them with his shirt on the near by chair. He moved slightly as her hands slid over him, gently stroking down his belly until they stopped at the waist band of his boxers. She slid them down also.

Sadness claim her. Would he feel so relaxed and open to her caresses when the truth finally was revealed? It would take time she knew, like before, she thought. We have all the time in the world.

"Bed time." She whispered then pulled the quilt over him.