LP HP: Second Dose- A Story in Twenty-Eight Snippets

by Tavalya Ra

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by J. K. Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended. Rowling is a goddess; may she have mercy on my soul for writing this.

Author's Notes: Thank you to Mawkish for putting me up to the challenge of writing this and to everyone who read and commented upon the story in April- especially Skip, who never failed to make me laugh.

To risi (twice!)- yes, definitely a bad move on Sirius's part. Chimera does love Severus; she just doesn't approve of him. To Exwhyzed- no sympathy for Chimera? She's suffering, too, even if it is partially her own fault- which is rather a bit like Severus's situation, yes? Thank you also to viky for reviewing.

If anyone wishes to archive this story on his or her site, please contact me at clearbluedelphia@yahoo.com.

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Snippet #13: Come Back

Severus stood with Sirius by the main entrance to Hogwarts, the closed doors temporarily shielding them from the uncertain future beyond. Sirius wore plain gray robes. His face was somber, he but smiled as he kissed Severus and touched his belly. The baby shifted slightly.

"I love you," Severus said.

Sirius's expression became grave. "You never say that unless something big has happened- or you're worried that something horrible is about to occur."

"I'm worried you won't come back," Severus confessed. "I don't trust the Ministry. I should go with you."

"No," Sirius ordered firmly. "There will be dementors near the courtroom. Your testimony- as well as Harry's- was already taken because it isn't safe for pregnant people or children to be near those creatures. Dumbledore and Remus will be with me. I'll be fine."

From further down the corridor, the two witnesses in question approached. The headmaster tapped Sirius's shoulder.

"It's time," he said.

Sirius nodded and kissed Severus again.

"I'll see you soon."

"If you don't come back, I'll kill you," Severus warned.

Sirius smiled wanly. Dumbledore pushed open the doors and the Animagus and his companions left. After the door had shut with a resounding boom, Severus scampered towards it and reopened it a crack to peer outside. He saw a horseless stagecoach and part of a violet robe and lime green bowler hat.

"I'll be frank, Albus. I don't like the way you've handled this," Fudge said. "I don't trust your motives."

Something rustled out of the stagecoach. Fudge shifted, bringing Sirius into view. The man's eyes had become empty, deadened, and his face pale and ghost-like.

Severus suddenly felt an overwhelming misery seize his heart in an icy grip. His stomach lurched and depression settled over him in a thick, impenetrable blanket.

Fudge continued, "If Black is found guilty, the Ministry has authorized him to receive the Kiss immediately following judgement."

The Minister had brought the court's dementor with him. If the jury failed to declare Sirius innocent, he had no hope of escape.