Chapter 16

The dungeons were dank and dark. There were no windows at this level and the only source of light was coming from the flickering of large torches set into the walls. there was also a faint acrid odor hanging in the air.

"What is that smell?" I said while covering as much of my mouth and nose as I could.

Sirius' face was bunched up in disgust. "Snape."

I thought he was serious at first until I saw the faint upturn of his lips.

"You really don't like this guy, huh?"

He shook his head. "He put Harry's life in danger and as far as I'm concerned was the reason I wound up in that hell dimension."

That got my attention. "What'd he do?"

"He refused to give Harry his Occlumency lessons at the worst possible time." He stopped in the middle of the hall. "It was because of him that Voldemort was able to penetrate Harry's mind and make him think that I had been captured."

He ran his hand through his shoulder length black hair in frustration. "Harry went off to rescue me and fell right in Voldemort's hands. It was a miracle that I was the only casualty."

He looked at his watch. "His first class should be out in a couple of minutes."

Sirius leaned his back up against the wall and closed his eyes. I put my hands in the pockets of my robes. I wish I had known more of what happened last year so that I could actually do something to help, but for some reason I don't think it would matter either way.

We waited the remaining time in silence until the door burst open and a young blonde-haired girl ran from the room crying followed by the rest of the class.

"I can't believe what an incredible ass he is, " one of the boys said on his way out. He almost swallowed his words when he saw Sirius and I standing there.'

Sirius smiled grimly. "It doesn't get any better."

The boy grinned with as if Sirius was a kindred soul or something.

"Stand at the end of the hall. You might like the next few minutes."

The boy gave him a strange look and followed his instructions, hiding just around the corner to keep an eye out.

Sirius stood at the door and called out. "Still intimidating the first year's, Snivelus?"

A figure appeared in the doorway, dark and ... well, intimidating. "Ah, Black," he sneered. "I heard you were back from the dead. I suppose ..."

He never got to finish his statement before Sirius slammed his fist into his nose. Ouch. I don't care what they say on T.V. or in books, getting hit in the nose is incapacitating. I know. Many a vampire has gotten his chance at my nose.

First is the blinding flash of light that stops you from doing anything but stagger back and grab your nose. Then the pain sets in followed sometimes by blood and other nastiness.

"Sirius!" I called out.

I looked down at the figure sitting on the floor holding his nose in agony. That's when I herd the laughter trailing down the hall from the boy that was watching.

"Come on. Give me a hand." I told him.

Sirius tried to look as innocent as an eight year old with his hand in the cookie jar. He reluctantly grabbed one of Snape's arms and I the other. We hauled him to the closest chair and sat him down.

I think the pain was receding enough for him to finally take action. His right hand slid inside his robes. I stepped in-between the two men.

"Okay, enough with the fighting!"

Snape looked up at me. His nose was clearly broken; a small cut at the bridge was bleeding along with the bloody nose he had received. I placed my hand over his nose, or tried to at least. Snape slapped it away.

"Oh quit being such a baby. It's broken. It's easier to fix a fresh wound if you'll let me."

He seemed to consider his options and leered up at Sirius.

"Sirius wait outside for a moment, please," I asked.

He looked at me, shrugged and left.

"There he's gone for now. Can I help you please?"

He nodded painfully. "Yes, get on with it."

I knelt to the floor, setting my book on the ground, and placed one hand flat against the foundation, borrowing the earth's energy and letting it flow though me. A small gust of wind blew passed me. My other hand rested just above his face until I was ready. Then as I saw the fear in his eyes and his intention to back away, I grabbed him.

A small sound of pain and fear erupted from his lips and I was done. He pushed away and stood abruptly reaching again for his wand.

"How's the nose?" I asked.

He stopped and took account of the situation. His free hand went up to his face feeling around between his eyes. I cut him off before he said anything.

"It will still be sore for a day or two, but the cartilage has been repaired and the cuts sealed. I'd take two Tylenol or something for the headache then call me in the morning." For some reason I don't think he's gonna get the joke.

His hand came away. "How?"

I shrugged. "Well among other things, I'm a healer."

I heard Sirius come back in. "Dumbledore thinks she's the White Witch."

Snape's eyes shifted to Sirius and back to me. "Ridiculous. That is merely a legend."

Sirius laughed. "And how exactly do you explain how she did what she did to your nose with no wand?"

His eyes shifted back to me and took my entire form in like he was sizing up an enemy.

TBC

Author's note: I know some of you might have a problem with Willow's new powers (the hellmouth closey thing and the healing thing) but you can blame that on Joss for not explaining. I, however, will explain in future chapters so you'll understand exactly what she can do ... and no she is not "all-powerful."