Author Note: Sorry it is taking me so long to update and that this chapter is so short. Everytime I have a day off scheduled, I have to work. Anyway, please review. I really appreciate any comments that you can give, and thanks to the guys that have reviewed the other chapters.

Disclaimer: Not mine. Hers. (Points out towards the East.) Over there, across the Atlantic. The one who gets to live with all those really cool castles and such. Okay, seriously, Harry Potter and all related characters belong to JK Rowling, and please don't sue. I'm just using this as some serious stress relief.

Severus slowly became aware of a voice whispering in his head. It was taking the nightmare memories away. He layed still for a moment, listening. He knew that voice. Albus. But he shouldn't be here!

That thought brought Severus to full awareness. He was snug against Albus' chest. He quickly moved away, standing. He moved to the wall opposite the bed his mentor sat on. Without turning, he braced a hand on the wall to support his tired body. Recalling the calming breathing exercises he had used before attending a meeting with the Deatheaters, he breathed deeply. Finally, without turning, he asked softly, "Why are you here?"

Albus didn't reply immediately. That was a loaded question. He knew the tense young man in front of him needed help. It was a question that if answered correctly would be the first step towards the help Severus needed. Answered wrongly, and the other man would shut down completely. Albus loved the man he thought of as his son too much to let that happen.

"Because you are," the headmaster finally answered. He hoped it was the right answer. "How often do you have these dreams?"

"Once or twice." Severus trailed off.

"Once or twice?" Albus asked.

"A night." As Albus watched, the younger wizard slowly straightened his body, dropping the hand that had been against the wall. Severus turned to face Albus, his mask of coldness back in place. "They rescheduled the hearing again. They told me just after dinner, after you had left."

'Damn!' thought Albus. 'He's hiding behind his walls. And they are playing games with this hearing, with him.' Aloud he said, "They have not contacted me yet."

Severus moved restlessly about the cell for a moment, then settled on the bed next to Albus. It was either sit there, or on the floor. Albus thought that he had come to some sort of decision.

"I'm sorry you had to come tonight," the dark haired man said. "But I am glad. The dreams. Albus, they are getting worse. I can keep Voldemort out of my head, but I can't stop the dreams. Not by my self. I can't sleep. I'm scared too," Severus admitted in a whisper.

Albus reached out and rested a hand on his child's shoulder. "I will guard your sleep tonight." He scooted to the end of the bed, and then pulled on Severus' arm until the other wizard was laying down, head in Albus' lap. The older wizard quietly petted the dark head, until Severus was asleep. There were no more dreams that night.

Nothing else was said about the dreams. Albus and Severus both knew that until the hearing was done and Severus was released, it was best to ignore them. Severus couldn't get the help he needed to deal with them while he was jailed. Each night after that either Albus or Minerva would stay with Severus for five or six hours, to be sure he slept.