title: Summer Lessons
chapter 10: Avoidance
author: Raven Dancer

disclaimer: All characters property of JK Rowling with the exceptions of the Drs. Barnes. I receive no monetary compensation for these works.


He woke awash in agony and sweat; remembered bits of dreams roiling in his brain refusing to coalesce. Refusing to dissipate. He struggled against bonds both mental and physical.

a voice vibrated in his head.

Snape convulsed, trying to hold his head against the sudden noise. As he pressed his hands to his temples pain radiated up through broken fingers. He twisted in agony pulling to the side, his body curling up in a tight ball of misery.

Severus! Stop! You've pulled out the I.V.! the voice said frantically. There was a blossom of pain in Snape's lower arm; something was trying to pry it away from his body. He went completely rigid trying desparatly to protect his stomach from any more blows.

Remus, wait. He's frightened, a second voice interrupted. Suddenly the grasping hands released Snape completely. He remained curved in a tight ball trembling and whimpering.

James Barnes settled on the bed next to his patient. At least the sheets had kept him from falling out of bed. After allowing him a long moment to regroup the Healer reached out.

Severus? Sshhh. You're safe. I'm going to touch you
so don't jump, Barnes soothed as he tentatively ran his hand over Snape's back.

Dr. James? he managed, pleased his voice no longer squeaked.

Mmmhmmm. It is Dr. James. I need to take a look at you
and then get that IV back in, the Healer explained. Snape rolled over so he could look at him, to make sure it really was the Healer. Barnes stroked his brow and smiled.

Can I go to the loo first? Snape asked. He looked particularly pathetic and Lupin wanted to jump in and gather him into a protective hug.

Certainly. Maybe another rinse in the tub? You've been
very sweaty because of a slight fever... James suggested.

was the long-winded reply. The Healer busied himself stripping his patient before reaching for a light blanket. When Lupin finally moved in to help Snape jerked back and nearly fell off the bed. Without comment Barnes simply got between the men and Snape visibly relaxed.

the Potions Master mumbled. Just a bit edgy.

It's ok Severus, Lupin lied almost smoothly. You've
been through a lot. Snape averted his face trying desparatly not to break down. Barnes carefully levitated his patient and gathered him close letting him take a measure of comfort.

Dumbledore walked into the bedroom wondering exactly what was happening. He was not enlightened when Lupin slipped past him hastily.

the Headmaster called gently. The shorn head bobbed up looking for him. Dumbledore went to him and immediatly hugged him against the Healer.

It's wonderful to see you awake, child, he murmured as he stroked the wizard's face.

We're about to go to the loo. Want to join us? Barnes said with a smile. Dumbledore agreed and soon Snape was lounging in warm sudsy water. It was peaceful, the house mostly quiet since the animagus had left. The boys had been left on the sun deck playing a spirited game of chess.

So exactly how short is it? Snape suddenly asked, eyes still closed. Dumbledore looked sharply at Barnes wondering exactly how to answer the question. Barnes had no qualms.

You know what a sheep looks like after it's sheared? the Healer asked burring his r's. Snape's eyes snapped open as he looked up at the man.

he said hesitantly.

Not that short. About like Jeffy's, Barnes explained. It
will grow back. We could use a charm but I'd rather not
use any more magic than necessary right now.

Snape appeared to be mulling this information over weighing the pros and cons of magically enhancing the length of his hair.

No magic, he said decisively as he ran his hand through the short thatch.

Personally I think it's a nice change, James said conversationally as he began to scrub the topic of discussion. Snape chuffed.

he growled, a small mischievious smile on his face. Dumbledore felt gobsmacked. Snape was joking! He sank down on the closed loo trying to regain his composure.

The Healer snickered amused by both the bleating and the Headmaster's reaction. Sinking back into the warmth and massage Snape missed his mentor's pale face. He then turned to a more serious thought.

When is Jeffrey coming? the Potions Master tried to keep a light tone. Jeffrey coming back meant discussing his torture... Jeffrey coming back meant dealing' with his feelings... Jeffrey coming back meant reliving the rape...

This evening I suppose, Barnes replied in the same lightness.
You know he's very concerned about you.

Snape hedged. He appreciated the concern; he just didn't want all the questions it would bring with it.

You don't sound very excited about that... James suggested. Snape shrugged indifferently. The Healer moved his wand magically changing the water. The quick warm-cold-warm elicited a glare from the Potions Master.

I thought you said no magic? he growled ineffectively. James smiled and waved a line of bottles above the tub pouring various liquids into the steaming water.

No magic on you, Barnes clarified. The water is a
different matter.

Unless you'd like us to drain it manually and refill it from the
spigot? Dumbledore chimed in with a smile. Which earned him a glare, too. Snape sank down under the water, a stream of bubbles drifting up to break the surface. He re-appeared dripping and shook sharply spraying both wizards with water.

the Headmaster and Healer complained simulatneously. Snape smirked happily.

As James wiped his face dry he reflected that his patient was much too happy, especially for Severus Snape. This torture had affected the wizard more than any of the previous. He silently damend Lucius Malfoy to the lowest places of Hell.

Jeffrey had his work cut out for him was the second realization.

The extremes could indicate Snape would react even more perversely than before. The ill wizard usually confined himself to verbally abusing his caregivers as well as silently castigating himself for being hurt in the first place. Now he was joking and having progressively worse nightmares as well as violenty reacting physically when anyone but Barnes or Dumbledore came close. His verbal attacks were extremely mild and he gave in quickly.

Come on Mr. Otter, time to get out and eat, James said lightly. Instead of complaining, Severus Snape loved to soak, the wizard attempted to get up being hampered by a still weak leg.

Hold your horses! Dumbledore said trying to settle the man back. With a slight shrug Snape slipped back down into the warm water.

The Headmaster watched the Healer handle the surprisingly docile patient. He too wondered about the dramatic change in demeanor. It was a pleasant change, but worrisome. What was going on in that head???




Jeffrey Barnes walked into the kitchen as dinner was being finished. He waited a moment listening to the banter. He could hear Snape actually chiding the two students about eating their vegetables. Maybe his father had been wrong about the ill wizard's strange behavior. He sounded about normal. For Snape.

Good evening! the younger Healer said brightly.
Time for the changing of the guard!

There was a general acclaim from the gathered diners. Jeffrey looked around before settling on his patient. Snape was snugged in a warm lounge chair replete with blankets and pillows. But instead of a relaxed face to match the voice he was greeted with a very distressed, pinched expression.

Someone was not glad to see him!

We're just finishing up Jeffy, Dumbledore said cheerfully, not noting the change in his friend.

We bar-b-qued out on the grill, Harry explained. Although
the first round was pretty much ash and charcoal when
Dobby finished!

Not to mention the decking, grumbled Draco. The elf
was darned lucky not to have taken the house down, too! Lupin and the boys started snickering soon joined by Dumbledore. The sight of a slighly singed Dobby holding a chunk of smoldering unrecognizeable piece of meat was too funny.

James moved, standing to give his son a quick hug and incidently allow him to take the place by Snape. Both Healers watched as the ill man shifted uneasily, all pretense of being comfortable and nearly happy having vanished.

Hi Severus, Jeffrey said gently, patting his arm.

Snape said formally, eyes darting down to the table top.

You're looking better. Another good sleep will help your
body to heal more, Jeffrey said. Snape nodded but still did not look up. The sudden silence oppresively blanketed the room.

I'll get the washing up started, Lupin said.

I'll help! Harry joined him immediately with Draco right behind. The bustle of activity distracted Snape for the moment and he watched the table being cleared.

Jeffrey exchanged a long glance with his father. Dumbledore fidgeted with the tea cups before bringing one close to his friend. With a shaking hand Snape attempted to drink and failed.

Here now, let me, Jeffrey snugged up close and covered Snape's hand. The tea was easily brought up to his lips and sipped.

The tremor now spread from hand to body. Jeffrey set the cup down and pulled Snape closer. For a moment the ill wizard resisted, holding himself away from the Healer. But before a comment could be made Snape collasped, his hands tangling in the Healer's robes. The happy, relaxed mask slipped and tears began to form.

Without a word Jeffrey encircled him with strong arms and rocked slowly, tucking his head over the Potions Master's hair. Tears slipped down slowly at first then picked up speed.

James Barnes motioned to the others in the room. Dishes were abandoned to crust and the tea pot was snagged. Very soon only the younger Healer and his patient sat in the warmth of the kitchen as the sounds of sobs began to fill the house.