A/N: Sorry it took me so long to update, my muse was sleeping there for a while there while I got my life in order. Now she won't keep bugging me. Unfortunately, she kept inspiring me to write future chapters instead of this one. I actually took my beta's advice at wrote some chapters ahead that I was excited about so that I wouldn't forget everything I wanted to write. So this chappie was slightly delayed. I hope that it was worth the wait.

Chapter 6- Snape's Suffering

Harry slowly made his way over to the Gryffindor table at the far side of the Great Hall. It was still fairly early in the morning, but he could see that his closest friends were already seated and waiting for him.

He dropped his school bag unceremoniously on the floor and sat down beside Hermione and Ron and across from Ginny and Neville. He was in no mood for classes today and he dreaded going. He had spent another couple of restless nights of sleep due to the peculiar dreams he had been having. His brain felt like it was made of something on the order of mushy oatmeal. He couldn't imagine trying to sit through hours of mind numbing classes and processing the endless amount of information the professors desperately tried to cram down their throats. Even though the N.E.W.T.S. were not taken until their seventh year, the staff seemed more and more eager to expand what they were learning as sixth years in order to prepare them for the year ahead.

Besides everything that was weighing heavily on his mind, his entire body ached from the grueling practices they have had in order to prepare for the next Quidditch match against Slytherin. They had already defeated Hufflepuff in a match that could be considered an absolute massacre. The loyal softies didn't know what hit them until the game was already over. The final scored was 200-40 in favor of Gryffindor. It appeared that their team this year was prepared to do everything possible to win the Quidditch Cup even if it meant countless hours of practice. Professor McGonagall arranged as many practices on the pitch as the Gryffindor team saw fit knowing that their success would help ensure that her house won the cup at the end of the year. Fortunately, Harry had not lost his edge after the entire year off during the rein of Professor Umbridge as the headmistress.

Grabbing a croissant and a glass of pumpkin juice, Harry proceeded to roll his shoulders and neck around to get out the kinks as he took small bites. He couldn't seem to work out the endless knots in his body not matter how hard he tried. He was going to have to ask Draco for another one of his infamous massages sometime again soon.

Thinking of his beloved, Harry looked across the Great Hall and caught the blond haired boy's eye. He smiled shyly and looked away. They always seemed to know when the other was going to look his way, and their relationship was becoming ever more present to the rest of the student body. Nothing had been confirmed of course, but everyone whispered about the possible relationship nonetheless. It was no secret that they were friends, and the threat of Lucius hanging over Draco no longer existed. The real reason why they promised to keep their love a secret was because it was just easier than having to deal with everyone else. Harry had enough problems with the media hounding him. The last thing either boy needed right now was a scandalous article making a mockery of their new found love. The only person that Draco had told about his relationship with Harry was Blaise Zabini, who was his roommate and long time friend. He felt that he could be trusted as he had stuck beside him when all the other Slytherins had seemed to have abandoned him.

"Alright there, Harry?" asked Neville as he dipped into his bowl of cornflakes with his spoon.

"Yeah, why?" he asked.

"You just seem out of sorts that all. Haven't you been sleeping?" asked the small round boy. He had always been a keen observer of other's emotions.

Ginny, Hermione, and Ron looked over at him questioningly. He had all led them to believe that he had been sleeping like a baby since Dumbledore had given him the pensieve. Sometimes it was easier to omit the truth so that they wouldn't worry about him so much. He looked away trying to decide what he was going to say.

"Harry? Haven't you been sleeping?" Hermione asked repeating Neville's question.

"I have a lot on mind lately. I can't seem to stay a sleep. That's all."

Ron and Hermione looked at one another as if waiting for the other to say something in response.

"Before you get any ideas… I'm fine. Okay?" said Harry. They didn't look convinced. "I am not having those nightmares if that is what you are thinking. I am just a chronic insomniac. Old habits die hard. Geez, give a guy a break!"

The others laughed at Harry's sarcastic way of trying to explain away the situation. He knew that they would let it go for now, but not for long.

The rest of breakfast past by in relative silence as each person quietly finished their meal. Before long, owls could be seen swooping down into the Great Hall to deliver their precious cargo. As usual, Hermione received the Daily Prophet from a large, brown Horned Owl. She quickly gave the impatient bird of prey a knut in the tiny sack that it carried on one of its talons. She had begun subscribing to the newspaper a few years back when it became apparent that the media was not going to leave Harry alone. Harry, himself, couldn't bear to read about all the awful things the reporters said about him. He relied on Hermione to digest the information and keep him abreast of everything that was going on in the wizarding world.

Ron was currently diving into a second helping of eggs, while Ginny and Neville were deeply involved in a private conversation. Harry glanced around the Great Hall as he continued to nibble on his croissant and noticed that their potions master was missing from the staff table.

"He's missing again…" said Harry softly to himself.

"Wawastatmate?" asked Ron sputtering eggs from his full mouth. Harry looked at his friend curiously. Ron swallowed loudly, and tried again. "I said, what was that, mate?"

"Huh?" Harry was confused at what he meant, but then realized that he must have said aloud what he had been thinking. "Oh… I said he's missing again… Snape, I mean… from the staff table. Draco has been worried about him and he has been skipping a lot of meals here in the Great Hall."

"I hadn't really noticed, but I guess your right. What do you think it means?"

"I am not really sure," said Harry. He was about to say something else when he heard Hermione gasp loudly and cover her mouth with one of her hands as she continued to read from the wizarding newspaper.

"Oh my goodness…" said Hermione in a hushed voice.

"What is it?" asked Ron, looking at his girlfriend with concern. She looked at him wide eyed, and then over at Harry.

"I am not sure… you know…if I should say anything…" she tried to explain.

"Hermione, it's alright. I will find out what ever they have written eventually. Just tell me what you read that has gotten you so upset."

"Well, there are two articles really…"

"Hermione, just tell us what's wrong," tried Ron.

"Maybe it would be better if I just read them to you instead," said the bushy haired girl. She began to read aloud from one of the articles in a soft voice so only their small group would here.

Youngest Person in History Sent to Azkaban!

As many of you know, the students of Hogwarts School of Magic and Wizardry were attacked on Halloween night by the Dark Lord and his loyal followers, the Death Eaters. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named unleashed the dementors to serve as a distraction, while someone on the inside weakened the wards that were extended to surround the village of Hogsmeade that night. Thankfully, there were no causalities during the battle, though several people had been injured. This newspaper has it on good authority that Harry Potter, a.k.a. the Boy-Who-Lived, had another attempt made on his life that fateful night. Many witnesses reported seeing the Dark Lord cast a spell on Potter that was the same ominous green color associated with the killing curse. It remains to be seen how he was able to survive yet again.

Fortunately, many of the Death Eaters were detained and taken directly to Azkaban, without trial, for their crimes. After careful investigation it was revealed that Pansy Parkinson, a student at Hogwarts and the daughter of Rutherford Parkinson who is employed at the Ministry of Magic, was the one who had weakened the wards on Halloween night. Miss Parkinson was given a trial on November 16 in which she was administered Veritaserum. She admitted to her guilt and has since been sent to Azkaban for her betrayal. At the tender age of 16, she is the youngest person ever to be sent to Azkaban! Her father could not be contacted for a comment…

"Isn't that awful?" asked Hermione when she was finished reading. "I can't believe they are sending her to Azkaban."

"Why, because she's a minor?" asked Ginny.

"Well, no because of how they treat the prisoners now."

"What do you mean?" asked Harry.

"Didn't you hear?" Neville piped in. "Now that the dementors have left Azkaban to follow He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named the prison guards have to be extra cautious about the possibility of an escape or an attack. The prisoners are put in full body binds for most of the day. They only release them from the spells temporarily to eat meals and use the restroom. "

"What is wrong with that? It's no worse than when the dementors were there. She deserves to go to Azkaban! She is the reason that Harry and Draco almost died!"

"Ronald, settle down. We're not saying that she doesn't deserve to be there. It's just sad that she threw her whole life away. Besides, that was only the first article. The second one is much worse…." Hermione's voice trailed off.

"Well, go on then," said Harry. Hermione began to read aloud once again.

The Dark Side is Nearing

Since the attack at the Ministry of Magic last spring, it has become increasingly more apparent that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned to power. The Ministry's aurors have been working around the clock to ensure the safety of the wizarding world. They have also been working in close connection with Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of the Hogwarts School of Magic and Wizardry who leads a band of allies against the Dark Lord that he has named the Order of the Phoenix.

Until recently, everything seemed relatively quiet, but since the attack on Hogwarts in October, the Ministry has been following several situations around the world. It would appear that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has devised a plan of attack that involves total annihilation of the world as we know it. He and his followers have been regularly attacking smaller communities of wizards around the world. Several battles have already taken place. It is believed that once he is control of most of the surrounding communities, he will then focus his attack on Great Britain, which is commonly known to house the largest community of wizards in the world. There are reports of numerous casualties and entire villages have been destroyed. There have also been rumors that Death Eaters have begun to attack and torture leaders in muggle communities so that they will not meet resistance in the muggle world as well. The reporters at this newspaper fear that many will join his ranks when they feel they have lost all hope. We fear that the dark side is seeking total world domination. Life, as we know it, is about to change dramatically...

Everyone sat in silence as Hermione finished the article. No one knew what to say in response to the article.

"Oh my," said Ginny finally.

"Oh my, is right," said Hermione gravely.

"Oh come on," said Ron. "You know how everything gets exaggerated in the newspapers. This situation can't be that bad. We would have heard about all of this before now, wouldn't we?"

"Didn't you hear what the reporter said? This has all been happening since Halloween night. That was just over a month ago. Things are getting more and more serious," said Hermione.

"We are really at war now, aren't we?" asked Ginny.

"I am afraid so," said Hermione.

Everyone's faces were quite pale as they each processed this information, but none were as pale as that of Harry's. He placed his elbows on the table and rested his forehead in the palms of his hands. He focused his attention intently on the table before him.

"Harry, I know how this kind of stuff bothers you. Are you alright?"

He ignored the question and continued to stare at the grain of the wood of the table in front of him. That familiar sense of guilt was setting in on him once again. His chest felt tight, and his stomach was twisting in knots. So many people had died already, and this was only the beginning of the war! Somehow, all this felt like his fault. It had been his blood that resurrected Voldemort after all. He was the reason that this monster of a man was now destroying the wizarding world, one community at a time.

At one time, he had felt almost useful to the Order because the visions, although painful, had given Dumbledore important information about Voldemort's plans. He had even helped to save Mr. Weasley's life. The visions had been a curse and a gift. Regrettably, the connection between him and the Dark Lord had been severed when he entered Limbo on Halloween night, and somehow the connection couldn't be re-established once his soul had returned to his body. Oddly enough, that felt like his fault too. A small part of him wished that his scar would begin tingling so that he could see what Voldemort was planning next, but he knew that it was too dangerous anyway. The Dark Lord had already begun to try and possess him. His visions had been the very reason that he had begun taken occlumency with Professor Snape in the first place. No, it was better that the connection had been destroyed, but he felt helpless nonetheless.

Hermione reached over and wrapped her arms around Harry comfortingly. "Tell us what is wrong, Harry?"

"Nothing, I am fine," he said, knowing full well that they could see through his lie. "Listen, I am going to step out a bit before classes. I will see you in potions." He stood up from the table so that he could get out of there.

"Are you sure? We could come with you," offered Ginny. Harry gave her a small smile.

"No, that's alright. I need to be alone right now so that I can think about things."

"Alright," said Hermione. "We will see you in class. If you want to talk about things later, we are always here for you, Harry."

Harry nodded appreciatively. He grabbed his school bag and walked away as quickly as possible. He knew full well that they were concerned about him, but he couldn't explain to them the guilt that he was feeling right now over the casualties in those battles. They always tried to reason with him that he was being silly about feeling guilty. They meant well, but they couldn't possibly understand.

He hurried out of the Great Hall, and went straight outside and plunked down on the large stone steps. He wrapped his arms around his knees and sat their thoughtfully. He was without an outer cloak, but he didn't mind the crisp, cold air. In fact, he was hoping that going outdoors would help clear his mind as it sometimes did. His body became numb while he watched as his breath crystallized in the air before him. Each exhalation forming a miniature cloud that soon dissipated. He concentrated on pushing his troubles out of his mind and into his breath, hoping that they would disappear in thin air too. Unfortunately, the guilt was all too consuming and he could feel the darkness he now associated with his depression begin to creep into his heart.

He sat there only a short while, when he felt someone sit down beside him. He didn't even need to turn his head to know that it was Draco. He had known deep down that the blond would have seen him leave and followed him out here.

"Hi," Harry said never turning his attention away from his cloudy breaths.

"Hi," said Draco. "I take it you read the news today."

"Yup." Harry was continually amazed by Draco's insightfulness.

"Wanna talk about it?" asked Draco.

"Nope."

"Want me to leave?"

"No," said Harry sighing deeply. "Thank you for coming out here with me." He turned his head and looked into his boyfriend's eyes.

"No problem. I would love to stay and freeze here all day, but we have class to get to," said Draco chuckling to himself.

The last thing that Harry felt like doing was going to classes, but he really had no other choice and it was getting to be close to the time that class started. "Oh, alright."

Harry stood up, gathered up his things, and followed Draco into the castle. The normally drafty hallways felt quite warm after being out in the bitter cold. His hands and face turned pink and began to tingle as he walked beside Draco to class.

They reached the dungeons a short while later and entered the potions classroom. They joined Hermione and Ron on one of the benches and began setting up their workspace in order to be prepared for the morning's lesson. The classroom was alive with the buzz of conversation as the students chatted idly with one another.

"Your cheeks are a bit rosy. Alright there, Harry?" asked Ron nonchalantly. He knew better than to press his best friend for too much information, but he felt it important to express that he cared about him.

"Yeah, I just needed some fresh air. That's all." Harry set up his cauldron and sat back hoping that the double potions lesson would pass by quickly. His head still felt like mushy oatmeal.

"You know what guys?" asked Hermione. "Professor Snape is late. He has never been late."

Draco quickly glanced at his watch. Sure enough, the professor was more than five minutes late to begin class. "You're right. I wonder if something is wrong. This is very unlike him. Maybe we should…"

Draco's voice trailed off as his godfather entered the room. He was relieved to see him and that he had entered with his robes billowing behind him as usual. Professor Snape made a display of walking down a few of the aisles between the lab tables examining how the students had prepared their potion's table for their assignment. Seeing that he would not be able to take any points away he glided to the front of the classroom and introduced his lesson.

Harry noticed that the professor seemed to be the same as usual, but something was off about him. He couldn't quite place his finger on it, but something was wrong. It seemed as if he was trying to make a good show of acting normal or something.

Snape sneered down at his students and began his lesson in his normal arrogant voice. "I trust that you all have read chapters 13-20 in your Advanced Introduction to Potions text? We will be preparing a healing serum that will cure most common colds. Please turn to page 479 for the ingredients that you will need as I write the instructions on the board."

Hermione had already anticipated which of the potions he was going to have them create today and was busily scratching down notes on her parchment.

"I knew he was going to pick the most complicated potion," Ron muttered under his breath to Harry as he turned the pages of his textbook.

Harry was watching Snape instead, trying to determine what it was that was bothering him about the potion's master. Upon closer examination, Snape's normally sallow skin appeared to be quite pale and small beads of sweat could be seen on his forehead.

"What is it?" asked Draco seeing the look on Harry's face.

"I'm not sure," he replied. His eyes were watching Snape carefully.

He was surprised when Snape used a piece of chalk to write on the blackboard in front of the classroom. This simple action was highly unusual as most professors used their wand to transfer their notes in their lesson plan book to the blackboard. Using chalk was unheard of. Suddenly the professor stopped writing in mid sentence and grasped his left arm tightly in his right hand. He seemed to double over slightly in pain. After a moment or so, he righted himself and resumed writing.

Harry glanced at Draco who looked back at him quizzically. It was clear that he had seen what had happened as well. The rest of the class was busy setting out the necessary ingredients from their potion supply kit. Harry was about to do the same when it happened again. Only this time, it appeared as if Snape couldn't ward off the pain as easily. The professor pursed his lips together tightly in attempt to conceal the anguished cry that had issued in his throat. He shook his head from side and looked at the class thoughtfully.

"Professor?" Hermione called out as she raised her hand. She had a puzzled look on her face as she watched Snape sit down behind his desk.

"Class is canceled for today… everybody out!" demanded the Professor. The students sat there in shock. They have had classes canceled in the past, but never by Professor Snape. Most were too scared to even move. "Now!" he shouted angrily.

The classroom was suddenly filled with chaotic noise as the students scrambled to gather their things as quickly as possible in case he had changed his mind. The four friends gathered their things as well, but hung behind to see if they could determine what was wrong with their Professor.

Draco looked over at them and said, "Maybe you guys should go. I am going to wait and see what is wrong."

"I am staying too," said Harry quickly. He glanced at Hermione and Ron who looked like they were about to protest.

"Let us know if we can help. See you later," said Hermione as she grabbed Ron's wrist and pulled him out the door.

Draco and Harry approached Snape's desk cautiously. His eyes were closed tightly and he was gripping his left arm fiercely.

"I thought I told you to leave," said Snape as he opened his pain filled eyes.

"I want to know what's wrong. You have been acting so strangely these last few weeks. Are you ill? Are you hurt? Why did you cancel class?" asked Draco coming around to his godfather on the other side of his desk.

"It's none of you business. You should be happy I canceled classes. Just leave!"

Draco looked a bit hurt by his godfather's harsh words. He looked as if he was going to follow Snape's directions when Harry spoke up.

"It's Voldemort isn't it?" asked Harry bluntly.

"What?" Snape asked harshly.

"It's Voldemort. He is somehow torturing through your dark mark, isn't he?"

"How did you know?" Snape asked curiously.

"Well, I always felt pain in my scar when Voldemort was torturing someone or when he was feeling particularly malicious. I figured that he might be able to inflict pain on you through the tattoo he gave you."

"It's none of your concern," said Snape looking away. "Unless, of course you are having visions again. Are you?"

"No," said Harry. "Just a lucky guess."

"Why didn't you tell me? What is happening anyway? I don't understand," complained Draco. He looked irritated that Harry and Snape had come to some unspoken understanding without him knowing.

"Listen; don't worry about it, Draco. The Dark Lord is not happy with the fact that I am spy. He is just expressing his displeasure towards me. The dark mark was designed to summon the Death Eaters when ever he pleased. It's actually quite painful; even more so when you do not answer his call. He can even concentrate on individuals and can inflict greater amounts of pain at his own discretion. I am trying to limit my use of magic. I discovered that the Dark Lord's power to inflict pain upon me increases when he senses my magical signature."

"That's torture!" exclaimed Draco. "Are you alright?"

"Actually, he shattered the bones in my left arm," the professor admitted. "I haven't felt well in a long time."

"You need to see Madame Pomfrey, Severus…"

"Draco, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. Besides, where do you think Poppy gets all of her potions in her infirmary? Hmm?"

"Does the headmaster know that this has been happening?" asked Harry.

"Yes. We are trying to find a way to remove the tattoo or place some magical shield around it. We have been unsuccessful so far."

Harry nodded in understanding. That must be the reason why he had been missing so many meals and acting so strangely. Harry couldn't even remember when he took away any points. He must really be suffering if he couldn't even find the heart to take away any points, the one thing that brought him the utmost pleasure.

"Listen, you both look if you could use some rest. Leave me be. There is nothing you can do anyway. Go now, before I take away points for disregarding a direct order."

"I want to stay with you and make sure you are okay," whined Draco.

"Do not argue with me. I will be fine. Now go," said the professor.

"Fine, but please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. Okay?" asked Draco.

Snape nodded but it didn't look as if he would really ask for help even if he did need it. Draco gave his godfather an awkward one armed hug, and then nodded at Harry that they should leave.

They left the dungeons and began walking aimlessly through the corridors. So much had already happened today, it was hard to believe that it was still morning. Harry pitied the professor for what he must be going through. He knew first hand what it felt like to have an unwanted connection to Voldemort

They had several hours until their classes this afternoon, and Harry now had a full blown headache. He hadn't slept more than a few hours last night so he decided to go back his dormitory to rest since potions had been canceled. He gave the painting that guarded the portal to the Gryffindor common room the password and stepped inside. The common room was virtually deserted except for the young couple snogging on the couch by the fireplace.

Harry was about to sneak off to his room and leave them alone when he realized that the couple was none other than Ron and Hermione. Things seemed to be really heating up. Hermione's hair looked quite tousled from Ron's hand stroking her bushy locks as their tongues battled fiercely. It was both amusing and disgusting to watch his two best friends make out like that.

Harry watched them for a few more seconds until he finally made his appearance known. "Ahem," he said as he cleared his throat.

"Oh my!" Hermione squeaked.

"Sorry 'bout that mate. Didn't see you there," said Ron with a foolish grin on his face.

Both of their lips were red and swollen from kissing, and they looked altogether awkward about the situation. Harry laughed at their embarrassment.

"No problem. I thought you might want to know what was going on with Snape."

"Yeah, we do. I am actually worried about him. It's not like him to cancel class like that. What's wrong?" asked Hermione, sitting up so that she could listen properly.

"Well, I won't go into all the details, but Voldemort is torturing him through his dark mark for being a traitor," said Harry.

"Oh gods, really? How bad is it?" asked Ron.

"Pretty bad. Voldemort was somehow able to break his arm while we were in class today. That is why he canceled potions."

"Dumbledore knows?" asked Hermione.

"Yeah, they are trying to find a solution…" Harry's headache was really starting to pound now. He rubbed his temples in a circular motion hoping to lessen the pain. "Listen, I am going to go nap. "Wake me up before we have to go to transfiguration, alright?"

"Sure. Go get some rest, Harry," said Ron.

Harry nodded and made his way up to the sixth year dormitory. He lay down on top of his four poster bed fully clothed and closed his eyes. For a long while he laid awake, thinking about everything that had happened today. How much more drama was he expected to take? The pain in his head increased with each passing thought. He tried to take cleansing breaths and rubbed his temples. He even tried to will away his god awful headache, but nothing seemed to work. He even thought about getting a potion from Madame Pomfrey, but he rather not see the look on her face when he asked for another potion. Finally, when he didn't think he could stand the pain any longer, he drifted off to sleep.

He found himself sitting on the shore of lake that lied adjacent to Hogwarts. Beside him was a small boy with dark brown hair, so dark that it could almost pass for being black. The boy's hazel eyes seem lost in sadness as he glanced up into his face. The boy looked away and began searching the ground in determination. He watched as he plucked a thick blade of grass from the ground and absentmindedly twirled the blade between his fingers.

"Are you going to say anything to me? You were the one who dragged me out here to talk in the first place," Harry could hear himself say.

The younger boy sighed deeply and threw the blade grass down onto the ground.. "I miss you. I wish you just would come home and end of this fighting."

"You know I can't do that."

"Why! I never see you anymore and this whole situation is just so stupid," said the boy angrily.

"I left for a reason, little brother. I hate them, you know that. Mom and Dad are constantly on my case about everything that happens. And they have never let me forget the fact that the sorting hat put me in Gryffindor. I am always being compared to you and everything that you do. You are their golden child because you made it into Slytherin. Besides, I can't stand all the shit they say about my friends. I refuse to become like them!" Again he was amazed by the seemingly natural conversation he was having with this complete and total stranger.

"What do you mean?"

"You know what I mean. They support the Dark Lord!" said Harry exasperatedly.

"So what? There are worse things in the world than supporting some guy!"

"You really don't get it do you. Haven't you heard what everyone has been saying about him?" said Harry.

"I don't care what they say. I trust Mom and Dad and you should too!"

"Well I don't and I am never coming home so stop asking me."

"What about me? Don't you care about being my big brother anymore?" asked the boy. His eyes were shining as if he were about to cry.

"Of course I care, this isn't about us."

"But it is about us! You didn't just walk out on Mom and Dad. You walked out on me. I hate you!"

"What?"

"I said I hate you! Don't ever talk to me again…." And with that the dark haired boy stomped back towards the castle.

Harry was filled with a feeling of such dread as he watched the boy disappear within the confines of the castle's walls. A sense of foreboding consumed him as if he were privy to some knowledge unbeknownst to his conscious mind that this boy would befall some terrible fate.

Harry woke with a start. He soon realized that he had been sleeping in his dorm room and calmed down slightly. Why was he reliving these memories? Something was definitely not right. His head was still pounding from his headache from earlier. His brain was fuzzy with confusion over this latest dream. The more he thought about it the more upset he became. His chest felt like it was tightening with panic. Was he going crazy? Why were his dreams getting stranger and stranger? Was he reliving someone else's memories?

From the alarm clock beside his bed, Harry knew he still had some time before his next class. Not wanting to sleep any longer, he crept over to the window and sat down on the stony still. He focused his attention toward the lake and was reminded of his most recent dream. He tried to process what was happening, but the answer to his dilemma seemed to continually elude him. Will there ever be an end to this madness?

A/N: I will not be focusing on Snape very much in this fic, but it didn't feel right to just leave him out of the story completely. I wanted to explore the repercussions of his actions on Halloween night in which he reveals that he is a spy. If I write a 7th year fic then I feel that he will have an important role. So I am trying to stay consistent with his character now. Even if I don't write another continuation, I think that the scene was an interesting sub plot to this story. (I personally feel that sub plots can add a lot of depth to the story as long as they don't take away from it. I will also explore the romance and friendships between the six friends and Remus will soon have a more important role). The main plot is slowly being revealed and it will be quite interesting. I hope I don't sound like I am rambling.

A/N 2: Many thanks to all my reviewers and readers! And a special thanks to Drae my beta reader.