Suffering: Chapter 9
Disclaimer: Note that the name of the website is FANFICTION.net. Clearly, I am a fan who is writing fiction. The word fan implies spectator.not creator. Clearly, I own nothing, take credit for nothing, and would under no terms accept money for the garble I produce. On a lighter note, if I were Miss Rowling, I would not have killed Snuffles.
Warnings: OotP spoiler, language, possible violence or implied violence, etc, etc. PG13 to be safe.
Chapter 8 Review Responses: Wow. There're a lot of you. Yay!
Iniysa: Okay, you reviewed Chapter 7 but I had already posted Chapter 8 by the time I got this review. Anyway, Thanks.
Mr. Padfoot: Thank you for both chapter seven and chapter eight reviews!
Lady Macbeth: Yeah, I'm a freshman in high school who is taking junior courses. It sucks but I love it. I know what you mean-it feels like the first four months of school lasted forever. Anyway, thanks for the review!
Mikee: I love your evil ideas.don't worry, the Order as a whole will be doing some Dursley-punishing
UR name: Thanks! I guess I'll have to take a vote for romance.I for one would like Harry and Ginny to have a strong friendship, in the least.
Sally-Jo: I know they didn't visit for long, but with teachers and Filch all over, what can you do??? Thanks for reviewing!
Hermionegreen: Thanks. Gred and Forge weren't involved because they're not Order members (yet) and they didn't already know. I just didn't think Remus would tell that many people. Thanks for the feedback on my holiday fluff. Glad you like it.
Jordan: Here comes more!
Pip3: Yeah, Snape's room is kinda Gryyfindor-y-you know, I didn't think he should have chains and rusty iron spikes and stuff-I didn't want him to be too Slytherin-ish.
Ckat44: Perfect? You flatter me. (blushes) Thank you much.
Sarah: Thanks! I'm updating as fast as I can. I'm on winter break right now, so that's fast.
Ginnygal189: Thanks! Actually, your Christmas present is this bit of fluff I wrote: "The Best Christmas Ever". Read and review to give me a present.
Melindaleo: Thanks much! Glad you enjoyed my fluffy piece. PLEASE DO NOT WISH MORE EXAMS UPON ME! They're horrible! I think you're right, the abuse is on a pretty big scale, but I started with this little ditty in August and I can't change the abuse now. It would make the whole story collapse. So we're just going to say it's because Vernon drinks. This chapter has more reactions.
Jazzylady: Sorry it was a cliffy. But you know, cliffies do draw the reader back for more.
Simple Confusion: Thanks. Yeah, Hagrid can be tactless like that.
Athenakitty: Thanks for reviewing my fluffy bit! And yes to all of your questions. I don't think Ginny gets enough credit in the books. She's not as book smart as Hermione, but she certainly is very perceptive and clever.
Madamemoony: I will work on more reactions, Tonks will have a more defined reaction once she gets over the initial shock. Thanks!
Serpent of Light: I must say, angst stories certainly do attract a lot of odd reviewers. Just kidding! I absolutely love all my reviewers. Anyway, there will be further Dursley punishment.
Serenapoo: Thanks! I am glad to hear it.
Smileychildpjz: Yes, I know the light was red, and Avada Kedavra light is green, having read all five books several times through. Sadly, I am still pretty certain Snuffles is dead-or in the very least hovering in some sort of limbo. My theory is that it was the veil, not the spell that 'killed' him. I mean, he can't be too alive if he disappeared behind the veil, can he? Also, Remus and Albus concede to his death, and I'm sure neither of them would overlook something so significant if it was in fact the spell that killed him. Thanks for pointing that out, though.
Kitty254781: Thanks!
Prd2Bamerican: Thanks!
Eliza Guerin: Thanks!
Rebma: Thanks! There will be more Harry/Ginny interaction soon, don't worry.
Ronda Silverpaw: Thanks! I'm glad you like it!
Samhaincat: Yay! You reviewed my fluff, too! Thanks!
Tirla: Thanks! I also think the "sweet Harry" is unrealistic.
Starangel2106: Thanks.I think. All that matters is that you like it (
Moon_Girl: Thanks, and thanks for reviewing my fluffy Christmas piece.
Cinnamon Angel: Yay! Yippee! Three reviews from you! Long ones! I was wondering when I'd see your name pop up again. I'm glad you updated suffering. I'm sorry for making you cry, but isn't that every angst writer's dream? We are certainly a sadistic bunch. Anyway, I definitely thought Harry would be more sarcastic and bitter after Snuffles (sob) died. And, of course, dear old Sevvie has always been rather bitter and angry.no reason to change that now. (grins). I didn't want my story to be nothing but weepy angstiness, after all. Glad you appreciate that. Also glad to see that you're still insane as well. Me too. Oh, and I landed in your Draco fic cause it was under the category of Angst-- (--and it looked interesting and I read it and fell in love with it. By the way, I'm THRILLED that you got a rubber duck! My parents gave me a mama rubber duckie and three little baby rubber duckies for Christmas, and for my birthday my friend got me a stuffed duckie that came with a baby stuffed duckie. I was thrilled. I'm so excited to have a DUCK as an alter ego! It's my life's dream.or, okay, my dream for the last five seconds. Whatever. You say potato, I say patato.Anyway, thanks for the reviews.I love the reviews.
Wolf Maid: Thanks, and sorry updating has taken so long.
Mystic Phoenix: Thanks. I'm so flattered!
Lostdreamer23: Thanks. Hmmmm.I like the idea of Voldemort using it against him, though that is done a lot. I will just have to find a way to make it interesting.
Hummer: Thanks. Don't worry, the Order, will be spending more time with our favorite Muggles.
Katani Petitedra: Thanks. Happy.very.belated holidays
Harryreader: Thanks. Drama and angst ARE lots of fun.
Samhaincat: Yay! You reviewed my fluff!
RondaSilverpaw: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!
Rebma: Thanks! There will be more Harry and Ginny later!
Mr. Padfoot 1: Thanks.
Athenakitty: Yes to all of those questions, and thanks for reviewing my fluff.
A/N: Okay, a reviewer told me that Sirius can't be dead because he wasn't hit with Avada Kedavra, and I conceded that there might be other readers who also think that. I realize that the bolt of light that hit Sirius was red, not the green color of the Killing Curse. My theory stands as this: Sirius was knocked through the veil (possibly stunned) by the force of the curse. It is the veil that directly caused his death, not the curse. And I believe that if Snuffles isn't dead, then he certainly isn't alive. He vanished right through a mysterious black veil. Anyway, I could be wrong, but my story, to say the least, is based upon this theory.
By the way, I thought I'd endorse the book "The Da Vinci Code" here. NOT MINE! I take no credit for it! I just finished reading it though, and it is a wonderful mystery. Thought I'd add that little blurb in.
Another little thing, if you are looking for a truly superb angsty Harry-abuse fic, I would recommend "Starseed" by Blackenedsoul. Wonderful, wonderful fic, and I told blackenedsoul that I'd endorse it here. It is rated R and has mentions of rape, so I guess if that quacks you out, then it might not be your story. I would still highly recommend it.
**************************************************
Ron was still sitting between his mother and sister, both of whom were still sniffling. Ginny, at least, seemed to have regained some composure.
"Ginny?" he whispered, "what exactly did Harry say to you?"
She looked up at him. "Oh, you know how he is, he's really cryptic. He said something along the lines of, 'turns out living with the Dursleys wasn't all that safe'. Why?"
"Just wondering. Did you get a chance to talk more than that?"
"Yeah," she said, attempting to give a weak smile. "He's living with Snape. Fred and George told him he should use it as a prank-pulling opportunity, but he quite wisely said no."
Ron felt sure he had heard wrong. "Harry's staying with SNAPE?"
The subdued whispers that had begun to fill the room immediately died at this proclamation.
"Ron," said Remus mildly, Professor Snape was the one that rescued Harry. You know that."
The redhead snorted. "So? He still hates Harry. Can't Harry come here?"
"He needs to stay at Hogwarts for awhile. Professor Snape is of the few teachers spending the summer there, and the only one that Dumbledore trusts enough. Albus thinks it will be a positive learning experience for both Severus and Harry."
Ron spluttered in outrage. "Snape'll destroy him! How is that positive?"
Lupin chuckled. "I'm sure that's an exaggeration. Severus will learn more about Harry, and Harry will learn more about him. They'll be fine after a few days, wait and see."
Ron doubted that very much.
*************************************
After the initial shock of the brief visit from Fred, George, and Ginny, Harry had collapsed as pain suddenly coursed through his body. His scar was burning horribly, and he felt breathless and sick.
He knew what his nausea was caused by. He remembered all too clearly the look on Ginny's face after she had realized what he meant when he had made the stupid comment about the Dursleys.
He groaned slightly as his stomach and leg both began to throb. Madame Pomfrey had given him that pain-relieving potion, but it was still in Snape's rooms. With another pain-filled groan, Harry pushed himself off the ground. He tottered out of the library, where he had to stop and rest against the wall, panting in agony. Several minutes later, he arrived outside the portrait and realized he didn't know the password.
As the bearded wizard stared down at him, Harry realized he didn't know the password. "Please can't you let me in?" he begged. "I came here last night with Professor Snape, you saw me. I really need to get a potion I've left in there."
The wizard sneered at him. "No password, no entrance." Harry groaned and sank down against the stone wall. He would just have to wait for Professor Snape to get back. He didn't think he could get much further anyway. His eyes were starting to swim. Shaking his head to clear his vision, he only became dizzier. Black was seeping into the corners of his vision. Everything began fading rapidly.
*************************************
Severus took as much time as possible to create his potion, knowing full well the likelihood of finding Potter in his quarters when he returned. When he finally realized that he could no longer stall his return to his rooms, and should probably check on the Gryffindor anyway, he filled several vials with his potion and set them to the side. He set off toward his rooms, hoping that he would have a chance to return to his potion that afternoon.
Snape stalked off to his quarters, feeling--much to his annoyance--a migraine beginning to throb at his temples. However, that pain was nothing to the burning which he experienced in his left forearm an instant later. He began to walk faster, becoming much more anxious to return to his rooms and suffer the pain in silence. He could not be at the Dark Lord's side today. His bad mood hovered in the air like a storm cloud.
As he approached the portrait that guarded the entrance to his rooms, he saw a trembling figure slumped against the wall. His mood worsened considerably, and he could feel himself swelling with impatience. He bent down to wake the boy, who had somehow managed to fall asleep against a wall, when he realized that he was convulsing. Cursing, he heaved the slight weight off the ground and quickly hissed the password to the portrait.
The portrait swung away and Severus quickly entered his chambers. The rooms were cold. Frigid, almost. He dumped the boy rather unceremoniously onto the couch. In doing so, he noticed that Potter's scar was a deep, throbbing red compared to the rest of his pale skin. He was twitching, his face contorting in spasms of what Severus could only assume as pain. As the boy gave a particularly wild jerk, the Potions Master felt the pain in his arm intensify ten fold. Falling to his knees with a hand on his forearm, he bit his lip for several agonizing minutes before the searing faded to a pulsing throb.
When he finally trusted himself to open his mouth, Severus tasted sickeningly metallic blood. Contrary to popular belief, Severus was not, in fact, a vampire, and subsequently found absolutely no emotion short of disgust in tasting his own blood. Wiping his face with a shaking hand, he turned his focus back to the child on his couch. Potter's face was even paler than it had been, and though his thrashing had subsided somewhat, he was quivering.
Not sure what to do, Snape barked, "Potter!"
The boy sat up quite quickly, looking around wildly. "Pro-Professor, what happened?"
Severus sneered. "You managed to fall asleep in the middle of the hallway, that's what happened.
"Sorry," whispered Harry. "I-I didn't know the password."
"Indeed," he hissed.
"Er-sir? I.I need to see Du-Professor Dumbledore."
"Why, may I ask?" The professor's tone was curt.
""I--I'm supposed to.er.tell him when I have a dream."
"Dream, Potter?"
"Well, a vi-vision.about Voldemort."
"Surely you've at least been attempting Occlumency over the summer. Thick though you are, Potter, I would've thought even you would have the intelligence for that."
The Gryffindor looked stung. "Of course I have? How could I not? But it's not exactly like I planned to pass out just then."
Severus put his patented sneer in place. "Very well, Potter. If you could so kindly calm yourself, we will go see the Headmaster."
**********************
Shaking madly, Harry stood and followed the hook-nosed man who had turned on his heel to leave the room. With legs that quivered like jelly, he stumbled through the stone corridors, trying desperately not to fall behind. The harder he tried to keep up his pace, the shorter his breathing became.
Suddenly, his scar seared as painfully as if someone had pressed a white- hot wire to it. Biting his lip very hard, he felt tears of agony sting at his eyes, but blinked furiously. The pain did not recede, however, and Harry's vision was beginning to swim. He kept walking as quickly as he could, not willing to let his guard down for the slightest amount of time, thanks to years of conditioning from his uncle.
It seemed to take an eternity to reach the headmaster's office, and by the time Harry reached the stone griffin, still on Snape's heels, he was nearly ready to collapse.
"Sugar Quill," muttered the professor shortly.
*****************
Nymphadora Tonks was in complete shock. The news she had just received had made her stomach feel as if it had sunk down to her feet. Harry Potter, of all people, rushed off to Hogwarts because his relatives.she couldn't begin to comprehend what she had learned.
Clearing her throat, she slowly found her voice and made to leave the room. "I'll go see how Mad-Eye's doing. Needless to say, I'm sure once he's gotten over his shock, he will agree that a little.justice.is in order." She allowed the tiniest hint of humor to enter a voice, and Lupin gave her a forced-looking half-smile. She walked regally from the room, though the effect was somewhat dampened when she tripped over the edge of the carpet and stumbled into the wall.
"Oh, shut up," she said to the various sniggering people around the room.
*****************************
A/N: Okay, I was not at all happy with this chapter. It is much too short and not much happens, but I felt I had to update soon before I had flaming bits of garbage were thrown at me. Still, I apologize.my muse seems to have left me for another writer (sob) and now that school is back in session, my teachers are being cruel, cruel, cruel, and bogging me down with homework. But at least I updated.bleah.
Disclaimer: Note that the name of the website is FANFICTION.net. Clearly, I am a fan who is writing fiction. The word fan implies spectator.not creator. Clearly, I own nothing, take credit for nothing, and would under no terms accept money for the garble I produce. On a lighter note, if I were Miss Rowling, I would not have killed Snuffles.
Warnings: OotP spoiler, language, possible violence or implied violence, etc, etc. PG13 to be safe.
Chapter 8 Review Responses: Wow. There're a lot of you. Yay!
Iniysa: Okay, you reviewed Chapter 7 but I had already posted Chapter 8 by the time I got this review. Anyway, Thanks.
Mr. Padfoot: Thank you for both chapter seven and chapter eight reviews!
Lady Macbeth: Yeah, I'm a freshman in high school who is taking junior courses. It sucks but I love it. I know what you mean-it feels like the first four months of school lasted forever. Anyway, thanks for the review!
Mikee: I love your evil ideas.don't worry, the Order as a whole will be doing some Dursley-punishing
UR name: Thanks! I guess I'll have to take a vote for romance.I for one would like Harry and Ginny to have a strong friendship, in the least.
Sally-Jo: I know they didn't visit for long, but with teachers and Filch all over, what can you do??? Thanks for reviewing!
Hermionegreen: Thanks. Gred and Forge weren't involved because they're not Order members (yet) and they didn't already know. I just didn't think Remus would tell that many people. Thanks for the feedback on my holiday fluff. Glad you like it.
Jordan: Here comes more!
Pip3: Yeah, Snape's room is kinda Gryyfindor-y-you know, I didn't think he should have chains and rusty iron spikes and stuff-I didn't want him to be too Slytherin-ish.
Ckat44: Perfect? You flatter me. (blushes) Thank you much.
Sarah: Thanks! I'm updating as fast as I can. I'm on winter break right now, so that's fast.
Ginnygal189: Thanks! Actually, your Christmas present is this bit of fluff I wrote: "The Best Christmas Ever". Read and review to give me a present.
Melindaleo: Thanks much! Glad you enjoyed my fluffy piece. PLEASE DO NOT WISH MORE EXAMS UPON ME! They're horrible! I think you're right, the abuse is on a pretty big scale, but I started with this little ditty in August and I can't change the abuse now. It would make the whole story collapse. So we're just going to say it's because Vernon drinks. This chapter has more reactions.
Jazzylady: Sorry it was a cliffy. But you know, cliffies do draw the reader back for more.
Simple Confusion: Thanks. Yeah, Hagrid can be tactless like that.
Athenakitty: Thanks for reviewing my fluffy bit! And yes to all of your questions. I don't think Ginny gets enough credit in the books. She's not as book smart as Hermione, but she certainly is very perceptive and clever.
Madamemoony: I will work on more reactions, Tonks will have a more defined reaction once she gets over the initial shock. Thanks!
Serpent of Light: I must say, angst stories certainly do attract a lot of odd reviewers. Just kidding! I absolutely love all my reviewers. Anyway, there will be further Dursley punishment.
Serenapoo: Thanks! I am glad to hear it.
Smileychildpjz: Yes, I know the light was red, and Avada Kedavra light is green, having read all five books several times through. Sadly, I am still pretty certain Snuffles is dead-or in the very least hovering in some sort of limbo. My theory is that it was the veil, not the spell that 'killed' him. I mean, he can't be too alive if he disappeared behind the veil, can he? Also, Remus and Albus concede to his death, and I'm sure neither of them would overlook something so significant if it was in fact the spell that killed him. Thanks for pointing that out, though.
Kitty254781: Thanks!
Prd2Bamerican: Thanks!
Eliza Guerin: Thanks!
Rebma: Thanks! There will be more Harry/Ginny interaction soon, don't worry.
Ronda Silverpaw: Thanks! I'm glad you like it!
Samhaincat: Yay! You reviewed my fluff, too! Thanks!
Tirla: Thanks! I also think the "sweet Harry" is unrealistic.
Starangel2106: Thanks.I think. All that matters is that you like it (
Moon_Girl: Thanks, and thanks for reviewing my fluffy Christmas piece.
Cinnamon Angel: Yay! Yippee! Three reviews from you! Long ones! I was wondering when I'd see your name pop up again. I'm glad you updated suffering. I'm sorry for making you cry, but isn't that every angst writer's dream? We are certainly a sadistic bunch. Anyway, I definitely thought Harry would be more sarcastic and bitter after Snuffles (sob) died. And, of course, dear old Sevvie has always been rather bitter and angry.no reason to change that now. (grins). I didn't want my story to be nothing but weepy angstiness, after all. Glad you appreciate that. Also glad to see that you're still insane as well. Me too. Oh, and I landed in your Draco fic cause it was under the category of Angst-- (--and it looked interesting and I read it and fell in love with it. By the way, I'm THRILLED that you got a rubber duck! My parents gave me a mama rubber duckie and three little baby rubber duckies for Christmas, and for my birthday my friend got me a stuffed duckie that came with a baby stuffed duckie. I was thrilled. I'm so excited to have a DUCK as an alter ego! It's my life's dream.or, okay, my dream for the last five seconds. Whatever. You say potato, I say patato.Anyway, thanks for the reviews.I love the reviews.
Wolf Maid: Thanks, and sorry updating has taken so long.
Mystic Phoenix: Thanks. I'm so flattered!
Lostdreamer23: Thanks. Hmmmm.I like the idea of Voldemort using it against him, though that is done a lot. I will just have to find a way to make it interesting.
Hummer: Thanks. Don't worry, the Order, will be spending more time with our favorite Muggles.
Katani Petitedra: Thanks. Happy.very.belated holidays
Harryreader: Thanks. Drama and angst ARE lots of fun.
Samhaincat: Yay! You reviewed my fluff!
RondaSilverpaw: Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!
Rebma: Thanks! There will be more Harry and Ginny later!
Mr. Padfoot 1: Thanks.
Athenakitty: Yes to all of those questions, and thanks for reviewing my fluff.
A/N: Okay, a reviewer told me that Sirius can't be dead because he wasn't hit with Avada Kedavra, and I conceded that there might be other readers who also think that. I realize that the bolt of light that hit Sirius was red, not the green color of the Killing Curse. My theory stands as this: Sirius was knocked through the veil (possibly stunned) by the force of the curse. It is the veil that directly caused his death, not the curse. And I believe that if Snuffles isn't dead, then he certainly isn't alive. He vanished right through a mysterious black veil. Anyway, I could be wrong, but my story, to say the least, is based upon this theory.
By the way, I thought I'd endorse the book "The Da Vinci Code" here. NOT MINE! I take no credit for it! I just finished reading it though, and it is a wonderful mystery. Thought I'd add that little blurb in.
Another little thing, if you are looking for a truly superb angsty Harry-abuse fic, I would recommend "Starseed" by Blackenedsoul. Wonderful, wonderful fic, and I told blackenedsoul that I'd endorse it here. It is rated R and has mentions of rape, so I guess if that quacks you out, then it might not be your story. I would still highly recommend it.
**************************************************
Ron was still sitting between his mother and sister, both of whom were still sniffling. Ginny, at least, seemed to have regained some composure.
"Ginny?" he whispered, "what exactly did Harry say to you?"
She looked up at him. "Oh, you know how he is, he's really cryptic. He said something along the lines of, 'turns out living with the Dursleys wasn't all that safe'. Why?"
"Just wondering. Did you get a chance to talk more than that?"
"Yeah," she said, attempting to give a weak smile. "He's living with Snape. Fred and George told him he should use it as a prank-pulling opportunity, but he quite wisely said no."
Ron felt sure he had heard wrong. "Harry's staying with SNAPE?"
The subdued whispers that had begun to fill the room immediately died at this proclamation.
"Ron," said Remus mildly, Professor Snape was the one that rescued Harry. You know that."
The redhead snorted. "So? He still hates Harry. Can't Harry come here?"
"He needs to stay at Hogwarts for awhile. Professor Snape is of the few teachers spending the summer there, and the only one that Dumbledore trusts enough. Albus thinks it will be a positive learning experience for both Severus and Harry."
Ron spluttered in outrage. "Snape'll destroy him! How is that positive?"
Lupin chuckled. "I'm sure that's an exaggeration. Severus will learn more about Harry, and Harry will learn more about him. They'll be fine after a few days, wait and see."
Ron doubted that very much.
*************************************
After the initial shock of the brief visit from Fred, George, and Ginny, Harry had collapsed as pain suddenly coursed through his body. His scar was burning horribly, and he felt breathless and sick.
He knew what his nausea was caused by. He remembered all too clearly the look on Ginny's face after she had realized what he meant when he had made the stupid comment about the Dursleys.
He groaned slightly as his stomach and leg both began to throb. Madame Pomfrey had given him that pain-relieving potion, but it was still in Snape's rooms. With another pain-filled groan, Harry pushed himself off the ground. He tottered out of the library, where he had to stop and rest against the wall, panting in agony. Several minutes later, he arrived outside the portrait and realized he didn't know the password.
As the bearded wizard stared down at him, Harry realized he didn't know the password. "Please can't you let me in?" he begged. "I came here last night with Professor Snape, you saw me. I really need to get a potion I've left in there."
The wizard sneered at him. "No password, no entrance." Harry groaned and sank down against the stone wall. He would just have to wait for Professor Snape to get back. He didn't think he could get much further anyway. His eyes were starting to swim. Shaking his head to clear his vision, he only became dizzier. Black was seeping into the corners of his vision. Everything began fading rapidly.
*************************************
Severus took as much time as possible to create his potion, knowing full well the likelihood of finding Potter in his quarters when he returned. When he finally realized that he could no longer stall his return to his rooms, and should probably check on the Gryffindor anyway, he filled several vials with his potion and set them to the side. He set off toward his rooms, hoping that he would have a chance to return to his potion that afternoon.
Snape stalked off to his quarters, feeling--much to his annoyance--a migraine beginning to throb at his temples. However, that pain was nothing to the burning which he experienced in his left forearm an instant later. He began to walk faster, becoming much more anxious to return to his rooms and suffer the pain in silence. He could not be at the Dark Lord's side today. His bad mood hovered in the air like a storm cloud.
As he approached the portrait that guarded the entrance to his rooms, he saw a trembling figure slumped against the wall. His mood worsened considerably, and he could feel himself swelling with impatience. He bent down to wake the boy, who had somehow managed to fall asleep against a wall, when he realized that he was convulsing. Cursing, he heaved the slight weight off the ground and quickly hissed the password to the portrait.
The portrait swung away and Severus quickly entered his chambers. The rooms were cold. Frigid, almost. He dumped the boy rather unceremoniously onto the couch. In doing so, he noticed that Potter's scar was a deep, throbbing red compared to the rest of his pale skin. He was twitching, his face contorting in spasms of what Severus could only assume as pain. As the boy gave a particularly wild jerk, the Potions Master felt the pain in his arm intensify ten fold. Falling to his knees with a hand on his forearm, he bit his lip for several agonizing minutes before the searing faded to a pulsing throb.
When he finally trusted himself to open his mouth, Severus tasted sickeningly metallic blood. Contrary to popular belief, Severus was not, in fact, a vampire, and subsequently found absolutely no emotion short of disgust in tasting his own blood. Wiping his face with a shaking hand, he turned his focus back to the child on his couch. Potter's face was even paler than it had been, and though his thrashing had subsided somewhat, he was quivering.
Not sure what to do, Snape barked, "Potter!"
The boy sat up quite quickly, looking around wildly. "Pro-Professor, what happened?"
Severus sneered. "You managed to fall asleep in the middle of the hallway, that's what happened.
"Sorry," whispered Harry. "I-I didn't know the password."
"Indeed," he hissed.
"Er-sir? I.I need to see Du-Professor Dumbledore."
"Why, may I ask?" The professor's tone was curt.
""I--I'm supposed to.er.tell him when I have a dream."
"Dream, Potter?"
"Well, a vi-vision.about Voldemort."
"Surely you've at least been attempting Occlumency over the summer. Thick though you are, Potter, I would've thought even you would have the intelligence for that."
The Gryffindor looked stung. "Of course I have? How could I not? But it's not exactly like I planned to pass out just then."
Severus put his patented sneer in place. "Very well, Potter. If you could so kindly calm yourself, we will go see the Headmaster."
**********************
Shaking madly, Harry stood and followed the hook-nosed man who had turned on his heel to leave the room. With legs that quivered like jelly, he stumbled through the stone corridors, trying desperately not to fall behind. The harder he tried to keep up his pace, the shorter his breathing became.
Suddenly, his scar seared as painfully as if someone had pressed a white- hot wire to it. Biting his lip very hard, he felt tears of agony sting at his eyes, but blinked furiously. The pain did not recede, however, and Harry's vision was beginning to swim. He kept walking as quickly as he could, not willing to let his guard down for the slightest amount of time, thanks to years of conditioning from his uncle.
It seemed to take an eternity to reach the headmaster's office, and by the time Harry reached the stone griffin, still on Snape's heels, he was nearly ready to collapse.
"Sugar Quill," muttered the professor shortly.
*****************
Nymphadora Tonks was in complete shock. The news she had just received had made her stomach feel as if it had sunk down to her feet. Harry Potter, of all people, rushed off to Hogwarts because his relatives.she couldn't begin to comprehend what she had learned.
Clearing her throat, she slowly found her voice and made to leave the room. "I'll go see how Mad-Eye's doing. Needless to say, I'm sure once he's gotten over his shock, he will agree that a little.justice.is in order." She allowed the tiniest hint of humor to enter a voice, and Lupin gave her a forced-looking half-smile. She walked regally from the room, though the effect was somewhat dampened when she tripped over the edge of the carpet and stumbled into the wall.
"Oh, shut up," she said to the various sniggering people around the room.
*****************************
A/N: Okay, I was not at all happy with this chapter. It is much too short and not much happens, but I felt I had to update soon before I had flaming bits of garbage were thrown at me. Still, I apologize.my muse seems to have left me for another writer (sob) and now that school is back in session, my teachers are being cruel, cruel, cruel, and bogging me down with homework. But at least I updated.bleah.