There were few things Severus Snape enjoyed. Potions, quiet, and an occasional glass of vodka were part of this short list. Of all the many things he didn't like, staff meetings, he decided, were at the top. They were long, boring affairs, which served more as a chance for the teachers to share school gossip and relax then to actually accomplish anything of substance. Severus did not gossip. Nor did he like to socialize. Unfortunately, since he was part of the staff, he was required to attend.
The first staff meeting of the year was held two weeks before school reconvened on September first. As usual, Severus was sitting off to the side, ignoring the people around him. He was, instead, thinking about the supplies he had yet to purchase for the fall term. Which is why he initially failed to notice his coworkers sudden silence. When he did realize the room was quiet, he looked up to see a man's head in the fireplace, staring at the Headmaster.
"Remus, this is a surprise." Albus Dumbledore rose to address him.
Remus Lupin smiled grimly. "I'm afraid it's going to be a rather unpleasant surprise, Albus." Dumbledore merely quirked an eyebrow, urging Lupin to continue. "Harry's been taken to the hospital. Arabella and I were unable to learn what had happened to him, but it was serious enough for the Dursleys' to call an ambulance…that is an emergency transport… You know they wouldn't have if it was merely a broken bone or such."
Albus appeared unconcerned that his charge was apparently ill, but the sparkle that was usually so apparent had been shadowed over. "Go to the hospital and try to learn what happened. When you do, or if you can't, report back," he ordered authoritatively.
"I already know they won't tell me, Albus. Arabella called and tried to find out already. All we know is that he was being moved from the emergency room to the ICU…whatever that is."
In the background, the professors heard a commanding voice declare exasperated, "it's the intensive care unit, Remus. I've told you this already. Being there means he is in critical condition, at least."
"Then go visit him an-" Albus was cut off by Arabella's shout, "Only immediate family can visit patients in ICU."
Remus, as well as the entirety of the staff, looked to Dumbledore for his next plan of action. Sighing, the Headmaster said, "I suppose that leaves his relatives. Remus, you are going to have to question them."
"I was afraid you'd say that," Remus sighed. Then, another thought stuck him. "Albus, do the wards work with Harry in the hospital?"
"No. That is why, when you are with the Dursleys' you are going to need to insist that Petunia stay with Harry at all times."
Remus stared at Dumbledore. "It will never happen Albus. She won't give a damn," he stated factually. "You are going to have to protect Harry yourself."
Albus considered for a moment. "Then tell her to be waiting at the hospital at five o'clock this evening. Someone from the school will meet her up there. She will remove Harry from the facility, and he will be brought back here."
"As you say, Albus." Remus agreed. "I'll go talk with her. Luckily it is a weekday, so the whale she is married to will be at work."
"Thank you, Remus. Floo back if you have any problems. Once Harry is here and safe I'll contact you with further instructions."
"I'll be waiting, headmaster." Remus acknowledged and then disappeared from the fireplace.
Albus turned back to his faculty. "Meeting dismissed. Minerva, Severus, Poppy if I could have a word?"
Once the room had emptied, Albus said to the Mediwitch, "According to Remus' report, Harry's injuries will most likely be severe. Please gather anything you think you might need and prepare the hospital for his arrival.
Poppy confirmed that she would do so, and headed back to the hospital wing. Albus then turned to Minerva McGonagal. "Minerva, assuming Mr. Potter's recovery isn't too prolonged, he is going to need accommodations for the remainder of the summer holidays. The tower will be far too lonely, I fear. Also, any permission slips or the like that he will need for the upcoming year should be taken to his aunt when he is picked up."
"Of course, Albus. I'll take care of it." Minerva answered. She then also left the room. Severus turned to the Headmaster and quirked an eyebrow. "What is it that you wish with me, Albus? Any potion Poppy may need has been prepared."
"As good as that is to hear, my friend, I had a different subject in mind." Albus answered, eyes twinkling.
Severus, wary of the Headmaster's games as they never went his way, cynically replied, "if it is my behavior you're worried about, I will attempt not to make Potter's stay too unpleasant. I dare say I'll barely see him."
"Actually, Severus, I was hoping to send you to pick him up."
Struckdumb, Severus just stared at the Headmaster for a moment. As his wits came back to him, however, he jumped out of his chair and demanded, "Are you out of your mind, Albus? If the boy is ill I hardly think he wants to see me. I know I don't wish to see him. I have no knowledge of the Muggle world, and I wish to see Petunia Dursley dead. Surely there is a someone else who is better qualified, and at least a little willing, to retrieve the boy."
"Severus, besides Poppy, you are the only person at this school with enough medical knowledge to keep Harry stabilized until he gets here. I fear his injuries stem from abuse, and you are the best person to deal with that, if he is indeed awake. Furthermore,--"
"The best person to deal with the after-effects of abuse? Albus, that takes…compassion. Something I don't have in the capacity the boy is going to need it. And surely Minerva has enough knowledge to get the boy to the school. It would make more sense for her to go…she is the boy's head of house."
"Nonetheless Severus, I think it would be better if you went."
"Albus…"
"Severus, my old friend, please?" The Headmaster pleadingly asked his professor. And Severus, because he had never had the ability to tell the man no, agreed.
A/N: Thank you to those of you who have read and reviewed. I don't really want to use author notes, so anything I have to say (notes about the story, responses to reviews, etc.) will be in my bio.