A/N: Hi everyone who is reading, I know I said not to expect another chapter for at least four weeks but today I was procrastinating really badly on my exam revision and spent most of today writing the next chapter. I am sure that most of you will not complain about yet another chapter (and so soon).
I don't think that this chapter is as exciting as my last few – although it is another 3500+ chapter (I am still very amazed that I got above 5000 words for the entire length of this fanfic, let alone the current figure of approximately 13000. Sadly, Harry needs some time to recover from his order and although I would have enjoyed torturing our two main characters longer - its just it may have gotten slightly tedious after a while. This chapter is an attempt to fill in some of the blanks between a few of the events that happened while Harry was Voldemort's prisoner and Harry's thoughts on the matter- not to mention readjusting to being back at Hogwarts. I hope, though, that you still enjoy it!
Thanks to those that reviewed, I apologise to those who reviewed chapter 4 and are not on this list, its just that with an often 24 hour delay on the uploading of reviews it is quite possible that I missed reading some of the most recent ones.
Thank you for taking your time to review, far to lazy to sign in (completely agree with your user-id sometimes), Final-fic-chic, Kira6, Smiley128, htbmny (thanks for reviewing once again- I like knowing whether previous reviewers are still reading and that they still enjoy it) and Howl (I am very glad that you like the idea of the collar and the way Voldemort is portrayed...I was a bit fearful it was out of character- I have read so many fanfics now that I seriously doubt whether I truly remember any of the real characters personalities- you will just have to wait and see with your questions and I am happy you think my story is different- I hope I live up to your expectations in the future :P).
Chapter 5: Hogwarts
Harry woke up to the blinding light of the morning sun. Shutting his eyes quickly, he hid his face from the glaring light, protecting his oversensitive eyes. Harry felt the soft bed beneath him. From the smells around him, Harry could tell that he was lying again in the very familiar hospital wing of Hogwarts. A feeling of relief washed over Harry as he realised he was not longer in the custody of Voldemort. Just as fast as the relief came, however, it was banished by the foreboding presence of the metal collar still felt around his neck. Reaching up, Harry ran his fingers along the cool metallic band, tracing the snakes as if trying to find some unknown information from the collar.
Harry once again tried to look around the room, squinting as his eyes gradually adjusted to the light. Eventually, however, his eyesight returned to normal. Glancing around, he noticed Remus Lupin sleeping in a chair about a metre away from the hospital bed. It must have been early morning as the school seemed blissfully silent, with no presence of the tell tale sounds of students running through the halls. Harry realised, however, that it was probably still school holidays unless he had really misplaced a month or more, either while being unconscious or while being held captive by Voldemort.
Madame Pomfrey was nowhere in sight, although that was not unusual. She no doubt had to sleep at some time and was thus probably in her quarters just a small distance away from the hospital wing. Harry realised that it was unlikely, however, that she had left him without some type of monitoring charm and that Pomfrey would likely be along any second now as the charm alerted her to the fact that he was awake.
Right on time, Madame Pomfrey came bustling through the doors of the hospital. Remus startled awake at the Mediwitch's entrance, glancing at Harry a large smile spread across his face. "Harry, I am so glad that you are finally awake." Said Remus. Harry gave Remus a half-smile, appreciating Remus' concern over Harry's well being.
Madame Pomfrey appeared to be checking the location and quantity of several potions located on a trolley near Harry's bed. Pomfrey then headed over to Harry carrying several vials.
"Ah, Mr Potter you are awake. About time to, you have been asleep for over a week. You should have woken up two days ago, although we did give you sleeping potions to enable your body to heal from all the internal injuries. Everyone has been very worried for you. No doubt you will have some more visitors as soon as the news spreads. Here take these." Said Madame Pomfrey, handing Harry two potion vials. Looking at them, Harry was relieved to notice that none contained any sleeping potion that he could recognize. Judging that they were safe, Harry lifted the vials to his mouth and gulped them down, careful to avoid actually tasting the surely horrible potions.
"Thank you, Mr Potter, that wasn't to hard now, was it?" Madame Pomfrey asked curiously. Receiving no answer from Harry she continued, "Now, how are you feeling? Do you have pain any where at all?"
"No, Madame Pomfrey, I feel much better, thank you." Said Harry in reply. It was the truth, although Harry did feel as if most of his strength had left him. Harry guessed that the feeling would go away in time and it was just a result of firstly being tortured by Voldemort and then being bed ridden for a week.
As if reading Harry's thoughts, Madame Pomfrey continued, "I suspect that you are not completely telling me the truth and that you will experience some weakness anytime you try and move due to the need for your muscles to be built up once again. I will give you some Pepper-Up potions so that this will not trouble you too much, however, do not over exert yourself. Use the Pepper-Up potion only when you really need it and most importantly you will have to get some rest." Madame Pomfrey paused, before continuing "I think it is best if you stay in the hospital wing for today as the students are not due back for another two weeks and I am not sure where Professor Dumbledore wants you to stay until school begins again."
"Speaking of which", Pomfrey continued, half to herself, "I should firecall Albus to let him know that you are awake". With that, Madame Pomfrey headed across the hospital and into her office to contact Dumbledore.
Harry glanced at Remus.
"Well, cub," Remus said. "I am very glad you are awake. I was so worried when you disappeared from the Dursley's, we all were. I am so glad Severus was able to get you out." Harry looked at Remus, startled. Well, Harry thought to himself, it was the most logical explanation of events without telling Dumbledore what had really occurred inside Voldemort's Manor.
"I won't push you," Remus continued. "But, know that you can come and talk to me about anything at all, whether it is about what happened with Voldemort or school. If I am not at Hogwarts send Hedwig, I will write back as soon as possible."
"Thanks, Professor Lupin, that means a lot to me," Harry said.
"That's okay cub, any time. And before I forget, call me Remus or Moony, I am not your professor anymore and besides, I have known you since you were born." Remus replied with a friendly smile.
Remus seemed to be lost in his own thoughts as Harry glanced at him, wondering if he would say anything else. Harry was quite happy, however, with the comfortable moment of silence between them, giving Harry time to think about the past weeks events without the immediate sense of danger. Harry's thoughts drifted back to Voldemort and the collar that now constrained his neck. Obviously Remus could not see the collar, and Harry assumed no one else could, as he surely would have commented on the appearance of a metal collar so obviously placed around his neck by Voldemort, it was not as if the collar was covered by any clothing. Harry dreaded the information he would be responsible for Voldemort knowing just by being surrounded by members of the 'light' side. Voldemort really wouldn't even need Snape as a spy provided Dumbledore kept the promise he had made at the end of fifth year to inform Harry about what was going on.
Harry's thoughts drifted to the other revelation that had taken place while Voldemort's prisoner. Despite the fact that he did not really want to consider the issue, he knew that at one stage he would have to. Snape was his father. That was a scary thought. Snape, the person who had hated him since before he even knew what Hogwarts was just because of a grudge with James Potter. Although, after the pensive incident Harry knew that Snape was perhaps justified in his hatred of James, it was a different matter entirely to take it out on him. Then again, Snape hadn't exactly been his old self when held captive by Voldemort. Harry sighed at the confusing of the situation.
Remus looked up at Harry, as he sighed, although he didn't interrupt, noticing that Harry was lost in thought.
Now that Harry was no longer a prisoner of Voldemort's he could consider in greater depth the issue of Snape being his biological father. It occurred to Harry that surely if Snape were his biological father he would look something like him, rather then an identical copy to James Potter. Without the stress of torture Harry realised that perhaps Voldemort really had fed him a story. It was not like Harry had very good experience in determining what was a real memory when it came to the use of Legilimency. It was quite possible that Voldemort placed the memory and even created the effects of removing the memory blocks. Harry didn't know what to think. The only solution, however, that Harry could see to gain any answers to these questions was to talk to someone. Remembering that Voldemort had said, however, Harry realised that the only person that he could safely talk to about anything was Snape. Harry felt that the possibility there was slim to none for him gaining answers.
Harry thought to the 'uncovered' memory. If the memory was true, he certainly felt a keen sense of betrayal from Dumbledore for not telling him the truth, yet he couldn't be sure. Without the ability to be sure whether what he had seen was the truth, Harry couldn't even be angry with Dumbledore. Harry felt like banging his head against a wall at the complications in the whole situations.
The entrance of Dumbledore into the hospital wing disturbed Harry from his thoughts. Dumbledore smiled warmly at Harry, the familiar twinkle sparkling in his eyes. The sight of Dumbledore, however, was not quite as comforting to Harry as normal. Harry felt an amass guilt weigh down upon him as he though of how he was betraying the 'light' side to Voldemort, despite it being out of control. Harry just prayed that Dumbledore wouldn't really tell him any important information while he continued to be burdened by the collar.
"Harry, my boy. I am so glad you are alive and well and recovering nicely if what I hear from Poppy is correct," Dumbledore said with a cheerful smile. "Now I am sure you have questions of me, but perhaps you could maybe answer mine first. I know that recalling what has happened to you maybe distressing, and you can take as much time as you need, but trust me when I say that it will feel much better out then in."
Harry looked at the trust shining out of Dumbledore's eyes and even guiltier because there was no way Harry could tell Dumbledore the truth, or maybe there was. Harry began to think of ways that he could hint about the truth to Dumbledore.
'Do not even think about it, boy'. A voice suddenly blasted through Harry's head. Harry knew that tone anywhere- Voldemort. But surely Voldemort could not read his thoughts.
'I can hear what ever goes on in your naive head Potter and do not forget it. I wasn't going to tell you, Potter, but I have thought about this plan a lot and your rashness nearly sacrificed it. I won't hesitate to kill you, boy, and if you don't care so deeply about your own life, I am sure your friends' lives mean more to you. If you even hint at the truth you will be watching your friends being tortured in front of you until you beg for their mercy.' Voldemort sent to Harry. Harry felt a shudder run through him.
Harry wondered what he should tell Dumbledore when Voldemort's presence once again returned to his mind. 'Tell Dumbledore everything, except about the collar and Severus. He will already assume that you were tortured and that I used Legilimency on you. I want him, after all to trust you', Voldemort sent answering Harry's unspoken question.
Harry glanced up at Dumbledore, realising just how much time had past while Voldemort was threatening him. Harry saw concern in Dumbledore's eyes, although Dumbledore likely thought he was having a flashback from being Voldemort's prisoner. Harry wished it had have been that.
Bracing himself for the long story ahead, Harry began to Dumbledore about the Death Eaters storming Privet Drive, taking him to Voldemort, Legilimency and then the rounds of torture. Dumbledore took in every word Harry said, offering small comments of sympathy as Harry's tale progressed. Harry guessed that Dumbledore's easy acceptance of the facts meant that Snape's recount of the events had been along the same lines as his.
As Harry's recall came to an end, Dumbledore stood, stretching his legs from sitting on the chair beside Harry's bed for so long. Glancing up at the clock, Harry realised that over a few hours had passed. Dumbledore sent a knowing look to Harry before thanking Harry for his openness about the events.
"Professor, before you go, how did the Death Eaters get passed the wards at Privet Drive?" Harry asked.
"Ah, that my boy is a question I wish I could answer. I thought they were secure until the Death Eaters managed to kidnap you. I can only assume that it was perhaps due to either a fading in the blood wards or that Voldemort's use of your blood in his revival had some other effects- although I can not see why he waited so long to kidnap you if that was the case." Dumbledore replied.
Although Dumbledore had answered Harry's question with honesty, the fact that Dumbledore had not known the answer worried Harry slightly. Dumbledore had led him to believe that he was untouchable in his Aunt and Uncle's care, if you could call it 'care'.
"Thanks anyway, Professor" Harry said.
"That's okay, my boy, anytime. Now I have some work to get back to, although I will try and get Poppy to allow you to join me and the other Professors who are here for dinner tonight in the Great Hall. Feel free to come and talk to me anytime, the password is 'Pollywaffle'," Dumbledore replied before he left Harry to go back to his office.
Having nothing else to do and feeling slightly tired, Harry drifted to sleep.
Harry was awoken a few hours later by the school nurse, Madame Pomfrey, who was once again bustling around the hospital wing. Harry glanced up at the clock, realising that it was less then half an hour until dinnertime, assuming that the Professor's still ate at the same time when students were not at school. Deciding that it was not worth going back to sleep, Harry decided he should ask Madame Pomfrey whether he would even be joining the Hogwarts staff for dinner.
"Hello, Madame Pomfrey," Harry said.
"Oh, your awake now Mr Potter. I was just about to wake you." Pomfrey said with a pause. "Before you ask, Professor Dumbledore has already requested that you have dinner in the Great Hall. I see no problem with you going so long as you do not strain yourself and just in case, I asked Professor Dumbledore to send someone to escort you to and from the Hall. I believe Severus will be here in fifteen minutes, so you might want to go and wash up, there are a clean set of robes sitting on the chair over there."
Harry was grateful at Pomfrey's planning, happy that he could wear something other then hospital robes. Harry struggled out of bed and to the chair where the spare robes lye. Although it was not a very far walk to the chair, Harry's muscles already felt strained. He slowly bent down to retrieve the robes and hobbled over to the bathroom where he could change in private.
As Harry was getting ready, splashing water on his face in an attempt to wake up more, Harry considered seeing Snape again. He really had lots of questions and Snape was the only one he could ask for advice, yet he did not feel brave enough to ask Snape. Although Snape had seemed somewhat considerate before, it did not mean that Snape would tolerate his presence enough to actually give him any answers now that they were not directly in harms way. It was an unfamiliar situation and Harry was not sure he could deal with it.
Realising that he had been lost in thought for ten minutes, Harry made his way to back out to the hospital wing. Placing the hospital robes in a folded pile on his bed, Harry sat down to wait for Snape.
Two minutes later, Snape entered the Hospital nodding to Madame Pomfrey as he entered. Snape gestured for Harry to follow him. Harry followed Snape in silence down the familiar corridors until they came to the Entrance Hall, where the doors to the Great Hall were located. Snape stopped Harry before he could open the doors.
"You and I need to talk" Snape said, not in his usually condescending voice but rather in the voice Snape would address anyone, well, other then a Gryfindor. Snape continued "I have already cleared a meeting in my quarters with Dumbledore after dinner on the pretense of discussing his wishes to restart occlumancy."
"I will be there," Harry said reluctantly, his mind spinning at fifty miles an hour. With that, Snape opened the doors for Harry to enter the Great Hall and followed Harry shortly after.
Harry looked around the Great Hall, the comforting feeling of familiarity and memories still held within its walls, despite all that had happened in the past weeks. Glancing up at the staff table at the front of the room, Harry noticed the presence of Remus, some Order members and just about all the teachers with the exception of Hagrid and Professor Trelawney. Dumbledore smiled warmly at him, gesturing for Harry to take the vacant seat next to him, on his left-hand side. Harry climbed the steps to the table and took the seat located next to Dumbledore. It felt weird and quite uncomfortable to sit amongst the teachers and other adults, despite the fact that Harry felt closer to half the people at the table then he did his Aunt and Uncle.
Professor McGonagall sat on Harry's left. Harry realised that she normally sat next to Dumbledore as Deputy Headmistress and that Dumbledore must have made an exception for Harry tonight. Harry glanced down the table, noticing the familiar presence of Professor Flitwick, Professor Sprout, Professor Sinistra and a few other, obviously Order members, whose names Harry just couldn't quite remember.
Harry was amazed that he had not heard any other comments from Voldemort, given that Voldemort now had the ability to send thoughts to him.
'Do not worry, Potter, I am still here' said Voldemort, in fashionable Murphy's Law style. Harry would have banged his head on the table, if not surrounded by all his teachers, for his stupidity at not letting sleeping dogs to lye.
'Thank you, very much Voldemort I really needed your input,' thought Harry sarcastically, blowing any form of politeness.
'Careful now Potter, I may not cause you pain now, if front of everyone, but the minute you are no longer in their presence you will suffer for any transgressions' Voldemort sent threateningly.
Harry decided that he had better stop his thoughts on the matter unless he wanted to end up in a lot of pain later on that night.
Harry went back to watching his teacher's interact as dinner appeared on the table. Not feeling very hungry he dished up a small serving, although enough not to have Dumbledore on his back for not eating.
From a few of the conversations around the table and the quick glances at Harry every so often, Harry could tell that his capture by Voldemort was common knowledge. McGonagall turned towards Harry and politely asked how he was feeling. Harry responded in kind and then when back to attempting to eat his meal in silence, although his attempts were often interrupted by Dumbledore trying to bring him into conversation. Harry wanted to shrink into to the background, feeling uncomfortable talking to his teachers on a personal level. He also did not want to receive any further sympathy from them, not knowing how to react when they tried to comfort him. It would have been okay if Remus were sitting closer to him; however, he was at the other end of the table where it was impossible to carry a conversation to.
Despite the fact that Harry was not enjoying dinner, he also in many ways did not want it to end. The end of dinner meant that he would be expected to follow Snape down to his quarters and nervousness began to overwhelm his want to gain answers.
The rattling of cutlery against plates gradually lessoned as everyone finished dessert. A few people said their goodbyes and left, although Dumbledore appeared to be enjoying his lemon pudding still. Harry played with his food, prodding and poking what was left of his half-finished bowl of fruit salad. Dumbledore finished his food and slowly stood up. The few remaining people, including Snape, followed. Snape once again gestured for Harry to follow him and, after an automatic goodbye to Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall, Harry followed suit, trying to follow Snape and not loose him in the depths of the Dungeons of Hogwarts.
Slowly walking to where Snape was waiting for him, Harry noticed that they were now in front of a portrait of Merlin. Snape whispered something unheard by Harry and the painting moved aside, opening into what could only be Snape's quarters. Snape entered and Harry took his cue to follow him.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed it,
Please review (any guesses on what Harry and Snape's next move is? Or better yet what old Voldemort has up his sleeve?)
Dreamer-3041