A/N: First I must express my regret at my possibly horrific form of Middle
English. Hopefully the story itself will make up for it. I tried uploading this
earlier, but ff.net was having some sort of difficulty at the time. Be on the
lookout for a one-part short story I'm putting the finishing touches on to
make up for my recent lateness- you can read it here:
http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1382382
Disclaimers apply as always. Thank you to everyone for reading and for your
reviews!
-------------------------------
Chapter 30
Harry felt his previous depression and concern for Severus become briefly
overwhelmed by the shock and amazement at Severus' proclamation. "A
prophecy addressed to us specifically?"
"Well," Severus drawled as he considered the parchment again, "Not by
name, but most definitely by description, and by the fact that the writing
magically revealed itself when it appeared blank before." Thrusting the page
under Harry's nose, he inquired, "Can you read it now?"
Squinting at the page again, Harry shook his head. "Still looks blank to me."
"And to me as well," Dumbledore noted as he peered over Harry's shoulder.
"Hmm. I expect that it would have something to do with which of the two of
us is able to perceive the other's aura." More dryly Severus added, "You will
likely be able to see the wondrous delight of Ravenclaw's script the next
time we ... shift abilities."
"Abilities?" Harry let his eyebrows rise incredulously. "I don't feel any
different now then from before this whole thing started between us."
"That is something we will have to experiment with. Once we are able to
leave this protected area." Reclaiming the parchment, Severus gestured with
a flourish, "As a matter of fact, that is what these words of wisdom are
referring to."
Son of Gryffindor, Head of Slytherin.
Two lives altered by mine fellows,
Have met them not yet live their lives
In hatred and in friendship -
I send this hidden help to you.
Thy safety lies with each other.
Together abilities are increased, especially upon touch.
Efforts that seek thee harm shall be thwarted.
One shall heal, shall know all the other requires
While from the other shall emanate the magnified power of both.
Trust in thy fate, and in thy friends.'
Severus' voice fell silent and neither Harry nor Dumbledore seemed especially
eager to shatter the solemn quiet while considering this new prophecy.
When Severus spoke again, it was to the accompaniment of a small jump of
startlement from Harry. Being more experienced, Dumbledore merely blinked
as the words pressed themselves into being. "One might interpret that to
mean that so long as Harry and I are together in some fashion we would be
more capable of defending ourselves ... and developing our powers."
A thoughtful hum came from the Headmaster of Hogwarts as he rubbed
speculative at his chin. "It does indeed sound as though Rowena Ravenclaw
has offered us further hope. After all, it would be difficult for the two of you
to remain here in the isolation ward indefinitely."
The reception of the idea from both man and boy was one of distaste. Both
also seemed about to speak at the same time, but Harry's lack of hesitation
in the words won out as he said with affection, "Stay here? With him? I'd go
barmy!" He grinned.
* * * * *
Severus felt irritation at Harry's usurping of his sentiment, but he hadn't
wanted to harm the boy again so had reconsidered the wisdom of the words.
Doing otherwise and hurting Harry's feelings was hard on the eyes. But when
he saw Harry's aura swirling now with amusement and ... was that affection?
His own irritation was transfigured into amazement at the sight. From the
past experience of Harry seeing and reacting to his aura, and from what
Severus had seen of Harry's so far, the aura viewing seemed to be a
painfully accurate source of information. But affection? From Harry Potter?
Severus shook his head to himself before regarding Harry again. "It seems
decided then. Once Harry has recovered we will leave the isolation ward.
first we'll spend some time out in the main hospital area where the wards will
be close at hand if necessary, and then we can continue from there."
"But where will I stay?" Harry asked. Between his expression and the forlorn
colors in his aura he seemed more a waif than a wizard.
"You'll come with me to my office first; there is a great deal we will need to
do in regards to learning to handle these new abilities and not a lot of time
to do it in." Settling in what had quickly become his chair between the two
bunks, Severus brooked no argument.
"Gryffindor Tower can be made ready for habitation again, Harry,"
Dumbledore offered, "But I think it might be best for you to stay close to
Severus for now. There are one or two empty rooms in the dungeons which
would serve nicely."
Severus sighed, but saw the sense of Dumbledore's words and nodded. He
didn't need to see Harry's aura to perceive his alarm. "But what about later?
When the school year begins? What are we going to do then? Will I have to
stay in the dungeons with the Slytherins? What will I tell Ron and Hermione?"
"One question at a time, Potter" Severus quietly growled, his use of Harry's
last name more of a focusing point for the boy rather than a gesture of
disregard.
"Severus, I must express a deep concern for your situation as it stands,"
Dumbledore murmured, resting one hand upon the back of Severus' chair
from where he stool next to it. "I don't want you to return to Voldemort,
especially now."
Before Severus was able to finish opening his mouth to deliver the withering
sarcasm that was his knee-jerk response to the statement, Harry again trod
over Severus' words with his own. "But is there no way to stop him from
being summoned and causing him pain? At one point Voldemort was even
speaking to him telepathically."
It was with a good deal of control that Severus didn't turn his suddenly
increased ire upon Harry- but that was abruptly cut short when he saw the
colors in the boy's aura now. Fear. Not for Harry but for ... himself. Harry
was afraid for him- protective, helpless and feeling an almost crippling worry
as the boy wrapped his arms around himself, beseeching Dumbledore with his
eyes.
Almost absently, Severus wondered how many more times his accepted
world view was going to be skewed under the influence of the
aura-awareness. Keeping his voice factual, he leaned forward just a little
towards the boy. "Potter. Harry. From our recent experience and the
prophetic pieces of advice I should say that we have the answers to that,
do you not agree? You will be my protection as I am yours."
The boy turned suddenly to meet his regard, colors of shock and happiness
wreathed around him at the pronouncement. "Really?"
"No, Potter, I said that just to waste breath. Yes, really." Severus was
treated to a more literal than he liked example of the phrase 'beaming smile'
and found that he had to squint and look away briefly. He found that he
didn't want to look away for long, however ... the warmth was something
difficult to resist. Severus consoled himself with the fact that he had
maintained his composure throughout. To distract the boy from continuing it,
he waved a hand as though to disperse a patch of toxic fumes. "What little
piece of insight did you have about the prophecies before this whole
delightful soul baring session began?"
Harry blinked with incomprehension for a few moments before remembering.
"Oh! Erm." Having the grace to blush and squirm uncomfortably, even if only
for a moment, the boy explained. "The one about the Fall and the
Separation. My end of our powers- at least the aura part of it- became
active just after you were cursed from your broom and fell, losing your
memory. Your end of the powers started after we were separated for the
first time after all of this by the protective wards."
Severus nodded his acknowledgement of Harry's analysis even as he cast a
mildly annoyed glance up at Dumbledore who was still hovering over him. The
older wizard was less subtle in his congratulations to Harry for his
perception, but Severus took that as part and parcel of being a Gryffindor.
All too soon afterwards Severus was wishing for the end to Dumbledore's
visit as the older wizard turned his concern upon Severus once more due to
Harry's mentioning his loss of memory. "Enough already!" Severus frowned at
Dumbledore. "Leave us alone and let Harry get some rest so that we can
finally get out of-" biting back the undeserved uncomplimentary words he
had been about to express, he finished off with, "... this place."
The restraint proved itself fortuitous as Madam Pomfrey chose that moment
to enter the ward, a knowing smirk firmly planted upon her features.
"Perhaps I should take you on as a nurse in training, Severus. Your bedside
manner is charming and you give such wonderfully phrased advice to both
visitors and patients."
When Severus stiffened rather than showing any sign of amusement at her
teasing, Madam Pomfrey seemed troubled but swiftly set about enforcing
Severus' 'request' of Dumbledore, shooing him out of the ward. When she
didn't immediately return, Severus sighed and closed his eyes, leaning back
into the cushions of his chair and reminding himself that Pomfrey hadn't been
aware of the circumstances surrounding his words to Harry before his retreat
into the washroom. It wasn't as though things like that had ever mattered to
him at any rate; he didn't really know why Pomfrey's words gave him a shock
of surprise and hurt and quite frankly he didn't care to know.
Harry's voice quietly intruded upon his thoughts and echoed them as well.
"She didn't mean it that way, you know."
"I am aware of that," Severus murmured in reply without opening his eyes.
"Now be quiet and get some rest lest I be forced to pour a sleeping draught
down your throat." A pause and he added, "We shall see the test results
from the scan in my office once we return there."
English. Hopefully the story itself will make up for it. I tried uploading this
earlier, but ff.net was having some sort of difficulty at the time. Be on the
lookout for a one-part short story I'm putting the finishing touches on to
make up for my recent lateness- you can read it here:
http://www.fanfiction.net/read.php?storyid=1382382
Disclaimers apply as always. Thank you to everyone for reading and for your
reviews!
-------------------------------
Chapter 30
Harry felt his previous depression and concern for Severus become briefly
overwhelmed by the shock and amazement at Severus' proclamation. "A
prophecy addressed to us specifically?"
"Well," Severus drawled as he considered the parchment again, "Not by
name, but most definitely by description, and by the fact that the writing
magically revealed itself when it appeared blank before." Thrusting the page
under Harry's nose, he inquired, "Can you read it now?"
Squinting at the page again, Harry shook his head. "Still looks blank to me."
"And to me as well," Dumbledore noted as he peered over Harry's shoulder.
"Hmm. I expect that it would have something to do with which of the two of
us is able to perceive the other's aura." More dryly Severus added, "You will
likely be able to see the wondrous delight of Ravenclaw's script the next
time we ... shift abilities."
"Abilities?" Harry let his eyebrows rise incredulously. "I don't feel any
different now then from before this whole thing started between us."
"That is something we will have to experiment with. Once we are able to
leave this protected area." Reclaiming the parchment, Severus gestured with
a flourish, "As a matter of fact, that is what these words of wisdom are
referring to."
Son of Gryffindor, Head of Slytherin.
Two lives altered by mine fellows,
Have met them not yet live their lives
In hatred and in friendship -
I send this hidden help to you.
Thy safety lies with each other.
Together abilities are increased, especially upon touch.
Efforts that seek thee harm shall be thwarted.
One shall heal, shall know all the other requires
While from the other shall emanate the magnified power of both.
Trust in thy fate, and in thy friends.'
Severus' voice fell silent and neither Harry nor Dumbledore seemed especially
eager to shatter the solemn quiet while considering this new prophecy.
When Severus spoke again, it was to the accompaniment of a small jump of
startlement from Harry. Being more experienced, Dumbledore merely blinked
as the words pressed themselves into being. "One might interpret that to
mean that so long as Harry and I are together in some fashion we would be
more capable of defending ourselves ... and developing our powers."
A thoughtful hum came from the Headmaster of Hogwarts as he rubbed
speculative at his chin. "It does indeed sound as though Rowena Ravenclaw
has offered us further hope. After all, it would be difficult for the two of you
to remain here in the isolation ward indefinitely."
The reception of the idea from both man and boy was one of distaste. Both
also seemed about to speak at the same time, but Harry's lack of hesitation
in the words won out as he said with affection, "Stay here? With him? I'd go
barmy!" He grinned.
* * * * *
Severus felt irritation at Harry's usurping of his sentiment, but he hadn't
wanted to harm the boy again so had reconsidered the wisdom of the words.
Doing otherwise and hurting Harry's feelings was hard on the eyes. But when
he saw Harry's aura swirling now with amusement and ... was that affection?
His own irritation was transfigured into amazement at the sight. From the
past experience of Harry seeing and reacting to his aura, and from what
Severus had seen of Harry's so far, the aura viewing seemed to be a
painfully accurate source of information. But affection? From Harry Potter?
Severus shook his head to himself before regarding Harry again. "It seems
decided then. Once Harry has recovered we will leave the isolation ward.
first we'll spend some time out in the main hospital area where the wards will
be close at hand if necessary, and then we can continue from there."
"But where will I stay?" Harry asked. Between his expression and the forlorn
colors in his aura he seemed more a waif than a wizard.
"You'll come with me to my office first; there is a great deal we will need to
do in regards to learning to handle these new abilities and not a lot of time
to do it in." Settling in what had quickly become his chair between the two
bunks, Severus brooked no argument.
"Gryffindor Tower can be made ready for habitation again, Harry,"
Dumbledore offered, "But I think it might be best for you to stay close to
Severus for now. There are one or two empty rooms in the dungeons which
would serve nicely."
Severus sighed, but saw the sense of Dumbledore's words and nodded. He
didn't need to see Harry's aura to perceive his alarm. "But what about later?
When the school year begins? What are we going to do then? Will I have to
stay in the dungeons with the Slytherins? What will I tell Ron and Hermione?"
"One question at a time, Potter" Severus quietly growled, his use of Harry's
last name more of a focusing point for the boy rather than a gesture of
disregard.
"Severus, I must express a deep concern for your situation as it stands,"
Dumbledore murmured, resting one hand upon the back of Severus' chair
from where he stool next to it. "I don't want you to return to Voldemort,
especially now."
Before Severus was able to finish opening his mouth to deliver the withering
sarcasm that was his knee-jerk response to the statement, Harry again trod
over Severus' words with his own. "But is there no way to stop him from
being summoned and causing him pain? At one point Voldemort was even
speaking to him telepathically."
It was with a good deal of control that Severus didn't turn his suddenly
increased ire upon Harry- but that was abruptly cut short when he saw the
colors in the boy's aura now. Fear. Not for Harry but for ... himself. Harry
was afraid for him- protective, helpless and feeling an almost crippling worry
as the boy wrapped his arms around himself, beseeching Dumbledore with his
eyes.
Almost absently, Severus wondered how many more times his accepted
world view was going to be skewed under the influence of the
aura-awareness. Keeping his voice factual, he leaned forward just a little
towards the boy. "Potter. Harry. From our recent experience and the
prophetic pieces of advice I should say that we have the answers to that,
do you not agree? You will be my protection as I am yours."
The boy turned suddenly to meet his regard, colors of shock and happiness
wreathed around him at the pronouncement. "Really?"
"No, Potter, I said that just to waste breath. Yes, really." Severus was
treated to a more literal than he liked example of the phrase 'beaming smile'
and found that he had to squint and look away briefly. He found that he
didn't want to look away for long, however ... the warmth was something
difficult to resist. Severus consoled himself with the fact that he had
maintained his composure throughout. To distract the boy from continuing it,
he waved a hand as though to disperse a patch of toxic fumes. "What little
piece of insight did you have about the prophecies before this whole
delightful soul baring session began?"
Harry blinked with incomprehension for a few moments before remembering.
"Oh! Erm." Having the grace to blush and squirm uncomfortably, even if only
for a moment, the boy explained. "The one about the Fall and the
Separation. My end of our powers- at least the aura part of it- became
active just after you were cursed from your broom and fell, losing your
memory. Your end of the powers started after we were separated for the
first time after all of this by the protective wards."
Severus nodded his acknowledgement of Harry's analysis even as he cast a
mildly annoyed glance up at Dumbledore who was still hovering over him. The
older wizard was less subtle in his congratulations to Harry for his
perception, but Severus took that as part and parcel of being a Gryffindor.
All too soon afterwards Severus was wishing for the end to Dumbledore's
visit as the older wizard turned his concern upon Severus once more due to
Harry's mentioning his loss of memory. "Enough already!" Severus frowned at
Dumbledore. "Leave us alone and let Harry get some rest so that we can
finally get out of-" biting back the undeserved uncomplimentary words he
had been about to express, he finished off with, "... this place."
The restraint proved itself fortuitous as Madam Pomfrey chose that moment
to enter the ward, a knowing smirk firmly planted upon her features.
"Perhaps I should take you on as a nurse in training, Severus. Your bedside
manner is charming and you give such wonderfully phrased advice to both
visitors and patients."
When Severus stiffened rather than showing any sign of amusement at her
teasing, Madam Pomfrey seemed troubled but swiftly set about enforcing
Severus' 'request' of Dumbledore, shooing him out of the ward. When she
didn't immediately return, Severus sighed and closed his eyes, leaning back
into the cushions of his chair and reminding himself that Pomfrey hadn't been
aware of the circumstances surrounding his words to Harry before his retreat
into the washroom. It wasn't as though things like that had ever mattered to
him at any rate; he didn't really know why Pomfrey's words gave him a shock
of surprise and hurt and quite frankly he didn't care to know.
Harry's voice quietly intruded upon his thoughts and echoed them as well.
"She didn't mean it that way, you know."
"I am aware of that," Severus murmured in reply without opening his eyes.
"Now be quiet and get some rest lest I be forced to pour a sleeping draught
down your throat." A pause and he added, "We shall see the test results
from the scan in my office once we return there."