Chapter Fifteen
Cause and Effect
ONE
"Hermione, I'd really love to know what you must have been thinking," Harry commented the next morning at breakfast.
"I just wanted to know," Hermione replied, looking extremely uncomfortable. "I didn't think it would hurt anything."
"It was completely unethical," Harry admonished. "I told you to observe him, not break into his mind. What you did was the equivalent of using Veritaserum without the consent or knowledge of an innocent subject. What were you thinking? After all of my hard work, getting him to trust us, accept us, and now you've negated everything."
Hermione was looking thoroughly chastised and on the verge of tears. "I'm sorry, okay, it seemed like a good idea, and besides, I didn't know it was such a big deal. It was just a question."
"A question that could get you, him and his father killed," Harry commented.
A silence descended on the trio as the implications of Hermione's actions finally sank in. "You didn't think of that did you?" Harry asked after several tense moments. "Look, all I ask is that you use more discretion in the future."
"I will," Hermione mumbled, looking down at the table.
Harry stood up and collected his things. "I have research to do and then a meeting with Professor Snape. I'll see you guys later."
"See you, mate," Ron said. Hermione simply waved sadly. Harry was certain she was very upset when the mention of research usually did excite her.
Harry walked to the library and used his unlimited pass to retrieve some medical books from the restricted section. He'd discovered (entirely by accident) that he had strong empathetic abilities. After researching empathy thoroughly, he'd found out that most strong empathetics also had a natural talent with medicinal and healing magic. After he had read that it had become his mission to learn any medical magic that the library carried.
Harry was growing frustrated because he could feel his magic stirring with the desire to help, but he couldn't focus it to make any real difference. He'd read and re-read books and articles after failed practices, but to no avail. He was ready to give up, but his stubborn nature made sure that he didn't. He got some very obscure books and took them back to his room, glad that it was Sunday. A book with a blue cover and no discernable title caught Harry's interest and he opened it...
TWO
Severus knocked again, but still received no answer. Growing concerned, he opened the door and looked inside. Harry was sitting cross-legged on the floor, a book open in his lap and blood slowly dripping onto his robes. His eyes were closed and he held his injured hand tightly, a look of intense concentration on his face. The knife he'd used to inflict the injury was on the table in front of him.
As Severus watched, a white glow appeared beneath Harry's hand and the boy's expression changed. He seemed to be observing something that Severus couldn't see, though his eyes were closed. "Heal," Harry said forcefully, and the glow under his hand turned blue. The blood stopped dripping and Harry looked down at his hand, a smile on his face.
"What are you doing?" Severus snapped, his amazement dissipated by his annoyance at Harry. "You should have supervision if you are learning medical magic! Do you know how dangerous it is to perform these spells on yourself?"
"It was only a superficial wound, Professor Snape," Harry pleaded. "I wouldn't cut myself too deep if I knew I couldn't fix it."
"That is not a suitable excuse, Mr. Potter," Severus replied, noting the grimace on Harry's face. "Fifteen points from Gryffindor."
Harry sighed and closed his book. "Yes, sir."
"And fifteen points to Gryffindor for taking the initiative to do an independent study," Severus said after a moment.
"You should have given me twenty points for that," Harry replied with a smirk.
"Yes, but that would put Gryffindor five points up. We can't have that."
Harry rolled his eyes and stood up. "How very generous of you, sir."
"Give me those books," Severus said, holding out his hand.
"I'm not finished with them yet," Harry objected.
"I don't care, Potter," Severus replied, his annoyance building. "If you insist on learning this, you will do so when I am present and have proper test subjects for you to practice on."
"But..." Harry began to object.
"It's either this, or your books go back to the library and I revoke your pass." Severus smirked at Harry's indignant look.
"But, I'm not hurting anyone-"
"Except yourself. What you are doing is very dangerous. More than you realize, I expect."
Harry sighed and handed the books to Severus. "Fine," he muttered. "When can we continue?"
"After lunch, Harry," Severus replied. "Come and have a meal with me."
Harry nodded and followed Severus out of the room. They sat at a small table where a meal for two was laid out.
"Why this sudden interest in medicinal magic, Harry?" Severus asked as he served himself.
"I'm not interested in destroying life," Harry replied. "If there's a way that I can save lives, then I would learn it."
They ate quietly as Severus considered his young charge. What he'd witnessed the boy do was very rare and required a great deal of raw energy. The fact that he was still conscious and speaking, spoke worlds for the amount of power in his being. Severus was worried about the boy now, more than ever.
After helping Harry practice, Severus went to see Albus, still touching the smooth skin on his arm where Harry had healed a rather deep cut without leaving a mark.
"Blood pops," he told the gargoyle with a grimace. Why Albus insisted on going through the entire spectrum of candies as passwords for his door, Severus would never know.
"Enter," Albus said as Severus raised his hand to knock. He scowled and went into the office, sitting in front of Albus' desk without waiting for an invitation.
"We need to talk, Albus," he said snappishly.
"Would you care for a sherbet lemon or some tea?" Albus asked, the damnable twinkle in his blue eyes.
"I bloody well would not," Severus replied, annoyed. "I need to speak to you about Potter."
Albus chuckled and motioned for Severus to continue.
"He's an empathetic, for one thing," Severus said.
"Is he now?" Albus asked, the gods forsaken twinkle getting brighter. "That's wonderful!"
Severus waved away the headmaster's enthusiasm irritably. "He's also acquired the ability to do Instinctual Healing. His abilities are alarming."
"What did you see, Severus?" Albus asked gently.
"He was training his magic without guidance or supervision," Severus explained. "He was using himself as a test subject, for Merlin's sake! I shudder to think what might have happened if someone did not stop him. He then used me as his test subject, and healed the wounds flawlessly. He even removed an old scar from my forearm."
"He did all of this without a wand, I presume?" Albus asked, the twinkle fading as his brow creased with worry.
"That's right," Severus replied. "The gravity of this situation is undeniable. He has bigger problems than visions from the Dark Lord, or even his part in this war. Even if he does defeat the Dark Lord, his life span is now going to be significantly shorter."
"You're looking too far ahead. He may have the gift of a Spellweaver, in which case..."
"Albus, you know as well as I do that Instinctual Healers and Spellweavers were never compatible. He's an Instinctual Healer. He cannot be a Spellweaver."
"The rules have never truly applied to Mr. Potter, have they? It's entirely possible that we have nothing to worry about."
"You are being overly optimistic. He is a special young man, I admit, but he wields a great deal of power. He is not immortal, Albus. He's - "
"Still perfectly healthy," Albus interrupted.
"How can you sit there so calmly?" Severus asked incredulously.
"What would you have me do, Severus? If you are right (and I truly hope you are not) there would be nothing I could do to help him. Spellweavers are almost as rare as Instinctual Healers. I do not know any Spellweavers, nor do I know any who could tell me where to find one. There aren't any in Great Britain as far as I know. If you are right and if Harry becomes ill, then we will all do what we can to help him, but without a Spellweaver our hopes would not be high."
Severus hung his head. "Has he not been through enough? Why must he suffer through this as well?"
"He may not suffer through anything, Severus. You are going on mere conjecture. You should save your worrying for when you have more tangible proof. He's fine. Just pray that he remains so."
"Very well, Albus," Severus replied, standing up. He moved to the door and left without another word. When he reached his quarters, he got his second surprise of the day: Michael was sitting on his couch.
"Hello, Severus," Mike said amiably. He wore leather pants, no shirt and a leather collar with two rows of spikes in it. His legs were crossed, left over right, and his arms were spread over the back of the couch
"What are you doing here?" Severus snarled, stepping in quickly. "You should know better than to arrive here during the school year"
"Calm yourself, Severus," Mike said, not even shifting his position on the couch.
Severus bristled at being told what to do by a Vent. "Watch your tone," he spat.
"My apologies," Mike said, not sounding at all sorry. "Our Lord sent me to speak with you."
Ah. That explains his smugness. I shall have to remind him of his lesson. "And why did he do that?"
"He wants to know how young Potter is."
"He is healing well."
"Good. Then you shouldn't have a problem turning him over."
Severus moved so quickly that Mike didn't have a chance to react. He lifted the blonde by his neck and slammed him hard against the wall. "You will show your Caretaker the proper respect when you speak, Vent!" he growled. The fear in Mike's eyes was very satisfactory.
"I'm sorry, Caretaker!" Mike pleaded as Severus tightened his hold on Mike's neck. "I have... forgotten my place."
"Damned right," Severus snarled. He punched Mike hard in the stomach and released his hold so that the blonde crumpled to the floor in a heap. "Do not let it happen again. Our Lord does not tolerate insolence."
"Yes, my Caretaker," Mike gasped, gripping his stomach in pain. "Thank you for correcting me."
Satisfied that his lesson had gotten across, Severus moved to the couch and sat down. "When does our Lord wish for me to bring him the boy?"
"Next weekend," Mike replied, sitting up with a grimace. "Saturday at noon."
"Very well," Severus said. "Now get out."
"Don't I even get a kiss, Severus?" Mike asked, looking genuinely disappointed.
"No," Severus replied. "I do not reward impertinence. Now go."
Mike struggled to his feet and disappeared through the fireplace. Severus disconnected his floo from the outside world immediately thereafter and contacted Albus.
THREE
Harry looked at his two professors curiously, wondering why they had called for him. Professor Snape looked very uncomfortable and Dumbledore looked complacent as usual.
"What's going on?" Harry asked, looking from one to the other with growing concern.
"We have news, Harry," Albus began, using that gentle understanding tone that usually meant he was about to destroy your world.
"What has Voldemort done now?" Harry asked, leaning back in his chair to prepare himself for the blow. He ignored Professor Snape's sharp intake of breath.
"He's asked Professor Snape to turn you over on Saturday," Dumbledore stated grimly.
"So what's the plan?" Harry asked, ready to help in any way he could.
"He's not going," Dumbledore replied as though this should have been obvious. "His days as a spy have finally come to an end. All outside access to and from the floo network will be cut off."
"But I thought that his spying was extremely important to the Order," Harry commented. "Where will you get the information if not from him?"
Dumbledore sighed. "I have other resources, Harry. Professor Snape will be helping me in other capacities now. As for you, I'm afraid there will be rough times ahead. His anger at losing you will be formidable. I do not believe your potion or Occlumency will be enough to block him out. It will be painful, but Madame Pomfrey, Professor Snape, and I will be here for you."
Harry felt slightly sick, but nodded his head in resignation. "Okay then," he muttered, trying to keep himself calm.
"I'll be right there, Potter," Professor Snape said. "I won't let anything go terribly wrong, and I'll have pain potions for you as soon as it's over."
Harry nodded numbly and closed his eyes.
"Are you all right, Harry?" Dumbledore asked.
"Fine," Harry replied. "May I go now?"
Dumbledore waved him away and Harry went to his room, where he collapsed on his bed. He now had something to dread. He was sure he'd live through it, but that didn't mean he was looking forward to the pain.
FOUR
Hermione stepped into the library tentatively and watched Malfoy as he did some piece of homework or other. She steeled her nerves and walked to his table purposefully, sitting down next to him. He didn't even look up.
"Malfoy?" Hermione said gently, trying to gain the blonde's attention.
Malfoy went on writing as though he hadn't heard her.
"We need to talk, Malfoy," Hermione tried again, never one to be put off.
"I have nothing to say to you, Granger," Malfoy replied, his voice like ice. "I'm working."
"Please just hear me out," Hermione pleaded.
"No," Malfoy said coldly, still not looking at her. "I don't want to hear feeble excuses."
"I have no excuse," Hermione interjected. " I just want you know how deeply sorry I am. I shouldn't have done what I did. It was wrong and I know it. I would never tell anyone what happened, I swear! I feel so guilty..."
"You should!" Malfoy snapped, turning to her at last, his eyes blazing with rage. "You violated me! You violated my mind, privacy, and my right to tell you if I decided to! How could do that to me? What were you thinking?"
Hermione tried to hide her tears, but they came anyway. "I was only curious," she said with a strained voice. "I never thought it would hurt you so much! Oh God, I'm so sorry!" She put her face in her hands and began to sob in earnest, her heart breaking for the small piece of her innocence that she lost by betraying Malfoy.
Malfoy was silent for a long time while Hermione wept. She was certain that when she looked up again, he would be gone.
"You know, it was a very Slytherin thing to do," Malfoy said at last. His voice wasn't as cold now, causing Hermione to look up. "I suppose I might be able to forgive you."
"Re... really?" Hermione hiccupped.
"Yeah. I'm sure I would have done the same thing were I in your position."
"Oh, thank you so much!" Hermione exclaimed, leaning forward and throwing her arms around Malfoy's neck. He tentatively patted her back.
"You're welcome," he muttered.
She pulled away from him and stood up. "I'll see you on Saturday then." She moved away a bit and then turned back. "Harry won't be there."
"Why not?" Malfoy asked, sounding annoyed by this development.
"He has some kind of meeting with Snape," Hermione shrugged. "He said he'd be gone from noon until Sunday."
"Damn it," Malfoy muttered. "All right. Thanks."
"You're welcome," Hermione replied. She smiled shyly before leaving the library in a rush.
FIVE
"Potter!" Draco snapped at Potter's retreating form. Potter stopped and turned around, a question playing across his features.
"What is it, Malfoy?" he asked.
"What's this I hear about you not coming tomorrow?" Draco asked, putting an accusing finger on Potter's chest.
"I have more pressing things to attend to tomorrow," Potter replied, brushing away Draco's finger as though it was an annoying fly. "I'm sure you can handle it by yourself."
"The whole club was your idea to start with!" Draco seethed. "How can you just not come?"
"Wrong question, Malfoy. The question is not 'how' because the answer to that is quite obvious. The question should be 'why would I do such a thing?' The answer: I have more pressing issues to attend to."
Draco was flabbergasted. Did Potter just insult his intelligence? "What would you do if I couldn't cover for your lazy bum?" he asked venomously.
"I would cancel for tomorrow and reschedule," Potter replied promptly. "But, seeing as you're going to be there, I didn't cancel. As I've said, I'm sure you can handle it."
"Fine!" Draco snapped. "I had better not hear that your 'pressing matter' was shagging some girl in the astronomy tower!"
Potter smirked. Harry Potter, the Golden Boy of Gryffindor, smirked at Draco! Draco couldn't believe it! He scowled deeply at the raven-haired young man before turning on his heal and storming to the library. He spent his free time for the rest of that night and Saturday coming up with something to teach for two hours in Potter's absence.
SIX
Harry sat on his bed nervously, watching the clock closely. 11:45 flashed in angry red numbers before flashing a fluttering snitch.
"Damn it, I hate this," he muttered, playing with the blankets nervously.
"Stop watching the clock," Professor Snape admonished. "You're making yourself anxious."
"Aren't you anxious?" Harry snapped back.
"Of course, but I'm not making it worse by looking at the clock every fifteen seconds."
Harry sighed and looked down, ringing his hands in his lap. "I'm frightened," he admitted very quietly. Professor Snape placed a hand over Harry's gently.
"So am I," he whispered.
Harry felt less vulnerable knowing that Professor Snape was also frightened of what was to come, but that he would stay nearby no matter what.
"What happens to you after this, sir?" Harry asked. "Won't Vol... erm, the Dark Lord come after you?"
"We are safe here, Harry," Professor Snape replied. "And I know how to watch my back away from here."
As it drew nearer to noon Harry's nervousness got so bad that his body began to shake.
"Remember your Occlumency, Harry," Professor Snape encouraged. He held up Harry's Curse Blocking Potion. "Drink this."
Harry nodded, taking the potion from Professor Snape and knocking the whole potion back in three gulps.
Professor Snape took the vial and handed it off to a very worried looking Dobby. Harry hadn't noticed the little elf before and he tried to smile reassuringly at him.
"Is Harry Potter feeling well, sir?" Dobby asked, his voice not nearly as excited as it usually was when speaking to Harry.
"I'm fine, Dobby," Harry assured.
"Thank you for setting up my potions, Dobby," Professor Snape said gently. "Please take that vial back to my lab and then return to the kitchens."
"Yes, sir, Professor Snape, sir!" Dobby exclaimed. "Dobby is being glad to help, sir!" Dobby scurried out of the room, looking worriedly over his shoulder before disappearing from sight.
"That little elf really seems to care for your well-being," Professor Snape commented.
"Yeah," Harry agreed, still shaking slightly. "I did him a favor once."
Professor Snape smiled sardonically. "Oh yes. Lucius told me how 'that Potter brat' lost him his servant. I found it rather fitting."
Harry returned the smile tentatively. "It was, wasn't it?" he said. Harry glanced at the clock and felt a nasty jolt when he saw the time: 11:58. His breathing picked up, along with his heartbeat. "Oh God."
"Remember your Occlumency," Professor Snape reminded him. "Calm yourself and clear you mind."
Harry took a deep breath and nodded. He closed his eyes and pictured a black void. Soon, he was in a deep state of meditation, his mind totally blank and calm.
SEVEN
Severus watched as Harry's face cleared of all anxiety. His breathing leveled to a slow, steady rhythm. Severus glanced at the clock and saw 12:15 flashing from it. He knew it would start in earnest soon. He rubbed his palms on his legs and tried to calm his own frayed nerves. He knew the Dark Lord was going to be livid once he realized that Severus was not going to come. It started near 12:30.
Harry flinched and his breathing increased. He fell back on the bed and his eyes rolled up so that only the whites were visible.
"Vent!" he cried in a hoarse, eerie whisper that sounded too much like the Dark Lord for Severus' comfort. "You said he would be here!"
Severus took Harry's hand as the boy began clawing at the sheets.
"Silence!" Harry snapped. "I do not want excuses! I want results! You will pay for your Caretaker's insolence!" Suddenly Harry jerked back against the bed and began screaming.
"Severus!" Poppy said from the door. She entered the room and quickly set up her things. "I'm sorry I'm late."
"It's only just started," Severus replied, holding Harry's arms to prevent the boy from hurting himself further.
Harry stopped screaming and began muttering under his breath. Severus tried to listen, but the words were slurred and unintelligible. Severus restrained from wincing when his Mark began to throb painfully.
"Severus!" Harry exclaimed. "Come now and bring the boy! Redeem yourself to me!"
Severus and Poppy stared in horrified silence. The Dark Lord seemed have become aware of his connection to Harry. Severus growled low in his throat as his Mark flared painfully, sending spasms through his arm.
"Bring him, Severus!" Harry declared. "Bring him to me and I will spare your life!"
"Never," Severus responded. Almost instantly, Severus' whole arm lit up with pain and Harry began screaming again. Harry clawed at his skin as Severus sank to the floor, gripping his arm tightly, clenching his teeth against the scream trying to tear from his chest.
"Severus, you need to help me!" Poppy cried. Severus stood and, ignoring his own pain, held Harry's arms once again. The torture went on for the rest of the day and deep into the night. Poppy repaired damage as it occurred in an attempt to save Harry's life. Severus forced potions into Harry to negate the effects of some of the more deadly curses. At nearly four o'clock the next morning, Harry finally fell still. Severus and Poppy were sweating and exhausted from their efforts.
"Is it over?" Poppy asked. No sooner had the words left her mouth than Harry began convulsing violently. "Severus, make sure he doesn't fall off of the bed!"
Severus jumped to action, holding Harry gently but firmly, until the seizure had passed. "What happened?" he asked.
"It's a reaction to the curses," Poppy explained, lifting Harry into a sitting position. "Come here."
Severus moved around to her side of the bed. "What should I do?"
"Sit down behind him. Lean his body against yours and hold his head back. I need to get these potions into him before his body seizes up again."
Severus did as he was instructed and helped Harry to swallow the potions.
"I need to get him to the infirmary," Poppy said grimly. "He's not out of the woods yet."
"I will bring him," Severus said. Poppy nodded and flooed back to her ward to prepare a place for her most frequent patient. Severus magicked Harry onto a stretcher and took him to the infirmary.
"Where do we go from here, Poppy?" he asked as the nurse situated her patient on a bed close to her office.
"All we can do is wait, Severus," Poppy replied. "I just hope he'd regained enough of his strength before this night."
"Yes, as do I." Severus sat down next to Harry's bed.
"I think you should go and try to rest," Poppy suggested.
"Will you be able to sleep today?" Severus asked.
Poppy sighed. "I doubt it," she conceded. "Very well. I'll be in my office if you need me."
Severus nodded and after some time he dozed off. He was awakened several hours later by a pained groan.
"Harry?" he asked, sitting up and rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
Harry began shaking badly and he groaned in pain. "Hurts," he said, his voice strained and raspy from the screaming.
Severus gave Harry two potions, one to soothe his throat and another for the pain. "Is that better?" he asked.
Harry nodded and tried to sit up. Severus arranged some pillows and helped Harry to sit back against them. Harry promptly fell asleep again after being propped up. After another few hours, Harry woke again, yawned and stretched languidly, causing Severus to stare. Harry tipped his neck from side to side, eliciting loud pops from his spine.
"That's much better," he muttered. His voice sounded better, but was still huskier than it had been.
"How do you feel, Harry?" Severus asked.
"Fine," Harry replied. "The pain's gone, anyway."
"All of it?"
Harry nodded. "My throat feels a little dry though."
Severus retrieved a glass of water and handed it to Harry.
"Thanks," Harry said.
Severus nodded in reply, for at that moment, his Mark began to pain him again and he didn't trust his voice.
"Are you all right?" Harry asked at once. Severus cursed the boy's attentiveness.
"He's just summoning me," Severus replied curtly. "I'll be fine."
"May I see it?" Harry asked, taking Severus by surprise.
"You've already seen it," he protested, feeling wary of Harry's sudden curiosity.
"I know, but I want to see it up close," Harry pressed.
"Why?" Severus asked, cocking an eyebrow.
"So that I know what to look for," Harry replied.
Severus sighed and rolled up his left sleeve.
"I can't see it properly from there," Harry complained.
Severus rolled his eyes and held his arm out. Before he could react, Harry had his arm in a vice-like grip, his right hand hovering over the Dark Mark.
"Harry, what are you doing?" Severus asked, alarmed. He tried to pull his arm away, but Harry had a strong grip.
"I'm helping you, now shut up," Harry replied, closing his eyes as a white glow appeared beneath his hand.
"Harry, no!" Severus exclaimed, trying to free himself again, but Harry's grip only tightened. "You're not well enough yet!"
Harry ignored him and continued to concentrate on Severus' arm.
"Harry, stop!" Severus demanded, but the boy did not relinquish his hold, despite Severus' struggling. The light under Harry's hand turned blue as he whispered, "Heal."
Severus cried out as pain shot through his entire body. He jerked back in his chair and screamed as the pain migrated, moving slowly though his veins to congregate at his Mark.
"What's going on?" Poppy asked, appearing in the ward just as Harry again whispered, "Heal."
"Harry, no!" she cried, running toward the bed. She hit an invisible barrier and began pounding her fists on it. "Harry, stop it! Let me in! Harry, you'll hurt yourself!"
Harry ignored her as well. The light beneath his hand became a deathly black shadow, which was promptly absorbed by Harry's body. Severus was released from Harry's grasp and sank back feeling dazed.
Poppy was released from behind the invisible wall and rushed forward. Harry was writhing on the bed, his own magic fighting the evil of the Dark Mark.
"Severus!" Poppy snapped.
Severus shook his head in a vain attempt to regain his bearings.
"Severus, help me!" Poppy pleaded as she tried to hold Harry down. Before Severus even registered that she had spoken, a black cloud began to pour from Harry's pores, dissipating in the air above him. Severus watched, still dazed, as the last remnants of the dark magic vanished. He was so overwhelmed that he could barely comprehend what he was witnessing.
Harry lay still and Poppy, breathing heavily from the effort of holding Harry, moved in front of Severus. "Severus, what's the matter with you?" she asked, patting Severus' face gently.
Severus jerked away from the touch, his mind swirling in confusion. He began to feel very hot as though liquid fire was coursing through his veins. He shook his head to try to clear it and was overcome by vertigo. Poppy had just enough time to react as he slid sideways out of his chair, unconscious.
Author's Note: Many thanks to Victoria Ennis for her hard work on this fic. Thanks also to…
LeeLeePotter: Hope this chap makes up for my lack of Severus in the last.
Sh'arra Rie: I hope you enjoyed my Snape/Harry interactions here.
Tamyka: I quite agree… hehehehe
Jenni: I hope this chapter was easier to get to. Ff . net does that sometimes.
Lillyseyes
Shiemi Shimabukuro: Patience, love, patience.
DestinyEntwinements
Sliver of Melody
Sword and Magic
Ktoddhim
Shadow Eclipse
Jujube 15
Thana: Not a problem. I really am flattered that you'd ask.
Chibi-Kaisie: Slash in time, m'dear.
Mariana: I hope my SS/HP interactions in this chap made up for the last.
Nicky12330