AN: I scribbled more pics for this scene!
"Harry, if I told you I loved you, would you stay?"
"Severus?" Harry's eyes scanned the area around him frantically. "Severus where are you?" He could see nothing. Everything around him was shadowed in darkness, it was suffocating, the kind of dark you experience when you're in the deepest of pits. Nothing could be seen, nothing felt, as Harry reached out his hands and encountered emptiness.
Where am I?
"If I held onto you forever, would you love me in return?" The whisper surrounded Harry once more, smothering him in the presence of another.
Harry felt desperate tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. "Yes! Severus I would, just please, don't leave me!" He tried to reach out once more. "Please, where are you?"
Soothing hands pulled the slight body into a warm embrace, comforting and loving all at once. A brush of lips at his temple calmed him. "Harry…"
He leaned into the warmth, blinking in surprise when he found himself without clothes, but he ignored it for now. Why was his heart burning? He closed his eyes and buried his face in a firm chest, why did he feel as though it was too late to do anything? Harry's eyes flew open as he suddenly began slipping downward.
"Severus, don't let me go, don't leave me again." Harry clutched frantically at the already weakening arms, he felt himself slipping from the embrace, from his hope.
The strength lifting him gave out and he was released, falling into a deep hole of despair. He screamed as he plummeted, crying for the love he had lost. The hands above him remained open, mocking almost, and the voice had a regretful tone to it as it echoed after Harry.
"Sweet, sweet Harry…I'm already gone."
"No!" Harry yelled desperately, shooting up from his pillow and the nightmare he had been trapped within. He choked, tears streaming down his cheeks as he wildly looked about his bed. Why?
He groaned and buried his face in trembling hands; thankfully he had a permanent Silencing Charm around his bed so he didn't have to worry about his dorm mates. Slowly he rolled over and untangled his legs from his sheets; he wasn't going to get back to sleep anytime soon.
"Fuck." He grumbled as he rubbed his eyes tiredly, throwing back the drapes shielding his bed. This was the perfect way to start off his day, it was totally ruined now.
He sighed and glanced at the floor. What was that?
Severus wasn't usually a major character in his dreams, especially as of late…but still, it seemed so real. But why would he have such a terrible dream about the older boy? He absently rubbed his chest, the emotions he had been forced through, they didn't make him feel any better. It felt as though his heart had been shattered, it felt as though a piece of him was missing.
Harry glanced up at the silent room, his fringe covering his one of his eyes; he wanted to see Severus now. He needed to be sure he was still here…
I have to stop this childishness. He shook his head. He's fine, it was just a dream. I have to get over it.
The Slytherin stood and heavily sighed again as he glanced up determinedly.
It was nothing but a dream.
--- --- ---
Afternoon classes were not in the least bit fun, even if it was Transfiguration. Harry was so distracted that his poor mouse was turned into a doorknob with a twitching tail. McGonagall was nice enough to see his mind was elsewhere and gave him a passing grade, though she did take five points from Slytherin for his lack of attention.
The Runespoor had been disappointed when Harry transfigured the doorknob back to its original shape and then returned it to the Professor.
"We could have eaten that you know." Critic hissed with a bit of snap in his tone.
Harry frowned and scratched at his neck as he glanced around him. "I would have felt bad about it though. I'll get you something to eat at lunch." He hissed softly.
Dreamer hummed happily. "No rush Master, we can wait."
Critic hissed distastefully. "Says the head who ate all of breakfast this morning!"
"Stop it you two." Harry tapped their heads. "We'll all eat in a few minutes, lunch is after this." He reminded.
"Critic here requires a bit more nourishment then the rest of us because his brain is abnormally small." Planner hissed laughingly. "He cannot tell when he is full or not and his brain makes up for that forgetfulness by telling him to constantly stuff his mouth."
Harry covered his chuckle as a few students around him turned in confusion. "Planner!" He chided.
Planner flicked his tongue out and "licked" Harry's cheek affectionately. "It is true though."
"I'll show you who has a big mouth!" Critic hissed angrily as he prepared to strike his fellow head. "We only need one brain on this body and that will be mine!"
And I'm once again reminded why this species of snake is rare and doesn't live very long. Harry rolled his eyes and discretely shifted his hand to his collar once more, flicking Critic in the side of his head warningly.
He hissed in pain. "Why do you punish me? It was his fault!"
"You're acting childish, both of you stop or I'll let Dreamer have all the lunch." Harry warned.
"I'd like that." Dreamer hissed warmly.
Harry smiled and attempted to pay attention to the rest of the lesson, taking notes when he saw the quills around him moving. Thankfully it wasn't too long and the Runespoor had calmed a bit, so he managed to escape class with little problems arising.
Finally! He mentally cheered as he pushed himself through the throng of students. House colors swirled together in his vision, the mass of black pushing and shoving as everyone rushed toward the Great Hall. Then there were the few who decided to go against the crowd and were forced the push and shove in the opposite direction. I hate these kind of people. Harry growled as someone shoved him.
"Someone touched me!" Critic hissed in outrage, poking his head out of Harry's collar and glaring beadily at the few heads he could see. "I'm going to bite whoever did that!"
Harry scoffed and thanked the chattering groups of witches, without them and the scuffle of shoes; Critic's hissing might be heard. Then he would be left answering questions he had rather not.
"You're looking rather lost my pretty little friend." A voice whispered in his ear as a possessive arm snaked around his waist. Harry froze and would have stopped if the person hadn't moved him forward with their own momentum.
He turned to his left and relaxed, smacking Sirius in the back of his head. "You scared me you sod." He glared.
Sirius chuckled and smiled charmingly. "Sorry there, you just looked so distracted." He winked. "I couldn't resist."
Well you're lucky I have my snake trained or else you'd be without a hand right now. Harry thought dryly as the Runespoor slithered deeper into his robes.
"So what do I owe this surprising visit?" Harry asked, eyes shifting around them, staying aware of everyone at all times. I'm surprised you'd even want to touch me after all the crap I've pulled. He glanced up and saw that Sirius was watching him with a curious expression on his face. "What?"
Sirius shook his head and smiled. "Nothing, I was just noticing how much you look like James." He replied loosely.
What? "Er…is that a good thing?" Harry chuckled. Something seems off about him, I wonder what it is.
"I suppose." Sirius laughed and ruffled Harry's hair playfully.
"Padfoot!" Harry whined, hands flying up to fix the mess the Gryffindor had caused.
Sirius watched him silently. "Hey Harry, how about you come hang out with me tonight?" He suddenly offered.
Harry shifted a lock of silver, mixing it with the rest of his dark hair. "What about Remus?" Hell if he would be in the middle of one of their fights, he wouldn't go anywhere until he knew the details.
A hand was waved to disillusion any odd thoughts. "He's doing something off on his own tonight and I don't want to be alone with James and Lily." He grimaced to emphasize his position of the third wheel.
"Eh, I see your point." Harry shrugged. "Sure, I'm free. Maybe you can help me with my Transfiguration essay." He joked.
"Just because the old bat is my head of House doesn't mean I pay attention in her class." Sirius laughed.
The Slytherin grinned along with him. "I know, I know." He inclined his head to the side. "Just making sure."
Sirius nodded. "Well, I will see you later." He pointed a finger at the younger Potter.
Harry saluted him with a slight wave. "Yes, yes, go now you brute." He turned in the opposite direction as the Gryffindor left.
"What about lunch?" Dreamer asked sadly.
"Later." Harry murmured. "I'll take you to the kitchens in a few minutes, but first I have to collect my things if I'm going to be spending the evening with the Gryffs."
"Couldn't you do that later?" Planner asked reasonably. "You still have plenty of time." He pointed out.
"I know, I just don't want to be in the same room as the Marauders or Severus for that matter."
"He's being a wimp, leave him alone." Critic muttered.
Harry rolled his eyes. "My hero, now if you would all kindly shut it, I will be on my way." He sniffed haughtily in an imitation of a Pureblood.
He laughed as the three heads tickled his neck with their tiny tongues in retaliation.
--- --- ---
"Gryffindor, where the lonely lions go to hide." Harry laughed as he slid into the Gryffindor common room a few hours after dinner. "Just to let you know, Slytherin rules, we make dreams come true."
He received odd looks from the students lounging about. He chuckled and stepped closer to the fire.
"It's getting chilly out there!" He smiled as he pretended to shiver.
James smirked. "That's where Gryffindor is better then Slytherin, we always have the fires roaring." He nodded toward his brother. "I'm sure you freeze your little arse off down where you live."
"Yes I'm sure we do." He chuckled. "I lost my arse long ago so it doesn't bother me much anymore."
Lily smiled beside James and made herself known. "So how are things Harry? Feeling better?"
He shrugged. "Eh, I don't feel like killing myself but then again I don't feel like throwing myself at the first person I see."
"So you feel normal." James smiled.
"Yeah James, sure." Harry waved him off. "Go snog with your girlfriend." He laughed as he made a beeline toward the stairs.
"Harry!" Lily cried after him. "I thought we were friends!"
"We were, but you're with him now." He stuck his tongue out and made gagging noises. "I can't associate myself with James' girlfriend, it's just gross."
"Go on you pouf!" His brother threw a couch pillow at him.
Harry dodged and skipped up the stairs happily. He had thought he wouldn't be able to enjoy himself with Gryffindors, but they weren't half bad.
"Sirius, I've come to rescue you from your loneliness!" Harry called as he hopped into the room.
The Marauder was spread on his boyfriend's bed; he smiled and rose as he saw Harry. "Hey there mini James." He greeted. "Ready for some manly bonding?"
"Mm hm." Harry nodded as he entered the room; Sirius moved past him and shut the door.
Harry paused as he heard the deft click of the lock sliding in place.
What does he think he's doing? He decided to play it cool.
"Why are you locking the door?" He frowned as he bounced onto his brother's bed.
Sirius smiled disarmingly. "No reason, I just don't want anyone uninvited to come up here."
Harry nodded but continued to watch the Gryffindor suspiciously as he went to lie down on his own mattress. The green eyed boy finally shrugged and pushed off the bed and opted for looking out the window. He traced patterns on the chilled glass and sighed, leaning his brow against smooth surface. No matter how hard he tried to distract himself he always came back to thinking about Severus, the dream he had had this morning was really throwing him for a loop.
I'll be better off not thinking about Severus anymore. He inwardly scoffed. He's been treating me like shit and I just keep throwing myself at his feet, begging for another chance at a relationship. Fuck, am I a masochist or what?
He thumped his head against the glass, trying to straighten out his thoughts.
I don't even know what I see in him, he's a sadistic bastard. A Slytherin to the end. He sighed wistfully. But that day, even if it was an accident, he stole my first kiss and I've been "in love" with him ever since. Everything is so fucked up, why can't I just be normal? Something moved at the corner of his eye and he turned toward it curiously.
"What's that?" He whispered to himself, squinting and then making a soft noise in the back of his throat as the black dot turned out to be a student.
Harry frowned curiously as he tapped the cool glass, he leaned forward, eyes narrowed in an attempt to see the figure trudging through the snow. His breath fogged up the window and he absently wiped at the pane. "I wonder who that is out there." He murmured.
Sirius didn't look away from the wall, his face remained emotionless. "Who Harry?" He asked, having heard the other boy.
"There's someone out in the snow, it looks like they're walking toward the Forbidden Forest." Harry turned toward the lone Marauder who continued staring avidly at an invisible spot on the wall.
A slow smirk spread across Sirius' features. "That's just Snivellus then." He chuckled. "And believe me; he's not going to the Forest."
"What?" Harry's brow furrowed. "How would you know it was Severus? You didn't even look." He pointed out.
"He's off to play with Moony." Sirius craned his neck and pierced Harry with a searing stare.
Harry turned back toward the window in confusion. "Moony? Where is Remus anyway…" His eyes slowly trailed upward and lit onto the moon distractedly.
The full moon.
He whirled around. "Padfoot, you didn't." Harry whispered, heart freezing in his chest as his stomach plummeted.
"He deserves it Harry, he hurt you." Sirius growled, shifting into a sitting position. "If James won't take care of him then I will."
Harry's mouth dropped open in horror. "Sirius, tell me you didn't!" He pleaded, turning back toward the window and seeing that the figure was indeed heading toward the Whomping Willow. "It's a fucking full moon! Don't you understand what that means?"
Sirius scowled and looked away as he crossed his arms stubbornly. "How do you know about Moony anyway? Did he tell you? I bet James did, didn't he, the ungrateful sod." He muttered darkly.
"I found out myself Black." Harry's eyes were wild as he glared at the elder wizard. "Now tell me what you told Severus."
The Gryffindor shrugged uncaringly. "All I did was tell him how to get past the Whomping Willow." He laughed as he remembered something. "Oh, and that it only worked during a full moon."
"What!" Harry roared, magic sparking around him angrily. His eyes were practically glowing as he turned his rage onto the cowering Gryffindor. "You've taken your little rivalry too far Black! You had better help me stop him!"
Sirius winced at the force of Harry's anger. "I can't, Remus has already transformed and Snivellus has a head start."
Harry threw himself back onto the window. "Severus, stop!" He screamed, pounding on the window and cracking the glass. "It's a trap!"
Whether or not the wizard heard him couldn't be said as Severus continued forward toward the Whomping Willow, it was doubtful though, Harry was too far away. Trapped and helpless like a princess locked away in a tower while her true love was left to slay the dragon.
"Damn you Sirius!" Wild eyes turned back toward the Gryffindor accusingly as he ran to the door and jiggled the handle. "I swear to Merlin, if he's hurt in any way I'll cut off your balls and cock!"
"How can you still protect him after everything he's done to you!" Sirius demanded, his temper sparking once more.
"I love him!" Harry cried, kicking the door in emphasis. "And even if he doesn't love me, I won't see him getting hurt! Damn it Padfoot, didn't you think about Remus during all of this? He could hurt Snape and then get in expelled!"
The teen paled. "Merlin, Remus…I didn't even think about him." He whispered, turning toward the now unmoving tree. "We have to stop him." He rose from the bed.
"Then let me out of here!" Harry struggled with the door handle.
Sirius growled in frustration as he tugged at his wand, moving toward the door. "Merlin Harry, you're a wizard. Alohamora."
Harry brushed past him and stumbled down the stairs, taking two at a time in his hurry. He burst into the common room, grabbing the attention of the few Gryffindors still awake.
"Harry?" James frowned from the couch; Lily curled up beside him in sleep. "What's wrong, I thought you were with Sirius."
A choked sob managed to escape Harry's throat in his panic. James immediately stood and rounded the couch with a worried air, placing a soothing hand on his brother's shoulder. "What happened?" He asked gently.
"Sirius." Harry growled, clenching a fist. "He told Severus how to get past the Whomping Willow." He looked up at his brother in silent plea.
James shook his head. "What does that matter – " He stopped, eyes widening in realization. "Shit, that little fucker! Come on Harry, we have to stop Snape from getting to Remus!"
"James?" Lily murmured sleepily as the two Potters ran past.
"I'll be back Lily, stay here!" James called over his shoulder.
They burst through the portrait, ignoring the annoyed huff from the Fat Lady. James grabbed Harry's wrist and dragged him along behind him. The stairs seemed to understand their rush and they made it down to the ground floor with little trouble. As the reached the front doors James skidded to a stop and panted as he turned toward his little brother.
"Harry, you have to go to Dumbledore and tell him what happened." He shook his hair out of his face. "Don't go into detail; just tell him that Snape found out about Remus."
"But what about you?" Harry tried to move forward.
James pushed him back toward the hallway leading toward the Headmaster's office. "I'm going to try and stop Remus from hurting Snape." He smiled quickly at Harry's worried look. "Don't worry; I've done this sort of thing before."
Harry nodded and turned toward the direction his brother had showed him.
"Bring him back safe James." He whispered as his brother darted out the front doors.
He didn't know if James had heard him but he had a feeling he would carry out Harry's wish no matter what. He remained motionless, watching as James ran into the snow, sinking slightly but never stopping his forward motion. He then turned and continued along his own path.
Please let him be safe.
--- --- ---
Severus was cold. He had on his wool cloak, his mittens, even his damned Slytherin scarf, and still he was shivering. It could have been for the sheet of snow layering the ground; it was amusing to him that it had suddenly started snowing, when the weather wasn't planning on it for another few weeks. It wasn't quite winter, yet the setting was already set.
"Achoo!"
Damn, he was really cold now. He rubbed his nose irritably, if he got sick he would kill his insatiable urge to know everything about his damned enemies. Though, in essence he would be killing himself so…no matter! He would just damn anyone if he got sick, because people with noses slightly larger then normal suffered unbearably from allergies and colds.
There, finally, the Whomping Willow. He frowned uncertainly, a slight nagging at the back of his mind was telling him to trust his better instincts and run as he watched the branches wave through the air violently. That would be the Slytherin half of him, a part of him rationalized, but right now he sought the unknown. He really really wanted to know Lupin's secret, blame it on childish rivalry, he would ignore his better half this time.
His mum always did say he had a bit of Ravenclaw in him, a thirst for knowledge.
All I have to do is prod the knot, right? Severus stepped closer, feeling the wind warp around him dizzily as the branches continued their chaotic dance. Exactly how am I supposed to do that? He glanced around curiously. His eyes lit upon a long stick. Surely this isn't the key. He frowned.
Despite his misgivings he knelt down in the cold snow and hefted up the long branch, balancing it in front of him and shakily pressing forward against the knot. The tree slowly came to a stop and Severus' eyes widened in surprise. So Black had been telling the truth, interesting. He moved forward now that he was in no danger and dropped the stick as he entered through the dark tunnel.
I hope there aren't any spiders in here. He glanced around warily at the inside of the tree. He didn't enjoy spiders, and in his opinion the only place they belonged was in a jar, ready to be brewed into a potion.
His hand trailed along the wall to his right; it was rough like the bark of a tree. He supposed he was inside the Whomping Willow, though the stairs that appeared in his line of sight started to trek upward. He followed the path forward, scowling in boredom as the walls slowly transformed into drab rocks, and then wood. He blinked in surprise and switched his focus away from the walls surrounding him.
A howl echoed through the tunnel and he jolted to the side, thinking the beast that announced its presence would come barreling out. He then heard the creaking above him and realized his was inside a shack.
Surely this isn't what I think it is. He looked around him in feared awe.
He was in the Shrieking Shack.
A chill raced up his spine; hopefully he didn't run into any restless spirits bent on revenge. He had heard the stories of how this area was haunted, another howl pierced the air and he shuddered. It seemed he would be experiencing it first hand.
Well the only way to go was forward of course, he had might as well explore while he was there, no telling when this secret passage would be closed off.
He slowly stepped forward, testing his weight on the creaking staircase. Here goes nothing. He jumped forward and waited for the floor to give out beneath him. When he didn't plunge to his death immediately Severus sighed in relief and took another hesitant step forward.
Through this slow movement forward, Severus managed to reach a dirtied window and carefully peered outside. The moon was full, beautiful really; he always enjoyed the moon on nights such as this. He sneezed as he inhaled the dust covering everything, causing his eyes to water.
Eck, I don't think I want to stay here much longer. He glanced about the hall and spied a door. Hm, perhaps this will lead me out.
He stepped over a couple floorboards that looked ready to give way to rot and sidestepped into the room; his green and silver scarf accidentally snatched onto the rusty knob and tugged him backward.
Damn, if my scarf tears I am not going to –
A growling snarl interrupted his inward ranting and the Slytherin was momentarily surprised, he turned toward the sound curiously. Severus froze, stomach dropping as the door clicked shut behind him, locking with the spell Dumbledore had placed on it. The shadowed room was scattered with broken furniture, a dusty mattress, along with the remains of tattered sheets…and a wolf.
Merlin. Severus trembled in fear as hauntingly yellow eyes lit upon him, flashing amber as the beast snarled. It's a werewolf.
He had never been a dog lover, but this, this was just too much for him to handle. Severus felt his legs give out beneath him and he slid slowly to the ground, paling further in his terror. The furred beast growled lowly at the movement, baring canines slicked with blood and saliva, its eyes locked onto the quaking Slytherin predatorily. A shaft of moonlight illuminated the pair for a quick moment, only to be smothered by a passing cloud, but not soon enough to stop Severus from seeing the puddles of blood splattered across the wooden floor.
I'm going to die. He choked, trying to hold back his tears of weakness. Fuck I'm going to die.
The wolf took a tentative step forward, sniffing the air and trying to discover what creature would be stupid enough to trespass in its den. Severus whimpered as the sour breath washed over him, the wolf panted uncaringly in his face, shifting closer and closer to his body.
Merlin, I wish I had worn a thicker scarf. Severus tried not to let his panicked laughter bubble out. Then maybe it would have a harder time tearing my throat.
He squeaked and curled his legs closer to his body as the wolf finished dissecting him with its nose, the haunting eyes focused on his form and a warning growl pierced through the room.
This is it. Oh Merlin, I'm so sorry for everything I've done! Surprisingly or not, Harry came to mind and he sobbed. I swear I won't ever play with anyone's heart again, I swear that I won't ever –
The werewolf lunged forward and Severus screamed shrilly, covering his face in a futile attempt of protection.
I'm dead…
Just as Severus closed his eyes in expectance of pain, a sharp yelp of a dog broke through his fear.
What in blazes? He quickly opened his eyes and gasped.
A shaggy black dog had launched itself at the werewolf and was now snarling and yipping as the two fought. Severus' eyes widened as strong hands suddenly grabbed onto his robes and dragged him out of the room. He blinked in shock, his brain not able to process everything happening around him.
"Snape, are you alright mate?" A voice above him asked worriedly.
He looked up and blinked again slowly, confused as to where he was and who had saved him.
"Harry?" He reached out toward the shadowed face.
His hand was batted away. "Er…no, it's James, come on Snape, get up we need to get you out of here." He directed hurriedly.
Severus turned back toward the room where the two canines were locked in the throes of rage. Neither option was a good one, but he opted for the safer route and stood, allowing Potter to guide him out of the Shack.
The dirty walls and rocks seemed to pass much quicker as Severus stared at everything in a daze; the body supporting his own was warm as the coldness of winter tickled his cheeks.
I wonder where Harry is. He winced as a headache pounded at his temples. He would probably like this place, I should show him some time.
"We're almost out Snape." James whispered, even that slight noise echoed off the crumbling walls.
Hm, out where? He giggled silently. I quite like it here.
As the chilled wind slapped him in the face the full force of what had happened fell upon around him and he cried out as he was snapped out of his shock, he regained his senses and immediately began to panic. Oh Merlin. He was hyperventilating as he pushed Potter away and fell to his knees, throwing up in the snow upon impact.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck…" He mumbled, eyes twitching to and fro in his skull.
Potter's shoes came into his line of vision and he felt the heat from the other's body. "Shit, are you alright Snape?" James bent over and laid a hand on the heaving shoulder.
Severus slapped at the warmth, eyes wide as he backed away, sounds of panic escaping his throat. "Stay away from me, all of you, stay away!"
He stumbled to his feet and glanced back at the lost looking Gryffindor before running full speed toward the looming castle.
Safe, I'll be safe once I get inside.
His eyes widened at a sudden thought and he tripped, skidding across the frozen ground and scraping his chin with a wince.
Remus Lupin was a werewolf. The werewolf had almost killed him…
Snow flew up around him as Severus stood again, rushing himself and pushing toward the castle where the sense of safety waited.
Lupin had almost ripped out his throat! And if it hadn't been for that stupid Gryffindor's help he would have been killed, even though it was the Gryffindor's fault in the first place!
Severus suddenly shook at the realization and froze.
He could have died.
Merlin, he could have died! He nervously glanced behind him, his aloof mask shattered, leaving a nervous looking boy in its wake. It was those damned Gryffindors, they deserved to pay! He growled as he unsteadily moved forward, swaying on his feet, it felt as though he had been cursed with a Jelly Legs Jinx. They wouldn't get away with their little fun this time, Dumbledore would be forced to listen to him and expel the Marauders.
AN: I didn't know what to do so I just stopped. Eh, plus it was getting too long and my mum told me people don't like super long chaps, but I don't believe her, 'cus I sure do! Hm, well I'll see what I can do with the next chap.
-Red