Shadows of Light

Poppy paused in her approach. She'd been tending to the eldest Weasley son when Hermione Granger burst into the main infirmary. They'd been lucky, far more than lucky, she had only encountered flesh wounds and a few cases that required the reversal of particularly nasty curses, but were not life threatening when treated properly.

Since the first patient had staggered in, and she'd seen the silver film around his body, the questions hadn't stopped, from both her, the students and the temporary nurses. Trying a few healing spells she'd soon found that while the mist blocked spells from harm it did not stop those meant to help.

The wounded had flooded in after that, and she was shocked to find each one of them with the same silver spell surrounding them. No spell she knew would remove it, but she heard constantly that what ever it was it had turned the battle around, and for that she was grateful, very grateful.

She hadn't noticed at first that the silver had vanished until she caught the mutterings of another of her patients and looking down had found that her patient's skin was once again just tanned.

Not seconds after the discovery the ward doors had flown open and a very dishevelled and panting Granger flew into the infirmary demanding that she go out onto the grounds, that the war was over, Voldemort defeated completely this time but that Professor Snape had collapsed and didn't look good, not good at all, of course she could barely hear the last bit of information over the cheers and applause over Voldemort's falling.

But she had heard and immediately 'accio-ing' a complete medical bag, she'd followed the young witch out of the castle. She hadn't the time to look at the bound and defeated Death Eaters, nor take notice of the trees still burning from straying spells; her focus was solely on their destination as she followed blindly, determination and concern fuelling her swift walk.

And then she'd stopped.

How could she not have upon seeing a tearful Harry Potter with his arms around a sobbing Sirius Black, who in his arms held his all time enemy Severus Snape. 'Doesn't look good' was the biggest understatement of her career. 'Doesn't look good' would describe the bloodied gash across his cheek. 'Doesn't look good' would describe the torn shoulder. 'Doesn't look good' would most definitely not describe the waxy pallor, blue lips and broken body, especially when all put together to form the shadow of her colleague.

Somewhere in the back of her mind she decided that the students could use some lessons in basic medicine and identification of injuries.

Snarling from the crying wizard brought her attention back to the unlikely trio. Hermione had approached and was currently trying to ease her Professor from the Animagus's iron grip. Taking a deep breath, and praying to whoever would listen that she wasn't too late to enact her expertise, she closed the distance between them.

"You have to let him go Sirius." But the snarling continued, only broken by the quiet sobs of "no".

"You're not doing him any good Siri. There's nothing you can do." Eventually it was Remus who succeeded in separating the two men; Sirius fell limp in his arms and just cried into the ripped folds of his robes.

"He...I...He said he was sorry...I wanted to...love him, but I didn't have time and he said he was sorry...he couldn't hold on...why couldn't we have more time?...How could this happen now?...It was all over...He was free, but he couldn't hold on...He said he was sorry Remus...his eyes...there was something there but he went before I could work out what. He can't be gone. He can't be gone..."

"You're right." The gentle statement interrupted Sirius's grief induced ramblings. He and the others still surrounding Severus's body turned to look at the medi-witch. She was kneeling, bent over his body, her wand in one hand while the other held one of Severus's eyes open. Albus sat beside her, chanting softly, his spell showing a faint aura around the Potions Master. It looked to those present as if it were trying to pull away, but as soon as it moved it was tugged forcibly back again.

"What's that?" Harry indicated the aura with a wave of his hand. Poppy didn't lift her eyes as she answered.

"That's Professor Snape's aura, it's faint but its still there. It's his life force Mr Potter."

Before Harry could ask anymore he was beaten to it by his Godfather.

"So, he isn't...I mean he's still..." he took a deep breath before starting again. "He hasn't gone?"

Poppy's smile was small, but it was there and Sirius knew the answer instantly.

"No, he hasn't gone. By all intents and purposes he should be, he pushed himself, physically and magically beyond his limits, well beyond his limits, but he's still with us, just. He always was one to do the opposite of everyone's expectations of him. Stubborn man that he is." It was said almost affectionately.

Severus's visible life once again began to pull away, and Sirius's breath hitched, but it was tugged once more back into place, although not as forcibly.

"Albus he is getting weaker. While he may be stubbornly holding onto life, that alone won't be enough for long. I really need to get him to the infirmary, he needs warmth and more than a few of the potions I have there. We can't risk moving him by hand; it'd be too much of a shock to his system. There's no more threat now, can you lower the anti-apparation wards so I can get him there as soon as possible?" Albus only nodded mutely, before bringing himself up onto his feet again and wrinkled his nose in concentration, an instant later both the medi-witch and Severus disappeared with a pop. The air was still for a moment, no one knowing what to say, or how to feel. Gradually a smile spread across Sirius's wet face,

"He held on for me." And he too disappeared leaving the whispered words to echo across the quiet grounds, which had seen far more that night than in all the years of schooling that had taken place there.

He was cold in his arms, still, lifeless. The tremors had ended minutes ago, the moans of pain just after. There was no sound but that of his own breathing, no tell-tale rattling that had bespoken of the damage the other had sustained. His heart had frozen, and though the rest of his body had begun to follow suit, he didn't notice. He gripped tightly the body, holding the silent heart to his own.

"Sorry" A mere whisper in the trees.

"Can't...Sorry" The lips didn't move.

"Sorry" A silent scream as he slumped across the body of his love.

"Can't...Sorry" Nothing more as neither heart beat against the other.

He hadn't move far in four days. After Poppy had ensured that Severus was as stable and comfortable as they could make him, she had told him in no uncertain terms that his presence was neither required nor desired and that he should be off enjoying one of the hundreds of parties across the country, or at the very least the celebration the Great Hall was hosting, and leave her to care for her patients in peace.

He'd been in the processes of constructing a firm if polite dismissal of her thoughts, when Albus had shown up again and lead him away to his office before he'd realised what was happening. He'd stayed with the old man until the Headmaster had begun drifting asleep in his chair, and Sirius had taken his leave, being firmly reminded that he was to go to his own bed not the infirmary.

Grudgingly he had agreed, but first he had gone to the Gryffindor common room, needing to once again remind himself that Harry was alive and in a very good state. The minute the portrait had opened and his presence had been announced, Harry had thrown himself at his Godfather, and Sirius found himself forcing back tears as he held the boy, no man, closely, rocking slightly for his own comfort as much as Harry's.

He'd sat with the students longer until they too began falling asleep, slumped against walls and in congratulatory embraces. Heading for his bed it wasn't until he was half way down the dungeon steps that he realised where he was going. Ignoring the mixture of pain and relief he felt at his destination, he'd detoured to the Slytherin Common room knowing there would be many in that house who required comforting, and though his heart and mind were trying desperately to switch themselves off, he owed it to Severus to help them.

Thankfully there had been little tears to wipe away and the older students had already taken to comforting those below them. His chest still filled with pride when he remembered the cheer that had erupted when he told them that Severus was still alive and would no doubt be back to terrorize them in no time.

He hadn't told them what had happened in those first minutes after the battle; it still hurt too much and was too fresh to relive until he saw those black eyes looking open and alive again. By the time he had entered Severus's chambers it was almost noon, and though the school would not be functioning until the next day, Sirius held little hope for sleep. But sleep had come; the battle and his emotions had taken a heavy strain on his body.

After waking from the nightmare and sprinting to the infirmary, not even pausing to take his canine form, Poppy had agreed that perhaps it was best if he stayed by Severus's side, if the other option was him waking the other patients every time he needed to reassure himself.

So he had stayed. Sitting by Severus's side by day, ignoring anyone but Remus, Harry, Albus and Poppy, and sleeping curled up as a dog at the bottom of Severus's bed by night.

By the fourth day, with no noticeable change in Severus's condition, the cold that had settled in his stomach after the first night began to fill him, reminding him mercilessly of the nightmare.

He ate when told and cast cleaning charms upon himself when required, but he didn't leave the small private room Poppy had placed Severus in. He knew it was wrong, he knew that most couldn't understand why he would sit endlessly at the bedside of his enemy, but they didn't understand.

He had to see Severus.

He had to be sure himself that the wizard would be okay when he awoke, and he would awake. But more than that he needed to be in the presence of he man who had been summoned from him for two days and then almost taken away by the same monster, but this time for eternity.

He still couldn't understand where the sudden feelings of love had come from. But he knew they were there. He'd thought long and hard, he'd had the time for it after all, and he still couldn't come up with any explanation other than that those emotions had always been there between them, but hidden so well beneath anger, hatred and school boy grudges that could have easily been extinguished, but for the mutual need to keep that one link between them. One thing that connected them to each other, no matter the distance, be it time or land, that had kept them apart.

A soft moan bought him from his musings to full alertness and he spun his head around so fast his vision swam momentarily. When he could focus again it was to see long black eyelashes bat against white cheeks, the contrast was not lost on him, but Sirius's mind was too busy willing his heart from breaking through his ribcage.

The eyelashes batted a few more times and Sirius lent forward still holding tightly to the long-fingered hand clasped in his own shaking digits. Then his eyes went still once more, before they opened completely to reveal to Sirius the black depths he had missed so much. As they swivelled down to their clasped hands and then followed his arm up until the gaze rested on his own blurring grey eyes, Sirius's heart once again stopped beating.

There was so much in those eyes, they spoke so much more than the man ever would be able to say, and Sirius knew that no matter what was said from now on, what he saw in those eyes would mean so much more to him, for they were no longer shuttered or hooded, and all of Severus's emotions were laid for Sirius to view, he had no doubt that this was intentional.

Neither broke the gaze for a while, both content to simply lose themselves in each other.

Licking his chapped and parched lips, Severus opened his mouth, his voice hoarse from disuse, but steady and impassive as it always had been.

"What have I said about touching me with your dirty paws Sirius?" At the sound of his name from those lips, no longer blue and still, a flame sparked to life once again inside Sirius and he flung himself across the bed to bury his head in Severus's shoulder.

Feeling the strong arms encircle him and hold him tightly, his tears grew less. Feeling the warmth of the embrace reminded him that it was all over, that now that Severus was awake it would be alright and he was finally able to celebrate the victory he had participated in, and thinking of no better way to celebrate, he pulled back from the warm body beneath him, only enough to bring Severus's face into view, and then lowered himself once more, this time his destination being Severus's face.

Their lips met with a passion neither had experienced before. Mouths opening in invitation and acceptance, tongues clashing and stroking, hands finding their way to loose hair, gripping themselves closer together. The kiss was one of reassurance for both of them, of comfort and what they had both now realised could only be called Love.

They didn't want to pull away, even the need for breath didn't separate them, but a loud clearing of someone's throat and a soft chuckle which sounded suspiciously like the Headmaster's had them apart, gasping for breath, their eyes wide and flushed only partly with embarrassment.

"Ahem, well I see you are both still at each other's throats."

Sirius turned away, his cheeks flushing darker, while Severus only scowled darkly at the old wizard, he was beginning to feel very tired again, but there was so much he needed to know.

"Now I know you must have questions Severus and I can assure you that I have many of my own." His eyes twinkled madly. "But they can wait, you need rest and Poppy would have my head if I wore out her 'favourite' patient." Severus snorted weakly. "I am just so very glad to have you back, my boy, you had us all worried there for a bit." Seeing Severus's brows beginning to furrow in confusion he hastily continued before leaving the room and its occupants. "But we'll discuss all that when you wake up, I'm sure you could do with the rest and you more than deserve a little peace, I promise all will be explained tomorrow, but for now sleep, that goes for you too Sirius."

There was silence for a while after Albus left, only the reassuring sound of Severus's steady breaths and Sirius's more erratic ones filling the room.

"Black get some sleep, you look like Hell."

"Oh yeh cause you're just the picture of good health yourself Snape." Severus attempted a sneer but his exhausted muscles wouldn't comply, resigning himself to simply staring, he was suddenly curious as to why, exactly, Sirius had just happened to be there when he woke up, a traitorous part of his mind thought that perhaps Sirius had been there since he'd arrived Merlin knew how long ago, but the rest of him couldn't believe that anyone would do that, not for Him. Cursing himself for his curiosity he closed his eyes, not wanting to see Sirius's mocking face when he asked.

"You haven't been here all the time have you?" He waited for the bark of laughter and the swift denial, and he waited, but none came. Opening his eyes and turning to face the Gryffindor he waited a little more. Finally Sirius answered in a whisper so low that Severus barely heard him.

"Yes."

"What a sentimental fool you truly are."

Sirius's head whipped up, but he found no malice in the pale face, only surprise and gratitude and once again the love that sent shivers through his heart.

"Sev..." He began, but he was interrupted impatiently.

"Oh come on you mangy mutt, if you're going to stay you might as well be comfortable." As he said this, Severus turned on his side and shifted carefully backwards, creating a space on the bed that Sirius eagerly settled into, instead of spooning up against him though, Sirius lay facing him, both looking into the other's eyes, until Severus's began to droop. The surprisingly strong arms encircled him again, and Sirius felt himself being pulled closer against Severus's warm body. Wrapping his own arms around his love, he sighed contentedly and watched as he fell asleep, knowing that this time Severus was back and there wasn't a snowball's chance in Hell that he'd let him go again.

Severus woke slowly, unlike the last time; he could feel every bone, every muscle and every nerve in his body. And they all ached, but he was glad for that. It meant he was still alive. He allowed himself a moment of pure joy when he remembered the sight of Voldemort's crumpled body. He had no doubt that this time there would be no rebirth, Potter was very thorough with his attack.

His body screamed with anticipation for a future with freedom. If he was truthful to himself, and unless it concerned Sirius, he always was, he hadn't expected to survive this war. He'd come too close the last time, and there had been more danger this time; as weakened as Voldemort had been before the battle, he was undeniably stronger than his first reign and he had been more suspicious and distrustful than ever before.

He supposed he was allowed to feel pride that he'd fooled the wizard for so many years, that his mental walls had withstood so many attacks without crumbling. But over the top of it all, was confusion.

He remembered all that had happened when his alliance had been revealed, he remembered the horror and fear he'd felt when Albus fell, he remembered casting the protection shield, he could still hear the repeated chants he'd spoken as Potter had fought with Voldemort, he remembered quite clearly the sight of his 'Master's' dead body and hazily he remembered being held close in Sirius's arms, being asked to stay but unable to comply with the request, with a wince he remembered apologising as the black pulled him under, but for all of that he didn't remember being hit with any curse that would explain the exhaustion, and extreme discomfort he was in now.

The curses that he had been unable to block or avoid had been only minor and few, there was nothing he could think of that would explain his condition and that worried him. It worried him more than he was willing to admit, simply because it didn't make sense.

He was drawn from his thoughts as Sirius shifted in his arms. He stilled again and Severus assumed he'd fallen back to sleep, but then suddenly found Sirius once again clinging to him as though he were a life line. Confused and not a little worried Severus stroked comforting circles on his back.

"Sirius?"

"I thought it was a dream Sev, I thought I'd been dreaming and that you were still dead and I..." He broke off reigning in his fear and his voice turned hard with anger. "You almost died. How could you do that to me you selfish bastard? I thought you were dead, we all thought you were dead. What did you have to go and do that stupid spell for? You just about killed yourself with it. What the Hell were you thinking? How could you even consider leaving me like that?"

Stunned by the harshness of Sirius's words and the raw pain he saw in the grey eyes, he could do little more than stare, his hand continuing to move across his back.

"Do you have any idea what it was like watching you fade, watching your eyes close and not being able to do a damn thing about it? To just sit there while the life bled out of you? And all you did was apologise, because you wouldn't stay with me." He stopped with a sob, and Severus pulled him closer, tears in his own eyes.

"I did stay. It was so easy to give in, and I was so tired Sirius, I didn't think I had a choice but to give in, but I couldn't because you didn't want me too." He paused; he always found it difficult to share his emotions. "You wanted me to stay, and you told me too, you...begged me too and I knew I couldn't leave because you wanted me to stay." It had been in that moment that he knew he'd never be able to say no to anything Sirius asked of him that way. "I stayed because I wanted to. Not because Albus needed me to complete a task, not because Potter needed saving, yet again, but because you asked me to. And I am...apologetic that I couldn't do anymore than hold on, because if I could have I would have fought harder but I just didn't have the power." Sirius had pulled back from him now, and was watching him with a look he could quite place, and what could only be described as a grin.

"What?" He asked suddenly wary

"You know I think that's the first time I've ever heard you say more than two words with no sarcasm or insult. Who are you and what have you done with Severus Snape?"

He glared at him before pulling his lips down to his own.

When they finally pulled apart, Sirius helped him to sit up; his back against the headboard, and then settled down beside him.

"Shut up you mangy mutt." He stopped and turned a serious face towards Sirius. "So what happened? After Voldemort's death I mean, what is it I can't remember that explains why I feel like I've been trampled on by a Hippogriff?" For several minutes Sirius stared mutely back at him, something akin to a deer-caught-in-headlights on his face.

"That was one of the questions I wished to ask you." He looked over in relief at the Headmaster's entrance; he still couldn't quite believe he was still alive, the sight of him on the ground, Draco's wand pointed at him still sent shivers down his spine.

As if reading his mind, which he wasn't completely convinced the old wizard wasn't doing, Albus took the seat beside the bed closest him, and took hold of one hand. His hand was warm and though calloused, comfortingly soft.

Moments later his own hand twisted and clasped the other, squeezing it tightly, he looked straight into Albus's eyes and hoped to convey what he couldn't say with words. The old wizard had gone from someone he had been raised and taught to hate, someone he'd felt betrayed by after the Shack incident, his...dare he think it, it was such a Gryffindor term but so very fitting;...his saviour when his parents had betrayed him far worse than anyone else ever had and he'd nowhere else to turn, he'd become his greatest ally and deepest friend during the first war and then protected him and fought for him like a father when it had all ended and over the years since he'd felt that bond grow between them, but no matter what it'd always come back to friendship, trust and love he had for the only true father figure he'd had.

He hoped he'd gotten most of that to the old man.

"My dear boy," sighed moments later confirmed that if not all, the important feelings had gotten through.

"What happened Albus?"

Another sigh, but this full of relief and a little lingering fear.

"How much do you remember Severus?"

"I remember everything up to and past Nagina's...um...entrance," a sudden thought struck him, "the little girl! What happened, I pushed her to Arthur before everything started again, why was she there in the first place Albus, wasn't someone watching the children?"

"Well yes, Serena, is fine, a few bruises from being thrown to the floor, but otherwise unharmed, as for why she was here, you are quite correct in assuming that they were being watched, the fourth years were watching the children in your common room, that being one of the deepest parts of the castle, but it would seem that while others were entering, the dear child slipped out, either Slytherin or Gryffindor house for her I think. She is with her mother now, which I believe was the aim of her little journey and both her and the fourth years have had a severe dressing down by Mr Weasley, though I daresay you will scare them one better. Now where were we, oh yes Nagina's death."

"Wait a moment Albus, how many did we...how many people..." He cursed himself for being unable to finish the sentence, he'd been a Death Eater for Merlin's sake, and this had been a war, casualties were to be expected, mortality rates where high, he'd almost found that out for himself, well that didn't help, damned survivor's guilt. Thankfully Albus was not in the mood to play his usual games and finished the sentence for him.

"Died." A smile broke out on his face, and he wondered if perhaps the old man had finally lost his crystals as they say.

"None."

"What! How is that possible? I could see the green lights myself, how could everyone have survived that?"

"It is quite true, and we will get to the 'how' later, please continue; Nagina's death, the battle began again..."

More confused now than before, he continued.

"Yes, I saw the Order and staff moving around the Death Eaters and knew that if I could distract Voldemort and them long enough you'd all be in place, so I baited him until he gave an ultimatum, either she kills me or he would kill her, she owed me a life debt, so she couldn't agree to the first, and you saw what he did to her. Well after that I continued to fight, only this time I was fighting the right people, and then I saw you...fall, and I don't know, something snapped and I just thought that I wouldn't let Voldemort be the death of the people I...uh...am acquainted with" damn those twinkling eyes, "and I shot out the only shield I could think of that would be strong enough, or at least give you a better chance, it's an old charm, I read about it the same time as I read the revealing one we were using before, there aren't any words to say or hiss, you just have to think and wish magic into its form, I wasn't entirely sure it would work, but I admit that I wasn't thinking too rationally at that moment. After that I moved to where Potter was duelling with Voldemort, I continued casting some basic healing charms every time Voldemort struck, but, it was strange, all but the strongest of Voldemort's curses seemed to be absorbed into him, and even those did little damage, but then I felt my magic start to strain and I had to stop the charms when he fell, obviously I wasn't going to let Voldemort win, so I hit him with a hex, just strong enough to get his attention away from Potter and onto me. I think I'd be correct in assuming that it worked, because one minute Voldemort was staring straight at me and the next he was bursting apart in the air. I watched him fall back to the ground lifeless, and then my energy disappeared, taking with it the last of my magic and I passed out. I remember waking up once more with Black, and then I remember waking up in the infirmary. What I don't understand is why my magic failed, and why I was that exhausted. Of course I'd had little sleep for days, and the battle was, tiring to say the least, but I don't remember being hit with anything that should have strained me like that. I didn't even use any really power draining spells, so I..." He broke off as the twinkling grew worse, and turning to Sirius he caught the smile he was trying to keep off his face.

"What? What aren't you saying?" They continued like that until finally they took mercy on him and Albus explained.

"Surface it to say the shield spell did work, and just like the revealing spell it worked a little too well."

"What do you mean?"

"Well when you entered the grounds, you were lit up like a Christmas tree I believe was how someone described you, even though the spell was only supposed to remove anything blocking your face, in your case it lit you up so you could be seen."

"Couldn't be missed a mile off." Sirius added.

"Yes quite, and your shielding spell worked in much the same way in fact. Instead of just surrounding me, it surrounded everyone except Voldemort and the Death Eaters, it melded into our skin, and when a spell was cast upon us, the shield absorbed it, even the Killing Curse couldn't break through the protections." He broke off and Sirius continued.

"When I first saw Harry, and he was glowing white like the rest of us, I thought he'd cast the spell, but then I saw you, and the light was sort of pulsing off you. It didn't disappear until you fainted against that tree." He finished with a grin.

"I did not 'faint'." He growled back. "So Albus what your saying is that the spell I used on you spread out to cover everyone on our side. That certainly would explain the magic drain, but how is that possible? That type of power might be accessible to you, or Potter, but not me." He'd heard all the rumours about his family, he'd even been told them first hand by his father, but he'd never quite believed them, until now.

"It would seem Severus, that there is some truth to the stories surrounding your family."

"Better this one than the Vampire thing."

"You're not are you?"

"Sirius, did it feel like I had fangs?" He enjoyed the blush that followed.

"Ok, so you're not a Vampire, got it." There was a moment of silence and Albus rose to his feet.

"Well there will be a public ceremony for both you and Mr Potter, but I would just like to give you my..." he stopped and shook his head. "Thank you Severus."

"No." Albus stepped back in surprise. "I mean, you don't need to apologise I couldn't let you die, but what I meant was no there won't be any ceremony, not for me anyway."

"But Severus..."

"No Albus, you can tell the castle, you can tell the world if you must, but I won't go through some political ceremony where I have to listen to Fudge spouting how much he knew I was on 'his' side and that it was 'his' idea. Let Potter take the credit, he did after all defeat Voldemort a second time, but I will not be made some public spectacle of, the last thing I will ever want is for some gossiping hag to go snooping around in my families past. No, celebrate Potter, celebrate the work of the other students, staff and the Order but I don't particularly want acclaim."

"Just as well you won't be getting any then Snape."

They didn't need to look to the door to recognise the pompous tone.

"Fudge, what a pleasure as always, I must have forgotten my invitation for you to join us." He sneered, his lips curling back slightly, a look of loathing in his eyes that, frankly, scared Sirius a bit. Even Voldemort hadn't produced that much hatred.

"I apologise Cornelius, Severus has not long awoken." Albus looked pointedly at Severus, but he ignored it.

"Don't apologise for me Headmaster." Then changing his tone, Sirius was reminded of Malfoy. Suddenly going from hatred to polite, sociable conversation was one of the things the Slytherins had learnt to do well, apparently. "To what do we owe this unexpected pleasure Minister?"

"I have been rounding up the Death Eaters for Azkaban, now that we've caught them all in one place it is easier than we thought, though there is one missing from the battlefield Snape." He said it with pride, believing the achievement to be his and his alone.

"Who is missing Fudge?" Sirius finally spoke up, but Severus knew the answer to that question and interrupted before Fudge could say.

"Is this really what you want to do Fudge?" He voice was low, calm, but dripping with poison. "I will warn you only once, think about what you are doing."

"I know exactly what I am doing Snape. On behalf of the Ministry and on charges of consorting with and aiding a violent criminal organisation, I am arresting you Severus Theodire Snape." Pulling out his wand and performing several elaborate waves of it, all of which were for show, Fudge bound Severus. Albus was on his feet instantly, Sirius not far behind, lunging for the Minister's neck, but before either could say a thing, Severus broke of the bindings with ease, moving from the bed to stand in front of them.

Adopting his customary sneer and dark tones, the room was suddenly flooded with his magic, so thick it was almost visible. Despite appearances, Severus was in full control of his magic, and his eyes flashed dangerously as he spoke to the suddenly pale-faced wizard before him.

"I warned you Fudge. You will not send me anywhere for crimes of which you know I am not guilty. You have done that one too many times already. I will give you one more chance to take the Death Eaters away from the school, take credit for capturing them if you want, but never again confront me with the lies you are currently propagandering, or else I will be forced to acknowledge clause 3 of the Ministry laws." The smirk on his face was genuine, as the Minister turned varying shades of grey and purple.

"You wouldn't...You don't want..."

"...to become Minister? Of course I don't, but Azkaban is even less desirable. The choice is yours Fudge; just remember that once the news of what has happened here reaches the public, they won't have forgotten your absolute denial of his rebirth. Who will they favour Fudge? A war hero or the wizard who refused to believe."

There was no sound, as Fudge opened and closed his mouth mutely. Suddenly he turned on his heel and swept from the room.

"You'll regret this Snape." And then silence once more.

The magic left the room with a crack, whipping past them and back into the even paler wizard.

"I think you should sit down Severus." Albus spoke quietly, soothingly and he led Severus back to the bed. Sirius again noticed the pride in the old wizard's eyes, and knew it was reflected in his own.

"Sev that was incredible." He cringed slightly at the childish tone, but it really had been amazing to watch, he'd never seen Fudge leave a room so fast.

"So glad I could entertain you Black." His eyes were smiling again.

"But really, what did he mean about you becoming Minister? Can you really do that?"

"Yes I can, well it'd have to go to an election first obviously, but I can challenge him as the current Minister for his position. Clause 3 of the Ministry Laws states that the current Minister for Magic can only be challenged for the position of Minister for Magic by a direct descendant of a former Minister for Magic, and that would be me. It goes on to say more about how an unfair Minister can be challenged, but its a little known clause, one that was repeatedly beaten into me, and that it would seem Fudge is also wary of. So yes I could challenge him for his job, although I'm certain it would do no good, but it looks as though Fudge isn't feeling too secure in his position, but I can assure you I have no intention of actually becoming Minister, or even standing, maybe Arthur should go for election, he couldn't be any worse, and I'm sure he will be much better. What?" He exclaimed at the shocked and amused looks of his audience.

"I think that's the first time I've heard you compliment anyone."

"I don't compliment anyone Black; I was simply stating the facts as I see them." He chose to ignore how their amusement grew.

"Ah, I see our patient had awoken, you should have come for me straight away Albus." Poppy Pomfrey approached the bed and instantly began running her wand up and down Severus's body.

"Ah, Poppy. As you can see I am perfectly fine, thank you for a marvellous job well done, if you could just tell the Headmaster that I am indeed ok to leave, I'll go back to my dungeons and you can have this bed for those that really need it."

"Don't try that on with me Severus Snape, you will stay here until I say you can leave. You've spent the last week barely conscious, so you are going to stay here for at least another week so that I can ensure you are indeed as well as you say. And don't try that glare with me Mr Snape, it didn't work when you were a student and it won't work now." She finished primly, directing her own glare at his, and Sirius laughed from beside him.

"Shut up Black!" He snapped, though it sounded far too much like a whine to his ears, for his liking.

End of Part Eight