Awaken before the Emerald Dawn

By: trappedineternity

Disclaimer: I don't own any of it. The characters belong to J.K Rowling. The plot bunny belongs to Black Ice. I am the owner of the fleshy part in the middle. This does contain spoilers. So if you have no read the 5th book, time to turn away. That and I am horrible at accents, so bare with me.

Warning: This story will contain yaoi. If you don't like it, I suggest you leave now. It might contain a few lemons and limes, but there will be warning at the beginning of the chapter and before the lime or lemon begins for those who don't wish to read them, they may skip over it ahead. Furthermore, this fic is dark and thus contains thought and possible acts of suicide and depression. Not your type of thing, I suggest you find something else… I'll accept comments and criticism but nothing about what I've just warned about.

Summary: check first chapter.

Side note: I do have a habit of changing views, which I also mark with stars, I will warn you before any yaoi or shounen-ai content. Sorry for the mix-up.

Chapter 5

Lion's fang, Serpent's blood

Harry went to his room thinking about what he had seen. Poor Severus. Whatever it was that he was depressed about was festering and, judging by Dumbledore's reaction, it was growing… becoming overwhelming… Harry knew well the feeling of helplessness and overwhelming pain… having gone through something similar after Sirius' death… Harry was quite aware he couldn't die… but then, cutting into his skin gave him another outlet for the pain, and he had to be punished after all… It was his fault Sirius was dead… or dies as it were… Of course, he knew it was wrong what he was doing, which only served to make the bottled up pain seem worse… that he was so pathetic he couldn't shake himself out of this…

Suddenly, the feelings started to build up inside of him again. The pain and sorrow squeezed at his ribs and lungs, making it difficult for him to breath. He shook his head, and willed the thoughts to leave him, to go back buried deep… He knew Dumbledore would know if he decided to add another scar to his arm… He groaned, what was he suppose to do now then?

As he walked towards the common room, he could hear sobbing from the bathroom. It was a small, pathetic sound… He moved towards the door to see Severus crumbled on the ground, holding his wand to his arm. Harry pulled out his wand quickly. "Expelliarmus!" Severus' wand went sailing through the air.

Severus turned and glared at Harry, pulling the sleeve of his robes over his bleeding arm. "What are you doing here, Winters?", he asked angrily. Harry looked at him with a mix of pity and sorrow. "Snape.. you shouldn't be doing this…" Severus growled as he rose to his feet and looked over at him, a little shaken. "Oh, the self-righteous Gryffindor coming here to tell me what to do? That's rich! Why don't you go tell your friends Potter and Black? They'll get a great laugh in it! I can see it now; poor little Snivellus bleeding in the bathrooms alone…"

Harry shook his head and knelt down beside him. "I won't tell them at all… I know how you feel…" Severus sneered at him. "And how could you?" Harry rolled up the sleeve of his robes, showing his arm. "Because I've done it myself…" He looked at him in shock. "You…? I would have never guessed…." Slowly, as if in a trance, Severus traced the scars with his fingers.

Nightshade mewed softly causing Harry to look over. "Besides… you're frightening your kitten…" Severus looked over to the kitten. It mewed softly and licked his hand. This act was too much for him, he bit his lip as tears fell down his cheeks. Harry wrapped his arms around him before he could even think. "It's ok… Shhh… it'll be ok…", he whispered soothingly as Severus cried against his chest, tears and blood soaking into his clothes.

Severus sobbed silently in his arms. This had been the first time anyone had ever comforted him… Harry was soft and warm and like an anchor… He had dealt with something similar to what Severus himself was going through… He was still alive. Maybe, there was something to it? Maybe he could live too… Or maybe Harry's pain wasn't… isn't as bad as his is.

It didn't take long for his sobs to subside with the help of Harry's soft caress. Severus didn't dare move, staying against the other boy, laying his head on his chest. "Sorry…", he whispered, barely audible. Harry shook his head and gave a soft reassuring smile. "It's fine Severus… If there anything I can do.. let me know."

Severus' red eyes turned to Harry. "Why are you helping me? I thought you were with Potter and the others…?" Harry sighed. "I don't know… I felt like I should help you… I wished I had help when I went through my episodes… maybe it's because I know how hard it can be… and how much help a simple hug is worth… Besides, you don't seem as bad as they make you out to be…"

The Slytherin nodded slowly. "I see… why do you…?" The sentence was left unfinished, but Harry understood. "Someone close to me died… and it was my fault… I could have saved him… but I was too foolish and brave to see it… That was one of the primary things… after that… my whole life was hell… I found many excuses to lock myself away from the world…" Severus nodded slowly. "And so, why did you stop?" Harry looked at the cold grey tiles, ashamed but it didn't stop the truth from flowing through his lips. "I never did… but I know Dumbledore will be crossed if he found out about me… and I am sure he will be upset when he finds out about you… Come on, I know a room that might has some supplies to help your arm…"

Harry got up and brought Severus to his feet with him. The kitten followed them as they left the room. He was heading towards the room of requirements, knowing it would have something to help him… But he would never get there…

Lucius was searching for Severus, and finding him in the arms of a Gryffindor, looking depressed and quite out of it, was enough to arise his suspicions. He snarled as he walked forward. "What have you done to him!", he cried as he grabbed Severus from Harry's arms. The young Gryffindor looked at him confused. "Nothing at all… I was helping him." "What kind of story is that? Why would you help him? Get out of my sight before I curse you to an inch of your life!" Harry sighed as he looked at Severus, who in turn nodded to him.

Harry let out a soft sigh and nodded before walking away, leaving them alone. He moved through the halls, his mind wandering towards what just happened. He had wanted to help Snape… wanted to make sure everything would be alright… He was bringing him to the room of requirements, showing him where it was and what would happen should he open it… He had held him against him and prayed to Merlin that he would be alright… Why did he care? Severus had… no.. SNAPE had asked him that… was his reason true… or was there more to it? He groaned softly in frustration as he walked back to the Gryffindor common room. He wouldn't think about it anymore tonight… Tomorrow would be better…

Severus looked to Lucius, his eyes clouded in sorrow and pain. "Lucius…?", he asked, as if he couldn't see him properly. "Merlin, Severus what did he do to you?" Severus trembled against him. "He was helping me…" Lucius' grey eyes darted to the blood on his sleeve. "You were…?" Severus nodded slowly. "Gods, Sevvy… I thought we were over that… I thought you were ok… why didn't you tell me?"

With a glare, Severus pushed himself away from Lucius. "So you could tell your Master what he's doing to me hurts? Or my father? Or your father? Or perhaps so you could use it as a weapon when it became most convenient…? No… you don't need to know anymore than I've told you."

Lucius looked like someone had slapped him in the face. "My master… the dark lord has…", he stammered. "Don't pretend you didn't know!" "I didn't… I don't know why you do this to yourself, you've never told me… I thought you weren't serving the dark lord…" Severus looked away. "I'm not… Doesn't mean I've never seen him... I become of age in a few weeks… I don't think he'll wait much longer for my decision…" Lucius stood there gapping. How could something like this have happened…? He was of course assuming the worse, it could be something small to push Severus over the edge, but he doubted it quite a bit…

Severus sighed as he turned away and decided to go back to his room. "I'm tired, Lucius... I'm going to bed..." He walked past him and walked over to the common room, and thus to his bed. He changed into his nightwear and fell onto his bed and into a deep sleep. Lucius walked over and healed the wounds shut, another pink scar left behind. He shook his head and cast another spell which would help him heal from the blood loss. Lucius sighed as he changed and climbs into his bed. He looked across at Severus. Something had happened between him and Harry... that much was apparent.

And of course all Severus could think about was Harry. How it felt so right being in his arms.. how he never had felt safer than in that moment. He smiles as he closed his eyes and thought about him. Dreams and fantasies formed in his mind about his next meeting with Harry... He would have to talk to Harry again...

Severus awoke some time later, his mind tired, his body still weak... He stirred, only to find a warm body pressed against his. For a moment he wondered if his fantasies had been real. He looked over his shoulder to see Lucius cuddled to him, the blond held him close. "It's not what it looks like... I was worried about you all night... You're my best friend.. I don't want to loose you." Severus smiles as he kissed Lucius' forehead. "You won't lose me, Lucius... I'm sorry for worrying you.." Severus sighed as he cuddled up to Lucius. "I didn't mean to frighten you... I'm so sorry Lucius... so very sorry. About those things I said… It's obvious to me now that you really had no idea… I am sorry that I hurt you… I know my words can sting… I wasn't in my right mind… Could you ever forgive me?" He nods as he held Severus close. "It's fine... I forgive you, Sev, as long as you try and come to me when you need help… In any case, you slept the entire day... you should go to your appointment with Dumbledore..." Severus looked at the time. "Oh no! I'm late!" Snape got up and changed his robes. He nods to Lucius. "See you soon..." and he rushed out.

Severus came to his office and saw the door was slightly ajar. Inside was Harry and Dumbledore, sipping tea. "I don't think I'm the right person for this job, professor... Have you asked Malfoy?" Dumbledore smiles as he shakes his head. "No, I don't think I will either. He seemed to open up to you Harry... and I know you need company... Its already been decided. You and Severus will be sharing a room come tomorrow." Harry stood up. "You don't understand. What if I ruin things in the future?" Dumbledore smiles. "You see, I would have asked you anyways, and you can't exactly say no... therefore, I think everything will turn out fine... I am having the house elves make your room. This will be therapeutic for you both."

The young Slytherin looked on curiously. He was setting him up in a room with Harry? To what purpose? Severus pushed open the door, startling Harry, but not Dumbledore, of course. Severus walked inside and sat down weakly. "I am sorry I am late, Headmaster. But then, I'm sure you know the details..." Dumbledore didn't seem pleased at all with him... "Severus. Yes, I know about your episode last night... You knew that...", his sentence cut short, as if he thought better to leave things unsaid. Severus seemed to understand the meaning, or at least guessing it. Harry, on the other hand, was struck dumb; never had he seen Dumbledore stutter before. Severus' looked to Dumbledore and sighed. "I am so sorry, Headmaster... I will try harder... really..."

Dumbledore sighed and nodded slowly. "I have come to a decision, Severus. This will help both you and Harry here. I heard that he helped you yesterday, but little did you realize that you were helping him as well. So, I have decided that you and Harry will be living together." Severus jumped to his feet. "But Headmaster...!" Dumbledore raised his hand, silencing him instantly. "It is non-negotiable. The house-elves are packing your things now, and Mr. Malfoy has been informed of your leaving this morning. He was rather upset, mind you, but he will be fine. He will be able to visit of course... But he will not be able to spend the night..." Severus looked at him curiously. "Oh, well, rumour had it that you and him were..." The young Slytherin grinned and shook his head. "Oh no, I don't have a boyfriend, headmaster. As much as Lucius would love me, him and I are simply good friends." Dumbledore smiles. "That will make things easier. You understand of course, that having lovers in your room after hours is frowned upon..."

The two students nodded slowly. "Our game will have to wait until tomorrow, my dear boy. I would like if you two got settled in. As I understand it, neither of you are going home for the holidays. I would enjoy it if you two would stay together or at least tell each other where you'll be. I give you each the responsibility of the other. The buddy system, after all, has never failed yet. I thought it was the best solution. Agreed?" As if either of them could say no. Both young men rose to their feet and bowed their heads before leaving.

Once in the halls, and out of earshot from the headmaster's office, Harry looked to Severus. "I didn't tell Dumbledore about what happened... He just seemed to know, it's the reason he called me..." Severus turned to him and nodded slowly. "It's fine... Dumbledore always knows things we don't want him to. I don't think you ratter me out, Winters..." Harry seemed relieved.

They came to the room they were directed to and gasped. It was huge! They walked in towards the living room with a large couch and chair in front of a beautifully large, burning fireplace. Severus moved towards the library and ran his fingers over the spines of the books. "Defence against the dark arts... potion's journals...", he said in awe. "What's this..?" He pulled out a crimson envelope from the book case. "It's addressed to the both of us..." He ripped it open and pulled out a piece of parchment. In large, bold cursive script. "Happy Christmas Severus and Harry. Enjoy yours gifts." Harry smiled as he looked over at the books and grinned. "Oh wow! This book is great!" Severus arched a brow. "That journal was found only last month... I am surprised he gave it to us... And you've read it already?" Harry blushed and nods slowly.

He went towards the bedrooms, and opened the door. He saw both their beds in one room, it was so strange. It was like the house-elves literally ripped out their rooms from their own dorms and placed them together. A straight line right across the middle of the room separate cold silver and green tiles on one side, and deep red wood on the other. He walked towards the redwood side and smiled softly as he threw himself on his slightly bigger bed. Severus slowly walked in and looked around curiously. "Well, I did assume that we would have separate rooms... I guess Dumbledore really wanted us to look out for one another... Though I don't rightly understand what he is scheming about. I don't think I could ever help you, Winters."

Harry looked over at him and sighed as he closed his eyes. "No one can help me..." He curled up in his bed and sighed. "I try not to think about it..." Severus watched him and sighed. "I feel the same all the time." They both curled up in each of their beds and sighed as they stared to their respected walls. Severus wondered what had happened to Harry, really. Of course, he believed the story about someone close to him dying... but he knew there was more to it... there was always more. Severus closed his eyes as he held himself as he curled up in the bed. There was more to his story as well... so much more than he ever let on, more than he wanted to let on... Of course, Dumbledore knew most of it really... but then, the old coot did pry too much... legillemence as he was.

It didn't take long for sleep to claim both of them, and the night wore on as it must. Lucius laid awake in his bed, staring at the ceiling rubbing his left arm, closing his eyes tight against the pain. "Soon…"

Author's not: Another chapter finished. I hope you're enjoying this so far. Why would Dumbledore put them both together? Will something happen during Christmas holiday? What the hell is Lucius muttering about? Ah, more questions to be answered... Also, being a bit of an artist myself, not to mention in need of shameless promotion, I drew one of the scenes from this chapter. This is the link if you want to see.

http/ Bloody merry Christmas this is... stuck with a hot Gryffindor...

Harry: Stuck in the past and living with Snape. What more can go wrong?

TIE: hahahHAHAHAHA wait till you see your Christmas gift! hehe heheheheehe HAHAHAHA

Harry holds onto Severus Harry: I'm afraid of her sometimes...

Severus: As you should be... as you should be...

Thank you for all the reviews. And for my Beta, Tonksy! Thank you for helping me out! I'm much oblige... need all the help I can get! Please read and review, I appreciate it at the end of the day. See you all in the next chapter.