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31 - Task At Hand

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When Harry walked back into the Great Hall he saw his date surrounded by Seamus, Dean, and Michael.

He walked up to the group and heard Charlet flirting brazenly. Harry actually could care less but with the night almost over he knew what had to be done. He pushed his way through the group and took Charlet by the hand.

"Would you like to go for a walk in the courtyard? Harry asked and pulled her hand up to his lips for another kiss.

She smiled sweetly at the boys around her and allowed Harry to lead her out to the courtyard. The guys gave him pats on the back and encouraging jeers. Harry noticed that their dates were not so happy with him, since the girls glared at both he and Charlet when they passed by.

The talk with Severus had helped to bring him back to the task on hand. He pushed all thoughts of Ginny and his own personal feelings aside. The entire plan hinged on giving Charlet this portkey necklace without making her suspicious. After hearing Severus admonish him for publicly kissing Charlet, Harry decided to take her out to the courtyard. It was embarrassing enough to kiss her in front of his friends but now that he knew he had been observed the entire evening by his father, his humiliation was at an all time high.

When they reached the courtyard Harry led Charlet into a gazebo way off in the corner. She went readily expecting to do things Harry didn't want to do with her. If this had been Ginny instead, Harry would have been the happiest person on earth. It had touched Harry greatly to know that Ginny had feelings for him. Knowing that she thought Harry liked someone else only made this harder to do.

Harry slid his hand around Charlet's waist and pulled her into a close embrace. She readily came to him, wrapping her arms under his cloak around his waist. The kiss lasted long with Charlet raking her fingernails along Harry's back. The sensation brought back horrible memories for Harry, making him pull back suddenly.

Charlet looked up at him with accusing eyes and an angry voice, "What in the world is wrong with you?"

"Erm, nothing, I mean I'm just ticklish."

"You didn't act as if I was tickling you. You acted as if I was hurting you by the way you pushed me away," Charlet accused with no sympathy. "You know there are plenty of guys in there that would kill to be in your position right now. Maybe I'll go find Draco."

"Charlet no, don't do that! I really like you," Harry tried to remain calm as he pulled her back to him and kissed her once again.

This time Charlet dug her fingernails into his back with the intent of leaving serious marks as punishment.

Harry continued kissing her, feeling revulsion well up inside him. He didn't react to the pain she was causing his back but it was taking everything he had not to. Those nails being dragged on his back reminded him of a particular punishment Vernon enjoyed inflicting. He shuddered just thinking about it.

Charlet took his shudder as excitement and looked up into his eyes with a wicked smile, "See, I knew you would feel as I do. Is there some place more private we could go?"

Harry thought quickly, "Professor Dumbledore has all the rooms warded against students trying to um, get together. I wish we could have more privacy too but there really isn't anywhere to go."

"That figures! This school is soo second rate," Charlet said with a pout.

Harry was saved from having to be alone with her any longer when they heard Seamus and Gabrielle call her name.

Harry answered, "We're in here Seamus."

Seamus and Gabrielle joined them in the gazebo with both girls glaring at each other.

"It's time we head back to Beauxbaton, Charlet. The portkey goes off in ten minutes with or without you," Gabrielle said in a slightly snippy tone of voice.

"But I'm not ready! Just because you're finished with your date does not mean that I have finished with mine," Charlet said as she grabbed Harry and pulled him towards her.

Seamus' eyebrows shot up and he clapped Harry on the back, "You're one lucky man Harry! Come on Gabby, let's go wait for them by the fountain." Seamus walked away with Gabrielle in tow.

Harry quickly tried to set the mood so he could give Charlet the portkey necklace. He held Charlet tightly and whispered into her ear, "I'm going to miss you so much Char. I wish we could have been together like you wanted."

"Well maybe we can. I'll write my aunt and see if we can spend the winter holidays together at Snape Manor!" Charlet said enthusiastically. "Although, I'm not about to tell her about our secret date."

"Yeah that sounds great!" Harry said but was thinking the opposite. "Until then, I have something, to thank you for coming to the dance with me."

Harry carefully pulled the box out of his pocket and handed it to Charlet.

Charlet grabbed the box greedily and opened it, "Oh my Harry! This is quite spectacular. Is it real? Because I won't wear anything that isn't real." She took her wand out and cast a simple spell to see if it was a real diamond. When she was satisfied that it was indeed a real diamond she squealed with joy.

"Oh my gosh! Wait till my friends see this! They'll be so jealous!" She took the necklace out of the box, throwing the box on the ground.

Harry took the necklace from her hands, "May I help?" She lifted her hair and Harry clasped the necklace around her slender neck. Relief washing over him with the click of the clasp.

"Oh Harry, I never knew you could pick something so nice. Someone must have helped you pick this out, its way too grand for someone like you to have selected," She stated quite oblivious to the insult she just made.

"I picked it out for you. I thought the diamond would match your eyes."

"It must have been very expensive? Where ever did you get the money?"

Harry couldn't believe she just asked that question. Even he knew it was rude. "I'm not telling you that!"

"Oh that's right, you are heir to the Snape family fortune now. Hmmp, just don't go spending all that money on some other girl," Charlet admonished. Harry couldn't tell if she really meant it or not.

Just then Gabrielle called, "Charlet hurry! The portkey is going off in a minute!"

Charlet ran to the fountain pulling Harry behind her. They embraced once more with a quick kiss.

"Harry, you are amazing!" Charlet grabbed onto the portkey and was gone before Harry could respond.

Seamus had a big smile on his face as he joked, "You're amazing Harry! I think I know who won the chocolate frogs now. Congratulations Harry!" Seamus clapped him on the back and they went into the building.

Harry spotted his father waiting in a doorway.

"I'll see you up in the room." Harry said to Seamus.

Seamus met up with his friends and Harry could hear them hooting and hollering about the evening.

"Did you accomplish the task?" Severus watched his son run his fingers through his hair and gather his emotions.

"Yeah, I did but it wasn't very fun. Charlet is such a bitch!" Harry stated as he walked up to his father.

"Mr. Potter, you will not speak that way of a young lady no matter how true it may be. It is not something I wish to hear from your mouth again."

"Oh, sorry sir."

Severus gave Harry a pat on the shoulder, "You did a fine job though."

"Thanks Severus. Will I see you tomorrow at the game?"

"Possibly. I will be working in the lab this evening. If I finish in time I will be there to watch you and to support the Slytherins."

"Hmm, so who do you wish will win?"

"Goodnight son," Severus reached out and messed up his son's hair. A very fatherly move, if he did say so himself.

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When Harry walked into the dorm room the guys erupted into cheers and gave him big pats on the back. Harry waved them away wishing they had not witnessed his time with Charlet.

"Congratulations Harry!" Dean said enthusiastically.

"You're a blessed man Harry!" came from Seamus.

Harry walked over to his bed and saw a pile of chocolate frogs on his quilt.

"Hey you guys, I wasn't in the contest and I didn't want to win," Harry said and threw the frogs on Ron's bed.

"Who cares Harry? Just be happy you had such a great night!" said Ron with a big grin. "I mean you might be the luckiest guy on earth."

Right! If they only knew just how inaccurate that statement was.

The guys stayed up talking about the evening until late into the night. Harry undressed in the restroom and searched his back for the pain that had been emanating from the scratches. To his horror he saw several deep scratches with blood oozing out. He jumped in the shower to wash away the blood and any vestiges of Charlet. By the time he went back into the dormitory his friends were fast asleep. He lay down trying to occlude his mind of Charlet and the evening he had endured.

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Harry hadn't been asleep for more than a few hours when he found himself immersed in a nightmare.

He was in the infirmary and Severus was not with him. But it was more than just Severus not being with him. It was a strong feeling that Severus had abandoned him and was not coming back. Harry looked around and saw that the beds were empty. He saw a dark figure approach his bed but couldn't make out the face. It was just an overwhelming feeling of evil approaching. It scared him so much that he woke up with a start. He was drenched in sweat and overcome with fear. Harry realized the fear was from being abandon by his father. Was Severus gone? He couldn't shake the fear, it just felt so real. He jumped out of bed to see for himself.

Maybe the plan was beginning and Severus was gone? But in the nightmare Severus wasn't coming back.

The whole idea didn't make any sense but Harry had to see for himself. He had to know if the professor was gone.

Harry raced out the portrait and down the stairs to the dungeons. When he went through the door he saw the light on in the laboratory. He held his breath as he descended the stairs, just knowing that Severus was already gone and he would be alone once again. So, it came as a shock to see the professor look up at him with surprise.

Severus heard Harry come through the front door and wondered what had the boy awake at this hour.

"To what do I owe this early morning visit to?" Severus searched Harry for any signs of pain.

"Oh um." Harry couldn't think of anything to say. The nightmare had felt so real that he actually thought he would find the room empty. Now he stood awkwardly before the professor and tried to think of an excuse for this visit. He certainly wasn't going to tell the professor about the nightmare, that was for sure. Severus already knew about those false visions from Voldemort involving Ginny and he didn't want his new father thinking he was some pathetic, insecure child.

"Eloquent as ever," Severus said as he walked up to Harry and scrutinized him. "What has happened?"

Harry turned away but his father grabbed his arm, "Look at me. What has happened?"

"Um, nothing. It's just that I couldn't sleep and I thought I'd come down here and help you."

Severus tried to look into Harry's eyes for the truth but Harry pulled out of his grasp and looked away. He saw his son's shirt wet with perspiration and figured he must have had a nightmare.

"Are you aware that it is four a.m.?" Severus motioned for Harry to come sit on a stool by the work bench. "I have to speak with you regarding a few matters," Severus said, "Perhaps now will suffice."

Harry sat down and looked at the professor, relieved that he wouldn't have to explain his nightmare.

"First, I must tell you that at any time tomorrow I could be called away to begin the plan. I will not stay there but an hour at most."

"Who's going to stay with Charlet then?" Harry asked.

"I have appraised Dobby of the plan and he has willingly offered his assistance. I must say that he is rather dedicated to you."

"Yeah, Dobby and I go way back."

"The other issue I wish to discuss is the antidote I gave you. I am not sure how long it will last but I do know that it will last longer with more food and rest," Severus used a stern voice to get his point across.

"But what about Quiddich? I can still play can't I?" Harry couldn't let his teammates down now.

"As stated previously, you may play but I am now going to require a bargain for your playing in the game."

"Okay, what is it?" Harry asked.

"It is imperative that you eat three full meals and sleep at least eight hours a night," Severus saw his son frown. "Are you able to agree?"

"It's not that I don't want to agree. It's just that I can't sleep very well anymore. The only night I've ever slept through was that night that…" Harry quickly cut himself off in embarrassment over what he was about to reveal.

"Continue."

Harry shook his head, no.

"Continue," came the harsh command.

Harry looked up at him, startled by his father's voice. "No, plus it won't help me sleep any better."

Severus took a step closer to his son and grabbed his chin in a firm grip, forcing the boy's face up. He was getting tired of Harry disobeying him at every turn and hiding his vulnerabilities. "I-said - continue!"

Snape's voice cut right through any objectives Harry had. "Erm, well it's just really childish and well, it's just that the only time I slept good was that night you held me. I felt like you were a barrier between me and Voldemort," Harry whispered out feeling a flush creep up his face.

Severus let Harry's chin go. Harry rubbed his sore chin and whispered, "Ouch, hurts when you do that."

Severus was deep in thought over what Harry had revealed about his lack of sleep but he reached up and gently rubbed Harry's chin with his long fingers.

"You'll recover," Severus stated unsympathetically then asked another question. "Other than that night, when was the last night you slept well?"

Harry looked around uncomfortably and then cleared his throat before answering, "Since before Sirius."

Severus tried to make his face stay impassive as he wrestled with the idea of his son being so tortured by events that he couldn't even make it through a night without nightmares.

"I wish I could give you dreamless sleep potion but I fear it might interfere with the antidote." Severus bent his head down and held the bridge of his nose as he tried to come up with a solution. It was so important for Harry to sleep, it could mean the difference of days before the antidote wore off. Precious days!

"I will come up with a solution. In the mean time why don't you get a few more hours of sleep down here on the cot." Severus put his hand on Harry's back and the boy's breath hitched with pain. "What is it son?"

"Nothing! It's nothing," Harry said as he walked away from his father and laid down on the cot.

Severus reached out and pulled Harry's shirt up in the back. Harry tried to twist away but not before the professor saw the deep scratches.

"Please do not tell me that you and Charlet have had intimate relations?" Severus was appalled that his son could be put in such a compromising position due to the plan.

"No! Merlin Severus, I haven't even done that yet! I'm certainly not going to have Charlet be my first time," Harry rolled onto his side away from the professor with mixed emotions. He was angry the professor had thought so little of him and embarrassed that he even had those stupid marks on his back.

Severus looked down at his son, trying to come up with a fatherly thing to say. Shouldn't he talk about this with him? Oh Merlin, this was the part of parenting he was actually dreading.

"Harry, turn around and look at me," Severus pulled a chair next to the cot. "It is obvious that more than kissing occurred …" He was abruptly cut off.

"No, no! I'm not talking about this," Harry shook his head. "Severus nothing happened with Charlet. Nothing!" When he saw his father frown he quickly added, "But when I do decide to … you know, do what you think I did, then I will be sure to talk with you first."

Could this night get anymore humiliating?

"Fine but the behavior you displayed for the entire school to witness was not worthy of a son of mine."

Hearing Severus say that hurt Harry to the core. All he had wanted was to complete the task and make his Father proud of him.

"I know the circumstances were rather unusual but in future you will not act with such improper conduct. Do I make myself clear?" Severus hoped this was the right thing to say to a son.

"Yes sir. I promise that unless I'm poisoned by a wicked hag and we have to kidnap her child that I have to seduce into liking me, that I will not act in such an improper way again," Harry said with sarcasm as he rolled his eyes at his father. He noticed his father trying to hold back a smile.

"Well, as long as we have that cleared up, I might as well heal those untoward marks on your back. Merlin help me if Minerva were to see them in the locker room today." Severus whipped his wand out, "Accio healing balm."

With his father's gentle fingers rubbing in the salve and the sounds of the bubbling potions and warm quilt, Harry quickly fell into a peaceful sleep that lasted for hours.

His father continued sitting by the bed with his warm hand pressed against his son's back to help the boy feel safe enough to sleep. Severus continued thinking about how they were going to solve this sleeping problem as it was quite clear the boy felt much safer in his presence during sleep. It touched him deeply.

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"Harry wake up," Severus shook his son again. Merlin the boy slept like the dead today. "Harry, come now son. Harry it's time for Quiddich!"

Harry's eyes shot open and he quickly sat up and looked around. Oh yeah, the dungeon and my dad.

"Whatimesit?' Harry mumbled out as he rubbed his eyes.

"English Potter?"

"Time Dad?" Harry said between yawns and stretches.

Severus' heart skipped a beat at hearing his son call him Dad again.

"You have slept through breakfast and it is now noon. Lunch before the game."

"Oh bloody hell, I'm late! I have to go all the way up to get my stuff and meet everyone in the Great hall and I haven't even taken a shower yet! Bloody hell, why didn't you wake me sooner?" Harry frowned at his father while he untangled himself from the quilt.

Severus glared back at Harry's disrespect, "Mr. Potter, watch yourself."

"Oh, sorry sir. I guess I'm not thinking clearly yet."

"Yet?" came the sarcastic voice, "However, you will find your Quiddich uniform on your bed in the dungeon."

"Thanks Severus and sorry about being so rude." Harry took the steps up two at a time and raced down the hall for a quick shower.

When Harry walked out to the living room Severus thought he could be no prouder of his son. Harry had his Quiddich uniform on and had an air of confidence about him. At least Vernon had not taken Harry's confidence in the sport from him. Severus only wished Harry showed that same assurance in every other area.

They walked up to the Great Hall with Severus' arm thrown over his son's shoulder, giving him encouragement the entire way up. Harry bet the professor a hot chocolate and chocolate frogs that he would catch the snitch. When they stepped into the Great Hall they were both surprised at the cheers that erupted when Harry stepped through the door. There were banners and encouraging calls from all three houses. Severus was surprised that Harry had not stepped away from him upon entering the hall. Then he was actually shocked when Harry gave him a quick one armed hug before going off to join his friends.

Harry joined the Quiddich team at the far end of the table. He sat next to Ron and across from Ginny and Dean. He tried to get Ginny's attention but she refused to look at him. Damn I blew it!

Several students came up and clapped Harry and other members of the team on the back and cheered them all on. When the team finished eating, they all got up together to loud cheers as they headed out the door and down to the locker room. Harry made a special point of giving Severus a big smile and wave and was shocked when his dad actually gave him the thumbs up signal.

On the way down to the locker rooms Harry squeezed his way next to Ginny. She looked up at him and his heart dropped when he saw the hurt look in her eyes.

"Ginny, can we talk today after the game? Please Gin?" Harry pleaded. He raised his hand to push a hair from Ginny's face. Ginny jerked her head away and looked at him with contempt.

"About what? How great your date kisses?" Ginny sped up and walked between Dean and Seamus.

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The Quidditch match was very exciting. The entire game they were neck and neck making the fans cheer all the more. A few times Harry caught himself watching Ginny instead of the snitch, and was brought back to the game by Malfoy zooming by him. Malfoy was up to his same cheating ways as he would purposely shoot hexes at Harry. A few times Harry actually came close to falling but had managed to hang on to his broom. At one point the snitch totally disappeared and both Harry and Malfoy were hovering up high looking for it. It was the perfect time for Malfoy to get a few jabs at Harry's date last night.

"Potter, I hear you had to actually bribe your date with diamonds to get her to come with you! Next time save yourself the money and just go with Hillary Smidgen!"

"Sod off Malfoy. If you actually took the time to get to know Hillary you wouldn't say that."

Malfoy pulled his wand out of his shirt sleeve and threw a body blast at Harry that hit him in the foot.

Ouch! That hurt like fire! Harry caught sight of the Snitch way down by the stands and took off after it with his foot blazing in pain.

Malfoy caught sight of it a second later and raced Harry to catch it. Harry was slightly in the lead and coming up on the Snitch when he felt his broom get hit from behind. Suddenly he went spiraling through the air, totally out of control. He still hung tight to his broom but couldn't stop the spiral he was in as he headed for the stands. He heard people screaming as he crashed into the corner of the stands. Then his whole world went dark.

He must not have been out very long because he awoke to someone pulling him into the stands. His cloak had caught the edge and he had been dangling high above the pitch. He helped to pull himself over the edge and needed a moment to get his bearings. Suddenly he was surrounded by concerned students crowding in and asking if he was okay. His head had slammed into the stands causing a giant gash over his left eye. He felt hot liquid running down his face and knew it was blood. He had a hard time catching his breath as so many people were crowded around trying to help him.

A sharp voice cut through the crowd and the students backed off. Harry was still lying on the floor when his father pushed his way through and knelt down next to him.

"Let me assess the damage," came the no nonsense voice. Harry felt his chin being grabbed harshly and made a mental note to speak with his father about not doing that in the future.

"The cut is deep Harry, I can actually see bone," Severus gauged then ran his wand along the rest of Harry's body. "What's wrong with your foot Mr. Potter?"

"Malfoy," was all Harry said.

Severus looked at him sharply then looked out to the Quidditch field for Malfoy. Malfoy was hovering nearby and saw the professor signal for him to come in.

Malfoy flew to the stands and jumped off his Firebolt with a big grin at seeing Harry on the ground.

"Wipe that grin off your face Malfoy before I take it off!" Severus growled out. He grabbed the front of Malfoy's uniform and pulled him closer. Malfoy looked ready to faint.

"Did you shoot a curse at my son!" Snape was still kneeling by Harry and pointed to Harry's purple swollen foot with his wand.

"He told me to sod off! It was only a body blast Severus," Draco whined.

"I don't care if it was a Rictusempra! My son is off limits to you or any other Slytherin. I thought I made that perfectly clear," Severus glared at the boy until he looked nervous enough to wet himself.

"Okay, I get it!" Draco jumped on his broom and flew out over the pitch.

"I will make him apologize later," Severus said in a threatening voice. Then he tilted Harry's chin up one more time before saying, "I'm afraid you will need to come out of the game."

"No! Please Severus, you can fix it! You know you can." Harry begged, not about to give in this time.

"I can stop the bleeding but I do not want you flying with a head injury like this." Severus waved his wand over the cut then applied a healing salve to stop the bleeding. He waved his wand again and Harry's face was suddenly clean of blood.

"Come now Harry, there will be other games to play in," Severus did feel sorry for the boy but was not about to relent.

"Will there! Will I still be here to play in other games?" Harry didn't mean to sound so dramatic but he couldn't help feeling that it could be true.

Severus rolled his eyes at his son and said sarcastically, "A little dramatic aren't we?"

Okay, now Harry was fuming over being ridiculed like that. His father had absolutely no sympathy for what he was going through. He was just about to give his father a piece of his mind, when Severus suddenly reached into his pocket and pulled out a red coin.

Severus bent low and whispered, "Charlet is at the hideout, I have to go. Go see Poppy, now."

Harry hardly had a chance to process the words his father said before the man disappeared into the stands.

The plan was beginning! Harry couldn't imagine how Charlet would respond to being kidnapped.

Madame Hooch flew over on her broom and landed in the stands by Harry. She looked at the angry cut above his eye before saying, "That's a nasty cut Potter. Are you out of the game?"

Harry blurted out, "No, my father said I can keep playing."

Madame Hooch looked a might shocked but blew her whistle and yelled, "Let the game commence!"

Harry quickly stood up and grabbed his broom from the Hufflepuff who had helped him into the stands. He kicked off and joined up in the game once again to cheers from the crowd.

He knew he would catch hell later but at this point he didn't care. He was going to catch that Snitch for his father if it was the last thing he did. After a few more goals had been scored Harry spotted the Snitch. He faked left as Malfoy was so close. He watched as Malfoy zoomed out in front of him but going the wrong way. His heart was beating hard as it always did just before he caught the Snitch. He was so close almost upon it when he started seeing double. His vision threw him off balance and he began to wobble dangerously close to the stands once again. Harry squeezed his eyes shut then opened them once more to see slightly better. Now he had lost sight of the snitch and was just about to turn when the snitch buzzed right by his head.

He raced after it and wrapped his hand around the tiny gold ball … just before he passed out cold!

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