Hope Is A Funny Thing-
Harry awoke to the sounds of someone crying softly. He sat up and realized he was still in the infirmary. The pitch black sky proved that it was well into the night. He looked to his left and saw his father lying unconscious in the bed next to him. Harry ignored the person crying and slowly made his way to a chair next to his father's bed. His head was pounding with every move he made along with the sharp sting in his side, making him yearn for the pain potion.
Harry looked at his father with sadness overtaking him. He reached for Severus' hand and held it with a fierce grip of anxiety. Severus looked like a corpse as he lay motionless and deathly pale on the hospital bed. Harry reached his other hand up and pushed a stray hair away from his father's face.
Thoughts of their last conversation played through his mind:
"Severus I'm getting sick and tired of everyone telling me what to do all the time," yelled Harry.
"Harry, I am not 'everyone'. You will abide by the rules I set forth because I am your father."
"I wish you weren't."
Had he really said that last part? Harry couldn't imagine why those words had ever left his mouth. And now once again, another person he loved was in danger because of him. If anything happened to Severus, Harry knew he wouldn't be able to live with himself. He held onto Severus' hand for dear life, praying for a miracle to happen. Severus had been trying to protect him and this was the outcome. There had never been anyone in his life that he relied on so much, trusted so much and come to respect so much.
Madame Pomfrey came back into the room with a cup in her hand. She stood at the foot of the bed watching the teen with sadness tugging at her heart. The child had more woes in his life than bearable.
"How is your head feeling, Mr. Potter?" Poppy asked with true concern over the grieving child.
Harry shook his head and willed the lump in his throat to go away, without much success.
"I'm okay," he said in a strangled voice.
"Hmm, I highly doubt that," Poppy said as she handed Harry the cup. "I must ask you a very important question Mr. Potter. It is imperative that you answer truthfully."
Harry looked up at the medi-witch as he drank the contents of the cup.
Poppy stood directly in front of the boy, looking at his face intently, "When I scanned you for injuries I found an exorbitant amount of Obesidic pain potion running through your blood stream."
Harry quickly looked down at his feet, shaking his head in quick denial, "Oh yeah that. Well, um I've been in lessons with Moody and I guess I'm not so good at blocking yet."
"When was your last dosage?"
"Yesterday before I went to Hogsmeade," Harry whispered out.
"And before that, how often have you had that potion?" Poppy asked.
"Um, I guess it was last week. But that was the only other time. I think I accidentally took too much yesterday," Harry lied hoping the medi-witch believed him.
Madame Pomfrey thought that sounded plausible and it would also account for the high levels still running through the child's bloodstream. She nodded her head and gave the boy a pat on the shoulder, "Since that potion can become addictive, I feel it best that you not be given anymore. Unfortunately it is the only potion to relieve that sting in your side you seem to be guarding against."
The medi-witch was interrupted by another voice, "He'll be fine without that pain potion. The boy needs to learn how to work through pain anyways," Alastor said in a commanding voice.
Harry whipped his head around to look at the ex-Auror. Shame washed over him once again at his poor performance in Hogsmeade.
Poppy looked at Moody with anger, "The boy hardly needs more pain in his life." With that said she pushed past the ex-Auror and went into her office.
Harry let go of his father's hand and stood up, facing Moody, "I'm sorry sir. I-I don't know what happened today."
Moody frowned at the boy, not the least bit affected by his remorse. "Maybe people will start to listen to me and stop treating you as if you're a spoilt child. I want to see you in my classroom at ten o'clock in the morning with no excuses!" Moody growled out before turning and limping out the door.
Harry dropped his chin down, yearning for the pain potion. Madame Pomfrey was still in her office and he didn't want to take any chances of being stopped. He gathered his belongings and gave the professor another glance before heading up to his room.
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The next morning Harry was awoken by Ron shaking his shoulder, "Hey, Harry!"
Harry sat up noticing the bright sun shining through the windows, "Bloody hell, what time is it?"
"Almost ten, you slept through breakfast," Ron said. Harry jumped out of bed and dug through his trunk for fresh school clothes. "How's Ginny?"
"She's fine. My Mum wants to take her home but Ginny is against it," Ron answered.
"Maybe she should go home. She might be safer there," Harry said, thinking: safer away from me.
"Yeah, but try telling her that. She threw a fit when my mum even suggested it."
Harry grabbed a vial out of his drawer before making his way into the bathroom. By the time he came out Ron was already gone. Bloody hell, he was going to be late for his lessons with Moody if he didn't run! That pain potion was making him feel irritable and tired but he couldn't help earning for it.
He barreled through the Defence classroom door, forgetting about the ambush that Moody always set up for him. As soon as he was in the classroom a bolt of lightening shot directly at him, hitting him in the chest. He immediately felt a tingling sensation and his skin was crawling with tiny bugs. He swiped at them, trying to get them off but they were hanging onto his skin with tiny razor sharp teeth.
"It's no wonder your father is lying in a hospital bed. Exactly what will it take to get you to learn Defence?"
Harry looked up at Moody with a surge of hatred, "Shut up! Don't talk about my father!"
Moody hobbled up to the irate teen, glad that he had affected him, "Unless you wish to spend every waking moment in detention … you best apologize."
Harry wanted to scream in anger while he was still covered in tiny creatures biting him mercilessly.
"Sorry sir," Harry bit out begrudgingly. The last thing he needed was to be kept away from his father. It was already bad enough that he hadn't had time to see him this morning before having to come here.
"I'm sure you are," Moody said with derision. He decided to give the boy a break and waved his wand. The tiny creatures crawling over Harry disappeared. Moody went to the front of the class indicating for Harry to follow.
They worked on several curses and blocks before Moody gave up. What was wrong with Potter? Moody knew the boy should have been able to block all the hexes thrown at him and his blocks should have held. He thought maybe Potter was on pain potion from the blast he received yesterday. That would account for the slow responses and weak blocks. Besides, it was obvious the boy wasn't concentrating, his mind was definitely elsewhere. Moody relented, "Potter, I'm not pleased with your performance today. I know you have the ability to do much better."
Harry's shoulders slumped, knowing the professor was right, "Sorry sir. I guess I can't stop thinking of Severus."
"Fine, I'll see you in two days. By that time you best have your act together," Moody rebuked as he waved the door open.
Harry jumped at the chance before the professor changed his mind. He ran out the door and all the way down into the infirmary, not even stopping to talk when Ginny said hello.
He pushed the infirmary doors open and stopped dead in his tracks. Sitting next to Severus holding his hand was Ms. Fairchild. Harry walked up slowly trying to assess the situation. It suddenly occurred to Harry that he really didn't know much about Severus' life before this past year. Had Severus been in a relationship with Ms. Fairchild previously?
Ms. Fairchild looked up and let go of Severus' hand as she spotted Harry. "Hello Harry. How are you feeling?'
"Ms. Fairchild, is everything alright with my father?" Harry walked to the opposite side of the bed.
"Madame Pomfrey said his condition has not changed."
Harry sat down in the chair next to the bed and took hold ofSeverus' hand. "He saved me you know?"
"Yes, I was there," the kind woman revealed. At Harry's puzzled look she continued, "I was stationed at the opposite end of the street. Security was rather high with Professor Moody in charge. Unfortunately it was needed. I saw Severus' heroic measures. I'm not sure Severus will appreciate his new heroic status though." Fairchild handed a copy of the Daily Prophet to Harry.
There, plastered across the front page was a picture of Severus throwing himself in front of Harry, only to be hit with the nasty unknown curse. The moving picture showed the professor landing atop his son in a black heap. The caption read: 'Harry Potter's New Father Saves Him!' Below that was another picture taken earlier that day when Severus had stood next to Harry at the gates of Hogwarts. He was looking down at his son with the unmistakable look of pride.
"May I keep this, Ms. Fairchild?" Harry asked as a lump formed in his throat.
"Of course." the tall witch thought she should give the boy time alone with his father and rose to leave. "Do you mind if I come back to visit your father?"
Harry looked up, "How do you know him?"
"He and I were very good friends at one time. He holds a special place in my heart. Do you mind if I stop by after work tomorrow?"
Harry could tell that there was much more to the story but didn't want to pry. "I'm sure he would like that." He watched the kind witch speak to Madame Pomfrey before leaving with a backward glance at Severus.
Harry looked back at the professor, trying to find any sign that his father was getting better. The man looked like he was on death's door with a sickly pallor to his already pale face. Harry squeezed his father's hand whispering out, "Come on Dad, don't leave me. I need you … please don't leave me." He sat that way for close to an hour before Madame Pomfrey came to check on her patient.
"So you're back again Potter! Who gave you permission to leave last night?" Poppy asked with annoyance.
Harry sat up straighter, as a surge of anger coursed through him, "I'm fine Madame Pomfrey."
"I'll be the judge of that," the medi-witch raised her wand ready to examine Potter.
Harry stepped back away from her. He knew full well she would find out about the pain potion he took this morning if she was allowed to assess him. "I don't need anymore assessments. I'm perfectly fine," Harry said with irritation.
"Mr. Potter I will not put up with this insolence from you. Now take a seat and let me do my job!"
Harry started to panic at the thought of being caught with more pain potion running through his bloodstream. "I'm fine! Just leave me the hell alone!"
Poppy stood with her hands on her hips, ready to put this insolent child back in his place, "You have no right to speak to me in such a matter! If Severus were awake he would be seriously disappointed with your behavior!"
Just then an alarm went off signifying a turn for the worse in Severus. Poppy immediately turned her attention to the Potion Master, waving her wand over him. Her heart sped up as she realized his heart had stopped.
Poppy shook her head saying, "Oh no you don't Severus … you will not leave this child alone!" She quickly brought her wand down on Severus' chest as sparks flew into the man.
Harry stood frozen, unable to move for fear of letting the panic take over him. He watched as the medi-witch shot bolts of lightening into his father's chest then watched as his father's body arched upwards. What did this mean? Was Severus dead? Oh Merlin, NO! NO! This can't be happening. It was his fault, all his fault. Why had he insisted on going into Hogsmeade? Why hadn't he been able to defend himself?
He heard someone screaming out "No! Don't die!" Harry shook his head, unable to comprehend the thought of losing the one person he trusted. He abruptly realized it was him yelling out. He clamped his mouth shut, willing Severus to move on his own.
A healer pushed Harry out of the way as he rushed to Severus' side. Harry watched the man blast a bolt of lightening into the Potion Master. Severus didn't react; there was no sign of life, no movement.
Dread swept over Harry as he saw that his father was no longer breathing. The healer pulled out all sorts of potions forcing them down Severus' throat. Madame Pomfrey was frantically trying to get Severus to breathe.
Professor Dumbledore suddenly appeared beside Harry and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Hope is a funny thing, you never really know if it will be fulfilled," Dumbledore stated as Professor McGonagall stepped into the room at a fast pace.
Harry watched as the Headmaster raised his wand over Severus, chanting a complicated spell. Both the healer and Madame Pomfrey seemed to know what he was doing and stepped back away from the bed. Within seconds Harry could see his father breathing on his own.
Dumbledore stumbled away from the bed, seemingly to be drained of energy. Professor McGonagall escorted the old Headmaster to the floo and they both disappeared.
Harry rushed to his father's side before he was pushed back by the healer once more. It was another hour before he was finally allowed to stand beside Severus' bedside. He sat down in the chair holding onto Severus' hand. He didn't move away from his father for the rest of the day.
At midnight Madame Pomfrey tried to make him go up to his dormitory but Harry refused. She must not have wanted to get into another fight with the Gryffindor because she didn't force the issue. The next morning Harry was still in the same spot when Hermione made an appearance.
"I brought you something to eat," Hermione placed a plate with toast on the nightstand.
"Thanks, but I'm not very hungry," Harry said as he rubbed his tired eyes. "Severus died yesterday."
Hermione placed a hand on her chest as she took in a deep breath, and looked at the pale professor.
"Dumbledore brought him back to life. He hasn't woken up though. I think Malfoy's spell is blocking his mind from waking," Harry rambled out. He saw Hermione's look of confusion and added, "I've been trying to get into his thoughts but all I see is blackness."
"Maybe he'll just wake up on his own. What was he hit with?"
"I don't know. Friggin Malfoy used some sort of dark magic. I hate that bastard!" Harry spat out.
Hermione gave her best friend a hug and asked, "Ginny and Ron want to see you. Is it okay if they come by?"
Harry shook his head, "I don't think Severus would want anyone to see him like this."
Hermione stayed with Harry for another hour, giving him a run down of all the people who had been hurt in Hogsmeade. In the end they had all ended up to be fine. She tried to get him to study but he refused.
"I can't concentrate right now. It's hard to think of anything other than Severus getting better."
Hermione nodded her head, "I suppose you're right." She gave her best friend another hug on her way out, "Take care of yourself Harry; Professor Snape would want you to eat."
XXXXXXXX
Harry stayed by his father's side for the next two days with Hermione bringing him food a couple times a day. Madame Fairchild came to visit at one time giving Harry a chance to leave the infirmary and get more pain potion. The pain potion made him feel calmer for a bit before he felt irritable once again. He took bigger sips, trying to sustain the feeling of euphoria for just a bit longer.
Moody came looking for Harry when he didn't show up for lessons. He spotted the boy looking worse for wear with his head resting on his folded arms.
"Potter, did you forget our appointment today?"
Harry sat up straight, rubbing the sleep from his tired eyes. He looked at the ex-Auror and shook his head, "I'm not leaving my father."
Moody looked Potter over with narrowed eyes, "You don't look right boy." The boy looked more than just tired, he looked unsteady and shaky. Moody was quite familiar with wizards taking illegal potions and if he didn't know any better he might think Potter was high.
"You still taking that pain potion boy?"
Harry stiffened at the accusation, "No sir."
Moody looked from the boy to the potion master. Severus looked as if he was death's door. Maybe the boy was just emotionally distraught. He thought he would keep a close eye on Potter anyways.
"Come see me tomorrow Potter," Moody said and left the boy to his grieving.
XXXXXXXXXX
On the third day Malfoy came in and walked towards the bed tentatively, "How's he doing?"
Harry looked at him with contempt, "I dunno, why not ask your father? He might know how long Severus is going to be like this."
"I didn't know he would do something like this to Severus. I mean I've known Severus since I was a baby and my dad had him over for supper all the time. I can't believe he did this to him," Draco said with sincerity. The sight of his professor in that state made his stomach tie up in knots, but knowing that his father was responsible for it made him feel even sicker.
"What are you doing here Malfoy? Get the hell away from my father," Harry said as anger quickly took hold.
"Shut up Potter, I've known Severus a lot longer than you have. Just because he adopted you doesn't mean he still isn't important to me."
Harry shook his head and turned his back on the Slytherin. He took hold of his father's hand once again trying to ignore Malfoy.
Draco moved to stand on the other side of the bed and took hold of Severus' other hand whispering out, "Sorry Severus, I'm so sorry."
Harry looked up in time to see Draco swipe away a few tears. Harry didn't say anything else to the Slytherin and he didn't force him to leave either.
XXXXXXXXXX
On the fifth day Harry still had not left his father's side and had purposely ignored Moody's request for training. The ex-Auror knew too much, putting Harry on guard against seeing him. He asked Professor McGonagall to intervene and give him permission to skip training until his father was better. She seemed touched by the request and said she would talk with Moody on his behalf. Harry felt relief over not being caught with the potion running through him.
Late that day Madame Pomfrey had already given her daily admonishments about him eating a proper meal and sleeping in his own bed. Harry had refused, not bothered in the least by her nagging.
He had his head resting on his father's hand when he felt someone touching the top of his head. He slowly lifted his head. His father was staring back at him through bloodshot tired eyes.
"You're back," Harry whispered out afraid he was dreaming.
Severus pushed his son's hair away from his face, relieved the boy had not been harmed during the attack.
"Are you alright Harry?" Severus asked in a raspy voice.
Harry immediately poured his father a cup of water and handed it to him.
"I'm alright but how do you feel?" Harry asked as he swallowed the huge lump in his throat.
"Other than a pounding headache, I am fine," The Potion Master said as he reassessed his son. The boy was wearing rumbled dirty school clothes and he looked as if he hadn't slept for days. The boy's eyes looked tired and swollen, as if he had been crying and his hands were shaking.
The professor suddenly realized Harry had never left his side. It was perhaps the first time in his life to have someone care enough to actually sit with him during his convalescence. His heart surged with emotion for this boy.
"How long have you been here?" Severus asked with concern over his son's tremors.
Harry shrugged his shoulders, "I dunno." He swiped at a few tears that were threatening to fall, "You died Severus, do you know that you died?"
"I'm okay now son. I'm not leaving you," Severus whispered out with emotion.
That was all it took for Harry to crumble. After watching his father actually die then watching the man lay frozen for days, Harry was flooded with relief. Giant tears sprang forth as Harry struggled to stop them.
"I thought you were going to die. I thought …" Harry couldn't continue.
"I do not intend to leave you son," Severus said as Madame Pomfrey bustled into the room.
"Severus! You're back!" Poppy declared and pulled her wand out. Harry stepped back away from the bed, wiping his eyes with the back of his hands. The pain potion was making it impossible to hide his emotions.
After a thorough examination Madame Pomfrey announced the black magic to be gone. She looked back at Harry as he leaned on the bed next to his father. "Now maybe you can get your son to start taking care of himself. For Merlin's sake, the boy hasn't left your side for days and refuses to go to classes. I'll tell you Severus, you have your hands full with that one," The medi-witch declared as she pointed her wand at Harry.
Harry flushed with shame over being admonished in front of his father. Severus noticed his embarrassment and quickly spoke up, "I could not be prouder of his fierce loyalty." Severus reached his hand toward his son and Harry took it with gratitude.
Madame Pomfrey shook her head, "You've gone soft when it comes to that boy." She poured a few potions into a cup and watched as her patient drank. She shook her head and headed back into her office.
"Perhaps it is time you slept in your own bed?" Severus suggested.
Harry nodded and let go of his father's hand, "I never meant what I said."
Severus looked at his son with confusion.
"Before we went to Hogsmeade I said something stupid. I just want you to know that I never meant it. I'm really lucky to have you for a father," Harry said as he tried to hide fresh tears.
Severus lay back on the pillows, a feeling of relief flowing through him.
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
Ginny snuck into the sixth year boy's dormitory, hoping to find her boyfriend. She found him fast asleep still wearing his rumbled school shirt. Next to him on the bed was an empty vial with the remnants of a green liquid stuck to the sides. She held the vial in between her fingers before placing it on the nightstand. She figured he must still be on potions for all those curses he was hit with during the attack.
Ginny knew what had been happening to Professor Snape through Hermione and felt sorry that her boyfriend had almost lost his dad. The news floating around the school was good though. Professor Snape seemed to be cured of the horrible dark curse. That would account for Harry sleeping in his room once again. Ginny thought she would wake him up by snuggling next to him but quickly changed her mind when Ron walked into the room.
"What are you doing in here?" Ron asked in an accusing tone.
Ginny blushed but stood up straighter when she faced her brother, "Just looking for my boyfriend."
Ron scowled at her, "He's sleeping, now get out. You're reputation is bad enough without sneaking into the boy's dorms!"
"Shut it Ronald, you're going to wake Harry!"
"Harry's awake," mumbled out Harry. He rubbed his eyes and sat up facing the Weasley's.
"Oops, sorry. Harry, I've been wanting to talk to you. I got the present you sent. It's the greatest gift I ever got but it's too much," Ginny said with a sad smile.
Harry had completely forgotten about the broom. He reached for Ginny's hand, "Ginny, you have to keep it." With a wicked smile he continued, "If you don't I'll give it to Ron."
Ginny looked appalled by that statement, "Well in that case … I guess I'll keep it."
Ron groaned with disappointment, "Great, now she's going to be flying loops around my old broom."
Ginny threw her arms around Harry giving him a quick kiss on the lips, "Thanks for the present."
Ron groaned again, "Do you mind?"
Ginny looked at her boyfriend's tired swollen eyes with concern, "Are you alright Harry?"
Irritation washed over Harry, tired of being assessed at every turn, "I'm fine."
"Well you don't look it," Ron said.
Harry ran his fingers through his dirty hair, realizing how bad he must look right now. He unconsciously flattened the front of his school shirt with his hand.
"How's Professor Snape? I heard he was better," Ginny asked to change the subject.
Harry smiled at the thought of his dad being back again, "Yeah, he's better. Actually, I should get up and go down to see him." He had been asleep for almost ten hours.
Ginny moved off the bed but stopped Harry before he went into the bathroom to shower and change.
"Thank You," said Ginny as she pulled Harry into a firm embrace. "I miss you."
Harry hugged his girlfriend back, "Yeah, I miss you too."
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TBC
Paris was so beautiful! I can't wait to go back!
Sorry about not getting four or five chappy's out but my laptop crashed on the plane. On the other hand , I did watch the entire season of Lost on my little dvd. Cheers! Oh, yeah, if your happy I gave you two chappys then review please +)