Chapter Seven

Harry flinched as a sudden flash of pain flew through his head, causing him to stumble slightly. His best friend, Ron Weasley, caught him by the shoulders, hissing, "Harry!"

"I'm alright, Ron. It was a summons warning."

Ron understood. He had experience with his friend's connection to the Dark Lord. He had spent nights waking to Harry's screaming in the dorm room and long days waiting in the Infirmary as his friend recovered from the tortures he experienced. "Do you need to see Pomfrey?"

"No." Ron knew better than to push. But he also knew that if their other best friend, Hermione Granger, heard of this she would practically drag Harry to the nurse or Headmaster. He also knew that 'Mione was losing what little trust and friendship she had built with Harry over the past few years but didn't have the heart to tell her.

Sometimes Hermione was too practical for her own good and it was ruining the best friendship she had. And Ron had no trouble with choosing between the two. He didn't care if everyone believed Ron had some type of feeling for Hermione or her him. If he had to choose, Harry would always win. He would follow his friend to Hell and back.

Ron wasn't as dim as everyone thought. He played life like he would chess, carefully studying the pieces around him without letting others know what he was thinking. He knew Harry wasn't always being truthful, hiding secrets that could ruin everyone's image of the Golden Boy. Even Ron had his doubts about his own friend, but he was allowed, right?

After all Ron did betray his best friend during their Fifth Year. He's turned his back on Harry when he needed Ron the most. He vowed that he would always be at Harry's side, never turning away. But Hermione was another story. Yes, she was practical and depened upon her facts, even her research. She hadn't turned her back on Harry, not as often as Ron had. But she did depend too much upon book smarts. That was what was ruining her close friendship. She believed everything she said or even mentioned was correct, that she was looking out for everyone's well being. She also believed that any and every twinge Harry suffered because of his scar must be seen by Madame Pomfrey and the Headmaster.

She just couldn't understand that Harry knew when to meet the Headmaster. Ron did. He knew that Harry wanted to use his time wisely in hopes of getting what he could done before suffering from future visions, causing him to land in the Infirmary for hours, even days on end. But Ron had learned that lesson the hard way. He almost lost the best friendship he could have. Until Hermione realized that, Ron would always remain at Harry's side, no matter what.

"Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley!" Both boys froze at the screech. Ron inwardly sighed. He knew that if he ever felt something for her, it was disappearing quickly. She was too much like his Mum and sister, Ginny. "Where have you been?"

"Talking, 'Mione. Harry wasn't feeling well."

"Harry!" Said boy barely contained his flinch as the Muggle-born witch turned on him. But Ron saw it, knowing 'Mione just lost the best thing she ever had with her next words. "We need to see the Headmaster and Madame Pomfrey then! This instant! It could be dangerous, He might be hurting you without you knowing."

The red-headed Weasley frowned behind 'Mione's back as Harry forced out a sheepish laugh, trying to cover the hurt that Hermione didn't trust him enough to know Voldemort's actions toward him. After all, he had learned more about his curse scar after the whole Sirius deal, a lot more since his new tutors started teaching him. "Breathe, Mione. I'm fine. I'll see them later."

Brown eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Alright, Harry." Then her attitude changed, "Now, library."

"'Mione! It's only the weekend."

"Exactly! Our Potions essays are due onMonday. Do you honestly think I'm letting you two copy from me again or slack off this year?"

Ron waited for the brunette to turn away before deliberatelysaying within earshot, "She's worse than Mum! I swear she's been taking notes!"

He got the reaction he wanted, a genuine freely given laugh from Harry. Ron pretended that he didn't know that Hermione had heard him while playing the part of oblivious Ron. He acted out a confused frown as a laughing Harry stepped back, "Harry?"

"Ronald Weasley!" Harry couldn't stop the slight flinch but Ron could. He's heard that tone millions of times from Ginny and their Mum. Besides, he was doing this for Harry. He knew the other boy wanted to get away, using any excuse to stay away from Hermione's overbearing intelligenceand belief that everything she said and didwas right, just as Ron had always thought.

He turned slowly to face the irate witch. "Uh, 'Mione?"

Harry chose that moment to flee, "I'll leave you two be. I'm going to see Professor Lupin."

Distracted, Hermione waved him away, "Sure, Harry. Now explain to me what exactly you meant, Ronald Weasley!"

Harry turned tail and ran. His headache from earlier was coming back full force. That meant only one thing, Voldemort had called his loyal followers to his side and Snape had already left. Harry raced through the halls, glad he had a close rapport with Hogwarts as she allowed her hallways and stairs to lead the fearful boy straight to the Infirmary. Later he would have to thank her, making a mental promise to spend more time in her halls during the weekend.

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"Severus." The masked Potions Master knelt at his Master's feet, waiting for the signal to rise. "I've heard interesting things involving you. You and the Potter boy."

Severus fought back his flinch, making sure his mind was cleared and protected. "Yes, my Lord?"

"You've had him in your grasp. Why is he not here!"

"Remus Lupin joined us every time, my Lord."

Several Death Eaters snickered, "That is no excuse. The werewolf is easily disposable. Are they not?"

This time Severus did flinch. He knew the Dark Lord was talking about the new spell McNair had created. It forced a werewolf to feel as if fatal deposits of silver had been forced into their bloodstream, sometimes killing them within mere moments of application. "I could not, my Lord."

Voldemort's low voice grew dangerous, "Why is that, Severus?"

"We have been teaching Potter the Dark Arts and Lupin had created a slight shield against the spell, one lasting long enough to defend or reflect the spell. Both were taught to Potter in the same night by Lupin."

Low mumbles could be heard, "I see. The Ministry aregiving in toDumbledore, are they not, McNair?" Said Death Eater flinched, "I'll deal with you later, McNair. But you, Severus, you are first."

Severus braced himself for a long night, "Yes, my Lord."

"Crucio!" The proud man fell back, screaming beneath the force of the spell. Voldemort spoke as if the man before him wasn't screaming, "Never take the initiativeagain. I decide how Potter is discredited. And if he was ever in your lonely grasp I expect him to be found kneeling in my presence!"

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Remus Lupin cried silentlyas he helped Poppy to forcibly hold down Harry. For the past hour he had been screaming and twisting as he suffered another vision. Remus was trying to whisper soothing words in the ears of his young charge but could do nothing more. "I'm sorry, Harry. But Severus knew it would happen soon. He mentioned that someone was outside that night. We must explain it to everyone."

Harry had sobbed and pleading for the past hour, causing his voice to be raspy as he spoke to his caring Professor, "M-morning." Harry couldn't face anyone, not in the state he was innow. Not after seeing Snape suffer the way he did at the hands of his fellow Death Eaters.

Said Professor was slowly limping into the Hospital Wing, being led by a very concerned Headmaster. "Poppy?"

The harried medi-witch hurried to their side, "Shh, Severus. Lay him here." Once Severus was in place, she poured various potions down his throat. He had been in the Wing often, to the point that she knew what ailed him without having to run a scan. "He'll need the night to rest, Headmaster. Him and Harry."