Author's Notes:
Dear friends, I wish to thank all of you for your reviews. They help me to write faster and more so the more reviews you submit the better. As promised, I have another chapter up. Enjoy and please don't forget to review.
Chapter 3
The Burrow was in upheaval! Several members of the Order of the Phoenix were spilling through the floo system, while others were apparating in the backward or flying through the wards to get to the meeting that was scheduled to start in a few minutes.
Earlier on, Albus and a few of the Order members had flooed to the Weasley's home. When Albus saw Severus heavily bandaged in several places with a stasis spell placed over him, he could help asking in a very tired and defeated voice "What happened Molly?" At that moment, the Headmaster looked every bit his age. "I don't know what happened exactly, but this afternoon, after having picked up Harry from his relatives I was in the kitchen preparing dinner when I heard someone apparate in the backyard. I first thought it was Arthur coming home early but when no one came to the door, I peered through the window and saw a much bloodied Severus who was trying to remain standing! I rushed outside and managed to catch him before he hit the ground." Upon hearing this, the Headmaster appeared to be deeply shocked as he knew that Severus could withstand a lot pain. 'I cannot bear to imagine what those death eaters did to Severus for him to collapse' Albus thought sadly, his blue eyes no more twinkling.
"Oh Albus! The poor lad has been through so much and I always knew that those death eater meetings could be gruesome but what I saw today broke my heart!" Molly cried. She then told to all of them present how Charlie and Bill helped with the injuries. After finishing her report Molly told Albus that she would keep Severus at her place until he was completely fit again. "He needs someone to take care of him, St Mungo's has too many patients and he will not be at ease there. And we will be taking better care of Severus than those medi-wizards!" Albus looked kindly at her, the twinkle back in his eyes, "I have no doubts that you will take good care of Severus but I must warn you that he is the worst patient that you will get in the whole world." "Oh don't worry Albus. The children will be helping me and Charlie will be staying for a few days as the burns Severus got will take a few days to heal completely."
Meanwhile, Harry was talking to Ron in the bedroom. "Ron what's wrong? I noticed you were acting a bit odd but I just shrugged it off as being due to your upcoming change – but somehow I think it has something to do with Snape." Surprised, Ron looked up at Harry with a pained expression. 'What do I do? Can I trust Harry or will he have some sort of prejudice due to his upbringing in the muggle world?' Ron thought frantically. Not knowing what to tell his friend, Ron sat heavily on his bed. Harry could clearly see that Ron was very upset about something – 'But what could it be? He seems nearly scared to tell me.'
"Ron if you are scared that I might not understand because I spent more time in the muggle world than in the magical realm then you have nothing to worry about. I promise to understand your problem and help you through. I'll always be your friend." Harry said sincerely.