Rating: Pg-13

Disclaimer: Not mine!

Spoilers: Major spoilers for 'Hole In The World', minor for OoTP

Summary: Ok, poetry challenge response (I only took the last six lines of the poem, though, because it was a really long poem) So, cutting out the whole ending of 'A Hole In The World, cuz that's just not a cool ending.

The Will Of Love

Part One

Tho' much is taken, much abides; and tho'
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven; that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
- Ulysses, by Tennyson

Wesley sat with the ill girl in his arms, holding her tightly to him. Tears streaked her face as she cried harder. He looked up at the old man, sitting in the corner, watching him.

"Can you help her?"

"Yes. I can try at least."

Albus Dumbledore took Fred from his arms. He laid her out on the hospital bed. Madame Pomfrey scuttled in, her eyes going wide at the sight of the girl.

"What is this?" She huffed.

"Demon possession. Mr. Wyndam-Pryce brought her in." Dumbledore said softly.

"Wyndam-Pryce? Not him! He . . .oohh, that child drove me absolutely nutty all those years he was here!" Poppy paused, taking in his words. "Demon possession?"

"Yes. Ms. Burkle is quite ill. I've sent for Severus."

Poppy eyes bugled out of her head. She gaped. Her mouth opened and shut several times. Albus smiled softly at her, and gazed down at the girl.

"Severus swore to kill him the next time he laid eyes on him." Poppy spluttered.

"Oh, was that so? Hmm, yes. The potion is over in that cabinet. Do make sure he stays out there for a little while, Poppy."

"I'm not going anywhere near him! Not now that Severus Snape is on his way here. Do you think I'm insane?"

* * * * *

Wesley paced back and forth on the stone floors. He was so worried about Fred, that he didn't even notice the man until he was almost breathing down his neck. He felt a clammy hand grab onto the scruff of his neck. He was shoved against the wall.

"What are you doing here?" A voice, dripping with hatred. Severus Snape's greasy black hair fell in think strands over his face as he leaned toward Wesley.

"Severus?" Poppy poked her head out of the infirmary door. She gasped, as he whirled to face her.

"What?"

"You're needed in here." She stiffened before giving them both disgusted looks.

Severus released him and gave him a look of pure hatred.

"The same to you." Wesley said, rubbing his throat. "Brother."

A/N 2: Continue?