Disclaimer: I own nothing other than the plot and anything you don't recognize. If you sue, you will get little more than pocket lint.
Rating: M
Summary: Harry Potter is 16 and beginning the summer between his 6th and 7th year. He is found to be in danger and some crazy events change his life forever.
Pairings: SS/HP hinted RL/SB
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Chapter Four: Actions and Reactions
"Action reaction Blood line is not immune To the depth of human nature Inside of me and you" –Slayer/Killing Fields
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Severus Snape paced the dungeon, shocked beyond belief. Term had begun, drawing back obnoxious students. Potter had been left to decide whether he would return to his House or stay and to Severus's shock and pleasure, he remained in the dungeon. However, the boy had become silent to all but Professor Lupin, returning for Defense Against the Dark Arts.
After Diagon Alley, Potter had begun avoiding the world, a difficult task when the entire wizarding world wants something from you. Somehow, the boy had managed, aided by his dungeon refuge. In fact, Severus had only caught glimpses of the boy outside of class but that had been long enough to see the dead look that inhabited the once lively eyes.
The fact of the matter, as Severus assumed it, was that Potter was chastising himself for a simple mistake that meant nothing to the boy. His friends weren't speaking to him and rumors flocked him everywhere he went inside and outside of the school. This was the most upsetting factor. The older man had harassed the boy, yes, but he had always cared for Harry. He took it too far to think that a relationship could be drawn, but that is how dearly he cared for him. Severus decided that it was time for a change; a long needed change.
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Harry sat on his bed, staring at the open book sprawled out in front of him. He wasn't focusing on the words or any part of the book, more just looking at it expecting something to happen. He had been studying for hours and was exhausted. He had taken to doing his homework after Hermione and Ron both stopped talking to him. It also helped him avoid the world.
The day at Diagon Alley had changed everything. Countless students had seen him hug Snape, though he thought that none had. The rumors had already begun around the school, which naturally meant everyone knew. Whispering followed him everywhere he went and none of his fellow Gryffindors were speaking to him. In a matter of minutes upon arrival, everything he had once had gone, but after he felt Snape return the hug, it almost was worth it.
"It's for the best," he said to himself, trying desperately to believe it.
"What's for the best, Mr. Potter?" the cool silk voice sounded from the door causing Harry to jump slightly.
"Professor," he stated, his voice hollow, his eyes focused on the book.
"I asked a question. I expect an answer," his roommate calmly stated. Harry could tell that he was annoyed when the boy acted this way.
"I was simply talking to myself, sir," Harry sternly said, still avoiding eye contact. He did notice out of the corner of his eye his professor shift slightly.
"Harry…" Snape started calmly only to be cut off by an angered teen.
"Professor, I apologize for my behavior. If you have been harassed for it, I'm sorry, but I don't want to talk about it," he stated exasperatedly, looking up long enough to get his point across.
Snape nodded and walked out of the room.
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The weekend came slowly for Severus, and with its arrival came a Death Eater meeting. As he began to pull on the special black robes, he noticed the presence of another body. Turning, he immediately was face to face with Potter.
"You have a meeting?" he asked, a hint of worry filled his voice.
"Yes," he muttered, pulling at his arm as a sharp pain filled it. "I need you to notify the Headmaster of my absence."
Potter nodded before lunging forward and grasping his Professor in a hug. Severus was shocked, tensing up only to relax into the tight hug. 'This is perfect,' he thought, holding him close. Finally, Harry pulled away as another surge of pain seized his arm. Taking a couple steps back, he turned, walked out of the door and disappeared from sight.
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Harry gaped as the realization of what just happened hit him. 'Why did I just hug him? I mean, sure he's hot…wait! Did I really just think that?' Harry's thoughts began to take him places he had never imagined before now before he could snap back to reality. 'Dumbledore!'
Running through the hallways, he rounded the last corner and bounded right into Professor Lupin. Harry gasped as he felt a firm grip upon his shoulders, keeping him upright. He groaned inwardly, knowing that he would be forced to say something.
"Harry, why were you running after hours?" Lupin questioned, letting go of the boy when he thought that he could stand properly.
"Professor, I'm fine. I just need to see the Professor Dumbledore," Harry spat through gasps for air. He made a move to get by Lupin, but the man replaced his arms on Harry's shoulders.
"Why do you need to see the Headmaster?" he asked, trying to restrain the worry from flooding his voice.
"I was asked to for a friend. May I please go now, sir," Harry stated, trying to leave out the sarcasm. Lupin nodded and stepped aside, a hurt look falling upon his face. He would have to explain more later.
Arriving at the eagle statue, Harry began to rattle off as many sweets as he could, finally managing to make the eagle open and move. He bounded up the stairs only to hear an aggravated Fudge through the closed door.
"You prepared an army that was going to take over the ministry and you expect me to believe that you are not in search for power!" he exclaimed.
"I told you last year that I did not arrange for them to meet. I did tell you, however, that I supported them and still do," came the calm voice of Dumbledore. "I do not, under no circumstances, want to be Minister of Magic. That army was made to fight off Voldemort, not to take over the ministry."
"I WILL NOT BE MADE A FOOL OF!" cried Fudge. Harry heard loud stomps and had just enough time to move out of the way before the door came flying open and out stormed Fudge, a vein on his forehead sticking out greatly.
When the ranting man had left earshot, Harry stepped forward. "Professor?" he asked, hoping that he wouldn't be sent away.
"Harry, please come in," the kind voice of Dumbledore came, changing from the calm yet stern voice that had been used moments before. Harry quietly stepped inside and took the large chair he had often used before. His gaze circled the room, as was his habit, before turning his attentions to the Headmaster.
"Sir, why was Fudge so angry? You don't want to be the Minister, do you?" he asked, unable to withhold the question.
"No, m'boy, I do not, though I doubt that this was the reason that you are down here after hours. I also sense that it is not your scar," he stated, sounding very tired. The twinkle was gone and he was beginning to look older than he ever had before.
"No, professor. Professor Snape was called to a Death Eater meeting about half an hour ago. He told me to notify you," the boy stated, his eyes falling upon the Sorting Hat and then finally Fawkes.
"Very well," Dumbledore stated, a hint of worry sneaking into his words like a young child trying to sneak cookies yet failing.
"Sir?" the question came out strangled as if he was afraid to ask.
"Yes, Harry?"
"When is Fudge going to realize that you don't want his job?" Harry blurted out. Dumbledore chuckled.
"I doubt he ever will. He has grown accustomed to power and feels threatened by everyone who offers him advice. If I were to want to be Minister of Magic, great numbers would be behind me. Like I have told him, I have no desire," the old man stated, a light smile on his face.
"Professor? If we know that the war is coming closer and we know about the Horcruxes, why is Snape continuing to play spy?" Harry asked, a very confused look crossing his face.
"Professor Snape, Harry," Dumbledore paused as if contemplating what came next. "He continues to spy because we are still in need of information. Not only that, it is the only way that he can continue to stay alive."
Harry nodded as he let out a long yawn, his eyes feeling heavier by the minute.
"As it is well past midnight and you appear to be very tired, I believe that this is good night. If you have anything else you would like to discuss, we will do so in the morning," he said as he lit the fire. "You will use the floo network and return to your rooms."
Harry nodded and gave a brief smile before taking a pinch of the powder. "Night sir. Snape's rooms," and with that, he was gone.
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Meanwhile, Severus stood at the front of the assembled Death Eaters. The Dark Lord had not yet arrived and the mood was grim. Severus knew exactly what was going to take place, the followers were only this quiet before a murder.
As Voldemort entered the room, Severus could tell that it was going to be his death; he had been discovered. The thoughts began to jumble in his mind as he gave the deep bow that was the custom. 'Will Harry be safe without me? Would he even care if I was gone? Will he win? I love the boy and swore to protect him, how can I do that if I'm dead?' he thought, his breathing becoming very irregular. (A/N: I actually wrote that before DH came out.)
The maniacal laughter stirred him from his thoughts. He stood, a strong emotionless look upon his face. Severus Snape would go down fighting for all he was worth.
"You have betrayed me, Severus. You were my most trusted. Honored above all," the wheezy voice began. "I told you things that most know not, including my inner circle. You disappoint me greatly." His snake-like eyes pierced Severus as if they were daggers.
"Turn, Severus, and face those loyal to me!" Voldemort order. As soon as this was said, the curses began to fly. Pain seared through him, burning every part of his body. He barely could move as he fell to the hard ground, hearing several cracks as he hit. Memories reeled as his strength left.
Finally, the pain subsided enough for him to hear the large amount of laughter. Severus looked up, daring to steal a glance at his former master. A feeling of hate flooded him and he was one again on his feet, ignoring the broken bones.
"If that's all your loyals have, they're becoming weak," he called, his natural scowl quickly plastering itself to his face. He pulled out his wand, aiming it at the Dark Lord.
"Now, Severus, you should have seen this coming. It was only a matter of time before I found out. Wasn't it you who killed Regulus?" Voldemort snickered, his own wand pointed.
"Expelliarmus!" Severus cried and the Dark Lord's wand went flying through the air. As his faithful followers fumbled for it, he took the moment to apparate, escaping his death.
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Harry had barely slept. He feared the worst in regards to his Potions Master. It was Saturday so they thankfully did not have classes. A book was spread out across the desk and he was seated, scribbling the finish to his Charm's essay due on Monday.
He heard the fire crackling and went to investigate only to find a worried looking Dumbledore standing in the living area of the rooms.
"Harry, I am afraid that I have some bad news. Severus was badly injured last night. He was found in Hogsmeade though he has lost much blood and will not wake up," he paused, allowing Harry the time for things to sink in.
"He's not dead, is he?" the boy asked quietly as though that would make it less true.
"No, m'boy. I do believe that he has been discovered. He needs to spend more time in the Hospital Wing which is where he is located now. Good day, Harry," and with that, he flooed himself out of the room leaving a bewildered Harry.
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Severus groaned as his eyes fluttered open. He could make out the surroundings to be the Hospital Wing. He scowled as he noticed the feeling coming from his arms and legs. 'Damn,' he thought as he tried to sit up.
He recalled the events of the previous night and sighed. He hadn't expected to be caught. He had thought he had been careful. He had finally cracked and let his guard down at a key point. Albus would have to be informed.
As he looked up, he noticed a student running toward him. 'Great. Just what I need,' he thought as he leaned back against the pillows. He noticed the hair, then the eyes. It was Harry Potter.
"Professor, you're awake," he stated, sounding surprised.
"I wasn't expecting you to be, Mr. Potter," he managed to get out before a coughing fit over took him. Harry brought the chair closer to the bed. Images swept through his mind; images that he dismissed very quickly.
"I wanted to check on you," the boy whispered, leaning his arms against the bed. "Dumbledore told me what happened, sorta. He told me what he assumed happened, anyways. You had me worried," he said, leaning in closer on the final sentence. This sent shivers down the older man's back. Severus weakly nodded.
"I need rest, Mr. Potter," he managed again. I will be back tomorrow. We will talk things over more thoroughly then. Good day, Harry," the man whispered to prevent another attack. He sighed as he settled in for a nap.
Harry stood and gently laid a kiss on the forehead of his Potions Master before running back down to the dungeons, a feeling of loneliness overwhelming him.
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A/N: Thanks to all those who reviewed. Again, sorry for the long pause, it shouldn't happen again.
Next Chapter: Meeting the Beginning and the End