Dark blood- Missing body and future plans

So we finish chapter four-Did you like it? Please, please, PLEASE leave a review with your thoughts-I want to know what you think of this chapter and where you think this is going. Your support and comments are always appreciated:)

Thank you once again-I don't want to give away too much but I think things are going to get very interesting for all people involved here.

It was almost surreal, the way everyone looked for traces of the body. It was eventually decided however, that the body was no longer in the vicinity and had been removed by an external party. Now the same group who had searched for the professor, stood before each other in the headmistress' office trying to decide on what could have happened.

"I doubt the ministry's involved otherwise they would have told me"

"He-he was supposed to be there"

"Where could e' ave possibly gone off too?"

Arther, Minerva and Hagrid continued to talk but the focus of Hermione and Ron was only on Harry. "Harry mate...I'm so sorry"

"...its ok. I'm fine"

"Harry please don't worry. We will find out what's happened to him-I'm certain" Hermione tried, however even she seemed disheartened.

Harry just stood there and nodded, silently contemplating what he was going to do now. There was a clear look of defeat however, in his emerald eyes.

"Guys...I would really appreciate some sleep. I think we should all just head to our dorms and think about this tomorrow"

Hermione and Ron looked at each other and nodded. After telling the three adults, the trio of Gryffindors went to their dorms.

Severus woke up to the bright light shining through the ceiling window he had only just noticed. He sighed, and blinked a few times before attempting to sit up and move around. He only managed to walk half the distance of the couch and kitchen when the room started to spin. He blinked a couple of times but black spots started to appear. Oh no, damn it. Just as he was about to fall back in a dead faint, two hands scooped him up quickly and carried him to the couch where his limp body was placed.

"Severus you shouldn't try and get up yet." The older wizard scolded as the younger wizard's glazed eyes looked at him.

"You need to stop that Albus" Severus muttered weakly.

"Stop what?"

"The...this lifting up thing! You don't need to carry me! I am perfectly fine!"

"Clearly, which is why you nearly fainted just now?" The twinkle in his blue eyes was there but there was a serious expression on his face. Severus looked up at him, clearly annoyed.

"I didn't nearly faint. That is an exaggeration"

"Suit yourself Severus. But you are not moving until I decide when you are better"

Severus sighed again but it was more resigned. Albus smiled and took a seat on a nearby chair he had conjured.

"So what is the plan now, headmaster?"

"Well that depends on what you wish to do, my boy. Did you have something in mind?"

That was something he had never considered. The possibility that he would survive the war just never came up in his mind. He had always assumed he wouldn't survive, if not because the dark lord would discover his position as a spy, then because of the number of crucios and the amount of torture his body had had to endure. Actually it was a miracle he was here right now since the probability of any of this happening was practically zero. His silent contemplation was disturbed by his mentor's voice.

"Severus? Severus, child are you alright?"

"Hmmmm... yes I am fine"

Albus glanced at him, then quickly waved his hand and two filled teacups landed in his hands. He handed one to Severus and ordered him to have a drink.

"Severus, what were you thinking about just now?" He asked with a sip of his tea.

"Its just that I never considered the idea that I would live through the war. I always thought..." he trailed off and turned to look at Albus, a painful expression on his face.

"That you would never survive as Voldemort would discover your allegiance to me" The headmaster finished for him, staring deeply at the potion master.

"Yes...Honestly speaking I have no plans for the future. What about you? What are you going to do now? What have you been doing?"

"I stayed with family Severus. However I know for a fact that you have none therefore I will stay with you. I have been waiting a long time to see you again but I had hoped you would have some plans for us to follow. I had hoped I would just...ah what do muggles say...'Tag along' to whatever it was you were planning to do" Ok maybe not entirely true-I may have a plan but will you agree?

They stared at each other silently for a moment contemplating what they could do. Then Albus spoke.

"We could go back to Hogwarts! I would love to see all the students and staff again, especially now that the dark lord is gone and you will be recognised for the efforts you have made Severus! We should definitely go ba-"

"NO! I REFUSE!"

"Why Severus? You will finally be recognised and acknowledged and...Severus are you alright?"

In his excitement, the old headmaster had failed to notice the sudden look of sorrow that had crossed Severus' face, until now. Oh Severus I am so sorry. The boy had brought his knees up to his chest and was leaning his head against them as silent tears ran down his face. Then Albus understood. He feels guilty, even now. He wouldn't want to see those he had hurt even if it was to protect them. Even if they would have forgiven him by now. Surely he must know this?

"They would have forgiven you by now Severus. Surely you know that?"

Severus stopped and looked up again. His eyes were now rimmed red, a tell-tale sign of his tears as he glanced at Albus.

"You know they wouldn't have. No one can forgive a murdering death-eater bastard, not to mention complete git like m-"

"SEVERUS!" Albus suddenly roared and stood up visibly shaking with his fists clenched. Severus physically flinched at the unexpected movement and let go of his knees and looked up completely shocked.

"You are not to EVER refer to yourself in such a manner again! Do I make myself clear?"

"Perfectly..." Severus whispered still looking shocked.

Albus smiled again and calmly sat back down while eying the boy in front of him. "They forgave you as soon as the battle ended Severus. As soon as they saw the memories, they understood what a good, brave and loyal person you were-are in fact, since you are alive" Though they don't know it-yet! Albus grinned to himself.

"I don't want to go back being seen as the headmaster who reigned a time of complete terror and chaos over Hogwarts. I know I did it to help the students, but that won't change anything when they look at me and remember the time they were crucio'd! To many, I am as bad as the dark lord himself-maybe even worse since I supposedly betrayed you"

Albus remained silent for a moment then said "You know that isn't true-If anything the students and staff of Hogwarts will be the only people you can turn to when the time comes as they are the only people who know" Severus crossed his arms and scowled.

"I don't want to teach those incompetent children potions. I never liked teaching anyway."

"You don't have to-I'm sure Minerva would appreciate a new DADA teacher, especially one as eager as you"

"But what about the shock of being alive? I'm sure they would think I am dead"

"But that's half the fun. When they realise that we are alive, can you even imagine the expression on their face when they see us healthy and happy"

"Speak for yourself. I'm better off dead..." Severus grumbled to himself.

"What was that? Did you say something?"Albus inquired. Severus paled slightly remembering Albus' outburst from earlier and shook his head.

"Good. Either way Severus, I respect your decision. Should you wish to return to Hogwarts, I will arrange for it in someway. If not, then we will think of something else."

"Thankyou, but I think my mind is made on this- I will not return to Hogwarts. You may of course do as you please, but I will have no part in it if you do"

The twinkle dimmed a little-He knew that Hogwarts and being accepted back in would be good for Severus and had hoped he would agree, but if his would-be son was against it then...

"I will stay with you then Severus. I won't leave you, but have some time to think it through at least. You know the option is open to you always. Now get some rest-you are starting to look quite red"

"I would be-you annoy me too much" The potion master replied but shuddered. Albus frowned and leaned forward to observe him.

"Are you sure you feel alright Severus?" The normal answer would be 'no I have just been attacked, bitten and poisoned by a giant snake-what do you expect?' but of course this was Severus and he always said;

"I'm fine, now stop worrying"

Albus ignored him and placed his hand on Severus' forehead and cheek. He was too hot. Far too hot. Albus stood up, ignoring Severus' complains and whines, and went to retrieve a cool cloth from the kitchen. He folded it and placed it on Severus' forehead. Almost immediately he stopped complaining and sighed in relief.

"You were fine, were you, Severus?"

"Shut up old coot" Severus smiled and Albus smirked in a very Snape-ish manner.

But he was worried. The sudden fever was most likely a result of the venom from Nagini and this also explained the fainting spell he had had earlier. But because he wasn't a healer he couldn't be sure and had no way of being able to help Severus. He could only hope the boy recovered quickly enough on his own or they would have to find help.

Now onwards to the next chapter...;)