Severus Snape Revealed Shorts, Story TWO:
Pure Romance
Part 11: Bravery Unrewarded
AN: JK Rowling created most of these characters and the universe from which they hail…
I can't leave the house these days without some stay-at-home Mom trying to sell me some Pure Romance. I assume this type of stuff is sold worldwide, but I live in the town that started Pure Romance. Yes, a family in Cincinnati, Ohio came up with the idea years ago and it's grown into a monster. If you are unaware, it's a company that sells sex toys. Yes. So I'm going to write a story about it for no good reason. No, I don't work for Pure Romance, no, I've never been to any of their parties, but I'm invited all the darn time!
It goes without saying this installment is rated M for mature language and some graphic…um…depictions. Okay, it's just plain raunchy.
(This story begins during the first week of October, 1985. Rhys is long gone, as is Lily, and after four years of mourning, Severus is still deeply affected, however, he's slowly beginning to emerge from his self-imposed mental-exile.)
Thanks Lorelei for being my beta for this chapter!
"What the 'ell happened to you lot?" Filch asked as the door opened wider to reveal the bloodied Severus and Kathleen.
"Severus!" Dumbledore spoke in a frightened but soft tone.
"We were attacked by werewolves," Kathleen responded struggling to hold Severus up despite her own injuries.
"Where?" Filch asked.
"Here!" Severus snapped back.
"On the grounds?"
"Yes Argus, on the grounds...of Hogwarts!"
"That...that can't...but...I thought you were at Damocles Belby's last night?" Dumbledore asked.
"We were and then they freaked out so we came back here and we were attacked!" Kathleen answered.
"How many?" Dumbledore inquired.
"At least three."
"Kathleen...Severus...you weren't...bitten...were you?" Dumbledore asked in a very concerned tone.
"No, just clawed and chased, isn't that enough?" Severus retorted. "Nothing stops those fucking animals! Nothing!"
"I know, I know...come in, quickly, you both require medical attention," Dumbledore spoke, opening the door wider.
"I can't believe they had the gall to attack here on Hogwarts grounds!" Filch spoke, holding an oil-lantern up to Severus's face so he could see his wounds better.
"Why not? They don't care; they are everywhere Argus, everywhere!"
"He's right; they were in the Forbidden Forrest and here on the grounds, very close to this front door."
"Well Kathleen, I can assure you, they'd never get into Hogwarts," Dumbledore pressed. Severus gave him an evil glare that Dumbledore ignored. Without taking his eyes off of Dumbledore's, Severus began to speak.
"Kathleen, werewolves-are-everywhere...never forget. No place is safe."
"Take the secret passage to the infirmary," Dumbledore instructed, using magic to open a secret door in the stone wall to their left. They stepped in and within five seconds opened another door to the back of the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey was still sleeping and thankfully no students were present. Dumbledore went to wake Madam Pomfrey as Kathleen helped Severus to sit on a bed. He was feeling weaker and the pain in his shoulder was growing unbearable. She too took a seat on the same bed and the two just stared at the wall across from them.
Seconds later Madam Pomfrey, wearing her night shirt and robe, exited her room off to the corner of the infirmary. She looked terrified and instantly went to Severus first.
"No, no, take care of her first," Severus insisted.
"No, you're far more injured than me," Kathleen corrected.
"It's just a flesh-wound..."
"No, it's more than that. Madam Pomfrey, a werewolf scratched his shoulder and the cut goes down to the bone. I sutured as best as I could..."
"He's lucky he didn't lose this arm! Werewolves usually remove limbs when they attack," Poppy spoke and then slowly pushed back the tattered portions of Severus's robes to expose his left shoulder. She made a face that indicated he was worse off than even he suspected. "You did well on the sutures but if this goes to the bone, well...I think he needs to go to Saint Mungo's, Albus," she said, turning to face Dumbledore who stood next to her.
"Albus, Severus was very brave. He saved my life," Kathleen boasted as Severus was growing too weak to roll his eyes.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. He got out in front of me and took the slash; otherwise I'd be the one heading to Saint Mungo's."
"You're not out of the woods yet, Professor O'Hara, I need to examine you," Poppy insisted.
"Her heel is injured", Severus whispered just barely loud enough for anyone to hear.
"He needs blood replenisher before we send him to Saint Mungo's," Poppy said, walking past Dumbledore to her potion's cabinet. She rushed back and fed him a vial. He instantly felt warmer and a little stronger. She helped get him to his feet and then walked him to the Floo. "This will be tricky. Albus, can you take him?"
"Yes, I'll get him there, Poppy," Dumbledore said, coming over and leading him to the massive Floo, so tall none of them had to crouch to enter. "Work on Kathleen. I'll be right back."
The Floo ride was the most painful one of Severus's life. Dumbledore helped him out of the Floo. The first person Severus saw was a former class mate of his from his Saint Mungo's days, Healer Braiak Bartemus. Severus recognized him, but he didn't recognize Severus.
"Albus Dumbledore, what do we have here?" Bartemus asked.
"He was attacked by a werewolf last night. Not bitten. But he has a horrid gash on his shoulder; it's down to the bone."
"Well that's not good. He's not our first werewolf casualty this morning, I'm afraid. Let's get him into Trauma room six and have a look," he stated as Dumbledore helped lead Severus to the tiny, white room. Once inside he helped Severus onto the bed.
"He's had one vial of blood replenisher..."
"Two," Severus whispered. "Half of pain potion and one full of anti-inflammatory," Severus managed to speak to the Healer who still didn't recognize him.
"I'll need a medi-witch to run some tests, who sutured you?"
"I talked a friend through it," Severus spoke softly. He then closed his eyes and began to drift off to sleep.
When Severus opened his eyes, he found he was in a white room, extremely well lit with magic, and he could hardly move. He was also still dizzy and very cold, but he was in no pain. A moment later he heard the muffled sounds of someone in the room, but he saw no one. He then heard a piece of furniture begin to slide across the floor, followed by somewhat loud breathing. A moment later he saw the face of a goblin staring down at him.
"Severus...Severus Snape?" the goblin asked. "Don't nod; you shouldn't move your neck."
"Uh, yeah."
"Healer Snape?"
"Uh...yeah?"
"I'm Healer Goran...I'm your replacement," the goblin said and then gave Severus a very un-goblin-like smirk. "Healer Bartemus passed you off to me. You required surgery. He said you were in training here with him a few years ago?"
"Uh...yeah."
"After you left, St. Mungo's was minus one surgeon. I'd been working in France for a while, so I decided to come back to England," he said as Severus found it nearly impossible to move any part of his body.
"Do I require your entire resume and life history?"
"Ah, they said you were snarky. I had to operate. You nearly lost that arm. You're damn lucky."
"Something I often lack...luck."
"Well I meant me...you're lucky I was here to operate."
"Of course."
"Your arm will be fine. You need to keep it immobilized for two weeks. You're also fighting a nasty infection, but being who you are, that shouldn't be a real issue," Healer Goran said, peering down at a chart. Severus could barely see in his hands.
"What do you mean?"
"How much goblin is in you?"
"Uh...not sure...not much. Why?"
"Well you have enough, that's for sure. I'd say, third, maybe fourth generation."
"I have no clue. Why?"
"Calm down! The goblin blood that flows through your veins...wizard...is what's saving you and what's killing you at the moment."
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, goblins don't get infections, ever...so the blood you have will help with that. You only needed one vial of anti-biotic and I'm certain your infection will be gone by dinner time. However, as I'm sure you know, goblins have no iron in their blood."
"Why the hell would I know that?" Severus asked, getting angrier by the second.
"Well excuse me...wizard...you should know your own physiology. Goblins have no iron because goblins need no iron. Let me guess, you can't eat meat, correct?"
"Correct."
"Well goblins can't process meat, of any kind. The problem with goblin-human hybrids is, human's need iron and if they eat no meat and take no supplements and don't eat enough iron rich foods, then they have severely deficient iron levels in their blood. Also, having goblin blood automatically makes you iron deficient, even if you could eat a raw steak every day, it'd still not be enough."
"I'm twenty-five years old and I'm just now learning I'm anemic?"
"Oh you're not anemic. You're severely-anemic. Let's see...pale skin, moderately jaundiced, excelled heart rate...fatigue?"
"I'm really never fatigued."
"Goblins only require two hours of sleep per day. Humans...eight. You get something in-between, right?"
"Four if I'm lucky. I feel fine with five."
"But you're probably tired and cranky...often. If you ever need blood replenisher again you need one designed for goblin-human hybrids. The human stuff works a little, but not enough. If you ever really need it, the human stuff won't save your life. You almost died today. If I hadn't noticed your long, slender fingers and opened your eyes to see the blackness, I'd never known to get you the special potion."
"I see."
"Now, for some reason I'll never comprehend, most goblin-human hybrids are too embarrassed to head to the shop to get the proper supplements and blood replenisher. But I hear you're a Potion's Master so you can make your own. Eat iron rich foods. You eat fish?"
"Yes, sometimes."
"Three to four times per week from here on out. Take goblin-human supplements, three drops per day in your favorite beverage, and once a week, one vial of iron supplement. Your blood will never be fully iron rich, but you'll be feeling a lot better."
"Fine, when can I leave?"
"Tonight. I want to remove the bandages and make sure all is well. I want to test your blood one more time to make sure the replenisher worked."
"Okay."
"You need rest. I'd tell you to avoid work for at least a week but being that you're part goblin, you're stubborn; you will not listen to me. Take it easy. Eat lots of fish. If the wound gets red, if you see any puss, come back to see me. You'll need some pain potions if you plan to return to work. A mild analgesic should do, and an anti-inflammatory. Any other questions Healer Snape?"
"No...Thank you."
"You're welcome," the goblin said, vanishing from Severus's view. He heard the furniture slide back and the muffled footsteps leave the room. Severus rested and slept for several more hours.
"I'm not taking that thing back to Hogwarts!" Severus sneered.
"Yes, yes you are!" Goran challenged. "What part of 'it's too dangerous to Floo or Apparate' did you not get?"
"I got it all, but that Knight Bus is crap! Ever been on it?"
"No."
"Well the ride alone may kill me. That driver is older than Methuselah and blinder than a goblin!"
"I don't care. I worked hard on that arm. With all the scar tissue from your previous shoulder injury, and all the metal screws I had to insert...no. You're walking or taking the Knight Bus...I'd recommend the Knight Bus."
"Fine!" Severus said, standing up too quickly from the bed. He got light headed again and slowly sat back down.
"Pig headed part-wizard. Sit down. Here, this is the recipe for human-goblin blood replenisher," Goran said placing a tiny piece of parchment in Severus's un-slinged hand. "Now, slowly rise. You just had major surgery. You lost a lot of blood. You're fighting an infection. Relax on the bus. It's outside waiting for you."
"Is Dumbledore here?"
"No. He left after we gave you the dreamless sleep. We owled him and told him you were okay and returning tonight."
"Okay," Severus said. He slowly rose and placed the recipe in his pocket. Goran walked behind him as he made his way towards the exit. Once outside he saw the Knight Bus parked right out front. Two witches and one other wizard were boarding. When Severus turned, Goran was gone. Severus sighed and slowly approached the idling bus.
He slowly and painfully stepped up and turned to take the first vacant seat. In the first row was a drunken prostitute. Next to her, a homeless wizard. One goblin sat alone glaring at Severus. Behind him was a hag who was drooling and breathing heavy. Two bleeding wizards and one passed out witch later, Severus found a vacant seat near the center of the bus. The second he sat down the bus sped off, causing sudden and great pain in his tender shoulder.
The sun was setting as the bus sped towards the north. Severus avoided eye contact with the low life's on the bus by closing his eyes. He'd drifted off to sleep when the bus suddenly came to a stop, which hurt even more. Several witches and wizards exited the Yorkshire stop, leaving the hag too close for comfort.
"THIS BUS SUCKS!" the hag screamed nearly as loud as a werewolf. Although Severus agreed he wasn't about to speak or even look at her. The bus started heading south which confused Severus, but he didn't want to approach the driver to ask where he was going. "I HATE THIS STINKING BUS!"
"Fuck you," a lone bleeding wizard spoke. The hag turned and glared at him before exposing her sharp, green teeth.
"FUCK ME? NO, FUCK YOU WIZARD!"
"I wouldn't fuck you with his dick!" the wizard said, pointing back at Severus, who was instantly insulted.
"What's wrong with my dick?" Severus couldn't help but speak.
"Oh, uh, nothing bro, just needed to say something, eh," the wizard said, turning to face Severus. Severus didn't recognize him, but the bleeding man appeared younger than Severus and he was not English.
"I think you need sutures."
"No bro, it's just a flesh wound."
"I'm not your...bro."
"YOU BOTH NEED TO SHUT THE FUCK UP!" the hag screeched.
"Chill hag! Your face is making me sick!"
"YOU MAKE ME SICK YOU PIECE OF SHIT NON-ENGLISH WIZARD!"
"I'm Canadian, I'm almost English, you nasty skank!"
Severus just rolled his eyes, took a deep breath, and had his wand at the ready in case the hag attacked.
"I HATE YOU!"
"Good! Wanna fuck?" the wizard asked as Severus instantly made a sickened and confused face.
"FINE!" she shouted. The bus stopped in Surrey and the two exited. Severus thought maybe he'd had too many pain killers. Perhaps he'd just made the whole thing up. He'd never really know. The bus sped off again and headed back towards the north.
Finally the bus stopped but Severus didn't recognize where he was. The bus remained still as Severus looked around to see who was exiting.
"Get the fuck off asshole!" a voice from the rear of the bus shouted. Severus looked around to find he was the only other person left. He slowly approached the driver and asked him where he was.
"Hogwarts is two miles that way," the driver said, pointing over Severus's good shoulder.
"Can't you get me closer?"
"No roads."
"It's a magical bus for Christ sakes!"
"No roads...no bus. You need to walk."
"Unbelievable," Severus said to himself as he stepped off the bus, which instantly sped off the second his feet hit the road. "Major surgery, nearly killed by werewolves, witness to hag foreplay and now...I walk...through the fuckin' Forbidden Fucking Forrest!"
Severus used his lumos to guide him through the thick forest...again. He heard owls and critters and leaves crunching beneath his feet. He was exhausted and his shoulder was throbbing and the pain was growing far more intense. He was wondering how Kathleen was. He wondered if Belby had been mauled by werewolves. He wondered why Greyback was on Hogwarts grounds. He wondered if he'd make it to Hogwarts before passing out.
He smeleed smoke and saw the lights emerging from Hagrid's hut. Severus was exhausted and thirsty and decided to stop at Hagrid's for a little break. He knocked on the door and heard the footsteps slowly approach. The door creaked open, exposing Hagrid's black eyes.
"Oh, Sev'rus! Come in!" Hagrid spoke, opening the door wider. Severus slowly entered the well lit and very warm hut. He took a seat at the table as Hagrid must have instinctively known to pour him a large mug of water. The mug was massive and almost too heavy for Severus to lift in his weakened state. He drank about half and then put it down. "Werewolves a' 'Ogwarts. I c'nt believe it!"
"Believe it."
"'At's shockin'. I 'eard you was injured."
"Yeah...slightly."
"Was it the same shoulder I uh...'urt a few years 'ack?"
"Yup."
"Oh Merlin!" Hagrid squealed and then began to cry. "I weakened it!"
"No, it's fine...really..."
"I made it worse!"
"No, no, now see I needed surgery so it repaired the damage you did and..."
"I did damage? I'm so sorry Sev'rus!"
"It's okay...Hagrid."
"I did'n mean to hurt ya!"
"Yeah, well, thanks for the much needed water. I need to head back to Hogwarts now," Severus said, tired of Hagrid's tears. All Severus wanted was news on Kathleen and his bed. He finally made it to Hogwarts and took the secret passage down to the dungeon. Once inside he was instantly greeted by Mini, who wrapped her arms around his calf and hugged him as if he'd been gone for years.
"Have you heard if Professor O'Hara is well?" he asked the elf, who stared up with her big blue eyes, and shook her head from side to side.
"Master needs a good dinner!"
"Yes. Salmon, scalloped potatoes, peas and...Chocolate cake."
"I'll tell the kitchen elves to make that," she said, snapping her fingers and vanishing from view. Severus painfully removed his soiled and tattered robes and inspected the bandages. He put on his night shirt and long robe and sat down on his sofa in front of his rolling fire. He closed his eyes and felt his stomach rumble when there was a knock at the door. Before Severus could speak, he heard the door open. A moment later, Dumbledore entered his quarters and took a seat near Severus.
"How are you?"
"I've been better."
"How much time off do you need?"
"None. I'll teach tomorrow."
"I'm not sure that's a good idea."
"It's a great idea Dumbledore," Severus spoke in a bored, monotone voice as he stared straight ahead into the fire.
"What you did, last night Severus...was very brave," Dumbledore spoke, to Severus's surprise. "And very, very stupid."
"What?"
"You risked your life, to save hers."
"Yes...I mean, I wasn't really thinking. I just...I wanted to save us both."
"By putting yourself out in front of her?" Dumbledore asked, rising to his feet and staring down at Severus who suddenly felt very small.
"Should I have pushed her out into the werewolf's mouth instead?"
"No! You shouldn't have been in that situation! How can you help me protect Harry if you're dead...or turned...or severely injured?"
"Oh...I see, this is about him, not me or Kathleen's safety."
"It's always about Harry. Our world depends on him. Tom will return! I've told you this countless times."
"I know! I pledged to protect that boy! I'll go to his house now and protect him! God knows he needs it from that lousy Aunt of his! She's probably worse than the Dark Lord."
"This is not a time for jokes Severus."
"I'm not joking. Petunia is a world class bitch and a Muggle monstrosity and you know it! Merlin knows what she's doing to him, with his emerging powers. She's probably got him living in her garage or worse! She hates us and our world!"
"She's jealous is all."
"She's a cunt is all."
"Fine. But you promised me you'd protect Harry...Lily's son!"
"I've not broken my promise Dumbledore!" Severus said, rising to his feet to confront the wizard who stood before him. "I'm here, aren't I? Here at this crap school, working this crap job!"
"Would you rather be in prison...or dead? That's where you were headed otherwise."
"And whose fault was that?" Severus spoke under this breath. Dumbledore's angered face froze as he squinted his eyes. Dumbledore took a deep breath and lowered his tone.
"Severus. Last night, why didn't you just take Kathleen to the pub and Floo to your house or somewhere safe when the werewolves in Belby's lab became unstable?" Dumbledore asked and then gave Severus a soft smile.
"I...I don't..."
"You weren't thinking. You panicked. You fear werewolves. I understand that. You panicked and brought her to a forest. A forest swarming with werewolves, thus putting both of you in danger."
"It was never my intention to put either of us in any danger."
"I know. I can't prevent werewolves from roaming the forest, Severus. I'm sorry you were injured. I thank you for saving Professor O'Hara's life, but you must understand how important you are to helping me protect Harry, and thusly, our world."
"I know. Dying last night was not on my agenda, believe me."
"You must be more careful, for Lily's son's sake. You need to concentrate on your job, and your job is to help me protect Harry Potter."
"He's five. He's not in school yet. Can't I work at St. Mungo's and protect him from there?"
"We've discussed this, Severus."
"You don't trust me. You need to keep me close, yeah, yeah, yeah."
"I trust you. I just fear you may...try to harm yourself again and..."
"I'm fine. I've done everything you've asked of me."
"Yes. And then some. I need you alive; it's as simple as that. You can't protect Lily's son if you're dead. I need you focused on the task at hand. Tom can return at any time and when he does, Petunia will be the least of Harry's problems."
"I know. I've not forgotten or changed my mind. My word is my word, it's all I have."
"Good," Dumbledore said, taking a deep breath and turning the leave. "I'm glad you and Professor O'Hara are alright. She's fine by the way...scrapes and bruises. She knows you're okay and back here now."
"Good, I'm glad she's okay."
"Yes...which reminds me...if I may be so bold...um...be careful, with her," he said, turning to face Severus with serious eyes.
"Yeah...um, in what way?"
"Use protection."
"Uh...I know you're not talking about...uh..."
"I most certainly am."
"First of all, it's none of your business, second, what makes you think we're..."
"You are. She's young, you're young, you two are together all the time, and I know you like her and she likes you. It's only natural. But you need to be careful."
"Of what? I've done the research, wizards don't get AIDS you know...AIDS and cancer, boy are we lucky. Crabs on the other hand...well...good thing we have potions for that..."
"I'm not joking. The last thing I need are little red headed-black eyed witches and wizards running around Hogwarts distracting you from your job...to protect Lily's son."
"Okay, I'm on some pain potions so I may be hallucinating here...are you under the impression she and I are going to make little babies or something?"
"Love, sex, babies. That's usually how it happens."
"Well there's lust, sex, birth control...babies sometimes too."
"Severus."
"We're not going to make babies and live happily ever after. I don't even like kids."
"I'm sure you'd like your own. But they would cause a distraction and take away from your pledge to protect Harry."
"What kind of bullshit name is Harry, anyway?"
"I think maybe you should take all of the patrol shifts from now on."
"What, you mean, every night?"
"Yes."
"And every weekend?"
"Yes."
"When the hell am I supposed to sleep?"
"You're part goblin," Dumbledore said. "You don't require sleep." It was the first time Dumbledore acknowledged Severus's goblin side. Severus took a deep breath and stared at Dumbledore.
"No."
"Excuse me?"
"No. I won't patrol every night and every weekend. I'm the Head of the Slytherin House. I brew potions for our hospital wing. I'm working on Wolfesbane for your friend...Lupin...I'm still a spy with the other Death Eaters. I don't have time to monitor the halls for students out of bed every night. I'm not having babies with Kathleen. You need not worry."
Dumbledore paused and smiled. He seemed impressed that Severus stood up to him. He nodded and left the room. Severus was too weak and tired to be angry. A moment later his dinner arrived. He ate, took his potions and went to bed. That day was a bad one. He needed a new one.