Chapter 3 - I can save him.

Harry and Gwen waited patiently inside the new duelling hall for the seventh year students to join them. It was late in the afternoon, their last class of the day. They had both enjoyed a quiet lunch in their rooms followed by a short nap and both were feeling quite lively as the students began to shuffle in. In consultation with Albus they had decided to have the students come to this class in their full year groups.

'Good afternoon.' Harry called as the last students found their seats on the benches around the hall. 'Welcome to the first class in Duelling, Weapons and War Strategy. This class will teach you how to defend and attack, with both your mind and your body. This class will be one of the hardest things you have ever complete but it is necessary during these times and I will make a promise to you all; if you work hard and listen, it will save your life.' Harry said this with such conviction that, surprisingly, they all looked as if they believed him.

'Today I would like to see you duel so that I can gauge your skill level. Please come out when I call your name.'

'Excuse me, but what do we call you?' Susan Bones asked hesitantly.

Harry glanced at Gwen before looking back at the class, his eyes shadowed. 'Harry. You just call me Harry.' he said softly. 'Now why don't you and Justin come on up and show me what you can do.' He responded, smiling brightly. The two Hufflepuffs nervously stood up and made their way to the front of the hall. 'Up to fifth year hexes and curses only.' Harry said firmly. The two students nodded and bowed to each other and Harry said to begin.

Justin was definitely the quicker of the two, shooting of a disarming curse almost immediately after Harry spoke. Susan dodged the curse nimbly, sent back a jelly legs jinx to which Justin responded with a leg locker curse. The duel continued for several minutes before Justin finally disarmed Susan with a stunning spell. The rest of the students clapped politely as Harry released the Hufflepuff and they took their seats.

'Well done both of you. Now let's have Dean and Seamus.' The two Gryffindors repeated the same bow and waited for Harry to tell them to start.

Two by two Harry worked his way through the class, not commenting on any of the duels other than to say well done. The final pair of Malfoy and Parkinson was certainly an eye opener but the rest left Harry slightly depressed. When the bell rang he quickly rounded out the lesson and sent them on their way to dinner. Ron and Hermione waved him goodbye before closing the door softly behind them. Harry sank gratefully in to a chair in front of the desk and looked at his wife.

'We're in trouble, aren't we?' She said softly.

'Yes darling, we are.' Harry sighed. 'I had hoped they had improved since fifth year, especially the ones in the DA but obviously that isn't the case. They are supposed to be the best in the school but they are all woefully inadequate with both their incantations and their aim. Even their wand grip is incorrect on half of their castings.'

'I don't imagine that Ron and Hermione kept the DA going while you were gone. By the sounds of it they had trouble just keeping themselves going.'

'I know.' Harry said softly, feeling the wave of guilt wash over him once more.

'Hey.' Gwendolyn whispered, coming around and sitting in his lap. She lifted his gaze to meet hers. 'You had to go. There was nothing you could do, you know that.'

'You're right of course, but it doesn't make it any easier. I promise to try and forget about it though. We have more important things to worry about.'

'Good.' She kissed him softly on the nose. 'Now what are we going to do about Mr Malfoy. That was quite a display he and Miss Parkinson put on. Some of those curses were bordering on the Dark Arts.'

'I know. I hate to think where he learnt them.' Harry shuddered.

'Do you think he has been marked yet?'

Harry shook his head. 'No. My head aches a little when Snape is in the room but I get nothing from Malfoy.'

'That could be because Snape is always sneering at you.' Gwen pointed out.

'Ha ha. So is Malfoy.' Harry snorted.

'There's no malice in it though. Not anymore anyway.'

'True. Come on, I'm staving.' Harry's stomach let out a large growl to emphasize its position, causing Gwen to giggle loudly. They rose, joined hands and walked through the door, Harry casting an extensive locking charm on it.

'Wouldn't want them trying out any of the weapons without us being there.' He said in response to Gwen's raised eyebrow. Nodding her agreement they headed down to the great hall. Three corridors away they could hear the loud rumble of conversation. 'What the hell is going on?' Harry asked, sprinting the last part till he was standing outside the door.

'Your guess is as good as mine.' Gwen panted, catching up with him. Harry grabbed her hand and threw open the door, keeping her behind him as if to shield her.

'Great Merlin's ghost.' Harry swore softly, his eyes wide, jaw slack. 'I'm going to kill Dobby.'

'What? What is it?' Gwen said, trying to peer around him. Harry recovered enough to move a step sideways and allow the elf to see into the hall. By now most of the students had noticed their arrival and were watching them avidly. 'Oh bugger.' She snickered loudly. Harry turned to her.

'Funny? You think this is funny?' He said incredulously, gesturing to the hall. Down the centre aisle, lined up in two facing rows, was the entire compliment of Hogwarts house elves, their uniforms immaculate and all bowing low. Up at the head table were two intricately carved chairs and behind the chairs stood Dobby and Winky, each holding an embroidered napkin on a pillow. Harry groaned and blushed deeply before striding up the hall, face like thunder. He could see Hermione's amused expression as well as Ron's disappointed one at not being able to tell Malfoy himself. Harry didn't even dare look over at the Slytherin table. Gwen, still giggling, hurried to catch up with him, thanking the elves as she passed. Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling so brightly you could have illuminated a small classroom with them and Remus and Minerva were both struggling to maintain their composure.

'Glad you all think this is so amusing.' Harry hissed glaring at Dobby as he pulled out his chair and laid his napkin across his lap.

'Harry, my boy.' Albus chuckled. 'You shouldn't be embarrassed. It is a great honour to be accepted into the Elven royal family.'

'Humph.' Harry muttered. Gwen, still giggling, sat beside him, thanking Winky and clapping her hands once. With an enormous crack the elves disappeared and the noise level in the room immediately rose by several decibels.

'Harry was hoping to keep it quiet.' Gwen snickered. Harry just growled at her and helped himself to some mashed potato.

No one ate much that night except Harry, who used the meal as an excuse to keep his head down and not participate in any conversations or catch anyone's eye. Partway through the meal Gwen squeaked and grabbed Harry's arm.

'Harry. These chairs are ours.' She whispered.

'Yes, Albus allocates all the staff chairs. We'll always sit in the same spot.' Harry said slowly.

'No idiot. These are our chairs. You know, from the Room.' Harry looked at her quizzically.

'Room? What room?'

'The. Throne. Room.' She hissed. Remus, who was sitting next to Harry, couldn't help himself and let out a bark of laughter at the expression on Harry's face before smothering it by placing his hand over his mouth. The dark haired young man just groaned and buried his head in his hands.

'I am so going to kill Dobby.' Harry muttered.

'I don't think Dobby has quite the connections to do this.' Gwen scolded.

'I don't care. I know he had something to do with it.' Harry grumbled. 'I mean look at us. I'm surprised they haven't tried to make us wear crowns again or something.' He added glumly. Remus looked fit to burst he was struggling so hard to stifle his laughter.

'And what if they did?' Gwendolyn said imperiously.

'But it's so embarrassing.' Harry whined.

'Harry James Potter.' Gwen hissed, bursting into a torrent of Elvish. Her tirade continued for several minutes, with Harry alternately shaking his head, nodding sheepishly or sprouting his own Elvish in reply. Abruptly she finished and turned away from him.

Harry swallowed and sighed, reaching out to clasp Gwen's hand within his own. 'Arluen valen evara.' He said softly. (My love forever)

Gwen looked back at him, tears in her eyes. 'Arluen valen evara.' She whispered, throwing her arms around his neck.(My love forever)

'I'm sorry.' Harry whispered. 'I love being married to you. I'm not embarrassed, really. It's just different here than it was at home.' Gwen's eyes positively sparkled at Harry's still calling The Glade home. She had been extremely worried, something she had shared with no one, that he would immediately fall back into the old "Hogwarts is home" habit which would make it difficult for him when the had to return to The Glade. While the elves had all fallen in love with the young man who had married their princess, Harry had found the attention difficult for quite a number of years.

Minerva raised an eyebrow at Albus whose eyes had dimmed momentarily. 'Harry, don't forget the meeting tonight.' The Headmaster whispered.

Harry nodded and rose. 'I have to train for a while. I'll see you later.'

Together, he and Gwen walked swiftly from the hall, Dobby and Winky trotting faithfully behind him. Harry guessed that the two house elves were now going to shadow them most of the time, but he also guessed there was probably nothing he could do about, the elves having been in contact with King Darius, it so he let it go. The walk to their rooms was done in silence, Harry already moving into training mode.

'Weapons or magic?' Gwen asked as they gave the wood nymphs the password and moved through their secret passage to the training hall.

'Weapons.' Harry responded curtly.

Gwen didn't make any comment on Harry's tone of voice. She was used to it. Harry had been trained to forget everything but the task at hand. He was like a machine in training and battle, both physically and mentally and Gwen new better than to call him up on his tone of voice. She had been reprimanded for that before, not by Harry, but by her father. Gwen settled herself down in one corner, Dobby and Winky sitting at her feet. Harry moved swiftly and silently through the room towards the far wall. He held out his hands and summoned a large battle axe with his right hand and two silver daggers with his left. He then moved into the centre of the room, tucking the daggers into his left boot.

Leaping forward he swung the battle axe down on an imaginary foe. Slashing left and right he made it look effortless, although Gwen knew the battle axe weighed over forty pounds. Leap, jump, roll. Harry went through his exercises perfectly, just as he had been taught. He finally threw the axe, imbedding it firmly in the wall opposite before pulling out the daggers. Again silver on silver flashed quickly, Harry working quicker through his exercises than Gwen had seen. Her heart swelled with love for the man her husband was. She had never met such a selfless, loyal, brave person before. It was the one thing that had drawn her to him in the first place.

Her parents had always said that one day she would find her true love. She had had many suitors, all vying for her hand since she was a very young lady but no one had ever touched either her heart, or her soul, like Harry had. From her first meeting she knew she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. Her parents had tried to talk her out of it. 'He will die long before you do and you will be left alone.' they had warned but Gwen didn't care. As time passed, both King Darius and Queen Madolyne had fallen in love with the quiet, unassuming young man and welcomed them into their family with open arms. Harry, of course, took a lot of time getting used the attention. The Elvish people thought the match to be perfect. They too loved the young man. His saving three Elven children from a dragon one evening in the nearby woods did nothing to help his shy demeanour as he suddenly became a saviour in a second world.

Gwen remembered back to the talks they had shortly after they were married.

Flashback

'How do you do it?' Harry said sadly.

'Do what?' Gwen looked at him quizzically.

'The people, the attention. All the praise for not even doing anything.' He whispered.

'But we do, do something.' Gwen insisted. 'We give people hope and joy and love. The people love you for who you are Harry. For what you believe in and stand for. Not because of marrying me or for something your mother did when you were a baby.' Harry looked at her, tears pricking his eyes.

'Arluen valen evara.' Harry said softly. (My love forever)

Gwen hadn't said anything, just kissed him softly on the nose.

End Flashback

Harry had accepted his lot in life better after that conversation, taking part in glade events and helping train the elves for the future in case Harry didn't manage to get back to Hogwarts before Voldemort made it through the portal to their world. Gwen started back to the present when she heard the daggers plant themselves into the wall beneath the axe.

'Branistal.' She said softly as he walked towards her, puffing slightly. 'Look at you.' She teased. 'Four days without training and your out of shape.' Harry growled at her but his eyes were sparkling. Training had always brought out the best in him. (Brilliant)

'Just have to get up early tomorrow and run.' He told her, sweeping her into his arms and nuzzling her neck.

'Eww.' She squealed. 'You're all sweaty. Get off.' She tried pushing him away but with an advantage of over a foot and a half and about one hundred and forty pounds it was like a mouse trying to push an elephant.

'Better have a shower then.' Harry laughed, sweeping her off her feet and carrying her into the bathroom.

All was quiet when Harry and Gwen walked into the Room of Requirement a little after nine that evening. Albus had asked them to come a bit later so he would have time to explain what had happened to the other members. The silence didn't last long as he was immediately set upon by both Molly Weasley and Tonks.

'Oh Harry,' Molly sobbed into his chest as she flung her arms around his waist.

'Wotcha, Harry. Great to see you.' Tonks added, slapping him firmly on the back and wincing. 'What the hell have you got under that shirt, an iron plate?' Harry laughed.

'No. It's just me.' He chuckled. 'Mudungus, Professor Moody.' Harry greeted the two men.

Moody scanned him up and down several times with his magical eye. 'Yep. It's definitely him.' He declared.

Harry looked at Gwen and rolled his eyes. The Order members laughed and began introducing themselves to Gwendolyn as Harry moved over to where Albus was standing quietly.

'What's wrong?' Harry asked.

Albus hung his head. 'Severus is missing.' The headmaster said sadly.

'Missing? What do you mean missing?' Harry hissed.

'Shh, keep your voice down.' Albus scolded. 'He left this morning after breakfast to report to Voldemort. I thought he had returned and was holed up in his rooms as he usually does, but I went to check on him after dinner and there was no sign of him.'

'After breakfast? You let him go after breakfast? To Voldemort! You said he was on an errand for you.' Harry snapped. 'Are you senile or something?'

The Order members looked shocked as Harry glared at the headmaster.

'Harry, really.' Molly scolded. 'Apologise to Albus immediately.'

The old wizard was still looking at Harry in confusion.

'You don't realise what you've done, do you?' Harry said coldly, ignoring Molly. Albus cocked his head to the side, brow raised. 'This morning at breakfast I showed all the students the stone.' Harry continued and Albus nodded. 'What was the last image?'

Albus thought back and blanched as his face drained of blood. 'Oh my god.' He whispered, sitting heavily in a chair. 'I sent him back there.'

'What is it?' Gwen said softly.

'The students all saw Professor Snape's body hanging next to mine. It wouldn't take much to put two and two together and work out that he was a spy. One of the students must have owled their parents. I can't believe you sent him back there.' Harry growled at the Headmaster. 'What in Merlin's name possessed you to anyway?'

'We need the information.' Arthur Weasley said, standing up for Dumbledore.

Harry spun to face the Weasley Patriach. 'No. We don't. Gwen and I know how this war is going to start and end and almost all the bits in between. We didn't need to sacrifice him anymore.'

'He's only a Death Eater. He deserves everything he gets.' Moody growled.

Harry whipped around, his face alight with anger. 'Don't you ever say that in my presence again.' Harry hissed dangerously. 'Professor Snape has done more to end this war than anyone else. Not to mention saving your sorry arse twice last year by informing the Order of attacks before they happened, in spite of the way you treat him. If you think that you can do better go right ahead.' Harry snarled and stormed from the room, slamming the door behind him.

Gwen threw a glare at Moody and hurried after Harry.

'You can't go.' She told him, when she found him kitting up in the training room.

'I have to.' He said, planting swords into scabbards and guns into holsters.

'Harry.'

Harry stopped and turned to her, placing the gun he was holding back on his desk. 'Gwen, please. I have to. He doesn't deserve to die.' He pleaded softly.

Gwen sighed heavily. 'You can't save everyone.'

'I know. But I can save him.' Harry insisted.

Gwen looked deep into his eyes and sighed again. 'When you get back, we are going to have a very long discussion regarding this hero complex you have.' She teased.

Harry kissed her softly. 'Thank you.' He whispered.

'Go. Go. Before I change my mind.' She grumbled, waving him away.

Harry grabbed his medical pack, shrinking it and stuffing it in his pocket. He holstered the large gun and kissed Gwen once more before disappearing out the door, blending immediately into the shadows.

Harry walked silently through the corridors, down the stairs and outside the castle. Atrian flew down to greet him, dropping Aeden on his shoulders.

'Dobby. Stay here.' Harry said firmly, not expecting the little elf to take any notice of the command.

'Yes. Harry Potter. Prince Harry, Sir.' The house elf squeaked, but followed him all the same. Harry groaned and continued down to the gates; once there he apparated away with a soft pop.

Gwen sighed and walked back to their rooms to wait for his return. She had been through this before, whenever Harry had been sent on a mission by the Council. He could return in two hours or two weeks.

She never knew.

Almost an hour passed before there was a knock at the door. Gwen rose and opened it to find a sheepish looking Moody accompanied by Albus and Minerva.

'Can we talk to Harry, please?' Albus asked softly.

'No.' Gwen said firmly, glaring at the ex-Auror.

'We just want to apologise.' Moody insisted gruffly.

'No. You can't talk to him.' She retorted.

'Don't you think you should let Harry decide if he wishes to see us?' Albus interceded.

Gwen glared once more before turning away. 'Well, you can wait and ask him yourself, if you like.' She said, walking over to the sofa and sitting down, picking up the book off the armchair and opening it. 'Of course, it could be a long wait.' She added without looking up.

'Why? Where is he?' Minerva asked as they all moved into the room.

'He went to collect someone.' She said cryptically.

Albus sighed. 'He went to get Severus, didn't he?' The Headmaster questions as he sat down heavily once more.

Gwen snorted. 'Harry always did say you knew too much for your own good. Or his.' She muttered wryly. 'Yes, he went to get Professor Snape.'

'But how does he know where he is?'

'He doesn't exactly. But he has a fair idea.'

Whilst no one seemed satisfied with that answer, they all remained silent and Winky appeared moments later carrying a tea tray. Gwen quietly poured cups of peppermint tea for everyone and they sipped slowly as they waited.

The sun was just peeking over the horizon when the fire blazed green and Poppy's head appeared.

'Oh good. You're all there. I need you down here now.' She snapped before disappearing.

Several hours earlier

Harry carefully and quietly checked all of the places the Seers had shown him were Death Eater camps. He went to the Riddle house in Little Hangleton but all was quiet. Harry began to feel uneasy. There was only one place left to try.

Malfoy Manor.

Once more Harry apparated away; appearing moments later in the woods outside a large set of wrought iron gates. The gates were enormous, almost fifteen feet high, with a large M made out of a snake. Harry could hear the yells and merriment coming from the house. This must have been an extra special revel as it would have been going on for most of the day. Dobby was shivering in fright, eyes so wide they were almost popping out of his head.

'Dobby, why don't you go back to Hogwarts?' Harry said kindly.

Dobby shook his head. 'No. No. Prince Harry Potter, Sir. Dobby has been given special instructions by the King to look after his son-in-law. King Darius would not be happy with Dobby if Dobby left Prince Harry Potter. No Sir.'

'Well, wait here then. The Death Eaters would be able to hear your teeth chattering and knees knocking from miles away.' This time Dobby nodded, if a little reluctantly, and Harry crouched down and made his way long the fence. He could feel the edge of the wards and was careful not to touch them. He ran swiftly along almost a third of the perimeter of the estate.

'Shit. Now what?' He swore, when he couldn't find a break in the wards big enough for him to sneak through. Atrian squawked softly. 'Of course.' He muttered.

Harry took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He concentrated hard, picturing the Slytherin who belonged in this house. 'Malfoy.' He whispered. 'Malfoy, wake up.' He heard the other boy wake quickly in shock.

'Potter?' Malfoy whispered incredulously and Harry smiled inwardly knowing without a doubt that Malfoy was currently sitting in his bed, wand at the ready, and not realising that Harry was hundreds of miles away. 'Where are you? Show yourself.'

'Don't worry Malfoy. You can put your wand away. I'm in your head.' Harry chuckled.

'What? How?' Malfoy stuttered.

'First. Stop speaking out loud, you will wake everyone up. Just think what you want to say. And second, I'm a Telepath. I can speak to anyone over any distance.'

'Where the hell are you then?' Malfoy didn't speak out loud this time but Harry could still hear the sarcasm in the other's voice.

'I'm at your place.' He responded, a sly smirk crossing his lips.

'What, in the common room?'

'No, idiot. Your house.'

'Malfoy Manor?'

Harry stifled a chuckle as Malfoy completely ignored the insult and he could almost feel Malfoy's eyes widen. 'Yes. I need your help.'

'Help with what?' Malfoy asked warily.

'I need to get in. Get through the wards.' Harry explained.

'And why in the hell would I tell you how to do that?' Malfoy sneered.

'Because they have Professor Snape.' Harry said quietly. There was a few seconds of silence.

'Pardon?'

Harry refrained from yelling at the boy as he heard cheers go up from in the house. 'Did you send your father an owl this morning, telling him about the stone?' He asked calmly.

'Yes. So what?' Malfoy said almost haughtily.

'All of it?' Harry questioned.

'Yes.' The silence was longer this time. 'Oh no.' Came Malfoy's soft cry in Harry's head. 'I told them he was hanging next to you. Oh Merlin, what have I done? Potter, you have to get him out of there. He's all I really have. Please.' Malfoy begged.

'Calm down Malfoy. That's why I'm here. I need you to tell me how to get in without disturbing the wards.' Harry could hear Malfoy sobbing softly through the link. 'Malfoy, help me. Every minute we waste is another minute Professor Snape has to suffer.' Harry heard him take a deep steadying breath.

'Okay. If you walk from the gates, due east away from the manor for five hundred paces, then due north two hundred, you will find a graveyard. Go into the last crypt and open the coffin on the left side. You will see stairs leading down. Follow them and the path at the bottom until you come to a large door. This is the dungeons. He will hopefully be on the bottom floor.' Malfoy whispered.

'Quite involved.' Harry murmured.

'It was used as an escape route for whenever the Aurors came.' Malfoy explained.

'Thanks Malfoy.' Harry said, preparing to shut the other boy off.

'Bring him back Potter. Please.' Malfoy's pleading voice was the last thing he heard.

Quietly he made his way back to the gates where he found Dobby quivering under a tree. Telling the little elf to wait but stay out of sight, he paced out the required steps, thankful for the lack of moonlight so he was almost unseen. He found the crypt, casting a silencing charm before moving the heavy stone door. Atrian's eyes lit up once inside, casting a soft green glow, allowing Harry to see where he was going. The path at the bottom of the stairs was quite long and quite winding. It took almost fifteen minutes before Harry came to the door and stopped, pulling a small piece of fabric out of his pocket.

'Engorgio.' He whispered, before tossing his invisibility cloak around him. He scanned the door as the elves had taught him, for any sign of magic in the immediate vicinity, before easing it open quietly. He managed to slip through soundlessly and made his way along the passage. He glanced in each of the doors finding them disappointingly empty. Quietly he trotted up the stairs to the next level and worked his way through the cells from one end to the other. Again they were empty. He almost had a heart attack climbing the second set of stairs when he saw the elder Crabbe and Goyle lumbering down towards him. There was no way he was going to be able to fit past the two walking boulders so he quickly reversed his direction and scurried back down the stairs. Thankfully they waddled off in the opposite direction to where Harry was hiding. Intrigued at what the two men were doing down in the empty cells he noiselessly followed them. Down the stairs they went again to a cell at the far end. Throwing open the door, Crabbe lifted his wand.

'Finite Incantatem.' The man snarled and Harry almost groaned when he saw Snape appear, lying in a pool of his own blood.

'Bloody cloaking spells.' He muttered.

Crabbe and Goyle Sr both gave Snape several swift kicks to his ribs and back. 'Lucius said not too much; just a little fun. He wants him alive for later, so that he can re-enact what Draco said was in Potter's stone once the Dark Lord arrives back.' Crabbe scolded when one of Goyle's kicks broke Snape's left thigh bone with a revolting crack. Harry debated killing both men with a quick swing of his axe but luckily for them they suddenly stopped and left the room.

'We'll be back, so don't go anywhere.' Goyle sneered at the still form on the floor, recasting the cloaking spell and closing the door behind them.

Harry let out the breath he had been holding and rushed to where he knew the potions master to be. He didn't bother removing the spell. It would help. With him in the invisibility cloak and Snape under the cloaking spell no one would be able to see them. Working by touch alone he cast several spells to place the unconscious man in a type of healing coma as well as splinting his numerous broken bones with the contents of his medical kit. One last spell had the prone figure lifted off the floor and floating out the now open doorway after Harry. Even though he couldn't see him Harry knew he was there. He could feel the other man's aura, not to mention smell his blood.

Again Harry quietly opened the wooden door and floated the body through. He slid past to check he was fully out before closing the door softly behind him. Whipping off the cloak and shrinking and stuffing it in his pocket, he cast one more spell so that Snape wouldn't bump into anything and took off down the path at a fast jog. The trip back was quicker, Atrian's eyes giving enough light for Harry to see. The coffin was still open and Harry carefully floated Snape out of the gap. He could feel the silencing charm in place still and he swung the door open quickly, making his way back to Dobby. He practically ran the last few steps after his scar began to burn. Voldemort must have arrived.

'Dobby, let's go.' Harry said curtly, grabbing what he hoped was Snape's arm and apparating away with a soft pop.

They landed just outside the gates and Harry broke into a run, heading towards the castle entrance as he watched the sun begin to peek over the horizon. Up two flights of stairs and into the hospital wing, he cast quite a strong locking charm on the door.

'Just what do you think you are doing, Mr Potter?' Madame Pomfrey's shrill voice floated over from her office doorway. Harry gestured towards the two fourth years currently occupying beds, although both were fast asleep, and beckoned the medi-witch into the private room in the back. He shut and closed the door, waving his hand once to cast a locking spell and muttering an Elven silencing charm. Using his hands, he guided Snape's still form to the bed and pushed it down. Poppy looked at him quizzically, before letting out a cry when he took the cloaking spell off.

'Mother of Merlin.' She swore. 'What happened?'

'I found him and brought him back. You had better get Albus and Minerva.' Harry instructed as he began cleaning the open wounds. Poppy hesitated. 'Go.' He said firmly, dropping the locking charm with a flick of his wand.

Harry ignored her and a moment later she swept from the room towards her office. Harry took off the coma spell and began repairing the broken bones, grimacing as Snape started to moan.

'It's okay Professor. You're going to be fine.' Harry said softly.

'Potter.' Snape croaked.

'Shh. Just rest. Here drink this.' Harry tipped several potions, one after another, down the man's throat. He had just finished mending the last of the broken bones and was moving onto closing the various cuts and gashes when Albus and the others burst through the half closed door.

'Severus,' Albus breathed rushing over to the younger man's bedside. 'Oh Severus. I'm so sorry.'

'He can't hear you.' Harry said flatly, closing the final gash on Snape's chest. 'He will sleep for the next twelve hours; then you can talk to him.' Harry laid his hand on Snape's chest and whispered for several minutes in Elvish. The others watched as the potion master's laboured breathing slowed and the grimace on his face softened before turning to Harry expectantly.

'Good night.' He said curtly, taking Gwendolyn's hand and disappearing through the door.

Harry wrapped an arm around Gwen's waist as they walked through the hospital wing.

'Are you okay?' She asked softly.

Harry nodded tiredly. 'I'm fine. I just need some sleep. I haven't done that much Healing in ages.'

'Potter?' Came a soft voice from the shadows just outside the main doors to the wing.

'Malfoy. Where are you?'

The Slytherin stepped out into the light. 'Did you find him? Is he alright?' Malfoy asked hesitantly.

'Yes.' Harry replied quietly. 'I found him and eventually, he will be alright.'

Malfoy let out an enormous breath and leaned back against the stone wall, closing his eyes. 'Oh, Merlin. I have to see him.'

'Not now.' Harry said, placing a hand on the young man's shoulder and smiling inwardly when Malfoy didn't flinch or move away. 'He is asleep. Come back after dinner tonight. I'll sneak you in past Poppy. And remember. No one must know he is here.'

Malfoy nodded and walked back towards the Slytherin common room. Just before he turned the corner they heard. 'Thank you.'

Harry groaned as he lay down on the bed. Gwen removed his shoes and uncoiled Aeden from around his neck, placing the serpent on the pillow next to his head and pulled the blanket up over him. She could have done all of this with magic but she really did like doing these intimate type things by hand. She leaned down and kissed his forehead, noting with a smile, that he had fallen asleep almost immediately.

'Shelas atrun mia onel.(Sleep well my one)' She whispered before walking out and closing the door behind her, leaving Atrian and Aeden watching over him as she headed down to the Great Hall for breakfast where Albus and Minerva caught up with her.

'Harry?' Albus began.

'Is asleep.' Gwendolyn said, helping herself to some bacon. 'Professor Snape required a fair amount of Healing. It tires him.'

'Where did he learn that Healing?' Minerva asked softly. 'It's not like anything I have seen before.'

Gwen hesitated. 'My father taught him. He is very strong, but because Elven healing requires the magic to be wielded slightly differently and because he isn't an elf, therefore it isn't natural, it tires him quickly. He'll be fine by tonight.' She said eventually.

'What of his classes?' Albus questioned.

'We only have sixth years today; Although I can also stand in for Professor Snape if you need me to.'

'How many classes does Severus have today?' Minerva asked Albus, a little unsure of the Potions Master's timetable.

'Three and that would be appreciated.' Albus answered for the Elven Princess.

'I'd better get going.' Gwendolyn stood, folding her napkin and walking gracefully from the hall.

Minerva sighed. 'I think she is still upset with us.'

'No.' Albus said, continuing to look at the door even after the elf had disappeared through it. 'She is just worried about Harry.'

'Do you know why Harry is so concerned about Severus? I mean, a year ago neither would have given each other the time of day.'

Albus took a deep breath before he spoke. 'I believe Harry has found out a few things regarding Severus during his time away. Severus never tells me exactly what happens each time he goes back to that monster and I never ask. But judging by his state upon his return, I gather it is not pretty. From the slightly haunted look Harry gets each time he looks at Severus, it makes me think he has seen most of the horrors that Severus has had to endure.'

Minerva didn't say anything for the rest of the meal, just finished her toast and left the hall for her first class. Albus sat there, ruminating for several hours, before rising tiredly and heading back to the hospital wing.

The three morning potions classes went off without any problems and Gwen had stopped in at lunch to find Harry still fast asleep. She sat down on the edge of the bed and gently tucked his hair behind his ear.

'I love you, Harry James Potter, did you know that? I'm sorry this is so hard for you. To see the people you love after so long and knowing that you can only do so much to save them. I wish I could change it all for you.' she whispered, before leaning down and kissing him gently. She stroked his cheek once more before creeping from the room.

Moving quickly through into the training room she watched, amused, from the shadows as most of the sixth year boys tried to pull Harry's axe from where he had embedded it in the stone wall the night before. Colin Creevey currently had both feet planted on the wall either side like he was abseiling and was pulling on the handle with all his might. Gwen continued to watch, unseen, and jumped when she felt strong arms slide around her waist from behind.

'I love you too, Gwendolyn, daughter of Darius and Madolyne.' Harry murmured in her ear. Gwen smiled and twisted slightly, allowing him to place a gentle kiss on her mouth.

'You heard.' It wasn't a question.

'Every word.' Harry said softly. 'Thank you.' Gwen smiled at him and took his hand as they stepped together out of the shadows.

'Good afternoon.' Harry called out and snorted softly when they all spun around guiltily from where they had been trying to pull the axe from the wall.

'You know darling, you really shouldn't leave things like that hanging around.' Gwen scolded.

Harry laughed. 'You're probably right.' He chuckled.

The students watched wide eyed as Harry walked over to the wall and, placing his right hand on the handle, effortlessly slid the axe from the stone. What they didn't know, or hear, was Harry muttering the counter charm to the locking spell he cast last night allowing the stone to release the weapon. 'I'll just put it away.' He walked back over to the weapons case and carefully sheathed the axe and placed it on the shelf before turning back to the students; laughing inwardly at the look on all their faces.

'A few of you have brothers or sisters in seventh year so you probably know what today's lesson consists of. Miss Weasley, Mr Creevey, you can be our first pair. Everyone else take seats around the hall until I call your name.' Harry explained as he walked back to stand by Gwen. 'Begin.' Harry called out.

This class was at almost the same level as the seventh years, the Gryffindors especially and at the end of the class Harry asked Ginny and Colin to stay behind.

'Have you and the other Gryffindors been practicing?' Colin blushed as Ginny nervously twisted the hem of her robe. 'Come on, you can tell me.' He added softly.

'Well last year,' Ginny began. 'We asked Ron and Hermione to start the DA again but their hearts weren't in it so we decided to try it ourselves. We weren't doing very well until Professor Lupin came to help us. We tried to get Ron, Neville and the others to join but they said they couldn't face it.' Ginny finished. 'I'm so glad your back Harry.' She whispered, throwing her arms around his waist.

'There, there.' He said softly, patting the sniffling redhead on the back. Colin just looked at Harry wide-eyed. 'Why don't you both run along. Dinner should have started by now.' He watched with slight sadness as Colin helped the still softly crying Ginny from the room.

'It's not your fault.' Gwen said wrapping her arms around him.

Harry stared down at her in silence for several moments. 'I know. Deep down, I know. I just wish this was all over and we could go home.' Harry sighed.

'Sonesh mia valen, sonesh. (Soon my love, soon)' Gwen whispered. Harry looked deep into her eyes.

'Ine coald naveir ba witow yuash. (I could never be without you.)' He murmured.

'Anu yuash naveir wilta. (And you never will.)'