Disclaimer – Nothing but the plot is mine.

Chapter 5- Revelations.

Snape just stared at him.

For more than a minute he stared at him.

'I do beg your pardon?' He asked eventually, unable to keep the utter disbelief out of his voice.

Harry looked away. 'I needed more magic, more power, so I took it.' He said quietly.

Snape's mouth dropped open and this time it was his turn to drop heavily into a chair. He shook his head several times as if to try and undo what Harry had just told him. But it was of no use. 'Are you telling me, Harry, that you can siphon magical power from the Dark Lord through your scar?' He asked incredulously.

Harry's response was barely audible. 'Yes.'

Snape found himself unable to move. He was dumbfounded. To take power from another was almost unheard of. 'Harry, I….'

Harry stood abruptly as Snape trailed off and crossed to stare out the window at the woods that surrounded the grounds. 'I know what you think of me. You can say it you know….I know what I think of me.' He whispered.

Snape stood also and moved to stand behind the young man. 'Have you thought of finishing this by just siphoning off all of the Dark Lord's power in one go?'

Harry spun round so fast he almost fell over and Snape steadied him with an arm on his elbow. 'What?' He breathed, clearly not expecting that response.

'I asked if you had thought of using that particular skill to destroy the Dark Lord?' He said again, clearly amused at Harry's reaction.

Harry's mouth opened and closed several times before he looked away again. 'It's a spell, not a skill.' He said after a moment.

Snape didn't say anything but it was as if Harry could feel the curiosity across the bond they shared as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a miniature book that he waved his wand over and enlarged before handing to the potions master.

Snape stared at the unfamiliar script on the cover. The book was old, that was not in question, but just how old was it; and where had Harry got it from? The potions master released Harry's elbow, which he'd kept hold of for the last few minutes without even noticing, and he looked up at Harry in question.

The Boy-Who-Lived just raised an eyebrow and hissed softly. Snape almost dropped the book in shock as it actually shook in his hand and then fell open to display more of that odd script. The older man flicked through several more pages but they were all the same.

'The diary of Salazar Slytherin.' Harry murmured, his green eyes now dull and shuttered.

For the send time in as many minutes Snape was once again struck dumb. 'Sytherin?' He breathed incredulously as it dawned on him that the script the book was written in was Parseltongue. 'Where on earth?'

'The Chamber of Secrets.' Harry said quietly, taking the book back shrinking it and placing it back in his pocket. Snape looked after it like a child that had had his lollipop taken away even as Harry stepped back towards the door.

'Can you use the spell as I have suggested?' Snape asked quickly before Harry could leave the room.

Harry stopped at the doorway and turned. 'Perhaps.' He offered. 'But I have something else I must do before I try.'

'Dumbledore looks pissed.' Ron whispered as he and Hermione sat down at the Gryffindor table for dinner.

'I'm not entirely surprised, Ronald. What with Professor Snape missing.' Hermione said primly. 'I mean, he had classes and things today and we are preparing for NEWTs. I can't believe the Headmaster didn't arrange a substitute teacher.'

'I doubt Snape's missing.' Ron offered gaining himself a quizzical look. 'I'd lay bets he's with Harry.' The redhead's face twisted into a grimace as he actually registered what he said.

Hermione stared at him for a moment before she bent her head and whispered softly. 'Do you think Harry is okay?'

Ron clasped her hand in his under the table. 'He'll be okay, Hermione. Much as I don't like the git, if they are together, Snape will look after him. He always has.'

'And what if they're not? What if Harry's alone? What if he's sick? The bond was so new. What if it's hurting him?' Hermione continued rambling until Ron lent over and kissed her softly in spite of the half full hall around them.

Ron looked intently at her. 'In the six years you have known Snape, have you ever seen him leave anything unfinished?'

Hermione was silent for a few moments before shaking her head.

'He will find him, Hermione. He will find him and bring him back. I know he will.' Ron said seriously.

'Harry?' Snape's voice was calm as he stepped into the room he and the Boy-Who-Lived had been sitting and stewing in for over a day.

He'd spent time sitting in that same room in an effort to get the young man to talk. He'd made both lunch and dinner the evening before but Harry hadn't touched his. It had been early in the morning when he'd finally dragged himself to bed, spending several hours restlessly tossing before dragging himself back out of it and down to the kitchen.

As before the food he'd left at breakfast more than two hours before remained untouched and Harry continued to sit as if made from stone, staring out of the window.

Snape could tell though that the young man was doing something; at least in his mind. No one could have sat that still for that long without even blinking. In fact if it hadn't been for the bond telling him that Harry was very much alive he would have thought the boy was dead.

Suddenly, as if he knew what Snape was thinking, Harry's head snapped to him and he raised an eyebrow. 'Yes, Professor?' He murmured, startling the potions master further at the title, something the boy hadn't used since his return to school. 'Did you want something?'

The innocent expression on the young man's face stunned the older man. It was one he hadn't seen since the beginning of the boy's first year. Even after everything that Harry had seen, after all he had done, to still be able to produce that showed him to be an actor of immeasurable talent. He silently wondered if there was anyone in the world that knew the truth behind the Boy-Who-Lived.

'Professor?' Harry said again, startlingly the potions master and causing the young man's mouth to curve slightly in what on anyone else would have been a smirk.

'Lunch is ready. You should eat something, Potter.' He snapped out and turned on his heel and stalking back towards the kitchen.

'Don't you have to return to the school?' Harry asked as he walked slowly into the kitchen several minutes later.

Snape looked up from where he was directing the soup to pour into two bowls with his wand. 'Yes. Unfortunately I do. Tonight, in fact.'

'Oh.' Harry murmured, sitting down.

'You'll be fine as long as you stay here, Harry.'

'I've things I have to do.' Harry said bluntly, reaching for a roll and tearing a piece off before dipping it in the soup.

'Perhaps I didn't make myself clear enough. You cannot leave here.'

Harry rolled his eyes. 'You can't stop me, Snape.'

Snape raised an eyebrow. 'Really? Does that book tell you how to dismantle blood wards too?' He murmured dryly and Harry frowned a moment before standing upright suddenly.

'Let me out. Let me the hell out of here, NOW!' He yelled as he finally understood what the older man was telling him.

Snape remained seated but leant back and stared up at Harry. 'I don't think so. You need to rest. The bond cannot be broken so it matter's not whether you destroy the Dark Lord tomorrow, or next month.'

'It wasn't Tom Riddle who was next on my list.' Harry growled darkly.

The potions master let out a heavy sigh. 'Harry, please.'

Snape's plea went unheard as Harry sprinted from the room; the potions master hurrying after him.

He found the Boy-Who-Lived hurling spell after spell at the door in an effort to get it open. Looking at the burn that covered most of his left hand and arm it was obvious to Snape that he'd tried the handle and that burn was the result of the cursed knob.

'Harry.' Snape tried again.

'No, no, can't be locked in again. Can't. No.' Harry was breathing heavily as his quickly wore himself down once again. 'Damn it.' He gasped, dropping to his knees on the hardwood floor minutes later.

'Harry, just stop.' Snape pleaded softly as he knelt behind the young man and wrapped an arm around his waist as his other hand reached forward and closed over Harry's still open palm.

'I don't like being locked away.' Harry whispered, all his previous bravado having left him as he leant on the supporting arm around him. Any headway in regaining his stamina that had been made in the last two days had all but been erased and Snape could feel the young man's skin was once again cold and clammy.

'I know.' Snape murmured, gently lifting him to his feet and helping him shuffle towards the door. 'I'm not locking you in, Harry. I'm keeping them out. Keeping you safe.' He tried to explain. 'You're not strong enough yet.' He reached out and carefully turned the knob and opened it, not at all concerned that the boy would try to run. He wouldn't have been able to manage more than a dozen steps.

'You are not trapped here, Harry. You are safe here. There is a difference. See that stone wall there?' He pointed with his free hand to a wall that ran from the large wrought iron gates and disappeared into the forest.

'Mmmm.' Harry mumbled barely able to keep his eyes open.

'As long as you stay within that you will be safe. You can go outside, run around the grounds, explore the lake and the forest if you want to but make sure you stay within the wall. Alright?'

'Mmmm.' Harry murmured again and Snape sighed. Clearly they were going to have to have this conversation again.

Sucking in a deep breath he lifted the still too skinny form in his arms and carried him back towards the bedroom. Harry had fallen asleep by this time and Snape laid him back down on the bed.

'God, I wish you would stop rushing into things without thinking, you impudent brat.' Snape muttered as he spelled away both of their clothes and climbed in beside the young man, pulling him close. He had to get back to the school this evening but he would stay with Harry and repair the damage the young man had just done before he left. He summoned a potion from his study and placing his wand on the bedside table he'd begun smearing it gently over the nasty looking burns on Harry's hand and arm, massaging it in as the burn began to fade.

Almost an hour later he couldn't help but slide into sleep as his own lack of rest caught up with him. Harry's body had warmed slowly as Snape's hands kept up their gentle stroking and he was just too comfortable to be concerned as his eyes finally slid shut.

Snape growled as he stormed into the school just on the edge of curfew that evening. He'd planned to be back during dinner time so that he would have had a moment to compose himself over the meal before the Headmaster summoned him but things hadn't gone quite as he'd planned.

He fallen asleep.

And when he'd woken he found Harry staring up at him, a look of absolute confusion on his face. Those green eyes stared unblinkingly and Snape could feel the bond between them buzzing as if in anger. In an effort to soothe it he bent his head and gently kissed the young man's neck, moving in a path up his jaw. He felt Harry suck in a breath and lifted a hand to caress the pale cheek.

'I know this isn't what you want, Harry.' He whispered. 'But it is done now, and nothing you or I do can change that.'

'I know.' Harry breathed painfully. 'My heart is in pain. It hurts when I'm not with you, but my head thinks I'm completely off my rocker.' He went on. 'My head tells me to ignore it; that you're my teacher and you hate me and that this isn't really happening.'

Snape closed his eyes and turned his head away. 'I do not hate you, Harry. I cannot hate you. And this is most definitely happening.'

'I know.' Harry whispered again.

Snape opened his eyes, moving his head and resting his nose in Harry's hair and inhaling gently. 'I'm sorry, Harry.' He whispered.

'I know.' Harry said a final time and to Snape's surprise just closed his eyes and moved impossibly closer to the older man.

They lay there for another hour before Snape reluctantly pulled away and got out of bed, reaching for his clothes and beginning to dress. 'I have to go now. The Headmaster will be waiting for me. He expected me back two days ago. I cannot leave it any longer. Stay within the grounds. The wall around them is cursed. There is plenty of food in the kitchen and books in the library. I'll be back in two days for the weekend, alright?'

'What…what are you going to tell him?' Harry asked cautiously.

Snape stopped doing up his robe and turned back to Harry, leaving it hanging open as he stared down at the world weary face. 'Nothing. I will tell him nothing.'

Harry raised an eyebrow. 'He won't like that.'

Snape raised an eyebrow of his own. 'Then he should have looked up that bond more carefully then shouldn't he.' He smirked.

Harry frowned. 'What are you talking about?'

Snape's smirk became even more pronounced and he lent down until his face was only inches from Harry's. 'As much as you and I struggle to deal with this, Harry we are tied together forever. I am on your side and your side only. Whatever side that may be.' He finished quietly, moving his head forward and placing a soft kiss on Harry's cheek before straightening and walking swiftly from the room.

'Severus.' Dumbledore sharp call broke him from his reverie and he realized he'd walked right through the school and up to the Headmaster's office.

'Albus.' Snape murmured as he stepped through the open doorway to find not only the headmaster but Lupin and Minerva waiting.

'Did you find Harry? Is he alright?' The werewolf burst out and Snape rolled his eyes.

'Yes, I found him. He was fine as far as I could tell.' He replied bluntly.

'As far as you could tell? Didn't you bring him back?' Minerva put in her two cents as Dumbledore just watched him in silence.

Snape folded his arms over his chest. 'He dueled all four of us and escaped, Minerva. Do you really think me capable of bringing him in on my own?'

Both Lupin and Minerva looked as if they were about to speak but Dumbledore beat them to it. 'There has been another death. It registered at the Department of Mysteries. Did you know?'

Snape hesitated a moment. 'Yes.' He said slowly. 'I am aware.'

'He told you.'

'Not exactly.' Snape realized that it was going to be difficult to keep his promise to Harry but he would do his best.

Albus' eyes narrowed. 'You saw it.'

'No.' Snape said honestly as he had turned away when Harry had said the spell. It was a fine line and Snape didn't want this discussion going any further so he quickly ended it. 'It matters not now. I didn't manage to bring him back.'

'Then you don't know where he is right now?'

'I could hazard a guess.' Snape said carefully making sure he didn't shift his weight at all. He knew Dumbledore would be watching for any sign of falsehood.

'Well?' Lupin snapped impatiently.

Snape glared at him for a moment before turning back to Dumbledore. 'There is only one Death Eater left in the Inner Circle. My guess would be that he is lying in wait somewhere until he can work out how to finish the task.'

'Lucius.' Minerva whispered.

'Yes.' Snape murmured.

Dumbledore sat back in his chair and Snape gave silent thanks that the inquisition seemed to be over. 'Are you going to wait for him?'

The potions master raised an eyebrow. 'Malfoy Manor is locked down like the muggle Fort Knox. No one in or out. Lucius saw Rabastan and Zabini die. He is absolutely petrified. I think even if the Dark Lord were in a fit state to summon him Lucius would rather die from that than risk leaving Malfoy Manor.'

'What do you mean fit state?'

Snape sighed heavily, he hadn't meant to let that out. He just was so grateful the last topic had been dropped. 'I believe that the Dark Lord was using the Mark to siphon power off the Death Eaters, at least those he trusted. It gave him strength, enabled him to live as long as he has. The inner circle were tied far more tightly to the Dark Lord than the others and the last time I saw him, almost a week ago now, he did not look well.'

'When did you find this out?' Lupin asked curiously.

'Several days ago.' Snape said cryptically but he could tell by the slight widening of the headmaster's eyes that he understood the significance of the statement.

'Well that changes things. Did you get a chance to alert Harry of this before he disappeared again?' Dumbledore asked curiously.

Snape stiffened imperceptibly. 'No, Potter is still unaware of this.'

Dumbledore looked doubtful. 'Will you be able to find him again, Severus?' He asked bluntly.

Snape raised an eyebrow. 'As you are aware, Headmaster,' He began coldly. 'I do not have a choice in the matter. The bond will not allow anything else. It will continue searching for Potter whether I like it or not. I will be leaving again on Saturday morning after I make sure my classes have enough work to keep them out of trouble.'

'That is not what I asked, Severus. Will you be able to find him?' Albus returned just as coldly.

The coal black eyes narrowed dangerously. 'You can rest assured, Albus that I will be doing everything I can.' He snapped before spinning on his heel and stalking from the room.

Hermione almost cheered when Snape slammed his way into the potions classroom the next morning. He looked a bit better than he had before he'd left so Hermione knew that he'd found Harry. She was itching to speak with him but he only once came near her desk and with Slytherins all around the room she couldn't very well come right out and ask him.

He solved her dilemma though when several minutes before the lesson finished he placed a folded slip of parchment on her desk with a sneer.

'Your pleas to your Head of House have been fruitful, Miss Granger. It seems I'm to allow you a second chance at the extra credit work after all. That is a pass to the restricted section. I trust you will use it wisely. I'll expect nothing less than excellence this time.' He snapped before stalking across the room to yell at someone else.

Hermione gingerly picked up the piece of parchment and put it carefully in her book. She knew there was no extra credit assignment. She knew what the note was about, and there was no way she would be opening it here.

Minutes later Snape dismissed them all and Hermione quickly packed away her things and rushed from the room.

At the entrance to the great hall she waited impatiently for Ron to come in from Care of Magical Creatures. She bounced up and down on her toes looking eagerly for the shock of red hair within the group of students making their way up to the castle.

'Ron! Ron!' She called out as he got close enough.

'Bloody hell woman, are you trying to pull my arm off?' Ron complained as she grabbed his hand and dragged him away from the hall and back up the stairs towards Gryffindor Tower. 'Hermione, you do realize it's lunchtime, don't you?' He whined as he rubbed his rumbling stomach.

Hermione ignored him and actually continued dragging him past the portrait of the fat lady and up another flight of stairs until they reached the room of requirement. Ron had finished his complaining several floors down as he realized that Hermione wouldn't have acted the way she was if it wasn't something important.

Once the door was closed behind then he waited to Hermione to turn around and begin to explain.

And she did.

After a couple of minutes of speaking she reached into her bag and pulled out the parchment Snape had given her, unfolding it and holding it both so they could see.

The Shrieking Shack, tomorrow, 8am. Do not be late or I will go without you.

'Well, that's blunt and to the point.' Ron muttered.

Hermione re-read the note once again. 'Do you think he's going to take us to see Harry?' She asked hopefully.

Ron grinned. 'Well, I doubt he's handing us over to You-Know-Who.' He said dryly earning himself a smack from Hermione.

'God, I hope it's to see Harry.' Hermione breathed, staring at the note once again.

Ron put an arm around her shoulders. 'I guess we'll find out tomorrow, won't we.' He murmured pulling her close.

Hermione sighed and nodded as they both wished that it was the next day already.

'It is good to see that you can be on time for something other than meals, Mr Weasley.' Came Snape's silky voice, startling the two Gryffindors as they stepped out of the tunnel and into the Shack.

'Merlin, Professor. I wish you wouldn't do that.' Ron breathed harshly, a hand over his chest in an effort to calm his racing heart.

The potions master just smirked and held out a copy of the Daily Prophet. Both Ron and Hermione looked at in curiously.

'Have they found, Harry?' Hermione asked pointing hesitantly at the headline that, as usual, screamed Harry's name, even though no one knew he had even left Hogwarts yet.

Snape rolled his eyes. 'It's a Portkey, you complete dunderheads.' He sneered.

Ron and Hermione exchanged glances but Hermione, blushing brightly, still refused to touch the newspaper. 'Um, excuse me, Sir. Where are you taking us?' She asked hesitantly.

Snape almost activated the Portkey then and there, Gryffindors be damned. 'I could well be taking you to the Dark Lord, Miss Granger, you will never know. But if you wish to see your best friend then I suggest you grab hold of the Portkey before I count to three. One.'

Another glance was exchanged.

'Two.'

Ron shrugged and reached out to touch the Portkey.

'Three.'

Hermione just got her finger on the Portkey before it activated and they were pulled away with an invisible hook behind the navel.

Naturally the potions master landed elegantly on his feet and stared down in disdain at the tangle of arms and legs that were the two Gryffindors. When they finally managed to stand Ron was the same color as his hair and Hermione couldn't control her giggles.

Snape just snorted softly and turned on his heel. 'Follow me.' He said curtly and the two teenagers hurried to follow. He led them through the corridors to where he knew Harry would be. The library. The same room he had spent so many hours in just a few days ago.

He stopped at the door, unsurprised to see Harry in what was quickly becoming his usual position. He idly wondered whether Harry had moved from there since he left.

He cleared his throat softly. 'Hello, Harry.'

Harry's head whipped around so quickly he almost fell off the windowsill he was precariously balanced on.

Snape's eyes widened as Harry gave him a small smile. 'I have a surprise for you.' He added softly, stepping to one side and letting Ron and Hermione to move past him.

'Harry!' Hermione shrieked and the two Gryffindors darted across the room towards their friend. Harry by this time had leapt off the windowsill and met them halfway in a small group hug with lots of tears and laughter and hugs. It was clear he had missed them just as much as they'd missed him.

Coal black eyes became suspiciously bright as he finally saw Harry truly smile and laugh for the first time in many months. This was who the young man was. These were his family. They were all he had left.

With that realization squeezing painfully at his heart he took several silent paces back out of the room and continued back down the hallway towards the kitchen.

'Professor.' Harry's call stopped him just before he reached the stairs and he waited until the young man quickly moved down the corridor and stopped close by, lifting a hand and laying it gently on his arm. 'Thank you, Professor.' Harry whispered.

'Severus.' Snape replied equally softly as he tucked several strands of hair behind Harry's ear.

'Thank you, Severus.' Harry murmured hesitantly.

Snape's mouth quirked slightly. 'You need them, Harry, just as they need you. They are a part of you.'

'Yes, I hadn't realized how much.' Harry admitted, moving closer and lifting his hand to Snape's chest. 'You don't have to go; they are technically a part of you now too.' He said, giving the man a sly grin.

Snape snorted softly. 'You really know how to make this bond sound even more appealing.' He murmured.

Harry let out a soft laugh. 'I know. I'm sorry. I just wanted to thank you. I know how hard this must have been for you. To bring them into your home and I want you to know I appreciate it.'

Snape's arms came around him automatically and pulled the young man close, letting Harry rest his head on the potions master's chest. 'I told you, Harry, I'm on your side. I want this over as much as you but not at the expense of your life. You've gotten careless, as if your life has no meaning. Granger and Weasley will help you put everything into perspective and work out what is important. This is something you need. Do not hold back from your friends. They will not judge you. They are there to help you, ground you, and support you. Let them.'

Harry pulled away slightly and placed a soft kiss on the older man's cheek before resting his head back on the black clad chest. 'I will.' He promised.

Ron and Hermione watched from the position half hidden in the doorway. The heard what the potions master said and saw how the two interacted and it was clear that things had changed between their best friend and their teacher.

'He loves him.' Hermione said suddenly and it took but a moment for Ron to realize that she wasn't talking about Harry.