Disclaimer – Nothing's mine

Chapter 6 – Full Strength

They quickly ducked back into the room and waited for Harry to return.

'Should we say anything?' Ron asked softly.

Hermione glanced at the door and shook her head. 'No. Harry's always been oblivious about these sorts of things. It will take him a while to notice.'

'Then don't you think he should know? Be aware?'

'How will that help him?' Hermione hissed. 'He's freaked out enough as it is I imagine. We should just let nature take its course.'

Ron grimaced but was saved from answering when Harry slipped back into the room and soft smile gracing his face and gestured for his friends to come and sit down by the roaring fireplace. It was cold outside. With the passing of All Hallows over a week before the temperature had dropped and there was the promise of snow in the air.

There was a tense silence that lasted several minutes. 'How have you been?' Harry asked hesitantly.

Hermione glanced at Ron before answering. 'Worried about you.' She replied quietly.

Harry sighed. Hermione always knew how to get to him. 'Sorry about that. I just…I couldn't stay.'

'Harry, mate, it's alright. We do understand.' Ron assured him when an expression of pain flashed in Harry's eyes.

'Can you tell us what happened, Harry? With the Headmaster I mean.' Hermione's voice shook slightly as if she was worried how Harry would react to the question.

Harry's eyes flashed, this time from anger, but before he could say anything Snape walked in levitating a tray which was promptly set before Harry. 'I would presume that Mr Weasley and Miss Granger have eaten this morning however, I know for a fact that you haven't. Judging by the still full cupboards in the kitchen, I doubt you have even looked at food much less eaten any since I left on Thursday.' Snape raised an eyebrow in question and Harry knew he was caught, flushing slightly and dropping his eyes. 'I thought not. If you want to finish this then you need your strength. Eat. All of it.' He added sternly before turning on his heel and stalking from the room.

Harry groaned softly as Hermione winked at Ron. 'Harry, you really should eat you know. Otherwise you're causing poor Professor Snape no end of worry.'

Harry scowled at her. 'He's not concerned. He just likes to be continually picking on someone and at the moment I'm the most convenient target.'

Ron let out a snort but didn't say anything even as Hermione patted Harry's arm.

'You really should eat it, Harry. Particularly as the house elves have gone to all the trouble of making it.'

Harry shook his head but obligingly picked up a piece of toast. 'Snape doesn't have house elves.' He said simply biting into the cinnamon covered bread and sighing softly. It really was very good.

Ron and Hermione's eyes almost fell out of their heads as they quickly realised that Snape had cooked the large array of food on the tray especially for Harry. He had the usual English breakfast with cinnamon toast, porridge with milk and honey and even freshly brewed coffee in a plunger. They remained speechless for some time.

'Um Harry, you do realise that Professor Snape cooked that especially for you don't you.' Hermione asked several minutes later as Harry finished his slice of toast and pushed the remaining food on the tray away.

Harry snorted. 'Don't be ridiculous, Hermione. He just conjured it.'

Ron frowned. 'You can't conjure food, Harry, not in the truest sense anyway. Otherwise we'd have new books and robes and things as mum and dad wouldn't have to worry about paying for food for seven children.'

'Why do you think Hogwarts has house elves? Dumbledore could have easily conjured food for everyone if it was possible.' Hermione added.

Harry stared at each of his friends before looking back down at the plate. He remembered the trays of food the potions master had bought him over the two days they had been shut up together. He hadn't realised the man had actually taken the time to cook it. He was still so angry at the time. At Dumbledore, and Snape, and even himself. The anger had consumed him. He hadn't wanted to eat until that last day and even then he'd let his anger and fear get to him once more and he ended up back in bed.

'I didn't realise.' He whispered, pulling the tray closer again and lifting his fork.

'Harry don't.' Hermione moved off her seat to sit next to him on the floor. Placing a hand on his arm and squeezing softly. 'Don't eat it if you don't want it. I'm sure Professor Snape will understand.'

Harry shook his head and dropped the fork again, pulling his knees towards his chest and dropping his head. 'God I hate this.' He whispered, so softly that Ron had to move from his chair to sit beside him so he could hear. 'Everything is so out of control. My head can't keep track of everything and I don't know what to do. I thought I could finish it but I can't. I can't, and now I've made it worse.'

Hermione could just see the tears dripping down his face, even as he spoke. He seemed completely unaware of them as he continued to ramble on. Surprisingly it was Ron who reached out grasping his friend tightly and holding him.

'It will be okay, Harry. I promise it will.' Ron murmured as he looked helplessly at Hermione.

Harry shook his head again, more violently this time. 'No, it won't. I...I...'

'Harry, it's alright. Nothing you did could ever make us think less of you.' Hermione murmured honestly as she brought a hand up to rub gently at his shoulders. 'You are our best friend and nothing, nothing will ever change that.'

'Mione's right, mate, I don't care what you've done, or what's happened, or anything. All I know is that you need us, and we aren't going anywhere.'

'I killed people.' Harry breathed and then raised his head, his eyes panicked. 'I KILLED PEOPLE.' He cried. 'I WANTED THIS OVER BUT IT'LL NEVER BE CAN'T BREAK IT AND NOW I'VE KILLED PEOPLE FOR NOTHING. '

Both Hermione and Ron were stunned but thankfully Harry didn't notice as he pulled away harshly away from Ron and scrambled to his feet. 'I'm sorry. I can't. Not now.' He cried as he all but ran for the door. There however, he ran into a strong black clad chest whose attached arms grabbed him and refused to let him go. Harry attacked physically but Snape just stood there and took the blows Harry rained down on his face and chest and shoulders.

'Bastard.' Harry cried. 'This is your fault.'

'Yes.' Snape said simply, staring at Ron and Hermione who were watching with tear filled eyes.

'I don't want this.' Harry sobbed. 'I don't want any of this.'

'I know.' Snape murmured.

'Fix it. Please fix it.' Harry's cries had dropped to no more than a whisper but Snape heard it easily and tightened his arms around the Boy-Who-Lived who clung to him in return. 'I don't want to go to Azkaban.'

'I won't allow it.' Snape murmured darkly, Ron and Hermione suddenly forgotten as he turned his attention to Harry. 'You will never go there, Harry. I swear to you. I will take you away from here before I let them lay a single hand on you.'

'Severus, please.' Harry breathed into Snape's neck.

The potions master pulled away and reached up to cup Harry's cheek, seeing the strain very evident in the green eyes. 'When did you last sleep?' He asked softly.

Harry tried to look away but Snape wouldn't let him. 'Thursday.' He whispered finally.

Snape closed his eyes for a moment before reaching into his robes and pulling out a familiar blue vial.

'No.' Harry breathed, shaking his head.

'Harry, you need to rest. Miss Granger and Mr Weasley will be here when you wake. I promise.' Snape's voice was no more than a murmur but Harry heard the conviction contained within the promise easily.

Harry stared up into the onyx eyes and swallowed before nodding. 'Okay.' He said quietly, taking the vial with shaking fingers and downing it with a grimace.

Snape kept his tight hold on Harry as he lifted him carefully and carried him over to the empty sofa the young man had been leaning against, laying him down gently. Ron and Hermione watched in silence as the potions master made several short sharp flicks of his wand, banishing the tray and placing a pillow under Harry's head and covering him with a blanket.

The older wizard straightened and stared down at the two Gryffindors, his expression unreadable. 'I'm sure I don't need to tell either of you that anything you see or hear in this house over the next twenty four hours is not to be repeated to anybody, most particularly to the Headmaster.' He said. 'The consequences for Harry could be most…severe.'

'Professor,' Hermione licked her lips nervously. 'What did Harry mean?' she asked, lifting her hand and gently stroking her fingers though her friend's hair. 'About…killing people.'

Snape made an almost abortive movement to slap the young woman's hand away from Harry but controlled it by clenching his jaw tightly and turning to face the fireplace so they couldn't see his face. 'There have been attacks on the Death Eaters of the Dark Lord's inner circle. Only myself and Lucius Malfoy remain.'

'Attacks?' Ron voice was slightly incredulous. 'What do you mean attacks?'

Snape turned his head slightly and glanced at Harry before closing his eyes and turning away. 'You must understand. This bond has been hard on him. Albus never told us, either of us, that it could not be dissolved. He never asked Harry, never sat down and talked to him like an adult. What Harry has done is no fault of his. He was desperate and he thought there was no other way.'

'You don't have to defend him to us, Professor.' Hermione said honestly. 'We probably know better than anyone what Harry's been through.'

Snape nodded but didn't say anything.

'What did Harry do?' Ron asked, his voice barely a whisper.

There was another glance at Harry before the question was answered. 'He turned himself into an assassin.' Snape sighed softly. 'He thought that the sooner he destroyed the Death Eaters and the Dark Lord the sooner Albus could remove the bond.'

'I'm still not sure I understand.' Ron frowned, his eyes widening as Snape spun to face him.

'Are you really that dense, Weasley.' He snarled. 'He sought them out. One by one he sought them out and he murdered them. In cold blood. And all because he thought he might actually have some semblance of control of his own life. I mean he is seventeen. Most seventeen year olds can do pretty much what ever they like.' Snape added bitterly.

Hermione eyed the potions master carefully. This defensive posture, particularly on their friend's behalf, was hard to place, particularly with his previous animosity towards Harry. 'Excuse me, Professor.' She asked hesitantly. 'Do you know what bond was placed on you and Harry?'

Snape glanced at Harry's sleeping form before shaking his head. 'Not exactly.' He murmured.

Hermione couldn't hide the surprise in her voice. 'You agreed to a bond you didn't know the details of?'

Snape bristled. 'I have already had this conversation with Harry, Miss Granger. I do not need to have it with you as well.'

'Sorry Professor.' Hermione said, her face flushed with embarrassment.

'I think Hermione has a point, Sir.' Ron said bravely. 'I don't know you all that well really, but I can't imagine you of all people would agree to do something that you didn't know the consequences of.'

Snape glared at the boy but for once Ron didn't back away, glaring right back at the man in defiance.

'This isn't just about you.' The red head went on. 'This is about our best friend, someone we have watched go through hell since the moment he arrived in our world. I think we have a right to be privy to more details than the rest of the world.'

Snape folded his arms over his chest, his tall form suddenly looking all the more imposing to the two teenagers sitting on the floor. 'You are in my ancestral home. Somewhere no one, apart from Harry, is even aware is still inhabitable. I think you already know more than the rest of the world.'

'You didn't answer the question, Professor.' Hermione said in a small but firm voice.

Snape suddenly looked exasperated. 'I trusted him alright.' He snapped. 'I've never trusted anyone the way I trusted him and he took advantage of it. Are you happy now?' With a flick of his black robes the man stormed from the room.

'He's a lot more…volatile…than he used to be.' Ron said with a snort.

Hermione looked between the door and the sleeping figure of their friend and bit her lip thoughtfully. 'We need to find out what that bond was.' She said softly.

'Why?' Ron asked curiously as he dragged himself back up onto a chair.

Hermione reached out and gently stroked Harry's cheek. 'Because I think Professor Dumbledore made a mistake.'

'Excuse me, Professor.' Hermione said hesitantly, her voice soft but pleading.

Snape looked up from the cup of tea that was sitting on the table in front of him, a cup of tea that he had been staring at for more than ten minutes since he had all but stormed away from the three teenagers. 'Yes, Miss Granger?' He said slowly. His tone of voice making in clear that he really did want to be left alone.

Hermione ignored the tone and took a deep breath. 'Professor, please can you just hear me out before you get all huffy.' Snape raised an eyebrow and Hermione quickly ploughed on. 'I think Professor Dumbledore has made a mistake...with the bond.' She said hurriedly. 'I think it was supposed to work the other way around.'

The eyebrow rose further and finally a hand rose and gestured for the young woman to sit down opposite him. 'I don't suppose you could elaborate on that exceedingly cryptic sentence?' He drawled.

Hermione looked stunned that he hadn't just thrown her out and opened and closed her mouth several times, much to Snape's amusement, before she could actually talk. 'Right, well, yes...'

'The bond?' Snape proffered the lifeline and Hermione grabbed it with both hands.

'Yes. The bond. Excuse me for saying, Sir, but you seem to be suddenly very protective of Harry. As if you would do anything for him. Anything he asked of you.' Hermione stammered and hurried on as that eyebrow rose once more. 'I think the Headmaster wanted the bond to work the other way. So that Harry would do whatever you said. Harry would listen to you and naturally you in turn listen to him, Professor Dumbledore I mean. It would have made sure that Harry was under his thumb, one way or the other.' She trailed off.

Snape stared at her in silence for several moments causing Hermione to shift nervously. 'And why, Miss Granger, do you think that was the Headmaster's intention?'

Hermione's eyes glinted in defiance. 'I've spent the last six years at Harry's side, Professor. 'I've seen the Headmaster's machinations first hand. I know everything that has happened in that time. Harry is nothing more than a weapon in the Headmaster's eyes. Something to be used.' She finished angrily, turning away.

'That still doesn't explain why you think the Headmaster made a mistake.'

Hermione sighed and turned back. 'You hated Harry.' She said bluntly. 'It's unnatural for your feelings to have changed so dramatically. I don't believe it was the headmaster's intention for you to develop feelings for Harry.'

Snape scowled. 'I do not have feelings for the brat.' He muttered.

Hermione actually snorted. 'Of course you don't. That's why you've hidden him away where no one can find him and allowed two other Gryffindors to invade your private home.'

Snape glared at her but Hermione just stared back at him, a glint of amusement in her eyes. Eventually Snape looked away. 'And if the Headmaster made a mistake, then what? What do we do now?'

Hermione leant forward, her gaze intense. 'We need to find out exactly what the bond is. Until we know we can't plan.' She said bluntly.

'Plan?' The potions master questioned.

Hermione smirked, a decidedly Slytherin expression that startled the older man. 'You don't think that Ron and I just sit by and let fate throw everything at Harry without trying to shield him, do you?' She murmured.

This time both eyebrows were raised and the potions master actually snorted. 'You planning I could believe, Miss Granger. Mr Weasley, however, couldn't plan his way out a paper bag.' He said dryly.

Hermione's mouth twitched and Snape realised that his comment had come closer to the mark than he had expected. He eyed the young woman carefully for several minutes, his black eyes intense. Hermione sat stock still as if she knew he was weighing her.

Finally he raised his wand and summoned parchment and a quill and began scribbling. Several minutes later he passed it to Hermione who read it quickly.

'Is this…?'

Snape nodded. 'That it what the Headmaster had me recite that night.'

Hermione read it again before looking up. 'I need to get back to Hogwarts. I want to get started in the Library.' She whispered.

Those black eyes became calculating for a moment before Snape stood and gestured for Hermione to follow him.

He led her through a maze of corridors before stopping at a set of large doors and turning to face her. 'You will not find what you seek in Hogwarts' library.' He said softly before opening the door.

Harry felt himself waking slowly. He was warm and comfortable and the soft blanket that was covering him smelt wonderful. He could feel Snape's magic in every fibre of the blanket and it surrounded him and made him feel so safe he didn't want to move. His head told him to get up and rant and rave, chase down Lucius Malfoy and Tom Riddle and end this once and for all, but the gentle magic was soothing and it quickly calmed the urge and left him feeling contented.

A few minutes later he opened his eyes, blinking several times to see the room lit by the soft glow of the fireplace. He saw Ron asleep in the chair across from him and realised that it was almost dinner time.

'Ron.' He whispered softly, still reluctant to move.

The red head shot up in his seat, looking wildly around the room and causing Harry to chuckle softly. Ron caught sight of the amused green eyes peeking back at him from the sofa and smiled. 'Hey mate. How you feeling?'

Harry shrugged and burrowed further into the warmth of the blanket. 'Okay, I guess. Better than I did this morning.'

Ron yawned and stretched, glancing at the clock over the mantle piece. 'Yesterday, you mean.' He sighed, gesturing to the clock.

Harry squinted and moments later his glasses landed on his nose courtesy of Ron. 'Half twelve?' He gasped. 'But what about Hogwarts? You and Hermione. You'll be missed. Dumbledore will know. Where is Hermione?'

Ron snorted. 'Calm down mate. Hermione dropped a few hints to Lavender about the two of us and the Room of Requirement. I have no doubt she put two and two together and got twelve and thinks we are locked in there together right now and have been since yesterday.'

Harry's eyes widened so much they almost fell out of his head. 'But..but the whole of Gryffindor will think….' He stammered.

Ron snorted again albeit blushing brightly. 'I know.' He snickered.

Harry stared at his friend for a moment before shaking his head. 'I don't think I want to know.' He muttered. 'So where is Hermione? It'll spoil your alibi a bit if she's back at Hogwarts.'

Ron shrugged again and stood up, stretching his arms over his head and yawning again. 'Holed up with Snape somewhere I expect.'

'Excuse me?' Harry squeaked.

Ron laughed at the look on his friends face. 'Not like that. She's trying to find out what the bond is between you two.'

Harry sighed and sat up reluctantly. 'Oh.' He whispered.

'Perhaps we should go and find them.' Ron suggested, not liking the dejected look in Harry's eyes.

Harry swallowed and swung his legs off the sofa and stood up, keeping the blanket wrapped tightly around his shoulders. 'Come on. They'll probably be in the library.' He offered before heading towards the door, knowing Ron would follow.

Just as they reached the door Ron reached out and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, stopping him and turning him so he could see his face. 'It'll be okay, Harry. I swear it will. One way or the other Hermione and I will be with you.'

Harry smiled wanly. 'I know you will, Ron.' He whispered. 'But I still don't see how all this can turn out alright. Voldemort is still out there, the bond can't be broken, by anyone…and…and I've killed people.'

Ron watched as Harry turned away and shuffled out the door, a flash of anger at Dumbledore among others crossing his face before he moved quickly to follow.

'This isn't good.' Snape murmured as he stared down at the book sitting innocently on the table between them.

'Harry needs to know this.' Hermione said quietly. 'He needs to know what will happen if it isn't completed.'

'I dread to think of how he will take it.' Snape tore his eyes from the book and sank down into a nearby chair.

'I can't believe the Headmaster would do this to Harry…or you for that matter.' Hermione looked horrified that one of her idols could act so callously towards someone he should be protecting.

Snape closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. 'I was a Death Eater.' The potions master sighed.

'I don't see what that has to do with anything.' Hermione snapped.

Snape opened his eyes and Hermione almost stepped back at the look of self-loathing in the onyx eyes. 'Like Harry, I have done things I regret and I suppose the Headmaster must have been under the mistaken impression that I would do such a thing again.'

It took less than a moment for Hermione to work out the true meaning of that statement and her eyes widened and her face paled. 'You wouldn't.' She breathed.

Snape shook his head. 'Never.' He hissed darkly.

Hermione reached out tentative hand as if to place it on his shoulder but pulled it back when he stood. 'I know you wouldn't, Professor. I know you've done things you're not proud of but I can't see you ever hurting Harry like that. Even without the bond.'

Snape whirled away from her and crossed the room, plucking a book off the shelf and opening it. 'Contrary to popular belief, Miss Granger, my restraint does not stop at Harry.'

Hermione blushed. 'I know, sir. I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that.'

Snape made a soft noise of dismissal but didn't reply.

Hermione shifted uncomfortably for a few moments before gathering the courage to speak. 'I really should go and see if Harry's awake yet. He really needs to know about this.'

'I need to know what?' Harry asked bluntly, his voice startling both occupants in the room who whirled to face him, Hermione gasping with a hand on her chest.

'For god's sake, Harry. Don't sneak up on people like that.' She scolded.

Ron, standing behind Harry, snorted softly and pushed Harry gently into the room before him. 'So what does Harry need to know and why do I get the idea he won't like it.'

'Hey, that's my line.' Harry gave him a mock glare and Ron just snorted again, guiding him to a chair and pushing him down in it.

'You'll need to sit down for this.' He said knowingly, ignoring the irritated glare from the potions master.

Harry scowled at the red head before turning to Hermione.

His bushy haired friend sighed heavily and sat down across from Harry. 'Harry, Professor Snape was kind enough to write down the words of the spell used to bind you together.'

Harry glanced at Snape but he continued pretending to read the book in his hand, his face emotionless.

'Harry.' Hermione went on catching his attention once again. 'The bond that was placed on you and Professor Snape was designed to make you subservient to him, or so protective of him that you would do anything he said to make him happy, at the very least.'

Harry stared at her in silence for a moment. 'I beg your pardon.'

'It wasn't just about the visions, Harry. Professor Dumbledore wanted to keep you under his thumb.' Hermione said softly.

Harry's mouth opened and closed several times. 'But...but I don't...I haven't...'

'The bond was designed to have the weakest of the two wizards subservient to the other.' Hermione explained.

'But I'm not. Dumbledore must have made a mistake.' Harry insisted.

Snape closed the book with a snap and turned to look at them. 'There was no mistake, Harry.' He murmured. 'Albus just underestimated you, yet again.'

The face may have been unreadable but to Harry the onyx eyes spoke volumes. 'Severus, I...'

'I'm actually a bit hungry.' Hermione said suddenly. 'Come on Ron, you can help me make something.' She said firmly, grabbing his arm and dragging him out of the room leaving Harry and Severus staring at each other in silence.

'I'm sorry, Severus.' Harry whispered looking away. The thought that he was more powerful than the older wizard did not disturb him. He knew he had grown more powerful. No, it was the thought that the man had to care for him, protect him and do so whether he wanted to or not that turned his stomach. It was almost like slavery.

'There is more.' Snape said hesitantly.

Harry looked back. 'What else could there be?'

Snape sighed, pushing the book back into its place on the shelf and turning to face him, leaning back on the shelf and folding him arms over his chest. 'The illness you feel, Harry. When we are separated, I mean, will not go away. Not until the bond is sealed.'

Harry swallowed. 'Sealed?' He squeaked.

This time it was Snape's turn to look away and he dropped his head to stare at the floor directly in front of him as if the pattern on the carpet was fascinating. 'I do not believe you are that naive, Harry.' He murmured. 'And to that end it is my turn to apologise. I cannot change the fact as much as I would want to spare you something like that.'

'Something like what?' Harry asked bluntly as he stood up and crossed to stand in front of the potions master. 'Are you going to force me?'

Snape's head shot up a look of horror on his face that had Harry reaching out immediately to place a hand on his arm in an effort to make it go away. 'I would never.'

Harry gave him a small smile. 'I know. You couldn't anyway, with the way the bond is, I gather. Besides, you shouldn't be apologising, this has affected you just as much as me.'

Snape lifted a hand and cupped Harry's cheek. 'I just wish that it hadn't turned you into something you didn't want to become.' He murmured.

'War turns everyone into something they don't want to become.' Harry whispered before quickly covering his mouth as he yawned.

Snape's expression softened. 'You need to sleep again, but perhaps some food first. If we are going to finish this then you need to be at full strength. Or as close to it as you can be anyway.'

Harry smiled and allowed the older man to place an arm around his shoulders and guide him from the room towards the kitchen.

Snape hung his robe in his closet and sat down on the side of bed with a sigh. It had been a long day, only made longer with the discovery Hermione had made. The potions master shook his head as his mind went over the revelations of the day.

He wondered what had been going through the mind of the Boy-Who-Lived who had been unusually quiet at their excessively late dinner. He'd watched as Harry had chatted softly with his friends, casting the occasional glance at Snape. It was in those moments that Snape could see the cogs turning in the young man's eyes but Harry would look away too quickly for Snape to work out what he was thinking.

He'd shown Hermione to a room and then gestured to a second one with two beds, thinking that Harry would be more comfortable bunking in with his friend. Sure they had shared a bed several times but Harry had been all but unconscious on those occasions and Snape didn't think he would want to be sharing a bed with the potions master even if their previous feelings towards each other had changed to some degree.

With these thoughts still tumbling through his mind he stood again and tugged off his shirt and tossed it in the washing basket near the door before undoing his shoes and stepping out of them.

He was just about to undo his trousers when a soft knock sounded and the door opened just wide enough to let a slip of a young man through before it closed again.

Snape raised an eyebrow but made no moved towards him. 'Harry?' he asked curiously.

Harry swallowed, tearing his eyes from Snape's naked chest and smiling nervously as he stepped closer to the older man.

The potions master's eyes almost fell out of his head when Harry untied his robe and let it fall to the floor to reveal not a scrap of clothing underneath. 'Harry!' He whispered, mortified with himself when his voice broke.

Harry reached out and placed his hands on the older man's chest and Snape couldn't help but liken them to branding irons. 'You are right.' He said softly but firmly causing Snape to raise another eyebrow. 'If we are going to finish this I need to be at full strength.'