A Promise to be Better 13

Author: Raven Dancer

disclaimer: All characters belong to J.K. Rowling except for the Drs. Barnes and Beryl. I receive no monetary compensation for these works.

Summary: Extracting promises.

Snape woke in a warm, quiet place. He felt the itchy beard of his mentor, heard the soft breath flowing in and out. Another body was snugged completely against him, a tingle of healing energy passing into him.

Breathing was easier, now. The sharp, stabbing pain reduced to a vague pull against his side. He stretched slightly, enjoying the muzziness of his mind. It was soo nice to not worry, to not have to think. Not to be alone. To just curl up in that warm nest and fall back to sleep.

He missed the motion above him as James Barnes adjusted the iv bag. Between him and his son, Jeffrey, they had been in constant contact with Snape continually sending healing energy for the last 20 hours. He ran his hand gently over the peaceful face, sampling Snape's inner state. Calm. Content.

Usually they would not have worked so hard to completely heal a wound. It was good for a patient to heal on his own; the body regenerating itself. Emotionally it provided closure time for the injury for both patient and caregivers.

But it was the general consensus that Snape needed to be healed outright. He was an emotional time bomb that had imploded. He needed counseling, gentleness and time to work through the problems. Any physical pain would only stress him more.

Add to that the real possibility Voldemort would call him again. Snape had already demonstrated he'd leave without a moment's thought. Twice he'd gone, twice he'd been hurt. There was no guarantee even Dumbledore could contain him. He'd need to be physically strong to withstand the next meeting.

They could only hope about the emotional strength.

Even now none of them knew why Snape had been returned alive. They could read the use of the Cruciatus curse, although it had been a short exposure. They could tell he'd been kicked twice. No other marks were on him. It certainly wasn't a normal set of punishments/tortures.

It was nearing four in the afternoon. The elder Barnes decided to open the heavy drapes and let some sunlight in. Snape should wake, if only for a few minutes. Relieve some of the apprehension they all were feeling. No one was sure how his mental state was at all.

Again Snape drew to the surface. It was lighter. Much lighter. He reached out to find Dumbledore gone, a pillow had been propped under his arm. The comfortable weight at his back was still there, still sending energy. Slowly he opened his eyes.

Yes, still the Headmaster's bedroom. The autumn sunlighõt streamed in the open window as a breeze made the curtains dance. The interplay of shadow and light kept his attention for some time. He could hear people moving around him, softly talking, but he wasn't sure he was ready for that just yet.

But whether he was ready or not, the memories came back from the day before. Now that the potion had worn off he realized how stupid he'd been flying and apparating. He'd narrowly missed more than a few trees while riding on the broom. He was just damned lucky he hadn't apparated inside the couch or floor or whatever at the mansion.

Couple that with the very real meeting with Voldemort. He had been blessed, that was all he could figure. How else could he have survived? He would have been dead. He should be dead. Yet here he was waking up from the nightmare.

"Albus?" he whispered. The person behind him moved slightly, pulling him closer.

"You're ok, Severus," Jeffrey Barnes murmured quietly. "He's just stretching his legs."

"Well, hello Professor Snape," James Barnes said, sitting down next to the bed. He brushed the hair out of his patient's eyes.

Snape said nothing, but looked beyond the healer searching for Dumbledore. If he'd gone to stretch his legs he might not be back for awhile. A small bubble of panic began to fill his stomach.

"Ssshh, it's ok Severus," the younger Healer began to soothe him, changing the flow of energy. Warmth, lovely warmth, filled his belly. He sighed and closed his eyes.

Glancing at his son, Barnes again ran his hand over their patient's face.

"Going to wake up for us, Severus? You've been very quiet," he sent some energy. He watched the professor respond, pushing against his hand. Eyes reopened and looked up at the Healer.

"Hi, Dr. Barnes," he said very softly. He was rewarded with a broad smile and more gentle strokes.

"Would you like to get up, Severus? You could get dressed and wait for Albus to come back from his walk," the older Healer asked kindly. Snape considered this, then nodded.

It was a slow process, extricating the Potions Master from the bed. He was sluggish and confused. He trusted them to take care of him, soon found himself dressed in warm leggings, thick socks and a clean sleep shirt. Leaving the bed for the house elves, Snape was moved out into the living area. He stood for a long moment, looking at the couch and chairs.

Thank gods neither chair was a wing back.

He chose the couch, snugging close to the corner. Preferring to gaze into the fire on the grate. Tea was poured and set down by him. Jeffrey sat quietly nearby watching.

"I'm going to head back to the clinic, Jeff. Send an e-mail," the elder Barnes said.

Jeffrey nodded. "Thanks, Dad," he replied.

Their patient did nothing remarkable for 45 minutes. He watched the fire and sipped his tea.

The opening door caused the Healer to snap to attention, turning abruptly he watched the Headmaster return from his walk.

Dumbledore took his cloak off, tossing it on the rack. He then noticed Barnes sitting not watching him. Not watching Snape. Snape? He immediately walked to the couch.

"Severus? How are you feeling?" Dumbledore asked as he moved around the couch, not wanting to startle the wizard. Snape stared into the fire, not saying a word. Detecting small tremors, Jeffrey fully expected him to launch off the couch into the Headmaster's arms.

But he didn't. No movement at all until Dumbledore actually touched him, gently cupping his face to get his attention.

"Albus?" a very soft voice wafted up.

"Hullo, child," Dumbledore whispered huskily back.

The Healer hadn't factored in the possibility of the Headmaster breaking down.

Which he did, dropping to his knees he buried his head in Snape's lap trying hard not to cry. If the Potions MasterÔ was surprised he did not show it, sat quietly stroking his friend's hair and whispering soothing words.

Dumbledore pulled himself together.

"I thought I'd be comforting you, Severus," he chuckled, a little shaky wiping his eyes.

"I can wait," Snape said simply, now opening his arms. Coming up to sit on the couch, Dumbledore accepted the hug. It didn't last very long. The younger man pressed his face into his mentor's shoulder. Shoulders began to tremble under the strain.

Now Barnes moved. He quickly sat behind Snape as he broke down. The Healer knew to send some warming energy to keep the man from getting totally despondent.

Dumbledore held tight, whispering his love and support. He knew Barnes was there, not hindering him in the least but helping as best he could. Snape let himself go for a few minutes before trying to gather himself back.

In halting sentences Snape managed to convey everything that had happened, from the first dizzying step out the Headmaster's windowı to Gibbons warning about the Forbidden Forest.

Dumbledore encouraged the younger man, but did not question him. It was more important that he get rid of his fear first before trying to glean all the meaning out of it possible. He couldn't help but wince when Snape related getting kicked. He silently thanked all the gods for sending Severus back to him.

"I'm so sorry, Albus," Snape finally lamented, as though he'd brought it all on himself, disappointing his friend.

"Child, you have nothing to be sorry for, you did the best you could in a horrible situation," Dumbledore managed to pull him up so he was snugged against his chest and shoulder. Snape was nearly limp. He wasn't even gripping the Headmaster's robes, which he'd done in the past, his hands clasped in his lap as he stared once more into the fire.

Dumbledore continued to hold him, rocking a little. Finally Snape shifted, fingers running lightly over the older man's robes before burying themselves in the folds. Eyes half-clo˙sed as Snape snuggled into the warmth and protection.

"He wants to play with me. He was disappointed I didn't fight against the curse," Snape whispered. "He gets off watching."

"Then there's no real reason to go back. Voldemort's not likely to tell you anything of importance any longer," Barnes reasoned.

"You aren't going back," Dumbledore said firmly. "You can't really spy. The only reason to go back would be to be hurt for his amusement."

"Gibbons. He's not entirely on Voldemort's side. I would get information from him," Snape weakly protested.

"He can send an owl," the Headmaster snapped. He would not let Snape go off again. Holding the tired wizard the Headmaster did some quick thinking.

"The next time, anytime, you are summoned, by Voldemort or his minions, whether by message or if your mark burns, you will come find me first, Severus. You must not leave," Dumbledore was very firm as he ran his hand over the tense shoulder and face.

No answer.

"Severus, promise me you come to me when you are summoned," Dumbledore continued. Snape moved listlessly, thinking. He would be giving up alot, his right to his own decision if he promised that to the Headmaster.

Barnes looked from wizard to wizard. If Dumbledore extracted this promise from Snape the Healer would have to talk with the Headmaster about the ramifications. If Snape gave up that much freedom the Headmaster would have to provide additional support. Continued emotional support.

Dumbledore was insistent. Finally Snape relented.

"Yes, Albus, I'll come to you. I'll let you know when I'm contacted by any of the Death Eaters or Voldemort," the Potions Master sighed deeply. That was one less thing to worry about in any event.

Hours later, after attempting to eat, Snape was allowed to bathe on his own. He filled the tub and leaned back to have a long soak.

Barnes took the opportunity to corner Dumbledore.

"Headmaster, before I go back to Hogsmeade, I wanted to touch base on a few ~things," the Healer began.

"I know about the potions, Jeffrey, I can give them to him when he needs them," the Headmaster smiled.

"Good," the Healer began again.

"I've lined up two seventh-year students to take his first years in the morning. I'll take the second years in the afternoon," the Headmaster continued, ticking items off as he went.

"Sounds like you have classes under control. I," Barnes tried again to turn the conversation.

"I've sketched out Tuesday, too," Dumbledore was starting in on his next schedule.

"Actually, Albus, I wanted to talk with you about the promise you extracted from Severus this afternoon," Barnes jumped in quickly. A tight smile played around the Headmaster's lips.

"I thought you might," the older man said sounding pleased with himself.

"Severus has always been a very independent person, even with his working for you and the Light. He's done what you've wanted, but on his terms," Barnes observed.

"I don't see how reporting to me first makes much of a difference," Dumbledore protested mildly.

"Albus, you told him he would not go back. You basically told him you'd make any decisions regarding contact with Voldemort or the Death Eaters," the Healer carefully pointed out.

"I still don't see much of a change," the older man said.

"Given that Severus has been verging on total collapse emotionally for months now he's just given up some more of his personal control to you. He looks to you for emotional support. You've just raised the ante, so to speak. You have an even bigger influence on him. I'm just saying you're going to need to be there for him, no matter what, if you want him to get well," Barnes said.

"Of course I'll be there for him! I don't want him to get killed, and that's just what will happen if he goes back," the Headmaster was not too pleased with the Healer's concern. What was he implying? That he'd abandoned Snape if it wasn't convenient? If it became too hard?

Barnes sighed. He'd been afraid of this; a promise extracted in a moment of high emotion. Dumbledore hadn't fully realized how insecure and needy Snape might become. When, not if, WHEN that summons came he'd be a basket case with all the sub-conscious associations wreaking havoc.

"I know you're protecting him, Albus. Just be sure to be there, be consistent. He's fragile and he'll be on the edge for many months to come. I'll start working with him more about his issues. He has alot of old baggage to let go," Barnes gathered up his kit and cloak.

"Don't worry, Jeffrey, I'll be there. I am there," Dumbledore gave him a full smile, eyes twinkling. With an answering smile and a good night, Dr. Barnes left.