A Promise to be Better 15

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: Snape continues to heal.

For a few days Barnes delved into Severus Snape. Dug into all the closets and rattled a lot of skeletons. While the Potions Master was willing the Healer was going to get as much history out as possible. Sometimes Dumbledore was with them, sometimes not. Barnes noted Snape did not want to discuss his school years when the Headmaster was around.

The Healer allowed Snape to go back to teaching. It was the one place he was happy. The strictures Dumbledore had put in place (treating all students with respect, creating a stress-free environment, et al) actually helped. The Potions Master was at least trying to behave towards the children as he secretly wished his parents had acted towards him.

Under protest Snape began to journal.

"Just write down whatever you're thinking Severus," Barnes had directed, having handed the reluctant man a thin book. It was protected by several spells to reassure the wizard it would stay private.

"Can't I just use a pensieve to sort through my thoughts?" Snape groused, flipping through the blank lined pages. Being a magical journal there were hundreds of blank pages bound up in a thin dragon hide cover.

"A pensieve gives visual. I find it is distracting most of the time. Especially for the memories you're bringing up. I want you to put down what you're doing and feeling now. We can go over some parts of it during our sessions," Barnes explained. "If you like, think of it as homework."

Snape glared. HOMEWORK!

"But if I write it down someone can get ahold of it and read it," he protested.

"Severus, there are several charms on that little book. Be assured no student or even staff member could crack open that book and read it unless you opened it and gave it to them. Even then, they'd only be able to read the page it was open to," Barnes explained.

"But there are ways around the charms?" he asked suspiciously.

"Yes, I'm sure that given time and incentive someone could break the charms on that journal. The company who makes them admits they pay people to try. Any time someone breaks into one they reformulate the charms," Barnes said matter-of-factly.

Snape looked at the book and then at the Healer. With a great sigh he picked up the quill and inscribed his name on the first page thereby sealing this particular journal to him and him alone.

After two weeks of intense sessions, teaching and venturing back to the great hall for meals, Snape moved back to his own rooms. He'd needed a sleeping draught the first few nights, to relax and fall asleep. Barnes had insisted the Potions Master allow the house elves to warm his bed each night.

"You get chilled and won't light the fire," Barnes pointed out.

"You wouldn't either, if you got surprise guests in the middle of the night," Snape groused. Even with all the protections of Hogwarts, a lit fire was was a portal, limited but still there. Nothing physical could actually get through, but messages could be sent. Waking up to Voldemort's head was not something he relished.

"Yes, Severus, I know that you used to get all sorts of rude wake-ups, especially back during the first uprisings. And Malfoy had a penchant to looking you up now and again to harass you. So don't light the fire," Barnes had argued. "Just let the house elves get on with their duties. Beryl or Dobby especially like to care for you."

"Why can't I warm my own bed?" he snarled.

"Can you honestly tell me you'd do it? Each and every night? I don't want to extract promises, Severus, I just want the bed warm so you sleep well. The house elves do this for other staff and students in the castle," Barnes came right back at the Potions Master.

Snape finally agreed and with Barnes waiting called Dobby and made his request. The elf, of course, was happy to be able to serve the wizard and said the bed would be warmed nightly. If he happened to need it warmed at any other time he need only ring for them.

The first week went ok. Classes were fine, the students were amazing in their ability to accept the changes in their Potions Master. They were still bored at times, but Snape added a few pot¥ions that were just fun or extremely useful for a student. They were no longer terrified of the wizard although many were still jumpy when something went wrong.

McGonagall had come by class twice that week, just to 'check up' on her students. Although very gun-shy, Snape stood his ground while she walked through. At the very least she only walked through, did not linger to watch or question.

At staff table in the great halls and in the staff room, conversation turned away from Snape and returned to the mundane existence of a professor: good students, bad students, and the Weasley twins. The mating bug story had been good enough to keep the adults chuckling for a few days. Especially when Lupin related the two students trying to net a bogart.

"I had a suspicion they'd never really listened to me in the first place," the DADA professor remarked to Snape as they ate lunch on Friday.

"Do they ever listen? I think the twins enjoy their mistakes more than their successes!" Snape blew on his soup before sipping it off the spoon.

"I think you're right. I've caught them demonstrating bogart netting to several groups of suspicious students. I'm going to have to review bogarts with all the classes thanks to them!" Lupin groused. Snape actually chuckled, a slight smile flashed and disappeared.

"There's a bogart in the old quidditch classroom," Snape mentioned. "I had it in my face last August and I doubt very much it's moved.

"That's true, they tend to stay put once they find a nice dark spot," Lupin agreed wiping sweat from his forehead. He was pleased the conversation was going so easily, that the Potions Master seemed more relaxed with him and in the great hall.

Lupin had been shocked when he found out Snape was a Death Eater the year before. He had known Snape was a dark, antagonisitic wizard since they met as first years at Hogwarts. He was intrigued and amazed Snape had spied for Dumbledore during Voldemort's first reign during the height of the creature's power.

But that was nothing compared to the shock of seeing Snape limp in Hagrid's arms returning from a meeting with Voldemort nearly three weeks before. Lupin was not privy to exactly what happened but he gathered the meeting had not gone well and Snape's spying days must be over. At least he hoped so.

Snape had been healed quickly and returned to his teaching duties within a week. The DADA professor wondered about that quick return but knew enough not to question too closely either Snape or Dumbledore. He had no idea whatsoever what happened behind closed doors, but he was glad something was being done for the wizard.

Another wave of dizziness passed through Lupin and he wiped his face again.

"Remus? Are you quite alright?" asked Snape, setting his spoon down as he watched the normally healthy man pale significantly. "Not the moon," he continued, whispering, "sick?"

"I'm not sure, Severus," Lupin liked to hear his name roll off the other man's lips and was always quick to reinforce that by using Snape's first name.

"I have been a bit queasy today. A little dizzy. Probably something I ate," Lupin shrugged.

"Well, if it continues see Pomfrey or come down to me and get a potion for it. No reason to be miserable," Snape said with a bit of concern. He took some bread and tore a piece off to eat. Lupin nodded and sipped at his tea.

The rest of the day went quietly enough for all concerned. After dinner Lupin followed Snape down to the dungeons and did secure a potion for his nausea. He downed the peppermint flavored brew and took an additional goblet for later if he needed it.

Snape actually walked him back up to his rooms. Rather surprising in and of itself. He politely refused coming in for a drink.

"Go to bed, Remus. You need the sleep," Snape said as he moved back down the hallway.

"Thanks, Severus," Lupin caılled. Snape just waved over his shoulder as he disappeared down the stairway.

Albus Dumbledore woke in the middle of the night. It was dark, no moonlight. He lay in bed, wondering what had disturbed his sleep.

Rolling over he hit the top of the muggle clock Arthur Weasley had given him years before.

"It is three thirty-eight am," the voice intoned.

Now there was a movement by the window and the Headmaster noted the thin silhouette standing, arms snugged tightly against chest as if cold or in pain. Pushing up he sat on the edge of the bed and turned on the light.

"Well, Severus, how long have you been here?" Dumbledore asked with a yawn.

"Since a little after one," Snape replied in a very small voice.

"Why didn't you wake me?" the Headmaster put on his glasses and stretched before standing and moving to the wizard.

"You were sleeping so peacefully. I didn't want to bother you," the younger wizard admitted.

"Something has bothered you, Severus," Dumbledore now reached Sna¯pe and stood at his shoulder, looking over the dark expanse. The younger man shrugged then held out his arm.

The death eater's mark was dark and angry, the serpent's eyes nearly glowing white against the black. It must have been painful given the rigidness of the younger man's muscles and the sheen of sweat on his arm.

"It won't stop until I apparate or he tires of holding the spell," Snape shrugged. "So there was no point in waking you since all I'd do is exactly this, wait."

"And be in a lot of pain," Dumbledore remarked, gently taking hold of Snape's left wrist tugging him over to the light. He studied the mark intently, considering.

A fresh wave of pain coursed through the forearm as an angry dark wizard once more cast the summoning charm. Snape whimpered slightly as his muscles tensed yet again and the mark burned anew.

Dumbledore ran his hand over the blighted skin and began to whisper various counter charms he knew. Intellectually he knew he could either terminate the charm ˘or disrupt it enough to stop the pain. It might take awhile to get the right combination.

After several unsuccessful minutes Dumbledore furrowed his brow and growled angrily. "Terminus 'summon command'!" and watched with admitted surprise as the mark began to fade and muscles began to release.

Snape, bathed in sweat, watched in dull amazement as the pain receded. "It doesn't hurt anymore," he whispered, exhausted. Dumbledore smiled.

"There, that was easy. No wonder I couldn't figure it out!" the Headmaster chuckled. "Let's go rinse you off and get you into dry clothing," he continued, leading the trembling man to the washroom.

Snape had a quick shower, mostly to rinse off the sweat. He managed to run a soapy cloth over himself and get one light shampoo in before depleting what energy he possessed. Left to himself the Potions Master would have collasped in his own bed dripping wet and shivering.

But he wasn't in his own rooms. Dumbledore helped wrapped him in a towel and led him back into the bedroom. A sleepshirt was located as well as light sweat pants. Hair was dried, combed and pulled into a tie. Dressed Snape was finally propelled towards the bed.

Where he balked.

"I can go back to my rooms, Headmaster," tired voice, tired face grey with exhaustion.

"In. The middle. You're asleep on your feet, Severus," Dumbledore pushed him patiently. Without any more resistance the Potions Master climbed in between the waiting covers.

The Headmaster moved quietly about the room picking up wet towels tossing them into the laundry basket. He moved out into the office area and sent a message to Dr. Barnes. Not urgent, just a request he stop by in the morning at his convenience. By the time he'd returned Snape was asleep. Slipping into bed, lights were turned off and he settled onto his pillow.

In his sleep the younger man gravitated to the warmth. With an indulgent smile Dumbledore shifted, letting the cold body snug close under his arm. If he warmed up chances were good Snape would sleep sound without nightmares. Barnes had been very specific on that. With a sigh the Headmaster curled against him and fell asleep.

Snape woke hours later. He drowsily looked around the room and determined he was once again in the Headmaster's bed. The late October sun was bright and welcome, dispelling the dark dispair he'd felt in the middle of the night.

Stretching he sat up on the edge of the bed. A pair of slippers and robe had been left for him. Rolling his eyes Snape berated himself: no clothing! He'd come up without a set for the day. Reaching for the bell he called a house elf.

"Professor !Snape is awake! Professor Snape wants his breakfast?" Dobby bounced into the room with his usual fervor.

Oooh no, this sounded very familiar. The Potions Master closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"Actually, Dobby, I'd like some clean robes from my room," the professor said carefully.

"The Headmaster says no clothes. The Headmaster says Professor Snape must eat first," Dobby's eyes gleamed with amusement. Snape sighed.

"Alright, Dobby. Bring me breakfast. Or is it lunchtime?" he asked, somewhat defeated. If the Headmaster had given the elf orders they would override his own.

"Lunch, Professor Snape. Almost lunch. But Professor Snape may have breakfast if Professor Snape wants it," Dobby reported.

"Surprise me, Dobby. But just enough for me, not a party of 20!" Snape muttered. He didn't really want to eat but he had little choice. Might as well give up all his choices.

Dobby's smile broadened and he shook his head so hard Snape swore he'd achieve flight from his ears flapping. With a loud crack the elf swept out of sight.

Pulling on the robe Snape pushed his feet into the slippers and went into the washroom. He had a suspicion he'd have to eat his meal out in the dining area. Dumbledore would probably want to monitor his intake. With a persecuted sigh the Potions Master walked into the sitting room.

Dumbledore was at his desk with Professor Lupin. Snape raised his hand to wave when he froze.

"DON'T TOUCH THAT!" the wizard shouted as a gleaming circlet of gold dropped out of Lupin's hand clattering on the desk.

"Albus," Snape hurried over, "tell me you haven't touched it."

Dumbledore looked up with great concern, "No, Severus. Remus just brought it up to show me."

"I found it Tuesday when Hagrid and I were in the Forbidden Forest looking for some shelf mushrooms. It was," Lupin was interrupted.

"On or near a dead animal?" Snape just stared at the ring of shiny gold.

"Well, yes, there was a dead rabbit," the DADA professor said.

"Algie's rings," Snape murmured. With a jerk he faced Lupin, concern lining his face. "You found it Tuesday? Four days ago? Have you had it in your possession the whole time? Did anyone else touch it? Hagrid?"

"Uh, Hagrid didn't touch it. I put it in a pocket and I've carried it with me. I've been studying it off and on trying to decide what it was and where it might have come from. One doesn't find rabbits wearing such finery every day," Lupin told him.

"Algie's rings, Severus?" Dumbledore queried.

"You've been feeling ill. Has it gotten worse Remus?" the Potions Master ignored the Headmaster for the moment.

"Well, yes, I went to Madame Pomfrey before I came up here to get more potion for my stomach. Fever started this morning, too," Lupin said. "But the potions have taken care of the problem."

"No, the potion won't take care of the problem," the wizard muttered. "Stand up, Remus. Please," he added when Lupin was slow.

"Severus. Explain what this is about!" Dumbledore firmly demanded.

Finally looking at the Headmaster Snape answered. "Algernon Flynn was a death eater during the first reign. He brewed potions, developed hexes, for Voldemort. Algie wanted to rise in the ranks but he just didn't have the abilities. His great 'creation' was to poison metal with a variety of low-level curses that caused an influenza-like illness," Snape used a quill to flip the ring over.

"Actually, it was an admirable idea. Muggles and magic folk would pick up the trinkets and pocket them. After a few days they'd become ill. The illnesses weren't contagious, but the trinkets could be passed around a family or bar and infect many people. The longer the exposure, the more quickly the poison took hold," the Potions Master explained.

"Once the trinket was passed off the person would get better, right?" Lupin asked nervously.

"No. It's a curse, it must be terminated by a counter curse. People eventually die," Snape said very quietly.

"Severus, you know the counter curse?" Dumbledore asked quickly.

"Yes. I do," Snape shifted closer to Lupin. "It was Algie's coup d' grace, so to speak. I need to hold you, Remus. Sorry," he lifted his arms and held the DADA professor snugly against his body, nuzzling his face into his hair and neck. He began whispering a complicated charm.

As Dumbledore watched Lupin appeared to stiffen and a glow encircled both men. Lupin's head rolled back, mouth slack, eyes closed and a mist seemed to rise up above them swirling in a lazy vortex. Raising his right hand Snape flicked a pulse of energy and the mist evaporated. He pulled back from Lupin.

The Headmaster realized Lupin looked wonderful; smiling, bright eyed and free from illness. Snape, on the other hand, looked gray and drawn. Dumbledore rose from his desk.

"Better, Remus?" Snape asked.

"I feel great! Like you've filled me with your energy," Lupin said happily.

"Good," Snape smiled and slipped unconscious to the floor.