A Promise to be Better 43

Author: Raven Dancer

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

Summary: Places in the Heart

The younger healer had finished feeding his patient and was curled up in the lounge when his father and the Headmaster came into Albus' rooms. He'd administered an energy potion and coerced Snape into drinking some strengthening draughts as well. Now they were both drifting somewhere between too exhausted and sleep.

Dr. James touched Jeffrey first, immediately feeling the weariness rolling off his son. He then shifted to Snape, scanning the frighteningly low energy and strange lightness of being. He was not happy; even with the energy boosts Snape was just too weak. And still. The Potions Master's chest barely rose and fell as lungs pulled in pitifully small amounts of air. The normally sallow face had a slight gray cast to it.

"How are they?" Dumbledore asked, including Jeffrey out of politeness. The Headmaster's eyes were only on the still, black-haired figure.

"Tired. Severus is barely stable," Dr. James responded in a tight voice. His slumping shoulders told the older wizard the Healer was hiding something.

"Which means?" prompted a worried Headmaster. gods, Dr. James looked almost as white as Snape at this point. It made Dumbledore's heart beat faster.

"Which means we're in for a long night," the older Healer said evasively, not wanting to raise the already impossibly high stress level Dumbledore was exhibiting. He patted his son affectionately. He knew Jeffrey was both awake and quite aware of them. Finally James moved over to the table, letting Dumbledore move closer. The Headmaster immediately took Snape's hand and scanned his child as best he could. He could hardly feel anything, the spark that was Severus was dim. Now his chest was getting tight and he vaguely wondered if he should mention this to Dr. James.

"He's not going to make it, is he?" Dumbledore asked instead, voice trembling slightly. This caused Jeffrey's eyes to snap open and check out the Headmaster. The younger Healer's hand covered his, scanning the internal turmoil.

"Severus will make it. He just needs careful handling for a few hours," Jeffrey consoled the older wizard. He believed this completely and the certainty in his voice soothed Dumbledore somewhat.

"I don't like being handled," Snape's weak voice cut into the conversation. All three wizards were startled, Dr. James moved so he could join the other two in looking closely at the Potions Master. Dumbledore gently stroked his friend's face. So very fragile... So very pale... It frightened him all over again and only the grip of the Healer on his other hand kept him from collapsing.

"I'll make an exception for you, Albus," the scratchy wisp of a voice allowed as the Potions Master leaned into the touch. All Dumbledore wanted to do was gather the man up and protect him. A fierce, hopeless feeling welled up from the depths of his chest. Now Snape trusted him, loved him. And he was going to die...

"Why don't you take my place, Albus? I need to confer with my Dad," Jeffrey asked, breaking into Dumbledore's despair. A little hands-on comfort would help both the Headmaster and the ill wizard. "You can send energy?"

"Of course," the Headmaster said eagerly, fairly leaping at the chance to hold his child. The wizards shifted, then traded places. Soon Snape's fingers were whispering over Dumbledore's robes seeking the assurances of warmth and touch.

"Love you, Albus," the insubstantial voice drifted up and Dumbledore held tighter trying to reign in the helplessness washing over him.

"Love you too, Severus, my child," the Headmaster managed without cracking. He couldn't cry, not now. Snape might feel guilty and that would be too stressful for both of them.

Then they were still, drifting together between too exhausted and sleep.

Within an hour the Healers formed a plan. Both were exhausted. Of theï two, Jeffrey had a little more strength. He would go back to the clinic and make sure everything was running smoothly. They'd left their latest medical resident in charge along with their receptionist. Good practice for the soon-to-graduate witch.

James would stay the night bonded with Snape, keeping his heart and lungs going. The Potions Master was extremely vulnerable but he should be safe bonded to James and carefully nestled in the Headmaster's bed. Before leaving, the two Healers worked together to move their patient into bed and reestablished the full healer's bond.

Taking Dumbledore by the arm Jeffrey led him out of earshot. Dr. James was too busy fussing over Snape to notice their departure.

"You must watch them, Albus. I know you're tired; but Dad's extremely over-protective right now. He's gone deep into the bond and will hurt himself substantially if Severus gets into trouble,"

The healer swallowed down his own fears in order to say what he must.

"If anything happens, if Dad starts to struggle, you'll have to convince him to break the bond. He'll, he'll die trying." Jeffrey looked away, unable to meet the pain he knew would be in Dumbledore's eyes. A comforting hand caressed his shoulder.

"I know, Jeffrey. James does care for his patients, and he loves Severus . I'll watch out for him," the older man promised gravely even as his stomach clenched at the very real possibility of losing his child.

"I'll be back early in the morning-," Jeffrey said, but was cut off when the office door opened. Curiously, Hermione Granger was dragging in Harry Potter, who was looking rather embarrassed. Both wizards stared a moment until Barnes nodded his head.

"Ah, of course, you were supposed to come see me after dinner, weren't you, Harry?" Jeffrey asked with a weary smile. Hermione gave her silent and apparently reluctant friend a glare.

"Yes, he was. I had to drag him out of his bed," the witch asserted.

"That should create some interesting gossip," the Headmaster said lightly, looking the two students over carefully. Hermione blushed, quickly followed by Harry.

"No, I, I, well, I just went in and got him, sir. Ron and Neville were there, in the room," Hermione stuttered.

"mmhmm," Dumbledore mused in an uncertain tone. This caused both students more anxiety and they broke apart.

"Nothing happened, Headmaster," Harry spoke quickly. The slight panic on his face finally caused the older two wizards to chuckle, releasing the students from the slight allegations of impropriety.

"Come, Harry. Let me scan you and then I'll be off," Jeffrey waved him closer, gently running his hands over the youth's face and neck. The vigor and good health shone through the scan.

"That is one impressive charm," the Healer murmured as he continued to check each major system.

"I feel wonderful," Harry said. "Better than wonderful." He glanced over at the Headmaster. "I'd really like to thank Professor Snape. Has he woken yet?" Harry asked. He immediately saw the Headmaster falter, his face lost the small smile and a wave of sadness enveloped the Headmaster The student tried to turn away from the Healer to fully face Dumbledore. Jeffrey allowed the youth to turn but not move away, continuing to scan.

"Professor Snape is better, after resting all day, isn't he?" Harry pushed, waiting impatiently for the reassuring answer for which he hoped. The Headmaster actually turned away before answering. A shiver of dread worked up from his toes.

"No, Harry, Professor Snape is not better," Dumbledore managed without expressing his inner pain verbally. Body language was an entirely different thing: the slumping shoulders and slight tremor betrayed him completely. Barnes finished his scan and pulled the student back to face him.

"Harry," Jeffrey said as gently as he could, "the charm takes a lot of energy, more than Professor Snape could afford to give."

"Damn him," Harry cursed, crossing his arms, becoming stiff under the Healer's gentle touches. "I can't believe Sirius!" the student muttered to himself.

Hermione looked at Barnes. This was not adding up. From what she'd read Professor Snape should be stronger; these wizards, especially Dumbledore, were acting as if the Potions Master was at death's door.

"What's happening to him?" she asked sharply.

"Severus? He's sleeping. Dr. James has rebonded with him to keep him stable," Jeffrey explained.

The disbelief on her face was very obvious.

"Dr. James has suggested Sirius get some specialized help," Dumbledore added, mistaking her expression as one of impatience at being misunderstood.

"He's contacted a sanitarium in Geneva. Sirius will be safe there and well taken care of," Jeffrey added.

"No, not Snuffles, I meant Professor Snape. Why isn't he getting stronger? I read about energy feeds and potions. Shouldn't he be better by now?" Hermione asked eagerly. Jeffrey was impressed; he'd heard about this young witch's thirst for knowledge.

For her part, Hermione looked a bit suspicious and Harry was beginning to look alarmed.

"He's just completely depleted," Jeffrey said in a firm and positive tone. "Dr. James has a good hold on him and with the potions he should be better in the morning."

Hermione and Harry both noticed the Headmaster did not look even remotely assured at either the Healer's tone or words.

"Then I will return in the morning to thank him," Harry said as he and Hermione both watched the Healer closely for his reaction to this.

"Wait. At least until your lunch break," Barnes requested, giving nothing away. The students nodded in acquiescences.

"Good night, Dr. Barnes. Good night, Professor Dumbledore," said Hermione. Harry echoed her and they went out the door together, heading back to Gryffindor tower.

"I'd best be off, too, Albus," the doctor said with a sigh. Meeting the Headmaster's eye he could see all the pain and fear the man had tried futilely to hide from the students. Jeffrey opened his arms and took the older wizard into a tight hug. gods, even though he knew Snape would be fine, he still needed the reassurances, too.

"Everything will be just fine," Jeffrey murmured. "Dad is a tenacious old booger and Severus has a strength we have hardly tapped." Dumbledore clung tight a moment, gathering his resolve before stepping back a little.

"I know, Jeffrey. I will watch over them both," the Headmaster promised, leaving a comforting hand on Jeffrey's shoulder as he walked the younger Healer to the door. He closed the door very softly behind Jeffrey and turned to go to bed.

Hours later Dumbledore woke. He looked at the pool of moonlight on the floor, remembering that it would be full in three nights. The professor from Beauxbatons would be brewing Lupin's potion soon. Jacques? Jerard? Julian? His sleep-befuddled mind sorted through a few names.

Why was he awake, anyway? The Headmaster slowly pushed up and waved on a light. Blinking in the brightness he turned his eyes toward the other occupants of the bed. Snape was laying as before, flat on his back unmoving. He was ghostly pale, dark hair framing his face in stark contrast. There was a strange hollowness in his face and Dumbledore looked closely wondering if his child were dreaming. He was too still, tèoo dull in the moonlight.

"oh gods..." Dr. James whimpered raggedly in his sleep. "it hurtssss. make it stop... please make it stop..."

Dumbledore's head jerked up and he looked at the Healer clutching his friend. Barnes' face was contorted in agony, tears spilling out. His entire body was shaking.

"JAMES! JAMES! WAKE UP!" the Headmaster reached over and shook the doctor hard. Oh gods, not now! Why the hell now? Pain-filled brown eyes snapped open and met the Headmaster's tear-filled blue.

"James, break the bond. Get out now!" Dumbledore choked out in agony.

*My child! Don't take my child!* Albus' mind screamed against the hopelessness welling up.

"James! Break off the bond!" his voice broke; he felt his tears fall faster. Heart shattering, he shook James hard, nearly pushing him off limp Potions Master. The Healer gripped Severus harder, struggling against both the pain and the Headmaster in his driving need to save his patient. Finally, the pain won out and with a whimper Barnes released Snape.

There was no change in the Potions Master, not even a twitch or whimper at the broken contact. He was just as still, just as white, as before. The Healer, on the other hand, drew in a long, shaky breath as he struggled upward pulling his left arm from under the sheets. He stared at it half-expecting it to be bleeding.

"Oh, gods, it was burning like acid had been poured on it," Barnes said weakly. Dumbledore immediately grabbed Snape's limp arm and drew it out from the bedding.

Voldemort was calling.

The snake and skull were burning black against the white flesh; the mark seemed to swell as the summoning continued. Dumbledore put his hand over the evil aberration and quickly cast the counter-charm. In no time the angry flesh was receding.

As the mark faded, Barnes quickly moved in and scanned Snape.

"Damn!" he cursed, pulling the limp, spiritless body to him.

Dumbledore watched in horror, unable to move or speak, as the drama unfolded before him.

"NO!" the Healer screamed, throwing a spike of energy into Snape. The body jerked, then spasmed and twitched.

"What? What can I do, James?" Dumbledore asked desperately.

"I can't regulate his heart and breathing and feed him the

energy he's going to need to survive," the Healer said hollowly, dropping his head in defeat. He was going to loose Severus. After all the struggles, all their fighting and his, Severus was dead. He was gone. Tears rolled slowly down James' face as he struggled with his grief, his defeat.

"James, I can feed the energy," Dumbledore said quickly, shaking the Healer.

"Won't work. He needs specific areas fed to survive," Barnes said dsully, admitting defeat. Dumbledore felt desperation rising rapidly as he looked at his lifeless child lying in the lap of the despondent Healer.

"Then BOND ME TO HIM! I can regulate his heart and breathing if you link us!" Dumbledore yelled at the Healer, he was not going to to give up, not if he could give himself to save his child.

"But if he goes," Barnes tried to counter. He was met with the wild glare of a distraught parent.

"LINK US! I WILL NOT LOOSE SEVERUS!" Dumbledore absolutely raged at the Healer fighting the urge to reach over and shake the man bodily. With a hesitant nod, Dr. James agreed.

"Ok, it might work," he said, a thin flicker of hope rising in him. "I have to bond with you then link you to Severus. YOU MUST REMAIN IN CONTROL. Do not allow him to take over for himself," Barnes quickly explained, eyes intent on the Headmaster. "You don't have to worry about falling asleep; you can only loose control if you will it away. The bond can't be broken unless you break it off."

"I think I understand, James. Please, do it now!" the Headmaster begged. Snape was completely limp between them. Barnes bit his lip, his brows creasing in concern. Still, he nodded and reached out to touch Dumbledore acting as a human bridge between Headmaster and Potions Master. The Healer murmured a few words.

Suddenly Dumbledore was plunged into all that was James. He was aware of the other man's heart beating, lungs filling and contracting. The sense, the force, of the man himself was profound. He felt the anxiety, the desperation, and the driving desire to save Snape.

Another murmuring and then the Headmaster was aware of another heartbeat, barely fluttering, another set of lungs slow to inflate. This lifeforce was barely a whisper.

*Albus?* the soft voice of his child sounded in his head.

*Albus? It's okay. Let go. Just let go?* Snape calmly asked. There was a peace in the voice Albus had never before heard.

*No, Severus. I'm going to hold you for a little while,* Dumbledore replied, working on his own composure. His body curled around Snape's getting as close physically as possible.

*You can let go, Albus. Harry's ok. Everything's ok,* the serene voice wafted through the Headmaster and he was tempted. Snape sounded so content. Could he pull his child away from this?

*No, child. I won't let go for now. Let me breathe for you,* Dumbledore said quietly, taking a firmer hold on heart and lungs, willing air and blood to continue flowing into the still body. Somewhere the Headmaster was aware of a tingling flow of energy. It bolstered his grip and he gained the upper hand.

*Ok, Albus, if you want to,* Snape sighed, releasing control to his friend.

*Yes, Severus, I want to; I love you child,* Albus felt a slight movement in the body against him. Snape curled the tiniest bit into his arms.

Dr. James continued to pulse his patient with a judicious flow of energy. Enough to keep everything running but not enough to exhaust the Healer. He could tell Dumbledore was firmly in control; Snape was stable. He no longer resisted the thin flicker of hope trying to light itself within him. Together they'd get the Potions Master through.

For time uncounted Dumbledore breathed in and out; heart beating in a lazy three quarter time; blood whooshing in, out, and through. gods, this was his child, this was his Severus. It was awkward at first, holding this fragile life in his hands. But slowly the internal rhythms aligned He gently prodded his child into sleep and let himself follow. The Headmaster found they were soon sharing his own dreams: Albus' dreams of the sea-side home of his youth, golden and warm in the summer sun. He'd lived there for only a few short years but the memory was strong filling them both with peace.