A Promise to be Better 45
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: Endings and Epilogues
Another day, another albatross, Dumbledore thought bemusedly to himself. Although this particular bird carried a message from America and his friend, Lila Johnstone. The Headmaster secured a bowl of raw fish for the bird before he took the light paper and moved away from the desk... and the wondrous stench of herring guts.
He walked across the room to a chair near the lounge. Snape was drowsing under warm blankets, several parchments spilling out of his relaxed hand. After four days he was much better and the Healers finally didn't feel compelled to hover around. Unable to contain himself, Dumbledore reached out to stroke the silky black hair earning a small smile.
"Albus?" Snape left his eyes closed, leaning into the touch.
"Child," Dumbledore responded warmly. His hand strayed down the cheeks that were no longer deathly pale. Dark eyes slid open regarding the older man. The resting wizard's hand twitched then moved up to take his mentor's hand.
Warm. The Potions Master's hand was finally warm. They smiled at one another for a long moment before the younger wizard released his grip and moved to pick up a dropped parchment.
"Anything of interest?" Dumbledore prompted him, tucking his own message up his sleeve.
"Not a lot. McGonagall wants to borrow that "Teen Witch" magazine before I give it back to Parkinson. Some mushy drivel from Potter and Granger reports Longbottom needs more tutoring," Snape reported. He shook the parchment in his hand with a snort. "And this note from Dr. Barnes reminding me I should be resting and not bothering with the mail."
Dumbledore chuckled. Leave it to Jeffrey to sneak in a little reminder.
"Well, you should be resting," the Headmaster tugged a blanket up nearer to Snape's neck. Not finished with his fussing, Dumbledore picked up a nearly full cup of juice and offered the straw to his friend. With a bemused chuff Snape accepted and took a long drink. He pushed the straw out, swallowed and leaned back against the pillows.
"So, did you receive anything of interest? You seem to have an albatross on your desk," Snape observed, face still relaxed and comfortable.
"Just a note from Lila," Dumbledore said evasively. Snape visibly perked up, his lip twitching.
"Lila?" the younger wizard managed to sound silky and teasing all at once. Albus pulled back and raised his eyebrow.
"Lila," he replied, sounding a bit more "innocent" than usual. Snape's eyes twinkled with amusement, but he refrained from commenting further. Dumbledore had enjoyed Lila Johnstone's friendship for decades and the Potions Master suspected they might just be more than friends. Or not. Albus was never very forthcoming with information and had managed to keep that part of his life very, very private.
Turning slightly Snape watched Dumbledore slip out a note from his sleeve. It was written on a very light paper; this piqued his interest. She'd used the fastest carrier and didn't weigh it down. What was so important?
Dumbledore's eyes traveled over the familiar handwriting and he snorted indelicately when she reprimanded him for using such heavy parchment for his letter. Lila had unbounded compassion even for animals. He made a mental note to use more appropriate paper on the return letter.
Snape watched those eyes crinkle in relief and tolerated another absentminded cuddle when something written triggered the affection. Lila must have mentioned him in the letter to Albus. He continued to wait patiently, at least patiently for the Potions Master. When Dumbledore finally looked away from the parchment Snape pushed.
"Well?" he asked. The Headmaster's eyes flicked to his friend, hand still soothing Snape's face.
"Oh, Lila will take Sirius for the time being," Dumbledore said carefully, not wanting to break the calm mood. The Potions Master did not flinch, which he took as a good sign.
"That's good. Lila will take care of him," Snape said very quietly. Dumbledore set the letter aside and took the Potions Master's hand.
"Yes, she will. And I will take care of you," the Headmaster said soothingly. They'd reached a greater understanding, the two of them, but he still wanted to reassure Severus.
"Thanks, Albus," he murmured, accepting the caress, the closeness. These past six months had been the worst and the best of his life. Knowing Dumbledore loved him carried him through. After a moment he looked up into those concerned blue eyes and smiled.
"So, how is Sirius going to get to Roanoke Academy?" Snape asked, resettling into the blankets. Dumbledore released him and leaned back into his own chair.
"Bill Weasley is going to New York on Gringotts business the beginning of winter break," Dumbledore began. "On Monday," he continued seeing the confusion in the younger wizard's eyes. "In two days," the Headmaster added. Snape really had no idea of what day it was, having been asleep or unaware for the best part of the last several weeks.
"Christmas is that close?" Snape asked, the slightly lost look squeezed Dumbledore's heart.
"A week, Severus. Next Friday," he said gently.
"Oh. I best get to town to do my shopping," Snape mused.
"Why don't you let me do that for you, Severus? I don't think either Jeffrey or James will let you go anywhere for awhile," Dumbledore offered, noting his companion's eyes were starting to droop.
*And they'd flay me alive if I let you even try.* The Headmaster leaned closer and very carefully ran a hand over Snape's forehead.
"Rest, child. We can talk about gifts when you wake," the Headmaster said soothingly, murmuring a sleeping charm.
"'k, Albus," Snape whispered, slipping back into very needed sleep.
Bill Weasley took the steps to Hogwarts two at a time. The red-head was excited about his upcoming trip to the 'States and being back to Hogwarts at Dumbledore's request. Most of the students had left the day before, Sunday. The few winter break inhabitants were hidden within, possibly lingering over a late breakfast. He moved through the large wooden doors into the entry way.
Still no one. Several pictures stopped their holiday preparations to greet him. Weasley had to grin and wave back. The smell of fresh pine filled his nostrils as he ducked into the Great Hall. Hagrid was already at work tugging a third large tree into position. As he dropped it into its stand the groundskeeper looked up and smiled broadly.
"Bill Weasley! Ye made it! The Headmaster said ta keep an eye open for ya," Hagrid said. He wiped his hands on his great coat and soon engulfed Bill's much smaller hand in a friendly shake. The honest pleasure on the half-giant's face warmed him more than the fire roaring in the grate.
"Yes, just came in. Good to see you again, Hagrid!" Bill said. He looked up at the trees and grinned mischievously at the groundskeeper.
"Very impressive! Are you going to trim them, too?"
"Professor Flitwick and McGonagall are comin' down," Hagrid replied with a snort. "I think once ya're off Dumbledore will drag Professor Snape down. They might let him put a little tinsel on the lower branches."
"Down? Don't you mean up? Or has someone finally convinced Snape to leave his dungeons?" Bill asked with a chuckle. Hagrid gave him an appraising look.
"Oh, the professor has been out of his dungeons most of the year," Hagrid said, evasively turning back to his trees.
"Really? There must be some story behind that! Professor Snape rarely left his dungeons the whole time I was here," Bill said with a questioning glance. But the groundskeeper ignored the query, content to unnecessarily tug the trees into a better position.
"Ya need ta run along. Headmaster's waitin'. Password's 'gummy worms'. Tell 'im I'll send Professor Lupin and Snuffles up," Hagrid said, turning completely away. Bill watched a moment longer. Seeing no further information was forthcoming, he headed out and up to see Dumbledore.
The office door was open; Bill entered without knocking calling out
"Hello? Headmaster?"
"ALBUS! I am capable of taking care of myself!" the agitated voice of the Potions Master came out of the washroom. "OUT!" With a stumble Dumbledore came out, the door firmly slamming behind him. Bill expected to see at least annoyance if not outright anger on the Headmaster's face. But the older wizard was chuckling in amusement, his eyes twinkling. Seeing his visitor Dumbledore straightened and smiled.
"Bill! Delightful! I am pleased to see you!" the Headmaster strode across the room holding out his hand. Bill accepted the firm grasp gladly.
"Come join me! Would you like some tea?" the older wizard continued, drawing the younger over to the desk and one of the chairs.
"Yes, please," Bill said, sitting down.
"I just have to see to Severus then we can talk," Dumbledore said, ringing a small bell. A house elf full of energy rocketed into the room and listened carefully to the orders. Curious, Bill thought, breakfast dishes to be cleaned up in the bedroom. Before he could ponder on this the washroom door opened and Snape came out.
Bill had not seen the Potions Master since last June. The change in him was staggering. Snape was thin to begin with, gaunt was more close to the mark now. His movements slow and deliberate as though it was an effort to simply walk. But his eyes were still as deep and dark as always. They pierced his when they met.
"Mr. Weasley," Snape said politely with a nod. Bill managed a 'good morning' as the Headmaster went directly to the obviously ill man. Dumbledore immediately put his arm around the thin body guiding him through the sitting area. Bill couldn't help but notice Snape leaned against the older man.
"Albus," Snape hissed darkly as he was fussed over to the lounge. "I am quite capable."
"Of course you are," Dumbledore placated mildly, earning a truly awful glare. Still it seemed to Bill Snape did need help getting onto the lounge and settled on pillows. Blankets were pulled up and tucked in carefully. Dare he say lovingly. He was reminded of his mother and briefly wondered how she was this morning.
Refocusing, he watched the Headmaster brush back Snape's hair and murmur something over him. It must have been a sleeping charm since the Potions Master's eyes closed. A final pat on the shoulder and Dumbledore straightened up and moved back to his desk.
"He's been ill," the Headmaster said by way of explanation. "Although he clearly must be feeling better; he's been snapping at me all morning." The laughter in his eyes negated his serious tone. Bill glanced back over at the sleeping wizard.
"What happened?" Bill asked, wondering if he'd get a straight answer. Knowing the Headmaster, he doubted he would. In fact, the appraising look he was receiving from the Headmaster seemed to indicate that, as usual, he'd be told only what he truly needed to know.
But Dumbledore surprised him. In an urgent and confiding tone Dumbledore told him about the torture Snape had endured from Voldemort as well as a series of worsening practical jokes. The final straw had been the casting out of a curse that Harry Potter had picked up. The Headmaster even mentioned something cryptic about not supporting Snape when he needed it most. Bill was stunned at this river of information, especially the Headmaster's last confession. In a flash of insight Bill realized how much he'd changed; Dumbledore was treating him as an equal.
They sat in silence, sipping tea, Bill silently reflecting his changing role in the war against Voldemort when a knock sounded at the door. Bill noted Dumbledore glanced at Snape, sõeeing if he were disturbed as he waved the door open. He expected to see Professor Lupin and Snuffles come in and was surprised to see Harry Potter walk resolutely in, instead. It seemed the Headmaster was slightly surprised, too.
"Good morning, Harry. I wasn't expecting you today," Dumbledore said calmly.
"I thought maybe Professor Snape would be available?" Harry asked. Turning his head he saw the Potions Master on the lounge and continued to walk toward him through the office area.
"He's asleep, Harry," Dumbledore started to say, hoping to head the student off. But it didn't dissuade him; Harry was soon seated next to the ill wizard. He pulled a book out of his robe and settled in resolutely. Bill expected the Headmaster to remove the student, but he only shrugged with an inscrutable expression and resettled behind the desk.
"I should explain what I'd like you to do for me," Dumbledore look¥ed at the red-headed wizard.
"Mom said you had a package to be delivered to the American Academy at Roanoke," Bill supplied, knowing that much. The Headmaster shifted, leaning back and crossing his legs.
"Not so much a package as a person," the older man began. "You were here last June, after the Tri-Wizard Tournament. You went to speak with your father for me." Bill nodded showing he was following the train of thought.
"Your mother shared with you what transpired after you left; the actions we took and all the principal players?" this was a question and Bill answered it carefully.
"About Black being sent to Lupin and Professor Snape to perform a special assignment? Mother felt he'd gone back to try to spy on he-who-must-be-named," Bill supplied and was rewarded with a smile and a nod of agreement from the Headmaster.
"Yes. Well, Sirius has had some difficulty since he escaped from Azkaban. He needs a little help in working out lingering, uh, problems," Dumbledore tried to explain just enough of the situation without going in to great detail.
"Trying to kill Professor Snape seems to me to be more than a 'lingering problem'," Harry muttered loud enough for both wizards to hear. Bill's eyebrow lifted in surprise. Dumbledore looked uncomfortable.
"Sirius has nursed certain hatreds during his stay in prison. It has been difficult for him to accept Severus is firmly on our side. He did attack Severus. We were fortunate, we could have lost both Harry and Severus," the Headmaster explained sadly, looking at both mentioned wizards.
"Sirius needs some help; Dr. James has arranged for this, but the sanitarium he contacted won't have an opening until June at the earliest. The Headmistress at Roanoke has agreed to shelter Sirius until then."
"So Sirius is the 'package'? He's agreeable to this?" Bill asked a bit skeptically.
"Yes and yes. Since I contacted your mother, Professor Lupin has decided to join you and Sirius. He feels, and I agree, that it would be wise. He can help with Sirius should that be necessary and he can cover Sirius' porting over. If any of the Ministry's security is monitoring over-seas travel, then they'll register a werewolf and a wizard. Lupin's wolf will cover the the dog form of Sirius. You should be able to port to New York then use a second portkey to get to North Carolina, near the Academy. Sirius and Remus both know how to get there," Dumbledore explained. Bill idly wondered why he needed to go with Lupin and Black. Maybe because they'd asked him before making these new plans?
Unfortunately, as soon as Lupin and Snuffles arrived, Bill could guess why he was going along to deliver the package. Black was agitated and rather angry. Once shifting into his human form the animagus glared balefully at the sleeping wizard and his Godson. It might not be all that easy bringing him to Roanoke Academy.
"Well, Bill Weasley," Black growled as he shook the offered hand, m"you've been tapped for this little jaunt, eh?" The sullen voice raised slightly in volume.
"Yes, I was going to New York on Gringott's business. The Headmaster asked me to join you over," Bill said pleasantly. Sirius shifted his hard gaze to the older wizard.
"I promised, Dumbledore. You trust Snape's promise; why do I get an 'escort'?" Black snarled. Movement caught Bill's eye and he glanced over at the lounge. Snape had woke up; Harry was leaning over talking softly to the drowsy wizard.
"Sirius, I do trust you," Dumbledore said wearily. "You know you need to be shielded. I certainly don't want the Ministry catching you!" The animagus shifted guiltily then glanced over at his Godson. Harry had somehow managed to pull Snape upright into a hug and was holding on tight. The student seemed to be crying, his shoulders jerking slightly, while the Potions Master sat sleepily running a soothing hand over his back in comfort.
"You'd best be off," Dumbledore said. "Remus? I expect you back soon."
"I should be back by the end of the break. I just want to settle Sirius in," Lupin said. He tugged on his friend's arm. Black had said his goodbyes to Harry earlier; no reason to disturb the boy again.
*Especially since it wasn't a very warm goodbye,* Lupin mused to himself.
"Thank you again, Bill," the Headmaster rose to shake the young wizard's hand. "Remus? You've brought the portkey?" Lupin nodded, pulling harder on Black.
At the door Sirius Black took one last look at his Godson curled in a tight hug in Severus Snape's arms sobbing.
The image would haunt him for months.
Epilogue
Severus Snape sat back and watched the class of first year students tumbling over each other scurrying for desks. It was his second week back after his 4 month hiatus and he was amused by the students' enthusiasm in having him back.
A year ago he'd never believed anyone would be happy to see him.
Homework parchments were quickly collected and set on his desk as he took up his position to lecture. They were going to brew a modified pepper-up potion; the spring wet had brought many drippy noses. Poppy had requested a new batch over the weekend and since it fit into the current teaching unit he agreed.
Professor Jacques was rattling around in the student cupboards preparing for the afternoon classes. Jeffrey had been adamant Snape only teach part-time until June. So the Potions Master selected the first years classes as well as the fifth years and the Friday afternoon seventh years.
He had to see what those twins were thinking up!
Snape had also been back to tutoring Longbottom and Granger for nearly a month. The boy was not as inept as he had been last term and the change of professors midterm hadn't harmed him. In actuality, Neville was becoming quite good at brewing potions. When Snape had pointed out he didn't need any additional help both the young wizard and witch had argued then begged for more tutoring. As did the others.
The Slytherin prefect, Stevens, and his friend, Cathryn Brown, had joined the tutoring sessions as teaching assistants. Brown had been insistent, wanting to learn about teaching. Then Malfoy had come, claiming he needed some help. Potter had come in too, although both seekers would leave for practice if they had to. Several seventh years, notably the Weasley twins, would come in for guidance and advice on a variety of projects.
Snape was glad Jeffrey had insisted only part-time; he was exhausted!
He was also very glad that both Dr. James and Jeffrey had learned the counter-charm for Algie's Rings. After Harry's mishap two more students managed to come in contact with hexed coins. A third, Ginny Weasley, picked up a fallen necklace and brought it back to Hagrid completely embarrassed. Since they were all caught early, the counter-charm required less energy and neither Healer suffered any significant set-back. It had been nearly three months since the last token had been found.
Then there was that silliness of charming the walls! He had agreed to teach them the spells necessary to create the moving murals. Dumbledore enjoyed that part of the tutoring so much he'd come down near the end of each session to help (and to check up on his well-being.) Granger, of course, was mastering each part quickly. She in turn practiced with Neville. Snape had caught them, with Potter, Malfoy and several other Slytherins, playing in one of the sitting rooms off the Great Hall. Amazing.
The sound of glass breaking caught his attention and he glared at a Ravenclaw girl. She just smiled and used her wand to clean up the debris.
*I've lost my touch!* Snape thought, although he wasn't upset about that. Without a smile he sniffed almost disdainfully and moved to the back row to see how the brewing process was going.
~FIN~
Ending Notes
Ah, you couldn't get rid of me that easily! A few things remain to be said.
First and foremost, I huge "thank you" to HLB for her wonderful editing skills and especially her support as muse and friend. She asked and suggested and drove me to greater heights of angst.
Andromanche, Cloudshape, Ms. Snape, Mystical Dragon, Ostia, and Toofragileforyou, thanks for all the emails and im's! I certainly enjoyed discussing my writings and your ideas. (And you had some great ideas!)
Then I want to send a special thanks to Raeban and Demeter. You two were wonderful! I could always count on a review within a day (sometimes minutes!) of posting a chapter. You were always encouraging and supportive.
The rest of my wonderful readers and reviewers, you were marvelous! Thank you for indulging me when I became too cuddly or too angsty! (as if I could be too cuddly! *snort* Has anyone seen my duckie?)
Black Rose Reggie Jazz
Nomad Iniga Solanara
Jen Almighty Chrissy SilverWolf
Kate Lynn Princess of Mordor Lady Drea
BdWrm Ozma Angela
Andolyn Albino Mystical Cancer
Sirius the Doggie DTJewel SunNy GuRL
Severitus LuanDLascy Emma
Tessie Gabe Love Childe
Akutsuin Humanbeing Indarae
Sweeykittyar HPFan Emerald Star
SchizoAuthoress Anna FrogHopper
Again, I am pleased you enjoyed my "soap opera". I'll be back soon with Summer Lessons. I look forward to reading all of your fiction!
For those who have inquired after Sirius and his continued health, you will be thrilled to know H.L.B is writing a sequel to "Promise". She will be exploring Sirius Black's healings at Roanoke Academy. Please read and review her new work, "Sirius Implications" at .?storyid=604121. You will love it!
Affectionately,
Raven Dancer
