Disclaimer – Nothing is mine.

Chapter 11 – A Broken Oath

'Something's going on.' Hermione whispered gesturing with her fork towards the head table where the three DADA professors were deep in conversation completely oblivious to almost everyone else in the room. Flitwick was listening to the Headmaster ramble on to what seemed to be a lecture of sorts and Snape sat in his seat , pale as death, but with an almost manic glint in his eye.

'I wonder if it has something to do with Harry. He didn't come back last night.' Ron whispered back.

Hermione seemed to think for a moment and then grabbed Ron's hand and dragged the red head to his feet.

'Hey, I wasn't finished.' He protested.

'Well, I for one want to know where Harry is. I haven't seen him since he got that message from You-Know-Who at dinner last night. He's not here now and we have class. He really shouldn't be missing this much school. He has NEWTs this year.'

Ron, realising it was fruitless to argue, allowed his girlfriend to tug him down towards the head table.

'Um, excuse me, Professor Dumbledore?' Hermione began hesitantly, slightly unsure now she had every teacher's and many students eyes on her.

'Yes, Miss Granger, what is it?' The headmaster asked curtly.

Hermione looked slightly taken aback but ploughed on anyway. 'Sir, we were wondering where Harry was. He didn't come back at all last night and he's about to miss class.'

Dumbledore glanced at Remus who nodded before looking back at the two Gryffindors, a benign smile on his face that didn't exactly reach his eyes. 'Harry received an invitation to train with a specialist for a while and decided after the events of last night to go.'

Hermione's eyes narrowed. 'He left? Just like that? Without saying goodbye?' she asked slightly incredulously.

'Did he say goodbye the last time he left?' Dumbledore arched an eyebrow in question.

'Well...no.'

'There you go then.' The headmaster said as if that finalised everything. 'It was a very good opportunity for him. He will learn a lot while he's there.'

'Who's teaching him?' Ron finally spoke up out of curiosity.

Dumbledore glanced down the table once more before answering. 'He's gone to stay with Darvid Caragan.' He said quietly.

'The old head Auror? The one who trained Mad-eye?' Ron couldn't quite hide the disbelief in his voice.

Dumbledore smiled proudly. 'That's right. Darvid offered to take him. It was quite an honour for Harry.'

Ron scowled. 'Bloody bastard gets everything.'

There was a sharp bang from several seats away as Snape stood so abruptly his chair flew back several feet before toppling over. With a glare of epic proportions at the two Gryffindors but not even a glance at anyone else in the room the potions master stormed from the hall.

Snape stood in the shadows of Harry's room, unable to bring himself to cross to the bed in case anyone walked in; at least that's what he told himself. In actuality he knew if he got any closer, saw close up the still pained expression on his lover's deathly pale face, he just might not be able to stop himself from either lifting the young man in his arms and spiriting him away from the castle or going after the very man who put him here. All in all neither was an option so in the shadows he stayed.

Unfortunately for him Dumbledore choose that moment to sweep into the room, Poppy in tow, and Snape struggled to restrain the sudden animalistic urge to strangle the man with his bare hands.

'Severus, I thought you'd be teaching right now.' The headmaster scolded.

'Free period.' Snape replied. 'I've just given Potter another potion I developed last night. I'm waiting to see how he reacts.'

'Well?'

Snape rolled his eyes. 'I only gave it to him a few minutes ago. It will take time. Potions are not like charms and spells, Albus. A spell may be able to heal instantly but a potion cannot. It can't kill as instantly either.' He added nastily.

Dumbledore's eyes hardened and his piercing gaze swept the potions master's face. 'I do not know why you are so upset about this. Nothing happened. Harry will wake eventually.'

Snape grabbed his sleeve and yanked it back baring his left forearm and the Dark Mark in all its glory. 'This is why I'm so upset. I'm trapped; chained to that monster until Potter finally kills him. You not only took a chance on the brat's life you took a chance with my freedom and that scares me. I've been loyal to you since the day I realised my mistake. Over twenty years, Albus. I was young and stupid and I'm still paying for it but I refuse to keep paying for it for the rest of my life. I deserve peace and I deserve hope. And I won't let you harm the only chance I have for it any further.' Snape finished his rant at almost a bellow and embarrassed at losing his temper quickly looked away, folding his arms over his chest and staring intently at the Boy-Who-Lived.

'Severus...I...' Dumbledore trailed off and Snape sighed heavily, nodding at Poppy who was looking even more confused than the day before as he swept from the room.

Harry looked around him trying to see where he was. Everything was white and he had no idea how close or far away anything was. Hesitantly he reached out and but could feel nothing. In fact he could barely even feel himself. His head was light and his limbs felt disconnected.

'Hello?' He called out.

'Hello Harry.' a warm soothing voice came back to him.

'Who's there?'

Harry waited for several moments before calling out again. 'Hello? Where are you?'

Several yards away three figures appeared to step out of the blinding white light to stand before him.

Three figures that caused him to stagger back in disbelief.

'M...m...mum?' He stammered, his eyes then flicking wildly to the dark haired men standing either side of her.

'Hello baby.' Lily Potter said softly.

'D...dad? Sirius?' Harry couldn't stop his mouth opening and closing.

'Hey kiddo.' Sirius gave him a big grin as James crossed the few steps to place a hand on Harry's shoulder.

'My son.' He murmured.

Harry thought he must be dreaming. He stared between his father's face and the hand on his shoulder several times before he tentatively reached out and touched James' face. 'You're real.' He breathed, hesitating only a moment before lunging forward and throwing his arms around his father and hugging tightly as he let out a strangled cry.

James closed his eyes and brought his arms up around Harry's shoulders as Lily stepped forward and began rubbing Harry's back.

'It's okay, kiddo.' Sirius said softly as he too tried to console the young man was a sobbing alarmingly.

Suddenly Harry wrenched himself from his father's arms and backed away. 'Oh god, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.' He rambled incoherently, over and over.

Lily stepped forward but when Harry took another step back she stopped. 'Harry, it's alright.'

'You must hate me.' Harry went on as if he hadn't heard. 'I just...He cares for me. I'm not just a weapon to him. I'm sorry I let you down. I just couldn't stand it anymore.'

James and Sirius stepped up beside her as she spoke again. 'Are you talking about Voldemort or Severus?' she asked quietly.

Harry looked down, his shoulders still shaking as he wrapped his arms tightly around his waist. Lily's face became pained at the self loathing emanating from her son and she quickly crossed the final few steps wrapping her arms tightly around him and refusing to let go when Harry struggled to get away.

'Harry, it's alright. We understand. We know what Albus and the others have done. We've seen it.' She whispered. 'And we've seen how much Severus and Voldemort care for you.'

'T...tom.' Harry sobbed brokenly.

'Tom.' Lily agreed willing to do or say anything to calm her son; reaching up and lifting Harry's head until she could see into the fear filled eyes. 'We're the ones who're sorry, Harry. We're sorry were haven't been there for you. To protect you.'

'I'm going to kill Remus when I get my hands on him.' Sirius growled.

'Not if I get to him first.' James said firmly.

'It's not Remus' fault.' Harry hiccoughed.

'Harry, godson or not, you're an idiot.' Sirius raised an eyebrow. 'I know the training was your idea but what they've done is wrong. They cast the killing curse at you. They're just lucky I can't go back and give them a piece of my mind.'

'I'd be giving them a piece of my foot.' James added. 'Straight up their arse.'

'James!' Lily scolded but the joke had the desired effect of gaining a rather watery smile out of Harry.

'D...do you see everything?' He asked hesitantly.

Sirius and James exchanged identical smirks. 'Pretty much.' They said in unison and Harry groaned softly.

'Boys.' Lily's voice was scolding once again and it sounded as if she had spent plenty of time doing it. 'We do not see everything, Harry. Your father and godfather are just being prats.'

'I'm sorry.' Harry said again and was knocked forward as his father smacked him on the back of the head.

'That's it; I'm adding Vernon and Petunia to the list of people to kick up the arse.' James muttered. 'Harry, stop it, stop apologising. You've done nothing wrong.'

'I just can't help but feel I've let you down.' Harry said softly, gazing around at his family.

'What do you see in him? Voldemort, I mean.' Sirius asked curiously.

Harry sighed. 'He's different to what I expected. I think he's different now than he was then. He's calmer now. He actually took the time to find out what was wrong with me. No one's really ever done that before.'

'He killed people Harry.' James murmured.

Harry squeezed his eyes tightly shut. 'I know.' He whispered.

'But he obviously cares for you.' Lily threw in quickly and Harry smiled gratefully at her.

'Which I have to say is slightly disturbing to say the least.' Sirius murmured.

'And extremely rare if the information Snivellus used to bring the Order is to be believed.' James added.

'Please don't call him that.' Harry pleaded quietly.

The three adults exchanged glances at the pained expression on Harry's face. 'Please.' Harry went on. 'I know you don't like him but he's there for me no matter what. He protects me and looks after me. I probably wouldn't even be here still if it wasn't for him. Don't...please just don't say anything against him.'

'Do you love him, Harry?' Lily asked hesitantly.

Harry looked up and the others could see the depth of his feelings for the potions master shining clearly in his eyes well before he opened his mouth to speak. 'I won't apologise for that.' He said firmly, suddenly strong at the thought of his lover. 'I love him and I'm not ashamed to admit it.'

Lily and James looked at him carefully for several moments. 'Your life isn't what I would have wanted for you, Harry.' Lily said sadly.

Harry snorted softly. 'My life is something I wouldn't wish on anybody, but it is my life and I have to make the best of it.'

'You seem to be doing that.' James offered.

Harry looked tentatively between them all. 'Are you disappointed? In me, I mean? Are you angry about Tom or Severus?'

Lily hooked an arm through his and reached up to try and smooth down the messy black hair he had inherited from his father. It was a gestured she had made many times but never to her son and when James saw it he couldn't help but clear his throat as he struggled not to cry.

'Harry please listen to me.' he spoke softly but firmly. 'We have no right to judge you. Your life has been harder than I could ever have imagined and throughout it all you have remained strong. Dumbledore and the Order have done nothing to earn your loyalty and as such do not deserve it. I can't say that I'm happy you've turned to Tom Riddle. I know he's changed, but I still worry. Not about him, but about you. That he will hurt you just like everyone else has. I know you know what you are doing however and I know you also know what is best for you. I just wish I could be there with you, to help you.'

'I wish you were too.' Harry whispered sighing loudly as his father hugged him tightly once again.

'Harry, it's time to go.' Sirius murmured and Harry pulled away, looking at his godfather to see disappointment in his eyes. Not for Harry, but because he had to go.

'I wish I could stay longer.' Harry told them.

Lily shook her head and tilted her head to kiss Harry's cheek. 'You can't baby. They need you. Severus needs you. You have to go back.'

Harry looked between the three people that had meant so much to him, even though he never really knew them. 'Thank you.' He whispered. 'You cannot know what your blessings mean to me.'

James clapped a hand on Harry's shoulder. 'You don't need our blessing Harry. You are doing an admirable job in a no win situation. You have made us all so proud. Always remember that we love you and we're watching over you as best we can.'

'And kiddo, do me a favour will you?' Sirius said and waited until Harry turned to him. 'Thank Severus for me.'

Harry's eyes widened and all he could do was nod dumbly.

'It's time to go now, Harry. I love you baby.' Lily said hugging him quickly. Harry tried to hang on to all of them but they slowly faded away until just the white light was left.

'I love you too, mum.' He whispered suddenly feeling very alone.

It was when consciousness finally began to return that Harry began to realise just how much pain he was in. He couldn't help but whimper softly as the lingering pain swept through his body.

'Open.'

He heard the quiet command in his lover's voice and quickly obeyed. As he swallowed the disgusting potion he felt the pain fade away and he blinked several times before opening his eyes fully.

His teachers were arrayed around the bed and he looked into the eyes of each one before landing on Dumbledore. The vivid green eyes stared unblinking for several moments before turning away to look into carefully hidden concern filled black.

'Thank you.' Harry whispered hoarsely before gathering just enough strength to turn onto his side and close his eyes.

'Harry.' Dumbledore said quietly. 'Harry.' A little louder.

Harry ignored him and allowed the tiny amount of sleeping potion his lover had "accidentally" added to the pain killing potion to draw him into sleep.

When Harry woke next it was dark, not even a candle lit the room. He could feel a warm hand covering his own. Unsure of exactly who it was Harry shifted slightly.

'Leo?' Came Severus' silky murmur.

'Sev.' Harry breathed and suddenly a dark shadow loomed over him and gentle lips descended on his own.

'Goddamn Leo.' Severus swore softly and Harry could hear the catch in his voice.

'Lumos.' Harry whispered and the candle he knew would be beside his bed flared to life.

'You scared me to death.' The potions master whispered.

'Sorry.'

Another gentle kiss. 'Don't be. It wasn't your fault. I'm just so glad you're awake.'

'How long have I been asleep?'

'Almost two weeks.'

Harry raised an eyebrow and Severus nodded, leaning forward and taking Harry's hand in both of his. 'I'm sorry I didn't try harder to stop him, Leo.'

'Sev, don't.' Harry whispered. 'It doesn't matter. I've had enough. Can you go and find Dumbledore for me. We need to discuss a few things.'

'A few things?'

Harry stared at his lover and gingerly pulled himself up until he could sit, wandlessly conjuring several pillows, an action that tired him quickly. 'Do you have a Pepper-Up?'

Severus nodded and pulled several vials out of his robes and handed them over before standing and placing a last kiss on Harry's forehead and sweeping from the room.

Snape knocked on the headmaster's door, knowing he would be awake. Sure enough, he was sitting behind his desk, Remus, Moody, Flitwick and Shacklebolt all arrayed in front of him. They all looked up when he stepped through but Snape just raised an eyebrow and looked at Albus.

'The brat's awake and asking for you.' He said curtly, his tone showing how much he had supposedly enjoyed playing nursemaid while Harry had been asleep. Since he had awoken from the coma Harry's room had been warded at Poppy's suggestion against any sort of ongoing magic. This meant there had been no monitoring charms and each of Harry's teachers had stayed with him for a six hour shift. This had been Snape's third one.

'Did he say anything?' Dumbledore asked curiously.

Snape sniffed. 'I'm not a scribe, Albus. I don't take notes. If you want a messenger boy, send the werewolf.'

Dumbledore gave him a wry smile as Lupin snorted. 'I take it he said something you didn't like, Severus.' He chuckled.

Snape kept up the pretence and scowled at them both.

Dumbledore just smiled benignly at him as he stood. 'Shall we go and see how our protégé is then?' he said cheerfully, obviously very happy that Harry was awake once again.

As one the group hurried from the room and down to the hospital wing, entering the room to see Harry sitting in a large armchair waiting for them, the bed was gone.

'Oh good, you're all here, why don't you take a seat?' Harry flicked his wrist and a further five chairs appeared. They exchanged nervous glances, Harry's demeanor unsettling all but Severus. 'Thank you Madame Pomfrey.' Harry said to the medi-witch in what was clearly a dismissal. Poppy gave him a final look before nodding and leaving the room as the five professors sat, Snape choosing to stand by the door.

'You do not have to stay if you don't want to, Professor.' Harry told him. 'What I have to say is to the five people who tried to kill me.'

'Now Harry.' Dumbledore began and with another flick of his wrist the headmaster was silent.

'I have something to say and you are going to listen, do you understand?' Harry's voice was deceptively mild but all in the room could feel the not so subtle rise in the room's temperature. Dumbledore nodded and Harry removed the silencing charm.

'I think I'll stay, Potter. If it's all the same to you.' Snape drawled.

Harry shrugged as if to say suit yourself, and looked at each of the five seated Professors in turn finally landing on Dumbledore once again. 'The Oath we exchanged at the beginning of last year has been broken. You broke it the moment you threw the killing curse at me.' he stated coldly.

'We had to, Harry. You have to be prepared.'

'I could have been dead for all you knew.' Harry retorted.

'But nothing happened, Harry. You're fine.' Albus insisted.

Harry's eyes blazed and the candle beside his bed flared violently. 'I've been in a coma for almost two weeks. I do not consider that fine.'

'But Harry.'

Once again the headmaster was silenced. 'Don't. Just don't. You had no right. You had no way of knowing what would happen. You had no way of knowing that it wouldn't kill me. You took a chance with my life that wasn't yours to take. The Oath is broken and I would appreciate it if you could stay as far away from me as possible, all of you. Other than class I want no contact with any of you. I'll let you know if I need any further training.' With his piece finished Harry got up, on slightly shaky legs truth be told, and walked swiftly from the room before anyone could stop him; leaving behind him a distinct crackling of magic that showed just how pissed off he really was.

He barely made it to Gryffindor Tower but ten minutes later he sank gratefully into his bed and fell straight to sleep.

Of course he was woken scarcely three short hours later as Ron let out a yell when he'd noticed his return.

'Harry, you're back.' He cried.

Harry picked up the pillow and held it over his head. 'Yes, and I was asleep too.' He grumbled.

'How was it at Caragan's? Did you learn heaps? Will you show us?' Ron kept blathering on and it was all Harry could do not to leap up and smother him with the pillow that was currently over his head. Only his fatigued state kept him from fulfilling the wish.

'I don't want to talk about it.' Harry mumbled.

'Oh, come on, Harry. Stop being a prat.'

'Go away.'

'Haaarrrry.' Ron was practically whining now.

Harry lifted his head, pillow and all so that Ron could see the expression on his face. 'Go. Away.' He ground out.

Ron's eyes widened and he back away from the bed. 'All right, alright, keep your shirt on. I was just asking. You don't have to be such a git.'

Harry let out an ominous growl and Ron scampered back to his side of the room as Harry let sleep overtake him once again.

'Get up this instant you indolent brat.' Snape snarled as he stormed into the room some two hours later. Harry hadn't arrived for potions and after complaining to Albus he was told that if he wanted Harry in class he would have to get him himself.

Albus wasn't going anywhere near him.

Not until he calmed down anyway.

Harry just opened his eyes and grunted. 'What?'

Snape stormed over and ripped the blankets off Harry's bed. 'I said, get up.' He growled, his tone of voice completely mismatching his expression which was a combination of concern, amusement and want at the sight of his half naked lover.

Harry frowned in confusion but it wasn't until he noticed several Gryffindors standing in the doorway that he realised what was going on. Dropping his head back down on the bed he sighed. 'I don't think so.'

'GET UP, POTTER.' Snape bellowed.

Harry snorted and rolled over. 'Make me.' he said simply, closing his eyes. He closed his eyes knowing that getting Severus angry was probably not conducive to a quiet morning but really quite beyond caring.

How wrong he was.

Before he could even take another breath he was hit with a Petrificus Totalis and floated above the bed and out the door.

Without a thought for his comfort the Boy-Who-Lived was levitated through the hallways of the school and down into the dungeons, Ron, Hermione and Dean, all of whom had been in Potions at the time, trailing nervously behind.

Snape hit the door to the potions classroom with such a strong opening charm that it flew back with a bang startling the remaining seven students, all Slytherins and Ravenclaws, and all of whom jumped a foot off the ground before snickering quietly at Harry's state of undress. Thankfully no cauldrons boiled over as Snape unceremoniously dumped Harry in his seat; canceling the spell instantly. Harry immediately stood up and turned towards the door.

'Don't even think about it.' Snape growled and Harry felt the potions master's wand touch his back directly between his shoulder blades. 'You are going to sit back down and begin your potion. You have less than eight months of schooling to go until your NEWTS and I refuse to allow a student to fail just because he's too stubborn to follow the rules. Even you, Mr Potter. You will attend every potions class for the remainder of the year if I have to drag you down here in your underwear every time. Have I made myself clear?'

Harry turned slowly and stared into his lover's eyes. He could see the strong emotions rolling freely beneath the mask. Severus was worried about him. Really worried.

'Crystal.' Harry murmured and Snape dropped his wand and stalked back to his desk although not before Harry saw the slight trembling in his hand.

'Get back to work. I expect you to have completed the potion before the end of class.' He snapped and the class hurried to obey.

Harry stood up, wandlessly transfiguring a robe from a piece of parchment and rolling his eyes as he pulled it over his head and heard a sigh from the direction of Daphne Greengrass and surprisingly, Dean. He exchanged an amused glance with Severus before collecting his ingredients and beginning the quite complicated potion.

He continued working in silence, not even looking at the text. He knew this potion. He had actually brewed it several times, two of which Dumbledore had made him swallow. He could feel the intense gaze from the onyx eyes on his every movement and he knew his lover was wondering if he understood the significance of the potion.

Hermione was whispering madly to herself at the table beside him as she desperately tried to save Ron's potion from turning a sickly shade of yellow. Ron was in fact staring at Harry open mouthed as he continued dicing and chopping and stirring without any semblance of order but with a sense of timing that showed much more talent and practice for potions then he had ever previously showed in class. If Harry had looked up he would have seen a number of students in class staring at him but the stress of the last twenty four hours kept his mind singularly focused on the task at hand in order not to think of anything else.

Hermione elbowed Ron who let out a yelp.

'Is there a problem, Mr Weasley?' The potions master sneered.

Ron gave Harry a final glance before shaking his head. 'No, Sir.' He answered weakly.

The class continued quietly until eventually nearly everyone was finished, Harry still having several ingredients to go. 'You will bring your full vials up here, clearly marked and tidy you desks and go. Mr Weasley, don't both saving that, I've seen better from a first year. Potter, you, of course, will continue until you have finished to my satisfaction.' The potions master said curtly. Harry let out a dramatic sigh but continued stirring without further comment.

'We'll save you some lunch, Harry.' Hermione whispered minutes later as she and Ron hurried from the room. Harry just nodded non-commitally and kept his eyes on his cauldron.

Harry continued stirring until the last of the students left and with a bang the door was closed behind them. He felt the locking and silencing charms as they were cast and finally lowered the stirring rod, waving his hand to extinguish the flame before looking up to see Severus staring at him intently once more.

Neither man showed any sigh of moving and the staring contest continued until eventually Severus spoke. 'Albus has asked me to brew a liquid Imperious.' He said quietly.

Harry didn't respond but Severus could once again see the storm of emotions crashing behind the vivid green eyes.

'He's also asked me to brew an Aconitum Draught.'

Harry looked away. 'You always have to have a backup plan.' He murmured sarcastically. He never heard the older man but moments later hands grasped his upper arms hauling him from the chair. He only saw into the fathomless black eyes for a second before he was yanked hard against a firm chest and a searing kiss placed on his lips.

'Merlin Leo.' Severus gasped when the potions master finally pulled away. Harry could feel the concern and worry in the man's every movement and without a word he gently tugged on the older wizard's arm, drawing him through his office and into his private rooms beyond.

He could feel the man looking at him curiously; both knew it was a big risk, but Harry didn't care. He needed the older man and he knew Severus needed him too.

Harry worked with a methodical determination as he rid them both of all clothing before pushing his lover down on the bed. The intensity continued as his mouth and hands rediscovered the body he had missed in as little as a few weeks.

'Leo.' Severus' breathing hitched as Harry sat down on him. Harry didn't slow his attentions even as he rocked himself in place.

'Fuck Leo.' Severus said again, rolling them abruptly so Harry was underneath and thrusting urgently.

Harry stared up into the lust filled expression in the dark eyes. 'I love you.' He whispered, his own shining with such a the depth of feeling it startled the older man and he came without even a sound, his breathing harsh as he continued to stare at the young man in his arms.

'You'll never be without me, you know that don't you?' Harry continued, reaching up to gently tuck several strands of hair behind Severus' ear. 'I'll always be with you.'

Severus found himself unable to answer as emotion after emotion surged through him. Harry could see almost every one reflected in the onyx eyes and he pulled the older man down until he was by his side and hugged him tightly, stroking the soft raven hair.

'If Albus...' Severus began.

'I don't care.' Harry said firmly cutting him off and holding him tightly as he tried to pull away.

'But Harry...'

Harry silenced him with a kiss. 'We have an hour, Sev. Just one hour before classes begin again. Please, just give me that.'

Severus just stared at him before nodding slowly. 'I love you too, Leo.' He murmured kissing Harry in return before placing his head on the young man's shoulder and closing his eyes.