My Own Chatper 8:
Disclaimer: I am not JK Rowling therefore do not own the characters, etc. etc.
Warning: There is some description of abuse here, and I shall place a warning before and after - it isn't anything extreme, but if you want to skip it you can do so safetly!
Thrid Person POV:
All of which happened next occurred in a blur to Harry as the overwhelming stress, pain, fear and dread left him unconscious. Vernon stood, fuming silently yet visibly, unable to move until the ambulance arrived, the loud sirens breaking his concentration on murder plots and only infuriating him more: the sirens were sure to be heard through-out Surrey. As paramedics rushed around the unconscious Petunia, Vernon wiped the cake off himself and was glad to see his front lawn empty of people, except for the odd, unimportant neighbour drunkard. Unnoticed by the paramedics, he grabbed Harry, carrying him by the collar of his shirt, hoping he wasn't choking him as he threw Harry into the closet beneath the stairs which had acquired new items since his last visit, further minimizing the already limited space. No, Vernon had bigger and better plans then choking.
Silently, he moved out to the front yard to see Petunia sitting on the driveway and leaning against the car, her hand at her forehead as the paramedics packed to leave. Vernon approached them.
"So?" He asked impatiently, his cheeks still heavily flushed red from anger.
"It seems that she has a slight broken nose and her face will bruise heavily in the next half hour or so, but nothing irreversible." The paramedic replied statistically, nodding goodbye before turning to join his co-workers in the ambulance van. Vernon turned to Petunia and offered her his hand, somewhat roughly pulling her inside the house into the lounge room not wanting to be seen by neighbours. He sat her down before briskly walking to the yard again to find Dudley, who was kicking the flowers in the garden with a soft drink in his hand, rather bored.
"Go and make your mother a cup of tea and sit with her." Vernon ordered in a voice that was neither harsh or praising. Dudley rushed off with no intentions of disobeying his father while he was in such a state. When Dudley moved inside, Vernon retrieved the silvery tarp which previously covered an untarnished car and which was now to hide its large imperfections. The red colouring of his face extended to his neck as he further examined the car, knowing the indent would cost dearly.
After having finished hiding the car from prying neighbor's eyes, Vernon strode inside to see a nervous Petunia running to the kitchen. He followed her into the kitchen, not noticing Dudley as he escaped to his bedroom, and watched as Petunia extinguished a fire in the stove. The fire, however, was no flame compared to the anger which engulfed Vernon Dursley fully, wholly, as when he saw Petunia's face, the smoke clearing as she turned around to see him. Her face had two large purplish bruises covering her cheek and forehead, her nose covered by a large bandage. Without a word, he spun around and walked to the closet under the stairs, reminding himself of the destroyed image of the family, the damaged car, Petunia's injuries and now the burning of his house, all because of one insistent nuisance that was Harry Potter.
Severus looked down at his left forearm disdainfully, grunting as he lifted himself off his chair to retrieve his mask and robes, being sure to extract certain memories before apparating to the place of calling. Being the first time he's been summoned since 'the revelation', if one could call it that, Severus was naturally already nervous. His nervousness, however, was intensified as he soaked up the sombre mood of appearing Death Eaters, a few of whom had the humility to bow their heads slightly.
The Dark Lord began to walk along the inside of their loosely formed circle, Nangini closely slithering by his side.
"It seems that the Ministry of Magic is somewhat aware of our infiltration, aware of a certain mission that was rather vital concerning the Department of Mysteries…aware that I'm hunting for the remains of that bloody Prophecy!" Voldemort yelled, his eyes piercing. The one word spoken by the man he hated worst stung Severus' heart dreadfully, yet he could not even change the rate of his heart beat for fear of attracting the attention of the Dark Lord. Nobody wanted to bear witness, let alone be at the receiving end of Voldemort's wrath. Voldemort gave a humorless laugh. "Now the Ministry will double their security on that front, and due to the obvious lack of talent among you all, I will not receive it."
Suddenly, with not a single movement or twitch of a muscle, the Dark Lord uncovered the offending Death Eaters, among them, Lucius Malfoy and Avery.
"Lucius, you have failed me twice on the same project. How merciful should I be?" Voldemort sneered. Lucius' head remained bowed.
"Show no mercy, my lord." He answered. Without a whisper, Lucius' body suddenly contorted and convulsed as he screamed out in absolute agony.
"Tempting Lucius, however, I do have further use of you, despite your lack of success.' He said, subjecting Lucius further to the Cruciatus Curse before halting. He treated the other offending Death Eaters with similar care, until he reached Avery.
"And you, Avery, were the one who truly failed, terminating the mission with your daft stupidity!" Voldemort said, almost calmly, his voice artificially sweet. Avery barely raised his head before Voldemort said. "I am disappointed." while silently casting 'Avada Kedavra.'
The other Death Eaters stood in shock and fright, watching the four Death Eaters twitch and groan, the fifth making no movement at all. Voldemort then turned around and asked specifics from some members, dismissing others, until finally his attention drew to Severus.
"Severus, what news have you for me?"
Severus bent down on one knee and removed his mask.
"Harry Potter has injured himself." He declared, instantly feeling the expected bombardment against his mind. He carefully guided Voldemort to one particular memory he had taken from Dumbledore of Harry's ungraceful fall. Voldemort pulled back, a slight smirk on his lipless mouth.
"Interesting, but not particularly helpful. Do try harder." Voldemort responded, Crucio'ing Severus. He fell to the floor in pain, but besides a small groan, he refused to emit any other sound. He knew the Dark Lord was angry and needed to take it out on somebody.
After a few minutes, Voldemort became bored and dismissed him, turning to a livid, grinning Bellatrix. As Severus picked himself off the ground and grabbed his mask, he turned to apparate, giving one last glance at the body of his once-school companion Avery before weakly apparating back to Spinner's End.
He limped painfully to his armchair by the fireplace, ripping of his outer robe and throwing his mask to the floor. As he sat down, he raised his wand and lit the fire, allowing the warmth to massage his tense and tortured muscles. He felt almost as exhausted as he had when he made potions with Potter all that time ago. Almost.
-Warning: Violence-
Vernon stomped his way to the closet under the staircase, the anger looking like it was going to give him a heart-attack. Indeed, it could have, had he not been so focused, so intent on revenge. He wrenched the door open and picked up the already battered Harry, dragging his body up the stairs before throwing him into his room. He shut the door quickly and as he turned back to Harry, he began to undo his belt.
"I warned you boy." Vernon said through gritted teeth as Harry scrambled to stand up, grabbing onto his bed for support. Vernon menacingly walked towards Harry as Harry bought out his wand, the tip pointed directly at Vernon. "Don't you dare threaten me! Don't you dare bring that devilish stuff here again!" He yelled as he grabbed Harry's wand while punching him in the gut. Winded for a second time in one day, Harry's grip loosened as Vernon snatched his wand, not hesitating to snap the cursed item in half before throwing it aside. Harry knelt on the floor in horror.
"You bloody bastard!" He screamed.
"What was that?" Vernon pushed, wanting any form of provocation.
"You. Bloody. Bastard." Harry accentuated, his Gryffindor bravery finding strength.
"I'll teach you!" Vernon yelled, turning Harry around as he beat him with his belt, Harry's blood beginning to seep through his nicest clothes. Before long, his screams, yells and protestations drowned just like Hedwig's hectic noise from within the closet as the whip cracked and Vernon yelled the worst of profanities which would be sure to make Hades blush.
Finally alone and barely breathing, Harry ripped his soaked shirt off and climbed his way torturously onto his bead, having no ability to do anything else.
-Violence ended-
As Severus dozed in the armchair after finally having administered a Healing and Pain potion, the yellow warmth of the fire suddenly changed to a cold green as Dumbledore stepped through into Severus' lounge. Severus' eyes flew open at the different cackling of the flames and the all too familiar tinkling of Dumbledore's various body trinkets and talismans. Shifting in his chair slightly, he observed the Headmaster wearily.
"I know you didn't come here on a purely social visit nor to see how I survived the last meeting. What can I do for you?" He asked somewhat politely as he summoned a chair for Dumbledore. He long ago worked out that a personal visit from the Headmaster meant that he had a new job for him.
"Ever enthusiastic I see Severus!" Dumbledore joked lightly. Albus' expression suddenly turned grim. "Nonetheless, I fear I only have bad news." He announced. Severus sat up in the chair, more alert. "Harry, I fear, has been severely injured and abused by his family." Albus said gently. Severus frowned.
"The Chosen One undoubtedly has over-dramatized his situation Albus in quest for the attention he seems to crave for – I see no connection of this revelation with me." Severus replied, crossing his arms.
"Severus, unfortunately, this is real and I need you to retrieve him and bring him back here. Heal him as much as possible and I'll try to hurry back to help."
"Why me? Why can't you do it?" Severus argued. Albus settled him one of his rarely seen cold glances.
"Because you not only know the family personally and are also the best suited for the job thanks to your superiority in potions, but must I remind you that you also happen to be his f –" Severus stopped Albus' words with a stern scowl and a raised hand.
"Do not speak of such nonsense. I'll do what I must Albus, but don't expect anymore. I see I have no choice. And please try to be prompt." He said. Albus nodded.
"You may know the address – 4 Privet Drive? Make haste." Albus added, turning back into the Floo. Severus grabbed his teaching cloak, grasping his wand firmly as he apparated to a house he thought he'd never see again, yet didn't stray far from his memories.
As he walked up to the front door he noticed, with intense curiosity, the messy state of the front yard, from the splattered pieces of cake to the abandoned streamers and balloons, it was a bad omen, even for Severus who never believed in Divination.
He knocked on the front door loud and clear and heard strange mutterings and sounds, but no body answered the door. Quickly losing his patience, briefly wondering whether it was some stupid prank on Potter's part, he knocked for the second, third and fourth time until Vernon wrenched the door open. He blinked at Severus' unexpected appearance, wearily looking at Severus' attire.
"It is quite rude to leave a guest outside for so long without any explanation." Severus drawled. Vernon gave Severus another look over.
"You freaks are no guests at my house – now get off my property or I will call the police!" Vernon threatened harshly, his voice low yet menacing. He obviously hadn't heard of Professor Snape, Bat of the Dungeons. Said Bat brandished his wand, shoving it into Vernon's protruding belly.
"Fortunately for you, I am only here to see Po – Harry. And what do you think the police could possibly do to harm me, you idiot!" Severus spat as he walked over the threshold, his eyes set in an unnerving scowl. The temporarily speechless Vernon was saved as Petunia came walking in, her arms folded across her chest, her face covered in make-up in an attempt to hide the damage which Severus could clearly see, regardless.
"I thought I heard your drawling voice, Snape, though I never thought I'd see you again after you and Lily - " she commented dryly, knowing too well the pain he continued to suffer. His eyes darkened further.
"Don't you dare speak. Fetch Harry immediately." Severus demanded, his wand still on Vernon's belly.
"Why?" Petunia questioned.
"I have orders from Dumbledore." He replied. Petunia glanced worriedly at Vernon.
"I'm afraid you cannot se him. And it would be appreciated if you hid that stick."
Vernon clucked in an angry, mad way, shaking his head as he took a step back, actually forcing Snape to take a step back too.
"Did Harry call that Dumbledoor with his owl? I knew I should never have allowed that bird to live." He remarked, more to himself. Severus nearly rolled his eyes at the stupidity of the man, yet his tone made Snape extra weary as he realized, indeed, this was no joke.
"Dursley, if you value yourself at all, you will bring Harry here now or take me to him." Snape threatened. Vernon's anger was overshadowed with fear as he looked at Severus' wand then to Petunia. She also seemed petrified. Taking the brief opportunity, Severus made his way up the stairs swiftly and entered the second room on the right; the stench alone warned him that it was where Harry was as the bloody Gryffindor always managed to be in the middle of trouble. Vernon was right behind Severus as he opened the door but did not attempt to stop him.
Severus' eyes contracted the moment he entered the room, the darkness and stench of blood and sweat the first signs he recognized. He wordlessly cast 'lumos' in less then a second and his stomach rolled slightly as he saw and recognized Potter. He ran back by the door to turn the light on then ran back to Harry who was unconscious. Snape quickly ripped off Harry's shirt to expose the sores, bruising and scars which were silently weeping blood. Knowing he'd need his potion stores and the comfort of safety, Snape delicately lifted Harry into his arms, no longer seeing Potter but Evans as he carried him out of the room which held so many of his own memories.
"I promised I would protect him." He thought as he levitated Harry's trunk. As he passed the banging cupboard he extended the Wingardium Leviosa charm to incorporate Hedwig. When he got downstairs he figured he didn't want to jeopardize Harry's safety any further by apparating with the extra baggage and he decided he'd come back for them. He cast a protective spell over the trunk and Hedwig to prevent the Dursleys from touching it, then, with immeasurable speed, he apparated to Spinner's End.
He quickly placed Harry on a spare bed and sent Dumbledore a hasty patronus before returning to Privet drive, his anger brimming after sifting through his own thoughts. Severus didn't bother with the pleasantries when he once again arrived at the Dursley's as he reasoned such pigs didn't deserve any form of warmth, lest of all from he who rarely offered it. He apparated directly into Li – Harry's room and scanned the room for any other belongings. With extreme anger, he recognized a broken wand in the corner of the room and he gently picked it up, casting a stability charm over it while putting it into his pocket, unable to scrutinize it immediately. He quickly went down the stairs and was picking up Harry's belongings when Petunia and Vernon came marching in.
"What do you think you're doing with Harry?" Petunia asked, her voice laced with annoyance.
"I'm going to heal the damage inflicted by you two. You should both be grateful I'm not going to hex you into the middle of next week." Severus' voice was low and menacing.
"Not only is he destined to save your wretched world and mine, but the boy is an orphan! And yet here you are, needlessly, wrongly, selfishly harming him. Why, you should be glad I don't do something…more permanent." He remarked, a deep frightening scowl on his face as he stared haltingly at Vernon, not even bothering to spare a second for Petunia. He didn't realize the hypocrisy of his words. Not wanting to delay any longer, knowing Harry's precarious state, Severus apparated back to Spinner's End. He gently placed Harry's items down, sure to be gentle with Hedwig, then accio'd a number of potions and bandages he would need to heal Potter.
He quickly walked into the guestroom, sitting down on the bed by Harry. He gently observed the numerous cuts on his bare back and directly applied Dittany to help ensure they wouldn't become scars. He already had a scar to worry about. He then sensitively levitated Harry's body over so he was on his back and he almost blanched at the sight – it wasn't so much the growing lake of blood seeping from his re-opened scar which worried Severus, but rather the black bruising that clouded his torso. It was at that moment that Dumbledore chose to arrive.
"Oh my." Albus exclaimed sadly as he warily glanced over at Harry. "It was as bad as I thought."
"Albus, I need help if we're to maintain him!" Severus barked. Albus nodded.
"Yes, of course." He conceded as he moved closer. While Severus rummaged around to find a blood replenisher Albus scanned Harry's body, noticing the dark bruises.
"It would seem that the internal bleeding from his previous injury has begun again." He remarked as Severus held the blood replenisher near Harry's mouth. "It would render that potion, Severus, rather fatal."
"What do you suggest we do?" Severus asked, albeit angry as he moved off the bed to return the flask to his drawer.
"We'll charm him again to halt the bleeding but I believe that we'll have to resort to bandaging him tightly to slow the bleeding, if the damage is as bad as I fear. Then we'll have to see if anything has damaged his head." Dumbledore recommended. Snape had a snide remark at the ready, that perhaps Potter's head had already been damaged, but he could not bring himself to think something so cruel of Lily's boy, all beaten and bloody before him. Together, they levitated Harry's body while they wrapped him in crisp white bandages, settling him gently on the bed afterwards to observe his head.
"It appears that he has a rather large gash at the back of his head and sever bruising, but nothing life threatening." Dumbledore concluded, his fingers briefly passing Harry's most famous scar, tears welling up in his eyes. Severus did not see the display of affection or the sympathy in Dumbledore's face as his back was turned, too busy concentrating on the potions on the drawer.
"We need to wake him up." Severus said gently as he turned around, having selected a pain-reliever and Dreamless Sleep draught.
"Rennervate." Dumbledore cast, his wand pointed at Harry's chest. Nothing happened for a while; Harry's breathing remained unchanged until eventually his eyes fluttered open, cautiously taking in the profiles of his most hated professor and most beloved Headmaster, Severus Snape and Albus Dumbledore. Slowly, as his eyes regained focus, he also began to take in his surroundings, noting the rug on the stone floor and the cream duvet which weighed him to the bed. When one is in such a state, one does note such peculiar things. Eventually, he returned his gaze to Dumbledore, refusing to acknowledge Snape. Dumbledore was staring at him intently.
"Where am I?" He finally asked, his voice hoarse. Albus summoned a glass of water, handing it to Harry. Harry greedily drank the water as Albus began to speak again.
"You are in the residence of Professor Snape, Harry." Dumbledore answered quietly while Harry began to choke, a low groan escaping his lips as he dropped the cup and wrapped his arms around his torso.
"Severus, now." Albus commanded, holding Harry's head up a little as Severus approached the bed, two flasks in hand.
"Open up, Potter." Severus encouraged as he gently put the vial to his lips and poured it down his throat, following suit with the other. Then he carefully levitated Harry back down into a lying position, knowing full well his body would mend quicker at one level; he had been subject to torture too many times to count. As Harry subtly sinked back into unconsciousness as the potions worked to heal him, Albus stood up and was shaking his head gently as he walked out of the room with Severus.
"I'll send for Poppy." Severus suggested. At Albus' nod, a beautiful doe appeared before leaping off with the message. Every time he saw Severus' patronus, Albus couldn't help even a small smile. Severus sat down and gestured for Albus to do the same, sure to position himself so he could keep one eye on Harry's room.
"You didn't tell me that he had internal bleeding before, Albus." Severus stated.
"If you don't recall, I attempted to, but you requested me to stop after the word 'injury' with exclamations of your lack of concern." Albus replied dryly. "But perhaps your lack of concern has changed?" he suggested although knowing full well he wouldn't ever admit to it.
Severus rolled his eyes as he reclined into the chair, his eyes also casually checking into the room.
"No person in the world would be unconcerned with Potter in such a state."
"Even Voldemort."
"Especially the Dark Lord. Naturally, I am concerned that he boy who is destined to save the world is on the brink of death already!"
Albus looked carefully at Severus and chose not to make a smart remark, for he looked rather worn out. The two men sat comfortably in their armchairs, both grateful for the silence which engulfed them, both listening to Harry's ragged breathing. Albus began shaking his head again.
"The poor boy." He remarked. Severus was saved from agreeing when Madam Pomfrey entered through the Floo. The two men got out of their seats to greet her before taking her into the guest room. While he was still asleep, Poppy examined him, not making a single comment until she was out of the bedroom and back in the living room.
"He is going to need constant attention. The wounds are…reparable, but regardless will take time and effort. I noticed that they were not magical wounds Albus – what happened to him?" Poppy asked in a hushed voice.
"His host family, I am afraid, 'punished' him shall we say, as the result of an accident which he played a big part."
Poppy gasped. "His family did that?"
"They're certainly not the most humane muggles I've met!" Severus remarked with a faint snort as he remembered Petunia's unloving nature towards all but herself. Severus' focus was, however, bought back to the crux of the issue when Poppy simply stated:
"He's too fragile to move to the Infirmary or St. Mungo's. He'll have to stay here for the night."
Severus just glowered at Dumbledore, wanting him to interject and reply that the brat was more then well enough to move, but as he looked into the sympathetic, apologizing eyes of Dumbledore, he knew he'd already lost the battle.
"Thank you Poppy. You'll be alerted if your assistance is needed." Dumbledore replied politely, although his dismissal wasn't subtle.
"Very well." Poppy answered, drawing herself up before turning to Severus.
"You'll need to administer a blood replenishing potion in the morning at 6.05am. I've already given him the blood clotting potion to ease the internal bleeding and 12 exact hours is the expected safety time." Poppy reminded him. Severus wondered why she felt so compelled to tell him the uses of his own potions. He gave her a polite, submissive nod which in response he received a curt nod from Madam Pomfrey, as did Dumbledore before she exited through the Floo. Severus' arms immediately wound together, folded on his chest, his scowl just as permantly set. He gracefully walked over to one of the few windows, ignoring the dusty condition of the glass and the windowpane as he stared out into the miserable street. Dumbledore sighed heavily.
"I'm sorry Severus, but there is no way." He said quietly, carefully watching Severus' body tense up as he processed the words he knew he'd hear. Then suddenly, he turned around.
"Do you think that the new…development makes it OK for him to stay? Despite what you think about his paternal heritage, I refuse to have that boy – Potter's boy – in my house!" Snape glowered.
"Severus, if not, then because he is your s – "
"Don't even think it!" Severus interrupted harshly, turning back to the window.
"Then because he's your student and you have a duty to protect him." Albus continued, avoiding any mention to the obviously sensitive topic of family.
"You have a duty, too, hence you should take him back!"
"You know how unwise it would be if I did so."
"You know how unwise it would be if I were Summoned!"
"Then perhaps we should take the extra precaution and order a House Elf to stay for the night."
"May as well invite Mister Weasley and Miss Granger, while you're at it." He sneered, the anger rolling off him in waves.
"We could, although I believe that'd be breaching your privacy. Not to mention a breach to your social capabilities." Dumbledore replied. Severus just snorted at the man's poor use of sarcasm. He turned away from the window to face Albus who was lifting himself out of the chair.
"If he were in any fitter state and did not carry my fate in his hands, I'd cast him out to the Knight Bus."
"Severus, perhaps you could make the most of his time here and get to know him?" Dumbledore humbly suggested, knowing his comment to be useless. Severus' eyes dilated and his eyes narrowed as his face darkened with a fiery scowl.
"Get. Out." He ordered in a low, tortured voice. Albus sighed as he clasped his hands behind his back.
"Well, I know a dismissal when I see one!" He remarked dryly as he headed towards the Floo.
"It couldn't have been more obvious if I hexed you myself, Albus. Although, I'm sure it couldn't hurt to try." Severus growled. Albus did not respond but instead stepped through the already alight Floo.
With Albus and Poppy gone, Severus felt at quite a loss. He knew he shouldn't have talked to his employer – or friend, for that matter – in such a manner, but the old fool was playing with fire. Sighing, he sat down into his armchair and resigned himself to reading in order to avoid his turmoil of thoughts. He didn't stop reading the same page until one in the morning, when he decided it might be wise to check if Potter was still breathing. Not that he'd care if he wasn't.
As he walked into the room, he drew his robes tighter about himself as he silently approached the bed. He stood, staring at the unconscious boy for an immeasurable amount of time, before gently removing Harry's glasses and placing them on the table side. Little good they would do if they broke.
Actually, without his glasses, Severus could almost forget Harry's father James, with his hair now flat and matted down with sleep. Harry, either due to the removal of his glasses or Severus' intense stare, stirred slightly, resettling his head on the pillow, revealing his prophetic scar. Severus leant forward slightly as his hand extended to Harry's forehead, his cold fingers delicately tracing the scar. But as quickly as the moment had arrived, it left, as Severus remembered what had happened, and suddenly, the innocent scar resembled everything that went wrong in Severus' life. With a low growl he stomped out of the room, his anger and hurt too strong to counter with any amount of sleep, potions or reading.
Hello all!
Well, it hasn't been OVERLY long since my last update, and I'm proud that I've manage to write as much as I have. I hope you've all enjoyed the chapter. Please read and review, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this chapter. And as they say, reviews are love!
Angela
(Missteque)