I Don't Want to be a Hero - Second Year
Chapter Twenty-eight
20 Nov 1992 - Something Wicked This Way Comes
Severus, still in the world of his dreams, lay beneath a circle of heavy leafed trees that just barely allowed the sun to shine down upon him. It was cool where he was, and he had a bed of moss to lie down upon.
He had visited with Lily and James to watch his son at breakfast, and then he had taken his leave for his forest. Just as he was preparing to do some arithmantic calculations in his head in regards to the basilisk skin that awaited him when he woke, he felt something fall over his face; he suddenly could not breathe.
Severus fought, and wished he had his wand, but it was not in this dream reality. The force above him was relentless, and angry, too. He could barely make out the words but he knew the voice.
"... he's not yours, Snivellus! You… bas… fight… go ahead… Snivellus… be a lesson… mine! He's mine!"
Sirius Black!
Severus fought harder and felt a crushing pain in his chest where his brand new lungs were still forming. The pain was blinding but he could not allow it. He needed to breathe! Dammit! He promised Harry he would return! He would not lose this fight!
Sirius had tried to speak to Harry at school but he had learned that the stupid boy had quit Quidditch. Also, that blackguard Malfoy was his guardian.
What really stymied his efforts, though, was his friend, Remus. Remus had managed to keep him away from the school by informing various portraits who then told the Headmistress of his plans.
Sirius wanted to know why Remus had betrayed him, and indeed he had plans that morning to confront the werewolf but then a brilliant idea had come to mind as he overheard a few students discussing their absent Potions teacher. Sirius, in his Grim Animagus form, had turned tail, and then left Hogwarts to visit St. Mungos.
It had been surprisingly easy to get to the Potions Master. A volunteer carer had told him the room number after a promise to buy her a drink at Rosmerta's in Hogsmeade. He had expected Aurors to be guarding the Death Eater but there were none. Just another volunteer carer that was taking care of washing the git.
"Probably the most soap you've seen in a lifetime, Snivvie," sneered Sirius with a muted cackle at his joke.
Once the volunteer carer, a pretty little witch with blonde hair, and a figure to make a man weep, left, Sirius entered the sleeping man's room.
Severus looked as peaceful, and as innocent in sleep, as a child might. His night shirt was black, but he slept beneath white sheets, and a soft white blanket. His pillow of softest goose down was also white. It was this pillow that Sirius slipped out from under the wizard's head, and then with a maddened cackle he slapped aside the breathing bladder, and slammed the pillow over the wizard's face.
At first there was no struggle but as the breath was impeded by the pillow, and Sirius pressed ever harder as he shouted gross imprecations, Severus' body began to thrash almost unseating Sirius, and actually throwing him back. Severus, still mostly asleep from the potions he was given daily, tried to draw breath but it was not only the pillow that had been suffocating him; his new lungs were not, yet, complete and Severus could only gasp as a fish out of water might.
Sirius scrambled up from where he fell, hit Severus in the face with the pillow again, and jumped onto the bed, and bent one knee into the vulnerable chest.
Severus screamed into the pillow from the pain in his chest, and Sirius crowed out loud, "Die you greasy, soulless bat! Just like you should have when we were… ulp!"
"SIRIUS!" Remus burst into the hospital room and locked the mad wizard's waist into his arms. He pulled so hard they both fell backwards and hit the floor in a jumble of legs, and Sirius cursing a blue streak.
Orderlies and Healers spilled into the room. One orderly sent a Patronus (an eel) for the Aurors while the Healers worked on the patient.
The breathing bladder was quickly back in place, and Severus' body drew in great gulps of welcoming air. Three Healers cast Diagnostic Charms to determine injuries, and to assess the damage, if any, to the new lungs.
Severus should have remained asleep with the amount of potions in him but he fought through the world of dreams, into consciousness, and terrible pain that was like fire in his chest.
Two Aurors arrived at that moment and took Sirius and Remus with them. Once the patient was stabilised it would be sorted out what had happened.
One Healer fell back as a pain potion was slapped from his hand. Healer Smethwyck caught Severus' hands, and spoke calmly to him. "Pain potion, Severus. It is just for pain."
"I do not want to sleep!" cried Severus as his chest continued to burn. "Please, do not make me sleep!"
"No," agreed Healer Smethwyck. "Just for the pain so that we may calm you. Please, Severus, drink the potion."
Severus snatched the phial from the Healer, sniffed it, and realised his nose was broken. "F***ing mutt!" shouted Severus.
"Hush! Severus, drink the potion and it will take away the pain and we can treat your injuries," assured Healer Smethwyck firmly.
"I want my son!" Severus demanded after he drank the potion. In moments he felt the fire in his chest fading. "Harry!"
"I will have someone bring your son, Severus, but you have to calm down right now. We have a lot of work to repair…" Healer Smethwyck glanced at one of the junior healers.
The junior healer glanced up, "The lungs are bruised, Healer, but we can heal that. The third rib is cracked, though as is his nose. Advice?"
Healer Smethwyck frowned sharply. "A Muggle binding, Dolbridge. We can't mix Skele-Gro for Ribs with the Lung Rebuilding Potions." He touched Severus' shoulder. "You'll be back to sleep…" he saw that Severus was about to protest, and he held up his hand in abeyance. "After you've seen your son." He looked to one of the orderlies who was helping to 'evanesco' and straighten the room up. "Pickering, would you Floo call Madame Pomfrey?"
"I want to see Minerva McGonagall, too," Severus winced as his broken rib shifted with his agitation.
The Healer nodded, and lightly patted his patient's shoulder. "Shhhh, Severus. Healer Gilman, immobilise Master Snape before that rib punctures the new lung." Healer Gilman nodded as Healer Smethwyck, and cast a spell to immobilise the upper half of Severus' body. Healer Smethwyck continued with his orders, "Pickering, advise Madame Pomfrey of the situation, and that the boy's father is asking for him. Also request that the Headmistress make herself available."
Pickering, a big, beefy redhead with a face full of freckles, nodded. "On it, Healer."
The Ministry For Magic - Office of Kingsley Shacklebolt, temp. Minister
"What were you doing at St. Mungos, Remus?" demanded Kingsley. Sirius was in a holding cell nearby being evaluated by a Healer summoned from St. Mungos.
"Albus told me to go," said Remus lamely. Kingsley frowned. Remus continued, "Albus was agitated since early this morning, and he kept telling me I had to go. I just thought it was all part of his dementia and so I tried to interest him in reading, or looking at new knitting patterns. He wants to learn how to knit jumpers."
"Albus told you," repeated Kingsley skeptically, and ignoring the remark about knitting.
"Albus was insistent, Kingsley. Downright frantic about me going just before I got there," he shuddered. "I had no idea Sirius was going to try and kill him."
Kingsley paced, then frowned at the self-effacing tone in the man's voice. "I'm not going to lay blame at your feet, Remus, so don't even worry about that. Right now I am concerned about Snape and Sirius."
"Is Snape all right?" asked Remus.
"I have a preliminary report that he suffered some bruises, and possibly a cracked or dislocated rib. I'll know more when they are done Healing him," said Kingsley. "I can't put Sirius back in Azkaban…" Kingsley sighed in frustration. "It's a death sentence."
"Hogwarts…" began Remus but his voice trailed off when he caught the glare the Minister was sending his way.
"Hogwarts is a School of Magic, Remus, it is not a dumping ground for those problems that would be easier to brush under the rug." Kingsley nodded to himself. "Sirius will be placed at St. Mungos until we can find a better facility for him. And, since he never should have gone to Azkaban without a trial, we, the Ministry, will foot the bill, and I shall oversee his care."
Remus sighed and spoke softly, "I simply wanted Sirius at home with me."
"Visit," Kingsley delivered the admonishment sharply.
Hogwarts - Headmistress' Office
Harry arrived at the door to the Headmistress' office. He had no thought to knock, but when he pushed against the door it did not move. So, he knocked several times, telegraphing his worry. That gave his friends time to catch up as each one ran up the spiral staircase. Just as Ron arrived the door slid open, and Harry practically fell inside.
"Is my dad all right?" asked Harry into the room.
Madame Pomfrey caught Harry, and smiled at him. "It's all right, dear. Your father was… hurt… and in the process he was awakened. He would like to see you, and the Headmistress before he's put back into a healing sleep."
Harry mouthed the word 'hurt'. Draco spoke up and asked, "Madame, what do you mean Uncle Severus was hurt?"
Madame Pomfrey glanced at the Headmistress. Minerva conjured a chair, since her knees no longer liked her crouching, and she sat down in front of the Quartet. "Severus was attacked," she explained softly. Harry wavered, and Hermione steadied him while Draco fisted his fingers, and his cheeks reddened with anger. "Sirius Black tried to kill Severus."
"Kill… why…?" Harry felt faint, and dropped to his knees.
"I'll kill him!" Draco snapped. Ron touched Draco's shoulder.
"Did they catch Black?" asked Ron.
"What will they do to him?" asked Hermione.
"I don't care," Harry forced his voice to work. "I want to see my dad. Now."
Hermione nudged Harry's shoulder, and hissed, "Manners, Harry."
"Please?" he amended softly.
Hermione and Ron were left behind at Hogwarts with Madame Pomfrey who let them know they would keep up with what was going on through the portrait of Dilys Derwent who also had a portrait at St. Mungos. Lucius Malfoy would pick up Draco and Harry once his classes were finished, and take them home to have dinner with himself, and Narcissa.
The Headmistress followed an orderly, not the volunteer carer she expected, to Severus' room. On either side of her, both in possession of one of her hands, were Harry and Draco.
Upon entering the room, both boys hesitated as they viewed Severus. An orderly was supporting his upper body, and his arms, as Healer Smethwyck wrapped the wizard's ribs. An odd looking plaster that seemed a sort of supporting growth was attached to his nose.
Severus saw Harry, and tried to slap at the orderly, and the Healer, but found he was stuck in place as the Healer ordered them all to wait.
"I'll be a moment," Hippocrates Smethwyck let them know. "We can't risk mixing some healing with the potions used for re-growing the lungs so the Muggle methods will do for his rib, and his nose." He nodded at the orderly who helped Severus back down onto his bed. The Healer checked the wrapping around the chest, made sure the breathing bladder was working properly, and turned to Severus' visitors. "I'll just be here in the corner," he informed them as he seated himself on an available chair.
Harry was the first to meet his father, and to grasp his hand. "Dad, are you all right? I was told Sirius Black attacked you."
Severus tried to snort in derision but discovered that was impossible. His other hand tentatively touched the support that held his broken nose to rights.
"He did, Harry, but he did not accomplish the goal of eliminating me from your life," Severus said softly.
"Nobody can do that, dad," sighed Harry with a melancholy smile. He then trembled, "Don't you leave me. Not now, okay, dad?"
"I have no intention of doing so," Severus replied firmly. "You and I will be making a sand castle this summer, and I have a few ideas you shall assist me with."
Harry grinned. "Sure!"
"Now, as for Quidditch, I want you to know that it is fine that you have put it aside for now. Your visits are very important to me," Said Severus as he gently wrested his hand from Harry's and ruffled his hair lightly.
"You know?" asked Harry in disbelief.
Severus nodded carefully, and smiled briefly, "I not only can hear you during your visits to me but James showed me a very devious way of watching you during the day. I shall admit that I found it amusing when I saw Mr. Crabbe singe Filius eyebrows in your Charms class. However, I am pleased you kept your amusement to yourself."
Harry's jaw dropped for several reasons. "You saw my da… I… my James? And, you can see everything I do?" To his utter surprise his father's dark eyes glittered with amusement. "Dad! You better not be watching me shower!" Harry scolded.
"Thankfully neither I nor James care to watch your ablutions, my son, so never you fear," replied Severus. "I have been teaching James about baseball and he has managed to pull together an impressive team of Potter ancestors."
"Ghosts, Severus?" Minerva could no longer keep quiet.
Severus lifted his eyes to the Headmistress. "Shades, Minerva. Lily, James, and the others I have encountered are more substantial than the ghosts at Hogwarts." He glanced down awkwardly at himself, and then ran a hand over the bandages wrapping his ribs. Now that he had awakened from that world he questioned the encounters he had experienced with the Shades. He wondered if they might not be true ghosts but Shades created by his memories to... entertain his mind. "I also seemed to have encountered a… memory of myself. A child. A… happier form. He seems to 'forget' who I am each time we meet."
"That's just dreams, Uncle Severus," declared Draco.
Severus' lips thinned but he did not immediately reply. After an uneasy moment of silence, he shrugged. "Dreams, perhaps. It passes the time."
"I've seen Lily… my mum… in my dreams, dad," Harry put forward. He clasped his father's hand in his again. "James, too. Who do you have on your baseball team?"
Severus smiled lightly at his son, and ruffled his hair. "Well, my da is there. Tobias is a wicked pitcher. He brought in my grandfather who runs remarkably well since I only recalled stories of him after he lost his legs. I did not have any other relatives to play so Tobias found a young man from America by the name of Addie Joss who found a few players he played with…"
Minerva conjured a chair for herself as Draco went to stand beside Harry so they both could hear about baseball. The discussion went on until the Healer cut in.
"I hate to break this up but Severus you are starting to look a bit peaked, and I need to get your potions started soon," said Healer Smethwyck.
"All right," sighed Draco. "I'll tell my father you said hello, Uncle Severus. We can't wait to see you at Christmas." He waved, and stepped back towards the Headmistress.
"I'll miss you each day, dad," Harry whispered so only his father could hear him. "I love you."
"I love you very much, Harry." He patted the bed. "Come up here, and give me a kiss." Harry scrambled up onto the bed, and with care he wrapped his arms around his father's upper arm, and then kissed his cheek. Severus swiftly kissed his forehead. "Bye, dad."
Harry slipped off the hospital bed, turned away from his father, and pushed through the door to the corridor. Draco was right behind him.
Once Severus was alone with Minerva he beckoned her to him. "Severus?" she asked. "What can I do for you?"
"Black. Do you know what will happen to him?" asked Severus almost flatly.
Minerva shook her head. "I've not heard anything, yet, but I suppose he'll go back to Azkaban." Severus was shaking his head so vehemently that the Healer intervened by stopping his head movements. "Severus, he tried to kill you!"
"Black is insane, Minerva. Quite possibly even in his youth. I can't say. However, all of us know that he was unjustly in Azkaban for twelve years. None of us can imagine what that did to his mind, and body. If you have any influence, make certain he does not go back. It will kill him," he glared fiercely at no one in particular. "I will not have his death on my conscience."
"I will do all that I can, Severus," Minerva patted his shoulder nearest her. "You just get well, and come back to us."
Healer Smethwyck was about to give Severus the potion that would make him sleep, when he paused, and gave the Headmistress a sardonic grin. "And, Minerva. Ellen Clorista? Are you aware she is no Potions Mistress but that she is Eleanor Hamboldt? An extremely poor con artist?"
"Oh good grief!" Minerva gasped. "I'll have her removed immediately. But, who shall take over your classes, Severus?"
"Lupin." Severus rolled his eyes, and drank down the sleeping potion. "I know Lupin was not the best at Potions but he will stick to the curriculum, and he won't get anyone killed. He also happens to read better than that dolt Hamboldt. He will properly re-stock my ingredients cabinet." His eyelids fluttered as the drug took effect, and then with a sigh he was back into the healing sleep.
Minerva left the young wizard's hospital room, and walked right into a little group of Lucius Malfoy, his son Draco who leaned against his father's leg, and Lucius holding Harry who was weeping as silently as possible.
"Nerves and exhaustion, no doubt," mused Lucius.
Minerva nodded, and held her hand out to Draco who took it solemnly. "I shall see you all home. Come along, Draco."
a/n: Addie Joss was the greatest baseball pitcher of the American League for Cleveland. He was also the uncle of my grandmother Marcella Joss-Pribek. Tobias, a lover of American baseball, likely knew of him.
This is as far as I've gotten in the writing of my story. I am working on Chapter 29 which I expect will be quite a long chapter since there is quite a bit to happen in it.