Chapter Forty-One - Fractured

Harry was currently being pulled towards Dumledore's office by McGonagall. Ron following him trying to keep his questions about his dad to himself. Harry had seen it, he was sure it had been real. Mr. Weasley had been attacked, he was dying. Ron's white ashen face, McGonagall's determined eyes that had shown deep worry when she found him in Gryffindor tower, Dumbledore asking questions after questions. He tried going with Ron through the fire, but no one let him. He tried talking to Dumbledore, but he ignored him. He tried feeling nothing, but his own mind wouldn't accept it. And thus he was just standing there, in the middle of the Dumbledore's office, completely vulnerable.

Would it be okay if he went back to bed? The warm hand McGonagall was still holding his shoulder with, kept firmly pressing him to the ground, it felt grounding. He answered a question about the snake to Dumbledore. Would it be okay if he went back to bed now? The paintings were stirring and shouting. Could he perhaps just leave? He looked up and saw Snape's eyes boring into him. With a small nod he dropped his guards. Snape found his way through his mind quickly; it was a feeling Harry had become used to now, and in this mess, it felt weirdly comforting. Snape did not linger long, Harry just focussed on the ever-increasing frown on Snape's forehead. Dumbledore, who was still talking to his paintings, hadn't even noticed. Would Snape perhaps let him go to bed now? Perhaps Draco could come to Snape's quarters, and they could drink some tea. He just wanted something normal again, he didn't understand it anymore.

The flames roared to life and Padfoot stumbled out. And all Harry could do was run, he finally knew what to do.

"Harry, Harry! You're okay" Harry felt himself completely covered within Sirius' embrace. Soft calming words were whispered in his ear. He could stay here, he would stay here, safe in Sirius' arms. He just closed his eyes and engulfed himself in Sirius' trust.

In the meantime, he could hear Sirius' firm voice discussing 'what in Merlin's name happened'. Dumbledore's unreasonably calm response did not help Sirius' mood, and to everyone's surprise Snape spoke up. "He's been dreaming about the prophecy hall for months now," the calculated voice spoke. "tonight, he saw through Nagini's eyes the, let's hope, not completed murder of Mr. Weasley".

A silence fell in which Sirius could only stutter words. Holding him firmly, Harry was led to one of the chairs to sit on. "Alright just calm down Harry. Sit down. I'm not going anywhere," Sirius was finally able to articulate. He sat down, trying to calm the still rising anger he didn't know the origin of. Meditate Harry. Calm your mind. Snape's voice from the occlumency lessons was speaking to him. And so, Harry just focussed on keeping his breath steady and focus on the warmth generating from Sirius' arm over his shoulder.

Trying to keep his calm, he missed most of the conversation.

Sirius' demanding voice, "Excuse me but do you mean to tell me that my godson has been having dreams, no, visions, of places he never saw, and then suddenly found himself trapped in a real life attack of Voldemort's snake that actually happened at that same moment?"

Don't think of this now Harry, calm your mind.

"It cannot be a coincidence, considering the prophecy. Some connection must have formed between them that night."

Just think of something happy Harry, quidditch, yes feel the wind through your hair, the freedom...

"But Severus, a connection between two wizards in this form, that has never been heard of. My boy you must not jump to strange conclusions. I have been observing our Harry here and trust me, that I have this under control. It would be best not worry him..."

Flying through the forest, the forbidden forest. Past the lake. Flying on Buckbeak. Feel the feathers, see those kind watchful eyes...

"Reg and I ones talked about this. But that's absolutely absurd. We had read this book about ancient pureblood rituals. Apparently in the 14th century the husband would cast a ritual to be bonded to his wife. It would ensure him to never hurt his wife, and always live longer. It increased their lifespan significantly. In the end it was banished because it required a human sacrifice and … well things my mother was even horrified of when she found us reading the book."

"You think Lily?..."

"I don't know! I don't know anymore. But this can't be correct right?"

"Albus, what are you not telling us? We know part of the prophecy. This is wrong. You cannot think Mr. Potter is completely fine. And you know I have told you of the Dark Lord's connection with his Snake. It is unnatural. This connection is unnatural."

Okay so no flying, not relaxing enough. The lake. The lake. Draco with him.

"Boys please calm down."

"ALBUS, stop speaking to them as if they are your students. We are all on the same side here and stop talking in riddles, enough is enough."

Soft pillows. Drinking tea. Blond hair... Huh apparently McGonagall had come back again.

"Harry, pup, let's get you to a bed," Sirius said gently. "I'll speak with Dumbledore here. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow. McGonagall informed me that Arthur is in serious condition but will be alright. You've done astonishingly well tonight, my brave cup."

"Bring him to my personal quarters. He can sleep in my spare bed as has become his usual after our occlumency lessons. It will give him some peace from the other students." Sirius only looked up confused at Snape but nodded as he led Harry through Dumbledore's office straight into Snape's quarters.

"It will be okay Harry. Sleep now. I'll be here when you wake up."

A warm bed, a soft pillow, a tight hug.And Harry slept.