Chapter Fourteen - You Have To Keep Living
Harry couldn't remember if this was real or a dream. The only thing he knew was that he had to keep running or the shadows would catch up. He pushed himself to keep going, even though his lungs were gasping for air, his muscles protesting with every step.
He didn't dare look back at the shadows, afraid they would get him if he did. The shadows of the people he killed… Sirius, his parents, Cedric. They were all dead because of him.
A loud booming sound rang throughout the forest, shaking the ground and causing Harry to fall.
And Sirius was suddenly standing over him with his bone-white skin and gaunt eyes.
"Harry…."
Another loud boom shook the earth.
Harry covered his face. "I'm sorry!" he shouted.
"Harry!" Now it was Severus' voice all around him.
The ground shook once more...
And then Harry's eyes flew open. He was in bed…in Percy's room…at the Burrow.
It was only a dream…only a dream. The shadows didn't exist….
The loud booming noise Harry had heard in his dream was actually coming from outside. The rain that was pouring slightly when he'd arrived had now turned into a thunderstorm. Rain splattered the windows hard. The wind shrieked and moaned outside, threatening to pull the trees out by their roots.
Harry rolled over onto his side, he was drenched in sweat and his skin felt feverish. It looked like the flu had taken over. He wondered if he should get up for some more Pepper Up Potion, but he didn't want to disturb Mrs. Weasley.
If only Severus were here... Harry thought as he rolled over again in frustration. Severus would've known Harry was awake. He would've known what Harry needed without an explanation.
Suddenly, Harry heard a loud rapping on the door.
Severus? Could he be back already?
Harry stood up, nausea immediately hit him full force and he willed himself to not fall. Harry made his way slowly towards the window and looked down through the glass, which was blurry from the rain. He couldn't see who it was.
The door to the Burrow opened, casting light on the visitors and illuminating the two cloaked figures, yet their identities were still hidden. The visitors then entered the Burrow. The door shut quickly behind them, leaving the front porch pitch-black once more.
Harry wasted no time. He crept to his bedroom door as fast and quietly as he could. He opened the door an inch to let in the voices.
"Narcissa Malfoy is now… Merlin, who would've thought..."
Harry pressed his ear closer to the crack. That was Mrs. Weasley talking to the visitors.
"If you don't mind taking care of young…."
Harry pressed his ear harder against the door. Take care of who? But the voices were too muffled to hear the rest.
What are they talking about? What about Narcissa Malfoy? Who do the Weasley's have to take care of now?
The whispered voices stopped. Harry heard footsteps from above, and he guessed that he wasn't the only one eavesdropping.
Harry tried to listen again, but he couldn't hear their conversation anymore. The Weasleys must've casted a silencing spell around them, knowing how nosy Harry and their children were. Since there was no point in eavesdropping anymore, and he was feeling dizzier with each second he spent standing, Harry laid back down on his bed. If the Weasleys were watching over one of the visitors, then he would find out in the morning.
Harry was just drifting off to sleep once more when his bedroom door opened. Harry kept his eyes shut, not wanting Mrs. Weasley to know he'd been up trying to listen in on her conversation with Mr. Weasley and the two visitors.
"You can kip on the cot tonight, dear, just so we don't wake anyone by going up the stairs. It's just Harry who's asleep in here. I gave him some Pepper Up Potion, so he shouldn't wake until the late morning. Poor dear, came in just a few hours ago in the storm, just like you. He's already coming down with the flu."
The visitor must've nodded or something, because there was no response. Only movement and the sound of someone sitting down on the cot.
"Now you get some rest, dear, everything will be okay in the morning, I promise."
Mrs. Weasley then left the room.
The light went out and Harry still kept his eyes closed. He could hear the visitor laying down. It was quiet, except for the occasional sniffing. Harry didn't dare open an eye, afraid to be caught awake in such a private moment. It felt like hours until he heard the soft, heavy breathing of the unknown person. Harry opened his eyes and squinted in the darkness to see who was sleeping on the cot next to his bed.
Even in the darkness, there was no mistaking that white-blonde hair and tall, lithe figure. Harry's eyes widened in surprise before slowly turning around to face the wall.
It was Draco Malfoy… The visitor seeking refuge tonight was Draco Malfoy!
Severus wasted no time in conjuring up stretchers for the injured Lupin and Kaylie.
The girl was pale and cold as death. As for Lupin, the draught had worn off, and yet he still remained unconscious, more feverish than ever and his body covered in sweat.
"Just hang on, you two!" Severus muttered as he ran past the gates of Hogwarts.
It wasn't long until he was entering the Great Hall. Severus quickly sent two patronuses to Madam Pomfrey and Albus, alerting them of his presence with the two injured people.
Madam Pomfrey was already at the door of the hospital wing.
"Put Remus down here and the girl over on the next bed!" she instructed. "I've called another healer, an old friend of mine that I trust. I'm going to need all the help I can get right now!"
"I've also called for Albus. I've noticed my patronus for him went in a different direction instead of to his office. Where is he? I thought he was back from his mission already," Severus asked, as he lifted Lupin onto the hospital bed with a levitation spell.
"Narcissa Malfoy was found standing outside the gates of Hogwarts with her son, Draco. Apparently, they'd turned against You-Know-Who. Bellatrix Lestrange didn't let them off easy."
Madam Pomfrey began setting up potions on a tray as Severus started to levitate Kaylie onto the next bed. If it weren't for the two lives on the line then Severus would've stopped working in utter shock. Narcissa and Draco Malfoy turning against the Dark Lord? Their whole family was deep into the dark arts!
"And where is Draco?" Severus could only say.
"Narcissa's very weak. Albus and I thought it would be better to send Draco to the Burrow in hiding since there was no one here to watch him. That's where Albus is now… Let's hope he returns right away," Madam Pomfrey said quickly, before casting diagnostic spells on Lupin.
Severus began to do the same for Kaylie. He frowned worriedly as he read her injuries. The girl had massive, internal bleeding. The blood stains on her torn clothes indicated there were many serious wounds on her. Severus turned towards Madam Pomfrey, feeling overwhelmed. Sure, he could heal minor cuts and injuries, but wounds like this…no… Severus specialized in potions. He was no healer.
To Severus' relief, the other healer, whose name was Madame Hopkins, had flooed in through Madam Pomfrey's office. With a quick greeting, she immediately began to take over the care of the young girl without question, as Severus and Madam Pomfrey worked on Lupin.
Madam Pomfrey was muttering healing spells to the burns on Lupin's neck, they were closing up slowly. Severus frowned at the slow progress... He was sure that was unusual. He was able to heal Harry's self-inflicted wounds in seconds, even if he did leave scars sometimes.
"Why aren't the burns closing?"
"It's the infection," Madam Pomfrey said. She paused in her spell-work to hand over several potions to Severus. "One to help fight the infection, one to bring down the fever, one to replenish lost blood, one for strength, and another to heal the broken bones."
As Madam Pomfrey continued to explain her plan, Severus began to treat Lupin with the potions. He stared down at the broken body of Remus Lupin, looking as if death had taken him already.
"The potion I've given him for the infection is not going to work on its own, Severus. I have to do a bit of very complicated spell-work to nudge it along, and so while I'm doing that, you have to administer the potion every ten minutes. It's essential you keep at it or it will be all for nothing and Remus will die."
Severus nodded without question as he conjured up a timer, setting it up to ring every ten minutes. He knew of this potion. He knew how complicated, how delicate it was...all because Severus was the one who brewed it.
But right now, there was no time for getting annoyed at Madam Pomfrey for treating Severus like a mere student. No, not with the life of Remus Lupin on their hands; Harry needed this man alive.
Madam Pomfrey worked tirelessly to battle Lupin's raging infection as Severus poured the potion down his throat every ten minutes. Everything was going smoothly for a while, until Lupin groaned in his sleep and then his breathing suddenly stopped. The beeping on the magical floating monitor went haywire.
"No! Come on, Remus, stay with me!" Madam Pomfrey shouted. "Severus, I'm in the middle of a complicated healing spell. I cannot stop. I'm already putting Remus in danger just by talking to you. You have to get oxygen in him right now or he's going to die!"
"There's no spell you can do to get his heart pumping?!"
"Yes, but it's too early for that, only when he's close to death. Severus, you know as well as I do, that magic can only do so much when it comes to healing a human being. Magic can be too strong for his heart and lungs right now. You have to do it the muggle way first."
Severus nodded, and without wasting any more precious time, he started to pump Lupin's chest to get him to breathe.
"Come on, Lupin, breathe for us!" Severus shouted.
The moving green-line on the monitor suddenly changed into a flat-line. The beeping sound turned into a flat droning noise that cut the silent air.
It was quiet for a second. Madam Pomfrey and Severus looked at each other.
"Don't stop healing the infection in his blood!" Severus shouted when Madam Pomfrey was about to put down her wand.
"Severus… I have to check his pulse… I have to see..."
"No, I'll do it!" Severus shouted.
Severus shouted because he couldn't stand the idea that he might have to tell Harry, who was waiting at the Weasleys, that Lupin was gone. He grabbed the wolf's thin and pale wrist, ignoring how feverishly-warm his skin still felt. Severus checked for a pulse. There was nothing. He squeezed harder because Severus couldn't believe that Lupin was gone. Severus scowled, it was just like the wolf to die right after all the trouble he went through to rescue him!
"Severus..." Madam Pomfrey said weakly.
"No, I feel it," Severus said, his voice hoarse.
Severus did…. It was barely there…barely beating, but it was there. There was still a small spark of life in Lupin.
"There's a pulse!" Severus shouted, he began pumping Lupin's chest. "He's not dead yet! You bloody wolf! Come back, Harry needs you!" He pumped his chest up and down repeatedly. Without thinking, Severus opened Lupin's mouth and blew air inside with his own breath.
"Stand aside, Severus!" Madam Pomfrey shouted.
Severus looked up to see Madame Hopkins coming over to help them.
"Stand aside!" Madame Hopkins ordered, and pressed the tip of her wand to Lupin's chest. A light-blue, electric charge zapped out of her wand and into Lupin's chest, as if she struck him with lightning.
Severus gaped in shock, but didn't question her methods. He was afraid if he did, then he would end up getting zapped too. Lupin's body reacted to the shock, but nothing else happened. The loud droning sound of his heart not beating was the only thing that Severus could register in his brain.
The medi-witch shocked Lupin one more time, but again, nothing. Madam Pomfrey was still focusing on healing the infection in Lupin's blood stream. It was a small comfort to Severus to see that she was still determined to finish her work. It gave Severus hope that Lupin would start breathing again.
After a few minutes, and no change in the wolf, the healers suddenly both looked at each other.
And Severus knew that they were giving up.…
No, I'm not letting them!
Severus started pumping Lupin's chest again, his stomach clenched in fear.
"Severus," Albus Dumbledore said quietly. "He's gone..."
Severus hadn't even noticed when the headmaster arrived.
"No, he isn't! I'm not telling Harry that Remus Lupin is dead! No, Albus! That boy has lost too much already!"
Remus was walking in a very bright room. He had no idea where he was nor could he remember how he ended up there. The last thing he remembered was the night before he changed and Kaylie was there, screaming as her wolf took over her body.
I killed her, Remus realized with horror. I've killed her and now I'm paying the price.
Remus looked around and sat on a bench. It looked like he was at King's Cross Station. The gleaming tracks were a few feet away and he wondered if a train was coming. He wondered if he boarded the train, where would it take him?
What is this place? Am I dead? Remus wondered. Is this the afterlife? Purgatory, maybe?
Suddenly a hand rested on his shoulder. Remus whipped around in shock and his eyes found…Sirius…. With his heart skipping a beat, Remus just stared at his former lover with wide eyes, holding his breath….
Sirius, so young and handsome and healthy. Not at all the person he was before he died, the person Azkaban had turned him into. Remus was lost in those stormy-blue and grey eyes, full of love and pain and grief and longing, that were reflected in Remus' voice as he whispered, "Sirius…" with his heart squeezing in pain. Those emotions filled him up a hundred times stronger than ever before...oh… how he'd missed him.
"You're here…" Remus' voice cracked in grief as tears were now falling down his cheeks. He couldn't help it. If this was purgatory or the afterlife, Remus wanted to stay here with Sirius...his heart ached for Sirius. Remus longed to be held once more by him and to forget everything that happened since he'd lost him.
Sirius pulled him into a hug. "I'm right here, baby, don't cry."
Remus hugged Sirius close. His body against Remus' own felt so solid and real as if they were both still living. Remus didn't want to let go, because what if this was a dream? Then it meant this moment wasn't real. What if he let go? And Sirius was gone, and Remus was back in that cellar….
"I'm not letting you go anymore," Remus whispered once he stopped crying. "I'm not losing you again."
"You must, Remus, you have to go back. You have to be there for Harry."
"He has the Weasleys, he doesn't need me. I'm a monster. I've killed children."
Sirius pulled Remus out of the hug. He kept his hands on both of Remus' wrists. "You're not a monster, don't you ever say that. It was those people that imprisoned you, they are the real monsters."
"But I killed…."
"You didn't deserve to be chained and tortured. It wasn't your fault with what happened to Kaylie."
Remus shook his head in disbelief. "No, Sirius, nothing you say is ever going to change the fact that I've killed."
Sirius sighed. "Still as stubborn as always I see." He pushed a strand of hair away from Remus' face.
Remus closed his eyes, remembering all the times Sirius did that in the past.
"Just promise me one thing."
Remus opened his eyes and nodded.
"Go back. Go back for Harry, he needs you now more than ever. You must watch over him."
"But you're not there... I need you, Sirius. How am I ever going to take care of Harry when I'm so broken inside?"
"He's as lost as you are. You both need each other, you just don't know it yet."
Remus frowned. He so much wanted to stay with Sirius. He couldn't face going back, where there was nothing but darkness and pain, but Sirius was right. Remus couldn't leave Harry.
"I know it's hard, but you have to keep living. You have to be strong." Sirius leaned his forehead against Remus' own. All Remus could see were those stormy grey-blue eyes.
"Where is that strong boy I knew at Hogwarts? That Moony who always kept fighting, huh? Staying with me would be the easy way out, that's not like you, Moony. You've always fancied a challenge."
"He is lost, Sirius… I'm not sure if I can ever be that person again."
"Find him again, love," Sirius whispered. "Do it for me…for Prongs…Harry and Lily. Be strong for your pack, we'll always be with you."
"Okay, Padfoot, I'll try…" Remus sighed, bowing his head in defeat. His heart was breaking at Sirius' words, at the thought of living a life without him.
Sirius grabbed his face gently with both his hands, and pressed his lips hard against Remus' own. "Promise me, you'll be strong."
Remus felt his whole body melt, and too soon, the kiss was over. "I…I promise…" he could only whisper.
Sirius gathered Remus into one last embrace. "You'll be alright, Moony. Just remember how strong you are, find that boy you used to be...you are going into a world of pain but I promise... I promise I'll be with you, love, every step of the way..."
Still in Sirius' arms, Remus suddenly heard the sound of a steam engine train arriving. He looked up to see it in the distance, his eyes on the beautiful scarlet train as it chugged its way to the platform, then stopping slowly in front of them with a groan of its heavy weight and an exhale of steam.
"Where are we?" Remus asked, admiring the train in awe. The steam coming from the engine surrounded them.
"Where do you think we are?" Sirius grinned. "After all, this is your realm before you decide where to go."
"Go where? To the afterlife? With you?"
"Yes, but it's not your time yet."
"Don't worry, I won't go back on my promise..."
"I know you won't, love."
Remus' heart clenched at the term of endearment, he missed Sirius so much. A part of Remus wanted to just give up and stay here, but his heart knew he had to go. He had to take care of Harry.
"Please, just remember you're not alone, Remus," Sirius reminded him. He hesitated for a second, before continuing, "And also… Don't be afraid to let your heart...love another…"
"Sirius? No…" Remus felt his heart breaking into pieces at those words.
"Moony… I'm serious..." Sirius insisted, hugging him tighter, as if he hated what he was saying, hated that he had to let go. Pain tore at Remus' shattered heart. He wished so much that Sirius would stop, not finish what he was trying to say.
"Sirius..."
"I want you to be happy. So if you do find another, don't be afraid of what I might think. Don't be afraid if you have to let me go. Just know that I'll always love you, no matter what, even if you decide to give your heart to someone else."
Remus had no more words to say. He couldn't imagine himself with anyone else. He wasn't ready to let Sirius go, so Remus held on tighter.
Sirius' voice was fading along with the steam from the train, and his grip around Remus became loose until Sirius was gone…and Remus was alone…and the train began to depart…with Remus still sitting on that bench...darkness taking over….
The air in the room was silent, except for the sounds of Madame Hopkins working on Kaylie. Madam Pomfrey and Albus stared numbly at Severus, who was trying his hardest to bring air back into Lupin's body.
Albus laid a gentle hand on Severus. "Come on now, Severus, it's time to let him go."
"No, Albus. He isn't gone yet!"
Severus sent one last puff of air into Lupin's lungs.
Maybe, Albus is right… I'm acting like a fool… Lupin's already gone… a small voice in Severus' mind whispered. Just let him go….
Severus stood up and looked at Lupin's deathly-pale face. He let out a deep breath before stepping back to join Albus and Madam Pomfrey. Albus placed his hand on Severus' shoulder, his blue sorrowful gaze resting on the still body. Madam Pomfrey didn't even move to wipe her tears away. Severus didn't know what to say to make them feel better. He didn't know what to do.…
What am I going to tell Harry?
Then the most miraculous, unbelievable thing happened… The monitor started to beep. They all looked at the monitor, where it showed a tiny sign of life, one small hope, that Remus Lupin was not lost to them.
"Severus..." Madam Pomfrey whispered faintly in shock.
The monitor beeped again.
"Is that?" Severus couldn't finish his sentence, he'd lost his will to speak.
Another beep, Albus squeezed Severus' shoulder tighter.
"It's a heartbeat!" Madam Pomfrey shouted. She rushed over to him, pressing her wand to Lupin's chest and used the same spell the other medi-witch had used earlier.
An electric shock went through Lupin's body. The monitor started to beep faster. The flat droning noise that indicated Lupin's death was now gone, replaced by the sound of a steady heartbeat. Severus had never appreciated such a sound until that very moment.
"Thank, Merlin!" Madam Pomfrey said. "Severus, we have to start the healing process again. That infection is taking its toll on Remus' body!"
Severus grabbed the potion and carefully poured three drops into Lupin's mouth, while Madam Pomfrey began chanting the complicated spell work.
.
.
It was now the early morning hours and the sun was starting to rise, casting its rays through the white curtains of the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey was able to nearly close up the burns on Lupin's neck and wrists. She carefully bandaged the nearly healed wounds as Severus, for the last time, poured three drops of the potion into Lupin's mouth. He tried to ignore the hushed voices that were going on on the other side of the hospital wing. The young girl didn't make it. Albus was having a conversation with Madame Hopkins.
Severus couldn't hear what they were saying, but it sounded important. He suddenly remembered the medic-wizard, Chase, who said: Dumbledore knows who she is! Severus wondered if Albus recognized her.
Severus whispered to the unconscious Lupin, "You're lucky you made it, wolf."
"How long will it be until he wakes?" Severus asked in a louder voice to Madam Pomfrey.
"It depends solely on Remus. Let's give him a few days. His body needs to heal, he's been through so much."
Madam Pomfrey had just finished cleaning Lupin up, disposing of the rags on his body and redressing him in clean pajamas that hid the bandages. Severus had watched her perform spells that shaved off the beard, and trimmed and washed his hair. She was now hooking him up to IV's that kept him hydrated and nourished.
"And the infection? Is it gone?"
"Not completely. The worst of it's gone, however, there are still traces of it lingering in his blood. It's going to take a while before his blood is clean."
"You have to perform the spell again?"
"Yes, every day," Madam Pomfrey answered as she checked the heart monitor, then began to clean up the used potion vials and bandages."He also has quite a list of potions to take for the next few weeks. I'm going to have to write up a schedule for him. Remus will have to stay here so I can regulate them and perform the spell for his infection."
Severus frowned, remembering the last time Lupin was in the hospital wing. It was three years ago, on the full-moon Sirius Black escaped from the Ministry a second time, and Lupin as the wolf ran wild in the Forbidden Forest. He was lucky he didn't bite anyone. Ever since that night, Severus was sure that Lupin had never set foot on the grounds of Hogwarts.
"He's not going to like that once he wakes."
"I know, but this is the best place for him to heal," Madam Pomfrey answered, smiling wistfully at her unconscious patient. "I remember when Remus was a student here, it was always hard for me to keep him here for more than a day after the full-moons. Remus never liked being fussed-over."
"Well, the wolf will have to get used to it. I'll start brewing more potions for you. Just give me a list of what you need, so you won't run short on anything."
"Thank you, Severus. I'll have a house-elf send it to your office." Madam Pomfrey sounded exhausted.
"Severus, I need to have a word with you. If you can please head up to my office? I will gladly appreciate it."
Severus looked over Madam Pomfrey's shoulder to see Albus making his way towards them. Kaylie's body was covered with a sheet. Madame Hopkins was cleaning up and pulling dividers around the bed to block the body from view.
Severus wondered how this was going to affect Lupin. He wondered if Lupin knew the girl. He wondered again what Chase meant by Albus knowing who she was. If Albus knew the girl, couldn't he have prevented her death? What was the girl doing with Greyback?
"Severus?"
Severus blinked and looked at the headmaster. "I'm sorry, I'll be on my way."
"I'll be there as soon as I talk to Poppy about Lupin's care."
Severus, too tired to say anything else, wished nothing more than to just head back to his quarters where there was a nice and soft warm bed waiting for him, but no...he had a lot to discuss with Albus Dumbledore. So Severus tiredly made his way to the office, hoping that whatever the headmaster wanted to discuss with him wouldn't take too long.
.
.
Albus arrived shortly after Severus had settled himself down into a chair facing the headmaster's desk.
"Explain, Albus, who was that girl?" Severus asked, wasting no time. He was tired and he just wanted to get to bed as soon as possible.
"Yes, I knew of the child, but this is the first time I've met her. We both knew her father, Severus."
"I knew her father?"
"Johnathan Porter. Maybe a year older than you when you were at Hogwarts. He was a Ravenclaw."
Severus took a moment to remember his old classmate. "I remember him. Pretty decent at Potions, I recall… Used to hang around Lupin, unfortunately."
"Yes, that young girl we failed to save tonight was Kaylie Porter, Jonathan's daughter."
Severus blinked at the headmaster in shock. And when he'd finally found his voice, he said, "Albus, how could you not know she was missing? She would've been enrolled into Hogwarts the moment she was born! Did you not think it strange that she never replied to her admittance letter? No, my better question is, how long was she at that camp!"
"When Johnathan Porter died, Kaylie was safely with her mother. I didn't know that she was in Greyback's clutches, although I had wondered why she'd never made it to Hogwarts. I'd assumed her mother put her into another school."
"Why didn't you check on them? Greyback must've killed that poor girl's mother! Who knows how long Greyback had her! How did she even get those injuries that caused her death!
"Severus, this was out of my control."
"Albus, a child just died! A child who we let slip through our protection. She should've been here at Hogwarts. Her father gave his life for the Order of the Phoenix and how do we repay him? By letting Greyback murder his wife, kidnap his daughter, and now she's dead! Merlin forbid, if I die and something like that happens to Harry! Or even my godson!"
"Severus, I won't let that happen. Harry and Draco are going to be okay, no matter what happens."
Severus didn't say anything else. All of his anger and adrenaline was quickly spent. He was just tired.
"I see you have taken a liking to young Harry," Albus said quietly, a small twinkle in his blue eyes as he smiled warmly at Severus. "I trust your camping trip went well? Is he making any progress in opening up to you?"
"He was just starting to talk to me, for the most part...until the Dark Lord interfered. Albus, Harry was finally opening up, finally trusting me, and now I'm afraid I might have to start over with him!"
"In time, Severus, Harry will heal along with your help."
Severus only nodded.
"Madam Pomfrey told me you were taking Draco Malfoy to the Burrow when I'd arrived with Lupin and the girl." Severus looked at the headmaster. "Narcissa decided to join our side?"
"Yes, that's why I wanted to speak to you. Tom gave Draco Malfoy a dangerous task to kill me. Narcissa couldn't bear the thought of her son taking on such a task. She'd contacted me once she escaped from the clutches of Bellatrix Lestrange. Narcissa was severely injured and is right now recovering in a private room of the hospital wing, if you wish to see her."
"No, not now… How is Draco doing?" Severus asked.
"He was rather quiet when I took him to the Burrow. He seemed to be doing well, considering the circumstances."
"I doubt it," Severus muttered. "I'm assuming I have to be prepared for when the Dark Lord learns of this betrayal?"
"Yes, Severus, if he asks you about Narcissa and Draco, tell him you have not seen them, that they are in a secret location."
"Yes, headmaster. That's just as well. Last night, I told the Dark Lord that you don't trust me as much since Black's death. That the Order of the Phoenix has disbanded, and I've been laying low from you. It'll help in his belief of me not having information of their whereabouts. Also, he let me bring back Lupin to you without a fight, to show you your dead pet, killed by his hands. He thinks Lupin's dead."
"Excellent, that makes us safe and under the radar, thanks to your skill and cleverness, Severus."
Severus was quiet for a while, gathering his thoughts of all he'd just learned when he realized something. "What are you going to do with Draco while Narcissa recovers? Surely you can't keep him with the Weasleys?"
"It was an option, but I'm afraid Draco is going to need much tighter security. I've thought of placing him with you and Harry."
"Headmaster, Draco and Harry together, living in the same quarters for the remainder of the holidays? Are you asking to get the castle blown up? This isn't going to go over well, and Harry's mental health is in such critical condition."
"Severus, I recall that Draco Malfoy is your godson."
"I know he's my godson! But is this even a good idea? What if Draco tells the Dark Lord about Harry staying with me? What if he blows my cover?"
"Draco won't say anything," Albus stated.
"How do you know that?" Severus snapped. Albus and his blind trust will bite him in the ass one day!
"Draco's a good kid, I know his heart isn't deep in the dark arts as he wants us to believe. There's good in him. He won't put Harry in danger. Trust your godson, Severus."
Severus looked away in anger. "Albus, I care for Draco, but I can't take care of two teenage boys that hate each other! Especially when one of them is capable of self-destructing himself! And the other is too close to the Dark Lord!"
"Severus, you're surrounded by teenagers for the better part of the year. You'll be okay."
"Fine! But if this goes wrong, Albus, the consequences are on you!"
Severus stood up. He was done with this conversation. He knew once Albus made his mind up on something, there was no changing it.
"When should I bring the boys back?"
"Once Poppy doesn't need your constant help with Lupin. You're dismissed, Severus. I must alert the Order on the importance of the next meeting, we can discuss your mission then, I see that you need your rest." Albus' blue eyes studied Severus with concern, reminding him of the cuts on his face, and the effects of being under the Cruciatus Curse were starting to show in his shaking hands.
Harry awoke this time to a soft ray of sunshine peeking in through the curtains and the voices of the Weasleys enjoying their breakfast from several floors below. Harry covered himself with his blanket, feeling so congested and achy. He had a strange dream last night, that two visitors had arrived and one of them was Draco Malfoy. Harry wanted to laugh at the idea of Draco Malfoy asleep on a cot next to his bed. He then tried to go back to sleep, but he couldn't, thoughts of Severus kept racing through his head.
Where is Severus now? When is he coming back? Is he already back? Is Severus downstairs with the Weasleys, waiting for me to wake up? At that thought, Harry opened his eyes and jumped out of bed.
"Ow! What the bloody hell are you doing!" a sleepy voice suddenly shouted.
Harry's feet had landed on something soft and squishy. He jumped off, landing on the floor. Surprised, Harry realized those visitors weren't a dream at all. Draco Malfoy was in a tangle of blankets on a cot, dressed in Ron's old pajamas that were several inches off the ankle. Harry stared at him, not knowing what to say.
"What? Don't you have anything better to do than stand there like an idiot after trampling a bloke as he sleeps?" Malfoy snarled.
"Um…no," Harry said defiantly. "Next time, let me know you're here so I won't step on you."
"Piss off, Potter!" Malfoy sneered, before turning his back to Harry and covering himself with his blanket.
Harry glared at the Slytherin. He so much wanted to ask Malfoy why he was here and not home at Malfoy Manor, but his pride wouldn't let him do it. So, Harry left the room to join the Weasleys for breakfast, hoping that Severus was downstairs waiting for him with his usual morning coffee.
All of the Weasleys were already gathered around the table. At first, they didn't notice him entering the room and Harry wondered if Mrs. Weasley told her children about his arrival yet. There was no Severus waiting for him, and worry for the Potions Professor settled heavily in Harry's stomach. Why couldn't he tell me where he was going?
"Harry!" Ginny suddenly shouted. All at once every red-head turned towards him. It was a brief second before Harry suddenly found himself in a fierce hug by Ron.
"Harry!" Ron said, still hugging him tightly. "I've been writing to you for ages, but no reply. What happened? Was it those muggles? Mum, why didn't you tell us Harry was here?"
"I didn't want you lot disturbing him," the Weasley matron replied from her place at the table.
"Don't crowd him, Ron!" Ginny scolded her brother from her seat at the table.
Harry sent a grateful look towards Ginny as he began to squirm away from Ron's tight hold. She smiled at him before returning to her breakfast. Harry was for a second baffled by her behavior because Ginny was always too shy to talk to him. He guessed after the fiasco at the Ministry at the end of last term, she'd finally overcome her bashfulness towards him.
"Oi, Ron! Get a room!" shouted George.
"Yeah, let the poor bloke go!" Fred laughed. "Unless, there's something you're not telling us?" he added with a feigned serious expression to Ron.
"Ow!" Ginny punched Fred's shoulder, causing Harry to laugh.
Ron, red-faced, muttered, "Sorry, mate, I was just worried." And not looking at Harry, let him out of his embrace and sat back down.
"Harry, dearie, how are you feeling?" Mrs. Weasley asked as she walked over to put a hand on his forehead. "You're still a bit feverish. After breakfast, it's straight back to bed for you."
Harry frowned, his worry for Severus made him briefly forget about the other teens in the room. "Sev...um, Snape hasn't come back yet, has he? Has he sent an owl or anything?"
"No, Harry, I'm sorry, but you're welcome here as long as you like. Tell you what, I'll send word to Dumbledore, and I'll ask him when Snape is expected to pick you up. How does that sound?"
Harry was about to say yes, when he noticed the Weasley children giving him peculiar looks. He realized how strange this must sound to them.
"Um, no… It's okay, Mrs. Weasley," Harry mumbled before taking a seat at the table.
Harry wondered if she and Mr. Weasley knew about his situation, it seemed like they weren't surprised at all that Harry was asking for Severus Snape. As if to comfort Harry over his worry for Severus, Mrs. Weasley patted his shoulder, causing Harry to flinch. He blushed, hating himself for reacting like that towards her, especially when she'd shown nothing but motherly affection towards him. Harry didn't fail to catch her concerned gaze as she then placed a plate with a huge pile of eggs, fried tomato and sausage down in front of him.
"What was that about?" Ron whispered.
Harry shook his head, hoping Ron was just talking about his questions about Severus, and not him flinching away from Mrs. Weasley's touch. "Not here." He avoided the twins' and Ginny's eyes as he ate a bit of his eggs.
Harry didn't really have much of an appetite, yet as always, breakfast was delicious, and the dining table at the Burrow was loud and full of laughter. Once Ron ate his fill, and Harry ate what little he could, they excused themselves from the table, placing their dishes in the sink. The dishes were immediately attacked by charmed sponges and soap.
"Harry," Mrs. Weasley called after them. "I want you to get some rest, let me know if you need more Pepper Up Potion."
"I'll rest on the cot in Ron's room. I'm feeling okay," Harry said as he raced upstairs with Ron.
They shut the door as soon as they were inside. Harry laid down on Ron's bed, the nausea he felt last night slightly returning as he observed the bedroom. It hadn't changed at all since the last time he was here.
"Okay, explain," Ron said as he sat beside Harry.
"About why I didn't reply to your letters?"
"And why were you asking about Snape coming to get you… Hang on…who slept in your room last night?"
"Ah, so you were eavesdropping last night!" Harry laughed. "I should've known it was you creeping about upstairs."
"I bet you my best chocolate frog cards you were eavesdropping as well! So who was it?" Ron laughed, shoving Harry good-naturedly.
"You won't believe this," Harry said. "Malfoy."
"Malfoy?"
"Yeah, I nearly trampled him this morning getting out of bed. Cheerful person in the morning, that one."
"You and Malfoy slept in the same room last night," Ron said faintly. "And you two didn't try hexing each other?"
"Well... I was supposed to be asleep when your mum let him in."
"So you were eavesdropping!" Ron laughed. "I wonder why he's here? We know Lucius got chucked in Azkaban this summer, but what happened to his mother?"
"Maybe they joined our side?" Harry said. Maybe this is why Severus had to go?
"I don't buy it," Ron said. "Maybe it's because Lucius Malfoy is in Azkaban, and now poor Draco and his mummy are in danger, so they're seeking protection under Dumbledore and the Order until they are back in You-Know-Who's good graces. I don't trust them at all."
"That sounds like the Malfoys," Harry agreed.
"So why didn't you answer my letters? Hermione and I were getting worried."
"I'm sorry, Ron. I was just so busy with the chores the Dursleys gave me this summer, I just forgot to answer them." Harry felt really bad for lying. He didn't want Ron and Hermione to think he was some freak who couldn't handle a bit of punishment. Harry had written to them, but he'd never sent the letters. He felt so guilty writing to them, pretending that he was okay when he wasn't. He'll rather not write at all than lie to them.
Ron looked at Harry for a second, as if he were trying to convince himself that he was in fact telling the truth. "So, why were you asking about Snape?"
Harry shrugged, trying to remain nonchalant, and feeling so bad for lying. Harry hated himself for it. "He picked me up from the Dursleys, I think on Dumbledore's orders. Right after we left Surrey, Snape said he had to go, that it was an emergency. I was asking about Snape because I wanted to know why he had to go so suddenly."
"You don't think it has to do with You-Know-Who, does it?" Ron asked.
"It could be… I mean he's a spy for Dumbledore. Maybe this is all linked to the Malfoys or maybe they found Remus?"
"So you heard about Remus going missing?"
"Yeah, Snape told me…."
It was quiet for a few moments as Ron and Harry processed the information they'd just exchanged.
"You don't know if your parents heard anything about Remus' disappearance, have you?"
"Just that he was on a mission when he went missing. And that the Order hasn't found any leads yet. They told me the Ministry wasn't doing anything to aid in the search for Remus because he's a werewolf."
"Well that's stupid, I just hope Snape left because they found him," Harry said. He forbade himself to think that his dad's only remaining friend might be dead.
"But then, wouldn't my dad know something already if they found him?"
"I don't know, Ron."
There was a small knock on the door. "Harry?" It was Ginny, she opened the door carrying a potion. "Mum said to drink this, and that you better be lying down."
"You better do as she says, Harry," Ron laughed, nudging a blushing Harry who took the potion from Ginny.
Severus didn't sleep too much. He'd gone to bed as soon as he was done with helping Madam Pomfrey and then woken up again by the headmaster at three in the morning. Albus had come back only a day after setting off for some unknown mission again. He was pale, shaking and weak. And what'd surprised Severus most of all was the condition of his hand. The headmaster's normal healthy hand now looked dead… It was completely black and lifeless.
Severus hadn't needed any explanations to what'd happened. By merely looking at the old ring that was on Albus' finger, he'd already known. It was a cursed ring belonging to the Gaunt family. For some unknown reason, which Severus for the life of him could not figure out, was why the headmaster had worn it in the first place.
Severus rolled over in bed, not ready to take on the day once more. He was tired, all of his spare time went for caring for Lupin at the hospital wing. As a Potions Master, Madam Pomfrey only trusted him to administer the potion to Lupin as she performed the most intricate piece of medical spell-work Severus had ever seen. It was incredible how strong Madam Pomfrey was at times. And he reminded himself to never take her skills for granted.
Severus tried to go back to sleep, but the memory of last night still invaded his mind. An unsettling feeling sunk into his stomach as he recalled the task that Albus had made him promise to.
Also, what kept Severus up was the situation with Narcissa Malfoy. Albus was suspicious of Narcissa seeking refuge at Hogwarts. He believed it was only to help Draco complete the task set by the Dark Lord. Severus believed Albus to be right on these suspicions, as he was also doubtful himself of Narcissa suddenly switching sides.
On the second day after Severus had rescued Kaylie and Lupin, he had finally paid her a visit. Narcissa had cried, saying that she fled because she couldn't bear to see her son fail the task and be killed. That the danger of the task made Narcissa realize she and Draco were on the wrong side of the war. She also believed there was a small chance that Draco may still be planning on following the Dark Lord's orders. Narcissa wanted Severus to take care of her son, to keep him safe. Severus was then forced under her Unbreakable Vow.
Severus had tried using Legilimency on the distraught witch, but her shields were up. The fact that she was protecting her mind from Severus, made him all the more suspicious. He had the feeling she was hiding something. It was at that moment that Severus had agreed to Albus' suspicions.
Severus had no idea how he was going to keep Draco safe. He didn't know if the boy was still on the Dark Lord's side. He guessed he would have to keep a closer eye on Draco, and for Albus.
Severus thought again about the promise Albus made him keep. He still had no idea how the headmaster could expect such a task from him. Severus worried how he was even going to pull that off. How Harry would even react….
So many promises that Severus was forced into keeping, so many promises and expectations he could not break, and the only thing that worried him was Harry. If Severus completed the task for Albus, the boy would never speak to him again. How could Albus be so selfish? How could he be okay with the idea of Harry losing another adult figure in his life, once Severus completed his forced task? How?
Stress and anxiety filled Severus up until he felt a pounding headache at his temple. He looked at his clock, it read 7:30 am.
Calling it quits on going back to sleep, Severus decided to check on Madam Pomfrey and Lupin before he set out to gather up the camping equipment that was still in the Forest of Dean, before picking up Harry and Draco. He still had no idea how he was going to explain everything to Harry.
After a quick cup of extremely strong coffee, Severus made his way to the infirmary.
With the sound of a steady heartbeat from the magical floating monitor, and still hooked up to tubes that kept him nourished and hydrated, Lupin looked just the same as he did for the past few days, pale as death and emaciated. The only thing different, was that his skin wasn't blazing hot anymore with fever.
"Severus, up already?" Madam Pomfrey said. "Don't tell me you haven't gone to bed yet?" She gave him a disapproving glare.
"I should ask you the same question," Severus replied. The matron looked tired, with dark circles under her eyes.
"I was just with the headmaster. Today Kaylie's body is going to be buried next to her father. We're still unsure what happened to her mother."
Because Greyback murdered her!
He didn't want to upset the witch, so Severus only nodded, and said, "I wonder if Lupin knew her?"
"For the sake of his mind, I hope he didn't," Madam Pomfrey said. "I know Remus... If he knew this girl personally, he'll find a way to believe that her death was because of him."
"What's going to become of Lupin once he recovers? Is he going to reside here?"
"I asked the same thing to Albus, he told me Remus can stay here as long as he wants."
Severus nodded, looking down at the unconscious werewolf. He remembered Lupin as a young teenage boy back at Hogwarts, always studious and quiet, yet he was the mastermind behind all the Marauder's pranks and bullying. Lupin had a sneaky, mischievous personality that the professors always liked to ignore... Little teacher's pet! The old grudges against the wolf welled up in Severus' heart, it was only for Harry that Severus fought for Lupin's life. The last of the Marauders... Pettigrew, blasted rat, never counted… And well...good-riddance to Black and Potter….
"Do you need any more assistance?"
"Mm….yes after dinner. I still need your help in administering the potion while I perform the spell."
Severus nodded. "I'm going to pick up my charges, I shall be back by then."
"Be safe, Severus."
Severus looked at the tired matron. "Only if you get some rest... You can't do anything more for Lupin right now. At least have Albus or someone else give Lupin his potions this morning."
"I will, Severus, you've never been one to worry," Madam Pomfrey laughed. "Potter has turned you into a fussing hen, I see."
Severus glared at her before leaving the infirmary.
The days were agonizingly slow for Harry at the Burrow. Harry and Ron spent most of their time playing Quidditch with the other Weasley children in the backyard. When they weren't playing Quidditch, he was helping Mrs. Weasley with the cooking or helping Ron with his chores. Harry tried his best to keep busy, because when he wasn't, all he could think about was Severus, and the fact that he might be hurt or dead at the hands of Voldemort.
Bill and Charlie, along with Bill's fiancé, sometimes stopped by during Harry's stay at the Burrow. Even some of the Order would sometimes pop in for dinner. Tonks was always coming around with great stories to tell about the things she did at work. The only people, however, that Harry hadn't seen was Percy of course, and Draco Malfoy.
Since Harry had moved to Ron's room, Malfoy was now always shut up in Percy's room or outside brooding near the lake. Mrs. Weasley warned Harry and her children to leave him alone, that he was just going through a rough time right now. Harry doubted it, he would've bet his Firebolt that Malfoy was up to something. It was just unnatural for Malfoy to be this quiet. It was strange that he and his mother had suddenly changed sides of the war, the family who'd always taken pride for being Voldemort's closest servants, changing sides stood against everything they believed in.
"What do you think he does all day in his room?" Harry asked Ron. They were sitting in the grass in the orchard, taking a break from their game of Quidditch. They could barely make out the roof of the Burrow between the trees from where they were sitting.
"Who knows, Harry, he could be doing anything."
"Maybe he's here to spy on us... Like how Snape is spying for the Order," Harry wondered.
"That sounds far-fetched," Ron scoffed.
"What? Come on," Ron said at Harry's look. "It's Malfoy we're talking about. He's too much of a coward to be a spy for You-Know-Who and besides he's only a kid... If You-Know-Who wanted a spy, why would he have a sixteen year old kid do it?"
"It was just a thought," Harry said.
"Do you want to play more Quidditch?" Ron asked.
Harry was just about to reply when he spotted Ginny walking outside, she was talking to someone…. There was no mistaking the platinum-blonde hair….
"Is that Ginny talking to Malfoy?" Ron shouted in disbelief.
Harry cringed at Ron's loud voice. Although he understood why Ron was upset, what he couldn't understand though, was why he was feeling like there was a monster fighting in his own chest. He couldn't understand why he felt angrier than Ron. After all, Ginny could speak to whoever she likes. Maybe because it was Malfoy she was speaking to that was making him feel so upset. Harry sighed as he pushed all of his confusing thoughts away.
Ron began to walk at a brisk pace towards the two teens, his ears flaming red.
Harry followed along shortly behind him, thinking that this confrontation wasn't going to go over well, especially since Ginny and Ron both had their mother's temper.
As soon as they reached them, Malfoy had walked back into the house. Ron took off at a run before Ginny could make her escape.
"Why were you talking to him for?"
Ginny looked taken aback for a second, before she put her hands on her hips and her face screwed up into an angry expression.
"Don't be such a prat, Ron, I can talk to whomever I like!"
"You were talking to Malfoy! Bloody Malfoy! What did he say to you?"
"That's none of your business! We were actually having a decent conversation before he saw you!" Ginny shouted.
"He ran away from us, eh? The prat..." Ron mumbled as Ginny stormed off.
Harry suddenly felt bad on Ginny's behalf. He could see that she was only trying to be decent to Malfoy, and Ron had to go and ruin it.
"Come on, let's go inside and see if mum's finished with lunch," Ron muttered, his ears flaming red as he wrenched open the door and walked inside.
Harry, wishing he was following another Weasley, turned his gaze away from Ginny's retreating back, before following Ron inside the Burrow.
Mrs. Weasley was still cooking, so Ron and Harry decided to play a game of chess in the living room. The first thing Harry noticed, however, as he entered the living room of the Burrow, was Draco Malfoy lounging on the sofa. At first, the blonde Slytherin didn't notice their entrance.
Malfoy was lounging with his arms folded onto his chest, with an expression of misery on his face. He seemed to be contemplating about something. Harry wondered again for the millionth time why Malfoy was at the Burrow and not home at Malfoy Manor.
"You!" Ron shouted from behind Harry.
Harry cringed at the red-head's abrasiveness.
Draco sat up, glaring at Ron. "Congrats, Weasley, you now know all the letters of the alphabet. See U starts with ugly, useless, uneducated and..."
"Shut it, Malfoy!" Harry snapped at him for insulting his best mate, even if his best mate was sort of acting like a prat right now. "What are you doing here, anyway?"
"That's none of your business, Potter, and why are you here?"
"I'm here every summer!"
"Why? Those muggles can't stand having you around?"
"Shut it, Malfoy!" Ron shouted.
"Go jump in the lake, Weasley. No one would even care, except maybe for your dear, old mummy."
"Don't you dare talk about my mum like that! Especially after she's allowed you to stay here! Where's your mum, eh? Can't she take care of you? Or is she off with You-Know-Who?"
Malfoy's wand was suddenly pointed at them. "Shut up, Weasley! You have no idea what you're talking about!"
"Then explain it to us," Harry said.
"Why? It's none of your business, Potter. Stop poking your ugly nose where it doesn't belong!"
Harry glared at Malfoy. Anger directed towards Severus flashed through him. He wished he had his wand so he could defend himself and Ron. Over the days spent at the Burrow with no word from Severus to explain his absence, worry for the professor had turned into anger.
"Why are you here, Malfoy? As it is my house, it's my business," Ron angrily asked.
"This isn't what you call a house, so shove off, weasel!"
"Ahh!" Harry clamped his hand to his forehead. Bright, white pain exploded in his forehead, his eyesight grew dark. And he reached out a hand to grab something to keep himself from falling. Harry grabbed nothing but thin air, and he was on his knees. Voices…voices was what he heard. Voices and a high-pitched, crazed-laughter.
"The plan is set my Lord," a female's voice laughed.
Bellatrix Lestrange….
"You shall have him dead at your feet before you know it!"
Pain flashed through Harry, causing him to shout again. Hands still over his scar, he dug his nails into his skin, trying to take away the pain until something wet and warm covered his hands. Suddenly the images vanished. Harry opened his eyes, finding himself on the floor, on his knees.
Mrs. Weasley was kneeling down in front of him, trying to pry his hands away from his forehead. "Harry, dear, look at me now, come on."
Harry tightened his hands firmly to his forehead. He was afraid. He'd seen Voldemort with Bellatrix, they were planning someone's death. They were certain that person would be dead at the hands of Lord Voldemort soon. He had to tell Severus... Where is Severus?
"Where's Severus?" Harry moaned in pain.
"He's not here, but you have me. Please let me see so I can fix you up, dear, you're bleeding."
"No, Severus!" Harry suddenly couldn't breathe. Everything inside seemed to have tightened up. His lungs, heart, throat…everything….
"I need Severus… Severus... He promised he'll be here. He promised…." Harry's voice shook.
"Ron, Draco, please go to your rooms. This is something you shouldn't be seeing."
"But, mum!"
"Ronald, do as I say!"
There was a sound of footsteps. It was quiet for a while. Harry didn't look up. He was too afraid. He was afraid of what he just saw. He was afraid of what Mrs. Weasley might be thinking. The way Harry was acting, she was probably thinking he was a freak. She was probably going to punish him like the Dursleys.
"Harry…dear…" Mrs. Weasley moved her hands down to touch his shoulders.
"No!" Harry shouted, flinching violently away from her. "No, I don't want to be punished! I'm sorry! I just… Severus!"
"Harry, you're not going to get punished. What are you talking about? Please, sweetie, it's just me… Mrs. Weasley. Harry, just breathe, you're going to be okay."
Harry couldn't breathe. He had no idea what was going on. This wasn't a vision from his scar anymore. This was his insides closing up and suffocating him.
"Harry, you have to breathe!"
"Molly?" a voice said in alarm.
"Arthur, contact Albus! Tell him to send Severus right away! Harry isn't breathing! He's turning blue!"
"No need! Severus just came in! He's in the kitchen," he answered. "Severus!"
Footsteps were heard. "Harry! Molly, what happened?"
"First he was in pain and clutching his scar. It's bleeding, Severus, and now, I think he's having a panic attack! He can't breathe. He keeps asking for you!"
"Harry!" Gentle hands were on his shoulders, prying his hands away from his face.
Severus….
Harry let him take his hands away. The Potions Professor was a blurred outline in front of him. His glasses must have fallen off.
"Harry, you have to breathe. Come on, follow my breathing." The professor put Harry's hand on his chest, letting his beating heart guide him. "Come on, child," Severus whispered. "In, out, in, out."
Severus had Harry repeat the process until he was able to breathe again. Soon Harry began to feel better, but the fading pain from his scar had left him a massive headache.
Severus handed him his glasses. Harry put them back on, the first thing he saw were the concerned faces of the Weasleys. He couldn't look at them. Harry was so embarrassed at the way he'd acted, especially towards Mrs. Weasley.
"Harry, look at me," Severus said. Harry shook his head, his face warm with embarrassment.
Severus seemed to understand, he politely asked the Weasleys to give them some privacy. Once they were gone, Harry felt something cool touch his forehead. He looked up to see Severus with a wet cloth.
"You scratched up your scar," he said. Severus then touched Harry's scar with the tip of his wand and muttered a healing spell.
Harry didn't say anything, he was still too ashamed.
"I need you to look at me."
Harry slowly looked up, meeting the professor's tired and worried dark eyes with shadows underneath.
Where have you been?
"That's better, I've missed you, kid…" Severus said in his soothing, deep voice that Harry missed. "Can you tell me what you saw?"
Harry's relief for Severus' long awaited return grew into anger. How dare he leave and then come back, with no explanation at all! Expecting Harry to just tell him about his vision! He glared at the professor. Harry didn't even know why he'd wanted him. He didn't know why he'd begged Mrs. Weasley for Severus to come, when red-hot anger boiled inside him. Severus broke his promise. He'd left him! After promising he would be there if Harry ever needed him.
"You left me!" Harry spat. "You left me without any word to where you were going and when you were coming back!"
"Harry!"
"No, I'm not telling you anything! I don't trust you! Just go!" Harry shouted before shakily getting to his feet and taking off outside of the Burrow, getting himself far away as he could from Severus Snape.
Review Responses
Xyz: Yes of course! I might take long to update because sometimes I get really bad writers block or I keep editing the chapter until I feel like it is ready to be read. So don't give up on my fanfic! =)
Savoren: I'm so glad to hear that you love my fanfic and you think it's the best, I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Guest: You probably won't know who this response is for because there is another review by a guest reader. You wrote that you loved the story and to update soon. I'm very glad you loved it and I will try to update more I promise
Guest: You wrote to me how much you loved the camping trip. I had so much fun writing that scene, I was sad to cut it short though, but I think it was time for Severus to rescue our poor Moony. Hmmm… and that was a good question about Moony and Harry. I'm considering putting him into hiding cus of Harry's occlumency, but it depends how my next chapter turns out. I guess I will have to wait and see.
SevHarry: Did you enjoy your holiday? Where did you go?:) And Kaylie was badly wounded from Moony's wolf, she was unconscious and very close to death. Matt told Greyback she died to protect her and heal and help her escape once she was better, but he realized that if Kaylie stayed she was going to die and used Severus's departure as a way to get her out of there. I hope that answers your question
Chessie517: Thank you and your review did encourage me to keep writing. I hoped you enjoyed this chapter and keep a lookout for the next!
Imagination94: Thank you so much for reviewing! Keep a lookout for the next chapter =)
Caraline Fisher: Thank you much for reviewing. I'm so glad I finally had Severus rescue Moony and now he can finally heal
Cynder2013: I know! And now Remus can heal and maybe get to help Severus with Harry
Tgsoccer: Thanks for the review! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!:)
EKP: Remus will be okay now, he survived this chapter and now he has time to heal and spend time with Harry. I hope you enjoyed this chapter and thank you for reviewing
Girlyninja9: I'm so sorry for the wait, I hope this extra-long chapter made up for though