Chapter 5- Questions in these answers
Sorry for the late update!
Disclaimer: I do not own any Harry Potter content, including characters, except for the AU ones. Yet, I wish I did own all of it
Severus was a man of order. He was a man of structure and careful decision making. The brats in today's class had all but ruined his classroom with their tomfooleries. Half of the ingredients on the shelves provided for the students, were destroyed from one explosive moment. A student had acted like a squib and forgotten the ability to simple read instructions. And now these were the results.
Severus waved away the destruction, a headache already building up.
Why did he choose to become a teacher again? Ah right, Dumbledore.
And the Potter boy.
He had made a promise, no, made the Unbreakable Vow to protect the Potter brat.
But he wasn't a brat, now was he? Snape had all along been expecting to have to deal with a pampered, spoiled little first-year. He'd been expecting having to install some humility and respect into the boy. He had expected everything but what Potter had turned out to be.
Potter had been sorted into his House, into Slytherin.
Potter had listened and obeyed the rules of Slytherin.
Potter had not once shown and disrespect or disregard to his Head of House.
He had all but been different from his late father.
Severus had tested the boy in several ways. He'll admit that he might have been slightly harsh in his ways, and he might have overdone it with his treatment. Nonetheless, it wasn't something he made a habit out of. And it had never occurred again after the boy's first year. Severus could even say that he'd come to tolerate Potter. Even come to not despise the vow that he'd made to protect the boy.
And therefore, the moment he'd seen his godson's face, he knew something terrible had happened. And particularly with none other than Harry-trouble-Potter. Draco had been taught from a very young age to never display his feelings to the world. It was therefore, worrying that Draco was clearly not applying any of that, his fear and stress were clear to the eye.
Severus did not wait a second more to send a Patronus to Dumbledore, explaining his need to cancel the class right after Draco had come crashing into him.
"Harry is-!"
Severus interrupted Draco with a strong hold on his shoulder.
"Where?"
Draco didn't hesitate, instead of explaining he said "Corridor" and started running in the direction he'd come from. Severus ran hot on Draco's heels.
In no time at all, they rounded a corner and ran to the end of the empty corridor. It was like the coldest of winters had hit the place with no mercy. Icicles hang from the tall ceilings, torches were out, and thick ice covered every part of the corridor.
And he could immediately see why Draco had been panicking.
Greengrass was rocking back and forth while tears ran down her face, ignoring the cold that was surely freezing her limbs blue. The reason for that was the boy laying motionlessly on his side with his back to Severus. It was clear as day who it was, the messy dark curls and the smaller build were two dead giveaways.
This did not allow for any wasted time. Severus kneeled on the ground, ignoring the crying girl in front of him and focused on Potter instead. He'd noticed a few droplets of blood nearby and could also see some of it still clinging to the boy's pale lips.
It was also now that he could see the dark lines stretching from underneath his collar up to his cheekbones. It was a bizarre sight, but not the most important thing right now.
"Explain briefly what happened," Severus demanded of his two students as he took Potters pulse and checked his breathing. Pulse was quick and his breathing was mere gasps. Greengrass started recounted what had happened between hiccups and Severus made sure to take note of everything she was saying while casting stabilizing spells on Potter.
The most concerning thing now was the high temperature and quick heart rate.
"When did he lose consciousness?"
"Not too long ago, Sir." Greengrass whispered hoarsely.
Severus faltered in his administrations when he spotted Potter's left hand. He saw the messy bandages and carefully spelled them away. "You idiot boy!" Severus growled at the ghastly sight. "You either go back to your lessons or you come with me," Severus said while lifting Potter in his arms and started in the direction to the nearest floo. "We cannot waste any more time."
He knew without turning around that the other two were hurrying behind him. He hadn't expected anything less. Severus adjusted his grip on the boy and looked down at him. Potter was looking too pale, and his lips have already gained a blue hue to them. The perspiration made the boy's black locks stick to his forehead. Severus could only hope that they weren't already too late.
They reached his quarters in what felt like forever and Severus had Draco transfigure the big couch in his living room into a divan. His hands were already full. He carefully placed Potter on the divan and immediately rechecked the boy's parameters. Everything seemed to be the same as earlier thankfully.
The second the shirt was spelled off, everything stopped. Severus barely stopped himself from making a noise of disbelief. He distantly noticed Draco's and Greengrass' reactions at the sight in front of them.
Whatever he'd thought about the veining from the injury, it wouldn't compare with this. It went from the boy's hand to circle his arm and reached all the way up to his shoulder. From the shoulder, the dark blue pattern of lines focused on the middle of Potter's chest. It was a pattern of tangled mess.
"What the fuck is that!?" Draco's wavering voice shook Severus out of his contemplation. He shook his head, not willing to answer yet, allowing Draco's slip. His godson's wide eyes were seeking answers from him, but it would have to wait. Severus had a vague idea at what was causing this and hurried to where he kept his private stock of potions.
Time was of essence now and Severus will do everything within his Potions and Healing abilities to keep the boy alive.
.*.*.*.*.*.*.
Draco saw his Godfather hurrying away and hugged Daphne around her shaking shoulders. She had stopped crying but held Harry's good hand tightly between hers. Neither had expected things to be this bad. Had they known Harry was this ill, they wouldn't have waited this long to get help. Draco had promised himself to solve this but look where it had got them. He'd done nothing, absolutely nothing.
Their professor returned with several full vials of potions in his arms that he managed to balance with precision. He placed them on a table nearby and summoned an assortment of other things Draco didn't really know the use of. Severus spelled the first healing potions directly into Harry's system consisting of a pain potion, antiseptic potion and a fever reducing potion. Harry certainly looked better as his breathing eased and the two dark red splotches high on his cheeks receded. Severus spelled a small mask over Harry's nose and mouth to, which fogged up every time Harry breathed out. Draco suspected the mask acted as a breathing aid of some sort.
"The Venenatis Prohibere will build a bubble around his magical core which temporarily blocks the flow of magic in the body. No magical healing will be effective after that. The effects of the potion will only last five minutes, and we must determine if his magic is worsening his condition within that amount of time," Severus explained, while removing the strange mask that Draco had noticed before. Severus lifted Harry into a half-sitting position and poured the potion down his throat. He said something in Latin that set Harry's swallowing reflex into motion and put the mask back on Harry's face.
Draco wondered for a second why Severus hadn't spelled it directly into Harry's stomach, but the answer came to him right away. It blocks magic, and for that reason magic cannot be used on it.
They watched the potion taking effect, as slowly but surely the dark streaks retreated into two separate ways, one to Harry's chest and the other to his hand. The potion was working, and Severus seemed happy with the results.
"It's working, oh it's working," Daphne started whispering, tears running down her face.
"Draco, you will find a calming draught on the first shelf above the armchair." Severus said and got up again to get something else.
Draco glanced in that direction and nodded, understanding who it was for. He stood up and did as he was told. He brought the vial for Daphne, who was now sitting quietly, yet her whole body was shaking. He also found a thick blanket and draped it halfway up to Harry's chest.
"Here" Draco coaxed her gently, as he uncorked the vial and tried to hand it to her. When Draco realised that she wasn't going to take it, he helped her drink the potion, and it instantly took effect. Daphne took a deep breath and nodded in thanks. Draco nodded back and breathed a sigh of relief. They both had every bit of reason to act uncharacteristically. Showing this much emotion would normally be unacceptable and frowned down upon, but neither cared at the moment.
Severus had sent another patronus to Dumbledore, demanding his presence, and is now chanting healing spells over their friend. The five-minute must have ran out, since the spells were now affective again. But the dark lines hadn't returned, Draco guessed that it was because Severus had managed to deal with the issue that had been causing the odd reaction Harry was having.
Draco looked up when he discerned the fireplace turning green as the floo went off. The headmaster had arrived and was currently stepping out of the fireplace. He took in his bearings and the twinkle in his eyes clearly diminished when he saw his students. Severus nodded at the headmaster and then went back to his administrations.
Draco looked back at Harry and thought of how different he looked from the way he usually was. He always seemed so strong– and proud and sometimes completely and wholly invincible. But right now, he was very vulnerable and…just not the Harry they knew.
Draco watched his Godfather examining the damaged hand more carefully, while explaining to Dumbledore everything that had happened. Dumbledore's face was grave as he nodded and observed the injured limb. The blood and pus that had been there was now cleaned, but something else was standing out to all of them.
They could see writing.
More specifically, 'I must not tell lies' was clearly spelled out. No one knew what to say. Why would the boy do this to himself? Because Severus could tell who's scrawl that was, he'd seen it enough times for the past four and a half years now. Draco and Daphne were quite, most likely not knowing how to react anymore.
Dumbledore had gained a slightly darker expression.
"The infection is severe, but the boy's reaction to it is worse than what would have been expected," Severus commented. "However, the Venenatis Prohibere potion have reduced the abnormal veining and has helped improve his overall state."
The headmaster nodded and hummed.
"Harry's magical core must have been trying to fight off the infection and the reaction could be compared with an allergic reaction." The headmaster was nodding while looking at Harry strangely.
"Indeed, a magical allergic reaction," Severus agreed, but Draco could see the deep frown on his Godfather's face. "The resistance had the boy go into shock".
Draco wondered why that would even happen. An infection would not lead to the magical core reacting in such way, or that's from what Draco knows. Harry's collapse had certainly been unexpected.
"Headmaster?" Severus asked when Dumbledore hummed and nodded for himself. Dumbledore didn't answer right away but he stroked his beard, a pensive look marring his aged face.
"I would say, Severus, that this is a very rare kind of magic working as a defence mechanism against the infection. When you gave young Harry the magic blocking potion, there was less magic in his bloodstream, as much of it had gone back to its original place- Harry's magical core." Dumbledore said thoughtfully. "The strong reaction to the toxicity from the infection was caused by the fight his magic was putting up. Everyone would react differently for the simple reason that we all have unique cores. However, Harry's reaction might have been more pronounced than expected."
The headmaster didn't bother to expand on that, but everyone seemed to be mulling over his words. It was a very probable explanation, and no one seemed to be coming up with anything else. They all knew that Harry had some strong magic on him, and his frequent accidental magic told of some of his lack of control on it. It could very well have been the cause of the severity to his illness. How ironic.
Not much was said after that, and Severus started applying Star Grass Salve to soothe and heal the wound. It wasn't the right time to be discussing the cause behind it all, the boy required medical attention to heal. And that is exactly what he should be focusing on instead.
When the bandages were on, and when everything was done and cleaned, they finally sat down to discuss the matter.
Dumbledore sighed heavily, adjusting his half-moon glasses over his nose. Snape crossed one leg over the other, and Draco and Daphne sat huddled close to each other on the couch opposite the professors.
"What's going on, professor?" Daphne asked, looking wearily at her Head of House.
Well, now that he did what he could do to help the boy, they could finally have time to discuss the happenings of this quite eventful morning. Severus just wished that it wouldn't take too long, his headache needed a strong dose of a painkiller or a good amount of his stored stronger drinks. Actually no, painkillers were a better option right now. Potter would have to stay here, and Severus should stay alert.
"Ms Greengrass, Mr Potter had gone in a Septic shock that was initiated by the infection on his hand, just as suspected. Whichever had caused the wound is dangerous and needs to be stopped. And the dark veining that was there cannot be fully explained. However," and here Severus glanced at Dumbledore, but the old man was watching Potter. Severus turned back to his godson and Greengrass.
"An odd reaction seemed to have occurred with the magic from the wound and Potter's own magic. Because there was definitely magic laced in that wound that led to many unnecessary complications", He answered honestly, while looking at his students, feeling slightly suspicious. "If there is anything you want to tell me, it is better you do it soon, if you want to help your friend that is."
Greengrass looked oddly guilty. Hmm…
.*.*.*.*.*.*.
Daphne bowed her head and felt the eyes on her. She didn't know much more than they did but she's had her suspicions for a while now. But it couldn't be, now could it?
"Every time Harry had detention with professor Umbridge he would come back tired, as in very tired. He behaved strangely. I know Harry very well; these detentions bothered him a great deal." Daphne said quietly, wringing her hands in her lap. Her smooth speech had long gone, she knew that she was babbling. "One time I saw something strange on his hand while he was holding a book. When I asked him about it, he became very defensive." Daphne looked down guiltily and didn't dare to look up and see the disappointment in their eyes.
"Please, do continue, Ms Greengrass", Dumbledore said encouragingly, looking at her with understanding in his clear blue eyes.
"Last night when he came back from the detention, he looked quite out of it, very unlike himself. I finally confronted him, asked him about seeing his hand. He shouted at me and stormed off. Yet, I could tell that he was favouring his left hand, even though he was trying to hide it." Daphne said brokenly.
"No one blames you, child. You did what you thought was the best and you tried helping your friend. Sometimes we cannot really help those who do not want to accept it, even our loved ones." Dumbledore said, before getting up. "Thank you, Miss Greengrass, I will take matters into my hands, do not worry. Severus, I am unfortunately required elsewhere at the moment. Certain individuals need to be spoken to." He continued with a hard look in the usually twinkling eyes.
"Of course, Headmaster. I will contact you if the need arises." Snape answered, nodding back in understanding. Daphne understood what the two men were communicating.
That rotten woman certainly needed to be dealt with.
She had caused all of this. Daphne had been close to losing her friend because of Umbridge. Daphne barely held herself back from going on a rampage.
The fire turned green when the headmaster flooed away. Everything was silent except for Harry's calmer breathing as he continued to sleep. Thankfully, he seemed to be doing so much better already. Daphne knew that they had all been lucky. Snape had certainly shown his that he is so much more than just being their Potions professor.
He had saved her friend with calm and level headedness. No anyone would be able to do that.
Daphne saw her professor sigh and rub at his eyes as a frown made an appearance on his forehead. She watched him get up and walk out of the room without saying a word. Snape left them to give them some time alone. Daphne nearly smiled at how considerate he could be. Not everyone understood the Potions Master, but those who knew Severus Snape, even a little, knew that he deserved all the respect in the world.
Neither Draco, nor Daphne said anything but both understood the seriousness of the situation. They'd been really close to lose one important person in their lives.
"I can't imagine what would have happened if I hadn't run into Severus. The hospital wing was just too far." Draco said, looking down at his feet.
"I just, well I didn't know what to do." Daphne said and hugged herself.
.*.*.*.*.*.
Draco looked beside him at Daphne and sighed. He leaned forwards and put his head in his hands.
"You did enough Daphne. It was I who should've acted immediately, even if Harry hadn't wanted me to."
If this is how it felt to almost lose his friend then how did his father expect him to become an enemy of Harry's, and fight against him? Or worse, maybe even kill him to serve the Dark Lord. Draco's mind was tangled in a mess. His emotions were all over the place and at times like these he just had a hard time to decipher them. How could he protect his friend when he didn't want to be the cause of harm to his family? How would he be able to watch or even cause their demise when it was this painful? When it cut right through his heart? It was impossible.
Faint coughing suddenly interrupted his thoughts. He looked up towards the source and saw Harry slowly moving his head. They didn't hesitate for more than mere seconds to reach Harry's side.
He was waking up.
.*.*.*.*.*.*.
"Harry, you're okay, everything is fine." Daphne whispered encouragingly, running a hand through his messy hair. Draco had run to get Snape, but he didn't really have to. He was already in the room and striding towards them.
"Mr Potter, can you hear me?" Snape asked immediately, observing Harry's. Harry sighed softly and his eyes started fluttering open, but then shut closed again, clenched tightly. Snape noticed what was wrong and dimmed the lights with a small swish of his wand.
"That's it, Harry," Draco said impatiently as he watched Harry struggle.
It was clear that Harry was trying to focus on the voices around him but was struggling to do so. The second try to open his eyes seemed to be easier with the dimmed lights.
They watched him with an abated breath. The three waiting to see how much to ordeal had affected Harry.
.*.*.*.*.*.
The more he fought the darkness trying to drag him back, the more he became aware of his surroundings. He felt air hitting a specific part of his face, right where his nose and mouth were. He heard voices around him. There was also a really cold rag on his forehead. His whole body was aching, but most of the pain radiated from his left hand and his chest. He felt hot and cold at the same time; shivers racked his whole frame.
Everything was blurry when he sluggishly opened his eyes. He blinked a few times before three faces started swimming into focus. Harry looked confusedly around him; he opened his mouth to ask but the sudden tickling in his throat stopped him. It quickly turned into a coughing fit. His position suddenly changed from just being horizontal to being somewhat elevated, indistinctly registering a pair of hands behind his back.
"Save your questions for later Mr Potter. What I need to know right now is if you have any difficulty breathing." Snape asked, as held Harry up so he wouldn't choke. Once the coughing subdued, Snape allowed him to lay down again. Unbeknownst to Harry, Snape's forehead was creasing in obvious concern for his student's current condition. "Just nod for yes, do not try to say anything."
Harry gave a small shake of his head, that's all he could manage.
"Harry, you're at Professor Snape's private quarters. You…collapsed in the hall and we had to bring you here," Harry heard Daphne explaining calmly. He could tell the strain in her voice.
Draco brought a glass of water and handed it to Snape. Both sat on either side of Harry and helped him up again to drink from the glass. His hand shook too much so in the end he just let them help him. He made a small gesture pulled away when he couldn't drink anymore.
"Thanks," Harry whispered roughly, as he was allowed to lay back down. It felt a bit easier to talk now.
Snape nodded in response.
"Harry did Umbridge do that to your hand?" Draco asked frankly, watching Harry to catch his reaction. Harry frowned and turned his head away, indicating he didn't want to talk about it. It was enough to tell them that there was some truth in their suspicions. Harry tended to avoid a subject he didn't feel comfortable enough talking about. And unfortunately, they knew that about him as well.
"Mr Potter, answer the question." Snape said, crossing his arms over his chest in a very Snape-like style.
Harry noticed him watching with his coal-dark eyes. Snape was scrutinizing him and clearly waiting for an honest answer. Harry wanted to move and get out of here, but he could barely lift his arm. Hell, he couldn't even move his head without pain flaring through his body like hot flames mocking him right through his bones. He was chased into a corner. Harry didn't want to tell them and make a big deal out of it. He knew it would be stupid to say that he could handle it himself, when he could hardly attempt to move without their aid. Harry also knew that revealing what happened wouldn't put him at an advantage. Umbridge had the Minister himself behind her back. He didn't want to seem even weaker that he couldn't handle a bloody bloodquill!
"Harry, you might not realise it yet, but after everything we deserve to know," Daphne hissed, losing her composure not for the first time today. "Had we been one second late, we might have lost you, do you understand that?" Silence followed her words, but it didn't last long.
Guilt. That's what he felt. Guilt and shame for doing this to them.
He bit his lip, clenching a fist in Daphne's grip. His chest going up and down as he began to breathe heavily in distress.
"You need to calm yourself" Snape ordered, and Harry saw him suddenly standing very close. "There is no need for becoming alarmed, Mr Potter. What you tell us will stay in this room and we will later discuss what we'll have to do with the information." Snape said.
Maybe that's what Harry needed to hear because it did assure him very much. It didn't however change his mind about Umbridge having backup. Whatever they tried to do, the ministry would only retaliate and wipe the floors with those trying to defy the ministry. He knew that he couldn't keep it to himself any longer. And even if he tried, his friends and Head of House wouldn't allow him to continue the way he was right now. He looked away, shame and embarrassment being very dominant as he opened his mouth to start speaking.
"Yes, it was Umbridge," Harry answered croakily and swallowed, he was still looking at the devastated Daphne. He felt bad for being the cause of it. "Please, Daph" Daphne was crying as she stared at him, and he hated every second of it. She nodded jerkily and hid her mouth with a hand as she turned away to compose herself.
"Mr Potter, what did she use? The item must have been laced with magic; both the Headmaster and I found traces of it in your wound. However, it was difficult to determine what had been used because of the infection that had obscured it." Snape explained patiently, turning his attention away from Daphne. Harry only hesitated a moment before he continued.
Snape obviously knew what had been used. There was no way he didn't already know.
"It was a bloodquill" Harry hastily said and saw his friends' horrified expressions. Well, their professor only scowled, confirming Harry's suspicions. He nearly regretting telling them but reminded himself that it was them who had wanted to know. They were asking for it and if he hadn't spoken, they'd have continued demanding to know. But honestly, he felt relieved getting it off his chest. He'd been hiding it for so long, that it was very comforting to finally have someone know what's been going on for a while now.
Or maybe he was just way too drugged to realise what he was thinking.
"That's illegal! How did that bloody hag manage to come near one in the first place? These quills were banned long time ago!" Draco growled angrily. Snape didn't even comment on Draco's swearing, as he seemed to have many crueller names that he was trying to keep to himself.
"Indeed. You are probably not the only student she's been mistreating. I have noted the amounts of students going to her detentions. This needs to be stopped, no matter what."
"The ministry will defend her! There is nothing we can do." Harry said weakly, almost hopelessly, turning his head to look at his professor.
"Oh, but there is plenty we can do, Harry." Daphne responded with the familiar determined look that Harry had come to admire. It almost looked as though Daphne was back to herself, except for the redness on her face because of all the crying.
"However, Mr Potter, it is time for you to rest as we will discuss this later." The professor said. Harry watched him summon a sleeping draught from one of the shelves into his own hand.
"Here, take this. It is a mild sleeping potion." Snape said and begun helping Harry before he had time to protest.
"But one thing else, sir." Harry interrupted, coughing a little before continuing "Just promise me that you won't allow yourself to be dragged into this, I don't want to be the cause of it."
Snape stared at him for a while. "Potter, what that vile woman decided to do only calls for trouble– for her that is. And do trust your Head of House a little more, boy." He started, still holding Harry close to his chest. "I am not the Slytherin Head for nothing. I give you my word that only her and her Minister will be the ones going down."
Harry nodded, feeling quite emotional suddenly. It was very difficult to put faith into adults, but Snape was nothing like the others. Of course, there were Sirius and Remus, but…they weren't here. Here as in Hogwarts, as in constantly nearby to reach out for them. Snape was however, and he has yet to disappoint Harry. He quietly accepted the bottle containing his potion and shakily drank the whole vial. Harry immediately felt its effects and closed his eyes, feeling himself being carefully lowered down.
.*.*.*.*.*.
When Severus knew that the boy had fallen back asleep, a restful one this time, he looked at the two other students in his quarters.
"Professor, we need a plan." Greengrass said without missing a beat, looking unwaveringly at him.
"Yes, we certainly do." The Professor continued, steepling his fingers together as his gaze held theirs. "Mr Potter will continue to need numerous potions and I will not be able to watch over him all the time. I could have had Madam Promfrey supervise him, however, she isn't here as she was required at St. Mungos from the other day. What I need is for you to do that instead and give him the obligatory potions when I am not available. We do not want the wrong individuals getting suspicious." Snape said carefully and watched his two students to nod in affirmation.
They talked about which potions Potter would need and when Snape will have classes so they would come. He also registered them in his wards to let them in without uttering a password. He didn't want risking anyone hearing it. It wasn't easy to frequently change the password to the teachers' private quarters. They also discussed when they had free periods and when they'll be having classes. It seemed that they would need more help from others as well.
"I will speak with the Headmaster and Minerva, they are the only two additional individuals I could trust in this matter. Poppy might even be back by tomorrow morning." Severus said and saw the two teens agreeing.
"What should we tell the others about our absence?" Draco asked.
"You'll be telling them that Mr Potter caught a cold, and I gave you permission to stay with your friend. My classes for today were cancelled as I had to attend to Mr Potter and several other children in Matron's stead." Snape answered immediately as though he already had planned it all. "Now, it is time for you to go for your remaining classes, Mr Potter won't awake until next morning and your stay would be unnecessary. Any further plans shall be made at another time."
Both looked back at their friend and saw him sleeping soundly. He had his face still turned away from them and his injured hand was resting on his chest.
Sighing in defeat, Greengrass and Draco got up and bid their professor goodbye. Severus nodded and watched them leave. The door clicked loudly behind them, the sound echoing off the walls in the temporary empty hall. It was one of the halls leading to the Slytherin common room and tended to get busy when students returned to the Slytherin domain.
"It is always you Potter," Severus said, leaning back in his seat. Today will certainly continue to be eventful from what he'd seen in the headmaster's eyes before he'd left.
Potter slept on, unaware of the raging emotions inside Severus' chest.
"Oh Lily,…"