Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Won't You Please Stay With Me? ❯ Ensuing the Delusion ( Chapter 14 )

Won't You Please Stay With Me? 

Disclaimer: I am not the author of the Harry Potter series. 

Notes: Furnunculus: makes boils appear on the victim.

Incarcerous: Ties someone or something up with ropes.

Arresto momentum: slows the descent of a falling object.

Sectumsempra: A spell that creates a gash on the subject the way the wand is moved.

Episkey: A healing spell used to heal relatively minor injuries. 

A/N: Because I never seem to have the time to update, I decided to just write more. My readers, you are in for a long chapter.  

Chapter 14: “Ensuing the Delusion” 

As his eyelids slowly split apart, a bright light shined through and the man squinted as he tried to register where he was. Once he adjusted to the lighting, he thanked Merlin that he wasn't where he was before; withering beneath the shadow of a merciless Auror. He adjusted the sheets, sat upright, and rubbed his tired eyes. “It's a relief to know that you are doing better,” said an older voice coming from the man's right. 

Severus Snape smirked for a moment. A sudden throbbing rippled through his head then, and Snape clutched his head hoping for some alleviation. “Drink this.” Dumbledore instructed as he handed Snape a small glass filled with a murky substance, “It's for the headache.” 

Snape quickly snatched it and gulped the liquid down. “How did you find me?” Snape asked slowly in an almost inaudible tone. His thoughts were still too blurry and bashed up together to recall his previous situation.  

“We didn't. It appears that someone else brought you to the gates of Hogwarts, and then we stumbled upon your body resting at the gates. Apparently someone else is looking out for you.” There was a pause. “What happened to you?” 

Snape pretended to have not heard the question; it appeared that something else had clicked in his mind. 

“Were you careless Severus? Does Voldemort know something he shouldn't?” 

“He knows nothing.” Snape finally responded. 

“Then how do you explain your situation?” 

Snape rested back against the headboard and rolled his eyes. “We were ambushed.” 

“Ah…” Dumbledore summoned a house elf and ordered some tea. He figured that this story should take a while, but knowing Snape, the man would waste no time getting to the point. “Care to elaborate?” 

“It's nothing to be alarmed about. A wizard by the name Jared Jill has been spying on Voldemort for the Ministry under the code name Jeff Wit. When the Dark Lord found out where his loyalties truly lied, he sent several Death Eaters after the man. We were right to assume that the man was guarded under heavy surveillance, but we were not prepared to be ambushed by multiple squads of Aurors.” 

“Ah, so then I am right to assume that Voldemort did not assault you.” 

“Not yet at least.” Snape folded his hands over his lap and smiled crookedly. “Now I'm beginning to recall my last few moments before all this. It was the Dark Lord who rescued me.” 

“How could you have let your guard down?” 

“I didn't! We were surrounded and didn't even know it! Then there were bright lights flying across the field and one by one the Death Eaters were being taken out!” 

“Why were you so lucky to have survived?” 

The house elf appeared with the tea and then vanished. Dumbledore went ahead and served some and then Snape. “I don't know.” 

“Well, no use thinking too much about the past. Here's some news that may brighten up your day: Harry came to visit you.” 

“Did he? How did he get through without rising suspicion?” 

“I believe Angelus helped him with that.” Dumbledore winked and then sipped his tea. 

“Did she?” Snape arched a brow. 

“She ripped out part of the poor boy's arm.” Dumbledore sneered. “It was a ghastly wound, but all in all, he got through.” 

“That's my clever, foolish boy.” 

HARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTER 

Up in the Owlery, Harry sat by the window with Hedwig perched on the ledge. She squeaked and turned her head while blinking and fluffing her feathers. She looked down at Harry and the boy couldn't help but smile fondly at her. He caressed her chin and feathers and he could've sworn that Hedwig smiled contently. “You're such a beautiful owl.” Harry complimented. 

Hedwig's head leaned forwards a few times as if she was agreeing to the statement while making her eyes smaller. 

Suddenly, the owls around them began acting restless and flapping their wings startlingly. “Harry?”  

Harry looked up and smiled. “Oh, hello.” 

“What are you doing here? Everyone's been looking for you.” Cho looked over at Hedwig and smiled. “Did I interrupt something?” 

“Not really.” Harry stood up and patted Hedwig a few times on the head, “I just come up here sometimes to get away from everything.” 

“Well, Ron and Hermione have been looking for you for the past hour and they asked me if I could assist them with the hunt.”

“Really? Has something happened?” 

Cho nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Professor Snape's better now and he wishes to see you.” 

“Oh…” Harry bit his lower lip and looked away. 

“Is something wrong, Harry?” Cho asked while leaning forwards and trying to look Harry clearly in the eyes. 

“Um, I'll go to the infirmary later. I have homework and projects to get out of the way first before I go and see Snape, otherwise I'll just get distracted and I won't do anything later.” 

Cho looked at Harry suspiciously and then turned towards the exit. “Alright then. I'll pass on the news. See you later, Harry.” 

Harry just smiled and then Cho was gone. 

SEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPESEVERSSNAPE 

Hermione peaked into the infirmary and smiled when she spotted Snape sitting up looking rather well for someone being unconscious just yesterday. She folded her hands behind her back and skipped into the room. “Good day, professor.” Hermione greeted Snape politely, “Are you feeling any better?” 

Snape figured that something was up, “Unfortunately for you, quite. What brings you here on this fine afternoon?” 

“Harry sent me to check up on you.” 

Snape smirked. “Why would he send you? Would he rather not see for himself how I am doing?” 

“He said he had other duties calling to his attention. Like Quidditch practice.” 

Snape saw through the lie. “Rubbish. He has practice every two days except for weekends.”

Hermione refused to acknowledge it. “I didn't specify that he was practicing with his team. Since he hasn't been attending practice lately, he figured that he would just polish up his skills with some self-practicing.” 

“But this is Slytherin's scheduled time to use the fields, so where on Hogwarts' grounds could the boy practice without looking like a prat?” 

“You'd be surprised what kind of attention Harry draws to himself when he is showing off his Seeker skills. The girls just gather from all ends of Hogwarts.” Hermione said in a matter-of-a-fact tone. 

Snape narrowed his eyes, “Say that again, Ms. Granger, and I'll make sure you never speak another word again.” 

Hermione gasped when she just realized what she had told Snape.  

“Now I'll ask you again, Ms. Granger, why would Harry send you in place of himself? And no smart remarks.” 

“As I told you before, he said that he had other things to do.” 

Snape figured that if Hermione wasn't one of Harry's closer friends, he would just dose her tea with some of that Veritaserum. “You are trying my patience, Ms. Granger, and let me assure you, that isn't a wise decision. You're a smart girl, don't do anything rash.” 

Hermione turned around and began walking away. “Well, my job is completed. Obviously you are coherent and well. Good day to you professor. Now, stay in bed, eat well, drink your medicine and I reckon you'll be out of here in no time at all,” Hermione waved and vanished from the Hospital Wing. 

HARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTER 

“Ohhhhh, Harry!!!” 

Harry nearly jumped out of his seat and instinctively clutched the paper close to his chest in order to hide what he was writing. “Merlin, Ginny, don't ever do that again!” 

Ginny peaked over Harry's shoulder. “Hermione said that there was something that you are suppose to go and do right now.” 

Harry rolled his eyes and began walking towards the boy's dorm. “I have work right now. I don't have time for chit chats and tea with biscuits over a long and dreary conversation about his horrible condition.” 

Ginny tilted her head and arched a brow. “What are you talking about?” 

Harry chuckled and then said. “Never mind. It's a secret and I'm obligated to keep it that way.” Harry yawned and disappeared into the boy's dorm. 

Once inside, he threw himself on his bed, pulled out a large text book from the drawer and attempted to finish the letter. 

Dear Remus, 

      First off, please don't let Sirius know that

I've sent you a letter. Second, I guess it's only proper

to ask how you've been. Third, I think that my

engagement to Severus Snape should have never

happened and my main reason for this is Voldemort.

Please come by whenever you can. I need an adult to

talk to other than a fellow student or teacher.

      Harry Potter 

Now all that Harry had to do was get the letter to Hedwig. 

It was later at night after dinner when Harry decided to make his way towards the Owlery, but along the way he found that his feet intuitively were leading him towards the infirmary instead of the Owlery. It wouldn't be so bad if he just peaked in to make sure that his Snape was alive and well, right? 

(Of course it would be ok. Severus is probably asleep anyways.) 

(But what if he isn't?) 

Harry groaned and shook his head to knock the thought off. He didn't want to think of the alternative because the consequences of being caught would be if anything grueling and saturated with feeble excuses. 

Either way, there would be that lingering part of him that wanted Snape to see him and call for him. 

As Harry crept through the dimly lit halls, he cautioned his steps as he drew nearer to the infirmary. Each step was taken with such care that there wasn't an audible sound echoing through the halls like there usually was. Harry's breathing even calmed itself to a steady, soft intake of air even though inside, his body was craving that quick intake of air while his heart throbbed so vigorously that he could feel the uncomfortable pulse around his skull.  

He had arrived at the entrance of the infirmary and before he could walk by, Harry aligned himself against the wall and forced himself to relax against the cold stones before he dared to look beyond them. Like a mischievous boy who was making sure that the coast was clear, Harry clung to the wall and peaked over slowly hoping to Merlin that his hair camouflaged with the dim background. (Yup. I'm so not being suspicious right now.) 

Harry peaked over and finally took a huge intake of air while his heart dropped. Snape was wrapped up quite comfortably in his sheets snoring softly. “You came at a bad time, Mr. Potter. `Fraid that Professor Snape has called it a day. He fell asleep about an hour ago while you were feasting,” Madam Pomfrey shook her head disappointingly while moving away Snape's food tray, “Dinner time is the best time to come around. No one's here but the patients and occasionally the House Elves, but they won't say anything.” 

Madam Pomfrey disappeared turning the corner while whispering incisively. “I won't be back for another ten minutes.” 

Now Harry found himself over the threshold and in the mists of a mental dilemma. Harry knew, or at least thought that he knew, that he wasn't supposed to be around Snape anymore. The poor man had enough on his hands to deal with and he didn't need an insolent child there being an even bigger inconvenience. Yet, the space between Harry and the bed seemed to decrease by half before Harry even realized that he was walking. Then, Harry was lowering his bags to the floor and stopped. (He's asleep, so there's no harm in just making sure that he's healing properly.) 

(Get out you foolish boy!) Harry's more “sensible” mind screamed. 

(No. I want to make sure that Snape's Ok. He's probably hurt because of me. What if Voldemort knows about us?) 

(Get out. Get out. Get out!) 

Harry was now by Snape's bedside and peering down at the older wizard. (Please don't wake up.) 

Snape's face appeared to be far better than it was before. Aside from the light scrapes, his face had almost returned to the way it was just prior the incident minus the bags. No more bruises, no more smeared blood, just thin scrapes. Harry's restless hand left his side and slowly reached out to his partner's face. The boy cautiously allowed his hand to hover ever so close to Snape's face without actually touching it. He could feel the warmth radiating off his face and it was like a magnet drawing Harry's hand closer and closer until the Gryffindor couldn't help but give into temptation. He boldly allowed his hand to caress Snape's face while smirking. He wasn't a Gryffindor for nothing.  

Then, the man beneath Harry's hand began to stir. 

Harry quickly withdrew his hand and stood there helplessly. A part of him wanted Snape to wake up and take him into his arms, and other part of him wanted to flee and never return.  

Fortunately for the retaliating side of Harry, Snape just flipped over onto his side and remained asleep. Harry took it as a sign to leave. The man needed to recover anyways. Perhaps Harry's absence would give the man another reason to make a quick recovery if he was determined to see his Harry again. 

Combing his hand swiftly through Snape's hair to cradle his head for a brief moment, Harry leaned down and whispered gently into Snape's ear. “Good night, love.” before he turned around and left the infirmary. 

Out in the cooler halls, Harry felt the heated temperature he felt while in the infirmary slowly cool. It was a relief of Harry's part, but with all the distraction, he had nearly forgotten to make a stop at the Owlery. He stopped right where he was and turned around. It was nearly after hours so if Harry wanted to deliver the letter in time, he would have to run. Which is just what he did. 

SEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPE 

By afternoon of the next day while his friends were away at Hogsmeade, Harry sat out by the bridge waiting for Remus to make a possible appearance. His mind swirled with different topics to discuss with Remus so that Remus doesn't get the better of the conversation like he did last time. Soon enough Harry heard someone approaching him and say. “I wasn't expecting a letter so soon from you, but I'm glad you wrote.” 

“Remus, glad you could make it.” Harry shook Remus' hand and the werewolf pulled Harry off the ledge and into his arms. 

“To tell you the truth, Sirius and I have been worried sick. We were afraid that Severus was going to cause you misery and a big headache along with that, but it couldn't have been all that bad seeing that you haven't written us anything pertaining to abuse.” 

“No, Severus has treated me well… and like a child.” 

Remus read right between the lines and smirked. “Believe me, Harry, that assures me to no end.” Remus did not want to think about Snape bedding James' son, albeit the notion will eventually be proven done. 

“What do you mean by that?” Harry's eyes swamped glances between Remus' two shining eyes. 

Postponing the answer to the question, Remus stepped back and asked. “What is bothering you so, Harry, that you would reconsider a union with Severus?” 

Harry kind of paced himself around Remus while looking up, which indicated that Harry was contemplating possible answers, but it wasn't until a few minutes later that Remus was convinced that Harry was just ruminating. “You wrote me in your letter that you were worried about Voldemort stumbling upon evidence that would give your relationship with Severus away.” 

“Yes.” 

“Severus is a master in Occlumency, Harry, he is not that careless; otherwise Severus Snape would be nonexistent.” 

“That was almost the case, Remus.” 

Remus looked taken aback. “Perhaps Severus got involved in risky business, but according to our sources, Voldemort has placed his trust in Severus.” 

“He was hurt, Remus, and I just know that it has something to do with me! Go on and convince yourself that Voldemort wasn't the cause of Snape's critical condition, but I can't cease to believe that he was!” There was a painful pause. “Voldemort knows something.” 

“He knows nothing otherwise he would have put Severus under the Imperius Curse.” 

“Remus, he-“ 

“Voldemort will do anything in his power to bring you over to his side, and he would not have harm Severus without using him as a tool first. Harry, Severus was probably entrusted with a perilous mission and the end result of failure means death for most.” seeing Harry ultimately troubled, Remus changed his tone into a very compassionate, soft voice. “I understand where you are coming from. If breaking everything off with Severus will save his life, then what better way to show him that you love him than by postponing everything until a more convenient time?” 

(Love?) “Do you think he'll understand?” 

Remus sighed and smiled weakly. “We'd all like to think that Severus is a young, licentious bloke with the libido of a bunny, but Harry, he isn't as young as he used to be. There are potions he can take to help postpone aging, but eventually it will catch up with him.” 

“He's not an emotional adolescent girl. He's a mature adult, so surely he would understand.” Harry didn't catch what Remus implied. 

“Harry, just because he's an adult male doesn't mean that he doesn't have feelings that can be crushed too. As hard as it is to believe, even Severus is human.” 

“Sometimes you have to make sacrifices for the greater good.” 

Remus realized that at this point, Harry had come to his conclusion. He was going to break off his engagement with Snape. “I just hope that you know what you are doing. Severus is the kind of man that holds onto everything and bundles it up inside. He's always getting hurt and that's why he never allows anyone to get too close. Don't be surprised if Severus doesn't take you back after you leave him.” 

Harry was about to say something, but when he noticed that a group of Hufflepuff girls were walking by, he paused and waited for them to pass. Remus looked over at the girls and didn't overlook their spiteful glaring at Harry. Once they passed, Remus arched his brow and waited for Harry to fill him in on what that was all about. “They're the other reason why I think I should postpone everything at least until graduation.” 

“You're intimidated by a bunch of puffs?” 

“No, it's not just them; it's everyone at this school! Rumours spread like wildfires and I think that everyone knows that I'm with Severus!” 

“Hmm… That could be a problem.” 

“What if some students are spies for Voldemort?!” 
 

“Then be discreet. No one would have found out if you hadn't clued them in first.” 

Harry dropped his head. “Alright. So I was a bit careless, but… I just wanted to be with him so badly that I….” 

“I don't need the details.” Remus combed his hand through his hair. “Just be careful.” 

HARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTER 

“You're doing much better, Professor Snape” said Madam Pomfrey as she checked things off Snape's medical file. “Glad to see you've made a quick, full recovery.” 

Snape adjusted his robes and then said, “Of course… of course….” 

“You're free to go.” Madam Pomfrey walked half way across the room to write something else down, “I hope that we won't be seeing you in here anytime soon.” 

Snape rolled his eyes. “That depends entirely on… him.” 

While leaving the Hospital Wing, Snape decided that he needed nothing more than to spread his legs until they ached. He felt crammed while resting in the bed for the last few days, plus, he was dying to see his Harry.  

He was walking by the bridge when he heard a missed voice echoing. He looked over and his movements came to a sudden stop. His Harry was with Remus and they were not only whispering something to each other, but hugging as well! Snape supposed that it would have been worse if that mutt of a godfather was there as well, but still. What was Harry doing spending time with someone who wasn't even supposed to be on campus while his fiancé was being hospitalized?  

Snape kept to the shadows and watched carefully as Harry started moving away with Remus' arm around his shoulder. Perhaps they were bidding each other farewell or just casually walking away. Whichever their intention, it was pinching a nerve on Snape's part. Then, like the alarm clock on a Monday morning, the dark mark burned and pain shot through Snape like an abandoned wound. He clutched his arm and hissed as he attempted to alleviate the twinge. Why so sudden? Snape had just recovered from his preceding task! “Not now.” Snape turned and leaned himself up against the adjacent wall.  

Regaining his posture, Snape turned around to see if Harry was still within vision range, and was infuriated when he discovered that Remus had led him away. “I don't have time for this.” Snape spun around and his robes flared out as he disappeared down the hall.  

If he didn't respond to the Dark Lord's call, then the mark would just burn and burn until he finally heeded his “master's” command. There was no way out and soon, Snape was outside, entering the dark forest with a very irritated frown on his face. It didn't take long for him to pass deep enough into the forest and as expected, Snape could hear Voldemort's cold and subtle voice calling to him. “Severusss!” Snape turned around and bowed. “Severus, I've been waiting for you.” Voldemort reached out and touched Snape's cheek. 

“My Lord.” Snape placed his hand over his heart and waited for the cue to be at ease. 

Voldemort withdrew his hand and waved it in the air and Snape stood at his full height. “Nearly three days you've been at rest. How are you, my loyal servant?” 

“Rested and ready to serve you.” 

“Excellent. I'm glad to see that your last task did not leave you mortally wounded.” Voldemort paced himself around Snape restlessly. “I would have destroyed them all myself had they killed you.” 

“Please, you needn't waste your precious time on vengeance over me.” 

“They are a nuisance and need to be destroyed.” Voldemort clutched his hand and just as quickly released it. “I am right, aren't I, Severus?” 

“As always, my lord.” 

“Are you ready for another hunting trip, Severus?” 

Severus knew better than to directly say `no.' “Only if you desire it of me.” 

“Are you ready to go today?!” Voldemort walked up to Snape and stopped nearly two inches away from his face. He looked deeply into Snape's obsidian eyes and held his gaze. “I think not.” 

“I will go if it is your will.” 

“NO!” Voldemort turned and stepped away from Snape and lowering his head in thought. Then, Voldemort looked up and grinned. “No, Severus. I will not send you in just yet. I will save my stronger pawns for last.”  

Snape felt relieved and finally able to breathe again. “Thank you, my Lord.” 

“I will send you in within a week. That should give my other pawns time to clear away those pesky Aurors.” 

Snape figured that if Voldemort kept this up, then there wouldn't be much of any Aurors left, so naturally the Ministry would start recruiting younger wizards and witches and send them out into the battle fields before they are even properly trained. “Where will I be stationed?” 

“That depends entirely upon the location of the Aurors. They will not take you by surprise again, Severus. I promise you that I will not let you fall without taking a stance.” 

Snape lowered his head in gratitude. “I will be ready to fight for you.” 

“Good. Now get!” Voldemort walked away from Snape and gradually his body disappeared. 

Snape was bestowed a week at the least before he would be summoned again. That only gave him seven days to discuss this meeting with Dumbledore, then with the Order, talk with Harry, spend a bit more time with Harry, and then prepare for another battle. He had no idea how many more people he would have to kill, but by the sound of it, he alone will take a few handfuls of lives before the day would be over.  

Promptly Snape headed back to Hogwarts to seek an audience with Dumbledore only to change him mind as soon as he entered the gates of Hogwarts. This meeting with Dumbledore could wait an hour or so. Tea and lemon drops didn't seem to spark Snape's interest as much as a moment with his very much missed fiancé.  

However, where could the insolent, little Gryffindor be? Only moments ago did Snape witness Remus leading Harry away, but to where? By now they could be anywhere. “Blast!” Snape decided to just head to his quarters and rest for a moment or two in hopes that Harry would soon show. 

SEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPE 

“Harry, great news!” Ron exclaimed as he sharply turned the corner to catch up with Harry. “You will never believe it! Guess what happened yesterday!” 

“Fred and George were elected as Ministers of Magic?” 

“Bloody hell, no! Try again.” 

“Voldemort's trying to enroll for the fall semester?” 

“Come on, Harry! You should've known about this before me.” 

“Doesn't matter. I have a Quidditch game today. Tell me afterwards. I have to focus on beating Slytherin.” Harry turned the corner and disappeared. 

Ron frowned and caught sight of a bushy bundle of hair. “Hermione!” 

Hermione turned around and asked. “Did you tell Harry?” 

“Didn't get the chance. He walked off before I could.” 

“Well, Harry will sure be surprised when he catches sight of Professor Snape in the faculty audience.” 

“Oh hell yeah!” The two friends giggled and quickly found their seats among the many other Gryffindors. 

While inside the locker tents, Harry could hear fellow students rooting for their house. It was back and forth between Slytherin and Gryffindor and all the cheering was giving Harry's spirits a lift. He grabbed his Firebolt and followed in queue with his fellow teammates. Once they exited along with Slytherin on the other side, their houses began screaming and pounding their feet into the wood. Harry mounted his broom and waited above the ground just on the outline of the Pitch for Madam Hooch to release Quaffle. “Now remember,” said Madam Pooch, “I want a fair game. No funny business.” She knew that no matter how many times she asked it of the two opposing teams, there would always be foul play. The two Chasers facing each other shook hands and then Madam Hooch tossed the Quaffle into the air. “AND THEY'RE OFF!” cried the referee.  

Harry waited patiently along the sides, watching the game attentively while Malfoy did just the same on the opposite end. That was until Harry spotted something gold fly by. He quickly looked up at the Snitch and was about to reach for it when something even better called to his attention just beyond it. Harry looked and gapped. Professor Snape was alive and well looking back at him from just the other end. Harry held his gaze for a moment and for just a brief second, Harry felt something inside his gut feel cozy and fluttery. (Snap out of it! I have a game to win!) But when Harry looked back, he discovered that the Snitch had disappeared and worse, so did Malfoy. The blonde had dove for the Snitch and was currently flying down into the trench along the pitch. Gripping his broom steadily, Harry sharply turned the Firebolt and dove for the Snitch as well.  

“Finally came back to your sense, Scarhead?!”

Harry rammed his side into Malfoy to throw him off balance, but Malfoy anticipated it and instead rammed back. The Snitch suddenly shot up into the air and quickly, so did the two. From the game, Harry could hear someone blowing a horn. “Ten points for Slytherin!” 

Malfoy smirked and Harry rammed his side back into Malfoy's. “Aren't you touchy today?!” 

“Shut up, Malfoy!” 

“Careful. I wouldn't want someone to think that you're having a secret affair on the side.” 

That was it. Harry pulled out his wand and yelled “Furnunculus!” 

Suddenly, little boils began growing off of Malfoy's face. Harry grinned at the enraged Malfoy. “I'll get you for this, Potter!” Malfoy made his broom fly ahead and quickly he plummeted towards Harry. Harry quickly turned his broom with one hand and held his wand with the other. Malfoy pulled out his wand and bellowed, “Incarcerous!”  

Ropes came out of nowhere and swathed themselves around Harry like a snake. Harry was no longer able to steer his Firebolt and his wand was lost somewhere beneath the ropes as well. It wasn't until Harry had completely fell off his broom did Malfoy realize what he had done. “ANOTHER TEN POINTS FOR…,” the referee caught sight of Harry falling. “HARRY POTTER! HE'S FALLING!” 

Dumbledore stood up as well as the rest of the staff. There was a look of completely horror covering Snape's face, but intuitively, he cried out “Arresto momentum!”

Snape was the first to rush out to retrieve Harry's body that had just softly come in contact with the sandy ground. Once Snape reached Harry, he undid the ropes and checked Harry's pulse. The boy had fainted during the fall, but luckily he was still alive. “Severus, you need to take Harry to the Hospital Wing for a good check,” said Dumbledore. Snape nodded and then scooped Harry into his arms.  

From all around, students started whispering and throwing all sorts of peculiar looks towards Snape. The Potions Master did not heed to their silliness as he carried his fiancé towards the exit. It wasn't until he heard someone whistle suggestively that he grinned but carried on.  

“What a nice way to discover that your fiancé is doing well.” Ron sighed. 

“I'm pretty sure that Harry discovered him at some point during the game.” Hermione suggested. 

“What do you think they are going to do with Malfoy?” Neville inquired as he watched Dumbledore call Malfoy down from the air. 

“He almost caused Harry his life” said Hermione, “But I doubt that they would expel him.” 

In the Hospital Wing, Snape settled himself on a chair besides Harry's bed while Madam Pomfrey carefully scrutinized Harry. “He's fine. Just fainted. He'll be back to his senses before you know it,” Madam Pomfrey walked away while writing something on her clipboard.  

Relieved at the assessment, Snape turned to look Harry fondly. Once Madam Pomfrey was clear out of sight, Snape leaned in and gently kissed Harry's cheek then nuzzled the side of his face. “I've missed you, Harry” he whispered longingly into Harry's ear. 

Harry then began to stir and Snape withdrew a bit… just a bit. Harry opened his brilliant greens and then gasped. “Severus?” 

“Harry.” 

Harry sat up quickly and scooted back. “I… I…” 

“It's nice to see you too, Harry.” 

“I have a game to play…,” Harry quickly got out of bed and before Snape even had the chance to grab his hand, Harry had ran out of the Hospital Wing and down the hall.  

HARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTER 

“Severus, it's nice to see you've dropped in. Care for some tea and lemon drops?” 

“He has summoned me again, Albus.” 

Dumbledore's smile dropped. “When did this happen? Why did you not inform me sooner?” 

“I have five days before I might be summoned again. It sounds that the Dark Lord intends to have me fight Aurors whose whereabouts I know nothing of just yet.” 

Dumbledore crossed his arms. “Anything more?” 

“It was a quick summon. Couldn't have lasted more than five minutes. If we learn where the Ministry intends to station the Aurors then we will be prepared.” 

“Perhaps we should summon the Order for an emergency meeting. Maybe Arthur has heard something.” 

“Before that, Albus, I've been meaning to ask you something.” 

“What troubles you, my boy?” 

“I wish to see Harry before I leave for battle. The Dark Lord has promised not to let me fall, but I've heard him say that one too many times already.” 

Dumbledore smiled sympathetically and nodded. “Of course, Severus, but I never thought that it would be a problem for you to get a hold of Harry.” 

“Lately, that's been the case.” 

Dumbledore arched his brow and the phone went off. “Excuse me for a moment.” 

SEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPE 

Harry was cutting through the grassy area with Ron and Hermione when suddenly someone yelled out to him. “Where do you think you're going, Scarhead?” 

Harry stopped and waited for Malfoy to advance. Harry didn't even bother telling Malfoy to let him alone. He reached for his wand and instantaneously, so did Malfoy. “I thought the school expelled you.” 

“Psh, for making the famous Harry Potter faint?!” Malfoy started laughing and so did Crabbe and Goyle.  

Hermione reached into her furtively robe and gripped her wand. Ron did the same and gulped. They had a feeling that something was going to happen, but then Harry said, “Stay out of this.” 

Harry advanced and the group of students around the area began peering over to see what was going to happen. “Think you can take me without help?” Malfoy asked hysterically. 

“Anytime,” Harry responded.  

Once Malfoy was close enough to Harry to whisper, he said, “Snape's looking for you.” 

“What do I care?” 

“Why don't you make like a good bitch, and go find your master?”

Tossing his wand to the side, Harry launched himself at Malfoy and pinned him down on the ground with his hands strangling his neck. “HARRY, NO!” cried Hermione. 

“FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!” cried the crowds around them. 

Malfoy rolled over and desperately tried to make Harry release his neck. “Damn you… P… Potter!” 

Harry finally released one hand and used it as a fist to punch Malfoy's pretty white face.

Malfoy then used his knees and thrust it into Harry's abdomen. Harry winced but didn't withdraw. He instead tried to restrict Malfoy by straddling him and holding his arms back. Malfoy managed however to free himself of Harry before Harry could restrain him, and just in time, retrieved his wand. “Sectumsempra!” 

A painful lash appeared across Harry's face and the blood squirted out. Malfoy did it again and this time, across Harry's arm. Harry finally withdrew and reached for his wand. Before Malfoy could whisper the spell again, Hermione cried out, “Expelliarmus!” 

Malfoy's wand flew across the field and was retrieved by Cho Chang who suddenly appeared out of the halls. “Harry, are you alright?!” 

Hermione moved Cho over and said, “Episkey!” 

The wounds across Harry's face and arm slowly began to seal themselves. “Better?” 

Harry nodded while holding his stomach. “Thank you.” 

Professor McGonagall then appeared at the scene and she was utterly astonished. “Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Potter, you will both come with me at once!” 

Harry rolled his eyes, got up and followed after Malfoy who had just snatched his wand out of Cho's hand.  

In her office, McGonagall had the two boys sit. “I would have expected better of you, Mr. Potter.” She then turned to Malfoy, “But you are another story.” 

“I won't bother asking what trigged the fight. You both participated and so both will receive your rewards. Malfoy, you will serve in detention for a week with Mr. Filch. Potter, you will serve your detention with me for a week. Any questions?” McGonagall didn't wait for a reply. “Dismissed.” 

Malfoy ran out of the room before Harry managed to get out of his seat, but before Harry could leave, McGonagall said. “Mr. Potter, Professor Snape wishes to request an audience with you.” 

Harry nodded and left McGonagall's office, but he didn't dare to pinpoint Snape's location. Instead, he headed towards Snape's quarters to see Angelus instead. The dragon was flopped over on her back sleeping on the couch. “Angelus. Hey, you awake?” 

The dragon picked up her head and peered over at Harry. “Woof.” 

“Come on. Let's go to the lake.” 

Angelus hopped off the couch and stood on her hind legs. Impressively, she could look Harry in the eyes now. “You've gotten so big,” Harry smiled. “Come along before Severus gets back.” 

Harry led the dragon outside the castle and towards the lake where Snape had formally proposed to Harry only a few months before. Angelus took off and dived into the lake. Harry figured that she was off to find some fish while Harry took his time strolling. But, Harry then looked at his ring and with his right index finger, traced the white gold and smiled. “Severus,” Harry whispered to himself as he slowly slid the ring off. “I'm sorry,” he didn't speak directly to anyone. “We'll have to wait.” 

Squatting down besides the water, Harry took out small box that used to house the ring before the ring became a frequently worn piece of jewelry and slowly placed the ring back into the box. Perhaps he would be a prat to just toss this ring away and pray that with the disappearance of the ring would go all the rumours and extra trouble that Snape has been forced for endure. But, a boy could always dream. Harry then held the box close to heart for a moment and then placed the box back into his pocket. There was no sense in just tossing the ring away. He will just have to work everything out with Snape.

A/N: If anyone feels that Voldemort harbors affectionate feelings towards Snape, that suggestion wasn't intentional. It was completely by accident XD

Also, I apologize for the long await… again. For the next update, it will depend upon whether I have enough time to write three individual chapters, or combine them all into one really long one again.

Thank you for reading. Please review.