was just wondering why he attacked like this now. I wondered what changed.'
'A very good question, Harry. Why don't you let Severus rest for now, and we can try to figure that out over some tea.'
Shaking his head, Harry said, 'No, it's all right. I want to be here, when he wakes up.'
'That may be a while yet,' Dumbledore said. 'I had to give him some fairly strong pain relief potions.'
'How long then, do you think?'
'I should say he will sleep until morning. Hopefully longer than that, as it will give his arm a good chance to heal.'
Something was . . . off in the Headmaster's voice, but Harry wasn't sure what it was. Whatever it was sent a chill up his spine. 'Still, I think I'll just keep an eye on him. He might wake early, and then I can help him test out his arm and stuff.'
'As you will, Harry.' He patted Harry on the back, making Harry jump half a foot. He
'Thanks,' Harry said, distracted already. 'I'll call if I need you.'
Dumbledore nodded and left the room, and Harry waited until he heard the green rush of fire from the Floo in the sitting room before he traced the Headmaster's steps. He was not surprised to find the teacups and tea pot gone, as well as the spill on the rug. What the hell was going on?
He went back to Snape's room, and watched the man sleep for a little while, at least until Snape started thrashing in his bed and moaning, as if he were having nightmares. Harry tried to wake him, but could not, only succeeding in getting him out of the nightmare state so he was sleeping, not easily, for there was lots of movement behind his eyelids, but heavily at least.
Something weird was going on with the Headmaster, and Harry didn't like it, nor the implications. He was almost positive there was something more wrong with Snape than Dumbledore was letting on. And this sleep Snape was under didn't seem to be doing him any good. Harry didn't dare unwrap the bandaged arm to make sure he had actually been hurt that way -- not really wanting to see such damaged flesh -- but as the night wore on, he wondered again why and how Voldemort had attacked like this.
By morning, he'd decided the only way he was going to find out was by waking Snape. And then, no matter what he tried, he couldn't.
End Flashback
TBC . . . .
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A/N: Glorious readers and reviewers, one and all: You rock my world! All your cool responses (and passioned pleas) to my query about sequels have been great. Some folks were worried about the loose threads (of Hermione and Ron, Draco and Lucius, classes and recovery) still remaining in this story. But please don't fret. I will not write 'the end' until it's truly over! I'm thinking 4 or 5 more chapters to wrap up this portion, with Harry re-integrated at school, but I could be wildly mistaken and it could be more like 10. I dunno. And yes, there will be a sequel, 'cause I don't think Harry will be ready to face Old Voldie for quite some time yet.
Next chapter out by mid week.
*Chapter 37*: Chapter 37
Walk the Shadows – Chapter 37
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