Walk the Shadows

By jharad17

Disclaimer: Not mine. I imagine I'll get over it.

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Tuesday, Aug. 27, 8:15am

Oh god, I can't get him to wake up. Why won't he wake up!? . . . .

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Flashback:

When Harry left to go see the Wolf, Severus called Dumbledore, ostensibly to inquire about the rest of Harry's mail, but in truth because he was interested in seeing how the Headmaster was doing. He had not seen much of Albus the last few days, while he had been taking care of Harry in the aftermath of their 'visit,' indeed had only checked on him once a day or so, and never for very long. But Harry seemed to be doing well – he had surprised Severus, in fact, with his willingness to go see Lupin – and Severus thought he could get a visit of his own in with the Headmaster. He knew Minerva would have advised him if Albus took a turn for the worse, so he hadn't really been worried about the old man. Not really.

But for this visit, he insisted, Dumbledore had to come down to his quarters, in case Harry had to return early after a fit of temper. He had to be available for the boy if he was needed. Being needed -- even if only possibly -- was a new feeling for him, and he didn't want to screw it up.

The Headmaster was all too happy to comply, and Floo'd down, dressed in one of his silly, garish robes and a floppy wizard's hat, both in the same colors. The robe, however, was purple with golden snidgets flapping around, and the hat was gold with purple . . . dinosaurs? Severus didn't ask, just served tea with biscuits.

'You seem in an expansive mood this evening,' Albus said as Severus offered him milk for his tea, which the man waved away. His mood seemed muted, as it had since the encounter with Harry, but Severus could not be too upset over the more serious turn his mentor had taken.

'Harry is doing well,' he said and allowed a small smile for the progress the boy had made over the last month. 'His temper has calmed some, helped, I think, by our sparring as an outlet for his aggression. He's even becoming more adept at Occlumency, though I would never have believed it possible if asked a year ago. Tonight he's visiting with Lupin.' He paused, took a sip of tea. 'It's only a couple days yet, but I hope he'll be able to attend classes on time.'

'That is good news.' The Headmaster sighed. 'I am glad for the boy's recovery. And he deserves a chance to finish school.'

He deserves a chance . . . Severus' gave him a sharp look. 'What is that supposed to mean?'

'Alas, we have a . . . hitch.'

'A hitch? What kind of hitch?'

'A Lucius Malfoy sort of hitch.'

The breath froze in Severus' lungs. 'What has he done?'

'He has brought charges against Harry, for underage use of magic and threatening the life of a wizard with an Unforgivable.'

'Albus, what he did to Harry was Unforgivable!'

'I know, Severus. Yelling at me won't change Lucius Malfoy's mind.' The Headmaster's eyes were tired, his head almost bowed. Severus had never seen him so worn down. 'And it isn't fair, and it isn't right, but since when have fair and right ever meant anything in Harry's life?'