The Headmaster

Chapter 13 The Headmaster

Harry was restless. He called Adam, to ask him to come over and keep him company, but was disappointed when no one was home. To burn off the excessive energy, Harry decided to explore Hogwarts grounds. It was something he used to often do as a student, but now, there never seemed to be enough time. He bundled up in a heavy wool coat before starting his trek.

As hard as he tried, Harry couldn’t shake Adam’s words. He was in love with Snape. He remembered nothing. Yes, there were flashes every now and then but they were fleeting and the feeling he had felt quickly dissolved into nothingness. But there were no memories of hands touching, or being held, or even the warm glow that two people who were in love were supposed to feel. No, Adam had to be wrong, but no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t recall why he loathed Snape. He tiredly shook his head, it really didn’t matter why he hated his Potions Professor so much. The fact was that he did and he saw nothing that would change that fact.

Harry wasn’t aware that he had wandered to Hagrid’s grave.

“Hello, it’s been awhile since I’ve visited, I apologize for my tardiness.” Harry got comfortable by sitting cross-legged on the cold ground. “I thought once Voldemort was dead that my life would become, if not pleasant, certainly less complicated. Don’t roll over in you grave but I was told I was in love with Snape. I don’t have any feelings for him except loathing. If there was a stronger word for the hate I feel, I would use it. How can they think that I would even try to be friendly with him? You know. He tormented me all my years at Hogwarts. I know… I know… you always admired him, probably even liked him. I can’t Hagrid. I can’t manufacture feelings when there are none. I know you’re disappointed in me. Please don’t be. I’ll tell you what I can do. I’ll try not to make his life any more miserable than it already is that I can promise you. If he stays away from me, everything will be fine. You always did make me feel better. Thanks for listening. I’ll make it a point to come see you more often. I miss you Hagrid, I really do.”

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The evening at the Lupin’s was more like a dinner party than it was a meeting. Hermione outdid herself, with a little help from Molly Weasley. Since her own mother’s death a year before Molly had sort of adopted Hermione. When it became clear that Ron and she were nothing but very good friends, Molly felt a loss, much like when a mother loses a child. Molly would never assume to be thought of as a mother figure, she only hoped that Hermione would accept her as a close friend. Over time, Hermione grew to appreciate and love her much like she loved her own mother. She refused, though, to call her ‘mom’, she only had one mom and she was near perfect. So with Molly’s help, the house was spotless and dinner was, if not fancy, delicious.

“Let us have our coffee and brandy in the living room where we can talk about the reason we all came here tonight.”

After Remus talked with Adam, the werewolf believed that his presence would be helpful for the meeting. Healer Montague was to attend dinner but flooed call them explaining that he would be late and not to wait for him.

Adam abhorred the idea of blackmail but thought, if done correctly, it would do Harry some good. Looking about the room, Adam felt alienated. They were all here for the sake of Severus Snape. The only reason he attended was for ‘his’ friend, Harry Potter.

Standing before the group Adam began to speak. “I want you all to understand, that even though I realize the plight of Snape…”

“Professor Snape, if you would,” Minerva corrected with more than a little vitriol.

“Professor Snape,” Adam’s amended. “I find myself in the inevitable position of being the only one here that seems concerned about Harry.”

There was a loud out cry from the small group. Remus hastily stood and quieted the rowdy group.

“Adam, you have wronged us. We could never hate Harry.”

“I could!” Draco piped in, earning him a slap in the arm from Luna.

“Draco, do shut up,” Remus chastised. Remus turned to face Adam. “There is nothing that we wouldn’t do for Harry. It may seem to you that our concern is solely for Severus. You could not be more wrong. Our compassion isn’t limited to Severus but extends to Harry as well. We want him as he once was, a loving, caring, young man without a mean bone in his body. We miss who he once was and would do anything to have him back. Even, blackmail. Understand what we do tonight is not solely for Severus’ benefit but that of Harry too.”

“You all seemed so wrapped up in Snape, I felt Harry was forgotten. If I’m wrong, you have my deepest apology.” He would wait and listen before he made his final judgment.

“To summarize, we have in our hands documents that would devastate Harry if they become known. I… we have no wish to do that but if we take the next step, we must be prepared to hand these papers over to the ministry and the press.”

“What exactly are these documents?” Adam questioned.

“I’d rather not say. The fewer people know, the less likely that there will be a leak. We are hoping that we can force Harry into some kind of treatment. That is where you come in Adam. In your medical opinion, what would you like to happen?”

“First and foremost, the curses that can be removed should be removed. By my calculations, there are thirty-six hexes and curses that need to taken off. That could take anywhere from nine to eighteen months, it all matters how efficient the caster was. I’m sure you would all agree that he has issues. I would like him to see a therapist the minimum of three times a week. Is your material strong enough to force him into complying?”

“We think so.”

Adam gave a small whistle. “Must be good.”

It was then that Healer Montague stepped through Remus’ floo.

“Sorry I’m late. My prize patient has been throwing up chocolate covered blackberries all afternoon.” He eyed Minerva suspiciously. “The next time you wish to treat him, ask me first and I will dish them out as I see fit, instead of him eating a whole box,” he lectured.

“Is he going to be alright?” Minerva asked sheepishly.

“He ate some broth that seemed to be staying put.”

“It won’t happen again.”

“You misunderstood. Please keep bring him treats, it’s good for his morale but have me distribute the candy as I see fit. He seems to have no self-control when it comes to chocolate coved blackberries.”

“Never did,” added Draco. “When I was about five, I remember he received a two pound box for Christmas, from my father. I asked if I could have one and he told me that it would poison little boys under the age of ten. He ate the lot while I looked on and drooled. Git.” Draco giggled at the memory.

Remus rolled his eyes. “Have you thought about what we talked about this afternoon?”

“Yes I have, and I think it’s an excellent plan for all involved. Before I get too far ahead of myself let me explain about Severus’ condition. In a day or two I will be operating on his fused legs. When done it will appear as if his legs are normal, they won’t be. They will be useless. Months of physical therapy and massage will be needed if he is ever to walk again.”

“Can’t he just start using the potion he was using before?” Hermione asked.

“That was a preventive potion. The damage has been done, there is no going back.”

“I have bought him a witches chair to help him get around,” Draco supplied.

“That will do wonders for him but he is going to need constant care.”

“That is where I hope Harry comes in. He will be ‘forced’ into helping Severus daily with his therapy and his recovery, since it is partially his fault. I hope, we all hope, the continual exposure to Severus might renew what they had.”

“Explain to me why we can’t reverse this particular curse?” Luna asked.

“There is no known counter curse and there is no medical way to remove it.”

“Then why are we doing this?”

“We’re hoping that, if put together on a constant basis, they will regain what they once had.”

“How romantic,” Luna swooned. “Two lovers finding one another after years of separation, the stuff novels are written about.”

“I would settle for the two not killing one another,” Adam added.

“I hope you all realize that Severus is in extremely bad shape and will need more care than one person can give him.”

“We’ve talked about that too. The group of us, that includes Neville and Ron, will take one day a week to be there for the professor,” Hermione explained. “Draco wanted to hire a full time Mediwitch but I don’t believe Severus would act too kindly to her.”

“He would terrorize the lady.” Draco snickered. He was very fond of his godfather and admired his tenacity.

“I would agree but it would be wise to hire one to come by at least once a day to check up on him. She would be trained to watch for signs that you may not see. That is if you get him out of Azkaban.”

“When do you plan on telling Harry?” Luna questioned.

“Since my godfather will be going to court the day after tomorrow, we have little choice but to confront him tomorrow. As soon as the classes are out I will spring our little surprise on him. I want everyone here to know that I am going to take the brunt of this. We all ready hate one another and I don’t want him to have bitter feelings towards the lot of you. That includes you Minerva.”

“Draco I appreciate the offer but I must be true to myself. If I didn’t step forth, I would feel that Severus was once again betrayed. If, after everything is said and done and he chooses to hate me, then so be it. I would have been true to myself and Severus.”

“Perhaps we all should go?” Remus asked.

“No, Harry will need friends and all of you should be there for him when the time comes.”

“Then tomorrow at 3:30?”

“Tomorrow.”

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