The Nothing I've Become (Areas of Expertise II)

Hiya, as promised, a new chapter! This didn't go at all to plan! Anyway, it's dedicated to Jilliane who was so desperate to know what was in the lake... SP

Chapter Twenty - I've Been Sleeping a Thousand Years

Snape sighed as he sank into his worn chair. He rubbed the crease between his eyebrows, staving off the headache threatening there. He couldn't quite believe what had happened. All this time, he had thought Harry hated him for their year, and his 'betrayal' of their happiness, and now he learned that Harry hadn't even remembered it. More than ever, he was glad he had gone to the lake that first day to ensure the events of the previous year wouldn't be forgotten.

Dealing with McGonagall had been relatively easy ' she hadn't wanted to consult him anyway, so when he had told her he trusted her judgement, she had scurried away quickly, an ill disguised sneer of contempt and loathing on her face.

He sighed, he was really fed up of being the bad guy in all of this: had they all forgotten the Dark Lord?

He tried to focus himself, to be in control, but his mind kept wandering up to the fifth floor, and to Harry.

Harry.

Was he all right?

He had collapsed. Could Granger and Weasley cope with an unconscious boy without any medical help?

He sighed again, trailing his fingers over his black cloak, feeling how smooth it felt. He looked down, rumpled on his thigh it resembled waves...

He slipped into darkness.

Around him he saw painful memories sharp and bright. They stung his eyes. As he watched, they began to dim, to be hidden within sparkling jewels. He stared in surprise. Each memory was now encased in crystal, and span alone on a small island. He glanced down at his feet: He was standing on what appeared to be black water, but when he touched it he realised it was the material he had been stroking only moments before.

He felt the richness around him and knew he was in Harry's soul.

Yet, the richness was tainted; it seemed to be damaged; tiny tears were visible to him. He peered through the gloom and saw that each time a crystal formed, a tiny part of Harry's soul was trapped with it. He had to do something.

He watched Harry float by, saw him getting closer and closer to his soul, but being unable to reach it because he was unwhole. His mind lacked the memories that would have allowed him to access his core.

Anger flooded Snape. Harry was going to allow himself to forget everything again, because remembering was too hard?

No.

Fight.

Fight!

Fight!

FIGHT!

FIGHT!

He watched with pride as Harry freed his memories, letting them pierce his mind and repair his soul.

But Harry still needed to make one final decision.

He watched intently as the boy neared the edge of the fabric. Saw him shuffle nervously.

Do it. He urged, and watched Harry fall.

Did I die?

 

Of course not, I caught you.

How?

I will always catch you.

Didn't you realise you were treading on my cloak?

I was there the whole time.

What happened?

You had the courage to live with your memories.

You refused to give up.

What happened?

*sigh* You freed your memories - the crystals.

Will everything be all right?

How do I know?

You were always my steadying influence.

And where did it get me?

It got you me, and our daughter.

What happened to her?

I don't know. Remember I had left Hogwarts.

Does anyone know?

Possibly Granger. Possibly Poppy.

She refused to tell me when I asked her.

So, will we ever know? Will she ever be remembered?

Maybe, maybe not. It depends.

On what?

You need to get better, then I'll show you.

Show me now.

'He's been unconscious a long time,' Ron said, sounding worried.

Hermione glared at him for stating the obvious. 'I know,' she replied, only just stopping herself gritting her teeth, 'What do you recommend?'

'Can't we use enervate on him?'

Hermione shook her head in frustration before turning away. 'Don't you think I've tried it? All we can do is wait and hope he hasn't hidden his memories again.'

'Merlin, I'll kill him if he has!' Ron growled.

Look. The Black Lake.

Harry looked across at the expanse of water, and saw something make the surface bulge. Then it was breaking free, rising into the air and spinning.

What is it?

Snape stood beside him, holding Harry's hand.
Every memory I have of Sapphire and every memory I have of you I duplicated and put them all into that. Long after we are dead, Sapphire and you will live on. This will be in the Lake forever, well, as long as there is a lake.

It's a sapphire.

Of course it is. What else would it be?

Harry snorted suddenly and woke up, blinking a little in the sudden light, even though, in reality, it was quite dim. He had a sad smile on his face.

'Harry?' Hermione entered, looking worried.

He turned his face to her, and she knew at once that he hadn't forgotten: pain and grief clouded his eyes.

***

Snape snorted and opened his eyes. He stretched lazily.

Harry was going to be all right.