Jigsaw

CHAPTER 25

“Four out of four Potter, do you yield yet?” Harry stared angrily at his chess pieces scattered about the bedclothes. Severus had beat him four times at wizard’s chess the man’s ability to strategise and see moves two ahead far beyond Harry’s lax capability.

“Yeah, if I’d have known what I was getting myself into I’d never have agreed. I think I preferred you when you were blind, I could cheat then.” Joking Harry packed away the chess set, sliding it back under the bed where he’d found it earlier in the morning. Thank-fully Snape’s body had finally broken free of the curse, late yesterday evening. It had not been without pain though, Snape screaming in agony in the bathroom as the last lingering traces of the curse were torn from his body by the final mouthful of potion. Harry had held him tightly, a sound proof bubble around them preventing Hogsmeade from hearing the professor’s screams. Harry had known fear before but the fear he’d felt as he’d watched Snape writhe in agony was the far worst he’d ever experienced. It had almost been a blessing when the man had passed out, his gums and lips bleeding where he’d bitten them in an attempt to stave off the pain. Snape had been a mess when Harry had gently bathed him and put him to bed but now seeing the vibrant, content man before him Harry remembered, it had all been worth the agony.

With the chessboard packed away Harry reclined on the bed, as Severus sat himself in the chair by the window having poured himself a glass of water.

“You know Potter, you haven’t changed that much.” Harry started a little at the comment and glanced across at Snape in confusion. Harry had quite forgotten that until this morning, Snape hadn’t actually seen him in 8 years. If Snape had been shocked at the sight he hadn’t let on, and Harry had only caught him staring at him once and thought nothing of it. “You’ve still got your mothers eyes, that unruly mop of hair and defined cheekbones and chin. You’re perhaps a little shorter than I expected, fatter too but then Lily wasn’t tall and James was hardly petite. I’d expected a little more effort in your choice of fashion, and that facial hair ‘a goatee’ as you call it is quite unattractive. But overall you’ve not changed much.” Snape smiled politely at Harry who stared at him in complete shock.

“Are you quite finished bagging me out?” Harry accused pointedly watching as Snape turned his attention uncaringly out of the window.

“I’m merely making an observation Potter, I haven’t seen anyone properly in 8 years and unfortunately when I do get my sight back, it is you whom I am treated to the pleasure of seeing.” Harry knew sarcasm when he heard it, especially from Snape who’s sarcasm and wit were sharp enough to slit your throat at times.

“Well like that’s my fault, you wouldn’t be seeing at all if it wasn’t for me, so count yourself lucky.” With his self-assurance wounded Harry bit sharply back at Snape who glanced over at him a little contemptibly before rolling his eyes and tutting dramatically.

“I wasn’t trying to be nasty Potter, I was simply making comment on your appearance compared to the one I remembered from 8 years ago, so you can suck your quavering bottom lip back in before it drops out.” Harry consciously changed his expression, having without realising begun scowling and pouting like a scolded child. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood Harry had begun to value Snape’s opinion of him, both as a wizard and a person. It was a disconcerting thing to admit to himself but it was true, and the man’s comments although innocently meant dug deeper than Harry was willing to let on. Snape finished his glass of water his gaze still glancing up and down Harry’s person in critical perusal. “But really that thing on you chin has to go, you look like a scruffy, out of work bohemian poet.” Snape couldn’t possibly have known what he said was the truth but to Harry it was the final insult.

“And so what if I am, it’s better than a cold blooded murderer which is what the Ministry would have made me into if I’d accepted their offers of work after the war. Besides you don’t need money, flashy clothes and a job to be making a valuable contribution to society. Heaps of people read my poetry and they don’t think its trash!” Harry flung himself off the bed, and in a huff disappeared into the bathroom slamming the door hard behind him. To clouded by his anger and hurt, Harry hadn’t seen the shocked expression on Snape’s face, as he’d watched the younger wizard disappear into the bathroom. Harry was hurt though. After eight years, and a multitude of risks to help the potions professor regain his sight, Harry had at least expected a thank-you, or some gracious praise but Harry had obviously expected too much from Severus Snape. Harry didn’t know what he’d expected from the man, a change perhaps, a new outlook but he should have known better. Snape was just as sarcastic, sharp and cold hearted as he’d been at school, and that perhaps hurt the most especially after what had happened between them during the war. The friendship they’d seemed to have built in those troubled times had been forgotten. The ache Harry felt in his heart was familiar to him, it was the same ache he’d felt when Sirius had told him Snape had disappeared without a trace after the final battle, the same ache he felt when he’d realised Snape was blind, and the same ache he felt now knowing he was a disappointment to the man who’s opinion of him mattered the most.

“Potter?” Harry wiped his moist eyes on the corner of the towel as he heard a soft rapping on the closed door. Snape sounded almost regretful but Harry didn’t dare hope the man actually was. “Please I didn’t realise you were a poet I meant nothing by it, accept that I dislike your choice of facial hair. Please open the door.” Harry sighed and flicked his wand at the door, allowing it to swing open to reveal an almost sheepish looking Snape staring in at him sitting miserably on the closed toilet seat. “Harry, I apologise I let my mouth run away with me. Old habits I’m afraid die hard.” Harry nodded cautiously still not trusting the man’s declaration. He’d trusted the word of Severus Snape before and it had led to heartache, even if it was a private pain he hadn’t showed. Feeling awkward sitting in the bathroom moping and wanting to avoid further conversation on the topic, Harry stood up and breezed passed Snape back into the bedroom pointedly avoiding looking at the elder wizard directly.

“We should discuss what we’re planning on doing now you can see again.” Harry sat down business like in the armchair beside the fire, watching as Snape hesitated for a moment in the doorway to the bathroom before sighing heavily and nodding in agreement.

“There is very little I can do, legally that is. I’m a wanted criminal, in the eyes of the ministry I was and still am a death eater in league with the dark lord.” Harry worried his lip knowing already the charges Snape was wanted for. Despite everything he’d done for their side, the personal sacrifices and pain the ministry were not to be budged, even when Dumbledore had explained everything. As far as the ministry were concerned when Snape had disappeared after the war and before the official trials, the wizard had as good as admitted his own guilt in the matter.

“Ditto. I’m sure Ron has informed the ministry I was searching for you when I disappeared and with Draco having confirmed their suspicions of me finding you, I’m pretty much guilty of aiding and abetting a criminal.” Harry sighed heavily, his gaze trained on the empty fireplace lost in thought.

“Two outlaws, don’t we make a fine pair?” Harry glanced across at Snape, huffing a petty laugh as Snape smiled to himself at the comment.

“We can’t stay here for much longer, I don’t want to involve the twin’s more than I have to.” Snape nodded in agreement, the twin’s hospitality had been most welcome but it was time to move on. “The only place I can think of going is to Albus’ pub, he might be able to wheel and deal something with the ministry.” Harry glanced across at Snape, hoping that his suggestion was agreeable. For a moment Snape remained silent but finally at length he nodded.

“Yes I suppose your right we have no one else to turn to.” Snape stood up from the chair opposite Harry’s and paced over to the window, his hands clasped tightly behind his back. “I said I would never run to him for aid again after the last time, but we can not hide for much longer and he is in the best position to help us.” Harry knew the sacrifices Snape had made the day he’d gone to Albus for help when he’d joined the ranks of the death eaters. Albus Dumbledore had made Snape pay for the decision every day of his life at Hogwarts, and Harry understood the potion masters reluctance in the matter now. However there was little else they could do and both of them knew it. Silence hung stagnate in the air, Harry was unsure if he should say anything but also too uncomfortable to not. However before Harry could speak Snape had spoken up again. “Harry I need to tell you something important…” Snape had turned around his expression serious as he stared directly into Harry’s eyes. Harry was frozen to the spot locked in Snape’s intense gaze but before Snape could continue there was a sharp knock at the door. Both of them looked over to the door in concern wondering who it was. Harry got up to answer it, but Snape stepped in front of him his hand coming up to rest on Harry’s shoulder. “Leave it for a moment just listen to me….” Again there was a knock this time more persistent, Harry glanced at the door and then back at Snape who still wore his serious expression.

“It’ll probably just be the twin’s bringing up lunch, I’ll send them away quickly.” Pulling away reluctantly from Snape, Harry reached for the door handle to the room, unwarding and unlocking the door. As soon as the ward’s had fallen Harry knew something was wrong, as the door burst open and the ear piercing sound of mass apparition filled the small space. Staggering back in shock into Severus Harry rapidly assessed the situation, seeing the multitude of auror’s, ministry officials and authorities appear in the room. Reaching for his wand in a desperate attempt at protecting himself and Snape who was pinned behind him against the wall, Harry froze as he felt the warm tip of wand pressed firmly against his temple.

“Don’t even think about it Mr Potter.” Harry’s heartbeat skipped as he glanced up at the Auror, his face familiar from the gaudy pictures on the front of the daily prophet. The Auror’s name was Hatsfeld, and he was the Auror in charge of the task force for cleaning up the rest of the death eaters and stamping out any unrest, which may signal an uprising. Glancing away from the piercing gaze of the Auror threatening him, Harry saw many familiar faces among the crowd, all of whom now had their wands firmly pointed at he and Snape. More than a few of the faces looked scared, which was hardly surprising considering they were facing the so called ‘greatest wizard of their times’. Harry caught the glimpse of familiar red hair but didn’t bother seeking out his ex best friends face, instead turning his attention back to the Auror threatening him, and the ministry official who’d stepped up beside him, a roll of parchment in his hands.

“Severus Snape, you are under arrest for a plethora of war crimes committed during and before the 18th of June, eight years ago.” Harry sighed heavily his eyes closing as he felt Severus slump against him knowing his fate already. “You do not have to say anything, but information you do not disclose willingly, will be taken from you forcibly by means of Veritaserum for the purpose of your trial. Is this understood?” Harry felt Snape nod before the ministry official turned his attention to Harry. “Harry James Potter, you are under arrest for the harbouring and aiding of a wanted fugitive. You do not have to say anything, but information you do not disclose willingly, will be taken from you forcibly by means of Veritaserum for the purpose of your trial. Is this understood?” Harry nodded the best he could with a wand pointed at his temple. “Good, Auror’s you may take them into custody.” Harry braced himself as four beefy Auror’s clamped themselves onto his arms, dragging him bodily out of the room and out of the twin’s shop. Behind him Harry could hear Snape being escorted out as well although with far less brute force. Harry didn’t bother glancing up at the twin’s as they passed the two red heads and their wives on the way out of the shop, the two Weasley’s already in over their heads. Outside in the main street of Hogsmeade Harry was acutely aware of the crowd that had gathered, but Harry was thankfully spared their stares as with a grunted order from Hatsfeld the five of them had joint apperated away. Harry knew they were in trouble but he held a small hope in his heart that something or someone would save their bacon.

TBC>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

A/N Thanks to everyone who emailed me about this story and where it had gone to, and cheers to everyone who has reviewed so far, but as usual if you don\'t want to be hanging on the old cliffy for long you better get reviewing. Also it\'ll make me a very happy woman, which at the moment is a challenge in itself.

Cheers RIFFRAFF