Situational Ethics

Situational Ethics

By Zega

Edited by

Missy Padfoot
And
Effie-Chan

Chapter 25:

“A Weary Hero”


Snape opened the door to his office and his eyes fell upon the empty chair. He sneered. This had to have been the tenth time this month that Caitlin had managed to slip away from her duties. But where to? Snape had scoured the castle for her many times, but to no avail. His eyes narrowed. Something was amiss. He had his suspicions. "Potter."

SEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPE

The boulder split. Harry gave a sigh of relief and triumph. Moody clapped proudly as Harry straightened himself. It had taken three weeks. Three weeks in which Harry saw Moody only three times, before Harry mastered control over the energy he channelled when using the Sectumsempra. As Harry stared at the divided hump of rock, he thought back to three weeks ago. He would have never thought he’d reach this point so quickly.

Then, from behind, Harry heard a second pair of hands clapping. Though Moody didn't whirl around, Harry did, feeling that someone had intruded upon him. "Didn't know you had a guest, did you?" asked Moody as he observed Harry. "What happened to 'constant vigilance'? You should have sensed the woman as soon as she entered the room."

"Sorry, sir," said Harry as his eyes settled on a woman with long red curls that hung to her shoulders. "Morning, Caitlin. I didn't expect to see you."

Caitlin smiled jovially. "I thought I'd drop by and see how you were doing. Maybe pass on some advice, but I'm not familiar with that spell." Caitlin turned her attention to Moody. "What did you call it?"

Moody's magical eye was scanning Caitlin as if she posed some kind of threat. "I am not permitted to tell you." Years of experience as an Auror had left Moody very distrustful of anyone that crossed his path. "You should not even be in here."

Caitlin took half a step backwards. Harry looked at Moody as if he too was offended by his statement. "It's alright, sir. She’s Professor Snape's w-"

"I know who she is. I was at the wedding."

Wedding? Harry frowned before it dawned on him. His eyes widened. Oh....

Moody placed both his hands on his staff, as if daring Caitlin to come any closer and interfere with Harry's lesson while he was in charge.

"Harry, dear, I'll wait for you downstairs. Whenever you are done, let's have a cup of tea."

Moody huffed.

Caitlin passed Harry a soft smile before she left the room.

"It took me a few years to warm up to Severus. Even now there are times I distrust him. Caitlin has no tarnished reputation. Her record is about as clean as Molly's. But still, there’s got to be something in her head if she's attracted to an ex-Death Eater."

Harry took a step forwards. "Sir... I-"

"You are still young. You don't care what someone's record looks like so long as they can give you what you want. If you had a past like mine, you would be sceptical about everything and everyone. I've seen some decent seeming women," Moody's eyes looked at the door for a second, "who are wives to men who hunt Muggles for sport."

Harry swallowed. Both of Moody's eyes were on him. Then he changed the subject, "Next lesson I will have a new assignment for you. But I want you to perform the spell again for good measure. We will start the Unforgivables in a few weeks. First, I want to have a good look at a spell you once managed."

Moody tapped the floor twice with his staff and the door opened. "Good day, Harry."

Moody dismissing Harry thirty minutes before class was over? Christmas must have come early this year.

HARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTER

"Doesn't this feel like old times?" asked Caitlin as she sipped her sweetened Earl Grey.

"Yeah," Harry responded.

"Except we aren't in the comfort of my quarters. Oh well. At least we won't have to worry about Severus barging in on us."

If Caitlin only knew how much Harry wished for Snape to intrude upon them.

Caitlin set her cup down and then slightly leaned forwards. "How are your lessons, Harry? Dumbledore's been worried."

"Everything's good. Why would he worry?"

"He's afraid that you aren't getting enough rest, that you are not eating right..."

"But Dobby brings me food every day! Three times a day! And a lot of it. Look in the fridge! I have leftovers and I don't think I'll ever be able to finish them."

"Perhaps he thinks the expectations he has for you have put a lot of stress on you, and that your appetite is suffering as a consequence." Caitlin slightly shrugged her shoulders. "But you look well for a young man who's training so diligently."

"Can't say I'm getting enough sleep but there's more than enough food here. And Dobby insists on bringing me snacks every hour or so. I can't finish all the food."

"Do your guardians eat as well?"

Harry tilted his head. He wasn't sure. He always ate in the company of Dobby and never saw his godfather or Remus eat. Did they eat? Or did they return to Grimmauld Place? Wait, but were they not supposed to remain in the house with Harry at all times?

"I really don’t know."

"Hmm. Well, ask them when you get the chance. Anyways, what have you been learning?"

"A lot of things, really."

"Such as?"

"Well, Tonks and Professor McGonagall taught me a few Transfiguration techniques. Now I have a bed and pillow to sleep on. Tonks is coming tomorrow as well. She said we are going to learn how to transfigure mundane objects into weapons and combine them with a few charms. Um, Professor Dumbledore came as well. He's trying to teach me Occlumency but failing miserably. I don't think I'll ever get it. And Remus... he's been teaching me stronger shielding charms and other defense mechanisms. Then theres Sirius... he's been sitting in the corner of the room, watching this friend of Professor Dumbledore's lest the man tries anything. I guess he doesn't trust anyone with me."

"Can never be too careful."

"But he trusts Kingsley."

"Kingsley? I had no idea he was one of your instructors."

"Yeah. He doesn't come all the time. I've only seen him twice. But when he does show up, he shows me some Auror stuff. I think I'm learning a lot from him, even though he spends most of his time lecturing me."

"Very good! Take advantage of all the knowledge you have access to."

"Yeah, well, how's Hogwarts?"

"Quiet. Wait, what am I saying? The halls are bustling with students. The staff is just as friendly as ever. Save Severus. The meals are wonderful, the portraits are talkative, but Hogwarts is not quite the same without you."

"How is Professor Snape if you don't mind me asking?"

"Just as bitter as ever." Caitlin sighed. "He's been rather grumpy. He snaps at the students more so than he usually does."

"Is he really busy or is he just...?"

"Of course. School has just begun and already he has piles of homework to mark. I told him that there's no need to assign so much work. That just means more for him to mark. But he insists. Says it keeps his mind off things. And besides that, Albus keeps on assigning him extra things to do."

"Why is that?"

"Well, Albus always assigns him extra work. But this year, there seems to be more work for him than ever. He comes back late. Doesn't finish marking until very late. Wakes up early and tries to get some papers done before he goes up to breakfast. Some days I don’t even see him at breakfast."

"You sure he's working?"

"Oh yes. I visit him sometimes to bring him some snacks from the kitchen. He's in Albus' office, helping him with confidential work."

"Maybe it has something to do with my training."

"It's keeping Severus away. You hardly see him in the halls anymore. But that doesn't stop him from taking chunks of points from each House."

"Will you tell him I wish him good luck next time you see him?"

"Yes. You were close to Severus, weren't you?"

Caitlin missed Harry's guilty chuckle. "Yeah. I was."

"I'm sure he'd love to hear from you. Maybe you should write him a letter one day."

More like send him a Howler for not visiting me. But the last thing Harry needed was a vociferous letter spewing his darkest secrets. "I'd like that."

"Well, I'll try to drop in again some time soon. Have a letter ready if you wish to send it."

"Sure. But now we need to move to the dinning room. I'm not allowed to eat here and my lunch is on its way."

SEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPESEVERUSSNAPE

Day three of Occlumency. Harry thought his mind was going to break as soon as he opened the door. It was time for the Thursday afternoon lesson as Dumbledore always scheduled lessons at that time. Gathering his energy and holding his wand tightly in his hand, Harry pushed on the door and walked into the white room.

"Afternoon, Harry," Dumbledore was in a cheery mood yet again. "Come along. There is much work to be done."

At least Occlumency wasn't as stressful as it had been fifth year. Dumbledore was far more patient with Harry than Snape had been and tried not to stray further from the memories Harry had of his daily events. "Stand there, Harry. Yes, hold out your wand and on the count of three, I want you to clear your mind as much as possible."

Harry stood very still, silently wishing he had a Pensieve. If he could only store away some memories, then he would be far more confident. Harry thought having a lot to hide would be an incentive for him to learn quickly, but unfortunately, it only made him panic and forget himself. He ended up thinking about the memories he needed to bury deep in his mind.

"One."

Harry closed his eyes, focusing on clearing his mind.

"Two."

Time was short, yet a few thoughts clanged and forced Harry to visualise them.

"Three. Legilimens!"

Memories of recent events flashed through Harry's mind. Harry waking up early in the morning, Harry eating breakfast, Harry training with Moody, Harry talking with Caitlin. Abruptly, the connection was broken. Harry waited. He thought more was to come, but nothing happened. He was sure he hadn't broken the connection himself, so he opened his eyes. Dumbledore looked concerned. "Caitlin visited you, Harry?"

"Uh, yeah."

"Does she visit you regularly?"

Harry shook his head. "No. This was the first time. Why?"

"She has her duties at Hogwarts and I never gave her the permission to leave the campus."

Dumbledore raised his wand. It was a sign that he was done discussing Caitlin and ready to reenter Harry's mind. "Try harder this time. You are not giving me your best. Force me from your mind. Do whatever it takes. Legilimens!"


HARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTERHARRYPOTTER


Harry's brain felt frayed after the day's activities. They were nearing the end of the lesson when Harry's knees buckled unexpectedly and the boy fell. The stress placed upon Harry's mind was finally taking its toll. He could no longer bear it. He breathed hard against the dusty floor, sweat dripping down his nose and cheeks. He felt like he had just been spun around for nearly an hour, and if he didn’t stop right now he was going to faint for sure.

"Get your wand, Harry." Dumbledore instructed.

"No... no more." He was panting harder. The room around him was spinning and spinning and even with his eyes closed, he felt like he was going to topple over. "P... please."

Dumbledore seemed hesitated.

"No more...."

"Alright," said Dumbledore softly. "But promise me you will practise. And practise hard."

"I will...," need water... food... air...

"Let me help you up."

"No... it's alright."

"Are you sure, Harry?"

"Y... yeah. I just need a moment."

"Alright. Goodbye, Harry," and Dumbledore left, leaving Harry on the cold floor.

Harry wasn't able to leave the room until nearly ten minutes had passed and he had sufficiently recovered. And even after that, Harry was convinced that his brain was sloshing around and that the contents of his head would spill over if he tripped.

"Harry, are you alright?"

Harry smiled weakly. He needed a nap and possibly aid to get him to bed. The outstretched arms were so welcoming. He fell into them, a big smile on his face as his head nestled into his godfather's chest.

Remus stood behind Sirius, smiling. "He must've had a difficult lesson."

Sirius scooped Harry into his arms and took him to his bed, where they would wait by Harry's side until the boy woke up. They had something urgent to tell him.

Harry nestled into his pillows, not completely aware of how he came to be there but certain he was just where he should be.

After that, Harry didn't know if he was dreaming or on the brink of consciousness. All he was aware of were the odd thoughts scurrying about restlessly in his mind.

First, there was Severus and Caitlin Snape. What was he thinking earlier? How could I have forgotten about their marriage? Of course they got married. How else would they have become husband and wife?

Silly Harry. Another part of Harry's conscience was whispering to him. They could've just filed paper work....

Yes, Severus Snape did seem the type to make excuses about saving money in order to avoid the festivities all together.

I just never thought... I can see Caitlin in a beautiful dress, but Severus... How many guests showed up? Does Moody have pictures? Maybe if I get better at Occlumency, I can view the wedding in Dumbledore's mind. Some incentive!

Wait... Caitlin said that Severus was trying to keep his mind off things... What things? Me? Maybe... It could be Voldemort and his duty as a spy. Oh, I want to know. I have to know. Severus, what is troubling you? "Wha...s 'ong'." Harry's asked sleepily.

"Harry, are you awake?"

His eyes were open, but by the glazed-over look in his eyes and blank expression, Sirius and Remus figured that Harry wasn't really looking at them. They tried harder. "Harry? Are you awake? We need to tell you something."

Remus tapped Harry’s cheeks a few time, hoping that that would bring Harry forth from the depths of his mind. "Come now! We don't have all day."

The eyes widened.

"Sirius?" Harry moved to sit up but his godfather steadied him.

"Harry, we have a problem, but before we go into detail we want you to promise us that you won't panic."

Harry nodded, his eyes fixed on Sirius. Since they were both addressing him privately, Harry supposed this either had something to do with Snape or Erasmus.

"Harry, given the circumstances, you should understand why Remus and I have reached this proposal. Since we are needed here to keep a watchful eye on you, there is no one besides Kreacher left at home to raise Eras... and we thought that maybe-"

"You'd bring Eras here?" There was a small, hopeful curve at the sides of Harry's mouth.

"Harry." Remus said slowly and Harry's smile faltered. It was hardly good news if Remus was stepping in for Sirius. "Believe us, we would love to bring Eras to you, but Dumbledore forbids it. Says that he would distract you from you training. No, we wanted to suggest that we hire another house elf to help Kreacher with the work load. Eras isn't exactly easy to take care of. He demands a lot of attention and since you cannot be there...."

"Who did you have in mind?" asked Harry. The shy smile had faded and was instantly replaced by a look of worry.

"We were going to ask Dumbledore to let us borrow Dobby and Winky."

Another small smile crept onto Harry's face. "Dobby? I'm sure he'd love to. And I trust Dobby... but what about Kreacher?"

"We visited him yesterday. He was holding Eras, trying to sing to him. Er... his voice was not exactly velvety. And all the while the stove was on and the kettle was screaming. I'm sure he could hear it, but he was too preoccupied with Eras to do anything about it. It's just too much for him, Harry. We need to recruit another elf."

"Did you... ask him?"

"We told him that he was incapable of raising Eras by himself, so we said that with your permission, we were going to bring some aid. Of course Kreacher got upset. After tucking Eras into his crib, he glared at us and then retreated."

"Maybe he thinks that we don't trust him enough."

"That's silly," said Remus, "of course we trust him. We just don't think that he can handle the work load on his own. Nevertheless, we are going to write to Dumbledore."

"Um, can I go with?" asked Harry.

"You mean to see Dumbledore?" Remus inquired.

"Yeah... and then home?"

"Hmmm. I don't think that's a wise decision, Harry. Dumbledore may not let you go."

"But I've been cooped up in this bloody house since I got here! I haven't left even once! Not even to admire the garden!"

"Yes, but you should be studying!"

"Let me see Eras! I haven't seen him in so long. I miss my son."

"We'll talk to Dumbledore," Sirius butted in. "And we'll try our best to allow you a visit. But you must practise and show that you aren't distracted, otherwise Dumbledore may not let you leave anytime soon."

Harry nodded. "I won't! I promise I won't let him down!"

Remus sighed as Sirius patted Harry on the back. "Just remember, Harry. We can't promise anything. Don't be upset with us if Dumbledore refuses to let you go."

A/N: I got a special treat in store. Anyways, thank you for reading. Please comment and visit my profile for news.