One Week until Full Moon

Phase two was drawing near and Harry was more than a little nervous. This was not going to get any easier, even if Harry now knew what to expect this time. However, it made the anticipation far more agonising which was also evident by Severus' fluctuating moods.

Almost a week after Harry's trip to the Burrow, Severus had been having far more 'off' days and during that time he mostly stayed in bed or confined to his room, feeling too sickly to move. Severus could barely tolerate staying on his feet for long periods of time, so Draco offered to help brew stronger potions down in the potion's laboratory on his behalf. Harry knew he was far more skilled at potions than he was, so he left the younger Slytherin to the task without arguments. Harry figured it was always best not to argue over their differences, especially during this time, neither was the place for such petty things. If Draco had a better idea in the brewing process, he wouldn't question him. Harry was sure Draco learned many of Severus' methods privately, so he didn't dare doubt the younger Slytherin. For Severus' sake, Harry really did want to keep some mode of peace between them.

Actually, if Harry would admit it, Draco was becoming far more tolerable now. Or maybe Harry was just immune to his terrible attitude after being stuck in classes with him for six years. Both seemed to try their best to avoid conflict and sometimes it was easier to agree and move on, rather than argue over silly little things. It just wasn't worth it and the last thing they needed was to make Severus mad. Neither of the three had any patience for it anymore. War made them weary.

Harry had also noticed that Draco had been trying to avoid Harry since he found out about his Godfather. He, too, was still trying to come to terms with it, and Harry understood his need to be alone and withdraw to think things through. Draco was more than happy to bury himself in the basement while he did so - Anything to keep his own mind occupied. Harry understood that and gave him that space and he felt the same for a while too. However, he didn't know how to approach the younger Slytherin about it so most of the time he just let him be.

Despite that, both he and Draco had been taking turns with the 'Snape' round, making sure the ex-Professor was still alive and breathing. There was never a time when Harry didn't feel sick with worry upon opening the man's bedroom door. Occasionally throughout the day, Severus would emerge and relocate to the sitting room or the kitchen, for a change of scenery. He hated being confined to his room and Harry saw that he was noticeably frustrated and irritable by that, but he let him be. However, even the stairs were now more of a challenge for him. He wasn't going to argue with a sick man, especially if that man was Severus Snape. Both Slytherins were becoming slightly more difficult to deal with for their own reasons.

That week was especially tough on Severus because he devastatingly discovered he could no longer cast his doe Patronus due to his faltering magic. And it was like watching someone mourn. Harry had to leave the man in decency and privacy within his own room as respectfully as he could. That day, Severus did not want to see anyone else and yelled furiously if either of them dared to knock. Harry could not imagine the depth of his sorrow given what the doe Patronus meant to him. But given Severus' reaction to it, it was like losing Lily all over again which included his own pain of the mistakes that he made.

That caused Harry to feel even more heartbroken. The reality of the loss of that Patronus hit both Severus and Harry very strongly. And the reality of Severus' condition left a hole in Harry's heart. He didn't deserve this fate – not after everything.

The next few days were spent looking back through the Muggle medical books again, trying his best to absorb all that new information, but his mind would not cooperate. He simply couldn't focus and he was getting exceedingly frustrated with himself. He just needed to understand basic first aid – That was all he needed. He had enough knowledge from firsthand experience during life with the Dursleys…Managing broken bones, cuts, bruising, swelling…But he really needed to expand on that knowledge to build confidence in Severus' ever-evolving situation. Given what Harry knew, Draco was more adept in healing spells than he was, so it was something at least.

Hermione had visited several times during that week, looking back through her own books in a bid to narrow down their search for the others. They still didn't have a lot of information to go with, which caused everyone much frustration. However, she was able to eliminate certain places from her ever-expanding list. One small step forward, three large strides back, it seemed. She had procured a map of Britain and Ireland and pinpointed places of interest and possible locations. She made colored pins and littered them all around the maps, along with an amusing set of colored post-it notes containing important information and exes eliminating some. It almost became like a little project.

Harry had suggested sending out members of the DA in pairs to further scout these locations, and initially, Hermione dismissed the idea because of how risky it was but eventually realised they will need the extra help to further strengthen their search. The pair sent out word to the DA for anyone interested in the task, and Dean, Katie, George, Angelina, Seamus, Hannah, and Luna was more than keen to lend their assistance.

It was definitely a start.

Ron and Hermione had finally talked it out regarding the argument at the Burrow a week ago and were now back on good terms. Apparently, Ginny had given Ron a good sisterly pep talk, which seemed to enable him to finally come to his senses. Harry was grateful because it was one other thing he didn't want to be dealing with.

Regardless of everything going on, Harry was going slightly mad.

Hermione, however, encouraged – no, insisted - that Harry get out of the house to get his mind off things, so Harry decided to finally set his date with Ginny that night. He was reluctant at first to leave Severus in the state he was in, but Hermione offered to stay, with Ron present this time. Draco was still lingering in the basement, so there were people around if anything disastrous were to happen.

"Harry, I know you are stressed."

Harry winced, "Is it that obvious?"

Hermione shot him a dull glare.

"Yeah, but…"

"Quit stalling, and just get it over with. Ginny's not going to bite!" Hermione looked amused.

Hermione had sensed Harry's nervousness upon his upcoming first official date with Ginny. He was completely out of his depth and Hermione was rather entertained by his sheepishness about the whole thing and frequently reassured him not to worry. She ended up giving him some ideas, but Harry felt too uncertain to even consider any of them. Harry wasn't highly creative on the relationship front – he was far too simple, and he hoped Ginny wasn't bothered by that. He knew deep down she wouldn't, but still, Harry felt out of his league. How cheesy was he willing to go on a first-date basis?

Ugh, I'd rather re-slay the Basilisk.

Hermione smiled, "It'll be alright, honestly. You both need some time together. It'll do you both some good…Just be yourself, like always. You're not supposed to pretend to be someone else on a date."

"Yeah, be myself, " Harry repeated. Was he really that self-conscious?

"Oh, Harry, for goodness sake, it's not a blind date. She knows you. You've been together, so just relax. Why are you so worried about this, anyway?"

Harry bit his lip, because even he was unsure of himself, "I dunno. I just feel…awkward. Or maybe the thought of an actual date is…nerve-wracking."

"Nerve-wracking? Say's the one who defeated Voldemort two months ago."

"Not even close to being the same thing."

Hermione smirked, "You'll be fine. She's not going to hold it against you. Just don't think of it as a date, like some romantic obligation or something. Just be with her and she'll appreciate that. Honestly. You both deserve time alone away from everything."

Harry felt a little foolish, but she was right. Although it didn't stop Harry from internally freaking out about it. Even he didn't really know why the idea of it bothered him so much. Perhaps it was their first proper step ahead, all snogging aside. Not that Harry hated the idea of being cuddle-buddies – as Ginny amusingly put it – but it was the mere reality of a possible blooming relationship. They mutually broke it off before his Horcrux hunt because of the moral call of duty, and now they can finally pursue what he wished they could have had before. Perhaps he was scared of it being ruined again.

Should I bring flowers? …She'd probably find it cheesy. Bottle of wine? Ugh, no? …Maybe? I don't think she likes wine. We have to be eighteen for that though, right? Should I ask Ron what he thinks? Oh, no, he probably won't have a clue either. Not even going to dare to ask George. What do I even wear? I don't want to over-dress because that seems ridiculous. I don't want to look like I'm trying so hard. Ugh, I'm hopeless. The Boy Who Was Too Nervous to Go on a Damn Date.

Harry took the liberty of arriving at the location to set up something simple, with Hermione's assistance, which he was extremely grateful for. It was such a strange thing to be doing and he sure hoped Ginny could still tolerate his amateur awkwardness. Hermione was amazing in making sure everything went smoothly – Harry was an average cook, so he spent time in the Grimmauld Place kitchen with her making a dish he was sure Ginny would like. So, Harry did opt for non-alcoholic sweet wine after all. It was at least classier than firewhiskey and he surely couldn't pair butterbeer with the dinner they'd be having. Hermione had agreed and they ended up having quite an amusing debate over it. He doubts they'd both like it, but there was a first for everything, right? He was sure she'd appreciate it anyhow. It was just a relaxing summer evening away – just the two of them.

Hermione hugged Harry just before she left Grimmauld Place for the night.

That evening, Harry sent Ginny a message via Patronus, "Meet at 7 o'clock tonight outside of the Burrow. I'll pick you up. Bring your broomstick."

Harry spent the next few hours getting ready – Yes, hours because he was far too indecisive. And nervous, of course, he ended up getting laughed at mockingly by Draco, who figured out what was happening and likely overheard his date-planning discussions with Hermione earlier that day. Severus had finally emerged into the kitchen just after Draco, raising a curt eyebrow at Harry's semi-formal attire of a navy shirt, with a black vest, and black pants. It's not like he had many options to choose from. Severus had seated himself two spaces down from Draco, while Harry was at the other end finishing his mug of coffee in his hands to keep him alert for a short while before he set off. But he really did not want to deal with the other Slytherins in the house at that point. Once he downed his coffee, he stood up.

"Great timing for a date there, Potter, " Draco said followed by a mocking laugh, as he sat at the table in the Grimmauld Place kitchen having dinner.

Harry rolled his eyes, in a hurry to leave the conversation, "Do you mind?"

"Oh, not at all. I think it's quite funny, actually, " Draco grinned, "Who's it this time? Looney? Miss Weasel? Can't be Abbott, because I swear, she was snogging Longbottom at Hogwarts in the Great Hall – "

"- Bloody hell, Malfoy, hurry up and eat your dinner so I don't have to hear you again."

Beside Draco, Severus was silently cutting up the single gravy-laden potato in his place, and although his expression was deadpan, Harry could see the subtle amusement in the man's eyes. Slytherin's and their forked tongues.

As Harry exited the kitchen, he heard a wolf whistle from the younger Slytherin as he grabbed his broomstick and bag, and exited headquarters without another word.

Sometimes it was simply better not to engage anymore.

Right on time, Harry greeted Ginny who was waiting patiently in the front of the garden in a simple and casual maroon dress with a white cord around her waist, and grey leggings. Her long red hair was pulled back and held together with a silver clip, which showed off tiny pearl earrings. She stood with her broomstick waiting patiently, wearing an excitable gleam in her eyes upon her beautiful, freckled face. Harry beamed the moment he saw her. Immediately he took a few steps toward her and gave her a polite kiss on the cheek. At the corner of his eye, he saw Molly inside, peering curiously through the window with a proud smile on her face. Harry's cheek flushed slightly, as he turned back to Ginny and held his arm politely towards her. Instantly, she grabbed his arm and together they disapparated away.

They reappeared along the water bank of the Great Lake – the sun still high and bright, casting the final summer rays of the afternoon. It was still rather warm, but tolerable, but they were greeted with a welcoming breeze that took that final bit of humidity away. Hogwarts gleamed rather majestically in the background. No matter how many times he had seen it, it still took his breath away.

"Okay Ginny – close your eyes, " Harry teased.

"Oh, no, " Ginny grinned.

Harry couldn't help but chuckle, "It'll be fine, I promise."

It's only Ginny. Relax. It'll be fine. Why are you so nervous, anyway?

Ginny gave Harry a curious smile and closed her eyes obediently. With her arm looped over Harry's as guidance, together they walked along the lake and arrived at a small wooden table that Hermione had transfigured for them earlier.

"Okay. Open your eyes, " Harry asked, with nervous anticipation.

Harry watched with interest as Ginny slowly opened her deep brown eyes, as they suddenly grew wide with surprise. She placed a hand over her open mouth to stifle the delight as she looked. The table itself was adorned with a simple, small bunch of sunflowers – because roses were cliché -, with candles ready for when the sun disappeared. Harry had borrowed some of the fancy, antique plates from Grimmauld Place and set them out – bless you, Hermione – along with the wine and two fancy silver goblets. It turned out better than Harry imagined, but he loved her, and seeing her smile was the best response he could hope for.

Ginny dropped her broomstick on the floor, and wrapped her arms around Harry in delight, "Oh, I love it! This – This is – wonderful! You seriously went all out!"

Harry smiled, "Well, I couldn't have you wait all this time, for a simple stroll by the lake. I mean, it's not much, but – "

"- Are you kidding? This is perfect!" Ginny grinned.

"Well, I won't say perfect…"

"Oh shush, it's great, and I love it. You're far too self-critical, " Ginny grabbed his hand and led him to the table. Harry pulled out one of the chairs and allowed her to sit down first before he followed suit at the opposite chair, "I managed to sneak away before George found out, so hopefully we get no ridiculous theatrics from him tonight." She laughed.

Harry breathed a sigh of relief, "I'm glad to hear that. Molly looked far too pleased about it."

"She's bloody nosey, " Ginny laughed, "She saw me in a dress for the first time since Bill and Fleur's wedding. She caught on quickly. Besides, she adores you."

Harry started pouring the bottle of non-alcoholic wine into each goblet and set out the pesto pasta he spent the afternoon cooking with Hermione. He was quite pleased with how it turned out, even despite the help from his best friend. He was quite positive Ginny was aware of Hermione's hand in this, but he didn't care. Harry wasn't that creative and he wanted to treat Ginny to something special beyond their normal and unexpected. They both waited patiently all this time, and she deserved the world.

"So, are you seriously considering Hogwarts?" Harry asked, curiously.

"Seriously, " Ginny smirked, "I wasn't kidding. Might actually give me a chance to properly think of a career path this time."

"What are your ideas?"

Ginny shrugged, "Well, I am considering signing up for the World Quidditch League, but not until I try the UK League, first, just to have a feel for it, you know? Might be fun to pursue it professionally, even for a short while. I really don't fancy a desk job, though."

Harry's face lit up, "If my scar didn't already make me a mascot, I would have considered that too, actually."

"Yeah, and I don't think gravitating back into the spotlight is going to do you any good, " Ginny giggled, and picked up her goblet as a cue for Harry to mimic the gesture, "So, how should we toast this?"

Harry grinned, "To, err, finally having a first date?"

"To no longer putting our relationship on hold because of a twisted, deranged dark wizard?"

"To…" Harry smiled, "…To us. For neither of us giving up on it, even despite everything."

"Perfect, " Ginny agreed with a nod, as both raised their goblet of wine and took a sip. Immediately they both grimaced in its odd bitterness.

"…That's a little horrid, " Harry placed the goblet down, purely regretting that decision.

They looked at each other for a moment and both immediately burst into laughter, succumbing to the strangeness of it all. Harry was happy, though. He was happy to be with her and share this rare time together. It seemed these days that they were hard to come by, especially with the ongoing threat and other problems, they were always among the others. But this time they were able to be together – just the two of them – without anyone else around. It made Harry's heart dance with blissful joy and he couldn't imagine any other place he'd rather be in that moment. They needed this, and it was a long time coming.

They continued in the conversation for a while, trying to avoid any subject relating to the problems they had – which admittedly, was a challenge in itself – but found themselves chatting away as if they had not just faced the greatest threat of their lives. It was always difficult not to think about the war they had just partaken in, but to talk about even the most mundane things such as 'guess the new Defence' teacher, or muse how McGonagall is faring as being Headmistress. Harry wondered if Peeves was still driving her mad, or if Hagrid was still considering continuing as Professor. It was almost as if they never left Hogwarts and it was nice to forget the more depressing things for a little while.

As the sun slowly started to set, Harry and Ginny picked up their broomsticks and took flight as they made their way toward the empty Quidditch pitch. Seeing it unoccupied was strange, but nostalgic. So many memorable matches happened here, and he envisioned the stands being filled with cheering students and faculty, adorned in House colors and visual fanfare. He pictured Madam Hooch blowing the whistle because of two unruly opposing players, or Lee Jordon and his fantastic commentary. Or even Luna's attempt at commentary, which left Harry grinning to himself, because of how many times she shifted her focus from the actual match itself. Or McGonagall being fed up with the both of them. Or that time in Third year when the Dementors thought it would be a brilliant idea to invade the match or even First year when Quirrell decided to jinx his broom. Harry felt a tad embarrassed when he realised Hermione had set fire to Severus' robes, thinking he was the culprit the entire time.

Ginny and Harry flew around the pitch causally side-by-side, carrying their dinner conversations further as they flew higher into the cloudy sky. Harry was reminded of his Occlumency sanctuary, and what Severus tried to teach him to settle his mind. Harry smiled to himself because this is exactly what he was looking forward to. This was what brought him happiness and being with Ginny at a time like this was beyond perfect. He felt relieved that they were finally able to take this step, thus ending the typical first-date jitters.

The sunset dipped low, painting the sky with vivid reds and oranges, piercing through the clouds like a summer painting. In the distance, Hogwarts glowed in the sunlight, and the lake reflected those beautiful sunset colors. It couldn't have been more perfect. As the colors illuminated the couple on their broomsticks, they then took the moment to kiss, feeling the welcoming breeze wash over them from above the stadium.

Harry felt at peace, as they held hands; feeling that love and security in the presence of each other. It was more than Harry ever hoped for, and the beaming happiness from Ginny was enough to re-kindle that love within him once more. He loved her. And she loved him.

"Thank you, Harry, " Ginny nestled her head on Harry's chest, "This is…wonderful."

Harry smiled in cherished bliss, thankful for an evening that turned out better than he ever imagined.

+ + + + +

The next day, the latest issue of the Daily Prophet became a new subject of heated conversation.

They received news about another family who was attacked at Godrics Hollow, who fell victim to the first case of the poisonous concoction that the Death Eaters had spent the last few months preparing. Two people had died at the scene, and one was taken to St. Mungo's and ended up in a critical state. The gas itself was unleashed in a single property and had luckily remained contained by Auror responders at the scene. But there was little hope for the two that lost their lives as they were found suffocated their lips blue with cyanosis and blood seeping from their ears and nose. Even Draco was disgusted when he read the Daily Prophet for himself.

If that was a test – what else were they planning? The thought sickened Harry. He wished he still had his visions, so they could find the vile bastards quicker before they kill or torture anyone else. But now they were all running blind.

Draco had left Grimmauld Place soon after to scout Godrics Hollow alone. Severus was highly against the idea of not finding himself at the wrong place at the wrong time, but Draco insisted he'd be careful and concealed. Eventually, there was no stopping the younger Slytherin, so he departed.

Severus hadn't left his quarters that day and Harry knew not to bother him so often with his tendency to get cranky. But Severus had still become rather sullen ever since he lost his Patronus several days ago and he knew it was still hard on him, leaving Harry naturally worried about his mental state.

Upon Draco's departure, Harry decided to go and check on the older Slytherin and knocked on his door several times. Hearing the man's usual muffled disapproving grumble on the other side, Harry slowly opened the door to the mildly sun-lit room to find Severus hunched at his desk scribbling away with his inked quill, which he seemed to have been doing vigorously for the past three weeks.

Harry lingered at the door, unsure if he'd be welcome back in this time. A few moments passed as all that could be heard was the scratching of the quill against the parchment. Eventually, Severus paused to look up at the uncertain Gryffindor by the door, and frowned, "…Well? I'm not going to bite."

"Was just, ah, checking to see if you needed anything."

Severus responded dully, "I'm perfectly fine."

Harry just glared back, and both knew full well that he was not, "Perfectly?"

"Hmpf, " Severus raised an eyebrow, dismissing that last question, "You look nervous. Spill it."

"I'm not nervous!"

"Then perhaps you can explain to me why you are still at the door?" Severus had noticed that Harry had not moved from his spot. Harry shifted uncomfortably and made a move to sit on the spare chair at arm's length from the ex-Professor. Severus watched his every move, observing the boy's face. Harry hated being studied like this because it usually meant that Severus knew more about him than even he dared to admit himself and it felt far too personally invasive. "…You remain hesitant of me."

Harry blinked in confusion, "What? No, I'm not. I just figured it's best I give you space."

"As appreciative as I am of the gesture, I know full well that is not the reason. You wear your heart on your sleeve and you allow it to glow like a beacon. So, spill it."

Harry gave a lazy shrug, "So what if I do?" Severus glared into Harry's eyes, knowing that instinctively Harry would look away in defeat. And so, he did, "Okay, fine. But I'm really not hesitant of you. Just…Afraid of what I might find every time I come in here. And I don't need you saying I'm pathetic for worrying, because I don't exactly fancy coming in here to find you dead on the floor one of these days."

Severus gave a tired sigh, placing his quill back down on its holder and gently pushing away from the half-written parchment. He leaned back in his chair, grasping the sides of the armrest as he did so. He watched Harry closely as if trying to figure out how to proceed. Severus eventually ran a pale hand over his face, "Harry, I am racing against the mortal clock. I may be able to make it through phase two, but phase three may be a little out of my reach. I do hope you realise that and I must have you aware, that you shouldn't become so caught up in it. Do not waste such precious time, especially on me. Understood?"

Harry scrunched up his face, "No. No, I won't accept that. I know you are getting worse, but I'm not just going to stop trying. A week from now, the ritual will be close to completion…Stop dismissing it like it's nothing."

"I'm remaining realistic, " Severus responded as a matter of factly, "It would be wise of you to do so, too. You all have lives, while mine is hanging by a thread. There are far more important things you should be worried about, than…me. I want no pity, nor guilt, from you. I will deal with it as it happens, but Harry, I do not wish to discuss that any further."

Harry closed his eyes for a moment, allowing himself space to compose himself. They were so close, yet so far until Phase Three. It was cruel and painstakingly time-consuming, but he was right. He had to be realistic about this. Although he had a slim possibility to survive, it was only true that things will end far worse for him. Unless by some miracle, everything goes to plan. In whatever world that may be, but definitely not in this one. Reality bites.

The Gryffindor opened his eyes once again, to find Severus still watching him. The man's expression, although considerably mournful from the loss of his Patronus, was exhausted and defeated. It was difficult for him, without a doubt. Dealing with this terrible illness that could end him at any time, causing him so much pain and unnecessary suffering. Was this what Dumbledore would have succumbed to if he didn't ask Severus to end his life? He could not ever imagine a powerful wizard such as Dumbledore reduced to a vulnerable, suffering man. Harry had already endured watching the older wizard in agony during their last adventure in the cave and that was incredibly difficult to witness. Putting Severus through almost exactly the same situation was also terrible and every day the Slytherin was being stripped of his dignity and even pride. It was just…unfair.

Harry drew in a deep breath and looked away from the ill man before him. He eyed the parchments on the desk, "What have you been working on? Hermione's not giving you mock essays to mark if she?"

Severus snorted lightly, "That would imply I care enough to assign her any to write in the first place, " His expression turned blank once again, "I've had sufficient time to ponder about what you had asked me a few weeks ago, as of what my personal ambitions were if I didn't become a Death Eater."

Harry tilted his head, with interest, "You're…writing a book?"

Severus pursed his lips, "Possibly. It is merely a collection of advanced ingredient preparations and improved potions; some of my own creations such as the Animo Silentium elixir and others that I've not shared with anyone."

"I didn't think you actually wanted to give away your secrets, " Harry was a little surprised.

"When I pass, it's not going to matter much, now is it?"

Harry's shoulder slumped, "Please, don't be so nonchalant about it."

Severus clasped his hands on the table in front of him, "When that time comes, you are welcome to do with it what you will. There's no point in me writing this down, if I have no intentions for them to be put to use."

Harry nodded, "Maybe the Hogwarts curriculum could use a post-war overhaul. I don't think anyone is going to give a toss about a cure for boils anymore."

Severus gave a subtle smirk, "I've had many an argument with the School Board in regard to the curriculum, I assure you. If I had my way, I wouldn't have been teaching half of them. Furthermore, I did better alter the potions I set for my classes. Why do you think I never once asked you to follow instructions from a lousy textbook, as opposed to my own written instructions?"

Harry frowned in thought, "Huh, well that makes sense. That also explains why I did better in Slughorn's class because I was technically still learning from you."

Severus gave a single nod, smirking as he did so, "Precisely. Speaking of which, are you still considering the Headmistress' offer?"

"…Of?"

"Caretaker."

"What?" Harry blinked.

"The role of Professor, you dunderhead."

"Oh, " Harry gave a sheepish laugh, "Well, I haven't said yes yet. I'm interested, but I would actually like some time off after I finish my Seventh year. Give me a few years."

Severus raised an eyebrow, "Be grateful you have a choice. Besides, given how well your DA stint turned out, rumor has it that you were rather…exceptionally adept. Albus was a little too pleased, even though rules were always far beyond you."

"I wouldn't haven't gotten this far if I didn't break any, " Harry couldn't help but grin proudly.

"That much is clearly obvious."

Harry paused in thought for a moment, "…Sir?"

"Hm?"

"What does it feel like to…" Harry frowned, trying to formulate the right words within his mind without with it sounding foolish, "I mean, you spent half of your life going from one master to another…In a sense. And now, you don't have to answer to either of them anymore. You must be relieved."

Severus raised his chin, eyeing the Gryffindor carefully, "Relieved, perhaps. Also misplaced. After a lifetime of being used and treated as an object - and half that time spent in servitude of two great powers - one would naturally feel…lost."

Harry averted his gaze briefly, apologetic for asking, "Sorry to ask a dumb question."

"Hardly. If it were truly a dumb question, I would have provided a dumb answer."

"Well, I think we can both agree that everything happened because of a dumb Prophecy, " Harry responded, a little awkwardly.

Severus remained impassive, however, "Yes, quite right. Although, I do find it rather ironic that you killed that wretched snake."

Harry shook his head, "Ah, no, that wasn't me."

Severus frowned, "What? Who had the honors?"

"…Neville, " Harry couldn't resist a grin.

"Impossible. I don't believe you."

"I'm not kidding. He's your avenger."

Severus' mouth opened in surprise, "Mr. Longbottom? HIM? …I would have never thought him capable of such a feat. How, pray tell, did he accomplish that?" It was rather amusing that he still didn't look entirely convinced.

"The sword of Gryffindor, " Harry explained with a smile, "Yeah, well, he's grown a lot. Especially since the start of the DA. You should be proud of him. He even metaphorically gave Voldemort the middle finger. Fearless now, that one."

Severus remained stunned and speechless by the revelation.

Harry paused for a moment and twitched the corner of his mouth in a half-smile, "You know…I'm glad."

Severus looked confused, and returned the gaze with a frown, "…For?"

"This. Just…talking, " Harry felt a bit silly mentioning it but given Severus' ill health, he didn't want things to be left unsaid for fear of never getting the chance again, "I wish we had a chance to earlier, before everything went to hell. Maybe I would have spent less time hating you out of vengeance and more time understanding…why."

Severus' expression softened, "You do realise I never intended for you to know. Any of this? I made a promise to Albus to never allow you to know the reasoning behind what I did, and what I had to do. I gave you those memories in…desperation at the brink of my demise. I was unable to confront you to tell you in person. There was no chance left for me to do so."

"…Does that mean you regret it?"

Severus crinkled his eyebrow slightly, "I am unsure. In a sense, I still do. As mentioned before, nothing else is sacred. It was the only way you could understand and trust the information I gave you."

"But why didn't you want anyone to know? And I don't mean because you were undercover. I remember that memory, you said it - "

Severus clenched his jaw, as his deep voice wavered slightly "- Ashamed, Harry. I felt ashamed. When you viewed my…incident…back in my Fifth year, I was rather surprised you didn't further approach me about your mother. However, relieved you didn't, nonetheless."

"Would you have told me anything, if I did?"

There was a brief flicker of smugness from Severus, "I would have fabricated something for you, I'm sure of it."

"Of course, you would've. But…I understand now, " Harry responded, as he rose from his chair, but didn't move as he studied the man before him. He didn't know what to say. Instead, he stood there in a dazed stupor, thinking about how messed up this situation was, and wished that there was some way to grasp that sliver of hope again. He didn't want to lose anyone else. He had enough of death. He had enough of facing it.

"I remain truly grateful for that. Even despite my past actions against you."

He met Severus' gaze once again; the onyx pair were clearly fatigued, but there was a flicker of fear behind them now. As nonchalant as the man tried to be, there was no mistaking his need to conceal his impending fate. It was obvious, even if Harry was the only one who truly noticed it. Both pairs connected upon unspoken words – Both wishing for a better way. Harry couldn't hide it, of course. His eyes glistened over and Harry turned to leave before the sadness enveloped him once again.

+ + + + +

Four days until the Full Moon

"OI, POTTER! GET DOWN HERE!"

Harry awoke the following morning with a jolt from the yells emanating from the lower floors. Once he placed his glasses back on his face, he blearily looked at the clock between his sleep-induced blurry vision. It was four-thirty-five in the morning and it was still pitch-black outside.

"BLOODY HELL, POTTER!"

Still half-asleep, Harry snatched his wand from his bedside table and bounded for the lower floors, wand defensively outstretched. Were there enemies downstairs? Was Draco being attacked? He had no idea what to expect, as he made his way down each flight of stairs, observing each floor as he went. Eventually, he reached Severus' room on the second floor, and his door swung wide open. Harry picked up his pace as he entered to find a panicked Draco leaning over Severus, covered in blood. As Harry stepped closer, he could see that Severus' wound was hemorrhaging. There was blood everywhere – all over the bed, Draco's grey silk pajamas, and even the floor. The older Slytherin's shirt was torn over, and all Harry could see was the cursed tendrils weaving on the surface of his white skin and had traveled to his torso on his left side.

Severus was making awful gurgling sounds as the fluid built up in his throat.

"About time you showed up!" Draco yelled at Harry, but he looked wildly frantic as he tried to staunch the wound with his hand, "Severus – I can't stop – he's bleeding – how do you -"

Harry quickly grabbed the new stack of clean gauze from the side table and slapped it against Severus' neck, taking over from Draco's attempt. Severus' eyes were fluttering in and out of consciousness, his body was tremoring from the loss of blood, and his breaths were rapid and irregular. The cloth instantly filled up with blood. The man's pale arms were desperate to grab hold of something, and suddenly Harry was getting déjà vu and tears pricked at his eyes trying to ignore the memory creeping back within his mind.

"How the hell did this happen?!" Harry responded to the younger Slytherin.

Draco raised the back of his unsoiled hand to his forehead, visibly panicking, "I went to the loo, and…I heard him coughing…and it sounded horrible…and…"

Harry pressed harder against the man's neck, hearing a sudden yelp of pain. Harry winced apologetically, "Malfoy, I need more gauze…lots of it…conjure me something, quickly!"

Draco reached a shaking bloodied hand to retrieve his wand and muttered a combination of spells, as a large stack of clean cloths appeared beside them. Draco looked disheveled, as he handed them to Harry, who swapped them over quickly, pressing harder onto his neck. Severus' dark eyes struggled to focus on the two frantic teenagers, as they tended to him. There was nothing but sickly sounds emanating from the man, as he struggled under shock.

"Stay awake, Severus! Try and keep your eyes open – dammit! – Malfoy, be ready with the blood-replenishing potion…On the table there…The dark red vial…" Harry barked out orders, keeping his eye on the wound he was trying desperately to suppress. He shifted his hand around, pressing harder, trying not to crush his windpipe. "…I'm sorry…"

The blood was starting to slow, but only slightly. Beads of sweat were running down Severus' sheet-white face. A weakened hand grabbed hold of Harry's arm and he felt an instant coldness from his skin.

"Malfoy, pour the potion now, while he's awake, " Harry watched as Draco clasped his hand to support the man's jaw, as he poured the thickened blood-red liquid down Severus' throat. He spluttered a few times but managed to get most of it down. Draco then grabbed a thick blanket that was folded atop the chest in the corner and threw it over Severus' body. With his wand, he placed a warming charm over the top. Slowly and surely, the blood flow was slowing further, as Severus' breathing began to regulate again. His eyes drifted shut, as he eventually passed out.

Draco leaned over the frame at the foot of the bed and stared at Severus' blood-covered form with a look of utter devastation, trying to recompose himself after what had just happened. Suddenly the younger Slytherin turned around and threw a punch at the nearest wall, growling under his breath in frustration. Harry started to re-bandage the wound and now that Severus was out cold, he could do it without him being uncomfortable with the pain. Eventually, Draco came back to his senses and began to clean up the blood that had made quite a disastrous mess. It looked horrendous.

They did the clean-up silently, not ushering a word to each other. Harry re-shuffled the potions on the table, getting them ready for when Severus awoke, as Draco dragged the chair closer to Severus' bedside and sat down hunched over with his head buried in his hands.

"You did good…He'll be okay for now…He just needs rest… " Harry's voice croaked in the bitter silence, "…I'll leave you alone with him, okay?"

There was only a nod from Draco, and no more words would come from him.

Harry left the room, leaving the door slightly ajar in case of any other problems, and made his way back upstairs to his room. He sat down on his bed and simply stared at the wall in complete hopelessness and immense sorrow.

He definitely wasn't sleeping again.