The following day, Luna had mailed Harry the latest issue of The Quibbler, which sent him into a new burst of excitement. Harry himself was awoken by the gentle nudges of Godric against his face that morning, causing the Gryffindor to slowly stir awake. He opened his bleary green eyes and reached out to scratch the great horned owl against its feathered chest. After gentle purrs from the creature, the owl hopped over to the table and clawed at the new book scattered across the table.

It was The Quibbler.

Harry bolted upright and swung his legs over the edge of the couch he was sleeping on, ignoring the dull ache from his back. The arrow which penetrated his skin yesterday had since been patched up by Severus, but he still felt tingles of pain around where he presumed was now a brand-new scar to add to his collection. Despite that, he reached over to pick up The Quibbler, and began to flip through the articles.

As promised by Luna, she had written an entire piece upon the Battle of Hogwarts, honoring those who lost their lives, and outlining the heroics of those who had survived. Somehow, she had managed to take images of the aftermath, mainly of the crumbling walls of Hogwarts castle upon the battles' conclusion. It wasn't until Harry studied those images did he grasp the true extent of those horrors. Seeing it in the third person now of this new perspective, shocked Harry a little too hard to his core. The photos themselves were not enough to describe the intensity of the destruction and the deaths caused as a result of the attack. It was difficult to think about it again. Harry was getting slightly better at not lingering on those thoughts for too long, but once a memory sprang to mind, it hit him extremely hard and he could not shake them so easily. They were memories that flashed so vividly, even now, and Harry was still having nightmares about it.

It was pain that may never truly leave him.

Harry flipped through Luna's article again, scanning over the article she took delicate care in writing. She was sincere and honest, but not offending. She chose her words carefully, and Harry couldn't help but feel immense pride for his friend for pouring out her heart and soul within these pages. By the sounds of it, it seems she spent a lot of time putting it all together and it was the best way to honor those fallen in such a terrible time.

As he continued past the Hogwarts pages, he finally reached the one which spoke of Severus Snape. Like Luna, Harry and Hermione had spent a lot of time putting together their own article in Severus' defense, with their intentions of telling the wizarding community of Britain about Severus' journey from serving Voldemort briefly, to working with Albus Dumbledore to bring the dark wizard down. Harry had added inserts over three pages, outlining his bravery and willingness to save whatever lives he could, despite the world against him. He forged a hatred against them, in order to move closer to the enemy. He allowed his friends and colleagues to hate him by ending Albus' life in mercy, to protect the soul of a single boy, and ensure his place within the dark ranks in order to continue working against him. Throughout the article was anecdotes from students who had been quietly protected by the ex-Headmaster during his unwanted reign, in his bid to protect the students still under his care, while still maintaining cover. Ginny and Luna added their section in support of Severus, who did not punish them when they attempted to steal from his office. Harry had added his own piece, outlining what he saw in his memories – but being incredibly careful leave out the extremely personal ones – mainly including Severus' plans with Dumbledore. Harry had also explained about Severus remaining silent amidst his interrogation and allowed Voldemort to end his life so that he would not discover the secret that would become the catalyst for Harry's victory. To conclude the article, Harry and Ginny had worked together to also write of his post-war efforts, and his willingness to still protect Harry, and save those who had been taken from them.

Severus may have worked tirelessly to help create a safer world, even though he still didn't believe he was worthy enough to live in it himself.

No matter how many people still hated him for his past, he would ensure they knew of his heroics despite the odds, and without his war efforts, Harry would never have known how to defeat Voldemort. He owed a lot to him, and so did the magical community. To protect the Boy Who Lived, for seven years, was a feat that far surpassed his terrible mistakes, despite the man's deep-rooted animosity towards him over the years. To save Harry's life countless times and watch over him – albeit begrudgingly - was not about to go unnoticed. Severus may still struggle to believe that he was worthy of redemption, but in Harry's eyes, he already was redeemed.

It was convincing the shattered man of that fact, which was the real hurdle.

Harry sat alone in the sitting room, clutching The Quibbler to his chest feeling an odd sense of peace and satisfaction. This was one step in the right direction. Although, he didn't want Severus to know what they had done for him, just yet. He only hoped the remainder of the wizarding community was receptive of this article, and hoped above all else, that they turn away from the rude filth that Rita Skeeter had decided to write.

As soon as Harry felt ready, he departed the comfort of the sitting room to make his way to the floor above to check up on the man himself. Knocking at the door he had done so many countless times already, he waited for a response. He had no idea what time it was, but once he heard no reply, he opened the door slowly. As he peered his head through the door, he saw the sleeping form of Severus on the bed. His breaths struggled upon exertion, and his lungs emitted a sickly crackle with each rise and fall of his chest. Harry walked in, and closed the door behind him, in his bid to gain a closer look. All the blankets had been thrown off into a messy heap onto the floor, as the man's nightshirt was half-open at the chest, likely due to Severus lucid attempts to claw at it. From closer inspection, it was obvious that the man had been sweating that night. Through the partially opened shirt, Harry could see the blackened tendrils of the curse consume one side of the man's thinned abdomen and protruding ribs. At one point, he could have sworn he saw the coils shifting like they were alive.

Harry was repulsed by the sight of it.

He glanced over at the sleeping Slytherin, watching his head move and twitch in short motion. He could only assume he was in deep sleep, possibly having a bad dream. He only wondered if the man had nightmares much as he did. If so, he wasn't about to tell the curious Gryffindor. Harry could only imagine what his nightmares were, and he wondered how different it would be to his own. He wasn't sure if it was wise to wake him up, but he appeared to be in a mild distress. The Gryffindor turned towards the bedside table, picking up a clean cloth, and soaking it into the bowl of water beside it. Harry wrung the cloth as best as he could and turned towards the ill man in the bed. Sitting at the chair beside the bed, Harry began to gently dab the cloth across the man's perspired-covered face. Severus stirred slightly but did not wake, as Harry continued re-soaking the cloth as he went. He observed the man's ragged breaths carefully, wishing there were more that he could do. He doubted that even Madam Pomfrey could do much else for him, that he or Draco wasn't already doing.

Harry hated seeing him like this, as it broke his heart. He already knew Severus hated feeling so vulnerable and weakened as he was, even though he still tried his best to make himself useful. Regardless, it really did hurt Harry to see him in this state. If luck were on their side, and he could beat this curse, then maybe he will feel more like his usual self-assured state. Somewhat, anyway. They've both changed heavily since, so there was no way either of them was going back to their old ways. And strangely enough, he was sure Severus knew that too.

Harry really admired this new change within Severus, and he didn't miss the incredibly cold, ruthless, and often rude Potions Master, sweeping through the dungeons and taking pleasure in frightening his younger students. Although he was still snarky and rude at times, at least he was more mindful of that behavior now. Perhaps he realised that his cruelness did go too far, sometimes. He often wondered if Severus missed deducting unfair points, or dishing out ridiculous detentions – which, come to think of it – were not terrible in the slightest. They were always simple things. Or at least, non-dangerous. He had to be thankful for that, considering Harry was the student who ended up with the most detentions until his watch. That had to be a Hogwarts record for him. Harry couldn't help but smirk to himself at the thought.

Although he had to wonder how different he'd be if he did decide to return to Hogwarts. Oh, he'll still be frightening. Those poor first years. He might not always be forgiving, but maybe now he'll give students a chance to prove themselves without his tendency to judge them too early.

He was sure Severus had learned his lesson now, with Harry.

Severus continued to stir, a little more severely this time. His head shifted around in mild agitation, as he heard a low murmur from him. Maybe he was having a bad dream. He didn't exactly want to force the man awake, as that seemed rather harsh, and didn't particularly want to deal with his sourness. So, Harry continued to press the wet cloth around the man's sullen, marble-white face. He glanced down and realised Severus had torn off the bandages over his left forearm in his nightly distress during sleep. The bandages lay in a crumpled heap on the floor. His sight was a little skewed, but he was able to make out the man's arm when it was twitching and trembling during his slumber. The Dark Mark, still faded, was slightly obscured by the almost healed lacerations painted red across his pale arms during Severus' distraught behavior during the Second Phase. It was sad to know that he went as far as he did, but he honestly couldn't blame him for that. Having to look upon your arm at a permanent Mark that ruined your entire life, was difficult to bear. At least Harry couldn't see his lighting scar. Severus could see his, and he would forever be haunted by the things that Mark symbolized.

There was a low groan from Severus, as he suddenly gasped, jolting himself awake so suddenly. His arms twitched, as he attempted to regain his bearings. His breaths heavy and irregular, but he glanced over at his side to find Harry beside him. Upon Severus' realisation at his new company, he drew in a relieved deep breath, and exhaled, closing his eyes briefly as he did so. Harry continued to press the cloth against the man's forehead, finally halting his task as he observed the man's exhausted face.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you, " Harry spoke quietly.

"No – I'm relieved you did, " Severus opened his tired eyes once more, regarding Harry's company in gratitude, "How's your back, Harry?"

"Err, fine, sir. A little sore, but I feel okay, " Harry responded with a nod, "Look, I really don't think you should be there tonight. I understand why you want to, but…Me and the DA can handle it. I'm going to summon them for a meeting this afternoon."

"You need me there."

Harry's shoulders slumped heavily, "I wish you could, but we've got this. We'll be extra careful this time. I think Malfoy has learned his lesson."

" – Harry."

"It'll be fine, really, " Harry tried to reassure the man, but the look of dread upon the man's face was difficult to convince otherwise, "I know you're worried."

Severus frowned, "Harry, last night was a risk neither of you should have taken. What if you weren't there to cast a Patronus? Draco cannot summon one – They will take your souls without hesitation or further command."

Harry looked down at the damp cloth clasped tightly within his hand, "I-I know. I will be extra careful tonight. I've learned a lot from you already, but…It's just too risky to have you there…Not like this."

The Slytherin winced at the last few words and released an exasperated sigh. Not directed at Harry, but at himself. Harry could see how visibly upset he was that his abilities were almost useless and that he was too sick to do much at all. For a man that did everything himself, to suddenly relying on a younger Gryffindor to keep him alive when everything turned against him, was enough to make him feel so helpless. Severus knew that he was reaching his limits, and yet he struggled with the idea that there was not much else that he could do. He simply couldn't completely admit that himself.

Severus looked away briefly, stung by his own dilemma. Eventually, once he came to his senses, he turned back to face Harry once more, "…I realise that my condition impedes my ability to be of further use. However, I am proficient with Legilimency still, and I will need to confront one of them to procure an image pertaining to the location we seek."

Harry nodded, "We'll handle that. I'll let the DA know of that, so we don't mess it up like we did yesterday. Just…You need to be here and rest. The trial is next week, and you need to be well enough to sit through it. I can select one of us to stay here, or should I send Madam Pomfrey or Professor McGonagall?"

Severus obviously hated that idea, and he let out a low growl under his breath to prove his point, "Not, Poppy."

"Fine, McGonagall, then?"

Severus shook his head, "No, she has enough to deal with than my miserable self. Hogwarts requires her full attention."

"Well, who would you feel comfortable with, then? You can't be here on your own for that long. Should I bring Molly?"

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose, "Merlin, no. She is not aware of my condition, and I'd prefer to keep it that way. I'd never be able to get rid of her, otherwise."

Harry threw his hands up in defeat, "Well, it has to be someone. I can't be here, and I need Malfoy's help tonight. What about Hannah Abbott? She's aspiring to become a Healer and has been working with Pomfrey since Hogwarts. Or, hell, maybe I can keep Ginny here? I'd much rather have her stay here in safety, to be honest."

Severus continued to shake his head, "Absolutely not. Forget it. I'll manage for a few hours, I'm sure of it. I'm not entirely incapacitated."

Harry couldn't help but glare hopelessly at the man, "McGonagall was right. You are bloody stubborn. And you thought I was bad?"

The Slytherin wasn't sure whether be mad about that or amused, "I see you've been talking about me behind my back. Gryffindor gossip precedes you both. "

"She's just as worried about you, as I am, " Harry responded, feeling annoyed, "You know what, I'm not even going to ask next time. I'll ask Professor McGonagall to stay with you. Next time, it'll be a bloody surprise."

Severus glared sourly at Harry. He was too exhausted to argue with a teenager at this point, and for sanity's sake, he decided to finally give in to defeat much to his dismay. The man ran a hand down his face, "…Your persistence can be rather irritating."

"For your own good, " Harry smirked lightly, "Stay put, otherwise I'll send Godric on guard duty in the meantime. "

Ending that conversation there, Harry was able to glimpse Severus' eye-roll as he left the room. Harry didn't often find himself amusing, but it was for the man's own good. Severus had to seriously consider his own health now, even if that took much persistence from Harry himself. But Professor McGonagall was the best choice, and at least she would be able to keep his behavior in check and ensure that he didn't decide to sneak out of Grimmauld Place in a bid to defy orders from the younger Gryffindor.

Satisfied, Harry left the room and closed the door behind him.

Soon after departing Severus' room, Harry contacted the DA using his master coin and set up a quick meeting at Grimmauld Place to further discuss the plan at Hogsmeade that night. Later that afternoon, they began to pile into the kitchen of headquarters, leaving Harry at the helm of the meeting. He had to be rather careful and avoid bringing Draco's name up as opposed to their sideways plan the night prior. Harry didn't want to tell, not even Hermione, Ron, and Ginny about his attack, as they knew they'd be going after the Slytherin with torches and pitchforks. As angry as Harry was already with Draco, that confrontation wasn't necessary, and they had bigger problems to deal with. Regardless of that, Harry explained briefly about what was witnessed and asked the others to assist in accompanying him that night.

Once the others had heard Harry's recount, there was a long, unpleasant silence within the room.

"So – who will volunteer to join me? We have good reason to think they'll attack tonight, so regardless, we need to be ready if they do, " Harry explained.

"Wait, so you're not entirely sure?" Ron questioned, "Mate, no offense, but you basing this off a hunch, isn't really a lot to go along with."

"As I said, I went to go check out Hogsmeade last night, and I told you what happened. I saw Death Eaters planning to attack the stationed Aurors, but they were overpowered. I need back up if I'm to go back there again."

Katie Bell looked uneasy, "And you want to risk going back there?"

"Look, if nothing happens then, great. We can go home. If we go tonight, we can prevent any possible deaths with this new toxic weapon of theirs."

Harry looked around the room to see Katie burying her head in her hands, and Seamus leaning back in his chair looking completely unconvinced. The Patil twins exchanged glances of dread, whilst Dean looked ready to go home. The expressions amongst his peers were not validating at the least, and he knew he'd have his hands full in his bid to convince them. If he knew they would not be so receptive to the place, Harry wouldn't have been likely to waste his time.

Harry sighed, and leaned over on the table, "I know you guys are tired of this. Do you think I'm overjoyed about this, too? The goal tonight is to stop a possible mass attack and attempt to capture a Death Eater."

"Capture a Death Eater? And do what with him?" Seamus asked, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Snape needs one of them so he can perform legilimency on them, and then maybe, we might be able to find the others. We have an opportunity, here."

"Why can't he capture one? And what the hell is Legilimency?"

"Legilimency is a branch of magic that enables one to read and interpret the mind of another, " Hermione explained with ease, "With that, he can access the thoughts and memories of the subject at will."

"He can read minds?" Parvati's eyes widened, "This entire time?"

Harry nodded, "Yeah. And block his own with Occlumency. How do you think he fooled Voldemort all this time?"

"No wonder he always seems to know things, " George said, "Makes sense for someone like him, I suppose."

Seamus leaned forward in his chair, resting his arms on the wooden table, "Okay, but why can't he capture one? Why do we have to do it?"

Harry hesitated on the question, "I can't tell you that, Seamus."

Seamus frowned, "Why not? What's wrong with him? "

It took every ounce of willpower to prevent Harry from getting angry at his persistence, "Forget it, Seamus. The point is, we need to capture one. If you guys are going bailout, then I'll go there myself tonight." Seamus curled his lip, clearly not pleased with Harry's evasion at his initial question. They didn't need to know, and he knew Severus wouldn't want them to know those details either. The fewer people privy to that, the better.

"Don't be daft, mate. We're going with you, " Ron interjected, "We'll go check it out, and see what we are dealing with."

Seamus looked absolutely fed-up.

Harry was starting to get frustrated with him, "I just can't have people being half-arsed about it. I hate this too, but guess what? I'm still doing it."

Luna, oblivious to the problem, still smiled, "I'll go with you, Harry."

"Thank you, Luna, " Harry was grateful, but he was still slightly disheartened by the attitudes of the others, "If we are successful, then we can discover the location of the others tonight."

Seamus gave a heavy sigh, causing a few heads to turn his way, "I'm bailing. Sorry Harry, but I think you've become a little too obsessed with this – " A few people in the room shifted uncomfortably in their seats, and Harry had sworn he had heard a small gasp from somewhere else in the room.

" – What?!" Harry snapped, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Don't deny it. I thought after You-Know-Who, you'd stop chasing after dark wizards. I'm all for helping, but this is getting a little too ridiculous. Who knows when one of us is captured next, or dead with our head on pikes? C'mon, Harry. We've had too many close calls already."

"Chasing?! They find me! Stop talking out of your arse!" Harry was livid, "You wouldn't be so dismissive if it was someone close to you who was captured and tortured!"

" – Guys, please stop – " Katie's feeble voice tried to intervene, but her voice was overpowered by the two men now arguing.

Seamus stood up from his chair, as it painfully screeched across the floorboards, "I dunno about you, but I'd prefer to live a little longer. I'm not going to waste my time on a bogus plan because something might happen. I want to find them too but picking fights like this is not a part of the deal."

"Deal?! You really are thick, Seamus, " Harry glowered venomously at the fellow Gryffindor. He couldn't believe what he was saying, "Fine, go home and mull over your thoughts by the fire without a care in the world, while some of us actually want to make the effort."

"If that's your way of calling me selfish, after everything, then I'm done with you – " Seamus scrunched up his face, equally as angry.

"GET THE BLOODY HELL OUT, THEN!"

"I think I bloody will. Let me know when you actually do make progress."

The rest of the room fell silent, as the tension became incredibly uncomfortable. There wasn't a single other person in the room who wasn't sat dumbfounded in their seats. Even Luna looked shocked, and that was saying something. No, he wasn't about to tolerate Seamus' ridiculous behavior, and he did not care any less if he offended him. Time and time again Seamus would grate on his nerves, and as usual, this wasn't the first time he lashed out at Harry. He was sick of this. What else was Seamus expecting when he joined the DA? Sit around the table playing Exploding Snap and prank candy roulette. If he wanted to bail out, then fine. But Harry was determined to put an end to this, even if that means standing alone.

Without another word, Seamus huffed under his breath and made his exit. After a few uncomfortable exchanged glances from the others, Harry leaned over the table again, face red with anger, staring into nothingness so his attention wasn't focused on anyone in particular. He didn't even want to look at anyone else at that moment, "If the rest of you feel the same as Seamus, then I won't stop you. With or without you, I'm going ahead with this. For those of you that actually want to help, Hermione will teach you the spell to eliminate toxic fumes, just in case. I suggest you brush up on your Bubblehead Charms. "

Clenching his jaw, Harry decided that he was far too irate to continue, so he turned immediately to leave and ventured moodily upstairs to his room, not caring about his abrupt end to the meeting under his leadership. He was hurt, and even a little betrayed. He knew that everyone was still reeling and shattered from the Second War – he knew that. He understood their pain and reluctance to keep fighting now. But Harry genuinely wanted to end all this danger, and the only way he was going to do that was with a little extra help. He hated all of the fighting, too.

He wasn't obsessed.

Harry felt utterly repulsed by that term. For Seamus to think that way about him, was like a kick in the gut.

After an hour passed, Harry faintly heard the slams of the front door. He gathered that the rest of the DA, whoever decided to stay, had finally departed headquarters. Harry didn't even care at this point who decided to remain – it didn't seem to matter much anymore. Pleasing people was the very last thing he was concerned with. Too bad if they didn't agree. If his so-called teammates were going to berate him and lie through their teeth, then he wasn't going to put up with it anymore.

There was a sudden light knock at his half-open door.

"…Harry?"

It was Hermione.

Harry glanced up to find her lingering cautiously at his door with Ron and Ginny by her side – each expression was somber and filled with an odd sadness he did not expect from either of them. Without waiting for a response, Hermione walked over to Harry and sat beside him on the bed, followed by Ginny and Ron. The four of them sat together in silence for a few moments before any of them mustered up the courage to speak again. Harry really didn't know what to say, and as he could tell, neither did they. Now he wasn't sure who he was angrier with – Seamus or himself, for lashing out in that way. So much for the leader he was. He could barely tolerate his own company, and now everything seemed to tumble downhill far too quickly.

For what seemed like an eternity passed, Harry drew in a deep breath, "So…who is joining us tonight?"

Ginny reached for Harry's hand, and held it tenderly between hers, "We are. Dean and Katie volunteered, along with George and Angelina…Dean was rather mad what Seamus said."

"Harry, mate –" Ron started to speak but was instantly cut off.

"- Look, I don't really want to talk about it. I just want to get this over and done with, " Harry responded, who was anxious enough with everything going on and was clearly not in the mood for their pep talk. He had far too much on his mind.

"I know. But listen – They are just worried, with everything happening. It's dangerous. The Death Eaters aren't running scared. They are fighting back, with a vengeance. They are even more ruthless working without their precious master to tell them what to do now."

"What Ron means to say is that they don't want further targets painted on their back. They don't want to pursue the enemy like this, " Hermione explained carefully.

"And you think I'm happy about this?" Harry snapped.

"No, of course not Harry. We're not saying that at all, " Hermione looked uncomfortable, "And I'm in no way supporting what Seamus said, but there is some truth to that -"

"- Well, kind of looks like you are, Hermione. I'm not obsessive over this!"

"I'm not saying that you are. He is more concerned about you putting everyone else at risk – "

Harry gently shrugged Ginny off and suddenly stood up from the bed, slowly pacing his room whilst his friends stared at him in disbelief. He shouldn't be getting so fired up about it, but he was. Why did he feel like the world was always against him? Why couldn't they work together with him on this without questioning his every move? He was beginning to feel like he lost their trust, and it already felt like a fatal blow.

Once Harry felt ready enough to respond, he turned to face the others who appeared enveloped in a strained expression, "I can't do this myself. Surely you can't all be feeling overjoyed and at peace sleeping in your beds at night, knowing that these people are still out there? They are attacking us, still. Am I the only one who sees this as a big problem?"

Ginny looked down at her hands briefly, before looking up at Harry, "We know, Harry. What else are we to do? Frankly, I still don't want to be out there for fear of them taking me again, but I want to put an end to this too."

"Don't be silly, we are not going to let you go tonight on your own, " Hermione stared up at Harry's eyes. She seemed to sense something else bothering Harry, as he quickly averted her gaze, "Harry, what is it? There is something else, isn't there?"

Harry stared hopelessly back at his friends, "…Malfoy seems to think they might attack Hogwarts at the start of the new school year. " There was a collective "WHAT" from the three still sitting on the bed. Their mouths were gaped open, trying to soak in the words that were just spoken. But Harry continued, " We had a discussion yesterday, after what we saw – Yes, Malfoy was with me last night. If the Death Eaters are successful tonight, they may seem more than confident to unleash this thing into the school. Like a test run. Now, do you see the urgency? We have to stop them."

"Malfoy was with you? Are you mental?!" Ron exclaimed.

"I suppose that makes sense, " Hermione looked taken aback. She shook her head, "This is horrible – it's not right – Harry, why didn't you tell us at the meeting?"

"During Seamus' usual tirade? He'd probably call me a liar again. Not the bloody first time."

Ron scrunched up his face, "And if he calls you obsessed one more time, I'll punch his flippin' lights out. As with Malfoy, that selfish git."

Harry looked grim, "Now do you see? We just need to capture one of them. Once Severus can do his thing, then we can finally finish this. We can't keep waiting around. We need to do this before Severus is unable to – " His voice trailed off in those last few words.

Ginny stood up and walked toward Harry, taking his hand gently into hers again, "You're not doing this by yourself, alright?"

Hermione and Ron nodded as they rose up.

"I told the others to meet us here about ten o'clock tonight, " Hermione gently reassured.

"Thanks, guys, " Harry was grateful for their input, even though he still felt horrible about it all. There was a gentle squeeze upon his hand, and Harry returned it lovingly to Ginny, feeling her fingers caress through his.

Maybe once this is all over, they can focus on creating proper lives for themselves, all danger finally aside.

Later that day, Harry had sent word to McGonagall using Godric in request to stay with Severus in the time they needed to leave that night. He really wasn't sure how kindly she'd take to such a request, but given Severus' stubbornness on the matter earlier, he wouldn't allow just anyone to stay. Thus, Harry and Severus came to an agreement to allow the Headmistress to pay the Potions Master a visit, all grumpiness aside while Harry investigates Hogsmeade with the DA. After all, it was only for a few hours. But despite that, Harry seemed to be more worried about her reaction upon their planned departure and was more or less expecting a harsh pep talk from the elderly witch. She responded soon after with her familiar feline Patronus, and barely an hour later, he heard the front door swing open and shut a little forcefully against the winds outside.

"Mr. Potter – "

McGonagall hastily made her way upon the staircase to greet Harry and Severus in his room. She was carrying a large stack of parchment within her hands, along with a small ornate crimson and silver box carrying an inkpot and a large black and gold quill peeking over the gap at the top. As she entered the room, the Slytherin himself was sitting up against the headboard of his bed, flipping dismally through The Daily Prophet, and clasping a mug of lemon-scented tea in his other hand.

Severus looked up in light of his friends' arrival, "Minerva." His voice was slightly hoarse, with a noticeable wheeze upon exertion in a breath.

McGonagall placed her handful of objects on top of Severus' desk, "It'll be nice to work out of the office for a change. The School Board requires additional paperwork. They are infuriatingly persistent."

"I am far from envious."

The Headmistress peered over her glasses and studied the Slytherin's amused expression, "How are you managing today, Severus? Poppy told me it was like dealing with a first-year."

Harry accidentally released a snort, which was quickly silenced by Severus' venomous stare.

Severus folded up the newspaper, and cast it aside, "Yes, well, you try having every inch of you assessed and prodded like a twisted experiment, losing any shred of dignity you have left in the process."

"You knew it had to be done, " McGonagall wandered to the sofa chair beside the bed, "Such assessment from the Primary Healer will support your plea to innocence in the trial."

"…Innocence. I think not, " Severus curled his lip, mockingly, "Don't be ridiculous."

"Severus, please. We are trying to help you, " The Headmistress spoke sternly.

"I am not particularly thrilled that my illness has been uncovered to the Ministry, " Severus responded, "It is beyond humiliating."

"Why not?" Harry questioned, stubbornly, "They may even send you to St. Mungo's as detainment, or something, rather than a temporary holding cell. You can be better treated there."

Severus shot Harry a dangerous frown, "I do not wish to be confined in a medical facility. There is simply no need for me to be there."

"No need? You can't be serious?" Harry was bewildered, as he wandered to the foot of the bed, and sat himself down on its edge, "How many times have I found you bleeding out? How many times have you writhed in pain, and not even potions can keep it at bay anymore? How many times have you coughed up blood, thrown up, or struggled to breathe? How many times have you collapsed on us? You can barely stand on your feet for too long anymore."

"Because once I am admitted into St. Mungo's, I will not be leaving alive – " Severus winced at his own words, " - I'd rather not perish there. The precious resources wasted on me would be better spent on someone who requires it."

"Severus, you will be well-taken care of by qualified Healers, " McGonagall looked upset, "They will not harm you."

"I care not about them harming me, " Severus paused, as his tremoring hands would not calm, as they clutched the mug like a vice grip, "Can a dying man not have final wishes? I do not want to rot away there. This curse will end me. Let's not pretend that it won't."

A bitter silence befell between the three of them. Severus looked away to stare bleakly into his mug of now-cold tea in his hands, giving several heaved breaths that emanated a sickly crackling sound. McGonagall exchanged saddened glances with Harry, who both felt like their hearts shattered as equally as each other. Harry felt scared. He knew time was ticking, and every day close to the ritual's end shrouded the final days in agonising doubt and gloom.

"What are your wishes, Severus?" Harry spoke quietly. The man glanced up at Harry quickly, as if afraid to hold his gaze at the emerald orbs concerningly staring back at him. In that brief moment, Harry noticed Severus' eyes gloss over and he recognised that look of heartbroken defeat. The Slytherin suddenly looked fifty years older. Harry saw every new line in his face etched deeper among his marble-white skin and wondered if the man had ever truly smiled in his life, or when the last time may have been. There was not much color left on the man's face, as exhaustion took away whatever remnants of the life he seemingly had left.

"I – " Severus moved to speak but cut himself short. He inhaled and exhaled painfully, as Harry noticed by his sharp wince in recoil, "- I do not know. I do not wish to be anywhere to pose a burden on anyone in the state I am in. Being here pains me…" His deep, reverberating voice began to tremble, "Harry has endured too much in his life already, and me being here as I am is not wise…I refuse to allow him to see me lose my life again."

"I don't care about that…"

Severus placed a hand up to silence him, "I do, Harry. I care!"

"Where on Earth will you go?" McGonagall spoke in disbelief in the man's painful truth, "If you refuse St. Mungo's, and you do not wish to be here, there what other option is there?"

"The final phase of this ritual will either grant me life or death. Regardless, I have almost two weeks to set my final affairs in order in case of the latter. That much is certain, " Severus spoke softly.

Harry's heart felt like a hand had wrapped itself around it, squeezing further with every passing second. He heaved a breath as if it took a little more effort, but he felt his lungs burn. Like he had to actually think about breathing before he did so. Everything hurt, and Harry felt his eyes suddenly sting, "Please, stay here. It's safer. If you go out there, then – " Harry paused briefly to gather his broken thoughts, " – Just stay. We are here to help you, and that's what we are going to do. You can't just…give up."

McGonagall regarded the Gryffindor proudly at his words, and nodded, "Mr. Potter is correct, Severus. You are within safety here. Whatever other wishes you may have – "

"My other wishes are unobtainable. Do not attempt to convince me, otherwise."

"I beg to differ, " The elderly witch shifted to the edge of her chair leaning forward, and suddenly reached out for Severus' hand. To Harry's surprise, the man did not snap his hand away as McGonagall clasped his cold, pale hands between her aged, warmer ones, "Listen to me, Severus, and listen well. These next two weeks will be, by far, one of your greatest challenges. I've known you for long enough, and I understand you despise being dotted on like this. But for heaven's sake, stop trying to push people away. You have no need to keep doing that now. When was the last time anyone was willing to go this far for you?"

Severus looked away and did not say a word. Harry didn't need a response from him to know that no one ever did. Not even Dumbledore. Not even his mother.

"One thing at a time, okay?" Harry was scared to speak, for fear of his voice breaking, "You have Professor McGonagall. You have Draco. You have me…You have far more people in your corner than you realise. Trust me on that."

Severus spun his head around to Harry, looking him directly into the teenagers' pain-filled eyes. The man's own face contorted horribly in dread and remorse, "You assume I am some hero…An innocent…A saint, deserving of praise…I am neither…I am not what you perceive me to me…How could you put so much blind faith in me, when I have caused you nothing but pain? I wish you would hate me, Harry. You should hate me. It will be far easier than…than, this - " Severus ripped his hand away from McGonagall, who looked incredibly hurt by the gesture.

Harry wildly shook his head, "We've been through this before. You're not the monster you think you are. Why do you want me to hate you? I couldn't – not after everything you've done, and what you've shown me…You can't just expect me to forget."

"You've no idea, Pot – Harry – " Severus growled to himself in frustration. He swung his legs over the bed suddenly and shifted around to its edge with great effort. Harry and McGonagall leaned forward to assist him, but he batted both of their hands away. His head leaned forward, as his unwashed curtains of black hair concealed his face as he focused his vision on the floor. He ran his hand over his face, "I made the mistake of returning. I could have just fled after Hogwarts – I should have – Death would have come for me swiftly. No one would know. It would be easier…"

"It's not a sin to feel afraid. That's it, isn't it?" McGonagall asked carefully, "You're afraid of the possibility of living. And you don't know how to. Am I correct in my judgment, Severus? You spent the last few years seemingly prepared to meet your end, and now that you have made it beyond that by a sheer miracle, the possibility of a continued life frightens you far more than it should."

Severus' head jerked upwards slightly, but his face was still skewed behind his hair. Harry noticed the man nervously entwining his fingers.

McGonagall was tearful, "It'll be alright. You're no longer alone, so please, take some solace in that. Like every War's end, we will rebuild ourselves if not, already. You too, have endured far more than you should have. Life has never been kind to you, but remember that Potter and I, will be. This world still has a place for you yet, Severus."

Harry nodded but didn't say another word. Severus was clearly still struggling immensely – he always has been. It's been a rollercoaster struggle for the man, and yet still even after all this time, he is still afraid to live. He wanted to live, but he is too afraid of what life for him lies ahead. McGonagall was right, of course. Life was never kind to him. Not in his home life, not in his school life, and even far beyond that – As much as Harry knew, anyway. Severus' only piece of happiness was lost because of a horrible mistake on his part, and now he feels he is undeserving of any such platitudes or further happiness. Like it was a disease that would soon consume him, rendering him cold and depressed once more. Severus was worthy of happiness, in any form, like anyone. He was more than worthy to have people by his side who are willing to fight tooth and nail for him. All those years in solitary torment and the man half responsible for Voldemort's downfall deserves some shred of happiness, at the very least. That's why Harry and McGonagall refused to give up on him – Call it Gryffindor chivalry. He was not a lost cause, as much as he perceived himself to be.

Harry knew Severus felt guilty for not leaving sooner – the man was stuck in his grim predicament. But he knew it was because in staying, he grew closer to Harry, against all efforts to prevent such a thing for all these years. He knew, that in re-connecting with Harry, that they would soon create some kind of bond making it impossible for Severus to leave without the guilt of leaving Harry behind. In a moment's decision, Severus decided to stay within Grimmauld Place, offering to watch over Harry again and prevent any harm to him. Harry, and Severus, didn't foresee how those roles would drastically change and reverse. With the decision to stay, Severus armor began to chip away, even briefly. And in doing so, left the man raw and vulnerable beyond anything he ever anticipated.

The three of them were clearly wracked with nervous anticipation upon what lies ahead.

Two weeks.

Two weeks will determine everything.