Two days until the Full Moon

Harry sat up on the edge of his bed early the next morning, holding the golden DA coin within his hand and twirling it occasionally.

He felt slightly light-headed, but he figured it was possible that it was due to stress and everything that had happened in the past week. He had no appetite anymore, and the mere thought of food made him feel sick. Add that to the muffled sounds of Severus coughing and dry retching a few floors below through the early hours of the morning, was enough for him to feel repulsed by the mere idea of it. Draco had mentioned that Severus was coughing up more and more blood, leaving Harry more worried as the days flew by.

Harry wished they could have shifted the meeting to headquarters, but they needed adequate room given that Kingsley had plans to add Aurors to the mix. He wasn't sure how he felt about that, as they didn't want any more surprises once they ventured down to the caves, but he knew full well that the Minister would have had them screened before they set foot in Hogwarts. After their experiences so far with the imposter-Aurors, everyone was on high alert. And understandably so.

Despite that, Harry didn't like the idea of transporting a sick man by Apparition and Floo, thus he made sure to let Kingsley know that they had to checkpoint at the Burrow before Hogwarts, in which he directly made his approval with the Council. That made Harry extremely thankful that Kingsley was the Minster, and on their side, and at least was able to empathize with their situation. Once it was confirmed, he alerted Molly that they would be dropping by shortly, so that she was aware of the plan to get him there. Hermione had offered to transfigure a wheelchair for him, but Severus got extremely dismissive and angry at the mere idea of it. He wasn't mad at Hermione, as the idea had good intentions, but Severus felt like he could deal without and he was too proud – or embarrassed, rather - to go with it.

He could do without the added spotlight upon his rapid deterioration.

As the clock ticked close to midday, Harry and Draco managed to get Severus downstairs in one piece, waiting a few steps each time for him to catch his breath. Draco insisted he'd Apparate with him to the door, but considering the upcoming travel methods, he didn't want to add an extra to the mix, and Severus was irritable with Harry to even suggest levitating him down. Severus was already pale white, looking as exhausted as ever. He barely spoke much at all that moment, but the little he did speak came out as sickly croaks, as his throat was rough and dry. Severus had attempted a few sips of water earlier, but not all of it could stay down and he ended up aspirating a few droplets, causing another terrifying coughing fit sending both teenagers on edge.

"I don't see why I can't just sneak in there. …I can stay hidden – " Draco suggested, still remotely bitter he was left out of the meeting.

Harry shook his head, adamantly, "No, don't you dare. There will be Aurors there. It's too risky for you. If they catch you, they'll think you'll sabotage it, or something. You and your family don't exactly have the greatest track record. Just…stay put. We'll go through it all when we get back."

Draco held onto a few potion vials and reached over to hand them to Harry, "Some extra potions for Severus if he requires any while you are there. I have a fever-relieving one, an anti-emetic, and another for his nasty cough. I brewed them fresh late last night."

Grateful, and relieved, Harry retrieved them nodded in acknowledgment as he slipped them into his own pockets, "Thanks. We shouldn't be too long."

Leaning up wearily against the wall in the entry corridor, Severus placed a hand on Draco's shoulder and squeezed gently without a word, silently acknowledging his thoughtfulness. Once Harry familiarly looped his arm around Severus' waist to hold the frail man upright, the pair exited out of Grimmauld Place and slowly made their way across the street to their usual Disapparition point at the enclosed park. The sun shone brightly onto Severus' face, causing him to squeeze his eyes shut once the light became too sensitive for him to bear with. Once they eventually reached their spot, Harry held on tightly to the older Slytherin as they Disapparated away, reappearing beyond the magical barriers of the Burrow.

Immediately upon arriving, Severus fell to his knees, feeling his stomach hurl as he hunched over-preparing to expel whatever contents of his stomach he had left. Harry dropped down beside him, reaching out to hand over the vial of the anti-nausea potion Draco had given him, but Severus shook his head not wanting to bother with it. He looked absolutely irritated with himself. Upon their wait for Severus to catch his breath and settle his stomach, Harry turned around to see Molly and Ginny heading their way across the gardens, picking up haste. Ron and Hermione were close behind them.

Instantly, Molly crouched down beside Severus with concern, looking back at Harry for confirmation. Harry barely managed a nod – This had been Severus' normal for the last few months, however getting worse by the day. It was not unusual for him to be sick after an Apparition, but he suddenly realised that Molly hadn't really seen him like this before. Aside from the trial, the last few times they had interacted, Severus could easily mask his sickness and pretend to be completely fine. Well, he was a long way away from attempting that again, and he was far too exhausted to even try anymore.

Hell, Molly had no idea how truly ill he really was.

Eventually, they managed to get Severus to the Burrow and take him directly to the couch in their sitting room. Severus' billowing traveling cloak was wrapped around him, as he sat by the crackling fire holding a mug of tea against his chest that Molly had delivered for him. Harry could smell the familiar ginger, lemon, and honey concoction, watching as Molly and even Arthur, was chatting to Severus alone. He didn't want to intrude. He knew Severus didn't want anyone else to know, but even Molly knew something was amiss with him. Leaving the three to their own conversation, Harry wandered up the staircase with Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, reaching Ron's room. Harry had to appreciate the short pit-stop, as being cooped up at Grimmauld Place taking care of a sick man, was not necessarily a part of his post-war plan.

"Mum's been harassing us since the trial, about Snape, " Ron spoke, as soon as he shut his door, "She couldn't stop saying how dreadful he looked."

"Yeah, I figured that's what they were talking about down there, " Harry responded, "I doubt he'll tell your parents the full story, though. He didn't want many people really knowing."

"Well, if a man can barely stand on his own two feet anymore, it's obvious that it's a little more serious, " Ron explained, "Though mum is going to drive Snape bonkers about it until he tells her. You know what she's like. She's practically everyone's mum."

"Snape does look terrible, though. He doesn't show himself much when we come to visit you, but at least we know why. I'd hate to say it, but he's looking far worse each time, " Ginny said, biting her lip.

"The next full moon is in two days' time – " Hermione crinkled her brows in worry, " – He just needs to get through the next few days."

"Easy for you to say. You don't have to hear him coughing his guts out at all hours of the night. He's not eating anymore, and barely keeps any fluids down, " Harry said, picking at the hem of his shirt. He sighed, "He's really struggling now, and I know he wouldn't want me to tell you guys that. Wait until you see him at Hogwarts. I guarantee he'll pretend he's fine and get on with the meeting like his own life isn't being ripped away from him, piece by piece."

"Maybe he'll let mum help – " Ginny suggested.

"- No, no…I don't know. He just – " Harry clenched his jaw, " – He doesn't want people to see him as weak. He doesn't want people to make a big deal out of it, like it's nothing."

Ron shrugged, "It's the kind of person he's always been, though, hasn't he? I mean, he fooled us all for years, and neither of us had a damn clue what he was dealing with beyond Potions class."

"If only you guys have seen what I have…with him. At the end of it all, he's only human. He has problems like the rest of us and deals with things in his own way. All this time he was good at hiding it, but sometimes, he struggles with that, too…"

"Well, if I'm to be honest, he wouldn't have made it this far without your help, Harry, " Hermione added, quietly, "I think you both know that, too. No one could have gone to these lengths as you have. As dismissive and nasty as he can be, I can tell he is grateful for that. He just doesn't like to show it. That much is obvious."

"It is kind of nice to see this side of him, though, " Ginny said, with a small smile, "I mean, I suppose he had a harsh demeanor to maintain and probably far too many unhealthy grudges for anyone to have, but still…He genuinely wants to change. No matter what odds are against him. I think for the first time, he gets to…Oh, I dunno…Be himself? Completely."

"He's trying – " Harry nodded in agreement, "- It just sucks that he is still blaming himself for everything that happened. And I guess, I still am too, so we have that in common. But, in a few days, we can cure him and help him get his life back. He deserves that much. We owe him, that much."

Hermione glanced at Harry, a little sadly, and averted her gaze away as Harry excused himself and made his way back down the stairs. Molly was ascending the staircase as she stopped in her tracks once she spotted Harry. The Weasley Matriarch looked upset, and Harry noticed her eyes were slightly red. Molly took a few more steps up to Harry's level and leaned forward to wrap him up in a hug.

"Oh, Harry, I'm so sorry – " Molly squeezed Harry so tight, he felt his ribs may pop.

"…He told you, didn't he?" Harry said quietly, as he pulled away, "I'm surprised he did, to be honest."

She looked upset, as she nodded, "A rough idea. I tried to ask him the details, but you know Severus…Always making you guess. I didn't realise how terribly sick he was…Harry if you'd like me to stay at Grimmauld Place…"

"No, Molly, it'll be fine. Really. He doesn't want all the fuss."

"None of this is fine, Harry, " Molly looked devastated, "But surely, you cannot do this on your own…"

Harry shook his head gently, "He doesn't feel comfortable with anyone else. Trust me, I tried to discuss alternatives with him, and he even hated the thought of St. Mungo's."

"Harry…"

"It's okay. It'll be okay."

Molly grabbed both of Harry's shoulders and squeezed them in a gentle reassurance, that Harry really needed at that moment. But as she let go, she made her way to the top of the stairs, she yelled to the others to get ready to depart shortly. While that was happening, Harry descended the stairs to the bottom floor, and saw Arthur and fixing himself a mug of coffee in the kitchen. He turned to Harry, and the Weasley Patriarch looked slightly grim. Maybe even a little saddened, which took Harry aback. All he could remember was the fight he had with Severus before the Hogwarts memorial, which seemed like a long time ago now. Perhaps now Arthur realised that both he and Severus had Nagini in common, and they could at least connect with on that. Arthur was extremely lucky to have avoided the added protections and the curse accompanying that wretched snake once Voldemort knew his Horcrux' were being hunted down. Arthur didn't say a word, as Harry walked past him and found Severus hunched over on the couch sitting alone, staring at the comforting fireplace across from him.

Harry walked up to him silently and sat down beside him. He could feel Severus relax a little as he did.

After a short silence, Harry spoke quietly, "…I didn't think you were going to tell them."

Severus sighed, "It won't make a difference, either way."

"Well, it kind of does, " Harry lowered his head, "You make it sound like you are giving up."

Severus tilted his head slightly, but his gaze was still fixated on the fireplace, "Hardly. I merely told them the truth. Well, as much of the truth I was willing to disclose. However, I did not inform them of the ritual. That, I chose to keep to myself – They didn't need to know of that."

"Well, you didn't have to tell them, because we'll have you cured."

Severus moved to speak but cut himself short before he did. Harry could see worry seep through the man's wary, paled features. The light from the fire was barely enough to eliminate the room, but it was enough to cast light shadows across his face. Harry could see his hands were shaking again, and he noticed the man had clasped them together to attempt to halt the familiar tremors. Eventually, Severus turned to look at Harry, and barely managed a small nod, expression unchanged. But before Harry could respond, they heard the many footsteps descending the stairs as Hermione and the entire Weasley family, minus Charlie queued up at the Floo fireplace in the other room.

Harry and Severus heard the green fire roar to life, as the Weasleys began to disappear within it one by one. Taking that as their cue, Harry assisted Severus to stand and slowly made their way to the other room as soon as Hermione disappeared amongst the flames. Only Ron, Molly, and Ginny were left. Once Ginny disappeared through, Molly motioned for Severus to go ahead. Harry watched as the man grabbed a fistful of Floo powder and barely managed to croak out the location of McGonagall's old office. Once the green flames enveloped him, a flash later, and he disappeared. Harry followed after him and repeated the same thing. He hated this method of travel, but more so due to the failed attempt during his Second year and ending up at Knockturn Alley instead of Diagon Alley. He was far more comfortable with Apparition. Once he appeared within the familiar candle-lit office, he saw Severus leaning against the table, waiting for the Gryffindor. Finally, behind them, Ron and Molly entered the office.

As Harry brushed off the soot remnants off his jeans, they walked solemnly down the desolate Hogwarts halls, devoured of bustling students and even the resident ghosts. In a few weeks, Harry, Hermione, and Ginny would return here – minus Ron – and start their seventh year. It still felt rather surreal and returning after everything would be an odd experience for them all. He had to wonder how it will go since the previous year was a dark one for those that remained. Too many horrid memories still plagued these hallways, and no one could shake them so easily.

As they walked, Harry noticed Severus stopping a few times, and motioning for the others to move on ahead. Molly lingered further down the corridor, still wracked with concern over Severus' health like a worried mother, but Harry stayed back instead. He knew Severus did not want to be back here. It was obvious to him that he still felt guilty for his role as headmaster, and how much was out of his control as with the horrors that escalated over his unwilling command including the senseless torture of the students under his care. To him, he felt like he failed them all.

They slowly began the walk again in silence, but Harry knew Severus did not want to elaborate on what he was feeling at that moment. What else was there to say? Hogwarts held too many terrible memories for him, and thus, Harry understood why he could never return to teach again. Not even his favorite subject now that the curse was finally lifted.

Finally, what seemed like an eternity, they reached the Great Hall.

The large double oak front doors were guarded by two Aurors, which had Harry's hair stand up on end as they walked past them. They all filed down towards the tables which had been shifted around and connected together for the meeting. Many benches were lined up around it, with some already occupied by some of the DA members. Close to the front, he saw Kingsley chatting with McGonagall and Aberforth. Off to the side, Hagrid was engaged in conversation with Luna. The DA was scattered around, even those that came to their aid at the last moment at Hogsmeade, such as Cho Chang and Dennis Creevey. Padma was sitting with George, which broke Harry's heart. Padma's twin sister Parvati was also taken, and George, losing Fred, tried to console her. Katie, Dean, and Seamus were chatting together, with Hannah sitting alone looking grim. Hermione was setting up her board at the front displaying the map of the underground caverns, and all the little notes she had plastered around it highlighting important landmarks and features worth knowing.

The Hall was bustling with everyone coming together, and as Harry drew in a deep breath, Severus made his way off to the side towards the empty seats at the corner of the table closer to the front. Severus sat up straight within his chair, wincing slightly at the pain within his neck. But he continued to keep his face stern and controlled as not to further fuel some of the whispers already around him. Harry really had to commend him for that.

As Harry found a seat beside Hermione, he looked up to find the familiar glow of the candles hovering overhead. The enchanted ceiling above highlighted the vividly beautiful, and mildly cloudy, sunny day. It brought him some measure of comfort and familiarity upon being back at Hogwarts, despite what they had all just been through.

Kingsley motioned for the Aurors at the entryway when both large doors closed shut and magically sealed to avoid any intruders. Once that was done, he made his way to stand at the front to finally address the room, "Greetings everyone. Thank you all for making it here on such short notice. We have a lot of things to address and discuss pertaining to our goal of retrieving our missing friends and family at the hands of the rogue Death Eaters. Now, over the past few weeks, Mr. Potter and his friends have been scouting an area that Severus was able to uncover within the memories of a Death Eater. By evidence of the warded place there, we have reason to believe we have indeed found their primary location."

Kingsley tapped the board with his wand, as the map itself sprang to life. The large, inked parchment floated over the table, as the outline glowed a deep blue, highlighting all the caverns for everyone to see. The map turned and swayed in the air so that everyone was able to glimpse the details of the next mission.

Arthur Weasley frowned grimly at the map, "What exactly are we looking at, Kingsley?"

Kingsley motioned his hand towards Severus. Severus cleared his throat, as he placed his palms on the table, leaning forward, "The Forest of Dean."

"Wait, there are caves under there? Since when?"

"Memories from Amycus Carrow, along with physical evidence we've discovered, have pointed to that location. The Quarry also extends down into it, composed of old unused mines."

"We also found other smaller entrances scattered around it, and found some to be magically warded, " Harry added.

Hermione awkwardly cleared her throat, "We also discovered that the Muggle entry to Clearwell Caves, were unable to be used for several weeks. We were told by staff there that some of the caverns had to be closed off due to a cave-in. One of the locations we witnessed in the memory, is identical to a specific location down in those caves."

Harry nodded, "From what we have gathered, we are confident we have the right place."

Severus leaned forward, as he continued to explain, "We have also discovered a remnant of a particular clay upon the robes of Amycus, found only within the Clearwell Caves."

"Clay?" McGonagall shook her head, "And to think they've been hiding under our noses this entire time…Severus, I know you have a plan. Please enlighten us."

Severus acknowledged McGonagall with a small nod, "I have been going over the evidence and data that Potter and his friends have discovered. In the last few weeks, we have been able to pinpoint viable entrances surrounding this particular cave system. My proposal is to designate small groups to each of these surrounding entrances so that more ground is covered below, and Death Eaters shall be trapped should they attempt to escape. They will most likely have anti-apparition wards for potential intruders, so all those down there must travel on foot."

"This sounds completely dangerous, " Arthur interjected with concern, as he looked around the room observing the other mixed signals of the allies around him, "How far down do these caves go?"

"Six mines make up the caves, and it covers roughly about two hundred and fifty acres. They are old, dating back to one hundred BC - " Hermione said before she was cut off.

" - Acres?!" Percy exclaimed, "That'll take ages to comb through! We're not miners! Or cavers!"

"Well, we didn't gather here to have a casual walk in the park, " Harry added, a little sarcastically, "The Death Eaters are using these caves to hide out and smuggle their victims in for future leverage. They have captured so many of us already, and they have already killed some of those who opposed their old Master. The longer we delay this, the more vicious and ruthless they get."

Kingsley paused briefly in thought, "Hmm. Severus, what else did you have in mind?"

Severus drew in a deep breath, in his bid to ignore the other protesters, "There are viable cave entrances from the Quarry, Puzzlewood, the muggle entry from Clearwell Caves, along with Old Bow and Lambsquay mines. There are a few smaller ones scattered about the Forest of Dean, but these I have indicated, have a little more…room to move. We do not, however, know the true innards of these caverns. All but Clearwell are undiscoverable until you get down there."

Hagrid shook his head wildly, "No - Ye not goin' in there. No one is. Not a chance. Surely there 'as got to be a better way?"

Severus shook his head, turning to the half-giant, "I assure you, Rubeus, we have thought this entirely through for weeks. We have been unable to come up with a safer alternative."

"I can dedicate Aurors to the task, however, I don't think even they have the right skills for deep-cave exploration, " Kingsley suggested, "…This is a very delicate operation, especially given the uncertainty of what it looks like down there."

"We have also discussed that we will lead small groups of us, allocated to each entrance. Hermione and I are able to conceal ourselves, so we will venture down there first. With our DA coins, we can signal to the others once we've scouted safely ahead, " Harry said, ignoring the frustrated grumbles from most of those seated around him, "There cannot be many of us in one group, because we don't know how much space we get down there."

The rest of the DA had remained silent through this discussion, unsure of what they thought of it. At times it looked like one of them would speak, but Harry noticed them holding back from it.

"Oh, Harry, no!" Molly gasped, "It's far too risky for you lot."

"Molly is right, "Arthur said, as he vehemently shook his head, "This is not a mission for teenagers."

But that started a stir.

"Teenagers? I'm volunteering to go down there, " Dean Thomas said, "My parents are down there, too."

"My sister was taken, as well. I can't sit back and do nothing, " Padma said, slightly teary.

"Lee Jordon is among them, " Katie Bell added, "I'm volunteering, too."

"Count me in!" Seamus added.

"And Neville, of course – " Luna chimed in softly.

"- Now, wait just a moment you lot, " McGonagall cleared her throat, "We cannot have you all run down there until we think this completely through."

"But Professor, we're choosing to go, " George said, "There's more than enough of us to actually pull this off."

Harry couldn't help but smile at his fellow DA members, who all seemed more than keen to jump back into it. However, he noticed Severus tense up slightly across from him, "We'll split us up, and assign us at each point. We move down there together and use the coins to communicate what we see. I also have the idea of using Kreacher to ferry the captives back to Order headquarters for safety once we reach them."

"Perhaps I will assign an Auror to each of you, so you have the added firepower, " Kingsley mentioned.

"That would be a wise decision, Kingsley, " Severus said, sternly, "I must also add that the protections around the entrances may also be rather fortified. We've seen them weaponize the Dementors and the acromantulas rather viciously, so that must also be dealt with efficiently and swiftly to allow the groups safe access inside. They will be guarding them with everything they have."

Hagrid seemed to huff under his breath, "Well, the rest of us who won' be goin' down there, can secure the perimeter. "

McGonagall nodded, "Indeed."

"I also have ample potions supply, for the groups to take with them below should they require them, " Severus suggested, looking slightly defeated, "It is as much use as I am able to provide."

McGonagall nodded gratefully, but the worry was still very evident on her face, "Thank you, Severus." She turned to Harry, "Mr. Potter, you do not have to venture down there. We can figure out an alternative…"

Harry shook his head, defiantly, "No, there really isn't. And I'm going. I'm not sitting back, while lives are in danger down there. Snape and I will designate groups and allocate them to each entrance."

Severus' eyes flickered to Harry briefly for a moment, until he averted his gaze and looked at the DA members seated eagerly on the opposite side of the table, "Word of advice - Be mindful of the spells you perform down there. Anything that could potentially blast through a wall, will send the entire thing crumbling and you will be buried as quickly as you can perform a shield charm. It is imperative that you take extreme caution. No fooling around. No silly heroics. Get to where you need to as quickly as possible, so you can be extracted safely."

"Yes, quite right, " Kingsley nodded, "We don't know how fragile the caverns are. If they are as old as Miss Granger has mentioned, then you must tread carefully."

"Maybe I can give ye Fang to accompany you down there, and lead you to where you need to go, " Hagrid suggested, "I mean, blimey, I can't go in there myself."

"That is a great idea, Rubeus, " Arthur nodded in agreement, "It could be a labyrinth down there. I am prepared to lead a group – "

"Arthur, dear!" Molly scolded, but she was clearly in a state of panic.

Arthur turned to Molly, and clasped her hand tightly, "Molly, I can't allow these kids – and our own - to go down there by themselves…"

"Well, we're technically not kids anymore, dad, " Ron said, "We know what we have to do."

Kingsley leaned forward onto the table, "Your first priority is to get to the captives and send for Kreacher to apparate them away to safety. Capturing the remaining Death Eaters will be ideal, but not necessary at this point."

"If they can be flushed out from their rodent hideaway, they will not be attacking anyone else any time soon, " Severus added, "Kingsley is correct – focus on the rescue first. The Death Eaters will appear back to the surface as their own anti-Apparition barriers will not work on them, either. Those stationed outside have the opportunity to capture them."

McGonagall still appeared worried, "I do not like the sound of this. Are you sure there is no other way?"

Severus shook his head grimly, pursing his lips, "There is not, Minerva. I have scoured the possibilities in the last few weeks – Catching them off-guard in this way is the only logical option. We do not know what the defenses are down there…That is where the concern lies. By sending small groups below ground, they have ample support to combat them where necessary. Pursue them from all sides."

Molly seemed to bury her head in her hands in defeat, as Arthur wrapped an arm around her in comfort, and holding her as she shook her head.

George looked a little dour, "Mum…Dad…We can handle this. We have the numbers, and we won't be going down there alone. We have the opportunity to finally put an end to this – For everyone that we've lost. Let's do it for them."

"Who else will do it, if not us?" Ron said, looking around the room, "We don't have Remus or Tonks here. We lost Mad-Eye. Plus, a third of the DA - my brother included. Yeah, it's risky, but we are more than capable to do it."

Harry gave a small smile, still feeling proud of his friends for their determination. As a small murmur of voices sounded around him, he stood up from his seat and looked around at the room as everyone fell silent. The worried faces of all of his allies and friends stared back at him as Harry tried to gather his own scattered thoughts, "For those of you who will be joining me below ground, I need you to be absolutely sure before you volunteer – "

Before Harry could even finish his sentence, several members of the DA and some of the Order began to stand from their seats, with expressions showing their defiance and certainty upon their decision. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny stood up first. Followed by Luna, Dean, and Cho. Seamus, Katie, Bill, Dennis, and Fleur stood shortly after, followed by Arthur - still clutching Molly's hand, George, Angelina, and Parvati. Hannah and Percy were the last two to stand.

Harry drew in a nervous breath, "Brilliant. Give me some time to sort you all into groups."

"I will provide a handful of my Aurors to join you down there for added security, " Kingsley added, "And I will also place Aurors on the surface to detain them should they begin to flee." He smiled, "…I think we might just pull this off."

"Yes, all very well, however - " McGonagall still looked dismal.

"It'll be alright, Minerva. I think they've more than proved themselves capable for the task, as we've seen not only in the battle at Hogwarts, but beyond that, " Kingsley explained, calmly, "You have fought even beyond the downfall of Tom Riddle, and I can not be any prouder of you. You are determined to end this fight and help us bring peace back to our world again, and I am all in support of that. No doubt this mission is highly dangerous, but the input of everyone within our company here now will be crucial to its success. Whether you are allocated to the surface or below, we will work together upon our victory. "

Feeling proud of himself, Harry's eyes darted beside him to see Severus seemingly staring off into the abyss. He looked worried too, but there was something else. The man winced slightly, and subtly brought his hand up to his chest seemingly brought on by a new discomfort. Harry redirected his gaze at Kingsley pleading silently, and with great relief, Kingsley had noticed too.

Kingsley gave him a small nod and turned to address the room once again, "Let us end this meeting here. We shall get back into contact shortly to finalise the mission. Please, take care of yourselves."

Harry watched as Severus slowly clambered back to his feet. He was the first to stumble back out of the Great Hall and disappeared hastily down the corridor to a small hidden space off to the side. Harry followed on his tail, with McGonagall, Kingsley, and Molly trailing worriedly behind. The remaining DA and Order members filed out of the Great Hall to depart Hogwarts.

Severus noticed the additional crowd following, wincing in pain, but also growling in frustration under his breath, "I do not need an audience. The meeting is over. Go home." The man continued to rub his chest painfully, grimacing every few moments as he struggled for breath. He leaned up against the wall in his bid to keep himself from falling over.

McGonagall motioned for the others to remain a distance behind, as she and Harry raced to his side. The elderly witch pulled Severus gently aside to the nearest stone bench and sat him down. "…Severus, what is it?"

Severus shook his head, unable to respond as the discomfort was preventing him from speaking.

McGonagall looked worriedly at Harry, and whispered, "How long until the next…"

"Two days…" Harry responded, feebly.

"Then it's settled. We must wait until then before the retrieval. We cannot leave Severus like this."

Harry nodded, "I agree."

"No! Don't be ridiculous! You will not delay this on my accord – " Severus grimaced, irritably.

" - This is no matter to debate, Severus. You are far too unwell, " McGonagall responded, sternly, "For once, please listen to us. I will not repeat myself again."

"Minerva, listen to me!"

"No, Severus! Silence yourself at once, and stop resisting our advice!" McGonagall's cheeks grew red with frustration, "I know you well enough. You want to assist, but you are physically incapable this time. I do not approve of the idea of sending our students down there, either…However, they are young adults now, and they understand the dangers they are facing. All we can do is trust that they will remain safe – "

" – Safe? SAFE?" Severus' lips turned to a snarl, "It is a death trap! And here I am idiotic enough to plan a mission that has a one percent chance of going according to plan. "

"You have to give them some credit, " McGonagall responded firmly, "They fought well, and with the strength that even we did not teach. Their ability to learn far surpassed our expectations. Now, we must put some trust in them again. There is no other way. Kingsley will be assigning Aurors to them, so they will not be alone. Arthur will be down there, with Percy, Bill…"

Severus spat in anger, as he pinched the bridge of his nose, "That is not the point!"

McGonagall fell silent for a moment, until she sighed, "I know. I, too, am struggling with the idea."

Harry had stood off to the side, allowing the both of them to talk. He felt odd of sorts, not knowing what to say. Both were concerned about their upcoming venture, but neither could come to terms that it was Harry's choice to go. They knew full well that Harry was not going to sit back and wait, whilst others risked their lives. No – Harry was going to go, regardless of his own life on the line. Already he had so many dead weighing heavily on his conscious, and he refused to see anyone else perish. The determination within his very soul was further fuel, and he knew that they could not fail. They had numbers on their side. Plus, Harry, Hermione and Draco were able to utilise cloaking to their advantage and hunt them down. However, Harry knew that it was a secret only between a few of them. The three of them were going to keep themselves hidden in order to alert the others to what may be ahead. But Professor McGonagall was right. They had other adults willing to accompany them, and they would not be alone down there. Even Harry was relieved by that.

But he knew full well this was even more difficult for Severus who had no choice but to be left behind and remain in safety. There was nothing more he could do, other than ensuring that they were armed with potions and guidance.

There really was no better way.

Harry turned behind him, to see Kingsley and Molly waiting down the corridor, along with Ron, Hermione, and Ginny. Everyone else must have already departed. Taking a deep breath, Harry took a few steps towards Severus and McGonagall, and stuck his hands in the pockets of his jeans, "We're not going anywhere yet until we finalise the details. Besides, the final phase will be happening in a few days – it won't be a good idea to leave you in the state you're in."

"Mr. Potter is right – I will be assisting on-site, along with Filius. I cannot be there to assist you too, Severus, " McGonagall crinkled her brow in worry, "We are willing to wait a few more days."

Severus was visibly frustrated by that, and if he had the energy to storm off, he would have. Harry noticed him clenching his hands tightly over the hem of his coat, trying to subdue his anxiousness and anger over being so helpless. The color had well and truly drained from his face.

McGonagall looked to Harry, appearing weary, "…Let's get him back to Grimmauld Place before the Ministry has a fit."

Harry, Severus, and McGonagall made the journey back to Order headquarters in silence. They made frequent stops to allow the man to catch his breath, and settle the discomfort occasionally building within his chest. The Headmistress offered to stay for the remainder of the evening once they arrived, and Harry was grateful for that. Severus needed the added company, and he was certain he was sick of Harry's company for the entirety of the three months they've been stuck together under one household. That night, Severus would have to begin fasting – which made no difference to his appetite because he wasn't eating or drinking much anyway – but the main concern was the reluctance of preventing him from accessing the potion regime he had been undergoing for weeks. Harry felt cruel and horrible to keep it from him, but even if Severus understood, it still hurt to do such a thing. It almost reminded him of that fateful night when Harry had to force Dumbledore to ingest the Drink of Despair in order to access the Horcrux, which in the end, turned out to be a fake. However, this situation was almost the opposite. Keeping crucial potions away from him so the specialised potions for the transference spell made for the ritual would work to maximum efficiency.

That is, if Phase Three was a success.

Harry was confident it would be, but he couldn't help but think that Severus really wasn't. Had he now lost hope? No…he couldn't. He needed to be optimistic about this, as it was a requirement of the ritual. Harry refused to see him give up, and especially, not like this. He knew full well that he was aware of the intent behind it, like all other spells that existed. The intent is what drives them, much like the Unforgivables. Without intent, those spells will not work.

Why would this transference spell be any different?

Later that evening, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, and himself began to plan out the groups and assign them an entrance. Draco and Hermione were also going through the cloaking charm word for word, as they have been doing every day for almost a week. Ideally, they would have preferred someone else to learn it too, but they needed a fast learner, and Hermione was the best candidate for that. George had given them each an Instant Darkness Powder to use if they needed it, which Harry was more than grateful for. He had already tested out this product and knew how effective it was.

Despite Harry's input with the plan, he couldn't help the feeling of dread rising up within him. Both the mission and Severus' deterioration that was causing quite the conundrum, and he had never felt so out of place and conflicted as he did at that moment. So many things could go wrong with both situations, and he didn't know where to begin. Harry had hoped to delay the mission in time for Severus to join them once he was confident the ritual would work, however, if Severus weren't confident about either…Neither was Harry. It took a while for him to realise that all that time spent reconciling with Severus, had Harry seemingly mirroring his mood. If Severus was anxious, Harry was too. If Severus was angry, Harry sure as hell was, too. If Severus was being sarcastic, Harry also became that way. Severus' intense personality was rubbing off on Harry, and honestly, it really wasn't that bad.

Perhaps that was also why they couldn't get along before. Both became bitter and angry in each other's company before the revelations and the truth. Neither one of them would back down when they butted heads in their infamous disagreements.

But even now, the reverse seemed to take effect as well. Severus also seemed affected by Harry. It was strange to think how much they influenced each other, but now, Harry was holding onto the sliver of hope that would bring them both some measure of peace of mind. Severus surviving this ordeal would undoubtedly bring about some well-needed relief, and maybe even a bit of happiness.

In turn, he would only hope that Severus would one day, find happiness too.