It took Severus several minutes to regain consciousness, and when he did he realized he was back in the Infirmary, sprawled across the body of his dead enemy’s son. He hastily straightened up, planting his feet steadily on the ground. Lailie was across from him, just getting to her feet as well. A noise from the side brought his head spinning around.

“Are you both alright?”

Severus kept quiet and allowed Lailie to answer Poppy.

“We’re fine.” Lailie nodded at her and directed her gaze to the headmaster. “You should give him the potion now, Albus. It’d be best to finish with this business quickly.”

“Did everything go alright? You spoke to Harry?”

Remus swung his head to look at her. As soon as Severus had stood up, Remus had replaced him at the bedside, holding onto Harry’s hand like it was a lifeline. He waited anxiously for Lailie to answer.

“We did.”

Remus’ eyes lit up. “How is he? Did he say anything?”

Lailie glanced at Severus, but he refused to meet her gaze. All he wanted right now was some peace and quiet, and not to listening to the werewolf whine on and on about his precious pup.

He’d let Lailie answer all the questions. After all, Severus hardly understood what had just happened. The only use he could be would be to tell Lupin just how horrible the boy looked, how much pain he apparently was in and somehow, Severus doubted that would go over well.

“If I may be excused.” He had addressed the headmaster, but Severus didn’t wait for an answer. He turned on his heel and, black robes fluttering behind him, he left the hospital wing.

He had just turned into the corridor when he heard Albus call to him. “Severus. If you’d be so kind, meet me in my office when you have a moment?”

Damn it. It wasn’t a request, it was an order. Why couldn’t the old codger leave him alone? He had made the potion, gone with the damn healer or whatever she was, and now all Severus wanted was to forget it all.

“Of course, Headmaster.”

The spiral staircase ascended slowly and Severus willed it to go even slower. Reaching the top, he knocked once. Dumbledore’s invitation to enter was muffled by the thick wooden door.

“You wanted to see me, Albus?”

“Yes, Severus. Come sit down. Lemon drop?” He motioned to an armchair in front of his desk and held out a tray of the brightly colored candies.

Severus sneered. “No, thank you.” How anyone could eat something made of pure sugar, he’d never understand. He lowered himself onto the soft cushions, leaning back and crossing one leg over the other. “What did you want, Albus?” His tone was snappish.

“My dear boy, what has gotten you all wound up?”

Severus stared at him incredulously. Could the old man be that daft?

“My soul has just spent the better part of an hour in that arrogant brat’s mind. Alongside that damned Horcrux.”

Severus rubbed a hand tiredly over his eyes. Albus watched him; blue eyes twinkling.

“I take it you did not enjoy the experience?”

“Was I supposed to?”

“I had thought, being an Occlumens, you might appreciate the art of jumping souls.”

“Is that what you call it? Jumping souls?”

“There is no official name for it, but that is the main idea.”

“Yes, well, I’d be happy to never do it again. I value having my soul in my body.”

“Very well, Severus.” Albus let out a soft chuckle.

Silence fell for a few moments. Severus shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Was there a reason you wished to see me? Or did you just fancy a chat?”

“You’ll find that chatting can be good for you, Severus but no, that is not why I called you.” He pushed his chair back and stood up, heading to stand next to the window. He clasped his hands behind his back and gazed out over the grounds. “I will be leaving tonight.”

“Leaving?” Severus stood up. How could the headmaster leave at a time like this? “To where?”

“There is something I must retrieve. I shall not be gone long.”

“Now, Albus?” asked Severus disbelievingly. “You really think this is the time for you to disappear again? What about Potter?” He moved to stand next to the old man, furrowing his eyebrows.

“The potion will give us a few more hours. I should have returned by then.” He paused. “I believe I have found the location of another Horcrux.”

“Another Horcrux?”

“Yes. I once told you of a ring.” Memories flickered in Severus’ mind. “One that belonged to Voldemort’s mother.”

“Yes, but wherever it is, it must be drenched in charms and enchantments. An excruciating death surely awaits anyone who claims it.”

Dumbledore’s eyes twinkled. “Then it’s a good thing I have no intention of wearing it.” He pulled out his wand and wordlessly summoned the Sword of Gryffindor to his hand.

“Albus!”

“Severus, this must be done.”

“Then let me do it.”

“I need you here, Severus.”

“For what purpose?”

“I need you to watch Harry until I get back. He will be safe with you.”

Severus snorted. “That is what you need me for? To babysit your precious savior?”

Albus looked at him, eyes piercing. “You will put aside your anger, Severus. I trust you.”

“You throw away your trust too easily, old man.”

With Albus gone, Severus found himself spending most of his time in the Headmaster’s office, nervously awaiting Albus’ return. Severus had stayed in the Infirmary long enough to watch Poppy give Potter the binding potion, but once the boy started whimpering in pain, he left.

Severus found a stock of Lemon Drops hidden away in one of the cabinets as he searched for something to soothe his nerves. Trust Albus not to have any alcohol in his office, just those stupid candies. He was sorely tempted to fire-call the kitchens for something to drink. Sighing heavily, Severus paced back and forth, leaving a trail in the carpet.

Too tired to head down to his own chambers, Severus plopped himself down in an armchair across from the fireplace. While his own hard leatherback wingchair was a personal favorite, Severus was not opposed to sinking into soft plush cushions every once in a while. He stared into the fire, its orange and red flames captivating him.

Why did the Headmaster need to take care of this tonight of all nights? Why was it so important that he could not wait until Potter’s recovery had been assured?

Severus’ thoughts were filled with the boy in the Hospital Wing. The binding potion would be taking effect in those moments, leaving Potter powerless. He would not have the strength, nor the willpower to resist and the Horcrux would take over. He shuddered at the thought. He could really use that drink…

Leaning forward towards the fire, Severus grabbed a handful of floo-powder from a canister resting on the floor. The flames turned green before Severus had thrown the powder, startling him. Poppy’s face floated in the fire.

“Severus? Is that you?” Her voice held a hint of unease. Severus knelt down onto the warm stones.

“Yes, Poppy.”

“Oh, thank goodness. I tried you in your rooms, but you weren’t there.”

“Obviously I’m in the Headmaster’s office.”

“So I realized.” Poppy scowled at him.

“What do you need, Madam?”

“It’s Mr. Potter.” Of course it is. “Something’s gone wrong.”

“With the potion?”

“I don’t know.” Her face was etched with worry and while Severus had seen that expression plenty of times, it unnerved him now. “Can you come down?”

“Where is Lailie?”

“She’s gone already. Please, Severus…”

He nodded. “I’m coming.”

Poppy’s face disappeared from the fire. The flames didn’t have time to return to their normal color before Severus was throwing in the powder in his hand and stepping into the fire.

**flashback**

Once again, Harry wasn’t sure what was going on. The last thing he remembered was that woman, Lailie, telling him about the binding potion. She had said it would be painful, but Harry didn’t care.

She had explained that the potion would speed up whatever was happening to him and would help them to be able to remove the Horcrux. He didn’t know what a Horcrux was, but he knew it was hurting him. He remembered agreeing to take the potion and being pulled and jostled before darkness enveloped him.

And now, he could feel himself being pulled back to consciousness. Someone was calling his name.

“Harry…”

He must have made some sound in response for the next thing he knew, people were muttering something about a potion for him. His mouth was pulled open and a vial’s cold rim was placed against his mouth. Harry could feel a burning liquid rush in and fill his mouth. He knew he should swallow, but something was telling him not to. He gagged. Someone placed a hand over his mouth and his nose was pinched closed even as another hand gently massaged his throat. Reflexes took over and the liquid burned its way down his throat.

He could hear distant voices, but he couldn’t understand them. They were like white noise to him in this befuddled state.

“The potion will start to work immediately. There’s no telling how quickly the Horcrux will take over, although Albus seemed to think it would be at least a few hours.”

“I can’t believe he just left.”

“He would not have gone if it wasn’t important, Remus.”

“I know Poppy, but still—Severus, where are you going?”

“I do not wish to stick around for this. I’ve seen enough.”

There was a rustling sound and the sound of a door opening. The hinges creaked as they were shut again.

“I must go too.” Through the haze he was in, Harry recognized that voice. “There are some things I need to take care of.”

“Thank you, Healer Dalton.”

“You’re welcome, and its ‘Lailie’.”

There was more rustling, then a ‘whooshing’ noise.

A surge of pain rushed through Harry and he whimpered. Someone brushed the hair back off his face. A cool palm was placed against his forehead and when they spoke, Harry could feel the vibrations.

“He’s warm.”

“Can you give him anything?”

“If the binding potion has taken effect, then anything I give him will be useless.”

In his foggy mind, Harry didn’t register the heat. The warmth was a blessed relief from the freezing cold temperatures he had been in before, and he was comfortable in it.

“I’m not worried just yet. It might just be a side effect.”

The hand holding Harry’s squeezed tightly, and began whispering reassurances in his ear. But Harry wasn’t worried. Something in him told him that it would end. He would be fine soon.