Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

The Prize	By : Kvarta Category: HP Canon Characters paired with Original Characters > Het - Male/Female Views: 3468 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction. Harry Potter is owned by J.K. Rowling. This story is purely for entertainment purposes, no money is being made from it.

Chapter List
- 16
- 17
- 18
A/N: Reviews are most appreciated.
POPPY
Poppy smiled at her gently
- Yes, elf magic is something different, isn’t it? Come, let us sit and have some tea. Tippy will serve it. I’m glad to see you, dearie. –
- I’m glad to see you Poppy. I missed talking to you. – smiled Katya
- Why didn’t you call me? –
- I don’t know how. – blushed Katya, only now fully aware how lonely she felt
- Didn’t Minister or one of the Aurors explained to you? –
- I never seen them. He told me we are moving from prison, Auror who brought us here just showed the house and left. He told me what I’m not to do and gave me … homework. –
- Oh dear. Did you even leave the house? –
- Day after we moved here. He took me to buy a wand, a broom, - she frowned – and some books. He told me that he is to teach me of your ways, I didn’t see him since, until today. –
- That nincompoop! The Minister dearie, not Severus. Severus is just stubborn as a mule. I’m afraid that dear boy doesn’t know to behave any better, not anymore. – sighed Poppy – I was hoping that Minister will talk to you and explain the situation. –
- What do you mean? – asked, Tippy served them tea, they were sitting at the kitchen table, sipping the tea
- How much do you know about him? –
- I know only public record, written ones. I expected him to be difficult, but if I’m honest, not this much. I am at lose, what to do and how to approach him. –
- There is so much more to it my dear, so much that is not written. Albus never recorded how he was bullied at school as a kid. How he protected his molesters at the boy’s expense, not even when they set a werewolf on him. Albus encouraged the girl he liked not to forgive him, after they had falling out. -
- Lily. –
- Yes, Lily. Old meddling fool. I swear to Merlin, sometimes I think he purposely pushed the boy, alienated him. There are no records how he used the boy at his convenience, pushing him to be the spy. There are no records how many times during the first and the second war I treated the boy from injuries, curses and hexes. How many times he endured crushiatus. The medicine I gave him is for that, he must take it, to the rest of his life. His nerves are damaged due to too many crushiatus he endured. – Poppy wiped the tear. – No human mind can endure that much and stay intact. Albus was cruel to him, even if he doesn’t see it that way. –
- I didn’t know. –
- Yes. The boy has no family. But he does have people who care for him, and you will have help. Minerva and me, even some of his students like Hermione and Harry care deeply for him. He has no friends, save for Malfoys', but you keep him away from them, Lucius is no god for the boy. – Katya nodded – He is hurt, so hurt. He refuses to let people near him. He is not cruel, but he does have temper. The most important thing, one that I told Minister to tell you, - Poppy’s voice was angry now – is that boy is suicidal. –
- Suicidal? – whispered Katya, she was expecting something like that when her magic worked on him but now she wondered to what extent, his story was too grim, so much grimmer than she anticipated
- Yes. After the first war, after Lily died… He wanted to die too. Albus stopped him. Albus coerced him to stay alive and serve him, to take care of the boy Severus hated. –
- Harvey? –
- Harry, yes. The boy has his mother’s eyes, and I have my suspicions that Severus started to care for the boy. Not like him, but care for him on some level. I think that Severus never planned to survive the war, or if he did manage to survive it, he planned to end his life. You see, his only purpose in life was to stop Dark Lord, and he did it. Now, he has no purpose, no reason to live. He is too wrapped up, that he doesn’t see he has friends, and even if he sees, he is too afraid to let them close. –
- Poppy, can I show you something? –
- Of course, dearie. –
- Follow me please. – Katya lead old woman to the library, opening the door and stepping inside, confused when woman stayed in the hallway
- His wards won’t let me in, dearie. – explained the woman. – But I can see what you wanted to show me. –
They returned to kitchen, passing the door of his room, Katya opened them so that a woman can glance at Snape, passed out in the bed. Returning to kitchen they resumed their conversation
- He placed a blood barrier on his rooms, is that why you can’t enter them? –
- Yes, my dear. Can I ask you not to tell that to anyone? You see, blood magic is Dark magic; he can be prosecuted for using it. –
- Dark magic? – Katya blinked, her concept of magic was different, and only now she understood that if anyone finds out how she helped him both may be in serious trouble. She frowned, thinking fast how much woman in front of her knew, and how much she was willing to overlook. Given the circumstances, woman seen her entering blood barrier Snape set, Katya hoped that there is some way she can explain that.
- Can I ask you something, dearie? – asked Poppy carefully, Katya became alerted by the tone of woman’s voice, she just mutely nodded
- Did you tell him already? –
- Tell him what, Poppy? –
- About the bond? Blood bond you share? – whispered Poppy and Katya froze, looking at woman – I’ve seen the document, I’ve talked to Albus… -
- Isn’t he dead? –
- To his portrait, you will learn. – smiled Poppy – Both Minister and me, we know the nature of spell you used. Don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone, and as long as it stays a secret, you are not in trouble. -
- Good. – Katya sigh a sigh of relief – No, I tried to avoid it. I hoped that it won’t be necessary for him to know at all. As soon as he stops being self-destructive the bond would break anyway. But I think that he suspects something now … - she trailed off – Poppy is there any other way to break through blood set… ward… other than break it? –
- Only if caster permit it. Why? –
- I walked to his library today. At first, he didn’t react, but later he became angry, demanded to know how I did that. -
- Yes, he will insist on that answer, I’m afraid. – mumbled Poppy – I must warn you, he won’t take it kindly. In fact, I expect him to react rather violently. – Katya nodded – May I offer my advice? –
- I’d appreciate it. –
- Be honest with him. Don’t lie to him, don’t conceal he truth. Merlin knows he was lied enough in his life time, and from the people he trusted the most. –
- I don’t lie to him. – she protested
- No, but dear, you are not who you are around him either, am I right? – Katya nodded again, blushing – Just be yourself, let him know you. May I ask a personal question? –
- Sure. –
- Are you in love with him? –
- What? NO! I don’t even know him, how could I, and a little I know now… -
- Looks can be deceiving my dear. – smiled Poppy – Why did you saved him then, at the expense of your own life? –
- If I tell you, will it stay only between us? –
- Of course, dearie, I won’t tell a soul, live or dead. –
- Thank you. – Katya sighed – You know so much already, but, my Prize... The man I wanted to save, I loved him so much. I wasn’t in love at him, but I loved him, still do. He saved me, he literally saved my life, he helped me pick up myself, protected me, gave me shelter, teach me how to live and be alive again. You see, being a magic user, where I come from, is a bad stigma. People treat you like you have some disease. My family renounced me, my friends abandoned me. I lost my career, everything. And he helped me. I owed everything to him, and yet, I was so wrapped up in my own misery that I didn’t notice… Not until it was too late. He killed himself. – her voice cracked and she closed her eyes to compose herself, Poppy waited patiently – When I applied for The Prize program, I wanted to save him. But he is out of my reach. I never expected them to grant me my wish, but they did. I was at the top of my class. They offered me to save someone else, at my choice, gave me the names and files on potential candidates. There is a catch to that. The spell would work only on person with similar psychological traits, so I had very limited choice. And I still couldn’t decide. They teach us that we should trust our magic, it is instinctive and it knows sometimes better than we do what we are supposed to do or how to react. My magic chose Snape. I don’t have feelings for him. Well, I didn’t know him then, now, I’m mostly annoyed and angry at him. – she frowned again.
- To go at that length… -
- There is more to it. I am the only one ever granted this wish, and I’ll remain the only one. Then, there is the matter of our ruling body. They are… It is hard to explain, they keep the bad situation alive, don’t want to change it for the better and benefit from misfortune of others. And, there is no escape from it. Majority have similar skills in magic, but for me… I proved to have more than it’s common. If I stayed, they would find a way to use me. I don’t know what will happen when I return but I’ll probably have to run and hide from them. That’s why I choose to help someone else, half of my life isn’t that bad given the circumstances. –
- Can’t you stay here? – asked Poppy worriedly
- I could. There is a loop, but that is not the option here. And if you don’t mind, I don’t want to talk about it. – they sat in silence for a while – I tested him. –
- Tested him? For what? –
- When he came to my room to interrogate me, in prison. I tested him to my way of magic. He is strong, stronger than me to be honest. Or he would be, with proper training. –
- It is funny, isn’t it? Severus was always extremely gifted, even as a child. And smart, smarter than most of the wizarding world, he has an amazing mind. It is funny how someone so strong and smart can be so fragile. – smiled Poppy – You are here for him, and he will know how to appreciate it, once he come to his senses. When he is healed, tell him of your predicament, he might just find some answer, some other solution for you. –
- I will, but I don’t think there is one. – mumbled Katya, woman obviously didn’t know the full truth behind the spell and she was not willing to share it with Severus, Poppy or anyone else for that matter.
- Now, let me show you how the floo network works. – smiled Poppy changing subject and Katya was grateful for that.
Poppy took then to living room and pointed at small bucked of dust looking substance
- This is a floo powder, you take half of hand of this toss it in to a fire and call, if you want to talk to me you call it Hogwarts Infirmary, Poppy Pomfrey, and either me or one of nurses will answer. You will see persons’ head in the flames. –
- That is similar to using it for transportation. –
- Yes. But call is much easier than travel. And, to travel the other fireplace must be open for visitors. In Hogwarts, only one fireplace is open for that, the rest of them are only used for calls. - Katya made the face and Poppy smiled again – Don’t worry, dearie, you will get used to it. –
- Poppy, did I… what’s wrong with weather? –
- Wrong? –
- It is getting colder and colder. – Katya shuddered as howl of the wind reached them
- It is winter, dearie. Didn’t you have seasons at your place? –
- No, all days were more than warm, all nights cold. It never changes. –
- They really sent you here with no knowledge what so ever about this place. – grumbled Poppy
- I don’t think they knew. – she scratched her head – they had some information but I believe they filled the blank places randomly. My file said Goblins are extinct but they are not. I never even heard about house elf; imagine my shock when I first meet Tippy! –
- I’m sure that Severus has some books about… -
- I am not allowed in his library or to use his books. We bought some books for me. –
- Do you have Fantastic beasts and where to find them? –
- Yes, but that was not on the list Mr. Snape made it, I just picked it up at book store. –
- Which one? –
- Flowers and Blobs. –
- Flourish and Blots. – Poppy corrected her – How did you like Diagon Alley? –
- It is … different. So different from my place. Full of life. – she started to talk, remembering - It is alive, full of people and stores. We visited some place full of jars and herbs that smelled funny. Do you know that you can buy pickled eyes on place like that? – she whispered, still at awe and Poppy nodded – And a wand shop! It is full of magic! Overwhelming almost, it took me a long time to choose my wand. –
- Did they lose yours? –
- Oh no! I never had wand before, we use our magic without wand. Mr. Snape told me he will teach me how to use my wand when arrives here. –
- Mr. Snape? Why don’t you call him by his name? –
- He doesn’t want me to call him by his name. He keeps call me Miss Katya. –
- Give him time, dearie. Give him time. – chuckled Poppy – So you had a special-order wand. That’s nice. –
- We went to a book store and quill shop. And I found perfect shelf for the books in my room. –
~ S ~ S ~ S ~
Listening at Katya’s excited blabbing Poppy smiled gently. Over the course of months, she came to care for the girl. The girl was bright, good conversationalist, eager to learn and good natured. Letting the girl to share her point of view about all new things she encountered Poppy mulled on their previous conversation. Wondering if she is going to break any trust if she tells Severus about Katyas’ predicament. It was such a shame to let the girl just return without even trying to help.
She nearly brightened at thought of Albus. Yes, maybe Albus could help, by her opinion he cocked all this mess in the first place. When the time comes, she will see that Albus have a nice, long informative conversation with Severus, which would be for the best. The girl was talking about the owls with amazement, explaining how in her world there are no animals in the freedom. Poppy wondered if they can find a way to keep the girl here, her world sounded cold and cruel.
- Did you go for clothes shopping yet? -
- No. I can’t go unaccompanied. To be honest I like the clothes I have now. I don’t like dresses and skirts. -
- Yes. You will need them at least for official appearances. –
- Why would I be called to those things? –
- You’ll see. Just give it a time. Prophet didn’t report yet that either of you are out and about, but once they do… - chuckled Poppy, knowing well that Prophet won’t have anything with Katyas' attendance.
Tippy popped up
- Master Snape is awake now Madam. –
- Thank you, Tippy. – she nodded.
Both women walked to the door of Snape’s room, poppy pushed the door open. She noticed that Katya was peaking behind her shoulder, with curiosity of a kitten. Severus was lying on the bed, looking worse for the wear. She cleared her throat
- Let me in you mule. – setting her voice to be stern and bit cross, she eyed him carefully as he weakly raised his wand and made a move. Stepping in to his room, and noticing that Katya stayed obediently as if she can’t enter.
“Smart girl, she can give him few laps of running.” - Severus Snape, do I have to deem you as unfit to take care of yourself, and return you to Hogwarts? –
- Poppy… -
- Now, you will listen to me. You will take your medicine daily, no exceptions. You will stay in that bed at least five days. You will practice personal hygiene and eat three meals a day with no exceptions. I’ll come to check on you every other day. Did I make myself clear? - he just nodded, paling in his cheeks even more than he already was – Don’t you blush to me. –huffed – That girl saved your life, on my account, she is still trying. You bee decent to her; do you hear me? Do not embarrass me; I think I thought you better than that. –
Poppy looked at the man lying in bed in front of her, holding a firm stance to him. She did think of him as if he was her own son. She knew that pressing him hard would produce opposite reaction, but chastise him could have the desired effect.
- Poppy, I… - he looked at Katya’s direction, he waved her wand and the door closed – She walked through my wards. –
- She did? – blinked Poppy – I heard that you followed her down the hall saying that, but that she was arguing with you from the threshold. How long did you stay awake? – he waved his head, shrugging – Mhm, and how long you didn’t eat properly? – silence meet her again – I can bet that you didn’t take any potions as well. –
- I didn’t have the time to make any. –
- Mhm. May I ask then, how can you be sure of anything? –
- You have a point. – he grumbled, but she could see that clogs in his brain turning vigorously – I explained to the girl how she can contact me via floo, you pluck your head out of those damn books and teach her properly our ways. –
He closed his eyes and she observed his worn features with worry, he looked tired with deep marks etched on his face. She was afraid of this. Sitting on the edge of the bed she moved few strands of the hair from his face. Her tone soft
- Listen to me Severus, you know I like you like you are my own child. I know you hate this situation, but for once I am glad that she is here. Just teach her what you have, talk to her. – he grunted in response – I talked to her while she was in Holding Cell, a lot. She is a smart and decent girl. Problem is, she is lot like yourself, give her an attitude and she will give you twice in return. I don’t say to be something you are not, just to be fair. If you ask her, nicely, she will answer you truthfully. –
- You know? – his eyes popped open
- I do, and no, I won’t betray her trust. She has nothing to hide, no back agenda. The war is over boy. –
- I am almost frothy year old man Poppy, not a boy anymore. – he grumbled, but his voice lacked the sting
- Still a boy to me. Now, take care of yourself. I’ll see you in two days. – she got up and walked to the door – Rest today, I’ll give Tippy instructions. Remember, bath and bed for next five days, for you. And raise the blinds, let some light in this room, you are pale as a ghost. –
Exiting the room, she could hear him chuckle. Giving the instructions to Tippy and Katya she returned to Hogwarts.
- 16
- 17
- 18
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The Prize