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
- 6
- 7
- 8
Authors Note: I set my heart on this story, even if I started it in response to challenge. If anyone would like to be my beta, I would appreciate it!
Also, I would like to know your opinion about the story, should I continue writing it? So, drop me a note (review) and let me know what you think.
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NOWHERE TO RUN
In following days, Poppy gave him permission to get out of bed, but he could stay outside the bed only for short time and not without supervision. First time he tried to get out of the bed did not go so well, his muscles were feeble and sore, not lending him enough support to stand or walk on his own, his movements uncoordinated and clumsy. Sharp sting of humiliation was multiplied by seemingly constant presence of Potter and Grainger. To his relief, at least Weasley was not in the room that day.
Poppy helped him to stand up, and supported him through first shaky steps, barking commands. His body felt oddly disconnected from the brain after so many months in bed. When he almost tumbled and fell in attempt to maintain balance, Potter turned around pretending to watch through the window but Hermione run to offering her support. Only Poppy’s stern eyes prevented Snape from spilling all his poison at the girl. At Poppy’s insistence, he did not have permission to leave the bed when he was alone in the room, certain that she would know and send him to St. Mungo’s. Nevertheless, walking, even if with company gave him at least modicum of relief. Now, he was able to use utilities or take a bath, albeit with Potter lingering at bathroom, situation that made both of them feel extremely uncomfortable. For the majority of time he still spend in bed, unable to avoid constantly growing number of visitors.
At the same time, Poppy tried persuading him either to go to the St. Mung’s or to accept healers from St. Mungo’s he refused both options. His throat healed as much as possible with limited choice of healing potions and spells provided by Poppy. Even grunts or similar sounds forced him in to an uncontrollable fits of lungs-ripping cough. After days of arguments and persuading Poppy gave in, opting to learn necessary spells and ordered a potion from St. Mungo’s. Now, she was hovering over him holding a phial in her hand with cross look on the face. He was doing his best to ignore Poppy’s presence all together.
- Severus drink the potion, healer who brew it took time to make it for you. –
- No! –
- You are stubborn as a mule. – huffed Poppy, he just turned head from her and stared at the wall. – Don’t force me to call that healer to come here Severus. – he didn’t respond. – Okay, but you’ll regret it. Remember, you brought this on yourself. – threatened Poppy and marched out of the room. He was stubborn not to take anything that wasn’t made by Poppy or himself, aware that healing potion is perfect for mixing in a bit of poison. Not that he had need to cling to life, more than he wanted to end his life on his own terms, preferably somewhere far away of the helps reach.
That same afternoon Andromeda Tonks stormed in his room, looking tired and red in face from anger; starting her barrage from the moment she waked through the door
- Severus Snape, I am not appreciating that attitude of yours. I have a husband, daughter and son in law to mourn. I have a grandson to take care of; I don’t have time nor will to play your games. I made this medicine on Poppy’s request, only because it is for you. I wasted my time over the cauldron and if you don’t drink it…. –
- You made the potion? –
- I did. And even if I didn’t, what are you thinking, that someone would poison half of the patients in the hospital just to get you? YOU are not that important, stop kidding yourself! Don’t be paranoid and take that blasted potion before I kill you myself, without any poison! I am glad to see you alive, but just to make it clear, if I had the choice, you would be on the end of my list to save. However, no one asked and me here you are, and I will be damned if I send you a potion that would kill you. – she slammed the phial at his hand, turned and walked away. Before she could reach the door, he snapped his fingers, she twirled on her heel to stare at him, and Severus raised the parchment
- Thank you! For the medicine and the trial. I am truly sorry for your lose. –
- I know. Don’t make me regret it. – she nodded and walked away. He removed the stopper and dutifully downed the potion.
Week later, he could whisper a short sentences. However, his throat was still painful and felt raw after. As time passed by, his strength and his voice returned slowly to him. He could raise a voice above the whisper, sounding strange even to himself. His voice was husky and deeper, opting for writing most of the time for now he was communicating only with Poppy, with occasional grunt or hiss as reply to endless babble of Hermione Granger.
With his health on the mend, number of visitors grew, the Golden Trio finally moved from the castle and didn’t bother him anymore but other started to come, tormenting him with their presence. Professors, heads of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff house, all offering their apologies and gratitude. Rage bubbled inside him, desperate, blinding. Need to shout, to curse, and make them see who he really is, was overwhelming. Not a hero, not a nice man who sacrificed himself for the well being of others. He was a petty, jealous, possessive and vindictive. He was weak, scared and a killer. With all the good wizards and witches that died in this war, he was the last person who deserved to be saved and alive.
When Minerva came to his room, with apologetic smile on her face his rage had a shade of a white heat. She slipped silently on the chair next to him and sat there quietly for several minutes, shifting her eyes from her hands to his face and back. She finally uttered just a simple
- I’m sorry Severus, for everything. –
- We all played our parts Minerva; you did what you suppose to do. –
- I should have trust you more. –
- And get me killed? Put entire elaborate plan in jeopardy? You supposed to see me as enemy. –
- Yes. – Minerva replied slightly wincing from his cold and detached demeanor – I wanted to discuss with you possibility of return to your old position. You may choose to teach either Potions or Defense against Dark Arts, I also like to reinstate you as Head of Slytherin House and offer you role of Deputy Headmaster. –
- Did you lost your mind Minerva? – he rasped, abandoning writing. She looked at him with awe at the sound of his voice
- Severus?! –
- Even if I am insane enough to teach ever again in my life, which I am not. Do you honestly think parents would want a killer to teach their kids…? – his tirade was interrupted by fit of cough
- You are not a killer Severus. – Minerva’s eyes looked sad
- No? You may call Albus to…, ah yes, you cannot. Someone killed him; I wonder who that might be. – no matter how odd his voice sounded he could still sip a poison with no room for mistake
- Severus, we are friends for a long time now… -
- We are? Then, as a friend, do me a favor Minerva. –
- Name it. –
- Leave me be. – he cough again, his throat hurt to the point that his eyes watered – With all the gratitude, I respectfully decline you offer, generous as might be. -
- If that is your wish… - he nodded - … I won’t bother you again. Rest now, I’ll visit you later. –
- Do not bother. Tell the others. I do not care or wish for visitors. – Minerva nodded, sad look in her eyes made him flinch – I do not need pity. – he spat at her and turn the head closing his eyes. Minerva left the room with a soft click of a door closing behind her.
After Minerva’s visit, his former colleagues stopped visiting, but former students, even parents continued to come and torture him with their presence. Unable to avoid or escape the visitors, he was listening to them, sometimes nodding but most often just lying, with eyes closed, wishing them away.
It was early noon, when he heard voices in front of the door, it sounded like half of the school decided to visit him at once. Growling in despair, he realized that he is trapped in this room, with no possibility of escape. They were, shuffling and arguing, entire Weasley clan, as it seems will sink their fangs in him, in no time.
“Death is preferable compared to this, to all of this. I should have not survived, I did not deserve – to live or to suffer through this torment.”
Outside the closed door, he could hear Molly trying to bring order among her children.
- Mum do we have to? I’m tired of looking at greasy dungeon bat. – grumbled Ron’s voice
- Ronald Weasley I thought you to behave better than that. –
- Ron, we have to…, I have to express my gratitude to him. –
- For cutting off your ear? –
- For saving my life, you twat. –
- He saved Harry’s life as well. – Ginny’s voice sounded sharp
- And yours too Ronald. – Molly sharply reprimanded her son
- Did you all forget…, why did that woman saved him? Why didn’t she saved… -
- Ronald!, stop that now! – he could hear Molly shriek – Yes, I would love that she choose my child over him. That has nothing to do with Severus, and I don’t want to hear you talking like that ever again. If you can’t behave the way I raised you, you may stay here. –
Door flung open forcefully and Molly marched in the room, followed by Weasley clan, he noticed that Ron stayed outside. Molly came to him and squeezed him in a smoldering hug. He blinked at her. Arthur gave him a firm handshake and friendly smile. Rest of the Weasley’ echoed various “hellos” to him. In all honesty, he didn’t have anything against Molly and Arthur, they were among rare people who were always nice to him, regardless of others.
- How are you feeling, dear? – fussed Molly, reaching to set the pillows and tuck the covers around him. Pulling from her purse horrendous knitted blanket she tossed it over his shoulders – You finally gained some weight. – she deduced with satisfaction
- Molly, dear. – her husband tried to prevent her from further fussing – How do you feel old man? Better? –
He nodded and ascribed on a parchment
- I am so sorry Molly, Arthur… - Molly stopped his hand
- I’m sure that you did all you could, we all did. That is war to you, - she sniffled – no one holds you responsible. –
- George, I am sorry about your ear. –
- That is all right Professor, I suspected you, when ointment arrived, also Harry told me he knew the spell to close the wound because he heard it from you. – he eyed George, boy was once a thorn in his backside with always present grin and glimmer of mischief in his eyes, now he looked serious with dark circles beneath somber gaze – I’m glad to see you alive. –
- Even after so many detentions? –
- They were, well deserved. – the ghost of a smile danced around boy’s lips
- Too bad, Mr. Weasley, that you did not direct all that energy in to brewing. You had potential to become excellent Potion Master yourself. – George just smiled and blushed, Ginny gasped at this compliment he eyed her – Do not go around spreading rumors about my niceness Miss. Weasley, I am assure you that they would be unfounded. –
- Never crossed my mind, Professor. Thank you for taking care of Harry. –
- You are very welcome, Miss. Weasley. – he smirked
- Professor, - George smiled weakly at him – Charlie and Bill sent you their regards. Charlie had to go back to Romania and Bill stayed at home to help Fleur. –
- ? –
- She had a baby recently. –
- Congratulate them on my behalf Mr. Weasley. Congratulations to you Molly and Arthur. - knowing well that this was far from what people used to get from him, he observed confusion on Weasley children’s faces  - Mrs. Weasley, to answer your question, I am fine. –
- I’m glad to hear that. You just listen to Poppy, and heal nicely. When you get out of here, I hope to see you at Burrow. We rebuild it after the war. You have to visit us for dinner. – she smiled, and eyed him seriously - No matter what you heard before, I am glad that you are alive, we all are. There is no bad blood between us Severus, and I wanted to say that to your face. I broth you homemade soup, I’ll just pop to see if that is all right with Poppy. You did gain weight but you are still all skin and bones. – huffed Molly and walked out
- You have to excuse her old man, she still cries a lot. – apologetically smiled Arthur - But we all agree with her. Doors of our home are open for you, when you feel the need to see us. Do not force yourself on Molly’s behalf. –
- Thank you. How are things at the Ministry these days? –
- Father got promotion. – burped Percy – I am glad to say that I returned to my Ministry job as well. –
- Percy! – Arthur had warning tone addressing his son – It is good, I am still at my old department, I guess I like muggles too much. I did get promotion to head of the department. –
- And a nice raise. –
- That won’t get you new broom, young lady. – Arthur turned to his daughter
- But dad…! – whined the youngest Weasley
- This is not the time nor the place; we will continue that discussion at home. – Severus listen to them biker and almost smiled, seeing Weasley family going on about such simple things, even after all the loos they suffered somehow eased his mind. Annoying as Weasley clan was, all the sacrifices he made were justified, and they had hope for better life, life without fear. He closed his eyes briefly
- I am sorry Severus we are tiring you. -
- You are not tiring me Arthur. Please, tell me about news from Ministry, as much as you can. – Weasley kids told their “goodbyes” and let their father talk to him. Molly came just to feed him with large bowl of tasty homemade soup and storming out to break the argument in hallway. Arthur chatted pleasantly for a while. Leaving Arthur smiled but his eyes were serious
- I meant what I said; our doors are open for you, always. But, take your time and come when you feel comfortable. You are a good man Severus; don’t let anyone tell you differently, many will try to convince you otherwise. I want you to know, you have a friend and supporter in me. –
- Thank you Arthur. – replied and smiled – Do not let your children destroy my bad reputation. -
Unlike all other visits, this one left him feeling good about what he did. For the first time since he opened his eyes, he felt like all he did had some purpose, that all was worth wile.
- 6
- 7
- 8
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The Prize