Red

Gone Away

A cold hand shook at your shoulder. Causing you to startle out of your sleep. Sitting up in a panic, you could barely see the outline of the figure. It wasn't even late enough for the sun to be up.

"Dumbledore is here, get up."

The familiar voice did very little to calm you down. It didn't seem to bother him. A robe was thrust into your hands. It was your dressing robe that normally sat in the back of your wardrobe. An interesting choice. You wondered how long Severus had been in your house. His tone was urgent.

"Come on."

Begrudgingly you got up and pulled the robe on. You could only get your good arm in. Severus helped pull the robe over your injured shoulder and quickly tied it at the waist. The hallway light turned on quickly as you followed Severus down the staircase. Expecting Dumbledore to be in a serious mood, you weren't expecting to find him making tea in your kitchen. Both he and Severus were fully dressed like they hadn't gone to sleep yet. This wasn't surprising enough to bring up.

"I hope you don't mind-"

"No-" Your voice was raspy and strangled. "Not at all."

Dumbledore made his way into the living room. Sitting in the leather armchair nearest the smoldering fireplace. Severus' presence at your side was enough to keep you calm. If death eaters were after you, there wouldn't even be a meeting. They would have moved you hours ago. Though moving you was a whole other issue.

"Severus has informed me of the situation. Do you recall anything else?"

"I met Damocles Belby in Cambridge for my brother's business. Everything was fine, I didn't want to take the floo back here so I just walked. He was just there."

"Was he alone?"

"If he wasn't, it was too chaotic."

"And you're sure it was Dolohov who attacked you?"

"I've never been more positive."

You swayed as each word took more energy than you had. Severus motioned for you to sit. Adjusting your robe, you complied. Not worth passing out over attempting to look tough. Both men could see right through it anyways.

"Heal up. I'll inform the rest of the Order at our next meeting."

Dumbledore lingered for a moment. You weren't sure why and you weren't going to ask. Acknowledging Severus's continued presence with a head nod before disapparating.

Severus pulled out another set of vials for you. You almost refused. The suffering having felt... deserved. Each swallow felt like a rake down your throat. Soon it was numb.

"How is your neck?"

"Missing a piece." His lack of amusement was expected. You continued. "As well as it was when you checked it yesterday."

"Are you able to lift your arm?"

"Not any further than I could before."

Severus moved the shoulder of your robe to examine your shoulder. His thin fingers prodded along the injured skin. While his lips pursed when you flinched. Lifting your arm slowly he watched your face. The joint popped from the movement. An unpleasant feeling but not unexpected.

"This will take time to heal."

You nodded. He slowly let go of your arm. Recovering your shoulder, he turned his attention to your neck. In the mirror you knew the scar would be bad. The bandage had covered the worst of it. Even with Fawkes tears the thin skin that had formed was fragile. It was obvious by Severus's face that this one would take more than he could do to heal.