Spur of the Moment

Chapter 49

Note: Real memory from DH included. Not mine.

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Harry lay on the bed that had been placed next to Severus' somewhat nervously. He wanted to help Severus and he was determined to, but that didn't stop him being nervous about the whole thing. He turned his head to his right and looked at Severus.

The man was still unconscious, but he was always in motion. He continuously jerked and twitched and writhed and all kinds of other things. A few whimpers and muted screams had escaped the thin lips and many injuries had shown themselves. Severus' left forearm had been broken, many ribs had cracked, a couple fingers had broken, his right shoulder had dislocated, his jaw fractured, both cheekbones had nearly broken, and none of it included the dozens of bruises and cuts that had appeared. Patches of Severus' white skin were now tinged red from all the blood.

It was painful to watch and Harry had nearly been brought to hysterics in the last couple hours.

They were almost ready to begin. McGonagall had been called along with Flitwick and Sprout to help. There were multiple trays floating around, all filled with potions. Some were from the infirmary, Severus' stores, and even St. Mungo's hospital. Bandages were nearby and everyone had their wands out. The Hospital Wing had been locked and silenced, and all the adults had removed their robes.

Ivory and Hedwig had appeared and were both perched on the headboards of their masters. They occasionally chirped and made noises at each other. Harry had a feeling they were communicating.

"I believe we're ready now," Poppy said and Harry was pulled back to the situation.

Dumbledore walked up to the foot of the beds that had been pushed together. "Now, Harry, you must listen carefully. This will not be an easy task. Despite who Severus is, he will lose himself in the memories if you let him."

"I'll do my best, Professor," Harry said and Dumbledore smiled.

"I know you will. Now, you will need physical contact with Severus to make the connection stronger. Simply holding his hand will be enough. When you are ready, you will close your eyes and search for your magical core. You will know it when you see it. When you find it, you will be able to follow the bond you have with Severus and enter his mind. Remember, Harry, he is a very skilled Occlumens. You will have to find a way past his shields."

"How?" Harry asked.

"One thing you must know, Harry, is that Severus is able to prolong insanity longer than most people because of his skill at Occlumency. That does not mean he is immune from it only that it is prolonged. It is the same in this situation. This curse is meant to send a person into insanity and so it is slowly breaking Severus' walls. You must find a way through and help him," Dumbledore said and Harry noted that the man didn't really answer his question.

"What bond do you mean?" Harry asked, remembering Dumbledore mentioning a bond between Harry and Severus.

Dumbledore smiled and his eyes twinkled. "You will discover that soon enough, my boy," he said and Harry frowned. "We will be giving you both Nutritive Potions and others as they are needed. Once you wake up, you will feel tired and weak and lightheaded and dizzy. It will all pass after a couple days of rest."

Harry nodded.

"Any questions?" Dumbledore asked.

"Has this ever been done before?" Harry said.

"Once before." Dumbledore nodded.

"Did it work?"

"No."