It is our choices (A Harry/Severus friendship fic post DH) (Watty Awards 2011)

Chapter 15- of love, loyalty and innocence

Authors Note: I dedicate this chapter to Wizardinglover for always commenting on my chapters (even if it was just to say that she was happy i uploaded!) And i hope you reach the end of the story soon! I look forward to hear what you (all of you) think about it :) Thanks so much to all the new readers who have caught up and are commenting! It's great to hear from you!!! I sincerely hope this chapter lives up to all of your expectations. Enjoy!

Chapter 15- '...of love, loyalty and innocence...'

"Bravery," Snape puffed at the Fat Lady. The portrait moved aside so that Snape could get past. Snape hadn't even thought about the consequences that would arise when he walked into the Gryffindor common room; although the students didn't hate him as such, they didn't find him friendly and thought him to be slightly sinister. When he entered the large room, it seemed like every Gryffindor present froze in mid-action to look at the person who had just entered. Finally, a boy in fifth year who was in Snape's defense against the dark arts class spoke up: 

"Is it okay if we leave the dormitories now?" 

"No, it would be best if you all go to sleep," Snape said as he looked around for Albus. 

"What happened, Professor? Did something happen to Harry Potter?" Another student asked, looking slightly worried. 

"Um, yes, but he will be fine," Snape replied hesitantly. 

"What happened?" James demanded wanting to know what was wrong with his father. 

"This isn't the place to discuss it. Everyone please continue with your activities," Snape announced, hoping to speak with James and Rose in private to see if Albus had spoken to them. Slowly the students continued on with their homework, assignments or general gossip and once everyone seemed distracted, Snape made his way over to James and Rose. 

"What's happened to my Dad?" James demanded again. 

"Your father- well I do not know the full story, but from what I understand, your father arrived just outside Hogwarts and was attacked by Dementors and Fenrir Greyback," Snape whispered because he didn't want the other students overhearing. 

Rose put her hand to her mouth in shock and worry. 

"Is he okay?"  

"Yes, he will make a full recovery, though it may take a few days."  

"Can I go and see him?" James asked, looking slightly worried too. 

"Yes, but I think I should go with you, Mr Potter. But the reason why I came up here was to ask you if you have seen your brother," Snape asked looking eagerly at the two students in front of him. 

Rose and James looked at each other. Finally Rose answered. 

"Albus came to the common room not long ago, but he didn't talk to us and just went to his dormitory. We both went up there to find out what was wrong, but he was upset... he didn't want to talk to us..." Rose looked down, obviously hurt and confused as to why her cousin didn't want to talk to them. 

Snape was relieved that Albus was safe, but he felt a little sorry for James and Rose; they still didn't understand why they were rejected. 

"Do you know why Al is upset?" James asked; he had the feeling that Snape knew something they didn't. 

"Yes, but I insist that I see him first and if he desires, he can tell you both what happened later- I really must speak with him. After I have finished talking to Mr Potter, I will meet you back here and we'll go together to the hospital wing. Do not leave the dormitory," Snape said in a commanding whisper. Rose and James nodded as they watched Snape walk up towards Albus' dormitory.