Radix Acclaro

9 - Return

The return to Hogwarts was rather anticlimactic really. Overall Harry was pretty disappointed that Dumbledore bought their story, and a few well timed tears on Hermione's part had the Headmaster agreeing to Snape's 'reluctant' suggestion of quarters for them in the dungeons. Of course, a pale Harry clinging to the snarky man's hand seemed to shake the Headmaster a bit.

Draco seemed quietly dazed the entire time. When questioned about the boy, Snape reported that Draco had tried to free Harry and Hermione and had wound up imprisoned as well.

The Gryffindors freely embellished their time in the Dark Lord's dungeons. They told of interminable lengths of absolute darkness followed by periods of blinding light. The intervals varied and they had had no idea of how long they were held until Dumbledore told them. They told of the constant noise – metal banging, screaming, and other sounds so that they could not sleep. Then it would go quiet until one of them started to doze which would trigger the deafening sounds again.

Snape reported he had only managed to rescue them by waiting for the Dark Lord and a majority of the Death Eaters to attend a meeting with the Vampire Council in Paris. However the move had exposed him as a supporter of the Light and he would no longer be able to spy for them.

Harry was gratified to see the old man lose his twinkle at least. It had taken the obvious trauma of the Wizarding World's Savior and the loss of his most prized spy, but it had happened. They were excused from attending the feast that night and classes for the week, though Dumbledore did encourage them to eat as many of their meals in the Great Hall as possible – to 're-socialize', as he called it..

After being examined by Madam Pomfrey, whom they left looking puzzled, they headed for the dungeons to see their new quarters.

The House Elves had been given free reign on the new rooms and, by the look of the result, the perceptive little creatures had enjoyed themselves while keeping the student's recent ordeal in mind. The rooms were practically identical, although extremely cozy looking with only the color schemes identifying them. Dracos was unsurprisingly done in shades of green while Hermione's was an interesting fluorescent pink and white. Harry's room however, made even Snape raise a questioning eyebrow – it was done completely in black – from the walls, to the bed linens, to the wood of the bed and dresser.

Harry just shrugged and smiled.

Their rooms had no access from the halls, the only way in was through Severus' sitting room, which had been expanded considerably. The larger room now allowed them all a bit of privacy while still being in proximity to their 'rescuer', or they could congregate on the cushy sofas by the fire.

They decided to forego the feast as Dumbledore suggested; they didn't want to appear too energetic after all.

While Draco and Hermione curled up on the sofa, Snape led Harry to his own predominately gray bedroom which contained the only floo connection in the school besides the Headmasters.

"Wear this at all times," the Potion Master said, handing the Gryffindor a simple silver ring, "it will heat up sharply if you need to return here. Don't procrastinate if I signal you."

"Yes Sir," Harry said with a smile, "Thank you, Sir."

The pale man actually smiled back.

"You do remember the passwords, don't you?" At Harry's nod, Snape handed him the floo powder. "Please refrain from falling out of the fireplace and breaking things with that rock-like appendage you call a head."

With a chuckle and a flash of flames Harry was gone.

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