The Power of Pain

Chapter 44

"It's going to be okay. 'Mione, I promise." Ron's words were rushed as he moved quickly through the trees. His heart pounding in his ears at what he'd just done. Even he couldn't believe it, but it was done. There was no turning back now.

He stumbled, holding her tighter, "It's going to be alright..." He said now to himself as he half ran.

He could feel her head rolling against his chest but didn't dare look down. Not yet, not until they were safe. He wasn't where he should have been-he was back, five years ago The sounds of explosions and screams filling his ears as he fled.

He rounded a large oak tree coming to a stop, panting as he spotted the derelict hunting cabin. It was years abandoned but his brother's had often used it as a secret base to practice their new inventions. He believed that no one-but they, knew that it existed.

He slowed his pace looking behind him for a brief moment, a cold fear washing up his back. They were coming-he knew-he could feel their evil sweeping out over the roots that twisted into bodies in the dim light. So many dead and he knew they were looking for him. He would protect her. Like it was always meant to be.

oOo

Snape pushed Harry out of his way hard enough to send the young man to the ground; Minerva was babbling something in his ear but he just couldn't have cared to listen to her pleas. He nearly ripped the back door from its hinges before moving to his make shift potion cabinet. He pulled out two different restoration droughts downing them one after the other. He would need his strength.

As the magic ran its course he pulled more vials from the cupboard, he had managed to make a small stock pile during the time Hermione had been bedridden. He had hardly slept during that time and it was clear it had taken its toll on his magic.

His fingers lightly trembled as he put potions into his traveling kit. There was a buzzing in his ears as he ignored the two lions attempting to keep him from murdering one of their own. Finally, he snapped the box shut, leveling his eyes on them.

Minerva could feel the betrayal in his eyes as she stood in his path, the dangerous energy was radiating out turning the entire room cold. Harry was behind her blocking his path to the door. She could see him measuring up just how to get past them.

"You need us, Severus." It was a stern reminder, "Let us bring the girl." She avoided using her name to try and calm him. She put her hand on his chest to keep him in place.

"We can handle this. You're still too weakened, you're liable to splinch yourself and then where will she be?" Snape's eyes snapped to her and she could tell his wrath was giving way to logic.

There was a long silence where neither lion dared to breathe, their eyes watching him intently. Harry's wand turned in his palm as he tried to prepare himself for the decision- he believed-he would make.

Severus shifted his gaze, boring straight through Harry. He rifled haphazardly through his thoughts suspecting that this had been a joint effort from the very beginning, his face so much like his father's, he could never be trusted. When he found nothing but the same powerful urge to bring Hermione back to him he finally relented.

"You have until sunrise."

"Thank you, sir." Harry came forward and took the box from under his hand. "I promise. I won't fail." He met the dark haired man's gaze with confidence and strength.