A Chance at Happiness

31. Accident

It was tragedy. 25 students attended the class, only 5 made it.

20 students died during the explosion. Professor Kim was also a victim.

When Albus was informed , he and Severus immediately turned back to Hogwarts.

It was frantic. Students were crying. The smell of burnt flesh was everywhere. The whole Potions class was destroyed.

Severus panicked "my son! My son! "

Charlotte wasn't there.

Bella wasn't there.

Two Aurors approached Severus and informed him that his son was one of the few that had survived and he was taken immediately to St. Mungo's.

He apparated there and rushed to find his son. Two healers took him outside his son's room, where he also found Charlotte and Bella. They were both crying in each other's arms.

He started to feel dizzy but it was not the right time to lose control.

- What happened ? Where is he ? he asked

- Please sit down, Professor Snape, the healers suggested.

- Tell me what has happened. Is my son ok ?

One of the healers started to speak :

- Your son was lucky. As far as we are aware, the students were asked to brew Felix Felicis, with wrong instructions ad ingredients. Naturally, many explosions occurred. Your son managed to hide under his desk, he obviously refused to brew that soup. Unfortunately he was hit by the exploding pieces of metal and of the failed potion samples of his classmates. He has severe injury all over his body. The result of that potion was to burn deep down, all the way, every single tissue and bone that found.

Severus was mortified by the news.

The Healer continued though:

- His situation now is critical. We manage to stabilize his wounds and prevent from further expansion, but he is in critical condition. He might not make it.

Severus started to feel dizzy again.

- If he makes it ? will he be normal again ? he asked

- We cannot know yet either. He might be incapable to even serve himself. He might not be able to walk, talk , go to the bathroom, feed himself. We don't know yet.

Severus started to tremble.

Charlotte and Bella continued to cry.

- I want to see him. Severus stated.

- We are afraid this is not possible, Professor, the Healers responded.

- You say that my son might not make it and you refuse me to see him ? He growled.

- Very well, the oldest Healer said. Come with me please. And brace yourself.

Severus followed the Healer.

He entered a bright room with a single bed and a thing laying on that bed.

- Talk to him, he might be able to listen to you, Professor.

Severus stood still. That thing was actually human ? Not only human, but his own son ?

He was fully covered with a white substance, he had wires everywhere, he could see one flask with slightly yellow liquid, most probably his son's urine. He also saw two vials with blood and more than 10 vials with potions and substances.

- Nathan , it's me, he whispered approaching the bed.

He had tears in his eyes.

- Nathan, my son, I am here. Daddy is here. You are going to be alright. You will be fine. Can you listen ? If you do, try your best, my son. Come back to me. Come back to your Mom and your sister.

It was like talking to a wall, of course. No response.

Severus turned to the Healer

- I want you to bring here another bed, because I am not leaving him not even for a second.

The Healer didn't manage to protest since he saw Severus determination. He also had a son so he understood Severus's feelings and anxiety.

He left the room, ordered for an extra bed and informed Charlotte and Bella of Severus's decision.

- Go back to Hogwarts and come back tomorrow so you may be able to see both of them, he said smiling warmly to both of them , then he added

- Although it is strictly forbidden for guests to stay with the patients, I strongly believe that his father's constant presence will be an important contribution for Nathan's healing process.

- Thank you Healer, Charlotte said inclining her head a bit.

Then she took Bella and left.