A Second Soul

Chapter 13~ in which~ A Cat Carries Two Snakes

It was just after dawn when a tabby cat walked past the boys hanging from the bridge. Minerva McGonagall levitated the two young men to the infirmary fearing what kind of damage would have been done from being strung upside down for so many hours.

As the door opened to reveal a sleepy-eyed matron, McGonagall began, "Poppy, I'm sorry to wake you so early but I found these two hanging from the bridge. I fear they were left there overnight. Please look over them and make sure they're alright."

"Of course Minerva, I'll take care of them." Performing a perfunctory scan to look over their vitals, the matron assured her friend that the students were alright, just in need of some rest and a bit of hydration. "They're lucky they didn't catch a cold hanging out in that chill all night."

"I wouldn't say there's anything lucky about this. I will be on my way to report this to the headmaster. Please let me know if there is any change in their conditions."

~*~

Harry awoke for probably the hundredth time inside the walls of the Hogwarts' infirmary. Looking to his right he saw Severus in the bed beside him. His friend was curled into a ball, facing the opposite direction. Briefly, Evan wondered what it would be like to curl himself around him but shook off the thought as he remembered his thoughts from the night before. He drifted back to sleep but couldn't help the thought of his limbs tangled with another's as he slipped into unconsciousness. 

When Evan awoke again, the neighboring bed was empty and a young Madame Pomfrey was tending to him. "What time is it?" he asked, feeling disoriented.

"It's just after dinner, you boys slept most of the day."

"Where is Severus?" Evan asked, concerned for his friend.

"He awoke about an hour ago and headed back to his common room. You're free to go as well if you feel up to it."

"Thank you Madame Pomfrey." Evan replied as he shakily stood from his cot. 

"Just make sure to get something to eat and to stay hydrated. You didn't exactly spend a night in the wilderness but I wouldn't make a habit of hanging upside down from bridges. It's not really recommended for your health."

Wow, Harry thought, it appeared in her younger years the matron had a sense of humor!

~*~

As Evan approached the door to the room of requirement, he noticed a bag set next to the entryway. Upon entering, he saw Severus making his way down the stairs carrying his scruffy old suitcase.

"Where are you going?" Evan asked, heart in his throat and thoughts a whirlwind of confusion. 

In shock, Severus almost toppled down the stairs. Then, head hung low and eyes at Evan's feet he spoke, "I'm really sorry about last night. I never should have drug you into any of this. I knew something like this was bound to happen but somehow, I let myself hope it wouldn't. I was trying to be out by the time you got back so I wouldn't be in your way. I understand if you don't want anything at all to do with me anymore but I hoped maybe we could still study together and maybe share a meal every once in a while. I know that's a lot to ask but I thought you could still enjoy my company sometimes, even after everything."

"What are you talking about?" Evan asked, blocking the other boy's exit. "I don't want you to leave."

Severus blushed, still looking at the ground, "I just assumed you would want me to move out. All I've done is cause you trouble. Why would you still want me around?"His eyes darted up to meet Harry's.

"Because you're my friend. Because I care about you. Because I told you that no matter what I would be there for you. I knew what I was getting myself into when I made you that promise. And let's get one thing clear: this is not your fault. You did nothing to bring this on yourself. If anyone's apologizing Sev, it should be me. I'm sorry I talked back and made things worse on you. I know I provoked them a lot more than I should have."

Again looking to the floor, Severus quietly responded, "No. I thought it was really great. You spoke to him in a way I've always wished I could. I respect you for it."

Harry was relieved to hear his friend wasn't angry with him but concerned that his hand was still gripping the handle to his suitcase. "Will you stay then? I don't want you to go. You're my only house mate but more than that, you're my only friend here. Please stay?" He hated the whiny note that had entered his voice but he couldn't help the feeling of despair that arose when he thought about Severus leaving him. It was a strange but gutting reaction to the idea and he couldn't stand the thought of it becoming reality.

A single yet firm nod was the only response he got and he immediately reached for the other bag that had been set out in the hall, carrying it up to the room next to his own, Severus trailing the stairs behind him.