42. Chapter 42

Wow! I am blown away by your responses! I think only the last chapter op TPA has gotten more reviews than this chapter did, and that defenitely didn't happen overnight. You guys are the absolute best and I love you for it. A big thank you to all the guest reviews as well. I'm sorry I couldn't reply to you but you guys rule!

As to you-know-who who made me chuckle... nice try but you get one chapter a day. I will fight you!

Enjoy this next chapter. You all deserve it! It's a tad early because I need to go to yet another party... *groan* ... but that's alright.

Chapter 42

About a week had passed since Snape had found out about Emma's condition and he had been spending every waking moment trying to develop a cure for 'The dissolving sweats'. Unbeknownst to him, Harry had been doing the exact same thing back in St Mungo's but neither of them was having any luck.

When Snape tried to add some valerian root to his current attempt for an antidote, Hedwig screeched at him.

"Keep that beak in check, you ruddy bird," Snape snarled. Hedwig clicked her beak disapprovingly.

"Don't you think that I'm aware that this is a longshot?" Snape asked. "Because I am. But if it has escaped your notice, I'm running out of – oh Merlin, I am speaking to an owl."

Hedwig hooted softly but Snape merely glared at her and tossed in his valerian root. "If you don't refrain from giving me your unwanted advice, I shall confine you to Harry's quarters. Am I understood?"

Hedwig just glared haughtily at the Potions Master as if to say 'I'd like to see you try'. Snape ignored her and was about to toss in his crumpled St John's wort leaves when a pop brought him out of his focus.

"It's lunchtime, Master Snape," Zippy said dutifully.

"I'll just eat some more at dinner time, Zippy," Snape replied without even turning away from his cauldron.

"That won't do, Master," Zippy said. "Mistress Bell asked Zippy to make sure that you ate every meal."

Snape groaned. "I am your master, Zippy, not her," he reminded the little house-elf. "And I'm telling you to leave it for now."

"Zippy is sorry, Master," Zippy said. "But Zippy must insist. Zippy wouldn't want to make Mistress Bell sad."

After a moment of silence, Snape sighed. "Fine," he said. "I acquiesce. Just bring me a bowl of soup if you will and I'll eat it here."

"Oh no, no, no," Zippy said. "Master mustn't eat where Master works. Mistress Bell asked me to see to it."

Snape grumbled something incoherently before moving past Zippy and hurrying up the stairs in undignified defeat. Hedwig tucked her head under her wing as she awaited Snape's return while Zippy simply popped into the dining room, taking care of Snape's bowl of soup.

When Snape sat down, fidgeting with a napkin as he waited, he noticed a letter sitting on the table. Zippy must have accepted it while Snape was downstairs. When he turned it over, he noticed that it carried the seal of St Mungo's. Frowning, he opened it.

For the eyes of Master Severus Snape only.

Severus,

I am contacting you in regards to your apprentice Harry Potter.

He is a diligent young man that does his very best to prepare whatever potions we ask of him and other than the incident we had a few weeks back, Mr Potter has made sure to fall in line and do as we have asked of him.

Snape frowned. He didn't know what the letter was referring to and he wondered what kind of trouble the stubborn Gryffindor had brought upon himself this time.

I am starting to worry for him, though. You may have noticed that he comes home less and less of late. He tends to sleep in the laboratory where he also eats. He rarely comes out anymore save to take care of his personal needs and even those he tries to keep in check as much as possible.

I've already talked to him once but he only seems to be burying himself in his work more and more. And while we appreciate the steady flow of potions that we can understandably use, it won't do to have the young man collapse on us when we need him the most.

Therefore, I wish to urge you to summon him home for the remainder of the day and if necessary tomorrow as well. We can make do without him for that long at least. This is not a punishment but rather a preventive measure.

I'm sure you understand seeing how you can get lost in your creations as well.

I hope you will take action soon.

Master Caratacus Lovegood.

By now, a bowl of soup had appeared in front of Snape and was sitting, waiting for him. Snape contemplated the letter as he stared at the wisps of damp coming from the bowl. It was true that he hadn't seen much of Harry of late but he hadn't paid too much attention to it. He now found that he really should have.

He knew what Harry was like and he realized that Lovegood was right. In fact, if Lovegood had become concerned, Harry must really be taking it too far. So Snape used the cuff to contact Harry directly.

'You are to come home immediately. You may resume your internship the day after tomorrow.'

Snape ate a few spoonful's of soup before he received a reply.

'Can't. Busy.'

Snape growled and wrote back. 'This is not up for negotiation. Floo back right now or I will come and drag you here.'

It took a while longer for Harry to reply but the answer was not satisfactory.

'I'm in the middle of brewing some blood-replenishing potions. I can't.'

'That's what stasis spells are for.' Snape replied.

It took Snape getting through his entire bowl of soup, waiting for a reply and even when he was finished, a reply hadn't come. Nor had Harry flooed back in.

'Last chance,' Snape wrote. But no reply came and Snape grumpily stalked over to his fireplace, grabbed a handful of floo powder and tossed it angrily into the flames speaking as clearly as he could: "St Mungo's."

Harry had taken off the distracting cuff and left it on the long table in the middle of the lab. It was strange, but after such a long time of constantly wearing that thing, his arm felt oddly naked without it. But Snape was starting to become annoying and Harry could not afford any distractions right now.

He was brewing a batch of blood-replenishing potions and was moving from cauldron to cauldron as he added as required and stirred what needed to be stirred. In the few rare moments in which all cauldrons were simmering peacefully, Harry took to thinking on the theory of a cure. He had tried brewing something several times already but never had his brew been potent enough to cure this horrendous disease. And the longer it took him, the more people died.

Harry shook his weary head and cleared it of all negativity by means of Occlumency. If he hadn't mastered the arts of the mind before, he wasn't sure if he would have been able to handle the stress of this particular internship. He realized that the stress was largely caused by the uprising of the dissolving sweats but he still couldn't help but wonder how other internships were compared to this one. Much more easy-going, he would wager.

"Harry, lad," John said. "It's about time ye ate somethin', innit?" he asked. "Ye didnae eat breakfast either."

"Not hungry," Harry mumbled as he continued taking notes. One of his cauldrons lit up and Harry walked over to it to give it another stir.

"Ye're a long time deid, ye ken," John said.

"Hm," Harry responded. Sometimes, he didn't even recognise what John was saying and he just found that smiling and nodding worked best.

Since his potions were all behaving again, Harry went back to taking notes, wondering just why the valerian root didn't work as intended in his previous batch. It was at that moment that the door to his lab opened. Choosing to finish his sentence before acknowledging whoever was here to pick up more potions, he scribbled away, only barely noticing the flurry of black in the corner of his eye.

Suddenly, the quill he was writing with was ripped out of his hand, leaving an ugly blot on his notes. Exasperated, he looked up only to find his father standing in front of him. The only sound he managed to produce at this revelation was less than intelligible. "Oh."

"We're leaving," Snape told Harry, giving him no room to argue.

"I told you I can't," Harry tried anyway.

"Ah think yer master is right, lad," John piped up. Harry shot him a look of betrayal. "An' dinnae ye look at me like tha'. Yer ken tha' ye cannae keep workin' like this."

Snape shot a look at John that was clearly supposed to keep the man from interfering and so he did.

"These blood-replenishing potions won't brew themselves," Harry told Snape, pretending he hadn't heard John.

"I'm certain that Master Lovegood is able to procure another brewer to finish your potions for you."

"He won't allow this, you know," Harry said angrily.

"On the contrary," Snape told Harry easily. "He asked me to come and get you before you wear yourself out completely."

Harry looked at Snape in shock, his mouth agape as if he were a fish on dry land.

"Now, if you'll stop trying to talk your way out of this and come with me quietly, there won't be any trouble."

"But I –" Harry glanced at his cauldrons longingly.

"Ah can finish yer brews for ye," John offered. "Ah am not as good as yer, but ah'll manage."

With a sigh of defeat, Harry nodded. He gathered his papers, thinking that he might at the very least be allowed to do some research at home, and put them in his pocket. Snape frowned but said nothing. Instead, he turned around and started walking at a rather brusque pace that reminded Harry of all the times he had had to jog to keep up with the Potions Master at Hogwarts. Nowadays though, all Harry had to do was quicken his pace to keep up.

Feeling embarrassed that he would have to be escorted home by his father, Harry kept his head down while he followed Snape, not once looking up until they reached the fireplace.

"You shall go first," Snape said. "And if you don't floo home, your punishment will be severe."

Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Where did Snape think Harry was planning to go anyways? He grabbed a handful of floo powder, tossed it in the fireplace and called out his destination. A few seconds later, he stumbled out of the hearth, couching as he had inhaled some of the soot.

He scurried out of the way just in time for Snape to come out as well, not a speck of dust on him or his billowing robes. His eyes were stern but if Harry had been less exhausted, he would have noticed the concern that was present as well.

"First of all, go take a shower," Snape said.

Harry glared at him with all the force he could muster. "You dragged me home so I could take a shower?" he asked incredulously. "They have showers at St Mungo's, you know."

"Facilities you have clearly not taken advantage of in a while now," Snape countered coolly. "Go shower now, unless you want me to come with you and scrub you clean myself."

Harry felt his cheeks colour red in embarrassment and hurriedly climbed the stairs, making sure to stomp loudly with each step he took. He knew that he was behaving in a childish manner, but he was tired. And he didn't want to argue about any of this.

Muttering to himself, he slammed the bathroom door, undressed and hopped into the shower.

By the time he got out, he noticed that his clothes had vanished and new ones had been laid out in their place. Harry wagered that Zippy had something to do with that. A part of him wanted to be difficult but seeing how he didn't have any other options, he got dressed in the provided garments.

When he was done, he walked back downstairs – not stomping his feet this time – and halted when he saw Snape sit by the fire, reading through what looked like his own notes.

"How did you get those?" Harry asked in annoyance.

"Magic," Snape replied absentmindedly. "Take a seat, please."

Harry complied and sat down, noticing that a plate of sandwiches and fruit had been left on the coffee table.

"Subtle," Harry muttered but he grabbed a sandwich with cheese anyway.

Snape finally looked up and placed Harry's research on the table, facing it towards Harry. "Have you been researching the creation of a cure?" he asked.

"Obviously," Harry snarled, belatedly realizing that he really was sleep-deprived if he dared speak to Snape in such a tone.

"Speak to me like that again and you will suffer the consequences," Snape warned. Harry clamped his mouth shut but nodded his compliance.

"I need to speak to you in regards to a few things," Snape said. "First of all, the obvious. You are not taking care of yourself."

"But I -"

"I'm not finished," Snape said coldly. "You have not been eating, sleeping or even bathing on a regular schedule. You may think that helps the patients at the hospital but in the long run, it will only prove to be detrimental to their cause when you collapse. I am quite aware of the lack of brewers St Mungo's currently faces and I know they can't do without you for a while -"

"Then why take me out of there?" Harry accused.

"You're not listening!" Snape snarled, slamming his flat hand on top of the table, nearly spilling Harry's tea. "You're destroying yourself at this rate. And if you do, who will be better for it in the end?"

Harry glared but did not speak.

"I know you can see reason," Snape then said. "And I know that you're merely trying to help. It is very admirable for you to put forth so much effort for the sake of others. But that quality brings the risk of overexertion and I can clearly see that you're nearly there."

"I'm fine," Harry said evenly.

Snape's eye twitched dangerously as he clutched his mug so tightly, Harry wondered if he was resisting the urge to throw it.

"You are truly making me hate that particular phrase," Snape growled. "When it comes from you, it is never truthful and always an attempt to deflect. You are not fine. Any dunderhead could see it. Just look at yourself."

"What am I supposed to do?" Harry asked harshly. "People are dying every single day! And while they are dying, they're suffering tremendously. Lovegood can't find a cure so he's become so desperate to ask everyone – including the bloody janitors – to try and brew a cure. Not only that! But I see Draco showing up in the hospital because his mother had a bout of accidental magic –"

"Narcissa was in the hospital?" Snape asked in concern. Harry stopped his angry tirade and glanced at his father. He sighed when he realized that he should have informed him earlier.

"She was," Harry confirmed. "Some time ago. But she's gone home already. Draco is really suffering, though."

Snape sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Draco is not your responsibility, Harry," he said. "Nor is finding a cure. This disease is particularly difficult to overcome. It's almost as if the source of the disease has closed off all paths that any medical ingredients would normally take."

Harry scoffed. "I'll say. This is bloody impossible," he said angrily. "But hang on. Do you mean to say that you've also been working on a cure?"

"I am," Snape said honestly.

"Why?" Harry asked, sensing that something was off. "Did Lovegood ask you to?"

"He did not," Snape replied.

"Then why did you suddenly develop an interest?" Harry asked sharply. "Who is in trouble? Is it Dudley? Did he send you another letter?"

"Of course not," Snape replied harshly. "Calm down."

Harry shot out of his chair and glared at Snape. "Tell me what's wrong!" he shouted.

"Sit. Down," Snape ordered. His tone reminded Harry of Hogwarts so much that he complied. He sat back down and seemed to shrink back into himself for a moment, realizing that he was attacking someone who was on his side.

"I'm sorry," Harry said. "I'm just –"

"Tired, I'd wager," Snape told him. "You will be going to sleep for a few hours. After that, we can talk some more over dinner."

"But I still need to –"

"There's nothing for you to do," Snape said in a calming voice. "For now, I merely need you to rest up a bit. Perhaps we can compare our research later when you're able to think more clearly."

"Yes, sir," Harry finally complied. Now that he wasn't present on the battleground that was St mungo's, practically brewing non-stop, he could feel the weariness of the last months wash over him, nearly dragging him down. He wanted nothing more but to go to sleep. So he went up to his bedroom, collapsed onto his bed and drifted off almost immediately.

When Harry woke up again, he felt more rested. He could have easily gone back to sleep if he had wanted to, but he could smell the scent of food wafting up the stairs and thought that it would be nice to eat a warm meal again. So he crept out of his bedroom and came down the stairs when he was stopped by a familiar voice.

"She hardly ate anything today," Maya said softly. "I don't think she has that much longer, Severus."

"I'm sorry," Snape replied. "But I won't give up. Not yet. Here-"

Harry could hear the familiar sound of vials clanking together and he imagined that Snape handed Maya some.

"These are her supplies for tomorrow," Snape said. "Make sure that she takes them, even if she won't take anything else."

Harry thought he could hear someone sob and though that it was wildly inappropriate for him to keep listening. So he came down the rest of the stairs, making an effort to try and produce a loud enough sound to be heard but not loud enough to be suspicious.

When he arrived downstairs, he could see Maya withdrawing from Snape's arms as the man looked at her with concern.

"Don't give up," he told her. "It's not over until it's over."

"Thank you, Severus," Maya said but her voice sounded blank. "Oh hi, Harry," she added. "It's good to see you home."

"Hi, Professor Bell," Harry greeted.

"I told you to call me Maya," Maya told Harry with a smile. But Harry could see the tell-tale glistening in her eyes.

"I'll be off now," Maya then said. "I'll see you two later." And without waiting for a reply, she all but stormed out the front door.

"Dinner time," Snape told Harry as if none of that had just happened. He walked over to the dining room table and took his customary seat, waiting for Harry to do the same.

"Is Emma sick?" Harry asked as he sat down.

Snape sighed and steepled his fingers. "She is," he admitted.

"Is it the dissolving sweats?" Harry asked rather unnecessary. Snape just nodded. Harry groaned painfully and buried his face in his hands. "How is Alex doing?" Harry asked, his voice muffled by his hands.

"As well as could be anticipated," Snape replied. "He's taking care of Emma to the best of his abilities."

Harry looked up sharply and shot Snape an incredulous look. "Hold on," he said. "You're telling me that Alex is with Emma right now? And you didn't think that a bit dangerous?"

"Harry –"

"This disease is highly contagious!" Harry shouted. "How long has Emma been sick? It will probably be days before Alex becomes ill as well. And what about Charlie? Has he been allowed to stay near Emma as well?"

"Charlie is with his grandparents," Snape said. "And Alex wouldn't leave Emma's bedside. In fact, he had been tending to her for quite a while by the time I found out anything was wrong. He hasn't gotten sick yet."

Harry sighed in relief. "That's good news at least," Harry said. "But why isn't he getting sick?"

Snape frowned as he took in Harry's comment, tapping his finger against his upper lip in thought. "That –" Snape said, " – is an excellent question."

"What have you tried so far?" Harry asked, absentmindedly plating his food that was roast with potatoes.

"Have a look," Snape said. He passed a thick looking tome in Harry's direction. A narrow strip of cloth was trapped between a few pages to indicate where Snape had left off. The cover of the book was an emerald green with intricate details and pictures of ancient runes added in relief to the thick leather. Harry opened the book at the last additions.

"This is your grimoire?" Harry asked.

"Obviously," Snape said evenly.

Harry looked at the pages where Snape had written down the recipes he had already tried as well as the ones he was still planning on trying in the near future.

"Don't try this one," Harry said, pointing to what Snape was going to brew next. "It does nothing but cause shallow breathing. This next one doesn't work; this won't work either…" Harry continued skimming the pages. "I haven't tried this one yet but the one below that has disastrous results. Definitely don't try that one, ever."

"Have you attempted using chamomile yet?" Snape asked.

Harry groaned. "You would think that something so simple and common would at least do no harm, wouldn't you?" he said. "But I tried it and it has a very adverse reaction to someone with the disease. It's almost as if it was created with the intention to react nastily to all logical solutions."

"It probably was," Snape sighed.

"What?" Harry asked.

"I believe I told you my suspicions before," Snape told Harry, refilling his glass of wine. "I firmly believe that Rookwood is behind all of this. If there's anything he likes to do, it's to test his new creations be it on muggles or purebloods alike."

"All the victims are muggles, though," Harry pointed out.

"They are," Snape replied. "Perhaps he tested this disease on wizards as well, only to realize that it had no effect. The Dark Lord would have commended him for such an epidemic, for sure."

"But the Dark Lord is gone," Harry said.

"Rookwood will always be a man of science," Snape said. "The problem is that he has no ethical boundaries and is therefore very dangerous. He's also quite intelligent. He knows how to hide away and how not to get caught. Remember, to the populace, this disease seems completely natural. Only a few people suspect there to be foul play in the mix. Therefore, no Aurors are chasing him down beyond keeping an eye out for all loose death eaters."

"But what does he want?" Harry asked.

"That's the problem," Snape said, pointing his fork at Harry. "There's nothing in particular that he wants. He merely wants to work in peace and create as well as destroy what he can. He doesn't care for fame, money or glory. All he cares about is opportunities and how to grab them."

"So, how can we find him?" Harry growled.

"I'm not sure, Harry," Snape said wearily. "And right now, it doesn't matter. The disease is spreading, whether my theory is correct or not. Finding the madman behind it comes second to finding a cure and we can't do both."

"We?" Harry asked.

"Since' we're both apparently working on this thing, we might as well join forces," Snape said logically. "I think it would be nice to work together on this."

"Can we start now?" Harry asked eagerly.

"Absolutely not," Snape reprimanded. "For the rest of the day, you will rest. I will feed you dreamless sleep if I have to."

Harry made a face. "It's still early."

"Tomorrow, you may work with me," Snape told Harry. "But I require your mind to be fresh and awake."

"Fine," Harry said. "But then you should go to sleep at a decent time as well."

"Pardon?" Snape asked.

"You reprimand me just fine," Harry pointed out. "But you look like you haven't gotten all that much sleep lately, either."

For a moment, Snape seemed taken aback but then he smiled. "As you say, apprentice," he said. "Tomorrow then. Bright and early."

"As the sun rises," Harry sighed.

I know some of you have been dying for some more interaction between our two protagonists so here it is! I hope it satisfies you until tomorrow. Please don't forget to leave me a review. Five more chapters to come!