16. Chapter 16

Thank you all for your reviews! Wow, those last three chapters really seemed liked. I hope I can keep this up. Rest assured, this story is far from over. There is still so much more to come! And I hope you'll keep enjoying it as we move along.

Chapter 16

Since Snape had awoken, he hadn't allowed Harry to skip any of his classes anymore deeming his education far more important than entertaining Snape. So Harry had begrudgingly gone to his classes before he was finally able to rush back into the medical wing, still carrying his books as he hadn't even dropped those off yet.

When he entered he found a most uncomfortable looking Snape surrounded by cards and sweets. At the moment, he was glaring menacingly at a large green card with a snake on the front.

"From your admirers?" Harry asked.

Snape huffed. "This one came from the entire student body of Slytherin," he said, holding the card out for Harry to take. "I could have expected that much, but where the rest have come from, I couldn't tell you."

"You could try reading them," Harry offered. He plopped down on Snape's bed and grabbed one of the chocolate frogs that littered his bedside table. "Wow, Slytherins sure have neat handwriting," he added as he checked the Slytherin card.

"Since very few Slytherins are muggle-born, they have all learned how to –"

"Oh look!" Harry interrupted giddily, "This one says she wishes her dad was as strong and brave as you are."

"A sentiment ill-befitting of a Slytherin," Snape growled, "I will have to teach her some proper decorum once I get out of here."

Harry placed the card on Snape's table and grabbed another one.

"Since you're not going to read them, can I?"

"Be my guest," Snape said, "But if you dare repeat any of the profanities you will surely see, I will be sticking your tongue to the roof of your mouth."

"You are being paranoid," Harry sighed.

"Here, look at this one," A wide grin formed on Harry's face.

We hope that you will soon get better
My mum will prob' knit you a sweater
Miss you in defence
Against all common sense
As for Harry, I was no abettor!
"It's from Ron, if you hadn't noticed," Harry said, "Way to throw me under the bus at the end. Honestly."

Snape shook his head incredulously. "I cannot understand why he would even bother."

"I think he's finally able to look past your rough exterior," Harry said, "Just like I have."

"How dreadful," Snape groaned, "Soon, I will have Gryffindor children of all kinds littering my private quarters with their presence just because they assume I'm secretly somewhat… approachable."

"McGonagall wishes you well," Harry said as he grabbed the next card. A fierce lion prowled the front. "And she tells you to listen to Pomfrey."

"She would say that, wouldn't she?" Snape growled, "Sometimes she seems to forget that I am no longer her student."

"Slughorn offers to brew you some dreamless sleep," Harry said as he picked up the next card, "He seems to think you'll be having nightmares."

"If I need Dreamless sleep, I'll brew it myself," Snape scoffed, "Or I'll have you do it."

"He's just trying to be nice," Harry chuckled, throwing the card at Snape. "I know that's a language you don't really understand but a no, thank you will suffice."

Snape grabbed one of the chocolate frogs and frowned at it for a while.

"They're not poisoned," Harry said, "I just ate one myself."

"It could be a slow poison," Snape replied, "For all you know, you could drop dead in the next hour."

"Or in the next week," Harry added, "I suppose we'll never truly know."

Snape unpacked the frog and bit its head off, carelessly picking up the included card. He was about to hand it to Harry when he froze the movement midway and scrutinized the card with wide eyes.

"What is it?" Harry asked, shuffling closer. When he got a closer look at the card, he burst out laughing.

There was a picture of Snape there while he was stirring in one of his cauldrons. The concoction inside was a hot pink that Harry didn't think any potion in existence was coloured as. Harry had no idea when this particular picture had been taken and wondered how Snape hadn't even noticed. His name was carefully written in blocky letters under the picture.

'While a Master in Potions he is also a master of the heart. His speciality is in love potions which he gladly distributes among his grateful students. Rumour has it that he stalks the corridors during St. Valentine's day, making sure that any lonely student he encounters has a chance of finding their one true love.'

"What is this foul nonsense?" Snape spat in horror. "When did this happen? Who made this?"

"I've never seen it before," Harry laughed, "And Ron hasn't either or I would have known."

"I will not stand for this," Snape growled, "Someone is going to pay dearly."

"Pay dearly for what?" Draco asked as he entered the infirmary. "What did Harry do this time?"

"Hey!" Harry responded, "For once, I had nothing to do with this." He took the card out of Snape's hands before he could react and gave it to Draco. The Slytherin read the text carefully, trying his best not to laugh.

He coughed carefully. "Well," he said, trying to keep his voice neutral, "I don't know who is behind this but I am keeping this card for my collection."

"Oh, I don't think so," Harry said, taking out his wand. "That card is mine!"

"Willing to fight me for it, Potter?" Draco said, grinning madly.

"You don't honestly think you stand a chance, do you, Malfoy?" Harry replied smartly.

"Enough," growled Snape, "While watching you two hex each other into oblivion might be entertaining for a short while, that card will not remain in either of yours possession."

"Where there is one, there is more," Harry said easily. "Unless you plan to ban chocolate frogs altogether."

"I have half a mind to do just that," Snape spat.

"Oh, it's already quite crowded in here," came, a female voice from the doorway. Harry swivelled to see Professor Bell standing there.

"Hi, Professor," he greeted, "There's plenty of room. Why don't you join us?"

She did come closer, wearing a concerned expression. "How are you feeling, Severus?" she asked.

"Just fantastic," Snape snarled sardonically, "I can't even almost die in peace anymore."

"You do seem to be surrounded by children a lot nowadays," Maya agreed, "Even when you're not teaching. You really must be a master of the heart." She smiled broadly as she produced another Snape card from her pocket. "Have you seen these? They are brand new."

Both Harry and Draco burst into laughter but Snape scowled fiercely.

"Oh don't look so upset, Severus," Maya said sweetly, "It's really quite a nice picture, at least."

"I don't even remember anyone taking a picture of me in the lab," Snape said solemnly.

"When you make a potion, you tend to be very focused," Maya said, "In fact, you were so focused that you didn't even notice me hiding behind your desk and snapping that shot."

There was a moment of silence in which the History teacher coyly tilted her head to the side, smiling broadly with her hands clasped behind her back. Draco and Harry stared at her incredulously.

"You did this?" Snape asked icily, "You would besmirch my name –"

"Don't be silly, Severus," Maya interrupted him, "I would never! These aren't official, you know?" She took the card from her pocket as well as another one with Dumbledore on it and showed them both to Snape.

"I tried copying the original card layout as best I could," she said, "But I was unable to duplicate the seal of authenticity. I think you need to know some sort of secret charm for it or something. It looks pretty good besides that though, don't you think?"

"So these are not widely distributed around the school?" Snape asked.

"Of course not, silly," Maya said, "I made enough to replace the cards in that basket of chocolate frogs but that's it."

"I see," Snape replied.

"I got you good though, didn't I?" Maya said as she sat down on Snape's bed just like Harry had done before he started going after Draco to get the card. "Come on, you can admit it!"

"Perhaps you had me somewhat worried," Snape said begrudgingly, "But only slightly so."

"Slightly?" Harry said, "You were ready to start hexing people. You should've seen the look on your face!"

"Alright, you brat," Snape said, "I get your point."

"I'm keeping one of these cards," Harry told Maya, "They are awesome, even if they're fake."

"Sure," Maya replied, "But I'm afraid they won't last forever. It'll be less than a month before they fade out entirely."

"Thank Merlin," Snape sighed, "I would hate to think of Harry showing his children these." Snape looked at the card a bit closer. "I can't believe I didn't see you."

"Not only Slytherins can be cunning," Maya said; grabbing one of the chocolate frogs for herself. "So, have you made any more progress with the translation of that tome?"

"When would I have done that?" Snape asked gruffly.

"Like you have a lot to do in here," Maya said, "Aside from entertaining guests, of course."

"Yes. I'm not sure why but people are visiting frequently. It annoys me infinitely." He shot Maya a disparaging glare.

"Don't say that," Maya said, waving a hand in Snape's general direction. "Everyone needs company. I would've come sooner myself if I had found the infirmary sooner. I honestly think some signage would come in handy."

"I'm even surprised that you made it back to Hogwarts by yourself," Snape snorted, "Since I wasn't there to take you."

"It took me ages, though!" Maya said, shaking her head at her own antics. "I didn't even make it back before nightfall! I had to sleep in the forest."

"There is no forest on the way to Hogsmeade," Snape said evenly.

"Well, that would have been nice to know when I was trying to make my way back."

Snape shook his head in dismay. "I can't understand how anyone can have such a bad sense of direction. Are you certain you're not doing this on purpose?"

"Yuck, that one tasted like soap!" Harry suddenly exclaimed. He and Draco had opened one of the every flavour beans boxes Snape had gotten and were now trying to fish out the good ones.

"What did you expect?" Draco chided, "It was white."

"I thought it was banana," Harry sighed.

"You realize you could simply eat a banana if that's what you want," Snape interjected coldly, "It would be much healthier than candy in any case."

"But where's the fun in that?" Harry chuckled, "This is like Russian Roulette with candy!"

"What's Russian Roulette?" Draco asked.

"That's quite enough," Snape growled, "Get out. All of you."

"But why?" Harry asked cheekily, "Don't you appreciate our amazing company? Do you know how many people would pay good money to be near my magnificence?"

Draco made a sort of choking sound and Harry cuffed him lightly.

"Your incessant jabbering is giving me a headache. If you don't leave now, I'll have you in detention with Filch for the rest of the year."

"Okay, okay," Harry conceded, "Come on Draco."

"And if I see anyone else carrying those ridiculous cards, my vengeance will be swift," Snape added dangerously.

The two boys left in a hurry, laughing all the while as they roughhoused through the corridors but Maya stayed behind for a while. Snape quirked an eyebrow at her.

"How are you simultaneously the Professor many kids fear the most but also a man those two boys would gladly risk their lives for?" Maya asked.

"If you ever find out the answer to that question, please do inform me," Snape replied, "If I could make them stop, I would."

"No, that's impossible," Maya said matter-of-factly.

Snape sighed. "I know. Now get out of here before I sic Poppy on you. And know that I will get even with you for this." He waved the fake chocolate frog card at her, a scowl firmly in place.

"Wow," Maya replied evenly, "I'm so scared." But then she playfully hit Snape on the shoulder before hurrying out of the hospital wing, grabbing a pumpkin pasty on her way out.

"Feel better!" she hollered right before the door closed. And at last, Snape found himself surrounded by blissful silence. That and loads of get-well cards and sweets.

Since Snape had behaved and refrained from straining himself too much, Pomfrey had indeed allowed him to leave his bed earlier rather than later. When he had arrived at dinner that evening, he became very aware of most of the students staring at him. Many of their glances were directed at his left hand and even more so when he was eating as if they expected him to no longer be able to hold his cutlery.

That was preposterous, of course. He glared at everyone who dared meet his gaze and was at least mildly satisfied that most students he caught with his death stare were sufficiently mollified.

"Try the roast beef, Severus," Dumbledore told him, "It truly is quite satisfying."

Snape ignored him entirely and grabbed a chicken filet. "Have you spoken to the ministry about Rabastan's case?" Snape asked as he cut into his potatoes.

"Of course," Dumbledore said, "I did so immediately."

"And?"

"Since he made a conscious effort to aid both you and Harry his punishment will likely be diminished. I believe he's looking at ten years or so. His brother, however, will probably be kissed."

Snape grimaced slightly. It was honestly the best he could have hoped for but he still didn't wish the Dementor's kiss on anyone.

"Thank you for your interference," Snape said.

"Of course, Severus," Dumbledore replied, "I know that keeping your promises is important to you. And so you did."

Snape nodded. "On a different note, I think we should be very careful from here on out."

"Whatever do you mean, my boy?" Dumbledore asked.

Snape lowered his voice and leaned closer to the headmaster. "They mentioned Rookwood a couple of times," he said, "And while I get the feeling that he works alone, he is much more dangerous than those four clowns were combined."

Dumbledore nodded solemnly, "He is a master manipulator as I understand it. Much like yourself, Severus."

Snape huffed. "Perhaps, with the difference that I still have some sort of moral code where he has none. I can't be sure what his plan is or why the slaughtering of muggles was helping him with that but we should stay aware of what's going on."

"Do you believe Bellatrix murdered those muggles because Rookwood told her to?" Dumbledore asked, "I feel like that's something she would've done either way."

"Perhaps she would have," Snape replied, "But I know he was behind it nonetheless. I just don't know why just yet. I think it would be a good idea to start receiving at least one of the muggle papers."

"I trust your judgement, my friend," Dumbledore said, smiling brightly, "And I will follow your advice. Do you have any idea which of those papers is the more respectable one?"

"I suggest you ask Ms Granger," Snape replied, "I haven't read a muggle paper in nearly two decades."

"Splendid idea, Severus," Dumbledore praised, "I shall do just that."

Harry found himself back in Snape's quarters, ready to get started on another Occlumency lesson. The furniture had been shoved aside again, and the 'Drink of Despair' stood waiting on a side table.

"Are you sure you're ready for this?" Harry asked as he took his seat in the middle of the floor.

Snape huffed. "It is not I that will be going through a lot of stress and discomfort, Harry," he said, "If you'll remember, you are the one who needs to be ready."

"Well, yes," Harry replied, "But I'm counting on you to save me from myself if I fail, you know."

"You have my word that I'm up to the task," Snape said, "Don't fret and focus. Clear your mind."

Harry took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a few seconds. When he had cleared his mind, he opened them again and spotted the potion sitting in front of him. Without trepidation, he drank it in one gulp and braced himself for the impact of emotions he knew would overcome him.

"Remember to focus on occluding," Snape said calmly, "Your emotions do not control you. You control them."

Harry nodded and made eye contact with Snape. He felt the gentle push of his Legilimency waiting on the edge of his walls, expecting them to fall any moment now.

Harry felt the anger and worry wash over him before he even knew where it came from. Only a few seconds later was he reminded of his arduous battle in the forest with Snape's life at stake. He felt his barriers tremble as Snape's mind pushed to break them but he held on.

Bellatrix cackled loudly in his mind and Greyback growled fiercely. Harry was so angry with them that they dared to still interfere in his life. He had already lost one father to the darkness and these people were about to take another one from him.

Harry felt himself succumb to the blackness of his wish to kill them. To rip them to pieces. His walls crumbled and he knew Snape had managed to get in.

"Push me out of your mind," Snape told him, "Get a hold of yourself."

But he had a clear vision of Bellatrix casting spell after spell at Snape, who was barely able to defend himself anymore. He now knew just how broken the man had already been that day because of the torture that woman had put him through and he understood the anguish he must have felt. This knowledge angered him even more. He tried to use that anger to push Snape out of his mind but could not.

"You can't use emotions you don't have control over," Snape chided gently, "Think rather than feel. I know you can do this."

Harry took a deep breath that seemed to ground him and remind him where he was. He became aware of the feeling of his own hands on his knees and knew at that moment that they were safe.

He regarded the rest of the battle carefully, watching himself fight with the werewolf. A sensation of mist overcame him that seemed to cloud the entire scene in his mind.

"That's it," Snape said, "That's your shield. Use it. Shape it. Bind it to yourself."

"How?" Harry asked him in return. He was vaguely aware that he had spoken the word aloud.

The mist swirled around the presence that was Snape but didn't block or push him out. Harry tried to shape it but the silver slivers were intangible and moved with a will of their own.

"You need to will it to," Snape said simply.

"How?" Harry asked again, becoming a bit panicked.

And then, Harry's memory was suppressed just like in that first Occlumency lesson. He found himself sitting in that white space again, with Snape occupying an emerald green couch, regarding him carefully.

"It would appear that we've reached another hurdle," Snape said, "You're almost there, Harry. You really are. You just need a grasp of the how."

"I could've tried a bit longer," Harry said, "You pulled me out rather quickly."

"You've been at it for nearly forty minutes," Snape said blandly. "Don't forget that time moves differently when you're occupying your own mind."

Harry sat down on the bright white floor and looked up at Snape. "Okay, so now what?"

"Now, we wait for the potion to wear off," Snape said casually, "And then, I think we shall begin teaching you Legilimency."

"What? Why?"

"The arts of the mind are complicated in a sense that they have a lot to do with feeling your way through the process," Snape said, "No matter how good you are at explaining yourself, trying to describe to someone how to do something that has no base in their reality is very much like trying to explain the colour orange to a blind man."

"Okay," Harry said, "So why Legilimency."

"Since I have a firm grasp on Occlumency, I can easily show you just what it is that I do to erect my shields. Like I said. You're nearly there. All you need now is the technique. And the best way to understand that is by delving into my mind."

"That sounds dangerous," Harry said doubtfully, "Isn't Legilimency a lot harder to learn than Occlumency?"

"It is if you're trying to become a master," Snape agreed, "But in our case, you only need to know enough to venture into my mind while I guide you where you need to go. I assure you that that is rather easy. It is only when you try to force your way into someone's mind, actively looking for memories and thoughts that it gets complicated."

"Are you sure you trust me with your memories?" Harry asked, feeling a bit silly.

"Seeing how I'll be directing you, I definitely do," Snape said, "And while other memories might bleed into the one I'll be showing you, I trust you to not mention them to anyone."

"Of course," Harry said.

Snape looked up and stared into the distance for a moment. "It would appear the memories are retreating," he said, "The potion has worn off. Open your eyes."

Harry blinked a couple of times and found himself sitting serenely on the floor, the empty vial next to him.

"Thanks," he said.

"No problem," Snape replied, "Any way I can protect you, I will." He eyed Harry warily for a while before speaking again. "You really did quite a number on Greyback, didn't you?"

Harry exhaled harshly through his nose. "I guess you could call it that."

"Don't get me wrong. That man deserved to die and painfully so," Snape said, "I am rather impressed with the spell you used. When did you learn that?"

"A while back," Harry said. "What can I say? This stuff comes easy to me."

"Cocky brat," Snape said affectionately, "But I am glad that you're able to defend yourself so well. You're not regretting forgoing the path of an Auror are you?"

"Absolutely not," Harry said honestly, "Just because I would be good at it, doesn't mean I want to make it into my job. At the rate I'm going, I would probably die on my fourth or fifth mission. My luck must almost have run out by now."

"I'm proud of you, you know?" Snape said, smiling crookedly.

Harry flushed a bit and tried to change the subject. "So, Legilimency!"

Just a reminder to you all that there is a discord channel for those eager to discuss the 'The Potions-" series per request of FallingToast. You can find the link in my profile.

Well? How do you think this will work out? Are you looking forwards to another bout of intensive mind tricks? I sure am!
Please review!