Swept From the Past

Chapter 23: The beginning of seventh year

Late that afternoon, Harry and Hermione were in the library, busy searching for information in old editions of the Hogwarts Gazette. Hermione had thought they could find something about Snape and Burns' relationship.

Hermione wondered when Snape and Burns had started dating. According to the Hogwarts Gazette, Sirius and Burns had been to the Spring Ball together. That meant Snape and Burns were not together yet. So when had it happened? Snape had had a Potions assistant's post just after Hogwarts. And Burns had followed the Auror training program in London. Thus they surely couldn't have started dating after Hogwarts. Hermione concluded that their relationship had started in the end of seventh year.

Hermione also wondered what kind of relationship they had. It was so strange to imagine they had been in love... Was Snape kinder when he was younger? How did he react to Burns? Burns, who belonged to Gryffindor. And what about Burns? How had she fallen in love with him? And what was Sirius' role in all of that?

"Did you find something?" Harry asked.

"No," Hermione replied. "What about you?"

"Nothing," Harry grumbled. He sighed from exasperation. "We won't find anything in these stupid papers!"

"Hi!" a voice from behind said. Harry and Hermione jumped in their seats. Luna Lovegood was standing behind them. "Still searching information about Burns?"

Luna sat on the chair in front of Harry.

"Yes," Harry replied.

"Dad says that Professor Burns is a vampire," Luna said. "That she doesn't have a soul anymore. That's why the Dementors don't feel her presence."

Vampires? Dementors? Hermione was really irritated. "Oh, Luna," Hermione snapped, "Can't you stop telling rubbish? Vampires can't bear daylight. If Burns was a vampire, she would disintegrate into dust in the sunlight."

"So why does Burns always wear her gloves?" Luna asked.

"And what about the rest of her body?" Hermione replied, determined to have the last word. "Her face?"

"Dad says that Burns wears a magical cloak," Luna retorted with a confident attitude. "It stops the rays of the sun."

How stupid Luna could be. Hermione rolled her eyes. "Vampires drink blood," she said. "Burns eats food like everyone."

"Dad says the bottle she keeps on her contains blood," Luna retorted.

Blood? Hermione would have bet on alcohol, considering the hangover Burns had had in class, and the response she had made to Mrs. Weasley on Christmas. 'Why do you eat?' Burns had replied when Mrs. Weasley had asked her why she drank. The logical response was 'to survive.' So Hermione had assumed that Burns needed to drink Firewhisky to survive, especially because the teacher had said she hated alcohol. After all, it was not the first time Burns mentioned the Firewhisky. Maybe it was linked to her internal temperature. Firewhisky could be used to warm people up when they were cold.

Hermione snorted. "And what if Burns isn't a vampire?" she asked.

"How do you explain that the Dementors don't feel her presence?" Luna replied.

Hermione rolled her eyes again. Where did Luna's father find those stupid theories? Dementors? What else?

Fortunately, Ginny entered the library and joined them, interrupting Luna's reasoning. Ginny looked excited. She quickly took the seat near to Hermione. Ginny's cheeks had flushed.

"Hermione!" she exclaimed. "I've just seen the most handsome man in the world!"

"What?" Hermione asked, surprised.

Ginny sighed, a dreamy expression painted on her face.

"Er..." Harry said, "Ginny?"

Ginny snapped out of her thoughts and turned to Hermione. "Picture it," she said. "Hogwarts, five minutes ago. Tall, muscular, with long, Venetian blond hair, and piercing blue eyes." Ginny sank into her chair, a soft smile on her face.

"I think she's in love," Luna said. She laughed.

"Yep," Harry replied. Did he look a little annoyed or was it just Hermione who imagined it? Harry returned to his reading.

"Shit!" he swore. "This is the last edition!"

"What are you searching for?" Ginny asked. "Information on Burns and Sirius?"

"No," Harry replied. Hermione blanched. Harry seemed to have forgotten no one knew about Burns' real fiancé. "On Burns and--"

"--Lupin," Hermione continued. Harry stopped and stared at her.

"Yeah," he said. "I thought I could find something on them. They were very close. But I was wrong." He sighed.

Hermione looked at her watch. "Harry," she said. "We should go to Transfiguration's class. It's almost time."

"Right," Harry replied. They put the papers away and picked up their bags.

"My next class is on the way," Ginny said. "I'll walk with you part way." She giggled. "I'll try to find the handsome stranger again!"

***

Professor Burns was in her office when someone knocked at the door.

"Yes?" she asked.

A tall, muscular man, with long, Venetian blond hair, and piercing blue eyes entered the room.

"Ah, Alphonso," Burns said. "Where have you put my Pensieves' register?"

"Capt'n," Alphonso replied. "I'm afraid it was destroyed."

"Destroyed?" Burns retorted. She frowned. "By who? And when?"

"Er," Alphonso replied awkwardly. "By you, Capt'n. In June. You were drunk. You threw it into the fire."

"Oh," Burns responded. "Yeah, probably."

"Is it for Potter?" Alphonso asked.

"Yes," Burns replied. "As you know, I want to put all my memories of his parents in a Pensieve. Offering him a simple photo album is not enough. He didn't have the chance to know his parents. I can give him my memories at least. That won't replace their presence, but it's better than nothing."

"Do you want me to check in your Pensieves, Capt'n?" Alphonso queried. "I know it's private, but if you can't bear it..."

"No," Burns snapped. Her voice softened a little. "You're too kind, Alphonso, but it's my problem. Everything about Potter is my problem."

"And about Lupin?" Alphonso asked.

"Keep watching him," Burns replied. "I want to be informed immediately if something happens.

"Watching," Alphonso said. "One of the best things I do." He winked.

"Yes," Burns replied. "Funny game. Scary Muggle book, but funny game."

"The bulldog part was what I preferred," Alphonso replied. "I did as you had ordered."

"I knew that ugly Aunt Large would insult Potter's parents," Burns retorted. "It runs in the Dursley's family." She paused. "Now, Alphonso," she continued, "take your Animagus form and go back to Lupin."

"All right, Capt'n B.," Alphonso replied teasingly.

Burns went to the door and opened it. Alphonso transformed into a black cat with blue eyes and passed the door. Burns closed the door behind him and went to her Pensieves. She summoned her fourth Pensieve, one reserved for this special use. She felt tired. In her three Pensieves were enclosed strong memories. Things she didn't want to remember, even briefly.

She had kept the worst in her mind, and the best in those three magical objects. She still remembered general things, like the appearance of the people she knew or their names. Blurred images floated in her head sometimes, but it was not enough to form a coherent memory. The happy events of her life had disappeared from her mind.

Those happy memories had had such an importance to her before. But what was the aim of keeping that in her head now? It would only make her weak. Burns didn't need to remember happy moments with her friends. Somehow or other, she didn't have friends anymore. No family. No past. No future. And most of her other happy memories had been lies.

Burns had kept her memories of the bloody Potions lessons that her younger self had had with Snape in her sixth year. Snape was absolutely awful with her. He never missed an occasion to tell her how bad she was at Potions. Their relationship was not pleasant at all. Snape always crossed the line with his mean comments.

At first, naive Katarina had tried to be as polite as she could, finding excuses for his attitude. But after a few weeks, she had had no choice but to retaliate, retorting mean things, just like he did to her. She had even been forced to call him Snivellus sometimes. Why couldn't he be a little gentler with her? Katarina was sure he could be. After all, he had helped her once! But there was no way for him to be agreeable. Sometimes, stupid Katarina thought he was not as mean as he seemed to be; sometimes, she concluded with regret that he was a desperate case.

Professor Burns remembered when she had received her N.E.W.T. results after sixth year. Katarina had written Snivellus a letter to inform him she had passed her exams. She shouldn't have been so polite. Snivelly didn't deserve such attention.

***

Professor Snape was having a cup of tea in his chambers. He thought of the first extra lessons he had given young Burns in sixth year. The way he provoked her. He liked it. It went beyond that Blazy had forced him to teach her; it was more than revenge. If it had been revenge, Severus would have felt happy each time Blazy humiliated her.

However, he felt rather irritated when the teacher did so. No, Severus liked when he talked to her meanly. When Burns studied Potions alone with him, he always had a reproach. Every time she made a mistake, or even when she didn't, he always had nasty comments to make. After a while, he succeeded in angering her. How pleasant!

Seeing Miss-Know-It-All furious delighted him. Getting on the nerves of that gentle, stupid, annoying girl had become his hobby. Severus had been surprised when young Burns had retorted sharply to him one day. It meant she had understood he hated her! He had replied something mean, and they had quarrelled. He really liked to hurt her!

The Potions master sighed. He opened the secret compartment in his chest of drawers. A compartment which contained keepsakes of the happiest moments of his life: Katarina's letters. It had been a long time since he'd read them, although he knew some of them by heart. It had been too painful to read her love letters. Each time he had done it, the sensation of having lost Katarina was unbearable.

The letters were all classified in chronological order. The first one was not a love letter, but Severus remembered how strange he had felt when he had received it...

***

Snape Manor, summer after Severus' sixth year.

Severus lay on his bed, a book in his hands. He heard a knock on the window. What could it be? He raised his head. An owl? Who could have sent it to him? He had already received his results! And he never received mail, except from Hogwarts at the end of the summer holidays. He opened the window, let the owl enter, and took the letter. He inspected it. It came from Katarina Burns. What did the silly girl want from him? Why did she send him a letter? Severus decided to read its contents:

"Dear Severus Snape, (Don't worry, it's just a polite form of address)

I thought that you would be interested (Notice that I didn't write 'glad') to know that I got an 'Exceeds Expectations' on my Potions exam. I am well aware that you are not really 'interested in my result,' (maybe the expression 'don't care' would be more appropriate). However, since you gave me private Potions lessons (although you were obliged to), I thought you had to be informed. It's not easy to admit, but I suppose you are partly responsible for that good mark. So I guess I should thank you for that.

Have nice holidays,

Katarina Burns.

P.S. You don't need to reply. I have heard enough of 'Mudblood's friend,' 'Bloody Gryffindor,' and 'stupid girl,' for my whole life."

Severus raised an eyebrow. She had received an 'Exceeds Expectations?' He would have never thought she would get more than a 'T.' Anyway, she was right. He really didn't care. Bloody Gryffindor! He hated her! Why had she sent him a letter? Especially now that he had finally stopped thinking of her. Stupid girl!

***

Professor Burns was having dinner in the Great Hall. She discreetly looked at the Gryffindor table. As usual, Potter was seated with his friends. Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Ronald and Ginny Weasley were seated around him. The sight of the students transported her to a time long past... a strange vision. She herself was sitting in that exact place with Lily and the Marauders.

Ginny Weasley... Burns couldn't prevent herself from thinking of Lily each time she saw the girl. Hair, the same shade of red. Each time Burns saw Ginny from behind, she felt the same confusion. Especially when Ginny was close to Harry. Harry... Ginny... Like James and Lily. Maybe Harry and Ginny would end up together?

"Professor Burns," Snape said, interrupting her thoughts. "We must have a discussion. You must know the tru--"

Crack! Burns snapped her fingers and Disapparated. She Apparated in her office.

Cretin. When would he understand that his tricks wouldn't work on her? She knew he spied for Voldemort. His pathetic attempts to make her trust him would never work. How had he managed to convince Dumbledore? How confident he was to think he could trap her again!

Burns cleared her thoughts. What was she thinking of, before having been bothered by Snivellus? Ah yes... Harry and Ginny... Like James and Lily.

Burns tried to remember when James and Lily had started dating. She thought it was at the beginning of seventh year. That she had helped them to be together. She remembered that she had received a letter from James during the summer holidays. Katarina had given him advice to seduce Lily, and insisted that he be honest.

But how had everything happened? The answers lay in Professor Burns' Pensieves. And Harry would be glad to know this. To see his parents happy together. Burns observed the surface of the Pensieves, catching sight of an image. She moved her wand to the Pensieves and let the memory fill her head...

***

Hogwarts, the second of September, Katarina's seventh year.

Katarina was in her common room, preparing herself to go to the Great Hall. She was very happy and excited. Today was the day James would speak to Lily. Katarina hoped that everything would be all right. She had consulted the Marauders. All that they had to do was to let James and Lily alone.

"Are you in a hurry?" Lily asked. "This is the first time I've seen you happy to go to Potions class!"

"Before Potions, there's breakfast," Katarina replied. "I'm hungry!" She couldn't calm her excitement. She imagined how tense James must be at that very moment. She just hoped that Lily wouldn't ruin everything. If Lily replied to James sharply, like she often did, James would probably give up. Of course, he would try another time, but they'd have to start all over again.

"What a relief!" Lily exclaimed. "I thought you fell in love with Blazy during summer!"

Katarina made a grimace. "Are you expecting me to throw up?" she asked. "Because I will, if you say that again!"

Lily laughed. "Maybe there's someone you want to see at breakfast?" she said. "Sirius Black, for example?" she teased.

Katarina rolled her eyes. Why did Lily always think she was in love with Sirius? "Not really," she replied. "In fact, I want to see James Potter."

Lily stared at her and blinked. Katarina burst into laughter. Lily's features relaxed. "Hey!" she exclaimed. "That's not fair!"

"You should have seen your face when I said 'James Potter'!" Katarina retorted. "Come on. Let's go to the Great Hall!"

***

Professor Burns grumbled. Not the right memory. The following one, maybe?

***

Hogwarts, the second of September, Katarina's seventh year.

Katarina, Lily, James, and Sirius walked into the corridors to go to their first Potions classes of the year. But for the first time, they took another way to go there. Officially, Sirius wanted to go to the Owlery before class; truly, James and Lily had to find themselves alone together in the empty corridors. As they returned from the Owlery, Sirius winked at James discreetly. Then he moved forward and chatted animatedly with Katarina.

"Oh," Katarina exclaimed. "I've forgotten my Potions book in the common room! I'll be right back!" She ran in the direction of the common room. At least, that's what she wanted Lily to think. Katarina didn't know what excuses Sirius would use to escape, but it was his problem.

Katarina took a red cloak which belonged to her father from her bag. An invisibility cloak. She put it on her shoulders and went back to observe Lily and James.

Lily and James were walking in the corridors alone. The plan had worked. But Lily and James didn't speak to each other. They just looked awkward.

"Hmmm, Evans?" James said finally.

"Yes, Potter?" Lily replied coldly.

"Er..." he continued, "how are you doing?"

Katarina smirked. How are you doing? Poor James! You could have done better than that!

"I'm fine," Lily retorted.

"Hmmm," Potter uttered again. He cleared his throat. "Er... I... I would like to apologise."

Lily stopped walking. "Apologise?" she repeated. She looked surprised, even shocked. "James Potter wants to apologise?" she continued. "Who are you and what did you do to James Potter?"

"You don't make things go easy!" exclaimed Potter. He nervously adjusted his glasses. "I must admit you're right about me..." he continued. "I'm a bit... a bit conceited," he continued more calmly.

"Just a bit?" Lily said ironically.

Ouch! James wouldn't appreciate that. Katarina thought of what Lily always said. That the day Potter would apologise to someone, there would be an editorial in press. Lily probably thought she was dreaming.

James grimaced. "Right, Evans, goodbye!" He turned on his heels to leave.

"Wait!" Lily exclaimed.

Katarina sighed. Good reaction, Lily!

Potter stopped.

"Go on," Lily said.

"Well, Evans," he continued eventually, "I know that I haven't been very subtle with you, that I was rather... rude. And..." he stopped speaking.

"And...?" Lily repeated.

Katarina wished that James wouldn't stop. He had caught Lily's interest. Go on, James!

James took a big breath as if to give himself courage. Then he continued. "We've been running in circles around each other for the last two years, Evans. I'm pretty sure that you have a crush on me, and you know I have a crush on you. And I'm rather tired of that game. So will you go out with me?"

Lily didn't reply. James had been direct. A little too much, maybe, but things were clear. Katarina knew Lily had been expecting that for a long time.

"I know the Giant Squid already has a date, so..." Potter added.

There was a heavy silence. Katarina stopped breathing.

"Er... Evans?" James asked awkwardly.

"Lily," she replied. "My name is Lily."

Katarina smiled. James Potter had won.

"Right, Lily," James said gently. "So?"

"Yes," Lily responded. "But I have a condition."

What the hell was Lily doing? It was not the time for conditions, unless... Katarina repressed a laugh.

"A condition?" James asked suspiciously.

"Don't take your Golden Snitch with you," Lily continued with a smile.

"Deal!" James laughed.

"Maybe we should go in class now," Lily said.

"Just one thing more," James said. He gripped Lily's hand and led her close to the wall, out of sight. What would he do? Then he stared at Lily. He raised her chin with his right hand, and kissed her softly.

Katarina turned back, a grin on her face, and left.

***

After dinner, Severus returned to his quarters in the cold dungeons. No matter how cold they were, nothing was colder than Burns. Severus felt so helpless. Dumbledore couldn't do anything for him. The Headmaster had said Severus was the only one able to do something. But what could he do? He could bear lots of tortures: the burning of the Dark Mark on his arm, the Cruciatus Curse. But he couldn't bear being rejected by the woman he loved desperately.

Severus remembered the jealousy and the disgust he had felt on their first Potions class in seventh year. When he had understood that Potter and Evans were dating, and when he had believed Black and Burns would do the same... The day Blazy had said Severus would continue giving Burns extra Potions lessons.

***

Hogwarts, the second of September, Severus' seventh year.

Severus Snape was seated in the Potions class. Each time a student entered the room, Severus involuntarily cast a quick glance at the door. After several minutes, Black went in. Then Burns entered. Narcissa Black jostled her violently. All Burns' school things fell on the floor.

"Apologise to Katarina!" Sirius Black snarled immediately.

"That's not my fault if she's clumsy," Narcissa replied.

"That's all right, Sirius," Burns said.

Black threw a menacing stare at Narcissa. Then he leant over and helped Burns to pick up her books.

"Thank you," Burns said. Black replied with a big smile.

Severus grimaced. Black was really a bloody bastard. He looked so stupid with that annoying grin plastered all over his face! How many teeth did he have? Thousands? There were healers for such diseases!

Burns smiled too, but slightly.

"Sensitive to his charm, hey Burns!" Severus thought, revolted.

Then she sat at her place. About three minutes later, Potter and Evans came in. Potter smiled exactly like Black. How irritating! Evans blushed, and her ugly Mudblood hair looked even redder. She sat close to Burns. Burns smiled at the Mudblood while she spoke. Evans cast quick, awkward glances at Potter. "Oh my God," Severus thought, "don't tell me that they are dating?" Disgusting! Evans alone or Potter alone were already disgusting, but the two of them together? He was going to be sick!

The entrance of Professor Blazy interrupted Severus' thoughts.

The Potions master stood in front of the students and started his speech for the new school year. Boring, as usual. However, when Blazy mentioned the results, everyone looked suddenly more interested. Like the previous year, Blazy would comment on their marks. And like the previous year, Blazy took pleasure in commenting about Burns' mark.

"Miss Burns," Blazy said sadistically, "I see that, even after one year of preparation and extra lessons, you just managed to get an 'Exceeds Expectations' on your Potions exam. If the Headmaster hadn't insisted that you stay in my class, I would have never tolerated such mediocrity. But since we must tolerate your presence in this class, the rest of the class should not be penalised by your weak abilities... You will be given extra lessons, like last year. Starting now."

Blazy cast Severus a knowing stare.

"What?" Severus exclaimed in his mind. He would be forced to teach Burns Potions for the whole year??? He had thought the lessons ended after the last exams! But... the whole year? He couldn't bear to see that much of her! Just one of her letters had made him ill! She angered him so much that he kept thinking of the bad things he would tell her!

Suddenly, Severus saw that he was not the only one who was furious. Or rather, he heard it.

"What?" Sirius Black exclaimed. "You can't let her study with Snape the whole year!" Black looked shocked.

"Silence, Black!" Professor Blazy ordered.

"But--"Black said.

"Five points from Gryffindor!" Blazy shouted. "And ten if you don't keep silent!"

Black didn't add anything, but he cast Severus a murderous stare.

Well, Severus would have a little compensation at least. He wouldn't be the only one tortured because of that awful girl!

***

Harry was on the way to the Shrieking Shack. His face had turned white and his heart beat faster in his chest. It was really hard to see Lupin in such a bad state. And Harry felt so guilty... Although he never talked about it to anyone, he was convinced he was responsible for Sirius' death and for what had happened to Lupin. He felt ashamed of having caused so much pain and misfortune around him. It had started with his father, who had died to protect him and his mother. Then his mother, who had given her life for Harry. Sirius, who had been killed by Bellatrix Lestrange because he wanted to protect Harry. And Lupin, who had been kidnapped and transformed into a beast. Again, because of Harry.

Harry did not feel proud of being The Boy Who Lived. Maybe Voldemort had seen his equal in him because Harry's true nature was bad? When he had learnt the truth about Burns and Snape, Harry had been very furious. When Burns had forced him and Snape to leave her office, Harry had felt mixed feelings of pain, anger, and sadness. He had felt betrayed.

At first, he had thought it was because of Sirius. But he had just realised it was for himself. Harry had felt abandoned. He had understood that he had become attached to Burns in spite of himself. In the Pensieve, he had seen a different person. Katarina Burns. Lily's friend. Lupin's friend. The woman who had risked her life to save Harry's life and Lupin's. The young woman who had written love letters to someone Harry had thought was Sirius. Yes, Harry had become attached to Burns.

But it had hurt him to know she was unable to love. Not only for Sirius, but for himself. It was as if he had lost something very important. He felt alone, rejected. She hadn't even agreed to be his godmother when Harry was a baby. Because she had chosen Snape. It was a selfish thought, but Harry couldn't accept it. He would have wanted her to choose him. To tell him she regretted and would repair her mistake. Instead of that, she had claimed she wanted to die. Harry's presence hadn't changed her decision. She wanted to honour a pledge, but she didn't really care about him.

"Yellow socks," Harry uttered. Dumbledore had cast a spell on the Whomping Willow. Only those with the good password could get past the dangerous tree. And Harry was allowed to come and visit Lupin when he wanted, although there was always someone with him when he faced the werewolf.

The Whomping Willow stopped moving its branches, allowing Harry to enter the large gap in the roots. He followed the tunnel which led to the Shrieking Shack. He could hear Lupin's howls from where he was. Harry had a lump in his throat.

The boy left the tunnel and entered the Shrieking Shack. He saw that someone descended the stairs. Madam Pomfrey.

"Potter," Madam Pomfrey said, "Come back later."

"I just want to know how he--" Harry replied.

"Not now," Madam Pomfrey interrupted. "The healers are trying a new treatment on him."

"Is it working?" Harry asked.

"Stop your stupid questions, Potter," someone hissed behind Madam Pomfrey. Harry's jaws clenched when he heard this voice. "What word didn't you understand?" Snape said. "This is a new treatment, which means it is something new."

Madam Pomfrey rolled her eyes and went up the stairs, leaving Harry and Snape alone in the room.

Harry didn't reply. He stared at Snape crossly. Snape glared back with the same expression as Harry's.

"Will you stop staring at your teacher like that," Snape whispered under his breath.

Harry didn't lower his gaze.

"As arrogant as your father, Potter," Snape hissed.

"My father wasn't arrogant," Harry replied. "My mother didn't love arrogant men. Unlike some of her friends." Harry hadn't thought before saying that. Too tempting.

"Awful little prat," Snape spat. His lips turned into a thin line.

"I would be a prat," Harry replied, "if I was used to breaking women's hearts." Harry knew he had crossed the line, but he didn't care.

Snape's eyes narrowed.

"I saw her in the Pensieve," Harry said sadistically. "She was a very kind person. What did you do to her? She's different because of you! Did you torture her?" He wanted to make Snape pay for everything. For the fact Burns wasn't really interested in Harry. For the love she wouldn't give him.

"I would bite my tongue if I were you!" Snape bellowed, his face red. He raised his wand and pointed it at Harry. "Do not ever say that again, Potter! I will not tolerate insolence. You don't know anything about what happened, and this is none of your concern!"

"Severus," the voice of Dumbledore snapped.

"Headmaster," Snape hissed, "I don't care if the boy defeated the Dark Lord when he was a baby. And I don't care if he does it again in the future. All that I want is for Potter to mind his own business. I will not be insulted by a student, famous or not! I don't have to justify myself in front of a child!"

"I'm not a--" Harry replied.

"Harry," Dumbledore interrupted abruptly. He paused. "As angry as you are, you must respect Professor Snape and Professor Burns' privacy. Their former relationship doesn't concern you."

"But--" Harry retorted.

"There is no 'but,' Harry," Dumbledore said. "Come with me," he continued, "we need to talk."

Snape moved upstairs. Harry followed Dumbledore into an adjacent room. The Headmaster conjured a chair. He motioned to Harry to sit down. Harry obeyed. Dumbledore didn't speak. He looked lost in his thoughts.

"It's not fair," Harry said finally, breaking the silence. Not fair for what, exactly? Harry didn't know.

Dumbledore sighed. "You must understand," he said, "that Professor Burns and Professor Snape suffered a lot."

"I--" Harry said.

"I know you are distressed," Dumbledore continued. "It is too much for you. But you must try to understand Professor Snape's point of view."

Harry's jaws clenched. How could he understand a bastard like Snape?

"You are not fair to him," Dumbledore said. "He has made many sacrifices. He helped the Order although he risked his life everyday. I can not tell you why he did it. This is personal. But I trust him. Life was unfair to him. You can not imagine how much it was. Do not judge him so severely, Harry."

"But Burns--" Harry replied.

"Professor Burns," Dumbledore corrected. He paused. "You cannot sort out everything. Sometimes, the solution does not come from you."

"Can you do something for her?" Harry asked.

"No," Dumbledore replied. "Not me. A long time ago, I understood that sometimes the power to save another does not rest with me, no matter how much I might wish it. Certain links cannot be broken."

Certain links? Harry wanted to ask more, but Madam Pomfrey burst into the room like a cannonball.

"It worked!" she exclaimed. "Severus says it won't last more than twenty minutes, but it worked!"

It worked? What worked? Harry couldn't believe it was... His heart beat hard.

"That is wonderful, Poppy," Dumbledore said. "Listen, Harry, I want you to go back to the castle. We may have found a cure to restore Remus. But the effects seem to be short-lived. You cannot see him now. The potion is experimental and it is still very dangerous. But I will tell you if there is some amelioration."

Harry was speechless. His heart filled with hope and happiness. He didn't ask to see Lupin. He knew Dumbledore wouldn't let him see Lupin, even if he insisted. And Harry didn't want to insist. He just wanted to run to the castle and tell the good news to his friends.

***

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