O my soul

O My Soul

Part Four

"You used to be so proud." Voldemort knocked Severus's hat off his head. "But perhaps you still are. Never wanted to show weakness, to demean yourself by betraying the pain I was causing you. I imagine that's what you're doing now."

Severus did not reply. He clung to the words Father Nikolski had once told him:

Satan only condemns. Never forget that, my child. Do not listen to his taunts.

Then Voldemort punched him in the abdomen with such force that Severus doubled over and crumpled to the ground, gasping for air.

The Dark Lord was going to kill him.

Severus prayed, begging God for more time. He couldn't die, not yet, not when he'd just started to mend his ways. Not when he, the prodigal son, had just embarked upon his journey back home...

"Ah, Severus, seeing you at my feet like this... it's just like the old days," Voldemort said.

Tears swam in Severus's eyes.

"But I'm getting sentimental. That won't do at all." Voldemort snapped his fingers, and a chair materialized behind him. He sat down and stroked his chin. "I believe I need a diversion."

He snapped his fingers again. A metal bucket appeared beneath Severus's bowed head, so that he found himself staring at its contents: a large hammer, nails, and coils of rope.

Severus felt his innards turn to ice.

"More original than another tedious volley of crucios, wouldn't you agree?" Voldemort said. "Until recently, I had no idea just how inventive Muggles could be. Those archaic texts you've been delving into with such reverence were particularly inspirational."

He motioned to Malfoy, who came to stand beside him.

"Lucius, tell us what crucifixion entails."

"With pleasure, my Lord. It was considered by the Romans to be such a humiliating form of execution that they spared their own citizens from it. The Muggle historian Josephus called it 'the most wretched of deaths.' Those condemned to be crucified were stripped, then had metal stakes driven in their wrists and down through their heels. They usually died after hours or days of agonizing torture, too weak to pull themselves up to breathe."

"Ah, yes. I never get tired of hearing it."

Severus raised his head and looked at his former master, a barely human monstrosity. At his former friend, a vicious killer feared by all, including his own son... and he grieved for them.

"Tom, Lucius," he said. "Don't do this."

For a moment, Voldemort and Malfoy were dumbstruck; then a terrible smile twisted the Dark Lord's mouth, and he said, "Enough theory, Lucius. I am eager to see it put into practice."

Malfoy marched towards Severus and said, "Get up, you pathetic wretch."

Severus did as Malfoy commanded.

"I have a special gift for you," Malfoy said, and one of the Death Eaters brought him a wooden case. Malfoy opened it, revealing a crown made of barbed wire. "A modern touch was required, I thought."

Severus closed his eyes.

O Lord my God, I am not worthy of this.

Malfoy took the crown out of the box, careful not to prick himself with the barbs. "You should be flattered I went through such trouble, Severus," he said with a sneer. "In a moment, you're going to look like your god."

As Malfoy pushed it down Severus's head, tearing his scalp and forehead, the Potions Master couldn't repress a whimper, and rivulets of blood streaked his pale features.

"Very good, Lucius. I love the effect. Beautiful," the Dark Lord said.

"I was certain you would approve, master. And now, for the pièce de résistance." Malfoy pointed his wand at a tree and muttered, "Crucificat formis vegetatum."

Immediately two of the lower limbs started to move, and with groaning sounds the tree was bent into a rough approximation of a cross.

"Severus, you are guilty of treason." Malfoy gripped the bleeding man's clothes and ripped them off his body, not stopping until Severus was left naked, then turned to Voldemort. "Master, what is your verdict?"

"Crucify him," the Dark Lord said.

Malfoy shoved Severus towards the tree. The Potions Master took a few staggering steps, then held onto the trunk with his back to Malfoy.

"Face me," Malfoy said.

Severus slowly obeyed. His pain-filled eyes bored into Malfoy's, and he said, "Lucius. It's not too late."

Malfoy raised an eyebrow and shook his head. "Severus, Severus. You always were such an idealist." He clucked his tongue. "Look what it's gotten you."

The blonde wizard flicked his wand, first levitating Severus about four feet from the ground, then securing his victim's outstretched arms to the branches with rope. The Potions Master gasped, pain flaring in his shoulders because of the weight that was abruptly pulling at them, and he fought to gain some kind of foothold; at last one of his heels came to rest on a gnarled knot. Barely able to support his body, the lower half of which was now twisted sideways, he placed one foot on top of the other.

"To think that I once loved you as a son. But you leave me with no choice." Voldemort waved his hand. Three nails leapt from the bucket, soared into the air and came to a halt with their points pressed against Severus's wrists and the top of his upper foot.

The Potions Master held his breath, steeling himself for the agony that awaited him. Then he was startled to hear his former master say softly, "Severus, you can still change your mind. Come back to me, and it will be as it was before. Even better, my dark one. Do you truly want to die like this? Forget all this pious Muggle nonsense, and return to me. Don't you remember how much I loved you, how I favored you above all the others? Yes, there were chastisements. But only for your own good."

Severus whispered, "You don't... know what... love is."

"I understood you when no one else did. I avenged you, destroyed those who had tormented you without cause for so many wretched years. Are you so different now, Severus? Would you have me believe that you have forgiven them?"

"I... I have."

"Easily spoken words," Voldemort said. "Let us see how much truth there is to them."

As if on cue, one of the Death Eaters removed his mask.

"Our newest member. And old acquaintance of yours," the Dark Lord said.

"Severus," Sirius Black said, gazing at his lifelong enemy's contorted form. "What an unparalleled delight."

Severus felt as though his strength was being drained from his muscles. "Si- Sirius..."

"He was instrumental in bringing you here to me," Voldemort said. "And another one of your friends as well. We couldn't leave you hanging on the cross with no one to keep you company, could we?"

Black drew aside his cloak to reveal a bound and gagged Draco Malfoy.

"A little farewell present, you might say," Black said. He tapped his wand against the boy's cheek; the ropes and gag disappeared. Immediately, the young Slytherin pushed away from Black and raced towards Severus.

"Professor!" the boy said, trembling from head to toe. He glanced over his shoulder at his father, who surveyed him with cold, disdainful eyes, and stared up at his Head of House again. "Professor!"

Severus's heart clenched. "Let him... go." He grew even weaker, and his arms shook.

"First things first," Voldemort said. "I can see you're in need of assistance."

Severus's limbs were suddenly upheld by an invisible force. Relief flooded his body and he exhaled slowly.

"A respite, so you can answer me," the Dark Lord said. "Your response will seal your fate. Question. Sirius Black has delivered you into my hands. The very same Sirius Black who humiliated you at every opportunity while you were a student at Hogwarts." In a flash, Voldemort had left his chair and had his wand rammed against Black's throat.

"My -my Lord?" Black said.

"What shall I do with him, Severus?" Voldemort said. "Say the word, and I will kill him for you right now."

A thousand memories assaulted Severus, and a small flame was lit inside his chest.

Oh, isn't that just what the bastard deserves after all he's done to you?

"Imagine Black's lifeless, twitching body lying at your feet. All you have to do is ask," the Dark Lord said.

Lying at your feet, like the dog he is.

"No... no!" Severus said. He spurned the demonic suggestions that were trying to implant themselves into his mind and called on the name of the Lord over and over again.

O Lord, make haste to save me. Arise O Lord, save me, O my God.

"Pity," Voldemort said. He removed his wand from Black's throat, and scowled at him. "You gloat, and possess a great deal of audacity, but you have not proved your worth to me yet, Sirius Black. Know that I am a very demanding master, and take this demonstration as a warning. I can snuff out your life at any time, for any reason. Is that clear?"

"Yes, yes my Lord," Black said.

"I am more than aware that the penalty I must exact from Severus is a tremendous source of enjoyment for you. Remember that your turn could come just as quickly, should you fail to obey me."

"Yes, my Lord," Black said. He dropped on his knees and kissed the hem of Voldemort's robes. "I will always obey you, my Lord."

Voldemort snatched his robes away from Black and returned to his seat. "Well, Severus. You've made your choice. My master expected as much."

"The child," Severus said. "Do with me what you will, but don't harm him. If you loved me once, as you say... do this one last thing for me."

"Why should I defile myself by touching a single hair on the vile boy's head? He can watch you suffer and die, then be devoured by some forest creature, or perhaps succumb to exposure. He is not worthy of receiving the Dark Mark."

Lucius Malfoy features were like stone. Draco turned red, but lifted his chin defiantly.

"Time to bring all of this to a conclusion," the Dark Lord said. "Vindicte penetratus. Sustenere abolitas."

The nails that pricked Severus's flesh pierced it, sank all the way into the wood, and the energy that had supported his body was withdrawn.

The Potions Master screamed. Draco clamped his hands over his ears and crumpled at the foot of the tree.

After some time, Severus's tortured screams gave way to ragged breaths, and he realized that Voldemort was talking to him.

"... is what you want?"

Sweat was pouring down Severus's face and chest, melding with blood and tears. He tried to speak, but couldn't.

"I'm giving you one more chance, Severus," Voldemort said. "Forsake your impotent god, swear allegiance to me and to my master, and we shall deliver you."

"You... you have n- nothing... to give..." the Potions Master said at last. "My soul... is God's."

"He has abandoned you."

Severus looked away from Voldemort, and prayed.

Many say unto my soul: There is no salvation for him in his God. But Thou, O my Lord, art my helper, my glory, and the lifter up of my head. They that afflict me will rejoice if I am shaken; but as for me, I have hoped in Thy mercy.

In the midst of his suffering, an immense calm washed over him, a stillness in his heart; he felt the presence of God suffuse his being, and what was left of his bitterness flowed from him like water through a mesh.

He looked again at Voldemort, then at Lucius, and Sirius. What he saw were broken souls, hungry and yet refusing nourishment, crushed by pain and burning with anger and hatred. Had he not once been exactly like them? How could he condemn them?

At that moment, the Dark Lord recoiled in his chair and told Lucius Malfoy, "We are leaving. I can no longer abide the sight of him."

"Neither can I, my Lord."

An instant later, Severus and Draco were alone.

The boy was still cowering at the foot of the cross, and Severus heard him weeping.

With great effort, Severus said, "Draco... you must... try to get back... to Hogwarts..."

"I w- won't leave you, Professor Snape..."

Pain lanced Severus's body, and he stiffened, his eyes screwed shut.

"Professor!" The boy began to cry even more.

"Draco," Severus said after he was able to take another breath, "if you... don't get help, I will... surely die. Go, child..."

"I don't even know w- where we are, professor. I'll never find Hog- Hogwarts!"

"You must... have faith. You will... you will find your way back."

Draco stared at his Potions Master and reaching up, touched his foot. "Please tell me you won't die. Promise you'll still be alive... when I come back with the Headmaster."

"I will be... waiting," Severus said.

The boy hesitated one moment longer. "I'll run as fast as I can, just... please, Professor Snape, don't die. If you ask your God, I know He'll listen to you."

"He is watching... over us both," Severus said, drops of perspiration falling from his bent head. "Go... be careful."

Draco stroked the side of Severus's foot once, and then sped away and was swallowed up by the thick forest.

****

"If a man accuses himself, he is protected on all sides."
~Abba Poemen, Sayings of the Desert Fathers

"Where there is no struggle, there is no virtue."
~St. John of Kronstadt

"Stretch out your garment upon the one who has sinned and cover him."
~St. Seraphim of Sarov

When dawn stretched out over Hogwarts, most of the school's inhabitants began their day as they always did, unaware of the terrible events that had occurred during the night.

Dumbledore, however, had awoken with a start, and although the images that had haunted his sleep vanished as soon as he opened his eyes, an ominous feeling lurked in the back of his mind and refused to leave. Then he saw Father Nikolski come into the Great Hall without Severus, and the Headmaster's foreboding grew worse.

"Good morning, Father," Dumbledore said.

"Good morning, Headmaster Dumbledore," the priest said. "Severus is not here?"

"I confess that I was surprised to see you arrive without him. We've all gotten used to seeing Severus in your immediate company."

The priest, who was still standing near the old wizard, frowned slightly. "It is strange that he was not in his quarters. He would not do something contrary to his habits and not tell me. I am... concerned."

"I will help you to look for him, but I'm certain we've nothing to worry about. After what happened the other day, I strengthened the Wards around the school considerably. Perhaps he was looking for something in the library and lost track of time. Heaven knows he's been known to do that before."

Please, let him be safe.

"You must be correct," Father Nikolski said. "However, I will be more at peace when he is found."

"In that case, let's see right away if-"

A number of loud gasps suddenly erupted throughout the Great Hall and Dumbledore looked up to see Hagrid striding down the main aisle with a limp Draco Malfoy in his arms.

"Oh, my stars!" McGonagall said, and rose to her feet along with the Headmaster.

"Professor Dumbledore sir, I was tendin' the hippogriffs, an' out o' the Forbidden Forest comes a centaur with Draco layin' on his back, boy not movin' a muscle..."

The Headmaster, McGonagall and Father Nikolski rushed towards the distraught giant.

"Oh dear, whatever happened to him?" McGonagall said, scanning the boy's cuts and bruises.

"The centaur said he'd found the lad stumblin' around the forest right around sunrise, all a mess cryin' his eyes out 'an babblin' 'bout..." Hagrid's eyes watered.

"It's all right, Hagrid," Dumbledore said with a soothing voice, although his expression was grave. "Go on."

"Sir, you need ter get out there 'fore it's too late. It's Professor Snape, he's..." The giant shook his head and his mouth trembled.

Not a single sound could be heard in the Great Hall.

"Tell me," Dumbledore said.

"The centaur said somethin' 'bout-" Hagrid choked, and continued in a whisper, "'Bout Death Eaters an'- an' You-Know-Who..."

McGonagall blanched and the Headmaster gently steadied her with his hand on her arm.

"Oh, sir, it was the most horrible thing I ever heard," Hagrid said.

Dumbledore and the priest leaned closer to Hagrid, who could barely get the words out of his mouth.

"Draco said You-Know-Who... nailed the professor ter, ter... a tree," the giant said, breaking into tears at last.

"My Lord! Have mercy on us," Father Nikolski said, crossing himself and looking like he was on the verge of collapse.

"Albus," McGonagall said, unable to take another breath.

"Professor Lupin, please come with me," the Headmaster said, turning to the Head Table.

The werewolf hurried to Dumbledore's side, alarm etched upon his thin face. "What is it, Headmaster?"

"Hagrid, take the boy to the Hospital Wing. Minerva, I will leave you in charge of Hogwarts while Professor Lupin, Father Nikolski and I go look for Severus," Dumbledore said. "The students are to return to their common rooms and stay there until I say otherwise."

She gave a brisk nod.

"Remus, Father, let's go," Dumbledore said. "We haven't got a moment to lose."

They ran out of the Great Hall and across the grounds to the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

"Hold on to my arms," the Headmaster told Lupin and the priest, and they Disapparated.

Although it was daylight, when the trio Apparated in the middle of the forest, they were encompassed by impenetrable shadows, and the air was almost cold. Lupin held up his wand and whispered, "Lumos."

"How are we going to find him?" Father Nikolski said.

Dumbledore's fingers closed around his wand and he said, "Point me to Severus Snape."

The wand shook as though it were trying to obey but was prevented from doing so.

"Point me to Severus Snape!"

It trembled even more and Dumbledore thought it was actually going to snap; his eyes widened.

"The dark power is intending to stop us," Father Nikolski said. "Allow me to make an attempt."

Dumbledore handed the wand to the priest, who took it and said with a loud voice, "In the name of Christ, point me to Severus Snape!"

Compelled by a superior force, the wand pointed in a southwest direction.

"Amazing," Lupin said.

"Quickly," Dumbledore said, "if we're to save him."

As one, they started off in a desperate search for the Potions Master.

****

"None of you can be my disciple without giving up all that he owns."
~Luke 14:33

Severus tried to raise himself one last time, but couldn't. The pain was too overwhelming, his body too exhausted.

Can't... Lord... Lord...

Earlier in the night, during the interminable hours while he hung, shivering from the cold and the agony that coursed throughout his limbs, it seemed he'd forgotten everything he'd been taught. All the hymns he once knew so well, the Scriptures that had comforted him since he'd converted, the sayings of the Fathers. It had all had been engulfed by suffering, drowned in an indescribable anguish which had its source in the enemy's malice.

The evil one repeated his attacks and first tried to cast doubts into Severus's soul, then attempted to seduce him with vainglorious thoughts, even appearing a an angel of light in a bid to flatter his weakened victim's pride.

However, Severus had resisted, humbling himself and cleaving to the Lord, who filled him with His grace.

The Potions Master's heartbeat was becoming irregular, but he was not distressed. It was as though he was being lulled to sleep... each shallow breath rising like incense before the face of God. He could feel the Lord's presence and let it bear him up, surrendering wholly to His mystical embrace.

Lord, receive my spirit... do not... hold this sin against them.

****

"What on earth was that?"

Lupin could still see bright spots dancing before his eyes, and for some inexplicable reason, his knees started to shake.

"I think I know," Father Nikolski said, and crossed himself.

Seconds before, an unimaginable burst of light had all but blinded the priest, Dumbledore and Lupin, who'd stopped dead in their tracks.

"My heavens, it came from that direction," the Headmaster said, "where the wand is leading us."

"Let's go," Lupin said, and ran ahead of the two men.

After tripping a few times over the roots of ancient trees in his mad dash to get to the place from whence the light had come, the werewolf tore aside a curtain of leaves, then felt his mouth go dry.

"Severus. Oh, no. Oh, no!"

Approximately ten feet away from him was Severus's limp, bleeding form. Draco had told the truth. The Potions Master's head was propped against his chest; his eyes were closed; beneath the innumerable streaks of blood, his flesh was almost white. A golden glow surrounded his body. As it slowly faded away, the extent of his cruel injuries was revealed all too clearly, and Lupin thought he might faint.

"Headmaster, Father! Hurry, over here!"

"You found him?" Dumbledore said. He'd lost his wizard's hat and sweat beaded his wrinkled forehead. "Is he-" He drew in his breath. "Severus."

"Oh, merciful God," Father Nikolski said, making his way past Lupin and Dumbledore. "My dear child." He went up to the cross and cried softly.

"We have to get him down," Lupin said. "Maybe he's not... not yet..."

Dumbledore waved his hand. The nails were pulled out of Severus's wrists and feet and he was gently lowered into their awaiting arms. They set him on the ground and the Headmaster draped his cloak over the still man. Lupin began tearing up part of his already-battered cloak into strips, then wrapped Severus's wounds while the Headmaster and Father Nikolski checked Severus for signs of life.

"I feel no pulse," the priest said, his fingers against Severus's neck. Tears rolled down his cheeks. "His body is cold."

The old wizard lay his hand on top of Severus's head. "Vitae resuscitem."

Dumbledore and Lupin watched, hoping that there was a chance Severus might be revived, that they hadn't been too late; Father Nikolski prayed.

Then Severus's lips parted and he took a barely audible breath.

"He's alive!" Lupin said.

"We must get him to Hogwarts immediately," Dumbledore said. "St. Mungo's would be too dangerous."

"Whatever you deem is best," Father Nikolski said. "But there is little time."

"Vitae sustanem," Dumbledore said. "This will keep him breathing until we arrive at the Hospital Wing. Grab my sleeves."

With a flash, they Disapparated.

****

"Oh! I saw something!"

An instant after Hermione's exclamation had reached their ears, all the Gryffindors who'd been sitting around the common room raced towards the window where she'd been standing guard and crowded the small aperture.

"Where?" Ron said, jostling for a view.

"I can see them, look!" Harry said. "They're coming closer to the school."

The Headmaster was carrying their Potions Master, who was wrapped in a cloak and whose feet seemed to be bare.

"Professor Snape's face is full of blood... do you think he's... he's..." Hermione's eyes watered and she looked away.

"What did those bastards do to him?" Harry said.

Since they'd been herded back to Gryffindor Tower over an hour ago, speculations had run wild. What had happened to Draco, and what did it have to do with Professor Snape? Hagrid had mumbled something about the Potions Master and Death Eaters; no one had been able to hear the rest of what he'd said. But from the looks on Dumbledore, Father Nikolski and McGonagall's faces, it was no doubt very bad news.

"What's... what's that around his head?" Neville said, his voice a whisper, when the unconscious man and his rescuers were about twenty feet away from the castle.

"We have to find out what's going on," Harry said.

"I'm with you," Ron said.

"Hermione?" Harry said.

For the first time ever, she didn't warn them they'd get into trouble, and just nodded silently instead.

"Let's hurry to the Hospital Wing before they get there," Harry said. "Professor Dumbledore will probably be too busy to notice us."

"Right," Ron said.

Harry raced up the stairs to retrieve his Invisibility Cloak, and once the trio had concealed themselves from prying eyes, they scurried towards the Hospital Wing.

They'd almost reached their destination when they heard the Headmaster's voice ringing down the hall.

"Poppy! Emergency!"

"Quick, Harry- Oh, watch out!" Hermione said.

The mediwitch came running out of the Hospital Wing and they managed to avoid a collision without a second to spare.

"In the Hospital Wing, now," Harry said, slightly out of breath.

They made it to a discrete corner and the adults burst into the room; it was then that the Gryffindors realized how serious the situation truly was.

"Put him here," Pomfrey said, pointing to the nearest bed. "Yes, careful." She unfolded the cloak from the Potions Master's inert form, shaking her head in disbelief. "Merlin. Those despicable butchers... Albus, get me towels and a basin of water, and I need to get some blood into him, look at this! Fetch the potion, Remus, he's in shock, totally dehydrated... Damn them all to hell."

Severus's body was covered with dried streams of blood. It was obvious he'd been punched in the abdomen, and there were dark bruises along his shoulders and arms where the bones had been dislocated. Pomfrey started undoing the rudimentary bandages Lupin had wrapped around his feet and froze at the sight of his mangled flesh.

"They really did... oh, Severus," she said, her voice tight. Then she straightened and began scanning him with brisk motions, muttering one charm after another.

Father Nikolski stood next to the Potions Master, and gently stroked his face.

"Father, maybe you can get that... thing off him." The mediwitch jerked her chin towards the barbed wire that cruelly cinched Severus's head.

The priest nodded. Although he tried to remove it with the greatest of care, by the time he'd succeeded in wrenching it off, more blood was trickling down the Potions Master's pale forehead and onto the pillow.

"Here, Father," Dumbledore said, and handed him bandages and ointment.

For the next half hour, all that could be heard was Pomfrey's terse instructions, and the painful sound of Severus's shallow breaths.

The children watched, grief-stricken, as the adults huddled around the bed, Lupin washing the blood from their Potions Master's body, Father Nikolski winding a strip of white cotton around his head, Pomfrey administering innumerable potions, and the Headmaster coating the nail wounds with thick layer of salve and binding them with yet more bandages.

The mediwitch at last wiped her brow and surveyed the result of their combined efforts. "The heartbeat is becoming more regular, blood pressure... rising, good... Good. Now, the shoulders. We have to put the joints back in the sockets."

Lupin blanched, and the children swallowed as one.

Then Pomfrey hesitated. "I don't want to give him any general anesthetic, but I can't imagine he'll wake." She picked up her wand again, and touched his left shoulder, then his right. "Insensibilitus fragmentas."

"I will assist you," Father Nikolski said. "I have some medical training."

"All right, Father. Let's get it over with. He's already been strained to the breaking point."

The priest nodded, and gripped the Potions Master's torso. Pomfrey went to the other side of the bed and grasped the unconscious man's arm.

"Ready," she said. "Hold him tight."

The mediwitch began to lean backwards, thereby applying traction to his injured limb. "Gently- come on, get in there... the swelling's making this difficult." She gave his arm a few slight twists to coax the joint back into position. "Here we go, yes... We've got it, Father."

Behind them, Dumbledore exhaled slowly.

Pomfrey and the priest went to work on the other shoulder; a few tense moments later, it was done. Lupin sank on a chair and buried his head in his hands.

The mediwitch waved her wand, removing the cloak from underneath her patient and replacing the soiled sheets with fresh ones. Then, she covered him up to the waist and retrieved a pair of slings from a cupboard.

"Well, we've done everything we could," she said after she immobilized both his arms. "It's up to him now... but I don't think any of the damage is irreversible. He'll just need a long time to heal from-" She clenched her jaw. "Filthy, barbaric pigs."

"I didn't think even Death Eater were capable of such horror," Lupin said, shuddering.

"Oh, I don't find it at all hard to believe," Pomfrey said. She clamped her mouth to prevent a string of expletives from escaping and occupied herself with the Potions Master's vital signs.

"Professor... Professor Snape? You've... found him?"

It was Draco Malfoy, who'd woken and pushed the curtain surrounding his bed aside. The boy looked on the verge of collapse, and stared at his Head of House as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

"You should be resting, lad," Dumbledore said, hastening towards the frail Slytherin.

"Is he... going to be all right?" Draco said. "I want to see him."

"Perhaps later, Draco-"

"Please, Headmaster..." The boy's voice wobbled.

"Well, just for a minute, then," Dumbledore said. "After that, you'll have to go back to bed, and Madam Pomfrey will give you a potion."

Draco nodded, unable to tear his gaze away from the Potions Master.

"Come," Dumbledore said, and placing an arm around his shoulders, guided him to Severus's bedside.

Draco looked at his teacher, and tears suddenly ran down his cheeks.

"Don't worry, dear," Pomfrey said. "He'll get better again."

"He promised me," Draco whispered. His eyes meet Father Nikolski's. "I knew he wouldn't lie. He promised he would wait until I got help."

The priest caressed Draco's head. "We were just in time, because of your strength."

Draco rubbed his face with his sleeve, but the tears kept coming. "I never want to speak to my father again. Never."

"You won't have to," Dumbledore said. "I shall provide for your safety."

Then Draco gasped and said, "Professor Snape is still in danger. Sirius Black... he's the one who betrayed him to Voldemort."

Lupin jumped up from his seat, dumbstruck. Then a growl rumbled in his throat and they all saw the werewolf in him, saw the savage curse burning in his eyes. "What?"

---

End of part four.