Unlikely Situation

Legal Disclaimer: The characters here do not belong to me. They all belong to JK Rowling and Warner Bros. With the exception of Attivus Attlewart and Mistoffelees who belong to Xanthia Morgan.

A/N: Special thanks to Xanthia Morgan for her continued patients and for her talented beta reading skills.

Also special thanks to The Unicorn Whisperer for helping me finish this chapter, without her this chapter would still be floating around in my brain and not out for all you fine people to see. -_-

Please take a moment with me to give applause to my wonderful beta reader and wonderful role-playing partner for helping me bring this story to life -_- you two are the best.

Last time in chapter 4…

While this was happening, Snape was running through Hogwarts towards the headmasters office at top speed. He burst into the headmaster’s office to find the headmaster not there.

     “Oh this is not good.” Snape said taking a seat.

     “What is not good Severus?” Asked a voice from behind him. Snape jumped a mile then turned to see the headmaster who had tried to hide the smile on his face at the reaction of the man in front of him.

    “Albus we have a problem.”

     Headmaster Albus Dumbledore looked at Snape with twinkling eyes and moved to his desk. He then proceeded to wave his wand and muttered a few spells, which resulted in a tea service tray. After he had given Snape a cup he took one for himself and sat back in his chair.

     “Now Severus, what is the problem we have?” Dumbledore asked while sipping at the tea.

     “Albus, Voldemort knows.” Snape said looking straight at the headmaster with a look he hardly ever used, the look of concern.

     “ Voldemort knows what Severus?” questioned the headmaster looking back at the potions professor.

     “ Voldemort knows that Potter’s scar hurts every time he feels evil or if he comes to near to the boy.” Answered Snape and before Dumbledore could say anything he continued “ Voldemort is now bent on using the unforgivable curses as much as possible to torture Potter.” Dumbledore put the teacup down with a clank and stared right at the other man in the room.

     “ Is there any potion that you know of that can deaden some of the pain in Harry’s scar?” Dumbledore asked with a furrowed brow.

     “Nothing that I know of at the moment, but I will look into it. Even though I am not fond of the boy he needs to survive and be in one piece.” Snape said standing up, starting to leave the room.

     “Severus, the meeting will be starting very shortly. Before you go looking into books let’s bring it up to the other members of the order, maybe one of them will have heard of something.” Dumbledore said with hope.

    “Short of stupefying the boy I don’t know what they could possibly come up with, but I will wait.” Snape said taking his seat again.

     Back at the home of Remus Lupin, Harry was in bed playing a game of exploding snap with Sirius when Remus came into the room. He was followed by Attivus Attlewart who looked at the occupants of the room with a jovial expression.

     “Well Harry how do you feel today?” Attivus asked while he walked to the bed. He then proceeded to probe Harry’s abdomen. Harry gasped as Attivus put pressure down by the area of the surgery. “ I know you’re still sore. You will be for a right few days I can wager.” He then felt the boy’s forehead and frowned a quick frown as his patient still had a bit of a fever. “Do you feel like you can hold some food down Harry?” Attivus asked sitting down in a near by chair. Harry just shook his head no. “ Well that’s to be expected. Sirius, Remus, Harry here should have the fever- reducing potion three times today. I think a little soup shouldn’t hurt things any. At least try Harry. I also want him to have another dose of dreamless sleep tonight.” He finished looking at the two grown wizards in the room. Seeing their nods he then looked to Harry “ You young man have to get a few good nights sleep into you. That will do you a world of good. Now I still want you to stay in bed for the rest of today. Only get up for necessities. Don’t forget to tell Sirius or Remus here if you want to move alright?” Attivus said finishing his speech.

     “Yes. Doctor, when will I be able to move around for myself again?” Harry asked.

     “As long as you listen to these two gentlemen and myself by the end of the week. I’ll pop by again in a day or so. If anything happens you know how to reach me.” Attivus said standing up. He clasped hands with Remus and then Sirius.

     “Harry, I’ll be right back.” Sirius said starting for the door.

“Attivus, wait a moment please.” Sirius said catching the doctor right before he used the floo network.

     “Yes, Sirius?” Attivus asked looking at his friend.

     “ Attivus, Harry was still wrenched out of sleep last night by pain in his scar. He couldn’t say what happened due to the dreamless drought. Is there anything stronger we can give him so the pain in the scar won’t wake him?” Sirius asked, obviously concerned for his godson.

     “ Sirius, I’m sorry but there is nothing stronger that I dare to give him. At least until his fever is gone. After that we can talk about using a stronger potion all right? I know it’s hard to watch Harry go through the pain and dreams but stick close to him. He’ll need you when it comes time for the final show down and don’t forget all of the small ones in between. Now I must be off, I have to get to the Weasley’s. Fred and George they are at it again. They seem to remind me of a certain group of friends from years gone by.” Attivus said the last part with a wink. He then took a pinch of floo powder and was gone. Sirius sighed in defeat and returned to where Harry and Remus were.

     Back at Hogwarts the order of the Phoenix had formed in Dumbledore’s office. He looked around taking his seat. The order consisted of Mundugus Fletcher, Mad eye Moody, Arabella Figg, Professor Snape, Professor McGonnagal, Molly and Arthur Weasley. There were four empty seats. That of Hagrid, Madame Maxime, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. Dumbledore then cleared his throat and said

     “ Thank you all for coming. First let me assure you that Harry is safe. There is no need to worry at the moment. I am also happy to report that Hagrid and Madame Maxime were successful in extending the hand of friendship to the giants and are currently on their way back. I have also sent our other two members on a special assignment. They will return by next meeting. Anyone have anything to report?” Dumbledore asked looking around. Arthur rose and spoke to the group

     “ I have gathered more supporters at the ministry. Unfortunately, our minister of magic still believes that you-know-who still hasn’t come back to power. He out right refuses to remove the dementors from Azkaban. He says that we are all just worried and that we have nothing to fear. Personally I think he not believe any of this until the dementors give him the kiss.” He finished with plain disgust evident in his voice. 

     “ He will know of his error soon enough. I say we let the great stupid dunder head get what’s coming to him.” Said Alastor Moody from his place at the table.

     “Now Alastor, we do not want anyone to come to harm if we can help it. Weather or not he agrees with us, it is not the intentions of this order to choose who gets help. We will try to do as much as we can to keep everyone including Fudge safe.” Dumbledore said even though there was a twinkle in his eye. Then it seemed to dim a bit as he started talking again.

     “Severus told me earlier this afternoon that at a death eater meeting last night Voldemort discovered Harry exerpiences pain in his scar whenever he is carrying out an evil plan or is near to Harry. He is now bent on using the unforgivable curses as much as possible to hurt Him.” Dumbeldore stopped here to let the information seep into the members around him. Molly gasped into her hand but remained quiet. “ Now, Severus will be going through books to make the pain tolerable, but does anyone know anything that may help in the mean time?” Dumbledore finished and looked around the now quiet room. No one answered and Snape choked back a snort. He then rose and said

     “If no one has any objections I will be in the dungeons going through my books to see if there is anything to help Potter.” With that he swept out of the room with his robes billowing behind him.

      Snape had started his search hours ago in his own dungeons with the books he had accumulated over the years. After he had gone through all of them, he abandoned that search and headed for the library. He was currently in the forbidden section grumbling, “Potter, you are more trouble than you are worth.” After putting another book down in what he had dubbed the useless pile he raked his hands through his hair.

     “Any luck Severus?” A voice said to him. He jumped and turned to see Professor Dumbledore standing there.

     “Headmaster, I have yet to come up with anything that can help Potter. I don’t know if such a thing even exists. The only things I have come up with are stronger potions for a dreamless sleep.” Snape answered trying not to show the shock he obviously felt at being snuck up on twice in the same day by the same person. Dumbledore considered the man in front of him for a moment before speaking.

     “Well, if no such thing exists, would it be foreseeable to think that a potions master would be able to come up with something?” Dumbledore had hoped that this would stir up the potions professor enough to put him into action. By the look of things he was right since the potions professor had stood and stared at Dumbledore. If it had been a student it would have frightened them into next week. This stare did not do anything to the old mage.

     “Potions master or not, even I need a place to start. Without it I could be handing Potter a goblet of death. No matter how much I dislike Potter, I will not rush into something that may endanger his well -being. If such a potion can be created it will. For now, however, if you have a direction that you think I should be looking in then please do tell me so. If not then let me handle it the way I feel it needs to be.” The potions master finished his speech and waited.

     “Severus, did you ever think to look at herbology to help in this matter? I hear that the Crinstominer plant is very interesting indeed.” Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eyes. He turned to leave and then added, “If you need anything, let me know.” Then almost within the blink of an eye he was gone and left a fuming potions master.

     “Why didn’t he say so in the fist place,” Snape said grumbling going back to the herbology section of the library. He pulled out some books and flopped back into a chair.  A half hour after he started looking in those books he was writing at a feverish pace. “Dumbledore was right. Why didn’t I think of it?” Snape grumbled as he was writing.

   

     While Snape was searching Dumbledore had headed back to Remus Lupin’s home and had just finished filling them in on what had occurred at the meeting.  Sirius was now pacing the room.

     “Well, as far as Snape goes to try and make a potion for Harry, I don’t like the sound of it. I really don’t. I mean he’s had a grudge against Harry because of James. Are you sure we can trust him?” Sirius said worried about his godson.

     “What Sirius means is Attivus had told him that before Harry can receive anything stronger his fever has to break. Since it hasn’t even if Severus found something…it still wouldn’t be able to be administered.” Remus said trying to avoid a confrontation between the headmaster and his thickheaded friend.

     “Well, we still have time gentlemen then haven’t we? Severus has not found anything as of yet, and Harry cannot receive it yet. So it is a stalemate until one of the two things happen.” Dumbledore said to ease Sirius’s worry for the time being. He knew of the fierce animosity that his potions professor and Sirius had for one another. Even though they had to work on the same team it didn’t mean they had to like each other. Sirius sighed as he sat down heavily on the couch.

     “I’m sorry Albus; I am just worried for Harry’s safety is all. I mean after all that’s happened…”Sirius trailed off.
     “No need for apologies Sirius. I understand that you are worried for Harry. We all are, and we are doing what we can to help.” Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye.

     “Sirius!” A voice called from the upstairs.

     “I’m coming Harry.” Sirius called back. “Excuse me please.” He added heading out of the room and up the stairwell.

     “Albus, Sirius has his heart in the right place. I just hope his brain doesn’t conflict matters.” Remus said softly after a few moments of silence.

     “Moony, call for Attivus!” Sirius shouted from the upstairs hallway.

      “What in the world? Sirius what’s wrong?” Remus said crossing over to the stairwell. He saw his friend appear from a room covered in crimson.

     “Remus there isn’t time to explain now.” Sirius said curtly disappearing back into the room. Remus quickly went to the fireplace and took a small pinch of powder.

     “Attivus Attlewart, a word please.” Remus said into the flames.

     “Remus, what’s wrong?” Attivus’s voice said as his head appeared in the flames.

     “It’s Harry, please come.” Remus said. He saw Attivus nod his head.

     “I’m on my way.” Attivus said as he disappeared from the flames.

     “Remus, what is it?” Dumbledore asked after the conversation in the flames was over. Remus jumped slightly, he had almost forgotten that the headmaster was still there.

     “I’m not sure all I know is that Sirius came out and there was blood covering his sleeves.” Remus answered moving away from the flames so Attivus had room to land.

     “I will stay to help.” Dumbledore said.

     “Thank you Albus.” Remus answered. At that moment the flames flared up and out tumbled Attivus Attlewart.

     “Remus, tell me what’s going on.” Attivus said as he brushed himself off.

     “All I know is that Harry called and Sirius went upstairs. A few moments later he told me to call for you and his sleeves were covered in blood.” Remus answered as he led the way up to the room Harry was staying in with the two men following close behind. When they arrived at the door they found it closed. Remus knocked, listening for a reply. 

     "Come in," Sirius said. His voice sounding a cross between absolute fear and trying to act brave. Remus opened the door slowly, preparing for the worst. His breath caught in his chest at what the door opening revealed. The bed was soaked with thick, crimson blood. Harry was curled up in Sirius’ arms. He had his godson in comforting embrace, mumbling, "S'okay, I'm here." 

     “Dear Merlin," gasped Attivus. The doctor's voice caused Sirius's head, which had been resting on Harry's to jerk up.

     "Attivus," Sirius cried, relieved. The doctor strode forward, his eyes fixed on the shuddering boy. He reached out to touch Harry to examine him, but Harry shied away. Sirius whispered something to him and Harry nodded weakly, whimpering.

     "I'm not going anywhere," Sirius assured him. Harry turned to the doctor.

     “Yes sir?" his voice was low and hoarse.

     "What is the matter Harry?" asked Attivus, his violet eyes lingering on the stained sheets. 

     "I felt sick." Harry answered in the same voice.

     "I would think so, and with good reason. Or did you just spill a ketchup bottle?"  Attivus said trying to be humorous to cover the surprise that he really felt at the new situation. Harry just shook his head no. He hated being the center of attention. Attivus then turned into the professional that he was.

     "Sirius had he already been sick by the time you had gotten up here?" The doctor asked starting to look over the boy. Sirius could only nod, tightening his hold on his godson. 

     "Hummm...Had he eaten today?" Attivus asked. After a moment he added "If you wouldn't mind Sirius could you please place him flat on his back so I can examine him?" 

     "Only soup," Sirius said, reluctantly untangling himself from his godson, and laid him on his back.

   Harry let out a squeak of pain. It brought a terrified look to Sirius's face.  After a moment of examination the doctor turned a solemn face to his patient.

     "Harry did you move a lot without asking anyone?" Attivus asked seriously. Harry only whimpered, turning to Sirius, reaching out to him.  "That's not answering my question Harry. Or should I take that as you did move without help?" Attivus asked while running a few fingers gently over the incision site.

     "A little," sighed Harry. "Sorry Sirius."  He added in a small voice.

     “Harry, didn't we tell you that it was no problem to ask us for help? Why didn't you call for us?" Sirius asked trying to understand what could possess his godson to disregard what the doctor had told him.

     "I didn't want to bother you, I'm really sorry Siri," said Harry, his words slurred. 

     "Harry, well young man you've certainly done a job on yourself. You have aggravated the site enough where you have caused some internal bleeding." Attivus concluded. Harry had the look of horror on his face. Attivus added, "Just because I used magic to help heal the site up doesn't mean it's perfect. I took a piece of your body out Harry. It can re-open that's why you had to be very careful." Attivus reprimanded as he started going through his many pockets pulling out what he needed to repair the damage. Sirius glared at Harry.

     "Not very bright, kid. You're in hot water with me also, nearly gave me a heart attack. Trying to put me in an early grave?"  Harry just looked down at the sheets.

     "Siri... I didn't mean to. Honest, I just didn't want to be a bother." he said softly as he reached out a hand to his godfather. Sirius smiled softly, he found it near impossible to be mad at Harry for long. He wrapped both of his large hands around Harry's smaller one.

    "I think I have my epitaph, he died because his godson didn't want to be a bother," Sirius chuckled. 

     "Now then Harry... I am going to have to put you back under the healitis spell. I must repair the damage that you have done. After that it is up to your godfather and Remus if you are going to be in a body bind to keep you from moving." Attivus said with a small smile.

     "Sounds good to me Attivus," Sirius grinned. 

     "Please don't..." Harry said pleading to his godfather.

     "Only if you promise not to move without asking Remus or I." Sirius said sternly, there was parent in his voice. "Got it?"

     "Yes sir." Harry answered. Attivus was getting his wand out in front of him when Harry's hands flew to his head as his scar burst into unbearable pain. Harry gasped as he clenched at his head. Sirius was next to him in an instant, eyes filled with concern.

     "What is it? What's wrong?" Sirius asked, his voice close to panic.

     "It's Voldemort...He's…he's" Harry never finished the sentence as he passed out from the combined pain.

     It was dark in the room and Harry had trouble seeing at first. Then he felt his scar start to burn and saw Voldemort along with Wormtail.  Wormtail was floating a cage behind him.

    “Here she is my lord, as you requested.” Wormtail said with a quivering voice as he sunk to his knees.

     “Excellent Wormtail. For once you are actually following orders without fouling up.” He said looking at the contents of the cage. “Leave us. NOW!” the dark lord added with a snarl at what one would call his lips. Wormtail backed out while bowing over and over. He was sniveling as usual. “Pathetic.” Voldemort stated as he raised his wand and pointed it at the cage. “Ennevrate.” He said lazily. A snowy owl’s head popped up and she looked blearily around. Voldemort had a twisted smile of delight on his face as he twirled his wand in thought.

     “Crucio!” He yelled as the bird fell where it was and started convulsing in pain. After a moment he took the spell away… Then with an evil high pitched laugh he said “Here Potter! This is your bird.” He said pointing to Hedwig then added, “This is your bird under the Cruciatus curse. Crucio!”  Voldemort kept this up for a few moments more before he tired of it. Harry sat there in shock Hedwig was Voldemort’s prisoner. The pain in his scar was unbearable.

     Back in the world of the conscious, Harry’s body started to shake uncontrollably. Attvius quickly moved to the boy’s un- occupied side and took the boys’ wrist in his hand.

     “His heartbeat is way too fast.” He mumbled as he put his hand to his patient’s forehead. A frown formed on the doctors lips; the fever had gone up yet again.

     “Attivus, what’s happening to him?” Sirius said holding his godson’s other hand.

     “Whatever is going on in his unconscious state is affecting him physically. This is not a good thing. I am not going to have a choice but to place a body binding spell on him so he won’t hurt himself any further.” Attivus got his wand out ready to body bind the boy when Harry suddenly stilled and his breathing started to come back to normal.

     “Harry? Harry…can you hear me my boy?” Attivus said as he started checking under Harry’s closed eyelids. A soft moan escaped the boy, as his eyes fluttered open. 

     “Hedwig…He has Hedwig.” Harry said trying to sit up. Attivus and Sirius put restraining hands on Harry and forced him back down to the bed. No one needed to ask whom, for they all knew who. “He was… doing the Cruciatus curse on her.” Harry said close to panic.

     “Harry, please, try to relax. I’ll talk to my contact and try to help get Hedwig back to you all right? Please, now let the doctor do what needs to be done.” Said Professor Dumbledore from the doorway. Harry jumped slightly he hadn’t known the headmaster was there. But he felt too weak at the moment to do much else.

     “Now then Harry, I’m going to put you out.” Attivus said without any further delay.  He said the spell and Harry stilled. Attivus worked quickly and when he finished he turned to the three gentlemen in the room.

     “Are the dreams always this bad?” He asked.

     “That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you Attivus.” Sirius said from where he still sat by his godson.

     “Severus is now working on a potion to try and deaden some of the pain in Harry’s scar.” Dumbledore said.

     “I don’t like this. Everything I know is in contradiction right at this moment.” Attivus admitted shaking his head. “Under the one hand I cannot consent to give him anything stronger then what I’ve already given him. On the other hand if it is this severe we may have to take the chance. But it is very risky. I wouldn’t recommend it at all…No I cannot it could cause more harm than good. I stand firmly by my first decision on Harry’s care.” He added the people in the room knew he was talking to himself now more than anyone else. 

      “Attivus, would you mind filling us in on what you were just on about?” Asked Remus.

      “Hmm…well there are other potions out there that can control pain as well as give dreamless sleep. I cannot consent in good conscious giving it to Harry until the fever is broken. Right now after this episode we can’t even give him any fever reducing potion until tomorrow. His body needs some time to recuperate.” The doctor finished looking back to his patient. “It may be in the best interest if someone stay at all times in the room with Harry until he can move about for himself. Since the dreams get this severe someone will have to stop him from hurting himself.” He added as an after thought.

     “Attivus, is there anything at all we can do for now?” Dumbledore asked.

     “Just try to keep him comfortable. If he wakes up and you can tell he is in pain, a warm compress on the incision area should help some.” The doctor answered. Sirius and Remus nodded their heads in understanding. “I’ll take the spell off of Harry now.” Attivus added. He raised his wand and ended the spell.

     “Harry, I’ve repaired the damage that you’ve done to yourself. Now listen to Remus and your godfather here alright?” Attivus said to his young patient. Harry just remained silent and nodded to the doctor. “Well if nothing else gentlemen, I’m off. I’ll check back tomorrow afternoon. If anything else changes you know how to reach me.” Attivus said packing up his items.

    “Thank you doctor.” Harry said quietly. Attivus smiled at Harry and nodded to Sirius. Remus and Albus followed the doctor back down.

     “How bad is it Attivus?” Dumbledore asked as they headed towards the fireplace.

     “Well, depends on whether you are talking about Harry’s physical condition or his unconscious state.” He answered sitting down on the couch. He then continued, “As far as I can tell Harry’s relapse hasn’t helped matters at all. Add in what we have just seen and it could be a mess. Anything from a repeat of today to a prolonged recovery is possible. Gentlemen at this moment I really don’t have the answers you seek. Only time will tell.” Attivus looked seriously at the two men sitting in the room with him.  After a moment the doctor stood up and as he headed to the fireplace said “ Well I’m off. I’ll see you tomorrow Remus and Albus I expect to see you in my office for a check up soon.” He added the last part with a twinkle in his eye; he then threw a pinch of powder into the fire place and was gone. 

     “Well Remus, I’m headed back to Hogwarts if you need anything please don’t hesitate to call alright?” Albus stated. As the man nodded his head the headmaster disapperated with a small pop and was gone.