First Place - Angst

Severus had never thought anyone would have found him shopping for a birthday present for Neville Longbottom. The bumbling Gryffindor was at the bottom of the list right next to Black. Harry had insisted though, and Severus found himself increasingly susceptible to his son's pleading looks. So it was that he found himself in Diagon Alley in Flourish and Blotts looking for an appropriate gift with Harry.

He had at least managed to insist that the gift Harry would get for his friend be practical to some degree. Luckily, Severus was quite knowledgeable in the field of Herbology, as he had to be as a Potions Master. Together they went over several recently published works until they found a thick tome on cross-breeding magical plants.

The prospect of visiting the main Potter vault had prompted Severus to visit the Snape vault earlier that summer. He kept a separate, smaller vault for his personal needs, which were few, and the Snape vault held the bulk of his wealth, along with many dark items he did not want to get into the hands of the Dark Lord and the majority of his library. He had pulled out several books that might help in finding a way to destroy Voldemort, something a number of Order members were researching on a continuous basis.

It had been very strange. At Hogwarts the students knew him and didn't dare gape or gawk. The Leaky Cauldron was another matter altogether. Severus had been stared at like the latest broom on display at Quality Quidditch Supplies. It wasn't the staring that really bothered him though. Severus was accustomed to that. It was the way people were staring that threw him.

In the past they had stared because Severus had been tried as a Death Eater, and most of the wizarding world saw him as the Death Eater that fooled Dumbledore and got off. It had damaged Dumbledore's reputation just enough to start people wondering if he was getting too old, and that was fifteen years ago.

Now, everyone smiled and many people wanted to shake his hand or buy him a drink. There were even those who wanted their picture taken with him and he refused every one, starting to understand Harry's absolute hatred of cameras.

The first time he had gone into Diagon Alley that summer he had been under a black cloak that hid his face enough to avoid recognition. When he entered with Harry, though, it was like Merlin had been reincarnated and casually walked into the Cauldron.

"Don't worry," Harry had whispered to him. "The Prophe will run some inflammatory article and then they'll all hate you again. Honestly, I'm not sure which I prefer."

Severus snorted in response and glared at the patrons of the inn. They hadn't known how to react to him. Most celebrities in the wizarding world soaked up all the attention, like Gilderoy Lockhart, or shied away as much as possible, like Harry. Severus was outright hostile in response to the attention and Harry had been highly amused.

"I just need a gift for Hermione," Harry looked over the shelves of the bookstore. "Her birthday is in September."

"Does everyone get her books?" Severus asked, watching Harry gnaw his lower lip as he looked over titles of books he would never even consider reading, and most likely didn't even fully comprehend what they were about. Harry nodded. "Perhaps something else then, there must be something besides books that the girl likes."

Harry thought for a moment, "She doesn't wear jewelry. She doesn't like flying."

"Come with me Harry," Severus instructed with a roll of his eyes, teenagers. They paid for the books they were purchasing, shrunk them down, and pocketed them. Harry had asked if they had gift wrapping, and though Severus knew they didn't the clerk had said that of course they did and used a charm to elaborately wrap Longbottom's birthday present. The-Boy-Who-Lived always got what he wanted, even if he didn't realize it was special treatment.

They headed away from Flourish and Blotts and into a small shop that sold artifacts, relics, and odds and ends. Harry had a lot to learn about the opposite sex, Severus noted to himself with some amusement. No matter how tomboyish any girl was she always appreciated nice, not gaudy, jewelry, even if she wouldn't wear it on most occasions.

Harry browsed around the shop, and Severus glared forcefully at the clerk who approached them, obviously recognizing them and eager to help.

"I just don't know," Harry pouted. "I've always gotten her a book before."

"What has she given you?" Severus asked, hoping Harry could figure this out on his own. It was... nice... helping him this way, like a father rather than a professor.

"She gave me my broomstick maintenance kit, candy, a quidditch book," Harry wrinkled his nose in distaste and Severus wondered exactly what was coming next, "and a homework planner."

Severus stifled the laugh at that one and led Harry to a table of amulets, each with a different magical property. There were cards lying next to each, detailing what they did. It was both jewelry and practical. After fifteen minutes of deliberation Harry picked out a pendant with a sapphire, the stone of wisdom and intelligence, suspended magically in the delicate teardrop of curling, woven strands of copper, which hung on a deep blue silk cord. This he also managed to get gift wrapped and included the card that explained the protection charms and the meaning of the stone. This particular pendant would protect the mind of the wearer.

Lunch was eaten at the Leaky Cauldron, much to the delight of Tom and his customers. They sat in a corner though, where they could both keep an eye on the doors and stairs for any unwanted company. Severus noted that Harry barely ate what could be considered a meal but didn't comment. If he hadn't eaten much at the Dursleys it would take some time before his stomach could handle normal meals.

"Are you ready?" Severus asked, looking across the table at Harry with a raised eyebrow. Until Harry had mentioned it Severus had not known that Alice Longbottom was Harry's godmother. It did make sense though, with how close Lily and Alice were in school. It also balanced out, the childish and reckless Black as godfather and the steady and sweet Alice as godmother.

Harry nodded a little nervously, "As ready as I'll ever be."

Severus threw a few Galleons on the bar to pay for their meal and Tom grinned as he swept them away. Harry waited in front of the fireplace and Severus handed him some Floo powder. Harry tossed it into the flames, stepped in, and called out 'St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries'. Severus followed closely behind him.

He had not been in St. Mungo's for over a decade, despite the numerous injuries he had suffered from time to time. All of those had been self-treated or he had been taken to Poppy while unconscious and unable to protest, or too weak to do so. St. Mungo's had been out of the question because of the tattoo on his forearm.

Harry seemed to know exactly where they going. Severus just arched an eyebrow when they stepped inside the lift in question.

"I've seen them before, but only in passing," Harry explained quietly. Severus picked up a little sadness and wondered if the bond between them was giving him a little of Harry's empathy. "The Christmas when Mr. Weasley was in here we bumped into Lockhart."

Severus fought the urge to groan. He had allowed himself to forget about that idiot, as he had many other idiots to deal with. He just rolled his eyes skyward and prayed they wouldn't encounter the fool.

They got off the lift on the forth floor and walked towards the ward marked LONG TERM SPELL DAMAGE. A pleasant looking witch opened the door to the ward, "Visiting?"

"Yes, we're here to see Frank and Alice Longbottom," Severus said politely. "Wilhelmina and her grandson are expecting us."

The nurse smiled pleasantly at them, "Yes, she did mention that. Right this way Mr. Snape, Mr. Potter."

Severus followed the nurse through the ward with Harry a step behind. As they passed the beds closer to the doors he noted that Gilderoy Lockhart was fast asleep, thankfully. Dolores Umbridge was a few beds down, staring into space with a dazed look on her face. Harry made some quiet clicking noises as they passed her and she jumped. The satisfied smirk Harry had was missed by the nurse.

"How many Defense professors have you driven off?" Severus asked Harry bemusedly.

Harry almost managed to stifle his laughter, "These two of course. Quirrell died and Crouch got kissed. Remus is the only one who's still alive and sane."

The nurse's steps faltered slightly as she overheard the conversation but she didn't say a word. Halfway down the ward she gestured towards the far end and left them for her desk, watching their progress cautiously from where she sat.

"I think we scared her," Harry whispered conspiratorially.

Severus just snorted and led Harry towards Wilhelmina Longbottom, still a formidable witch at her age. Frank had been the youngest child of three, a surprise when both his siblings were already grown. All three of them had been lost to the Dark Lord's followers in one manner or another.

"Harry!" Neville Longbottom looked happier and more confident than he had in his early years at Hogwarts. He faced Severus with a smile that would have been trembling in fear only a year before and gave a short bow, "Professor Snape."

"Neville," Severus returned the bow and kissed the papery thin hand of the boy's grandmother. "It is a pleasure to see you Wilhelmina."

"I was pleased to read the article in the Daily Prophet, though I admit I did not see it until Molly brought it over as I cancelled my subscription last summer," the stately witch replied. "Neville assures me that you are not the demon he made you out to be."

"Gran!" Neville's face turned red.

Severus just laughed, "No, I am completely human I assure you." Harry had meanwhile greeted Neville and gave Wilhelmina a polite, but reserved, greeting. Severus made another note of wizarding etiquette that Harry was lacking in.

"They're just back here," Neville said with a touch of the nervousness Severus was accustomed to from the boy. He brought them back to two beds and Severus was shocked at what he saw.

He remembered both Frank and Alice from school. Frank had been energetic, always smiling and polite. He was in Ravenclaw and had never gotten involved in House rivalries despite being good friends with James Potter and dating a Gryffindor. Alice Anderson had been quiet and shy, with a round face and blond braids. Most of the Slytherins had seen her as the tagalong of Lily Evans.

Neither adult resembled the teenagers Severus had known. They were both hollow-cheeked and their skin was like thin parchment. There was no life in either set of eyes, even as Neville sat by his now gray haired mother and began speaking to her in a soft tone, telling her everything that had transpired in the past year.

Wilhelmina stepped up beside him, "You have never seen it, have you, the long-term effects of the war?"

"Not these," Severus responded, actually letting emotion through his voice. He was letting more and more people see Sev and it frightened him a bit. Gryffindors were somehow able to bring that part of him out.

"You can speak to them Mr. Potter," Wilhelmina said and Severus noticed that Harry was hanging back. "Frank was very good friends with your father. The two of them and little Peter spent most of their time at Potter Manor in their years before Hogwarts."

Harry's head snapped around at the mention of Pettigrew and Severus shook his head just enough for Harry to notice. Disparaging comments about Pettigrew should not be made in public, no matter what had been printed in the paper. Harry looked to Neville, who nodded, and then stepped between the beds.

"Hi," Harry addressed Alice first. "I'm your godson, Harry Potter." There was no response from the woman, who just blinked absently. Alice turned to Neville and patted his head. Harry watched for a moment and Severus could feel the sadness radiating off his son. He eventually turned to Frank and sat down in the chair next to his bed.

Harry started talking and Severus watched for a few minutes before stepping back to speak with Wilhelmina, "What treatment were they given?"

"Several potions were tried," Frank's mother responded. "Not much advancement has been made in treating this type of ailment, as there are only a few victims and so very little research is conducted."

Severus nodded, "Has Legilimency been used on them?"

Wilhelmina started and shook her head. She sounded disgusted when she spoke, "No. They cannot consent."

Severus almost snorted. They couldn't consent to anything. Instead he just lifted an eyebrow, "I would think that your consent and possibly Neville's now would be sufficient."

"Is there anyone we could trust who is proficient?" Wilhelmina asked with a little glimmer in her eye.

"Both Albus and I are skilled in the art," Severus replied and looked back to the beds. "With proper motivation Harry is fully capable, though he only practices Occlumency now to protect his mind from Voldemort. He finds Legilimency extremely distasteful."

"I will discuss it with Neville," Wilhelmina responded, giving Harry a look of approval. Nonconsensual Legilimency was seen as barely one step above rape. She opened her mouth to continue but they were interrupted.

"Professor," a soft voice said behind him.

Severus turned, amazed the girl had been able to sneak up on him, "Miss Lovegood." He nodded to the girl's father, "Daniel."

"Good day Severus," the editor of The Quibbler smiled, then bowed and greeted the Longbottom matriarch appropriately. "You are looking well Wilhelmina."

"As are you Daniel," Wilhelmina tipped her head slightly. She gave the Lovegood girl a kiss on the cheek, "Good afternoon Luna dear."

The girl returned the kiss, "Mrs. Longbottom."

The large eyes blinked a few times before the girl went to join Harry and Neville with the Longbottoms. She instantly began a one-sided conversation with Frank and Alice, speaking naturally as though they responded, causing both Severus and Wilhelmina to stare at the girl. Her father, Neville, and Harry seemed to think nothing of it though, and Severus eventually turned back to Daniel and began a conversation on recent events.

Soon the three adults were discussing the war while the teenagers talked to Frank and Alice. Luna continued to act as though she as getting responses from both invalids and Harry and Neville would interject something into the strange monologue every now and then.

When it was nearing time for dinner Severus made his way towards the teens, who were discussing quidditch amongst themselves by that point, though Luna continued to address Frank and Alice. Wilhelmina would stay with her son and daughter-in-law while Daniel and Severus brought the three teenagers to Grimmauld Place.

"Time?" Harry asked when he noticed them. Severus decided he must have his barriers completely up if he didn't feel them coming.

Severus nodded, "Yes. We have to get you to the Weasleys by dinner time or Molly will have our heads."

Harry nodded and Daniel gave a little laugh, "I would never have thought Severus Snape feared Molly Weasley."

Severus just arched an eyebrow, "I refuse to hex or curse the woman and am therefore left with little recourse to her lectures. Glaring has no effect on her whatsoever."

Neville kissed both his parents goodbye and took something his mother handed him. Luna kissed them both as well. Harry looked hesitant and Severus knew he was still uncomfortable with affectionate gestures and physical contact with most people. After a moment though he leaned down and gave Alice a quick kiss on the cheek. He took Frank's hand to shake it, but Frank grasped Harry as well and Harry's eyes went wide. Severus stepped forward to break the contact and Harry stiffened and his breathing got heavier.

"Harry?" Neville sounded worried but the Lovegood girl put a hand on his arm and just tilted her head to the side.

"Too much... too much...," Harry was shaking and practically babbling. Severus pried his hand out of Frank's and turned Harry's head to look at him.

"What is it?" Wilhelmina asked in a voice laced with concern.

"He's empathic," Severus said shortly. "Get the nurse Daniel." He fumbled with the belt he always wore that carried several potions and pulled out a vial of calming potion. "Drink Harry, it will help. Focus on me."

Tears were streaking Harry's cheeks and his chest was heaving. He took the vial from Severus but his hand was shaking too much. Severus took the vial back and brought it to Harry's lips. Harry gripped Severus's arms for support and drank the potion. He closed his eyes and Severus felt a flare of emotion, immense pain, confusion, loss, desperation, and then it was gone almost before he recognized it.

"What is the problem?" the nurse came back with Daniel and questioned them after checking on Frank.

"They...," Harry took a deep breath and opened his eyes. He looked over to Neville quickly before speaking, "They want help." Frustrated eyes took in the nurse, "Aren't there any empaths working here?"

The nurse blinked, "You're..." She didn't complete her sentence when she saw Harry's glare forming. She spoke firmly, "Very few Healers are empathic. It may appear to be a good quality for a Healer but it quickly becomes overwhelming. One or two have become patients as a result. Could you experience what you just felt everyday?"

Harry looked down and shook his head. When he looked back up it was Neville he talked to, "I'm sorry Nev. I didn't mean to upset you."

"It's okay Harry," Neville almost squeaked. Luna gave him a kiss on the cheek and it seemed to settle him down somewhat. "I guess we should get out of here."

The sentiment was shared and none of them spoke until they reached the main lobby of the hospital. Severus lingered behind the group just long enough to discreetly obliviate the nurse of all memory of Harry's empathic abilities.

In a quiet alcove off the lobby Severus pulled another of Albus's Portkeys out of his pocket, this one a diamond shaped piece of shiny cloth with sticks holding it rigid. He enlarged it its proper size and Harry started laughing. Four pairs of eyes looked at him in confusion and he pointed at the Portkey.

"It's a kite!" Harry exclaimed. He looked to his friends and shook his head, "Muggle thing."

Severus just snorted at Albus's sense of humor and everyone took hold of the kite. Harry took a step closer to Severus and Severus put a hand on his shoulder before the Portkey activated with the usual hook behind the navel effect.

At the end of Grimmauld Place Harry landed for once without falling flat on his face, most likely due to the grip Severus had on him. He looked up and gave him a smile in thanks and the two of them started walking down the street with the others following. When they got to numbers eleven and thirteen Severus took a slip of paper out of his inner pocket, charmed so that only he could retrieve the paper. He handed it to Neville.

"Read that and concentrate on what it says then pass it to your girlfriend," Severus offered. Daniel had been there once before when he joined the Order just recently. When they were done he took back the paper and secured it away in the charmed pocket.

They entered Headquarters and found it relatively silent. Molly most likely had a silencing charm on the kitchen so she wouldn't be disturbed by the twins in their experimentation lab. They made their way towards the kitchen and Harry turned and walked backwards while sharing some of the stories about the house with his friends.

"You're lucky you weren't here last year," Harry was grinning. "There was this portrait that screamed at everyone whenever any noise was made around her." Harry turned around without losing a step, "What happened to her anyway?"

"I got mad," Severus replied with a wide smirk.

Harry mirrored the smirk, "You had to wait that long? You were mad here plenty of times."

"Not that mad," Severus said with a look that made Harry's smirk falter a bit but not actually disappear. It seemed that Black was still an issue that Harry had not dealt with.

Severus opened the door to the kitchen and the instant a loud yell came from the dark room he, Harry, and Neville were all firing stunners into the room. When no spells came at them they stopped and looked at each other in confusion.

Lumos. The kitchen lit up and Severus saw that about half the Order inner circle was stunned on the floor, while most of the others were staring at the wizards and one witch in the doorway in shock. Charlie, Bill, Remus, and Alastor were in the far corner laughing hysterically and Dumbledore was twinkling at them. There was a flashing banner hanging from the ceiling.

"Honestly! I told them a surprise party was a bad idea," Granger shook her head at the twins and Ron Weasley, who were amongst the stunned on the floor.

Finding the Key - Chapter 3

Back to Chapter 1

Back to Results