Chapter 15

Professor Dumbledore sighed heavily as he watched Harry approach him. His heart was heavy with shame and regret over what he was about to begin. It had been his hope that he could find and destroy the Horcruxes on his own, but Voldemort, and his own vanity had destroyed that hope when he'd donned the ring of Salazaar Slytherin and incurred the curse that was slowly killing him.

Dumbledore had little choice if the whole of the wizarding world were to be saved. All his research and investigations pointed to only one possible outcome. And this outcome made the old man heartsick. How could fate be so cruel to a child, Dumbledore often wondered.

And yet, Harry was no ordinary child. Harry was special. He'd grown up in an abusive environment, and emerged a strong, well adjusted young man. A young man who craved love, and friendship, and would lay his own life down without hesitation for those he cared for. It was that trait in which Dumbledore was counting on, though it sickened him whenever he thought of it.

What kind of man was he to be setting this boy up only so Harry could die? Dumbledore had tried to find an alternative way of destroying the Dark Lord. But so long as Harry was alive, there was always a chance that Voldemort could return, and that was a chance Dumbledore was unwilling to take. The world could not bear Voldemort returning in Harry's body.

So it was, with a heavy heart, that Dumbledore had come to his decision that long ago night, locked in his office staring at the ring he'd destroyed, and the cursed black hand. No matter what, Harry Potter would have to die at the hands of Lord Voldemort, and then someone would kill Voldemort.

"Right on time, Harry. Are you ready?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes, sir." Harry smiled, still thinking of his farewell with Daphne.

"Very good. Now, before we venture out, I must ask you to swear to me that no matter what, you will follow my directions to the letter. If I ask you to run, you will do so without hesitation. Will you swear to me?"

"Yes, sir. Whatever you tell me to do." Harry said, thinking that there was no way he was just going to blindly follow directions. Yes, if their situation dictated that he should run, then of course, but other than that, Harry was not just going to jump because Dumbledore said so. This was a fact finding mission for Harry. He had figured out that there was more going on than he knew, and he was determined to learn all he could tonight.

"Very well. Let us be off."

And so, Harry followed Snape and Dumbledore onto the snow covered grounds of Hogwarts and into the night. The three companions were silent as they walked, save for the crunch of snow under their feet. Dumbledore led the group, head held high, looking as if he were merely taking a evening stroll. Snape followed, looking sour and anxious. His hands were deep in his cloak pockets to stave off the chill night air. Harry was last, eyes and ears open for any sound that the two professors might make, any movement that might prove important later on.

They reached the front gate of the school, and with a wave of his wand, Dumbledore opened the heavy wrought iron, and he and his two traveling companions stepped off the school grounds, before the Headmaster closed the gates once again.

"Harry, if you would please take my arm." Dumbledore asked, holding out his good arm and looking at Snape, who was still glowering. Harry had barely grasped the arm before the uncomfortable feeling of being sucked through a very tight tube overwhelmed him.

In the blink of an eye, Harry found that he and the professors were standing on a cliff, the ocean raging below. Wind whipped at his face, and Harry felt the fine spray of the ocean on his face, making him colder. The wind and the ocean combined was a deafening roar, and Harry had to yell to be heard over it.

"Where are we, sir?" Harry asked.

"You recall the memory I showed you of my first encounter with Tom Riddle?" Dumbledore shouted, peering in the darkness for something. "Ah ha. This way if you please."

"I remember it." Harry answered.

"You will recall, then, that Mrs. Cole, the head of the orphanage where Riddle lived, had mentioned a trip to the coast and some strange happenings in a cave?"

"We're looking for that cave, then?" Harry asked, following Dumbledore down a rough hewn trail. Snape followed behind, listening intently.

"I believe we are, yes."

Harry gave a strange look at the back of the Headmaster's head. Harry wondered how much of their journey Dumbledore knew to be fact and how much he was making up as they went.

"What do you think we'll find?" Harry asked, probing the matter further.

"That is unclear. I shall venture a guess, however, that we shall find one of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. It is my sincerest hope that we will be able to destroy it before this night is finished.

"Sir, I was wondering how many of them there are?"

Dumbledore stopped and turned to look at Harry. Over the boy's shoulder he could clearly see Snape staring coldly back at him. Dumbledore quickly gave Harry a warm smile.

"I believe there were originally five, not including himself. I believe he has made one more since his return. The ring, and the diary of course, which we have destroyed. The others are unclear to me, save for the snake, Nagini. Voldemort has a special fondness for her, and a unique amount of control as well. It is most likely that she is a Horcrux."

The old man turned to continue on the steep rocky trail leading into what Harry was sure was the ocean itself. He could see no sand, or rock, just churning sea water, smashing against the cliff face. Harry felt a looming foreboding in the cold night as they descended further down the trail.

"You can attach a piece of your soul to a living thing?" Harry asked. His suddenly recalled Quirrell from his first year, as if his own memory were trying to answer the question.

"It is possible, but unwise. While two souls are in one body, there would be a constant battle for control." Dumbledore shouted over the thunderous roar of the ocean below.

"What are the others?" Harry asked, trying to keep up the conversation.

"Well, I am sad to say I do not truly know, though I have guesses. You see, Voldemort was fond of items tied to the founders of Hogwarts. In other memories I had planned to show you, he had killed a woman in order to obtain the locket of Slytherin, as well as a silver goblet that had once belonged to Helga Hufflepuff. I believe that he turned these items into Horcruxes. As the only relic left by Godric Gryffindor resides in my office, I believe that we can rule that out as suspect, but that leaves one Horcrux unaccounted for."

"Are you sure that he made six? Didn't he say he wanted seven?"

"The seventh one was the piece that remains in his body. When all the others are destroyed, only that piece will remain, and when he is destroyed, it will be gone. But so long as one Horcrux remains, Lord Voldemort can return. So we must do all we can to rid the world of him."

Harry heard Snape give a low growl. Harry wanted to ask the once Potions professor if he disagreed with Dumbledore's plan, but Dumbledore stopped them.

"We are here, I think."

They were dangerously close to the ocean. Harry felt one good strong wave and they would all be swimming in the freezing ocean. Dumbledore was sliding himself into a long fissure in the Cliff face. Harry followed, sliding into the cave as if he were sliding between to very close bookshelves, with Snape following suit. Harry had to give a small chuckle when he imagined his cousin Dudley becoming stuck within the little opening, and thanked Merlin he was so skinny.

The fissure opened into a medium sized cave, which smelled heavily of salt and fish. Harry gagged and retched at the thick air, while both Snape and Dumbledore seemed unaffected by it.

"Can you feel it, Severus?" Dumbledore asked.

"He's been here. His signature his all over it. I'm surprised we found it. I would have thought he would have put Repelling charms on it."

"No, I think he would have only used that for Muggles. I feel there is more that awaits us inside."

Harry turned to look at the aged Headmaster, who was busy examining the farthest wall intently. Harry was confused, weren't they inside already?

"Oh, how barbaric." Dumbledore stood up quickly. "Blood."

"It makes sense." Snape replied. "He would want you to weaken yourself before venturing forth."

"Indeed. It seems I am overestimating him."

"I don't understand." Harry admitted. Dumbledore turned and smiled.

"There is an entrance here," he said motioning to the wall, "Which requires a sacrifice of blood before it will open."

Harry looked appalled at the idea, but then Snape's words made sense. If Voldemort suspected that someone might discover this place, he would not have made it easy for them to continue on. Harry was about to offer to cut his hand, when Snape pressed his hand against the rocky wall. Harry could barely see in the darkness, but he did see a thin trickle of dark blood running down the wall from the Defense teacher's hand.

The next moment, the wall was becoming translucent. Harry's eyes nearly popped from their sockets as the wall disappeared, leaving a wide opening into a much larger cave.

Once again, Dumbledore led the way, lighting his wand as he walked on. Snape motioned that Harry should follow as he was wrapping his hand in a dark handkerchief. Harry pulled his wand from his pocket and held it high as he lit the tip.

The tunnel was roomy enough that Harry believed he and Daphne could walk comfortably side by side and still have room to stretch out their arms on either side. The ground was smooth as if centuries of water and worn it down to polished marble. The walls were unlike the floor, still unshapen and jagged. Harry tried to look at the ceiling, but it was to high up for the light to penetrate the darkness.

After a short distance they came to a vast cavern. Harry marveled at how immensely breathtaking the sight was. He wished he had Colin Creevey's camera to photograph it so he could show it to his friends.

The cavern was taken up by a very large underground lake. The water was as flat and still as if it were made of black glass. Harry could just make out a small island in what looked to be the middle of this eerily placid scene. It was deathly quiet in the cave, not even the faintest whisper of wind, or water dripping. Harry found it almost tranquil.

"Interesting." Dumbledore whispered.

"What's interesting?" Harry asked, still awed by the sight. He knew he should be feeling concerned or anxious, but the lake was just to amazing.

"Do you see that small island?"

"Yes." Harry nodded.

"That is our destination, though I am vexed as to how we get there. When we passed through the entrance, I felt an anti-Apparition ward fall into place."

"Could we make a portkey?" Harry asked.

"You might just try the boat." Snape's voice made them both turn. The Head of Slytherin house was standing next to a large boulder where a chain was wrapped around, which disappeared into the black water.

"How do you know there is a boat?" Harry asked suspiciously.

"Elementary, my dear Potter." Snape sneered. "The Dark Lord would have a way for himself to get to the island. As there is a chain attached to the boulder, I suspect it might be attached to a boat." Snape bent and grasped at the chain.

"Do not disturbed the water, Severus. I do not believe we will like what could happen if that were to break the surface."

Snape nodded and gave the chain a light tug. Not far away, the lake rippled and a small rowboat rose up out of the murky depths and glided silently to the waiting wizards. When it landed softly against the bank, Dumbledore stepped closer to the rickety craft, examining it closely.

"I should think that Harry will accompany myself. Then we will send it back to you, my friend, so you might join us." Dumbledore said to Snape, who nodded his agreement.

"Why can't we all go together?" Harry asked.

"It would be quite unfortunate for us to attempt it. You see, I think that our Lord Voldemort will have warded this little craft to sense magical auras. Only one wizard at a time shall cross in it. Any more than that, and I believe we should have a much harder time retrieving our prize."

"But if I go with you, won't that…"

"I think not. For Lord Voldemort will not have considered an under-age wizard of any significant threat. In you go, Harry." Dumbledore smiled as he motioned for Harry to climb into the boat. Harry grimaced, but jumped in all the same. Dumbledore followed suit, and they were soon gliding peacefully towards the little island they had seen when they had come into the cavern.

"What do you think we'll face when we get there?" Harry asked quietly. The whole lake seemed so quiet, and Harry didn't feel like speaking above a soft whisper, for fear of what may happen if the peace were disturbed.

"I haven't the faintest idea, but we must remain vigilant."

Harry nodded and turned his attention to the glassy surface of the lake. It was an amazing sight to see. Even as they glided across the surface, the water barely rippled. It was something out of a dream to Harry, who felt entranced by the glass-like surface of the water. He could only stare at it, trying desperately to resist the urge to reach his fingers out and touch the glassy surface.

That urge disappeared when something ghostly white floated near to the top of the lake.

Harry stared aghast at the sight. It looked like a man's face, though the eyes were gone, leaving only dark hollow sockets. There was a mass of wispy hair lazily hanging about the face, which was caught in a horrible agonized silent scream.

"Sir, there's a body there!" Harry hissed, reeling back from the side of the boat, rocking it slightly.

"I am aware of it. I suspect there are hundreds hidden beneath us. Inferi."

"Inferi? He's using zombies?"

Dumbledore chuckled softly. "Not zombies. You've seen too many movies, my dear boy. No, those are cursed bodies of the dead. Animated by magic do the castor's bidding. In this case, I believe they are meant to stop us after we retrieve the Horcrux from it's resting place."

Harry felt himself gulp and felt himself crawling back to peer over the side of the boat again, just in time to watch the ghostly visage sink back into the void.

"You, of course, know what you must do if we do encounter them?"

Harry turned to look at the Headmaster.

"You must use fire against them. It will be the only thing that would be effective. Remember to use fire on them."

Harry nodded and turned back to watch the island come closer. When the boat bumped against the rocky shore, Harry and Dumbledore got out carefully, and Dumbledore sent the boat back towards the shore where Snape was awaiting it.

The island on which they stood was not very large, and was strewn with broken rock. Harry followed Dumbledore up a little incline and felt his mouth go slack when he saw an ornate stone pedestal with a large basin resting on top. Next to the basin stood a crystal goblet. From the basin there was a soft green glow, which he'd only noticed when they were close to the pedestal. Harry cast his gaze into the basin to see a thick green fluid resting inside of it.

"Do you think the Horcrux is in there?" Harry asked Dumbledore, who was staring into the basin as well.

"I do, but we must be patient. I dare not proceed without him."

Harry nodded and stepped away from the basin. He turned to see that the boat was nearly to the shore again, and he could see Snape's dark outline standing like a statue on the shore.

"Sir, why do you trust Snape above everyone else? What did he do, other than risk his life spying on Voldemort? He was a Death Eater, and there's no real proof that he switched sides. He could be spying on you right now for Voldemort."

"Harry, Professor Snape and I have a very long history together. Yes, it is true that he was once a Death Eater, and while it is not my tale to tell, suffice to say that Professor Snape was put in a very compromising position by his master. He then chose to defect, and that's when he came to me. I suggest if you'd like to know the whole story, you must ask him."

"Is that what you tried to get him to tell me the other night?" Harry asked, feeling that he was right. Dumbledore said nothing, but the twinkle in his eyes, even in the low light of their wands, made it apparent to Harry he had guessed right.

After a short time, in which Harry and Dumbledore remained silent, Snape joined them at last and peered into the basin.

"This is not familiar to me, but I do not believe it to be poison. At least not a poison which would kill you." He said after examining the green potion in the basin.

"Nor do I, but I am quite sure that it is meant to be drunk." Dumbledore said softly. Harry stood close by, not wanting to miss anything.

"So who gets to drink it?" He asked.

"I believe it shall be me." Dumbledore said. Snape immediately shot out his hand to take the goblet.

"Are you completely daft, old man?" He snarled. "Don't you have enough to worry about?"

"Severus, I shall drink this concoction. I will need you to make sure I drink it all, and administer any antidote, should I need one. I am trusting you to do this."

The two men stared at each other for a long time. Harry wondered if they were using Legilemency on each other because after several very tense minutes, Snape begrudgingly handed the goblet to Dumbledore who dipped the cup into the potion filling it, and raising it in salute.

"To your continued good health." He smiled before tipping the potion into his mouth.

Harry felt himself tense in anticipation. He had wanted to shout out, to warn the Headmaster not to drink to thick viscous potion, but a look from Snape stopped him. It was a look that Harry had never seen before on the normally stoic professor. It was a look that made Harry fearful of their predicament. Snape was worried.

Still, as Dumbledore swallowed the last mouthful, Harry felt his muscles tense, and he felt himself leaning forward, waiting for whatever was going to happen…to happen.

Dumbledore let out a long slow rattled breathe. He held out the goblet to Snape, who took it quickly, and refilled it. Dumbledore's eyes remained shut as he took the goblet and began to drain it again. Harry could see the old man's hands shaking, and he seemed unsteady on his feet. Snape reached out to steady the Headmaster, watching him carefully.

The Headmaster finished the second cupful, and Harry could see that whatever it was, it was affecting him. His breathing was becoming more harsh, and he was staggering. Snape lowered him to the ground carefully, handing the goblet to Harry.

"Fill it." Snape ordered. Harry looked hesitant. He wasn't sure that this was the right thing to do.

"Now, Harry."

The use of his first name cause Harry to do as he was told. He filled the cup and handed it back to his old Potions teacher, who tipped it into Dumbledore's mouth. The old man swallowed the liquid, and began moaning as if he were in pain.

"A bit more, Albus." Snape said encouragingly. "Just a bit more.

Again, Snape handed the cup to Harry who filled it again. Again, Snape forced the potion down Dumbledore's throat, grimacing as the Headmaster's moans became more and more pitiful.

"I'm sorry." Dumbledore began sobbing. "I've tried. I've tried. I can't find another way."

"It's alright, Albus. Just drink this." Snape said softly as he tipped the goblet to Dumbledore's mouth again. "It'll be over soon."

"What's he talking about?" Harry asked, trying to stave off his own concern for Dumbledore. "Who's he apologizing to?"

"There is no other way. It must be done, for all of us. Oh, how can I do this?" Dumbledore's eyes were filled with tears, and he looked at Harry as the young man was handing another filled goblet to Snape, who sat cradling the old man.

"I'm sorry, Harry, there is no other way to defeat him. I've tried to find another way, but I can't. I have failed you."

"Now isn't the time, Albus. Drink." Snape said trying to stop the man from speaking further.

"What's he talking about?" Harry's voice grew louder. "What's he mean he's failed?"

"It's the potion." Snape lied, pouring more of the fluid into Dumbledore's mouth. "Is there much more?"

"Another couple of cupfuls, I think." Harry said watching Snape coax more of the foul potion into the Headmaster's mouth. Dumbledore was shivering as if he were freezing, and sobbing like a child.

"It's unfair." Dumbledore shouted. "It's not fair to ask him to do it. Severus, how can I do that to him? Who am I to ask him to do it?"

"What is he talking about?" Harry asked frantically.

"He's rambling, Potter, nothing more."

But the look in Snape's eyes told Harry everything. Dumbledore was begging for forgiveness of Harry, but he didn't know why.

"You must tell him everything, Severus. He has the right to know. You must tell him all of it."

"I will, Albus, but you must drink, we're almost done now. You have to drink it all."

"It's unfair." Dumbledore shouted. "Why could it not be me? Why is there no way to spare him?"

Dumbledore was sobbing frantically, his bright blue eyes cast upwards to the ceiling to the vast cavern. His fists balled up and he cried out, begging for forgiveness for being unable to find a different path.

Snape handed the goblet back to Harry, who turned to fill it again, and stopped when he saw a large golden locket sitting in the basin. He reached in and lifted the strange looking piece of jewelry out of the basin. It felt heavy, much heavier than it looked, and Harry was overcome with a strange dread that wasn't his own.

"Professor, I think we found …"

"I'm sorry, Harry. I couldn't find another way." Professor Dumbledore cried out again. "It's the only way for it to end. He has to kill you. He has to kill you for the world to be safe. I'm so very sorry. I've failed you."

The old man broke into fresh sobs, seemingly unaware of what he'd said.

Snape's eyes were wide with horror, and he turned to look at Harry who was standing stock still. He held the empty crystal goblet in one hand, and the locket in the other, his eyes opened wide with confused shock.

"I have to…" Harry's voice was so small, and thin. Snape wondered if he was going to have to catch the boy from falling over.

"It's just the potion, Potter. It's nothing."

"No." Harry's voice was coming back now, as was his anger. "No, it wasn't. Stop lying to me."

"Potter!" Snape snapped. "We haven't the time for this now. Everything will be explained later, but now we have to get Dumbledore out of here and back to Hogwarts. Give me the locket."

"Water."

The voice was so faint, they almost didn't hear Dumbledore's request.

"Water. Please, water."

"Potter, give me the goblet." Snape asked, reaching out for the cup. Harry handed the goblet to Snape who tried conjuring water.

"Damn. The only way to get water is to disturb the lake. We're not about to do that." Snape said, looking to Harry. "Help me get him to the boat."

Harry pocketed the locket and bent low, helping to get Dumbledore to his feet. Harry was surprised at how frail the man felt. He was shaking badly, and he couldn't seem to hold his own weight.

"Go with him, Potter. Then send the boat back for me. Keep him away from the water." Snape ordered.

Harry nodded and he and Dumbledore began their way back to the entrance to the cave. Harry watched Dumbledore carefully, feeling sick to his stomach. He felt sorry for the man, and angry. Angry over what Dumbledore had said. Harry was going to have to die in order to save the world.

Harry couldn't understand what was happening. Why go through all of this charade just to be led to slaughter? If he had to die by Voldemort's hands, why not have let the Dark Lord do just that when he was at his mercy last year within the Ministry? Why fight Voldemort at all? Why even protect him at all?

The ride back seemed shorter. When the boat landed, Harry got out quickly and helped the old headmaster out as carefully as he could manage. He laid Dumbledore down as gently as possible and then sent the little boat back to where Snape was waiting.

Harry turned back to check on Dumbledore and screamed out.

"NO!"

Dumbledore had crawled to the edge of the bank and had just dipped one cupped hand into the shiny black water to drink. Harry pulled the man roughly back from the water's edge, just as a ghostly white hand shot through the glassy surface.

The once flat surface erupted as hundreds of wet rotting corpses exploded from beneath the black water, all moving towards Harry and Dumbledore.

Harry aimed his wand at the closest mass of chalky flesh that had begun struggling up out of the murky depths, slapping wetly on the rocky bank. Harry felt his heart pounding as the Inferi stalked slowly closer to him and the Headmaster.

"Fire." Harry thought. "I need to use fire."

Harry's wand flashed and a ribbon of flame shot out the end. He waved his wand at the oncoming mass of Inferi, driving them back into the water to avoid the flame. But Harry could see that it wasn't going to be enough. More and more of the tortured dead were rising up out of the lake. Harry could now hear Snape's curses as the Defense teacher was coming closer in the boat. Harry felt a little relief at hearing Snape's voice growing closer.

There was a scream and a loud splash. Harry tried to see what had happened, but the Inferi were blocking his sight, and he didn't dare risk getting any closer to them than he had to.

"Water. Please." Harry heard Dumbledore whine. The Headmaster was still disorientated, lying in a heap on the rocky ground. Harry wished that it had been Snape to drink to potion.

Harry flashed his wand again, lighting the closest Inferi on fire. Several of the reanimated dead staggered back when the fire touched their rotting flesh. Harry whipped his wand around him trying to conjure a steady stream of flame from his wand, but his own pounding heart was making it difficult to concentrate. Harry sucked in a large breath and flashed his wand once again.

He focused his whole being on what he needed to do, putting all of his will into the spell. A massive ball of fire tore out of the end of his wand and Harry whipped it to and fro creating a wall of flame, keeping the dead from advancing any further.

Harry kept waving his wand back and forth, keeping the sickly looking corpses back. Suddenly, they turned and began retreating into the water. Harry stared through the flames trying to see what had caught their attention, when several of the damned bodies erupted in flame. Harry saw a figure rising out of the water.

Snape looked livid as he shot spells at the closest of the cursed bodies, igniting them in flame. Harry guessed that the Inferi had tipped over the boat, and Snape had fallen in. The Defense teacher was soaked, his greasy hair plastered against his sallow face.

"Professor, watch out!" Harry screamed as one of the Inferi leapt up in back of Snape and clamped it's jaws on Snape's shoulder.

"Get OFF!" Snape howled, whipping himself around trying to dislodge the thin rotting corpse which held a death grip with it's mouth. Snape pointed his wand between the eye sockets of the creature, and Harry saw a flash and the creature fell off of Snape with a great splash.

Snape staggered to the shore, adding more fire to Harry's wall of flame, before sagging to a heap on the rocky shore, gasping and spitting water. Slowly, the Inferi began to retreat back into their watery grave, and Harry was finally able to allow his fire defense to peter out.

"Help me with him." Snape ordered, rising to his feet and picking up the feeble Headmaster.

"Water, please. Give me some water." Dumbledore was sobbing.

"In a few moments, Albus. We must get out of here." Snape said softly.

Harry helped Snape drag Dumbledore all the way back out of the cave, and they very carefully slipped the old man through the thin fissure in which they had first entered.

"Can we Apparate back to the castle now?" Harry asked when they were completely out of the cave.

"Grab my arm, and hold onto him." Snape shouted over the roar of the wind.

Harry felt the familiar and uncomfortable squeezing of his body. The three of them landed in a heap in front of the iron gates of Hogwarts. Snape looked up and waved his wand casually, opening the gates.

"Potter. Run and get Hagrid. We need to get the Headmaster to the Hospital Wing, and I'm hurt. Go."

Harry was off like a shot. He had never ran so fast in his life. Harry knew it was late, as there was no light coming from Hagrid's hut. Harry hurled himself up the steps and pounded hard on the half giant's door.

"Hagrid! Hagrid, come quick. We need help. HAGRID!"

"Wha tha bloody 'ell?" Came the muffled response from within the hut. "Who's thar?"

"Hagrid, Professor Dumbledore's hurt. We need help." Harry cried again. The door opened and Hagrid, looking very tired, peered down at Harry, trying to figure out if he was dreaming.

"'Arry? Do you know wha time it is?"

"Hagrid! Dumbledore is hurt. I need your help. NOW!"

Finally, Harry's words broke through Hagrid's sleepy haze. The half giant grabbed his coat and through it over his pajamas, following Harry into the night. Hagrid began asking questions as they raced back to where Snape and Dumbledore lay.

Snape looked ready to pass out, his face much paler than normal, as he clutched his shoulder. Dumbledore was still, his breathing shallow. Hagrid bent and scooped the Headmaster into his arms, while Harry helped Snape to his feet. Hagrid raced to the castle, while Harry and Snape staggered behind.

"You did well, Potter." Snape said quietly, his voice hoarse.

"You both have a lot of explaining to do to me." Harry said as he struggled to help the Defense teacher.

"Yes, I'm afraid we do at that." Snape grimaced with pain. He was loathe to admit it, even to himself, but Harry had proven that he was more than capable to Snape. He'd kept his cool, and fought bravely. He'd done as he'd been told and they had all returned somewhat safely.

But now the boy would be asking too many questions. Questions he had the right to know the answers to, but to which Snape was hesitant to answer.

Damn whatever that potion was. If only the old fool could have kept his mouth shut. Everything is unraveling now. Snape thought darkly.