Crashing, I fell, knees first, towards the stairs leading to my laboratory. A searing pain shot through my arm, from shoulder to wrist. Blood dripped from my sleeve, soaking the black fabric of my robe.

"How old are you, Severus? Sixteen? A beginner?" The anger towards myself and my excellent Apparition skills cleared my mind fogged by poison. I struggled to rise from the landing where I had landed so elegantly, and descended the final steps to my laboratory. Several times, my knees buckled, and I had to summon all my willpower to keep moving and not simply give up.

Now that the Dark Lord was dead, it was tempting to show weakness, to falter and give up. Yet, I fought on, if only out of old habit, continuing down the corridor.

The occasional flash of penetrating green eyes in my thoughts, I attributed to recent events and my current state. I hate that.

The door to the laboratory was still secured; no one had been here or entered the room. "Cervus elaphus," I murmured tonelessly. With a click, the door sprang open, revealing my sanctuary, my inner sanctum. The cabinet with my poisons and antidotes, as well as my healing potions, stood directly and easily accessible next to the door. There also lay the vial containing the antidote I had developed against Nagini's venom. Gasping for breath, I leaned against the cabinet, seeking support. Hopefully, it's not too late! I hadn't had the chance to test the antidote, at least not on humans. Normally, the beast devoured its victim whole, and they rarely died from the bites. With trembling hands, I brought the vial to my lips, gulped down its contents, and swallowed. Tilting my head back, dizziness overcame me. The vial slipped from my grasp, and before it hit the ground, I saw black spots dancing in my field of vision, and I lost consciousness.

From a distance, I heard a faint hissing and felt a pleasant tug on my left arm. Another hiss, this time closer to my ear, and a pull on my shoulder. My head was lifted, and a pillow placed underneath. I tried to open my eyes, but the darkness of exhaustion already enveloped me once more.

I heard footsteps, followed by the creaking of the door being closed. I smelled asphodel. Slowly, I opened my eyes. I was lying on my back on the floor. The sleeve of my injured arm had been expertly torn open with a spell. The deep cuts I had sustained while Apparating were smeared with a thick, greenish paste. This was none of my achievements, and I recognized the simple yet effective work of my house-elf.

Rugged knelt half over me. "Master, you're awake. Here, drink this." The elf placed the cup beside me on the floor and supported me as I sat up. I didn't like accepting help from others, but I had to admit that without Rugged's intervention, I wouldn't have been able to save my arm. My lungs had cleared during my unconsciousness. I dismissed the elf somewhat less roughly than usual to the kitchen: "Put some hot water on and then bring me tea to my room!" The elf disappeared, and I began the arduous journey to my bedroom. Breathing heavily, I reached the first floor. I stood above the stairs, leaning on the railing, fighting against the dizziness. I squinted my eyes, pressed my hand to my chest, and took deep breaths into my lungs.

There it was again, that feeling as if something light and silky brushed against my forehead. Green eyes flashed in my mind. I opened the door to the bedroom. By Merlin, how long had it been since I last slept in a bed? Laboriously, I peeled myself out of my robe, kicked off my shoes, and pulled my pants over my legs. Again, that feeling, brushing against my mind. That gentle, light something that wouldn't let me rest. What could it be? Now lying in my bed, half reclined against the headboard with a book on my lap, the feeling had dissipated.

There was a soft knock on the door, and shortly after, the elf entered with a tray containing tea and a bowl full of porridge. Porridge? By Godric's striped underpants! What am I, ten? No, sixteen, I reminded myself, glancing at my half-healed arm.

Rugged placed the tray silently on the nightstand beside me and then, unlike usual, stood before me. I scrutinized the old elf and raised an eyebrow questioningly. "Sir, there's a man outside watching the house," Rugged croaked. "The concealment charms are still active. Whoever is lurking out there won't be able to approach the house. And now go! I need rest." I drank some of the tea and set the book aside. Reluctantly, I admitted to myself that I was probably not in the condition to read, let alone understand or remember anything from it. I lay down, closed my eyes, and surrendered to the weariness and exhaustion. I fell asleep with the silky warm feeling on my forehead, descending into the mysterious world of dreams. Harry...