Chapter 29 - The Last Hope

                                        

                                              
            
                              
The Last Hope
                              
      Harry did not ask who, but Lupin led them to the hospital wing as fast as Harry could walk. When they got there Tonks and Mad-Eye were leaving, and nodded to Harry as they went downstairs. Harry pushed open the door and saw one person lying in the middle bed. 
                              
      Madam Pomfrey was hovering over him and all Harry could see was his long white beard. Lupin stopped him at the door. Hermione cupped her hand around her mouth and tears were forming in her eyes. Ginny and Ron were dumbstruck beyond reaction, but Lupin turned toward Harry.
                              
      "Harry, listen to me. There's only a little time left... before..." Lupin's voice trailed off.
                              
      "What? He's alright... isn't he?" Harry gasped.
                              
      "He was hit by Voldemort's..." Lupin said, but Harry cut him off.
                              
      "But Madam Pomfrey can heal him... right?" he said, though already knowing the answer.
                              
      "I'm sorry Harry, there's nothing that can be done," Lupin said, sadly.
                              
      Harry wanted to think about anything else. His mind went over what had happened that night and he thought about Voldemort. The prophecy....
                              
      "He knows... Voldemort... he heard the prophecy..." Harry said, defeated. 
                              
      Ron, Hermione and Ginny jolted out of whatever state of disbelief they were in and were now intently listening to him. Lupin put his hands on his shoulders. 
                              
      "It's ok. Don't worry about that now. It was not your fault. Listen... there isn't a lot of time," Lupin repeated. "He wants to see you."
                              
      Harry nodded to show he understood and Lupin allowed him to enter. He glanced back at the others as Lupin shut the door, but he did not say anything. Madam Pomfrey was still tending to him, but Harry turned to his right and saw Snape sitting down on a chair with his face buried in his hands. Madam Pomfrey had finished fiddling over him and turned to meet Harry. 
                              
      Her eyes were filling with tears and she said, hoarsely, "You can stay with him as long as you want." 
                              
      Then she shuffled slowly into her office and closed the door, completely breaking down in tears. Harry walked over to the bed, completely numb. Dumbledore was rasping heavily, and noticeably in pain. He could not bring himself to meet his eyes.
                              
      "Harry," he coughed. "Look at me."
                              
      Harry obliged and looked into Dumbledore's pale blue eyes. 
                              
      "Sir... I'm sorry... I..." Harry stammered.
                              
      "It is not your fault," he said, sympathetically. "There was nothing you could've done. Remember what I said Harry in your first year. Death is only the next adventure...."
                              
      Harry eyes were tearing up. He wanted to look at anything, but Dumbledore. 
                              
      Dumbledore watched him and whispered only to him, "Listen Harry... there is something you must know.... Professor Snape... warned your parents. He tried to save them... and you. He was the one... the one... who told-told us that Voldemort was after you. It is why your parents went into hiding...."
                              
      Harry looked at Snape, who was shaking and almost crying. Harry then realized that only person Snape had was Dumbledore. Dumbledore was the only one who helped him.  
                              
      "I shouldn't have let them take me..." Harry muttered.
                              
      "Harry... it had to be done. It is your destiny to face him," Dumbledore rasped.