"Harry!" Such desperation ... then, "Severus, help him!" An order from a voice he had been hard-wired to obey. Rising unsteadily, he stepped closer and watched Voldemort clutching Harry's wrist. Blood was flowing freely from between his fingers. The stupid boy had slashed his wrist. He reached out, yet the stubborn child pulled back, accusing. "No, you promised. I will not align myself with someone I cannot trust! I'd rather stay out of this conflict entirely rather than trade one manipulator for another!"