The Fairest One of All

by The Apocalypse Lock

Severus spends his nights in longing before the Mirror of Erised. When Albus decides to move it, Severus is only too eager for the opportunity to help guard it. However, how will these nights of lost dreams take a toll on his mentality? SPOILERS

1. Chapter One: Arrival

Title: The Fairest One of All
Author: GeneSeph (deviantART) or The Apocalypse Lock (), otherwise known as Skai.
Rating: T (may change later)
Status: In Progress
Genre: Angst/Romance
Warnings: Minor language and sensitive themes (self-mutilation later on in the fic)
Summary: Severus spends his nights in longing before the Mirror of Erised. When Albus decides to move it, Severus is only too eager for the opportunity to help guard it. However, how will these nights of lost dreams take a toll on his mentality?

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Chapter One : Arrival

Severus' face was set in a scowl. "Why here?" he demanded curtly. His shoes clicked loudly on the stone floor as he sped up. The elderly man was able to quickly match his pace, unfortunately. "Can it not be held somewhere else that is equally as protected?"

Albus shook his head slowly. "I'm afraid not. Severus, you know well that Hogwarts is as safe a place as any." He tilted his head, glancing at the Potions professor through beady eyes and half-moon spectacles.

"I won't stand for this." Without realizing where his feet had led him, Severus opened the door. He slowed gradually to a stop, all emotion evaporating from his face and dark eyes. "I... want it out of here."

"I can't do that, Severus." The headmaster fell into place beside him.

"What if a student finds it?" argued Severus. "All the students will wish to see it if this gets out."

"Until then, it is fine here." Albus frowned at the mirror. "No need to fret."

Gazing over the cool, reflective glass, Severus was momentarily frozen. "What do you see?"

"That depends. Will you tell me what you see in return?"

A small sigh of defeat escaped Severus' throat. "No."

Albus gave a soft, reassuring smile. "Then I will not tell you either. You should learn to open up to people."

And what? Sob about his childhood and moan about the empty feeling deep in his chest? Cry his damn eyes out only to be told what a sick, twisted man he really was?

"I'll keep that in mind," he answered drolly, though his sarcasm was clear. He turned his back to the mirror, keeping his calm composure as well as he could. "Why me?" he asked of the great wizard.

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Have you shown the other professors and faculty?"

Albus gave him a worried, sheepish look. However, he answered truthfully, "No."

"Why have you shown me, then?" He began to leave the mostly empty room, heading back in the direction of the library.

"Severus, I sometimes get the feeling that you are not grateful for what you have."

"I have no idea what you mean," Severus scoffed, rapidly growing tired of this conversation.

"You have a very dangerous job, and yet you still have your life. You have more courage than any man I've seen in all of my years." Albus placed a hand on Severus' shoulder.

Shrugging it off, the greasy-haired man rolled his eyes. "What are you getting at?"

"Heroes could use a break occasionally."

That was enough. Severus grabbed his employer by the front of the robes roughly. "Don't call me that," he snarled. "I'm no hero." It was true. He had failed to be a hero twelve years ago.

Headmaster Dumbledore showed no fear. He softly pried Severus' hands from his robes. "As you wish."