Edges of the Night

by punkneeter

When Severus closed his eyes for the last time in the Shrieking Shack, he had thought that he would finally be allowed to rest in peace through death. Yet, it seemed that fate had other plans for Severus when he wakes up alone in an unknown forest. It isn't long before he finds himself at the Shire and meets Frodo and Gandalf.

1. Chapter 1: Prologue

Severus struggled to keep his eyes open, but he was tired. He could not move as the poison began to course through him, killing him with every passing touch. When Severus closed his eyes, black lashes brushed against his pale cheeks. Green was the last thing he saw. He could barely feel the soft touches of tears that still laid on his skin. The sounds of the wind crashing into the old wood and leaves fighting against each other had washed away with the sound of the war. With one, last, shaky breath, Severus became very still and cold brushes touched his skin, claiming him into the darkness.

It was no longer cold, but it was surely dark. Severus didn't feel anything nor did he see a single thing. It was like taking a dosage of dreamless sleep, just without the foul taste of the potion.

There were no more dreams. No more nightmares. There was just an empty oblivion that he could barely register.

He didn't know how long he stayed there, but it was almost relaxing in the emptiness he found himself in. In a cruel way, death had seemed to be the only one to offer him comfort from all his years in life. Returning to these shadows was more welcoming than it was lonely. He was used to the feeling of being alone and he often desired it. At least then, he had nothing to fear. And if this is what death was, Severus would gladly accept this fate. Perhaps now, he could find peace. Yet it would seem that fate had other plans.