A/N: Written for the Houses Competition, Slytherin, Year 4, Drabble, Prompt: emotion-Hopeful, Word count 549
Severus stared up at Hogwarts, knowing it would be the last time. Faking his death had been easier than he'd thought, but this final goodbye was proving harder than expected. He both loved and hated Hogwarts. For much too long it had been both his home and his prison. He had been guided, loved, hated, and manipulated here. It was past time to move on. Still, he hesitated, because of that one thing - love. After spending years believing he would never find love again, it had found him in his last few months here. It had found him and he had faked his death, giving up everything to escape persecution from both the Dark Lord and the Order of the Phoenix.
His eyes darkened and he clenched his long fingers into fists. He didn't belong anywhere anymore. Would it always be this way? Would there ever be a time in his life when he could keep something for himself? When he could love and be loved? He didn't regret saving his life and leaving the Order behind. They never would have forgiven him. It had been a necessary sacrifice…
But now he faced a future alone. Loneliness had always made him bitter. He hadn't even left the castle grounds yet, and already he missed her. He could feel her absence in his bones. Her stubborn smile haunted him each time he closed his eyes… and the way her dark hair fell to frame blue eyes. She had such a strong heart, defiantly falling in love with him even as he had tried to isolate himself.
Belle Hansen had loved him. He was as certain of it as he was certain of his growing affection for her, and he had lost her. Even if he showed himself to her, how could he expect her to leave her life behind for him? He could never ask her to sacrifice so much.
Severus forced himself to turn away from the castle and apparated to Spinner's End. He had already packed for a quick escape. He only needed to collect his bag from its hiding place before he could leave the country. He made his way through the house without hesitation. There was nothing here he couldn't replace if he missed it. He grabbed his bag from his bedroom closet, turned back towards the door, and froze in his tracks. His eyes widened in shock as Belle stepped into the room, breathing heavily as though she had ran all the way there.
"I knew it!" She gasped, "I knew they couldn't be rid of you so easily. You survived!"
"How could you know? Were you followed?" He demands sharply, moving to pull her into the room and glance down the hall, "How did you find me, Belle?"
"I didn't tell anyone. I just couldn't believe I had lost you so easily. I love you, Severus….I'll always love you."
Severus couldn't help himself. He dropped his bag and Belle wrapped her arms around his shoulder. He pulled her lips to his, capturing her mouth in a kiss that told her everything she needed to know. He was hers and she was his and he wouldn't give her up. Not this time. Not ever. No matter what came next, they would face it together.