AN: Set between Chapters 11 and 12 of Family Ties. HP owned by JK Rowling.
Tobias loaded his gun, eyes still trained on the target as he listened for the soft click of the barrel. He crept forward slowly until he could get a clear shot. He glanced towards Severus one last time before raising the gun to eye level.
Tobias Snape fired.
Jame'lah snapped her head around. Nearby trees exploded into a flurry of birds. She could hear the voices of men in the distance as they shouted and clambered amongst the undergrowth. She whipped round and darted across the rocks. Her long stride made easy work of the bank as she lept up and continued through the woods. A second shot rang out
Jame'lah quickened her pace, heart thundering in her chest.
There was nearly enough distance between them, the last bound under her feet when –
-the ground fell out from beneath.
Jame'lah tumbled through loose dirt and shrubs, carrying nettles and foliage with her. She landed with a thud at the bottom of the ditch, catching her breath and listening. There was no more sound from the men. She rolled over and shook herself off. With a distinctive click at her heels the jaws of the trap snapped, causing her to jump and snarl.
Its teeth bit deeper with each tug as she tried to pull herself free. Jame'lah let out a low growl. She tugged harder, charging forward towards the other end of the ditch. The trap pulled off the face of the forest floor but the chain caught her, mid air, anchored securely in the ground.
Hidden in the undergrowth, a small fox crept forward, watching the creature scatter the leaf litter with her writhing.
Jame'lah hissed in desperation as her leg began to burn. The tiger continued to snarl and twist within the trap.