It was night. The distant sounds of cheering and celebrations could be heard across the whole country it seemed. But for many witches and wizards it was not an event for celebration. Hundreds found themselves grieving over their lost master and fleeing for protection from imprisonment. Elegia Gravis was one of them.
She had quickly ransacked her old family home and gotten rid of any and everything remotely suspicious. She dreaded leaving her home for it had been in her family for over a century and it was all her parents had to leave behind. She also knew that the house would most likely be destroyed, either by those searching for evidence against her or by time. But now was not the time to become emotional over such things. She had been highly involved with the Dark Lord and all his followers were being sought out, a lot of which were being sent to Azkaban. Remembering all the horror stories she'd heard, she certainly did not want to end up there. So she had made arrangements to flee the country and take up work elsewhere. All this aside, there was someone she had to see before leaving. She had thought about it at great length but knew she could not leave without saying goodbye.
She came upon the rundown house that belonged to her long time friend. The windows were all dark and the house looked empty. She dearly hoped he was there; she hadn't even thought that he may not be. She began the ascent along the rocky pathway to the old house. Reaching the doorway, she knocked three times on the splintered wooden door. Almost as soon as she'd knocked, she heard the lock slide out of place and the door creaked open. She could see his black eyes glimmering in the moonlight peering out at her.
"Severus," she breathed in relief and contentment.
He scanned his yard for intruders before opening the door wide and in his quiet voice saying, "Come in."
They walked into his dimly lit living room and he gestured for her to have a seat in one of the dusty armchairs. After he was seated as well, he asked, "What are you doing wondering about at a time like this? I thought you would have better sense."
"I'm leaving the country. Tonight," she said. His expression ranged from shock to hurt. When he said nothing, she continued, "I have a cousin overseas that is willing to let me live with her until things settle down here."
He still said nothing but she gave him time to think. At last he said, "Why are you running away now? Our community should stick together."
"You know as well as I that the Dark Lord is gone." She paused a moment before saying, "They're going to come after us one by one. I don't hold sway over the ministry like the Malfoys do. I might was well turn myself in to Azkaban because if they catch me, that is where I will most certainly go."
"You won't end up in Azkaban as long as you don't do something rash and stupid. Those who have been convicted put themselves in that situation. Anyone with half a brain can avoid it. And besides, the ministry can catch you overseas just as well as they can here. You're endangering yourself even more by fleeing."
She had, of course, thought about all of this. But the Dark Lord's disappearance wasn't the only reason she was leaving. For years she had stood by Severus through thick and thin. She had offered him her love and support but this always seemed to go unnoticed. She couldn't stand his indifference any longer. She had to leave him even if it killed her.
"I have to leave," she said dully. She got to her feet and began walking toward the door but he blocked her path.
"Will you come back?" he asked.
"I will," she said, giving him an empty smile. She knew she wasn't fooling him and she grabbed for the door handle. He placed one cool, soft hand upon hers and gently turned her face toward him with the other, forcing her to look at him directly.
"Tell me why you are really leaving," he said quietly, those penetrating black eyes probing hers.
Tears were brimming in her eyes and her expression was fraught with despair. "I have to leave," she barely whispered, her voice cracking. She worked her way out of his grip and slid out of the door. She walked a couple of steps before turning and whispered, "Goodbye." He could do nothing but watch as she walked briskly down the pathway, turned on her heel and vanished into the night.