Intentionally vague introduction- anything you recognize belongs to the fabulous Jo Rowling!
Slowly the rain began to sound louder, and it filled any emptiness that remained in her soul. How nature could suddenly make this ok, this of all things escaped her. The cycles of nature were exactly what had stolen her hope and her vitality. Everyone dies. Everyone loses someone they love, even if they don't realize how much they loved said person until afterwards. Until it's too late.
She walked the length of the bridge before looking up again. She glimpsed, just disappearing behind the wooden shed, a figure in black robes. The last person she wanted to see, and somehow the only one she suddenly felt she could talk to.
"Severus, wait," She panted, having just run down the hill to meet him, "there's no way that you can just go. We all want to leave, believe me, but it's Dumbledore's orders to stay on the grounds until it's time."
"It is time," he replied tonelessly, too quiet. "You were walking for hours, it's time."
"We cannot go, not yet. What if they need us? Especially you, who else can provide any… potions they need, or any dueling expertise? Who's going to help them, Lockhardt?"
"No, of course not, he fled hours ago," Severus sighed. He looked so worn down, not sharp and ready for battle as he used to be. As he always was, before.
"Of course. All the more reason to come back," was all she could think to say.
"I'm not leaving, if that's what you think," as if talking to her was too irrelevant, but he took the time anyway.
"Severus if anyone is brave enough to stay it's you," she was taken aback, "that's not what I meant."
"I'm on my way to get Remus Lupin, we may need his assistance in dueling, if not spells and defense as well."
"Right. I figured it was something like that."
"Why?" There was a pause. "What were you thinking I planned?"
She stood there for several minutes regarding Severus Snape, and the rain began to pound harder. Neither of them moved. She began to wonder if he was cold, and then noticed how freezing she was.
"Will you go to Dumbledore's office and wait for me there?" Severus broke the silence, with sadness and respect still attached to the name of Dumbledore. Still referring to their meeting point as "his" office.
"Yes. And let me know if I can be of service, any at all."
"Of course," and he grimaced, almost in an attempt to smile at her. "Even the non-magical are indispensable to our cause now."
"Yes." And she smiled. Because she was scared, she smiled for lack of power to comfort or aid him in any important way. The vague fear and regret, held against and imminent happiness and the sparkling horizon that she had faced just a day ago. Before He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Called strode back into their lives, and pushed all their lives to an edge. And edge which none of them would return from. But how could she tell Severus that?
She watched him turn and run, swallowing heavily to distract the tears that were returning. How could she tell him what she knew?
"Harry," she whispered. She needs to tell Harry.
Readers! Gather round, this is chapter one of a story that will depend entirely upon reader's response. This beginning is vague and which book it is set during will be filled in at some point in the future. But I need you to tell me who the girl is because I'm still deciding. I've developed ideas, but guesses are welcomed. May or may not end up in cannon. Do review! So I'll know if I should continue. Adventure could be VERY exciting or more reflective, I've yet to see. Read on.