******...*******
******...*******
Severus winced bothered at the sound of traffic behind him and cupped his forehead. It was midday and his head was already pounding painfully. He stood absolutely still in front of the house that he had been intending to visit since yesterday, not making an attempt to ring the doorbell.
When he woke up that morning, his mood had been foul and his head very heavy. His eyes were puffed up and their red colour attested that he either suffered from insomnia, or that he had been crying. He winced and leaned his hand on the doorframe. The day before he had been too preoccupied with the reporters and the Ministry to feel the depth of what took place with Hermione, or feel the true devastation of her departure. So last night, when everything else was at least partly settled, he fell asleep in a muggle hotel, thankful to put that nightmarish day behind him. His sleep was light and full of weird dreams, so when he woke up at the break of dawn and he opened up his eyes, his heart screamed in pain. It felt sudden, it was violent and it took his breath away. His chest welled up quickly and tears overflowed his eyes before he could realise what had taken over him. The sharp knife he buried in his heart by sending Hermione away, twisted in every direction, cutting it to threads. The tremendous tension he bottled up since yesterday, in order to function properly, blew it's cork and he couldn't contain himself anymore. The hand that had been choking his throat since yesterday pulled away and let him express his deepest sorrow into the empty maroon walls of his hotel room, with the reddish hue of the breaking dawn passing through a small gap in the heavy curtains.
The need to finish what he started and get the hell out of the wizarding world, became stronger with each tear he shed. He cried for the betrayal that he had seen in her face, he cried for his inhumane words when he was trying to send her away, he cried for her truthful insight about Lily. He cried for Hermione's loss, and for the knowledge that she was better off without him. He cried for his cowardliness towards her, but also for his courage towards the world. He cried for everything that happened in the past and in the present, not wanting to think of what would happen in the future. Hating the fact that it was his inability to provide a future for Hermione, that made him send her away in the first place. He felt confused, in pain, and the desolation was so deep, he felt hopeless. Yet, he couldn't stop now. He started a domino effect that needed to be seen to the end.
When his insistent crying finally abated, the headache that was left behind was blindingly strong. Unfortunately he didn't have the luxury to remain buried under his covers and forget about the world now. He had to see this done today, before he walked out of here once and for all. He pushed himself to dress and walk out of the hotel. He entered the muggle world and rent out a motorbike and then he forced himself to enter a salon where he cut his hair short. The image in the mirror shocked him deeply, because the last time he had seen his face this clear and exposed, was when he was a young boy, still living with his parents. His father always insisted that he kept his hair short, that is why when his parents abandoned him when he was sixteen, he decided not only to lengthen them, but also to have them unkempt. A small victorious rebellion against his father's strict orders.
He rubbed his exposed neck and looked back at the busy street. No one was looking at him. After that haircut, he looked nothing like the dark wizard, with the long hair covering most of his face, in the front page of all the newspapers that people carried under their armpits. The reporters that let him go, had been busy to print his interview in the first edition of the morning papers. He drew his lips in and observed the people rushing to their business, totally ignoring the scrutinising tall man with the crossed black eyebrows and the intense look, that was dressed in black motorcycle clothing. His fingers rubbed his exposed nape once more and he felt the soft breeze of August ruffling through some longer hair strands on his temples. He looked across the street at a small alley where his large motorcycle was hidden away, waiting patiently to take him away from the wizarding world, and onto the muggle.
The renting shop told him that as long as money kept pouring in he could keep the machine for as long as he needed. He winced when he remembered the long dreadful visit at the Ministry yesterday, that procured him the money needed to operate with relative dignity after many years of heavy poverty. Minerva had been mostly correct on her assumptions the other day and he secretly admired her precise insight.
The Aurors led him to the registration desk where he gave his wand and then straight at the office of the Minister of Magic. Shacklebolt offered him a drink and a seat, initiating a rather calm conversation with him. He explained that the Ministry had kept all the traces on him active, not because they wanted to arrest him, but because Severus was valued high in the Ministerial market, according to Kingsley.
When he inquired why that was the case, the Minister honestly admitted that they wanted information about the Death Eaters and Voldemort. They wanted to establish knowledge on the man that singlehandedly redefined the Dark Arts for future reference. No one could do that better than Severus. With him, the Ministry had the opportunity of a lifetime to establish new knowledge about things currently unknown. Furthermore, Kingsley explained that the public demanded a closure to Snape's case. When he asked what kind closure, Shacklebolt surprised him by speaking of honours that needed to be bestowed on him for brave conduct and exceptional war service. Those words silenced Severus, who remained quietly observant of the solemn countenance of the Minister for several moments.
Truly disliking that turn of the conversation, and declaring that he didn't intend to appear in any public event to collect any honours, Severus confronted Kingsley about the Wizengamot. He asked why they wished to expose him when he was in ill state, if they respected him so much. The Minister spoke candidly of his inability to control that formidable judicial system, which always found direct routes to solving any problem as more accurate. In Snape's case, that was to force him out of his hiding place. Severus explained patiently that he didn't want to talk to them and if forced he would flee again, so adequately, that no one would ever be able to dig him out. The Minister was quick to reassure him that if he remained in contact with the Ministry, the Wizengamot wouldn't legally pursue him. Severus raised his brow and asked if that was all, and unsurprisingly Kingsley told him that they also needed his collaboration with everything concerning the Dark Lord's abilities and knowledge in the Dark Arts, as mentioned previously.
Severus fell silent once again, tossing the idea of walking out of there with no deal whatsoever in his mind for several moments. He didn't want to delve back at the darkness that Voldemort surrounded himself with, but this was his only chance to walk away from the wizarding world with his head held high and no one chasing after him. So after a long pause in which the Minister clearly fidgeted with the frills of his sleeves, Severus finally relented. With many regrets, he decided to sell the painful experiences of his life, in exchange for his freedom, but he had two conditions of his own to throw at the table.
Shacklebolt leaned in with obvious interest and gave him the stand to ask whatever he wished. He felt guilt in using people this way, but hadn't they done the same in order to bring Riddle down? Feeling his brows creasing deeply he asked for money and left that sentence linger long enough to observe the slow shift on the Minister's face. When he felt the confusion settling deeply in the Minister's countenance, he cleared up his act and revealed that he didn't want payment for his knowledge of the Dark Arts. That was going to be given in exchange for his freedom. He simply needed help to sell his house at Spinner's End, in the town of Cokeworth. He needed any amount of money that could come out of that pathetic relic.
Shacklebolt's confusion cleared up and a calm smile covered his lips as he benignly reassured his dark interlocutor that the Ministry of Magic was going to procure his house at any price Snape required. If nothing else had shocked Severus into paleness, then the easiness with which Kingsley drew away that heavy burden from his shoulders, did the trick.
Kingsley had to repeat the question and Severus offered a moderate price with a heart drumming in his ears anxiously. The Minister smugly offered him more and Severus frowned trying not to feel bothered by something that should have made him immensely happy. Shacklebolt saw his mood turning darker and hurried to explain that the Cultural department had their eyes on his house for several years now. They wanted to turn it into a modern museum dedicated on the second wizarding war.
Severus remembered abhorred the dirty bricks of the dark abode of his youth, filled with violence and despair, turning into a tribute for the fallen of the war. He couldn't make the shift, but he agreed more than willingly. It didn't matter if that house was turned into a pile of mud or a grant museum. He just wanted it out of his hands, out of his life and out of his memories. The money the Minister offered was very respectable and would enable him to buy a smaller house, somewhere far away from that grey, dirty and lifeless street.
When they signed the papers for the house, Severus reminded the Minister about the second condition. Kingsley shook his hand elegantly for him to continue, but his smile faded away as Severus asked him boldly to stop manipulating the potion industry and to allow the Mary Magdalene hospital to produce and sell their own medication at half the prices. The Minister's pleasant countenance shifted angrily and he forbade Severus to blackmail already voted Ministerial policies.
Severus insisted unfazed, that in order to give them his knowledge, the Ministry would have to withdraw from the monopoly on Potions. He was mad that his art was being so badly misused for money. When the Minister tried to excuse these policies, by reminding Severus that skilled Potioneers were hard to find, Snape scoffed. He knew all too well how time related Potions were and what kind of skill was necessary. Things were not nearly as bad as the Ministry was telling the public. After a long debate and even longer silences from both parties, Kingsley reluctantly agreed to remove the Ministry from the Monopoly and allow Mary Magdalene to hold it's own weight, if it was able to procure the ingredients needed for the medication themselves and not buy them from the Ministry.
On that and with more plans in mind for that hospital Severus grasped Kingsley's hand and shook it firmly. The Minister asked him eagerly when he was available to start working for them. Severus quietly required a couple of months to travel and find a place to settle. When that would be feasible, he would establish a direct line with the Ministry and he would start working immediately. The agreement was quick and the new papers were signed in a hurry, before Snape could change his mind.
When he left the Ministry he had a big fat check for his house and no one was standing in his way out. He reclaimed his wand from the registry and went to cash out his wizarding money, which he converted into Muggle immediately. He found a hotel and passed out until this morning.
He looked back at the identical houses of Claremont Square and shuddered. A few moments that seemed to be dragging out passed before he found the courage to lift his hand and ring the doorbell. In slight apprehension he felt the house rejecting him for touching it. It didn't want him there, but he didn't want to be there either. He only wanted the ones living inside.
When the door opened up finally he looked at the man that stood there testily. The unruly hair was still covering the mark of the Dark Lord on Potter's forehead and his glasses were still askew. He felt his stomach tightening, unwilling to follow him into the house and into that formidable conversation.
Potter's eyes grew large and his mouth dropped open.
'Close your mouth and invite me in. I don't want unnecessary attention' he bit.
Harry paled 'Snape?' his name was barely recognisable inside that guttural mumble.
'In the flesh. Now may I come in? Your presence by the door is drawing attention upon both of us' he pressed his lips angrily and his head tilted back to the street.
'What are you doing here?' Harry asked visibly shocked into a statue.
'Stupid question considering that you have been seeking me since I returned, now do you mind!?' he pointed out towards the street, where several people were gawking at them.
Harry's eyes gazed above Snape's shoulder and that snapped him out of his stupor 'Of course, do come in please' he made way for him to pass.
Severus felt relieved as he stepped inside, but that was short lived. The semi transparent form of Albus rose up from the carpet and began advancing toward him in slow deliberate steps. He paled and took a step backwards, momentarily thrown off his tracks. Potter stepped in and said 'KILL' in a loud voice that resounded into the corridor and outside the door. The dusty image of Albus disintegrated back to the floor.
Severus raised a testy brow 'You kept this ward on me all these years?'
'Professor, it was not as if I was expecting you by my door' Harry straightened 'I forgot it was still here in the first place. I am sorry. Please do come in' he raised his hand invitingly towards the living room.
Just as he was about to answer he saw a red headed woman walking down the stairs holding a small baby in her arms.
'Why was Moody's ward activated Harry?' she asked, but her eyes fell quickly to the tall man occupying imposingly their corridor and she froze 'Oh Gods' she muttered.
'Forgive the inconvenience Mrs. Potter, but I needed to have a word with your husband' he said formally.
She shook herself and walked over at him with an outstretched hand 'No inconvenience Professor. It is our pleasure to have you here and do call me Ginny' she shook his hand with a smile.
Well she is obviously the cool head of the family...he thought dryly.
She presented him with her baby and said with a proud smile 'This is Albus-Severus.'
It was difficult to retain his calm on those words. He frowned at her and then at the baby, which could barely see the dark haired man scrutinising it so thoroughly. Then he turned at Potter and opened his mouth.
Harry bit his lips and checked on his shoes with great interest.
Snape decided that it was best to let this one go. He shook his head and snapped his mouth shut. Seeing the dusty ghost of Albus walking at him so accusingly and hearing the word 'kill' deactivating the ward, had felt less intrusive than this baby bearing his name.
Ginny bit her lower lip and seeing that neither her husband, nor the enigmatic Professor were willing to speak to the sleeping baby she decided to release the awkwardness of the situation 'Harry have you offered the Professor something to drink? Please don't stand, take a seat' she offered politely.
'I was doing that already Ginny,' Harry bit.
'Okay honey. Please take care to deactivate this useless ward, it almost gave me a heart attack. Excuse me while I put the baby at his cot Professor' she smiled sweetly at him.
'By all means' he said quietly and gazed at her climbing up the steps carefully.
'Do you want anything to drink Professor?' Harry's voice drew his attention from mother and son.
'No, no. Just a quick word with you Mr. Potter' he shook his head and his long fingers unzipped his heavy jacket. His headache had gotten a severe boost to hell by Moody's damned ward and the baby that had the misfortune to share his name. He just wanted to finish this, not enjoy in any pleasantries.
'I am all yours Professor.' Potter sat down and so did he.
After a brief silent moment where Severus gazed intensely at his calloused palms, Harry decided to speak. 'You look very well. How are you feeling?'
'Rather well' he gazed up at Harry.
'Your heart is completely healed then?' Harry continued.
'I am in the road to recovery' he pressed his lips.
Harry smiled and rubbed his temple nervously 'I am sorry for seeming so inattentive, but I didn't expect to see you on my doorstep.'
Severus huffed indignantly 'Give me some credit young man. My name is all over the headlines this morning and if that is not enough to inform you about what happened outside Hogwarts yesterday, then the alarms that got triggered when I set foot at the Ministry must have reached you. You are still an Auror, aren't you?'
Harry didn't answer. He stood up quickly and poured himself a glass of firewhiskey from the small bar he had close to the window 'To your health.' he offered at the general direction of Severus.
Snape observed the nervous young man and remembered the terrifying words of Hermione 'To the prosperity of your household Mr. Potter' he inclined his head formally.
Harry nodded and swallowed boldly half the glass before wincing and placing it down carefully 'Thank you'
'What did Kingsley do to keep you away from me yesterday?' Severus resumed calmly.
Harry guffawed 'He threatened my job'
'So what was your plan? Escape the Minister's Hawk eye and pursue me?'
'I would have tried and most likely would have failed. You are not the easiest wizard to tailgate' Harry smiled sadly.
'You must have known that I was going to come see you Mr. Potter' he frowned slightly.
Harry swallowed hard 'Why Professor?'
'They told me you wanted to talk to me. So here I am at your disposal' he raised his brow.
Harry looked at him with an intensity that made him rather nervous for several seconds. Then as if unable to handle the steady and open look that Severus was giving him he paced nervously in front of the fireplace a couple of times 'This is very hard for me. Last time we talked, you bled in my hands and before you passed out you told me how much my eyes resembled my mother's…' Harry stopped mid sentence and inhaled deeply.
'Those times were rather hard on all of us. I wouldn't linger long on them' he tried to lighten up the tone, but Harry didn't allow him.
'All my problems derive from that fatal day. I cannot move on, don't you see?' Harry turned his back at Severus deliberately.
'Explain to me exactly what is the problem' Severus asked patiently.
'The problem is what your memories revealed about you and my mother…' Harry whispered and his shoulders slouched after that heavy revelation.
Heavy silence fell between them. Severus knew he had to make an effort. He cleared his throat and stood up 'Mr. Potter, during those muddy moments my mind couldn't function properly. I was desperate to give you the information you needed to defeat Voldemort. Even if I found enough air through my tore throat to speak to you, you wouldn't have believed me. You had to peek into my mind. Strange as it may sound now, I never wanted to show you as much as I did. Unfortunately I was unable to control what left my head. The personal details of my memories were never meant for your eyes, nor for the public.' he stopped and inhaled with the need to gather his thoughts. He wanted to sound neutral and firm, but it was a difficult task to take on a grey tinge, when the aura around you is pulsating red.
Harry gazed at him with an intensity that run through his spine.
Severus knew he had to continue. This was the reason he had come to this house after all 'Before death, I wished only for one thing' he said carefully.
'What?' Harry whispered.
His lips curled up into a bitter smile that reached his eyes 'To look at the eyes of the woman I loved' he replied quietly.
The air around them felt electrified and the silence was tense. Harry's eyes watered 'I know'
'You found out, rather unceremoniously, that I loved your mother and you made that personal detail public,' he tried not to sound accusing.
Harry raised his hand quickly 'Professor I wanted to show the world your true loyalties. It was the least I could do to repay you for keeping me alive all these years'
That must be so hard for him...
His long fingers run through several long strands in front of his forehead 'I was only doing my job. The reasons behind my actions shouldn't matter to you' he tried to ground his voice and his feelings as this conversation was becoming too personal for him.
'But it does! More than you can image!' Harry exclaimed with a force that shook him.
His brow darkened 'Why does it matter? I was not the only one in love with your mother. She was a very beautiful and charismatic woman' he replied with honesty.
'None sacrificed their lives for her, or for her son. Not even my,' Harry searched for words with lost eyes.
Severus waited patiently.
'Not even my father' Harry whispered and his face became livid.
'Careful Mr. Potter. You are giving this more weight than it can pull' he frowned.
'You don't understand,' Harry tried to compose himself.
Severus observed him silently.
'I don't think my father loved my mother as much as you did' Harry said finally with an innocence that shook Severus's foundations.
Silence covered the room and Severus swallowed heavily 'Immature assumptions. I am rather disappointed in you' his brows knitted with an austerity that was lost in Harry's back.
'I even think my mother loved you more than my father' Harry forced himself to mumble and Severus was surprised that he made out those half eaten words.
'Great imagination Mr. Potter. You should have become an author, not an Auror' he huffed and pinched the bridge of his nose truly bothered.
'I mean every word I am saying! ' Harry's voice sounded haunted.
'I am sure you do, but you are deceiving yourself' he said firmly and glared at the boy's back.
Another pause that was laced with heavy velvet. He could hear the dutiful ticking of the clock behind him rattling his nerves. Their eyes were locked in a silent battle of will. No one withdrew their gaze and none spoke. After what felt like an eternity and the ticking of the clock felt like a ticking bomb waiting to blow the room apart, Severus decided to make an honest effort 'Potter ask me and let's get over whatever hell this is!' his velvety voice drew abnormally inside the silent room.
Several silent seconds rolled by and Severus felt an insane itch to ask the question and answer it himself, when Harry broke his silence 'Are you my father?'
The haunted look in Potter's eyes made him linger, understanding how important all this was to him 'Gods, no! Is that what you thought?' he spoke quietly.
Harry's reaction was immediate. His shoulders deflated and he leaned his hands above his knees, almost out of breath 'Fucking hell...' he doubled down, and that is when Mrs. Potter ran into the room and embraced him.
'Are you okay darling?' she asked.
He nodded quickly and tried to push her away 'Yes'
'That is what you thought? That I was your father?' he frowned deeply and ignored Potter's wife. This was between him and the boy who lived.
Harry pulled himself away from her and reached him in three strides 'Yes I did, it was the only thing that made sense to me!' he spat.
'It made sense that your mother was an infidel?' Severus asked with obvious revulsion.
'It was the only way I could explain your actions. All you did for me, could have been easily explained if I was your…' Harry's eyes streamed with tears and he stopped mid sentence and tried to catch his breath.
'...son' Severus finished with a nod 'I acted out of love for her and out of guilt for her death. I am sorry to disappoint you, but I didn't act the way I did, because you are my son. I wanted to gain the forgiveness of your mother and make her understand that I loved her deeply.' he stopped and sighed deeply. 'Your mother was not infidel. She and James loved each other very much and had a good life together. You should feel blessed.' he finished, feeling his bones aching.
Harry was looking at him with complete devotion 'Thank you so much' he whispered.
Severus shook his head dismissively and closed his eyes. He was not after Potter's gratitude.
'Thank you for everything you did for me. Thank you for being so honest with me today and for not making me suffer too long.' Harry felt unable to form words as the welling in his chest was choking him.
'Let go of the past and the past shall let go of you. There are no bones hidden in your closet. At least not from me.' Severus said with a forlorn voice.
'Your precious memories of the love you had for my mother, shall forever be branded into my heart. Thank you for everything' Harry muttered and his knuckles went white. Ginny's hands cupped his fists and caressed him gently.
Severus nodded and swallowed heavily 'Since we cleared up that bloody nightmare, look at me Mr. Potter, because I need to give you something of great importance' he spoke with gravity.
'What?' Harry's brows knitted.
'Something that belongs to you now' he reached inside his pocket. His fingers slid between the golden chain and brought out Lily's bracelet.
'What is this?' Harry leaned towards it instinctively.
Severus squeezed it one last time, trying to remember the moment that Lily gave it to him many years ago. When their youth was still unstained and there soul undamaged from the darkness that was to come. When their hands touched in a different life altogether. To his ultimate surprise that memory got overshadowed by the bright eyes of Hermione. He inhaled deeply and felt his heart crying in deep sadness. This bracelet didn't belong to him anymore. Almost grateful for that blessed freedom he put it down at the table gently and gazed up at Potter. With a brief smile he pushed it towards him.
Potter caught it 'Whose is this?' he asked.
'It belonged to your mother. Now it's yours,' Severus smiled gently and felt his eyes warm and stinging.
Harry squeezed the bracelet in his tight fist painfully 'This belonged to my mom?' he whispered.
'A childhood token she shared with me, back in our younger days' he explained offhandedly.
'If this was a token of love you shouldn't be giving it out' Ginny frowned.
Expect a woman to notice such things...
'I am sure Lily has already appreciated the fact that I am giving it to her son' he replied calmly and remembered the grateful countenance of the ghosts of Lily and James when he took the bracelet from the grave and informed them of the new owner.
Harry was crying silently and the bracelet was held close to his chest 'Thank you' he kept repeating.
Severus understood the emotional turmoil of the young man and decided that he shouldn't impose himself anymore. His job here was done. Potter's nightmare was laid to rest. He stood up and zipped his jacket as his feet carried him heavily towards the door.
'Where are you going?!' it was Ginny's voice that stopped him when he opened it. Rain was falling heavy and the sky was dark.
'I am leaving Mrs. Potter' he replied.
'Leaving? Just like that?' she looked rather anxious about something.
'What more do you want from me? I think that your husband's worries are over and I gave him everything I held sacred from his mother apart from my memories. My job here is done' he frowned at her.
'I am not talking about Harry. I will forever be grateful for what you have done for him. I am talking about you. Where are you going?' she asked as he walked out to the doorstep unfazed .
He looked towards the heavy clouds 'That is of no concern of yours' he replied and made a move towards the steps.
'Wait!' she grabbed his upper arm with a force that made him pause. He turned to her more confused than bothered.
'This is hardly appropriate' he said coldly.
'What you are doing is inappropriate! What is going on inside that brilliant head of yours Professor, tell me! What are you doing?!' she sounded accusing.
'What the hell are you talking about!?' he asked angrily.
'I am talking about Hermione' she hissed between her teeth.
It was as if someone slapped him hard and she saw the reaction clearly 'Don't looked so shocked. Hermione is my best friend Professor. I know everything,' she released his arm.
The initial shock got washed away in a wave of embarrassment. At that moment a thunder fell in the distance and the rain became harder. He looked behind her, where Potter stood with the precious bracelet of his mother clutched in his hand.
'I don't care what you know' he spoke coldly, but his heart was drumming in his ears and he was not making a move towards the steps.
'Professor you destroyed everything,' she almost spat to his face, this time in clear accusation.
His eyes pierced her angrily and his lips thinned. His mouth opened up intending to send her to hell, but he closed it with force, felling his jawline grinding.
'You are running away again, aren't you?' she asked.
'No, I am walking away' he rebuked.
'How can we contact you if the need arises?' she asked and a crease of worry covered her brows.
'You won't be able to' he replied quietly, only then realising how final his decision was.
She nodded exasperated 'You are leaving torn hearts behind. Don't you care?!'
He shook his head 'You don't understand. I cannot stay…' he whispered.
'Why can't you!?' she pressed her lips and her fingers touched his upper chest.
He drew back 'Mrs. Potter please...' he didn't know what else to tell her.
'Hermione…she...you don't understand. She...' Ginny groaned and fisted her forehead in frustration 'She swore me to secrecy. I cannot reveal anything, but I will beg you to stay!' her pleading voice gave him pause.
'I am leaving the wizarding world Mrs. Potter and that is final' he forced himself to say.
She smiled sadly and her eyes watered 'Was it so difficult to be? You are so different from each other, but was it? She is a child of light and you are an endless storm' she looked at him with desolation in her eyes.
'Don't…' his stony features broke.
'I can only say that she needs you. She needs you and you leaving her forever' she murmured grimly.
'Your words have no power here. Only her words have,' he pressed his lips.
'She won't speak to you after the despicable way you treated her and I don't blame her. But I am not tied down by my egotism. I can yell at your face that she needs you!' Ginny cried in frustration.
A cold hand squeezed all the air out of his lungs 'Let your friend decide what she needs on her own Mrs. Potter' he warned.
'Let her make haste decisions based on lies from you? On things you told her that you probably didn't mean? On her panic? She cannot see things clearly and neither can you' Ginny said firmly.
'And you can...great,' he pushed her and walked into the rain.
'Don't leave' her desperate voice stopped him again 'She really needs you,'
'No, she doesn't. A child of light cannot benefit from an endless storm. Let me go please, Mrs. Potter' he felt his body suddenly giving up. As if someone took their foot away from the gas pedal and his engine began slowing down. He felt empty of any real strength to fight with anyone.
After a few tense moments Ginny nodded 'If Hermione couldn't keep you here, no one will be able to do so. Much less me. Be aware that serious things have happened that only she can reveal to you. In order for that to happen, you have to reach out to her, because it was you that pushed her away' she spoke with honesty.
'I will bear that in mind, now goodbye Mrs. Potter' he replied and walked straight into the street feeling the water drenching him.
Her voice stopped him once more 'Professor!'
He unwillingly turned, even though the enigmatic words of this woman had bled anew the deep wounds of his heart.
'You know our address. If you ever settle down and you want to have some news from Hermione send me an owl with your new address. it is all up to you now...' she pleaded and her voice broke.
He shook his head in denial and the water blurred his eyesight more than the real tears that were running.
'Please! At least tell me that you will think about it,' she got down a few steps and rain run down her face 'Give us a line of contact for Hermione's sake...please'
How weird was it that he had been able to hear those last words in the midst of the heavy rainfall and several steps away from her. His heart's frantic rhythm was overpowering all other noises. His eyes burned from the tears and he felt many answers rising to his throat, but none came out for several moments. Finally his burning gaze penetrated her beseeching eyes and he spoke softly 'I am sorry.' Then he turned around and ran into the alley where his motorbike was hidden away from prying eyes.
Ginny stood there getting drenched by the rain, her eyes streaming down her cheeks and neck. Unable to stop thinking how much love those two were wasting. When the rain stopped beating on her forehead she wiped away her burning face.
Harry held the umbrella above both of them 'I heard everything' he muttered. His mom's bracelet was still held tight in his fist.
Ginny embraced him and shook her head disappointed 'They cannot be together'
'It was difficult. Hermione swore you to secrecy and we both know how stubborn she can get. You did everything you could, with two very difficult people' he tried to comfort her.
Another pause from her and then fresh tears 'He was crying…' she trailed off.
Harry looked towards the alley.
She nodded as if answering to herself 'Yes, he was crying, right there in front of me, standing in the rain. He was crying for her, Harry. He loves her' she whispered observing the darkness of the alley.
Harry nodded and squeezed the bracelet in his hand 'I know' he murmured and they embraced each other tenderly.
******...*******
******...*******