A/N: Thank you to those that reviewed. I read through past ones and it sparked some creativity. This chapter I was going to make into two but felt it better as one. :)
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Walking to her uncles office was nothing new, the constant worry in the pit of her stomach was. She itched at her arms trying to get the incessant feeling to go away. What seemed like weeks had passed since she had last communicated with him. Filling her time with revisions, helping Severus with occumelency, and brewing kept her away from him. Although there was a nagging feeling that her uncle knew exactly what was going on.
Reaching the eagle statue she didn't even glance up as it sprang to life. Running her fingers through the mop that was her hair she took a few calming breaths casting a glamour charm upon herself. She knew her appearance was unsightly, but there was no time for that. Her latest potion seemed to be doing the trick and keeping the visions at bay but she still didn't want to chance it. Fidgeting with the ring she shivered as if she had been bathed in cold water. Having it on was a constant reminder to herself why she needed the potions. She could not relive that experience again.
Knocking on the door she opened it not waiting for him to respond. He had arranged the meeting so he knew she was arriving. Upon entering she saw Fawks sitting at his perch with his head tucked under his wings. It was then that it dawned on her the last time she had been her or even spoke to her uncle he had seemed deranged as if he had seen something he had never thought to see again. Her eyes scanned around and saw him sitting at his desk. He looked up from his musings to look at her. His eyes held a warmth that she remember but didn't allow herself to react. He was keeping things from her and she did not particularly enjoy it. Granted, she knew that made her seem like a brat but she was tired of being in the dark.
"Rae, so good to see you. Please take a seat. Tea," he offered the cup floating to her as two sugar cubes dropping in. She took it politely smelling it before taking a sip. He watched her with calculated eyes. Never had she been so cautious around him. They sat in silence as she awaited for him to speak.
"How are preparations for O.W.L.s coming along," he asked and she shrugged.
"As good as anyone else i would expect," she chimed. He nodded knowing all the fifth years were running around frantically, not nearly like the seventh years, but still.
"How's Severus," he asked. He knew they had been hanging out again and hoped that it was doing her some good. She was guarded around him, which he couldn't blame her for being. The last meeting they had he had all but strangled her.
"He's doing well," she stated placing her tea down. He nodded with a sigh, this chit chat was going no where.
"Rae, I want to apologize for my actions. I shouldn't have handled myself that way and hope you can forgive this old man," he said his lips twitching. She looked at him her eyes flickering between his. Could she really trust him?
"I've been to talk to Gellert," he said causing those crystal orbs to widen but she remained silent.
"These visions you have are really a blessing, a gift. I should of told you more about seerers from a young age instead of trying to strengthen your mind to push them away. I know about the potions," he said causing her to glare at him.
"Tell me about these seerers then," she growled through tight lips. Watching her eyes he noticed that they were extremely fidgety. She continuously raised a hand to itch her arm, but seemed to notice that he noticed and stopped. Albus thought back to the discussion he had with Gellert and was instantly up pushing her sleeves back. She made a strangled cry trying to pull her arm away from him. He may have looked old and frell but that was not the case.
His eyes took in the perfect skin in front of him trying to understand it. Without a second thought he waved his hand over her arm revealing what his eyes couldn't see but his brain knew to be there. Scabs covered her arms, some dripping blood as they had reopened. Fearful he waved his hand over her whole body and watched as her glamour fell away. His eyes widened as he saw her true appearance. Her skin was completely sunken in with an ashen appearance, her golden curls laid lifeless and unkept, she appeared to be serverally underweight as well. Even with all of this she stuck her chin out as if daring him to say anything. Her eyes once a beautiful crystal blue was a wash of colors. The whites barley visible through the blood caked around them causing an irrly affect on the blue. The stone gaze she gave him was enough to cause even the strongest of men to coware. He was used to this glare, being on the receiving end of it many times from his brother.
"Rae…," he sighed pulling her into an embrace, one she hadn't expected. She tried to push him away but eventually gave up allowing her arms to fall limply around herself. Confused he pulled her away to look her over. Her face was as cold and distant as ever. A sparkle caught his eyes and he glanced at her right hand seeing a ghastly gold ring there. Grabbing her hand he felt the dark energy coming from it.
Without a second thought he pulled it from her hand and watched as the cold look washed away from her. She looked up at him scared.
"Uncle," she cried throwing herself into his arms. He wrapped his around her and held her tight. Tears soaked his robes as she cried into him and he felt a few run down his own face. What in Merlins beard was happening?
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Soothing Rae had been a much bigger job then he would have anticipated. By the time he had finally calmed her down she was dozing off. Putting her in his bed he went back to his desk to inspect the ring. As soon as he picked it up he instantly dropped it as it burned his finger.
He doesn't care about you.
Just like she doesn't.
You are worthless. You couldn't save Ariana, how do you expect to save Rae?
The thoughts whispered in his head venomously. Shaking, he grabbed a box to contain the ring and its powers. He'd have to study it a bit more before taking a course of action. How did Rae manage to get her hands onto something this dark? Groaning he rubbed his face with a tired hand. Just when he thought everyone was safe. Dark forces were indeed on their way.
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Rae awoke in a bed much larger than hers. Shift she sat up slowly feeling as if she had been hit with a ton of bricks. Looking around she recognized her surroundings as being in her uncles office again. Groaning she stood but instantly fell back onto the bed. Confused, she tried again, having similar results.
"Ah, my dear niece you rise," a calm voice called out to her. Glancing up she made out the figure of her uncle and tried to smile.
"What's…," her voice didn't sound like her own, shocking her. She stopped looking up at her uncle hoping to convey some sort of message with her eyes.
"Your body has been put through a great deal of stress lately. With all the potions and Merlin knows what else the only response it has left it to break down," he said calmly but his eyes betrayed the worry he felt.
"So…," she croaked out wanting answers desperately. Why was this happening to her? Could anything be done to reverse it? How could it have gotten this bad without anyone noticing?
Albus flinched as his mind was assaulted by her questions and fears. In front of him was the child that he had raised wasting away. She was terrified of what was happening to her and he had no answer for her.
"Rae, I am going to be honest with you. I am not sure what is happening, just know dear child that I am going to do everything in my powers to figure it out," he spoke softly as she looked up at him blood tears running down her face. She nodded meekly unsure of what to do.
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Severus awoke earlier than usual and was in the Great Hall before majority of the staff. The uneasy feeling he had been having about Rae was still plaguing him. Stirring his oats he sighed giving up on trying to eat anything. His inner turmoil was frustrating him to no ends, but he had to do something. Rae might hate him for this, but he couldn't sit by as his worry consumed him. Yes, it may be selfish of him to diverge his worries to the Headmaster, but he knew something was wrong.
Arriving at the headmasters office he knocked on the door quietly wondering if he was even up. The door swung open in the middle of his thoughts causing him to jump slightly. He walked in slowly trying to not make any noise.
"Mr. Snape, what do I owe this visit to," Albus asked looking at the young man walking in. He could see the worry written all over his face and figured it had to do something with Rae.
"Good Morning Sir, I was coming on behalf of Rae," he stated, peeking Albus's interest.
"My dear boy, please take a seat," he said motioning for him to sit across from him. Severus proceeded sitting in the overstuffed chair. He wasted no time knowing that he'd lose the confidence he gained to talk to him.
"Something is wrong with Rae. I am not sure what exactly it is but things just aren't the same and haven't been for a while," he said quickly rubbing his hands together nervously. Albus sat there without saying anything deep in thought. Time seemed to slow down, aggravating Severus.
"Are you going to sassy anything Headmaster," he asked, anger coloring his voice. He knew that they had had some sort of falling out, but he didn't believe that it would last. Sighing Albus leaned forward before speaking.
"Mr. Snape, I appreciate your concern tenfold. I myself have been worrying about Rae. While she is on the road to recovery there are many things that are still to be done," he simply stated.
"Road to recovery? What is this nonsense," he demanded standing in his hast. Albus held his hand up as if to silence him or make him sit.
"Rae has been going through a rough time as I am sure you know. With that she has taken some extreme measures to rid herself of some of the issues. While she may have helped herself at first, it caused a whole other problem that we are dealing with. From now to the end of the semester she will not be going to classes, and her O.W.L.s will be taken away from others," he said softly causing Severus to collapse into his chair.
"Is...is she going to be alright," his voice was soft and shaky as he looked into the headmaster's eyes.
"For now yes. You may visit her anytime you like. I have set up an additional chamber up here to keep wandering eyes off," he stated as Severus stood quickly.
"May I," he asked, wanting to see her. Albus seemed deep in thought, curious if it was a good idea to have him see her in such a vulnerable state.
"Follow me," he said, making up his mind. Hopefully seeing her like this would cause him to look after her a bit more closely. He knew that it was not the boys fault that she was like this but he could not help the anger that entered his heart or the distaste he had for the boy. He thought that he would have been a good influence on her, but it seemed to be having the opposite effect. They walked down a sort corridor before opening the door at the end. Severus peeked around the older man to see the small lump on the bed. Without thinking he ran over to her stopping only as she groaned and rolled over. His eyes drank in the sight of her, unable to comprehend what he was seeing.
Her once luminous skin was ashen and shallow. He could make out almost every bone in her face. Her golden hair laid upon her head holding no shine and seemed as if it would break away. Unable to see anymore of her he fell to his knees holding back to emotions that threaten to break through. Of course he knew that she had been casting a glamour charm, he wasn't thick, but he didn't realize how bad she had gotten.
"She's very good about hiding her pain," Albus said softly, bringing him back to reality. Glancing over at the older man Severus nodded.
"Severus, if you want to be in her life you must promise me something," he said knowing that he was taking advantage of the young man's feelingss.
"Yes, anything," he whispered, wanting nothing more than to be there for her.
"Promise that you will look after her," he said. Without even a thought Severus was nodding wiping away the stray tear that had fallen.
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A/N: Hopefully you all enjoyed this! I am already working on the next chapter. We are coming up to the end of this book, but don't worry I've already started a sequel:) Will Rae be okay? Will she finally get control over these visions? Will Severus and her be able to be together? Stay tuned to find out:) As always reviews are much appreciated!