Content Warning: Descriptions of the previous sexual assault from chapter 6

Chapter 8: Harsh Consequences

A few days had passed quietly and Brixton was still having a hard time looking at herself in the mirror. She couldn't help still thinking that Rikkon had stolen something from her. Her peace of mind and confidence were shaken. She couldn't even completely hide the red scars with her clothes due to the ones on her neck. She was wearing an old pair of jeans with holes in the knees and a dark purple sweater. Since classes weren't in session she figured it was acceptable to be dressed casually. Trying to be thankful that the weather was cold, Brixton wrapped a black scarf around her neck before she exited her dormitory.

After filling her bag full of sausages at breakfast, Brixton decided she would take a walk to a particular edge of the Forbidden Forest. It was there that she often liked to visit the thestrals. Despite most witches and wizards fearing and disliking the beasts, she agreed with her friend Luna that they were just poorly misunderstood creatures. She longed for their company more than ever since she had been essentially alone for the past few days. She had wanted to write to her friends but she couldn't think of anything noteworthy to say that she could actually share. Obviously she didn't want to discuss Rikkon or the curse. She didn't want to put to paper anything about her kiss with a certain Potions Master. That left very little else to say. She would just have to wait for them to return to school to see how their holiday had gone.

Brixton was delighted to find that one of her favorite thestrals had given birth to twin babies and they were happy to gobble up the sausages just as fast as she could fish them out of her bag. She rubbed their noses and smiled to herself. She looked over the black bony winged horses. She understood on a pragmatic level that the creatures were spooky looking, but they were just as sweet as any non-magical horse that Brixton had ever encountered.

Morning turned to afternoon and Brixton was curled up with one of the babies on the ground leaning against a large tree at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. She was entirely engrossed in what she was reading when a distinctive baritone of a voice pulled her from her reading. "Miss Winchester this is a particularly unusual way to spend the day, isn't it?"

The witch looked up to see none other than Severus Snape towering over her with a curious look on his face. She had not seen him since the night that he had helped cure her of Rikkon's curse. They had agreed to not hold their usual lessons during the holiday break. Her heart made a small leap and her lips began to tingle slightly as she looked up at the man in front of her. She could feel the heat rush to her cheeks and hoped it wasn't too obvious. "Hello, Severus," she said quietly. "I rather like the thestrals myself. I find it odd that everyone is so fearful of them. I know they have a dark and skeletal appearance but they are very sweet. If you aren't careful and respectful of them they can be quite dangerous, but just like many other creatures they are fiercely loyal once you have gained their trust."

"Are you not concerned about the other things that reside in the forest? It is a dangerous place to choose to read a book," he said as he looked around as though searching for such dangers to fend off.

"Oh, I'm not worried at all. The thestrals are very protective of me. They would defend me against anything in the forest that might want to harm me. I stay close to the edge too, just to be on the safe side," she nodded to the thestral that was closest to her professor that was sniffing his shoulder. "That one I named Primrose a few years ago. She is my personal favorite. I often come and bring her and the others some sort of meat. Hagrid has told me several times over the years that Primrose trusts me enough to let me ride her but I never dared until we had to get to the Ministry. You know, when Voldemort tricked Harry about torturing Sirius. Luna sometimes comes with me here to visit the thestrals. She enjoys flying on them, but I found it only slightly more tolerable than a broom. I hate flying."

"You are very extraordinary, Brixton." Severus said while allowing Primrose to smell his hand. She licked him as though she expected a treat. The use of her first name sent a wave of goosebumps over Brixton's skin. She tossed him a sausage so that her favorite thestral wouldn't be disappointed. She watched as the professor held it out awkwardly for the creature to eat. Brixton smiled at the fact that he looked pleased with the interaction. He turned to his student and said, "I see what you mean, but I have never been the best with animals of any kind. I don't dislike them, mind you. I've just never had the knack with them that other people seem to have. That being said, I have never seen anyone in all my years befriend thestrals in such a pure way. Most people view them as quite sinister."

Unable to help herself, Brixton laughed and replied, "Well I'm quite fond of you too and most people view you as sinister as well."

A sour look spread over Severus' face. "You do realize that your imprudence could put my job at risk. That's not even to mention that it could tarnish what little bit of a good reputation that I might have gained these past months."

Brixton laughed lightly and replied, "Oh, do lighten up a little! I realize that you have promised me nothing but it is obvious that you have some sort of feelings for me. I know where your heart lies in regards to love and I respect that. Still, you cannot ask me to pretend like nothing happened between us. I won't go around the castle broadcasting it, but please allow me to speak freely when it's just the two of us."

"As you wish, Miss Winchester. A little leniency on my part might not hurt anything. Aside from being found out, I also do not wish for you to think that I have more to offer you than I already have. By the way, I never got around to thanking you for the glass lily you gifted me. That was very kind and thoughtful of you."

The witch brightened at the mention of her gift. "You're very welcome. I hope that it brings you some kind of comfort. Would you like to see something interesting, Professor?"

Having learned that the young woman was full of surprises, Severus hesitated momentarily before speaking. "I suppose."

Brixton smiled radiantly and stood up, disturbing the baby thestral that had his sleeping head lying in her lap. She patted his head as he let out a little bird-like cry of protest. Pulling out her wand she said, "Expecto Patronum!" loudly and ghostly silver light shot out of the tip of her wand. From that the wispy form of a thestral came forth stretching its wings and strutting around Severus before slowly vanishing.

The man was amazed. He had heard that it was possible for one's patronus to be a thestral but it was extremely rare. He believed this not only to be because of people's apprehension for the beasts but also because you had to have seen someone die in order to see them in the first place. It was a completely unexpected turn of events and Severus was once again rendered speechless by the witch.

She looked over at her professor sheepishly, "That's exactly how everyone in Dumbledore's Army looked when Harry was teaching us the patronus charm."

"It is a little disorienting, I will admit." Severus replied. "I have never seen anyone with a thestral as a patronus. You amaze me, I must confess."

Blushing, she nodded, "I have done some research on the matter, actually, and it is quite a rare form for a patronus to take. I'm not entirely sure why that's how mine produces. Maybe it was seeing my mother die while I was just taking my first breaths."

He thought on this for a moment and said, "Yes, I believe that sort of thing can have a profound impact on a person whether we have any memory of it or not."

A few moments passed before Brixton asked, "So, what brings you to the edge of the forest, Professor?"

Severus awkwardly kicked at the grass on the ground. "I have to take you to see Professor McGonagall. She says she has news regarding Brisbane cursing you." He spat out the boy's name venomously.

"Oh." Brixton was suddenly feeling sick to her stomach. "Do you know what the news is?"

"No," Severus shook his head. "I will be joining you in her office though. I conveyed everything to her that you told me and how horrible it was for you to go through the healing process. She agreed with me entirely that this was an action that warranted expulsion. It seems there must be some development that she needs to discuss with the both of us."

Gathering up her book bag, Brixton sighed heavily. "I just wish all of this would go away. I hate having to talk about it, having to think about it, having these bloody scars, just all of it."

Severus looked around to be sure no one was within seeing distance before reaching out and patting his student gently on the shoulder. "It's going to be alright. I will be with you."

That was a great comfort to Brixton so she quietly said her thanks before allowing Severus to lead her through the grounds up to the castle. As usual, they walked in silence. Neither of them really knew what to say to the other and Severus was not particularly gifted in the art of small talk. He deeply hoped that Minerva would have good news for Brixton. The last thing he wanted was to hear that that 'worthless swine' was going to be allowed to return to Hogwarts. He simply wouldn't allow it.

After some time they were sitting in the headmistress' office each holding a cup of tea. Minerva sat across from them sipping from her own cup. A few moments passed before she sat her glass down and peered at Brixton. "I want you to know that after Professor Snape's account of what happened to you Rikkon Brisbane has been expelled from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."

Brixton looked up from her glass of tea and gave a small smile to the Headmistress. "That is good news, but I feel there is more to it than that or we probably wouldn't be having tea right now."

"Very astute of you, Miss Winchester," was Minerva's reply. "I've called you both to my office because unfortunately Mister Brisbane and his parents are contesting the accusations against him. That means that there will be a hearing at the Ministry."

Full blown panic set in and Brixton found her chest tightening as she struggled to breathe. Severus wanted nothing more than to pull her into a comforting embrace but he restrained himself for the obvious reasons. Instead, he motioned for her to drink some more of the tea. He detected notes of the Calming Draught in it, not enough to put her to sleep but enough to ease the nerves. After several more sips of the tea Brixton was finally able to find her words. "What does this mean for me," she asked. "Am I going to have to see him at the hearing? I really would rather not have to do that. Please don't make me do that."

Through gritted teeth Severus said, "There is an alternative, Minerva. If you would allow, I suggest retrieving the memory from Miss Winchester and the two of us experiencing it through the Pensive. We could then both testify as to what we witnessed and it would be admissible to the Wizengamot."

Minerva contemplated this for a moment before asking Brixton if she would consent to such a solution. Brixton chewed her lip and asked, "Just the two of you would see? No one else would have to?"

Severus leaned forward in his chair and said, "I assure you that I will destroy the memory myself after we have viewed it." He didn't want to have to witness the attack, but he was willing to do anything to spare the witch having to face her attacker at the Ministry.

"Okay," Brixton relented, "I don't know how to retrieve a memory."

Minerva turned to Severus and asked, "Is it possible for you to assist her with this later this evening when the effects of the Calming Draught have worn off? I don't want the integrity of her memory to be able to be brought into question."

"Of course," Severus replied. "Is that alright with you, Miss Winchester?"

Brixton nodded as she finished the last of her cup of tea. She was feeling much better and appreciative of the addition of the Calming Draught to the drink. "Thank you, Professor McGonagall, for agreeing to witness on my behalf along with Professor Snape." She then pulled her black scarf away from her neck to expose the raised scars beneath. "I apparently have to live with these the rest of my life. I'm positively covered in them. They are all over my entire back and shoulders and my chest. It was painful enough to experience but to have these scars as a daily reminder is hard to bear. I truly hope that Rikkon experiences some harsh consequences as a result."

"That is the least he deserves," spat Severus.

Calmly, although visibly affected by seeing the scars, Minerva said, "You very well may get your wish, Miss Winchester. Due to the nature of the hearing, if found guilty Mister Brisbane not only will face expulsion for his crimes but criminal charges as well."

Brixton was not the sort to seek out retribution but she had kept quiet for the past years trying not to make trouble for anyone. She had told herself she could handle it. She wasn't afraid of bruises. That was before he had permanently scarred her though. Even her father had never gone that far. It pleased her to hear that Rikkon might actually face some real punishment. She thanked the Headmistress and Snape again before excusing herself. It was well past lunch and Brixton wanted a proper bath before she had to go through whatever it was that would happen when Professor Snape would be helping extract one of her worst memories.

That evening Brixton found herself in Snape's office sitting in a comfortable Slytherin green armchair. The professor himself was seated in a matching armchair across from her, their knees nearly touching. Beside them on the coffee table were a small vial, a Pensive, and his jet black wand. Her stomach was filled with knots. She was going to have to relive Rikkon's attack on her and it was the last thing she wanted to do. It was better than having to see him at the hearing though so she tried to brace herself for what was about to happen.

It was clear to Severus how apprehensive Brixton felt and he couldn't blame her. He had already told her how this would go. She was to focus on what happened in as much detail as she could and he would help her extract the memory. Then they would both view it in the Pensive to check the memory's authenticity and if it was sufficient then he would bottle it. "Are you prepared?" he asked, his voice low and soothing.

She sighed, "Ready as I will ever be. Let's get this over with."

Severus nodded his understanding and picked up his wand. "Since I have the experience in this kind of magic we will use my wand and I will assist you. When you are ready I will place my hand over yours and we will bring the wand up to your temple to extract the memory. You will feel a tingling sensation as the memory is pulled forth, but it will not hurt." He paused to make sure that she understood before passing his wand over to her and continuing, "I need you to think back to what you were doing just before Brisbane came into your dorm. Attempt to recall as much detail about that moment as you can. You told me that you were reading. Consider the feel of the paper against your fingers and the smell of old books. Think of how your bed covers felt against you and how much light was in the room. Can you see and feel it?"

"Yes," she said simply with her eyes closed. She was visualizing everything that she was experiencing before Rikkon came into the room.

"Alright now, continue trying to recall all those sensations as you walk through the events of that evening. We only have to go as far as the curse and you losing consciousness. You don't have to think about waking up, calling Dobby, or me coming to your aid. Just slowly walk through the details of the assault." Severus said with his voice still low.

She nodded, concentrating. She clenched her eyes tighter to fight back the tears as she remembered it. She lifted Severus' wand shakily to indicate that she was ready. His hand slipped around hers as though they fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Soon she felt a tug at her temple and the tingling sensation that Snape had warned her about. Gasping, her eyes flew open and her gaze was met with Severus's dark eyes. It was an intense moment that passed as soon as it had started because he looked away and guided her hand towards the Pensive.

"Let us hope we got what we needed" she said, her lips in a tight grim frown. They readied themselves and at the same time leaned forward and plunged their faces into the bowl.

Suddenly, they were in Brixton's dormitory. They watched as Rikkon entered the room and tossed her book aside. Brixton turned to look at Snape nervously. His eyes were on the scene before them. She didn't want him to see this. She didn't want him to see her like this. Weak she thought to herself. Everything in the memory looked right until dark clouds of red smoke began billowing out from under her bed. Just as Brixton was about to ask Severus about it the smoke surrounded them and they were ejected from the memory.

Shaken, Brixton asked, "What was that? That wasn't what I was thinking about at all. I didn't picture that."

Severus rubbed his brow and replied, "This is what happens when someone doesn't want to willingly give their memory to another. It can't be forced out. You have to be fully forthcoming with the memory or it will be tainted. It's not the same as a false memory as those are intentionally manipulated. Are you positive that you are willing for me and Professor McGonagall to use this memory to serve as witnesses against your attacker?"

Brixton nodded hesitantly as she began to blush. "I… I don't want you to think me weak. I should have been able to fight him off. I should have been prepared. I'm better than this." She looked away from him.

He reached across to grab her lightly by the chin and turned her back to face him. "You have nothing to be ashamed of. There is nothing in that memory that is going to make me think any less of you," he assured her.

"Okay…" she said hesitantly, "I also don't want you to see me shirtless. At least I don't want you to see me like that right now and not while being attacked by someone else. If… if anything like that ever were to happen I would want it to be a good memory and not this." Her cheeks were a bright shade of red that almost hid her freckles.

Severus looked almost panicked at what she had just said. After a long pause he said, almost mockingly, "I almost saw that in the prefect's bathroom, remember? You weren't so embarrassed then." Despite his best efforts the man was always quick with a defensive snide comment or two.

Her mouth flew open in protest, "Yes, but that was an accident and you looked away. Listen, like I told you that was my first kiss. I've never done anything like that with anyone before. I've never chosen to let someone see anything like that. I just don't want the first time to be in some horrible memory of something awful that happened to me, okay?"

Severus reached over and grabbed her hand. "I promise not to look there, okay? The last thing that I intend to do is violate your trust or your privacy. I can keep my eyes on him once it gets to that part, alright?"

Brixton nodded her head and soon they were back at it. He walked her through the same instructions and this time the witch did her best to relax and focus on giving up the memory willingly despite her embarrassment. Soon they were back in the Pensive watching her memory.

"I'm sorry to put you through this," Severus said as the room appeared around them. She responded by putting her hand in his and lacing their fingers together. He was a little startled, but held her hand in return.

They watched as Rikkon entered the room and tossed the book across the room. This time no red smoke appeared. Soon he was on top of her and she was trying to talk him out of it. Severus gripped her hand a little too tightly as anger swelled up inside of him as he watched the boy shove his hand under Brixton's shirt.

"Not so tight," she urged as angry tears threatened the corners of her eyes. How dare Rikkon do this to her? It was all because he couldn't take no for an answer.

Severus apologized and loosened his grip while trying to calm himself. His feelings for the young witch had grown so strong over the past few weeks that it was hard to control himself while witnessing such a thing. Soon her shirt was off and he did exactly as he promised and directed his eyes towards Brisbane. The memory proved to be accurate and uncompromised and it wasn't long before they were back in their chairs across from each other.

By this point Brixton was sobbing. She had tried her best not to lose control of her emotions but witnessing the events from the sidelines with the person she was growing so fond of was unbearable. It was humiliating and heartbreaking. The scars were bad enough, but to have to relive such an event was just more than her heart could take.

Severus worked fast and extracted the memory from the Pensive and bottled it in the small glass vial on the table. He then turned back to Brixton and leaned forward and pulled her into his lap, wrapping his arms around her. "Shh, it's okay. He's not going to be able to hurt you ever again. I'm going to see to it personally."

Brixton gasped through her sobs and tried to thank the man but only an unintelligible sound came out. She buried her face into her professor's shoulder, his hair sticking to her damp face. She drank in the smell of his cologne. He held her tightly and rubbed her back as she cried until she had nothing left in her. After she had been quiet for a while, he asked, "Do you feel better?"

"A little," she muttered without moving her head from his shoulder. All he wanted to do was kiss her tears away, but he didn't want to send her mixed messages. He had to at least attempt to draw the line between comfortable and way too comfortable. It was already bad enough that he had pulled her onto his lap.

Trying his best to find the right words, he whispered, "You are safe. I won't let anything else happen to you if I can help it."

She sat up, removed herself from his lap, and began wiping her face. "Thank you, Severus. You are a far better man than you give yourself credit for."

Author's Note: Thank you so much to everyone who has read this far, favorited, followed, or left a review. HUGE shout out to Forgive-Me-Severus for leaving so many reviews. Your support has been so greatly appreciated and has kept me going. I would love to hear what some of my other readers think as well. Thank you all!