Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters and settings from the Harry Potter world, which is trademarked by J. K. Rowling. I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of Harry Potter and will not receive any money or other financial profit for presenting the work on this site. The story I tell here as well as certain original characters are my own invention, and are not purported or believed to be part of J.K. Rowling's story canon.

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Chapter 48

The next few days passed by more or less uneventful. Lessons were carried out as usual, Sage sat through at least one or two classes a day and avoided Neville as much as she could bear. Sometimes she felt downright ridiculous considering the way her thoughts seemed to constantly revolve around him. She was supposed to behave like an adult now, not like a lovesick teenager.

Though she knew better than to give in, everything she needed at times was to act silly. To indulge into daydreams so sweet she could feel her teeth rotten, to draw hearts around her notes until half of the page was covered in them, to steal longing glances towards his direction during class.. to just be carefree for a moment or two.

Once again lost in thought about what could come to pass in the distant future, she barely noticed passing by a group of students gathered amidst the grand staircase. As she made her way down the hallway to her chambers, Sage felt as if though a stranger's eyes were following her every step. It was unsettling to even consider the possibility of being followed. Though she only ever meant well, she could easily imagine that quite a few residents at Hogwarts had developed some sort of resentment towards her. After all, she presented herself as if joined by the hip with Snape and both of the Carrows.

Amongst the echo of her own footsteps, Sage thought to have heard someone else walking about the hallway. She turned to let her gaze wander around, expecting to see some students heading for the Hospital Wing maybe. However, no matter how hard she looked, not even in the far distance a single soul was to be seen.

"Show yourself, you fool," Sage demanded, not quite sure if she was talking to little else but thin air.

Nothing.

"Either you come out of hiding on your own.." she began, drawing her wand, "..or I'll make you."

Still nothing.

"Last chance.." Sage murmured through gritted teeth.

As she was about to turn on her heel, assuming to just have imagined things, a large pair of hands took a firm grip on her shoulders, fixing her in this very position. Sage didn't dare to move or talk, anxiously waiting for something to happen. Who could it be anyway? Who was reckless or rather stupid enough to ambush her like this in plain sight?

"Won't you say something to your father?" an unpleasantly familiar voice asked.

Instantly set free from any sort of fear or panic, Sage purged herself of his hold, stepping back a bit before addressing him.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in," she noted with a disgusted expression on her face.

"My, my! It appears as if the dead can talk after all!" her father remarked in wonder, clapping together his hands as he did.

"I'm quite alive, as you can see."

"I was told otherwise some three years ago."

"Not by me."

"Why did you not contact me upon your return?"

"I had no reason to."

"You couldn't think of a single reason to talk to your father?"

"Precisely."

Sage's father shook his head in disapproval, a smug grin spread across his face. He eagerly closed the distance she had intentionally brought upon them, stepping uncomfortably close towards her. She allowed herself to entertain the idea of spitting right into his stupid face, but ultimately decided against it. Talking from experience, the man in front of her was best left unprovoked.

"Why must you always be so gruff?" he finally asked.

"It's how you raised me," Sage answered sharply.

"And what an exceptional woman you have grown up to be."

"Don't flatter yourself. The credits of my upbringing don't belong to you."

Luckily, she had been able to escape his evil grasp long enough ago.

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Author's note: And so the drama continues!!

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Hope you are doing well and liked today's chapter. Either way, I'd be more than glad to read some of your thoughts on it!!